Showing posts with label Dreyfus_School _News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dreyfus_School _News. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Look at the Bright Side!

By Gabriel Eustache 820

Mostly every student in the 8th grade going into his or her freshmen year has some pressure going on. Most people do not really notice these issues. Eighth grade seniors have four major state tests going on, Math, English, Science, and Social Studies state test. These test are really hard to past but it you put your knowledge into it you will pass.

But most of the seniors do not notice some of the good things going on. They have their education, a prom that’s in a hotel, a trip only for seniors to Six Flags Great Adventure that is filled with a lot of fun rides and roller coasters. There are other fun trips that we go on when planned by a teacher, like our trip to the Spanish restaurant planned by Ms. Campbell, or academy trips.

Then, of course there’s our final graduation when you can go on and enjoy your summer. And then you make a new life when you are going into high school. In my opinion, most students should appreciate what they have going on in there school already.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

What Do YOU Want to Be?

By Tiffany Vasquez

What are you going to be? When you grow up, I mean. Because, when I went to career day today, it made me realize, what do I want to be? Who do I want to be recognized as?

Most importantly, what path will I choose?!?!?!?!?!?!

This is what kids and adults worry about. So, what do you like to do? Are you good at video games, or sports?
Then you can choose something to do with hand-eye coordination. You could also be good
at something else. Maybe science or medicine? Do you always help out your family member{s} and/or friend{s} when they get hurt? Then you could be a nurse or a doctor. Don’t like the sight of blood? Then you could be a nurse’s assistant. Oh, sticking needles isn’t your thing? Then maybe you could try something else.

How about…… music? You could be a song writer. Or, if you can’t write for your life, maybe singing is your strong point. Then you can try out for a music school. Or, maybe you can’t hit a high note and you can play music forever? Than maybe instruments are your thing. What about if you like to eat? Maybe you are a cook. Then, sign up for a cooking school!! Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent that you can make lemon strudel better than your old granny down the street.

As for me, I luv to draw and design clothes, so I’m going to become a fashion designer, or an artist. Whatever you choose, go for it! Hint :{ just make sure you don’t stink at it.}
Maybe you don’t know WHAT you are good at. Well, hang in there, it’ll come to you!!

I. S. 49 Hosts Career Day

By Hawa Barbar & Aaleiyah Kennedy

On March 20, the eighth graders of I.S. 49 were welcomed to a Career Day. We were first asked to “dress for success” and students (and teachers!) really looked their best. What we didn’t know was that there were a lot of representatives from every day jobs already waiting to meet us at the fair.

Downstairs in the gym there were many people representing their careers from police officers and firemen to lawyers and reporters. We met up with a very important person and thought it will be very nice to interview her; she is Miss New Jersey.

Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo, was excited as we walked over to greet her. She asked us for our names and the interview began. We asked her multiple questions and she answered each one with enthusiasm.

We asked her what she thought about career day at I.S. 49 and she said, “I think it is a wonderful opportunity for the eighth graders to talk to all different people in all different kind of careers”.

She also told us what the Miss America pageant is all about. “Miss America is a Scholarship organization.” When she was little she never thought of being Miss New Jersey. She ended up winning at her very first try.

As well as her interviews, she gave us all great advice when signing autographs. Her signature autograph comment states, “Best wishes. Always be true to you.”
After speaking with Ms. Polumbo we walked around the rest of the gym. We talked to members of the Curtis Nursing Program, Officer Pamela Smith of the NYC Police Dept, the NYC Fire Department and the city Sanitation Department.

I.S. 49 Alumni Malombe Toure, who is a Curtis High School Nursing students, was also at the fair, as well as and a writer from the Daily News. For Class 820, reporter Bill Farrell was a favorite at the fair since we had the pleasure of meeting him at the Dakota Diner at the Daily New s Breakfast Club meeting in November.

In the end we really didn’t wanted to leave, because we were getting so much information from these people about careers and how they started up their own career.

