Journalism

By: Quentin Rodriques
Class 820

Journalism, what a happy place
Enter the room with a smile on your face
Never be mad, stay happy
It’s too fun to be all sappy
Find your style, sit, and write
Its too fun to argue or fight

Movie Review of Mona Lisa Smile

by Gresa Shala

“In a world that told them how to think, she showed them how to live.”

Mona Lisa Smile is directed by Mike Newell and was produced by Joth Roth. The leading roles are played by Kirsten Dunst ( Betty Warren), Julia Stiles (Joan Brandwyn), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Giselle Levy) and Ginnifer Goodwin (Connie Baker).

This film won the Critics Choice Award, the Golden Globe and Teen Choice Award in 2004.

Mona Lisa Smile is an inspirational film to young women worldwide. This film tells of a story about a free- spirited teacher who opens her students’ minds to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams no matter what.

Set in 1953, Katherine Watson (played by Julia Roberts), a graduate of UCLA leaves “Oakland State” University to obtain a teaching profession at Wellesley College, the top women's private liberal arts college in Massachusetts. Seeing how her young students are pressured into becoming housewives and mothers,she tries to put her point across. She tells her students that they don’t need to give in to the stereotypes made by society,or “fill the roles they were born to meet,” as the saying went. Around that time it was assumed that women born to become housewives and mothers and that they could only work in jobs such as a nurse, teacher or secretary. She believed that women could achieve much more, that they could acquire jobs of higher ranks. In the movie, she encourages her students to pursue their dream professions.

I think this film is splendid because it shows us how back then during the 1950s and earlier women didn’t have much choices in terms of what they wanted to be or how they wanted to live their lives. It also reminds us how far women have come, for example now women are free to go to college and occupy any professional career.

I also loved the setting in the movie and the trendy, elegant costumes the actoresses were wearing. This movie had great music that swayed to the rythms of the 1950s.

I highly recommend this movie and it can be found on DVD and VHS at your local library and pharmacy/stores.

And Your American Idol Is...David Cook!!!

By: Chyanne Gilliam 820

David Roland Cook (born December 20, 1982) is an American rock singer and songwriter. On May 21, 2008, he was announced the winner of the seventh season of American Idol. He was born in Houston, Texas, but he currently lives in Blue Springs, Missouri. He received 56% of the votes and beating runner-up David Archuleta by 12 million votes. Cook then sang the winning song of the 2008 American Idol Songwriter's Competition, "The Time of My Life", which will also be David’s first which is available right now on iTunes. He is the fifth winner to have never been named in the bottom 2 or 3 in votes during his run on the show. He is also the third male winner.
Cook was the lead singer and guitarist of the band Axium from 1999 until 2006. He formed Axium in his junior year of high school with drummer Bobby Kerr. One of the band's songs, "Hold," was picked up by AMC Theatres Movie Tunes and was played before previews on over 20,000 screens nationwide. Axium was also named one of the top 15 independent bands in the country in the "Got Milk?" independent band contest, and it was chosen as the best band in Kansas City in 2004.

Along with season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, Cook is the second winner to have won the title after performing first during the top two performances. During the finale of season 7 of American Idol, Cook appeared in a commercial for the game Guitar Hero, mimicking Tom Cruise in Risky Business. David Archuleta also appeared in a separate but similar commercial with the same scene.

David Cook will be going on tour with the rest of the top 10 contestants from this year’s season of American Idol, which is considered one of the best seasons yet. It was very unpredictable but I think the best contestant of the season won, David Cook!

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.

Archuleta Loses Loses Idol But Wins the Hearts of Dreyfus Students

By Chyanne Gilliam 820

David Archuleta was one of the most popular contestants on this season of American Idol. He may have lost to David Cook but he is still our top choice at Dreyfus. 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.”

David was the ONE contestant that Simon actually liked. Simon predicted David Archuleta will win the singing competition. Simon said, “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 was considered one of the front-runners for a series of popular performances. Despite the loss, we know there will still be big things in David’s future!

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.

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!

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!

The XBox 360

By Rasheed Lindsey From issue 3 winter 2006


The Xbox 360 is the new and improved console gen. for Microsoft’s Xbox. The releasing date was November 22. The Xbox hit shelves and at least 70,000,000 copies were sold that day and the next day.Some of the features of the Xbox 360 are that it is played in Hi-Definition so when you play it seems so real. A number of capabilities come with the Xbox 360 such as a two-month subscription for on-line play and headphones to go with it. A bundle of games came out for the Xbox 360 even before it came out. One such game is Kameo, in which the player plays as a fairy that can change into other big behemoth-like monsters. There are a lot of games for the Xbox 360 but I recommend this game to all you gamers out there that are looking for the best games for the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 is $400.

