Teachers: Mentors, Friends

by Gresa Shala

It seems that lately that we don’t give enough credit to our teachers for inspiring us, educating us to reach far and beyond. I know that many might disagree with this, might even dislike teachers; however, everyone is entitled to their opinions.

I know I can name a couple of times when a teacher has helped me out in more than one way. I know a couple of teachers, that through these past years here at I.S.49, my life has altered because of them.

Yet, for all the work that teachers do; poring over books trying to get the right notes, writing up tests, lesson plans, and projects, willing to help every single day whether it’s during their lunch breaks, 37 ½ minutes, SES and Saturday programs, just so that we, us kids, could get an education, does anyone ever stop to just say ‘Thank you’?

“ Yea, it’s a lot harder then it looks,” says Ms.Conliffe 8th grade Social Studies and Literacy teacher. In an interview, Ms.Conliffe told how she was inspired to become a teacher by a teacher: her mother. “ Just seeing her work tirelessly all night and seeing how she got her students to make such progress is what motivated me,” said Ms.Conliffe about her mother, whom works at I.S. 51 as a Special Ed. and has been teaching for about 20 years. “ Being a teacher you have to like the people that you’re working with, you have to be willing to learn from your mistakes and other peoples’…. To learn to change, to adapt to all of your classes and be fair,” says Ms.Conliffe.

When asked what was one of the difficulties of teaching, Ms.Conliffe replied by saying “One of the most difficult aspect of teaching is when you’re working with students that don’t seem to value the importance of education.”

There are some highlights to teaching as well, Ms.Conliffe tells me as well. “ Last year, when I was walking to the store at the block, I hear someone calling “Ms.Conliffe!” she says. “It was a girl that I taught in a Special Ed. class six years ago, and that I helped get out of Special Ed. and into a regular class,” says Ms.Conliffe. “I was proud to learn that she was now in her second year of college and when she told me that it was because of my help all those years ago.”

I know that this generation of kids aren’t as polite or respectful as past generations and that sometimes teachers can become discouraged but hang on there because there are times when kid’s ignorance fades and knowledge sinks in.

So I would like to take the time now and speak on behalf of all the students that attend I.S. 49 and thank all the teachers that work here for all the little things as well as the big, your influence never stops and your aid will always be remember…. always.

One Tree Hill

By Tammy Lo

One Tree Hill is one of the most successful television series aired. In 2008, season 5 of One Tree Hill began. One Tree Hill premiered on September 23, 2003. The characters of One Tree Hill are Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott, James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer, Bethany Joy Galeotti as Haley James, Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis, Paul Johanson as Dan Scott, Barbara Alyn Woods as Deb Scott, Lee Norris as Marvin McFadden AKA Mouth, Antwon Tanner as Antwon Taylor AKA Skills, Danneel Harris as Rachel Gatina, Barry Corbin as Coach Brian Durham AKA Whitey, Jackson Brundage as James Scott AKA Jamie, Craig Sheffer as Keith Scott and Moira Kelly as Karen Roe.
The opening theme song of One Tree Hill is “I Don’t Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw. Many other famous people also acted in the show. Gavin DeGraw, Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, Jimmy Eat World, La Rocca, Fall Out Boy, Nada Surf, Jack’s Mannequin, Michelle Featherstone and Lupe Fiasco all were guest stars in the show. You can watch One Tree Hill on CW11 on every Tuesdays at 9:00 pm.
Chyanne Gilliam said, “One Tree Hill is a great show because you never know what is going to happen and it surprises you. It’s awesome!”
I personally think One Tree Hill is the best show ever because it is funny and it deals with real things in a teenager’s life such as dealing with drugs and pulling off pranks.

What I Learned

By Bintu Fofanah

Congratulations!!!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places.
You’re off and away---
At I.S. 49, hooray!!

If you don’t know what you want to do
Or you don’t know where to go,
I.S. 49 can help you
Learn what you need to know.

You can do great things
With such speed and care,
You will not believe
How much fun you had there.

Three years ago
I started this race,
I wanted success
And I kept on my pace.

I learned respect
And to do the right thing,
I never knew the knowledge
I.S. 49 would bring.

Dr. Seuss by Saem Fadel and Skylah Sanchez

By Saem Fadel and Skylah Sanchez, 720

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

Roads are like choices,
Where there are lots of loud noises,
Telling you where to go
But then all of a sudden you’re like, “Oh, no!”

It’s too late, no time in your day,
Because you’ve discovered you chose the wrong way.
You’re so called friends, rubbing things in your face,
About how they’ve made it to a great place.