We received many pamphlets and in formation about different careers. Many of us left the fair having a better idea of what we wanted to be when we grow up. It was a great success to have that experience and we’re hoping to have that again. We can’t wait to Dress for Success in the near future.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Top Jobs of 2008

By: Stephanie Chin

When we’re kids, we always wonder what our future jobs will be. Many kids wanted to be firefighters, writers, artists, and even actors/actresses! However, sometimes we have to face reality and truthfully, jobs are more difficult to find than you think. Millions of people around the world are unemployed and the people, who have jobs, don’t even like them. Nonetheless, if you know what real jobs you want beforehand, you’re sure to reach those goals in no time

Seafood and A Good Story

Seafood and A Good Story

By Sarah Novak and Jennifer Luu

Seafood was served on March 12, but not for school lunch. It was part of the monthly Journalism book club held by Ms. Diacomanolis. Ms. "D" brought fish and shrimp because it was the kind of food Charlotte had to eat during her trip. Who’s Charlotte? She’s the main character in the novel The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by AVI. This book includes a lot of suspense, action, and adventure from the second Charlotte boards the ship, the Seahawk.
In the book, Charlotte Doyle had to take a ship to Providence, Rhode Island from Liverpool, England. Everyone runs away from the ship at the sight and Charlotte gets second thoughts. But she doesn’t have any choice. She becomes friends with the captain but when he betrays her, she decides to side with the crew who want to get revenge on the captain.
This is a great book and I would definitely recommend it. It’s good for teen-agers because Charlotte is 13. Chante Spence of class 820 says, "I think it was historical but (a bit) inaccurate and it could have done a better job." Theodora of class 820 says, "I love the book. I own it so that should say enough."
If you are interested in joining the book club, we are now reading is The Secret Life of Bees. For the date of the book club, talk to Ms. Diacomanolis.

Career Day

By Syndi Chin

We all go to school to learn and grow together just like our Dreyfus motto states. Before you know it Junior High will be over and you will be in high school. The eighth grader only have about 2 more months left before they start dealing with more challenging and mature decisions. What are you going to do when you’re older? What do you enjoy and where do you want life to lead you to? These are some questions you should consider while going through school.
Career Day at I.S.49 was the day to ask questions, the day to finds something that would have caught your attention. On March 20th students here at Dreyfus were asked to "dress for success" and meet leaders from different professions from allover the city in order to get interested in their futures. This was a great opportunity for many of us at the school. These representatives each talked to the students at the gym and gave out brochures and pamphlets about each field also explaining how you could get the career that you want to pursue.
There were many job opportunities varying from nurses to positions in hospitals, the New York Police Department, wildlife rangers, real estate agents, the sanitation departments, attorneys, and librarians. We even had a guest that many were exited about sitting next to an actress. Ms. New Jersey was there and many were asking her for an auto graph and questions about how she made it. Career day at I.S.49 was a great day.
In my opinion the nursing displays were the best because they gave me good information about the steps I needed to take in order to become a nurse. One of the nurses there

David Archuleta

David Archuleta

By Chyanne Gilliam 820

David Archuleta is one of the most popular contestants on this season of American Idol. I think that he will make it to the finals and go on and become this year’s American Idol winner. Sarah Novak of class 820 says, "I like David because he is only 17 and he has a great voice, and I think that he is very talented and he is going to win American Idol this year. He may be one contestant that Simon actually likes. Simon predicts David Archuleta will win the singing competition. Simon says, "He’s cute. He’s likeable. [He has] a big voice. He’s the one to beat."
David Archuleta’s full name is, "David James Archuleta". He was born on December 28, 1990 in Miami, Florida. Archuleta lives in Murray, Utah and is a student at Murray High School. If he does not win American Idol, he plans to continue school and keep singing. He once suffered partial vocal paralysis, but avoided risky surgery and feels he has fully recovered. David started singing when he was six because he was inspired by a Les Misérables 10th-anniversary video he was watching, "That musical is what started all of this", says David. At the age of ten, David started singing in talent competitions.
Archuleta won his ticket to the Hollywood final auditions at the San Diego tryouts. Archuleta is considered one of the front-runners for a series of popular performances. On this season of Idol, David Archuleta might certainly be the one to beat!

What do YOU want to be?