T.V. Shows For Preteens

By Samiyah Hill and Leta

From issue 3 winter 2006

Glover Moesha, is about a teenage girl who has an overprotective father who’s not too fond of her boyfriend named, Q. He’s not the best influence, but Moesha still cares for him. Moesha has three friends one is Hakeem, her life long friend and neighbor. The other is Kim, a party girl, that sometimes can Mo in trouble, and lastly, her other friend, Neicy, who is boy crazy. If you would like to see this show, go to cable channel 129, where it plays in re-runs. The issues that these characters face are things that most preteens face themselves, which is what makes this a great show to watch. My Wife and Kids, is a show about a man named Michael Kyle with three kids and a wife. The oldest, Clair is a girl who sometimes has boy troubles which can put Michael (her dad), in an uncomfortable spot. The second oldest is a boy named Jr. He is not the brightest boy, but he still is loved and cared for. The youngest is named Kady she has a close friend named Franklyn who is a kid genius. This is one of the happiest family’s on TV. If you would like to see it go to channel 11 where you can catch repeats during the week, or Channel 7 which airs the new episodes.

Banks, Beyonce Branch Out

By Tammy Lo and Janelle Shklyar


From issue 3 winter 2006


Tyra Banks recently retired from modeling after her last runway show. Now that Tyra is retired from modeling she will be able to concentrate more on her television talk show and her reality show, “America’s Next Top Model.” Tyra said in an on-line interview, “Modeling is one of those jobs that have a ticking time clock on them” and in that field, it’s better to “step out and not get kicked out.” Tyra Banks retired at the age of 32.


Tyra was born on December 4, 1973 in Los Angeles, California. Tyra has modeled since she was 15 and now she is 32. At the age of 23, she was the first African-American model to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit issue.


What can viewers expect to see from Tyra’s new show? Tyra’s has already invited the stars from America’s Next Top Model to appear on the show, which they did in December. We’re sure to see more celebrities on the show too. And, wait until you hear what hot new star made a clothing line this year! It is none other then Destiny’s Child’s lead singer Beyonce. According to the website Arants.com, the clothing line will be called House of Dereon. It is named after her grandmother Agnes Dereon. She targeted it to women ages 18-28, but I believe even teen-agers will buy the clothes. A student I interviewed said, “She (Beyonce) is classy and chic. She is so fashionable. She is my role model.”

Our Top Ten List For Summer Fun

By Nathalie De Jesus, Jennifer Luu, and Baby Johnson

We are so glad that the summer is finally here! There are so many things that you can do over the summer vacation. For those who needs some ideas, we even have a top 10 list of things that you can do.

1.Go to the pool. Some of the pools to check out this summer (if you don’t have your own pool or know someone who does) are: Lyons Pool, West Brighton Pool, or the Tottenville Pool, to name a few. All of the pools listed are open as of June 25 (and stay open until Labor Day). General hours are 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.

2.Check out a theme park. New Jersey’s Great Adventure or Hershey Park(June 1- August 27, 10 am-10 pm) and Dorney Park (June 1- August 31 10am-10 pm in Pennsylvania), both in Pennyslvania.

3.Go on vacation. Our favorite places to check out are Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Bahamas.

4.Go on a cruise or boat ride. It doesn’t have to be far away, you can even ride the Staten Island Ferry, which is FREE!

5.Do a project: If you’re creative, you can do some arts and crafts. If you’re looking for arts and crafts ideas, look on-line or check out local stores, such as Staples, CVS, Family Dollar or Michael’s.

6.Go to the beach- South Beach is on Staten Island and is our local favorite.

7.Ride your bike. Go right in your neighborhood or go to a nearby park.

8.Shop at the mall: The Staten Island Mall (2655 Richmond Ave.) isn’t too far away. There is also Roma Shopping Plaza, (3555 Victory Blvd) and Woodrow Shopping Plaza (655 Rossville Ave). Most of these places are easy to get to by bus (like the S78 which takes you to the mall).

9.Get a manicure and pedicure- There is Annie’s Nail Salon (11 Holden Blvd. Apt. # B), Nail Salon (1975 Victory Blvd.), Nail 21 (1145 Bay Street).10. Go to the movies- Our favorite theater is United Artists Theatres (2474 Forest Ave), at Atrium Cinemas (680 Arthur Kill Road), Hylan Plaza (107 Mill Road)If you still have nothing to do, we have other ideas for you. Some of those ideas include going on the computer, if you have one at home. If you don’t, go to the local library (check out the hours first). Hope you’ll have a fun-filled vacation!

Cool Cars

By Metin Elmadag

From issue 3 winter 2006

Have you heard of the latest cars? Well, if you haven’t, you aren’t in the right place at the right time. While we may not be driving for a few years, there are plenty of cars we can dream about driving.Have you heard of the all-new Nissan 350z? It is equipped with a 300 horsepower engine, 3.5 liter engine with a 6-speed, manual transmission. This car is very popular and liked by many people.Or, did you hear of the all-new BMW M6? It just came out. If you want to know more facts about this car, read on. The new BMW M6 shares its drive train with the recently introduced M5. The new v-10 produces 500 horsepower. The new engine is mated to a 7-speed SMG transmission.These are just two cool cars. If you want to learn about more cars you make like, surf the Internet, like I did, for all the latest news on cars.