Now it’s your turn to decide,
Are you going to crawl into a hole and hide?
Or are you going to fight,
By choosing what’s wrong or right?

I.S. 49 is a great place
That teaches you how to be on a steady pace.
You will succeed,
Yes indeed, it’s guaranteed!

So no matter where you are,
You’re going to go far…..

I.S. 49 will make you a star!!!

Dr. Seuss by Rashaun Smith

By Rashaun Smith, 728

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

School is fun,
I don’t want it to be done.

Our journey here has just begun,
We will take what we’ve learned and run!

I.S. 49 brings us to great heights,
Come along for the ride and see the sights.

The food in the cafeteria could be a little better,
Let’s tell the principal in a letter.

Do the right thing; it’s the right thing to do.
I.S. 49 will reach out to you!

Dr. Seuss by Matthew Steiner and Dylan McLean

By Matthew Steiner and Dylan McLean, 720

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

I.S. 49 is the best of the rest,
They fill our minds for the tests.

The start of school is guaranteed,
Study each day to succeed.

I.S. 49 is not just a space,
It’s actually a great family place!

I.S. 49 makes you smart,
Don’t eat the Sloppy Joe, it burns your heart!

I.S. 49 goes on lots of trips with our class,
We always seem to have a blast!

Dr. Seuss by Lee-Mon Ryan

By Lee-Mon Ryan, 720

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

I.S. 49 will help you put on your shoes,
To go down the right path in whatever you choose.

I.S. 49 will help you reach great heights,
In order for you to see great sights.

I.S. 49 is the best-
It beats all the rest!

I.S. 49 helped me
And it can help you also be the best you can be.

It happened to me, it can happen to you!!!!

Dr. Seuss by Karolina Gajda and Ilisha McCall

By Karolina Gajda and Ilisha McCall, 720

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

In life you will find,
There are places to train your mind.

And the best of all these is I.S. 49—guaranteed!
It’s 100 percent sure, that you will succeed!

Our teachers never rest,
Because they want to make you the best.

Some work may not be fun,
But we always manage to get the work done!

There are many places to go on a trip,
Be sure that day not to skip!

Dr. Seuss by Malik Malcolm Harris

By Malik Malcolm Harris, 712

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

I.S. 49 is the place to be,
It’s full of fun for you and me.

The teachers are nice, but don’t cross them
If you do, you’ll be suspended by them!

The students are cool,
But some act like fools.

When it comes to friends,
Be strong until the end.

Choose the road between good and strife,
The wrong friend could ruin your life!

Dr. Seuss by Lisa-Carol Darlington

By Lisa-Carol Darlington, 710

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

Here I go, the day is bright.
The sun at I.S. 49 is just right.

I head off to school to start the day
It always starts with finding my way.

With a book in my hand, I am lost in a story
I hurry to class to achieve all my glory.

The day may seem long but my work gets done
In the end I dream of this place because it’s so fun.

Now when I’m home I have to wait
‘till the next day at I.S. 49, it will be great!

Dr. Seuss by Darius Heron

By Darius Heron, 728

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

Don’t sit and play
You will waste the school day.

Games don’t teach you
As much as teachers do.

I.S. 49 is a place to learn and grow,
WE are the best of the best—now you know!

A place of honor and respect,
I.S. 49 is a school you want to select.

It feels good at the end of the day to achieve,
It makes you feel proud and really believe!

Dr. Seuss by Yasmin Rodriguez

By Yasmin Rodriguez, 713

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away—
At I.S. 49 –Hooray!

Fun, education and excitement comes to mind
The place to go is I.S. 49.

When we go to the movies believe me, we learn
Better grades and extra credit we earn.

I always enjoy going to Spanish class,
With Ms. Almonte we have a blast!

In history we are taught about our nation’s past,
It fills my mind and I know it will last.

The day is done, it’s time to go home
With the seeds you have sown, you won’t be alone.

Letter to Soldier

By Musu Kamara

Dear Soldier,

SALUTATIONS to you. How are you doing? This is MUSU KAMARA, from the BERTA A. DREYFUS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. I am in 7TH Grade. Even though I’m very little, I’m not too little to understand what you are doing for the people and the United States. It’s a terrific thing you’re doing.

I understand that you left your family and your home and everything you love just to keep our country safe. You are thought about every day. We care about your safety, especially people like me who came from another country—running away from poverty and war. We came here to start a new life. And we know that we are also safe from any terrorists because we realize that people like you care about us. You risk your life for us.
That’s what I call a phenomenal person.