By Tiffany Vasquez

What are you going to be? When you grow up, I mean. Because, when I went to career day today, it made me realize, what do I want to be? Who do I want to be recognized as? Most importantly, what path will I choose?!?!?!?!?!?!
This is what kids and adults worry about. So, what do you like to do? Are you good at video games, or sports? Then you can choose something to do with hand-eye coordination. You could also be good at something else. Maybe science or medicine? Do you always help out your family member{s} and/or friend{s} when they get hurt? Then you could be a nurse or a doctor. Don’t like the sight of blood? Then you could be a nurse’s assistant. Oh, sticking needles isn’t your thing? Then maybe you could try something else.
How about…… music? You could be a song writer. Or, if you can’t write for your life, maybe singing is your strong point. Then you can try out for a music school. Or, maybe you can’t hit a high note and you can play music forever? Than maybe instruments are your thing. What about if you like to eat? Maybe you are a cook. Then, sign up for a cooking school!! Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent that you can make lemon strudel better than your old granny down the street.
As for me, I luv to draw and design clothes, so I’m going to become a fashion designer, or an artist. Whatever you choose, go for it! Hint :{ just make sure you don’t stink at it.}
Maybe you don’t know WHAT you are good at. Well, hang in there, it’ll come to you!!

IS 49 Hosts Career Day

IS 49 Hosts Career Day
By Hawa Barbar & Aaleiyah Kennedy

On March 20, the eighth graders of I.S. 49 were welcomed to a Career Day. We were first asked to "dress for success" and students (and teachers!) really looked their best. What we didn’t know was that there were a lot of representatives from every day jobs already waiting to meet us at the fair.
Downstairs in the gym there were many people representing their careers from police officers and firemen to lawyers and reporters. We met up with a very important person and thought it will be very nice to interview her; she is Miss New Jersey.
Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo, was excited as we walked over to greet her. She asked us for our names and the interview began. We asked her multiple questions and she answered each one with enthusiasm.
We asked her what she thought about career day at I.S. 49 and she said, "I think it is a wonderful opportunity for the eighth graders to talk to all different people in all different kind of careers".
She also told us what the Miss America pageant is all about. "Miss America is a Scholarship organization." When she was little she never thought of being Miss New Jersey. She ended up winning at her very first try.
As well as her interviews, she gave us all great advice when signing autographs. Her signature autograph comment states, "Best wishes. Always be true to you."
After speaking with Ms. Polumbo we walked around the rest of the gym. We talked to members of the Curtis Nursing Program, Officer Pamela Smith of the NYC Police Dept, the NYC Fire Department and the city Sanitation Department.
I.S. 49 Alumni Malombe Toure, who is a Curtis High School Nursing students, was also at the fair, as well as and a writer from the Daily News. For Class 820, reporter Bill Farrell was a favorite at the fair since we had the pleasure of meeting him at the Dakota Diner at the Daily New s Breakfast Club meeting in November.
In the end we really didn’t wanted to leave, because we were getting so much information from these people about careers and how they started up their own career.
We received many pamphlets and in formation about different careers. Many of us left the fair having a better idea of what we wanted to be when we grow up. It was a great success to have that experience and we’re hoping to have that again. We can’t wait to Dress for Success in the near future.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

After School Technology Magnet Fun

by Carmen

As you all know, our school has an amazing Magnet program, a specialized technology class for the talented, one for each grade in each academy. We have to take an after school program which is really a lot of fun instead of torture like many people think. There are many classes ranging from computers to robotics to my favorite, graphics design. One weekday, depending on which grade you are in, per week from 2:30 to 4:00. We get to come and build, create, or just enjoy ourselves.

The first half of the year, I got to go with my class and take a computer hardware class with Mr. Valia. We learned the different parts about computers and how it works. We even learned when the first one was produce. We got to see amazing pictures. At the end of the after school class for that first half of the year, we got to design a web page telling what we learned and about a specific computer part that we were assigned to.

The second half of this Magnet after school program, which is right now, I am taking Robotics with Miss Obler. She taught us what to call the Lego parts instead of just calling them “this flat holey thing”. There were a lot of pieces to this magnet program. We are now building and finishing our first project. I really can’t wait until the second.

The after school program is a very fun, but educational, opportunity and therefore offers us many jobs that we can choose from when we grow up!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

A Day Out At The Movies

By Nathalie DeJesus and Natalie Rivera

From issue 3 winter 2006

In November, the Journalism Academy had a great day out. The entire academy went to see the latest Harry Potter movie at a Brooklyn movie theater. Personally, I was excited. I only see the movies because I think the books are too long! Some of the books are 300-to-600 pages long. I also like to see the movies because it’s so cool how they make all the magical scenes happen on the big screen. The scenes look so real!

Melina Roman was just one of the many students who went on the trip. Melina, a sixth grade student of the Science and Technology Academy, said “The movie was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat.” Melina has seen all the movies and read a few of the books. Ms. Rodden, a Journalism Academy teacher who also went on the trip, enjoyed the movie too. She said, “It had a lot of great special effects, especially the dragons.” The movie was great! Even though the book was great, too, the movie was even better because the book doesn’t show you what all of the characters say and do.

When watching the movie you don’t have to flip pages, all you have to do is sit back and watch the movie. Whether you’re reading the book or watching the movie you can still laugh or cry with Harry and the rest of the gang.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

By Gresa Shala

From issue 5 fall 2006

On Sunday, October 15 at Clove LakesPark the American Cancer Society hosted its annualwalk called “Making Strides Against BreastCancer.” It was the walk’s 12th anniversary.Teachers from I.S. 49 (Ms. Abramowitz and Ms.Wolfson), Arista students and any one else whowanted to participate attended.Aaleiyah Kennedy was just one ofthe students from I.S. 49 who attended.

What was her favorite part of the day? “Just walkingaround Clove Lakes Park knowing that I’m helping somebody,” she said

Aeleiyah attended the event with studentsfrom I.S. 49 and then walked with membersof her church, First Central Baptist Churchin Stapleton.

The walk had many sponsors like the UFT (the teacher’s union), Pathmark, StatenIsland University Hospital and St. John’s University,Staten Island. Also there were mediasponsors like WABC7, 98.7 Kiss FM, and CD101.9. Speaker of the City Council Christine Quinn and Councilman James Oddo said a few inspiring words.

What were the most inspiring words ofthe day? “(We’re here) to celebrate survivorship and bring the message of hope to Breast Cancer survivors,” said Alberta Brescia, Regional VicePresident. She said she hoped the walk would raise half a million dollars. The money goestowards Research, Advocacy, Patients and FamilyServices and Education (awareness of breastcancer).

After the speeches, singer and breastcancer survivor Gabriella Lamb sang her traditionalsong “Walk On.” And finally, the walk began.

There was a lot to do at the walk, bothbefore and after the event. There were manytents set up and many volunteers that madethe walk spectacular. There were face painting/tattoos, cheerleaders from different schools,dancers, cartoon characters, and a chorus. Many of these volunteers were representing differentschools. They also had vendors selling pinkribbon products from fleece jackets and pants tobears and mouse pads.

“I bought a pink book bag,” said Aaleiyah.“I knew my dollar was going to a goodcause.”