Trust in the Lord and keep up hope that everything will be alright. Have a wonderful, joyful and hopeful Valentine’s Day. May this day be a blessing unto you that you will come back from war safe and unharmed. I will greatly appreciate it if you write me back on the address posted on top of this letter.

Sincerely,
Musu Kamara

Day by Day

By Karolina Gajda

Sacrifice their lives.
Open- hearted.
Love and hugs.
Day by day.
In Iraq.
Everyday fighting in the war.
Really brave!!

Letter to Veteran

By Tyesha Toro
Dear Veteran,

My name is Tyesha Toro. I am a 12-year old girl who does not even know a lot about what you do. We get lots of education here and I bet you did too. Well I guess you are some brave soldier who is fighting for his country. I thank you for having the guts to go out in the battle field risking your life even though it is at stack. I thank you for being away from your family to do this even though you want to be with them on this day.

Believe in Yourself

By Lachele Pierre-Louis

Stay safe.
Out to fight.
Love and miss their family.
Do believe in yourself.
Imagine good thoughts.
Everyone is hoping you come home.
Remember us.

Never Underestimate Your Power

By Bryana Lewin

Victory (We Hope!)
Everyone knows you’re trying
Thanks for all you do
Everyday I am thankful
Returning soon
American soldier
Never under estimate your power

The Best Gift of All

By Quentin Rodriques

Winter, winter, it’s already here.
C’mon kids get your gear.
Grab your hat, gloves, and throw on your shoes.
Throw snowballs till your arms are black and blue.
Go inside, have hot cocoa and sit by the fire.
It’s Christmas Eve go to sleep even if you are not tired.
You don’t spend the holidays with your family for the presents.
Having a family is the best gift of all.

Night and Day

By Dylan Mclean

Very sorry you’re not here.
Everyone in your family is missing you.
To your loved ones you’re a hero.
Every night they miss you.
Really brave.
A day when people love each other.
Night and day helping our country.

Sneak Away

By Reeana Soodeo
From issue 3 winter 2006

Once upon a time in a secluded land, there was a girl named Isabella Rialto. Hey, that’s me! I am fourteen, and just to give you the 411, my parents are divorced. They filed for a divorce when I was just three. As I grew older, the lies between my parents grew bigger. Whenever I went to visit my father in Florida, the first thing he would do would make up a story about how my mother left them both and then lied in court. Afterward, my mother would acquaint me about the things my father did to her.

Two years after their divorce, my father got married again. Since then, he has been a workaholic. So most of time, I’m abandoned in my room.I learned a lot of information at the library, where I snuck off to while my father was at work, my step mom was at Bingo, and my stepsisters were at the mall. As a coincidence, I sit in the same chair everyday, with Mrs. Lachea, the librarian, watching over me. I started off reading the popular kid’s book “Curious George”. I decided that it was too easy so I went on to start reading “The Bridge to Teribithia”. Still, I concluded that it was still too easy for me. One day, I made a decision to go to the adult’s book section. Luckily, there was no one there except for Ben, the janitor. I saw a book that caught my eye. I couldn’t reach it, but there was a wooden chair right next to me. So, I grabbed the chair and reached for my book. Hmm. . . . Moby Dick? That should be an interesting book.

I headed for “my” chair. I read for a few minutes and got up to chapter 9. I just started to read chapter 10 when I heard the loud gong of the church bells signaling 7:00. Oh my god, I was late!!! Usually, my father gets home at 7:30 but my step mom and stepsisters arrived home at precisely 7 o’ clock.

I hastily ran to the front desk where Mrs. Lachea was stamping books. “Mrs. Lachea, please check this book out as quickly as possible. My family will be home any minute!” I hollered. Mrs. Lachea checked out the book instantly and I rushed through the entrance.

I almost tripped on a crack in the sidewalk on the way home. My heart was beating rapidly, my feet felt numb, and my face felt like paper in front of a fan. I was about two blocks away from my house. ‘I’m almost there’, I thought. Fortunately, I didn’t see any cars in the grimy driveway. I tried to slow myself down as I slowly stopped in front of the door. I searched my jacket pockets for my keys. There were only pieces of dust in my vacant pockets.

Fortunately, I knew where my father hid an extra set of keys. I looked under the welcome mat and found the keys.

The house was silent. I checked in the kitchen, dining room, and living room- no one. I tiptoed up the stairs and walked to my room in the attic. I read my new book for about ten minutes when I heard footsteps. I assumed it was my stepmother and her daughters so I ignored the noises.