Magnet Camp: A Fun Summer Activity

By Tally Guzman

From issue 4 summer 2006

Some people may have plans to go to summer school. Others will choose to go to one of the different camps over the summer. Kids who are lucky enough to go to Magnet Camp say it’s a great place to be. You get to go to the College of Staten Island (CSI) and see how the campus looks. You get to do fun stuff. All Magnet students are invited! Just ask Stephanie James of Class 620. Stephanie liked the food and said, “I think the Magnet Camp was a great success. The food in CSI is like you are in a restaurant! You get good food for a low price. There a lot of special foods there. On Thursdays you get a coupon and you could buy anything you want for $4.20.” Cyndi Chin, also of 620, liked the lessons. She said, “I went every day to Magnet Camp and I got to enjoy every day of it. I loved when we dissected a frog and when we took out fossils of the owl pellets. That’s not the only thing Cyndi Chin liked. She said, “I also get to met new friends; it was a great place to be in the summer. The food in CSI was great…I really miss CSI.” At Magnet Camp, we were able to dissect a frog. We learned the difference between all the chemicals there are when we put them into the frog’s heart. We took fossils out of an owl pellet. And we also found out which bones belong to each animal. We took samples of water from outside and found out what it contained. We used different kind of chemicals to find out. We also got a disc and put our teeth on it; we were able to see what kind of bacteria we have in our mouth. We saw all kinds of stuff using the microscope. After we came out the science lab we went to the computer lab. We had to make our own story and pre-edit our work. We also wrote a summary about an article we read in the newspaper. We learned a lot about the computer. We got to write articles of our own. Magnet Camp is really a fun place to be. We also were able to meet Mrs. Hill, our principal, and find out more about her. So these are all the reasons to go to Magnet Camp this summer. Have fun!

Magnet Camp: A Fun Summer Activity

By Tally Guzman

From issue 4 summer 2006

Some people may have plans to go to summer school. Others will choose to go to one of the different camps over the summer. Kids who are lucky enough to go to Magnet Camp say it’s a great place to be. You get to go to the College of Staten Island (CSI) and see how the campus looks. You get to do fun stuff. All Magnet students are invited! Just ask Stephanie James of Class 620. Stephanie liked the food and said, “I think the Magnet Camp was a great success. The food in CSI is like you are in a restaurant! You get good food for a low price. There a lot of special foods there. On Thursdays you get a coupon and you could buy anything you want for $4.20.” Cyndi Chin, also of 620, liked the lessons. She said, “I went every day to Magnet Camp and I got to enjoy every day of it. I loved when we dissected a frog and when we took out fossils of the owl pellets. That’s not the only thing Cyndi Chin liked. She said, “I also get to met new friends; it was a great place to be in the summer. The food in CSI was great…I really miss CSI.” At Magnet Camp, we were able to dissect a frog. We learned the difference between all the chemicals there are when we put them into the frog’s heart. We took fossils out of an owl pellet. And we also found out which bones belong to each animal. We took samples of water from outside and found out what it contained. We used different kind of chemicals to find out. We also got a disc and put our teeth on it; we were able to see what kind of bacteria we have in our mouth. We saw all kinds of stuff using the microscope. After we came out the science lab we went to the computer lab. We had to make our own story and pre-edit our work. We also wrote a summary about an article we read in the newspaper. We learned a lot about the computer. We got to write articles of our own. Magnet Camp is really a fun place to be. We also were able to meet Mrs. Hill, our principal, and find out more about her. So these are all the reasons to go to Magnet Camp this summer. Have fun!

Your Best Bet This Summer: Beacon Camp

By Marcus Banks
From issue 4 summer 2006

If you’re looking for something to do this summer, I’ve got a suggestion for you. Check out the Beacon Summer Camp. It’s quite a lot of fun. Ms. Ebanks runs this program. We go on trips and also get to go in the Lyons Pool in St. George every day. It is fun but there are certain rules you must follow in the pool including “You may not dunk anyone.” We also get to go on cool trips. Some of the trips that we went on last year were to amusement parks like Dorney Park, Hershey Park, and Six Flags. We also got to go to a lot of fun baseball games. We have lots of fun. How do you register? Go into the Beacon Office near the student cafeteria and ask for a form for Beacon Camp. Fill it out and bring it back in to Ms. Ebanks. That is all you have to do. Then you have to just go and have fun. It is that easy. Just go and enjoy!

Back In Time

By Tammy Lo and Aaleiyah Kennedy

From issue 4 summer 2006

On April 6, all the sixth grade classes went on a trip to the Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. When we first arrived at Medieval Times, they gave us a table card and allowed us to buy drinks and medieval souvenirs.
After a while the adviser of the king led us into the arena. There we met our representative knight and horse. When we got to our seats, there were different sections for different knights and horses.
I.S.49ers represented the green knight and horse. The adviser explained what was going to happen.
We also met the king and the princess. After they settled us down, they served us our lunch while we watched the show. We drank soup and soda; we ate half a chicken, spare ribs, baked potato, and a cookie for dessert (all without forks and knives!). Then the battle began!!

The knights first had games where they would compete against other knights. After every game two knights were eliminated. This action continued until there were two left. After the “games” the real battle began. Two knights were chosen to battle each other. They used a lance, which was a long pole with a point to jab each other, a sword, a mace that is a small pole with a quatrefoil-shaped head, a mandoble that looks like an ax, and an alabarda which is a mix of the battle-ax and the spear. They fought for a long time until the head knight turned against the king. The knights went out to fight the head knight and caught him. After the battle, the blue knight had won. This trip was one of the best trips that we went to. We recommend this trip because it actually brings you back to the time, medieval time!

Interview with a Dreyfus Alumni

Hello, I interviewed a very important person to me, my sister Damaris Amaro, a Dreyfus alumni and a student at McKee High School. Graduate Damaris Amaro smiles with Ms. Ruzi Here are some questions I asked her:
Q: How old are you?A: I am 16 years old.
Q: Would you like to go to college and visit your family or stay home and spend time with your family?A: I would like to go to college and visit my family because I believe college is the way to success.
Q: Where is the college you would like to go to?A: The college I want to go to is in Long Island.
Q: What is the name of the college you want to go to?A: The college I want to go to is L.I.U.
Q: Why do you want to go to college? A: I want to go to college because I want to get a good job that pays good money. I want to get a job that could be very successful. I will go to college and study that subject.
Q: Why do you want to go to that college? A: I want to go to that college because I want to learn about business administration and nursing.
Q: How long have you wanted to go to college?A: I have wanted to go to college forever.
Q: If you were to go to college and you didn’t like it would you drop out?A: If I were to go to college and didn’t like it I would not drop out. Dropping out is not the way to success.
Q: What would you pack if you went to college? A: I would pack everything (clothes, sneakers, hair supplies, accessories, etc.)
Q: What did you like about Dreyfus? A: The thing I like about Dreyfus is some of the teachers. They had a good way of teaching. I had good times in Dreyfus.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher?A: My favorite teacher in Dreyfus is Ms. Ruzi. She was a great teacher and I enjoyed having her as my teacher.
Q: What was your favorite subject?A: My favorite subject is math.
Q: What did you learn from Dreyfus? A: I learned many lessons in Dreyfus. I learned how to write great essays and that helped me a lot in high school.

Tips For Parents to Help Students Avoid Peer Pressure

By Christopher Sanchez

From issue 3 winter 2006

For those parents whose kids are coming to I.S.49, don’t worry. Now of course I know you heard bad things about this school, but I assure you most of then are lies. Here are some tips to keep your child safe and out of peer pressure:

Safety Tips for Parents

1. Meet your child’s friends individually with your child and their friend.
2. Speak to your child about what happened in school today.
3. Be nosy without your child knowing or be nosy without snooping around.
4. Show up in school unexpected so if they are planning on cutting catch them in the act.
5. Be patient and most importantly don’t yell because the more you yell the more tuned out and frustrated you get.

For all you kids coming to I.S.49, don’t think you will not have help in this school. If you have any trouble you can go to counseling in Mrs.Bourne’s room on the first floor. You can also go toanyone in charge. Never think that you are alone. If kids call you names ignore them. So if you feellonely remember you have someone to come to.These tips should help both you and your parents make a smooth transition into junior highschool, here at I.S. 49.

Nolana Wong: Spelling Bee Champ

From Issue 5 winter 2007 Seventh grade student Nolana Wong was named I.S. 49’s new Spelling Bee Champion on December 12!!! Nolana, who is a student of the Science and Technology Academy, had to compete against finalists from the Academy of Journalism and Media Studies and the Academy of Environmental Sciences. Unlike her competitors, Nolana mastered the word “surveillance” – which proved to be the winning word!

Kelly Parker, from class 810, is the school’s runner-up. Kelly is also a student of the Science and Technology Academy.

The Spelling Bee was coordinated by Ms. Rodden, the school librarian, and Ms. Fareri, an Academic Intervention Services teacher.

The Militant Midget: A Tribute To The Heart Of A Soldier

By Gresa Shala

On Feb.9, we held an assembly and library dedication for our great hero, Evelyn Morris King, at our school. It was the day of her 90th birthday and we also celebrated another important holiday, Martin Luther King Day.

In an interview with Ms. Hill, our school principal, I asked why she chose to dedicate our library to Ms. King. Ms. Hill told me that Ms. King is a “notable person” in the Stapleton community, an educator and simply a “lover of books.” Ms. Hill said that she didn’t know Ms. King that well but has grown to know her quite well through what she’s learned from other teachers and others in our community who have worked with Ms. King. Ms. Hill also met with Ms. King’s son, Kenneth King, several times before the assembly. Ms. Hill said, “The Evelyn Morris King assembly gave the school pride. My only hope is that one of our students will have something significant named after (him or her).”

As classes and teachers were filing into the auditorium, I heard the murmur of guests coming from our community: Politicians, friends, and people from the College of Staten Island’s Gear Up Program. At the beginning of the assembly, Ms. Hill said a few words. After that, the color guard came and presented their colors while we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Schwartz, our orchestra teacher, played the national anthem with his own twist using his saxophone. With a tremendous voice and a great amount of courage, Ms. I’sha Clinton sang what was Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite song and what is considered the Black National Anthem, “Lift everyVoice.” Ms. Hill then welcomed our guests.

Mrs. Mercil presented Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones and Mrs. Evelyn Haley the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award for their devotion and generous support to our school. Mrs. Hill said that we (the school) can always count on these three individuals to be at every P.T.A meeting, support the school Magnet Program, chaperone trips, donate to any events we have at the school and help with any senior activities. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones and Mrs. Haley are all examples of parents who are extraordinary.

North Shore Councilman Michael E. McMahon came up to the podium to declare our library the Evelyn Morris King Library. He has funded our school library, providing a great deal of money to help with the renovation and modernization of the library, which hopefully will be done by the end of next year. Councilman McMahon’s continues to support I.S. 49 and the Stapleton community.

Next, there was a surprise concert with the members of our school staff. Mr. Profilio, an art teacher at our school, performed on his drums, while Mr. Schwartz played on his saxophone. Mr. French, who has known Mrs. King for years, performed on the bongos in unison playing “Footprints” by composer Wayne Shorter.

Last but not least students from class 720 (from the Journalism Academy) presented some selected readings of their original work, including essays, poems and a slide show. The students who presented were Aaleiyah Kennedy, Tammy Lo and Stephanie Chin. Chante Spence also showed us her PowerPoint presentation about Mrs. King’s accomplishments, family and awards. These students who did presentations about Mrs. King had researched her life, with the help of Mrs. Keag, through Staten Island Advance articles.

Mr. DiCrescento and class 718 did a video presentation, complete with interviews, and dedicated it to Mrs. King. Mrs. Brandonisio and students from class 722 painted a beautiful mural of Mrs. King and her life, which will be hung in the library. She said that they had to do a lot of research on Mrs. King’s life achievements, and then they tried to paint it on the mural. Mrs. Brandonisio said that the best part of the whole project was when they went to the assembly and actually got to meet Mrs. King in person. She said that she thanked them and was really grateful. “I think they were honored to be in the presence of such a legend,” said Mrs. Brandonisio.

Bintu Fofanah was one of the students that helped paint the mural. She said, “I thought it was fun and exciting. She (Mrs. King) was very sweet and reminded me of my grandmother.”

Mrs. McMillan, the math coach at IS 49, was just one of the many teachers that helped make this assembly possible. She said, “I thought that it was very enlightening and it was very personal to me because I’m familiar with Mrs. King through working in the community. I thought that it was a wonderful tribute to an outstanding woman whose mantra is love.”

At the end of the assembly, with the audience participation, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Mrs. King. This really finished the assembly on a high note. After the assembly was over, Ms. King and guests went to the library for refreshments and more celebrating.

Cyndi Chin of class 720 attended the assembly, which she said she enjoyed. “The assembly was amazing and I was honored to be there as a guest.”