Movie Minute

From Issue 5 winter 2007 “The Marine” Starring John Cena

By Chyanne Gilliam and Candace Eugene

The Marine is a movie about the life ofJohn Triton (WWE superstar John Cena), who returnsfrom Iraq from duty to find out that his wifehas been kidnapped. The movie is directed by JohnBonito. The genre is action, adventure, mystery,and drama. It is rated PG-13.In the movie, WWE Raw star John Cenamakes his film debut as John Triton, an injuredU.S. Marine who returns home from duty. Oncehe gets home, he finds out that his wife has beenkidnapped. His wife is kidnapped by a leader ofa gang called Rome. Kelly Carlson plays JohnCena’s wife. With nothing left to lose and enoughtraining to take down a small army, the hard-fightingJohn Triton tries to save his wife and to makesure that Rome gets a beating for what he did.

Scary Movies Are Always In StyleBy Sindi KafaziHalloween may have passed but scarymovies are always in style. Scary movies arealways playing on TV and in the movie theater.Some movies are really scary and some are justweird!Check out movies like ‘’Friday the Thirteenth’’and ‘’Freddy vs. Jason.” These moviesaren’t that scary they are mostly weird.Some movies are scary, but they are alsoweird. Would you rather watch a ‘’scary movie’’that is weird and doesn’t even make sense orwould you watch a really scary movie that wouldfreak you out. “The Ring Two” really freaked meout, even though it was one of those movies wherethe dead come back. It at least made sense thatSamara the spirit came back for a mother. But allthe other scary movies, the dead came back to lifeand it didn’t even show how and they weren’t evenscary. First of all, these characters aren’t supposedto come back to life. Second of all, they should beable to freak me out if they are.

The New iPod

By Chyanne Gilliam
From issue 3 winter 2006
The new iPod is amazing! First, the iPod puts music in your pocket, now it puts videos too! The iPod comes in two different colors: Black and white. It also holds15,000 songs, up to 150 hours of videos and 25,000 photos.

On the new iPod, you can download all your favorite TV shows and your favorite songs, but it does cost money. It cost $2 to download songs and TV shows. That is the only thing I do not like about the video iPod. Everything else is amazing about it. I can’t believe that it holds up to 15,000 songs, and over 150 hours of videos. I want to get an iPod myself. The iPod cost more than$300. That is a lot of money, but it is worth it when you think about what it offers. Finally, I hope you can get the new iPod video and enjoy it!!

Horoscopes - Learn More About You

Aries March 21-April 19 The Aries symbol is the Ram. You are bold and impatient.Your personality makes you exciting. You can be abit aggressive, but you are the leader of the pack.

Taurus April 20-May 20 For Taurus, the symbol is a bull. You can be stubborn,but down to earth. Your friends can always count onyou. You love good food, romance, and material goods.You’ve got to get the best of everything.



Gemini May 21-June 21 Geminis are represented bythe Twins. You are bendableand creative. Youare incredibly smart.For you, a good time isa great conversation.You love to argueso a friendly debatewould be fun to.Sometimes you areundecided betweentwo decisions.



Cancer June 22 - July 22 Cancer’s symbol is the crab. You are expressiveand sensitive. Your firstconcern is family. You don’tgo out much because you’d ratherstay at home. You can be a little irritableso you prefer to stay away from drama.

Leo July 23-August 22 The sign for Leos is the Lion. Leos are stubborn andimpulsive. You can be dramatic and sometimes a littlevain. You love to be the center of attention. You can be agreat actor!




Virgo August 23 - September 22 Virgo’s sign would be the virgin. You can be flexible andstill be practical. You love to be in organizations. Youcan be a perfectionist at times though.




Libra September 23-October 22 Scales are the Libra’s sign. Libras are romantic and ultimatelyhappiest when they are in love. You hate conflictsand being alone. You’re a fair person and you easily findsolutions to problems.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Scorpions represent Scorpios. One thing very noticeableabout Scorpios is that you don’t forgive easily. When youget hurt, you go back and sting. You’re mysterious, deepand very attractive. You understand people even withoutwords.



Sagittarius November 22-December 21 The Sagittarius symbol is the Archer. You are spontaneousand curious. You feel the need to always bemoving and you welcome new things. Youalways look for the truth and will notstop until you find your answer.



Capricorn December 22-January 19 Goat symbolizes Capricorns. You area motivated, strong minded,and realisticperson. You care alot about your career.You can be conservative,but you are alsoambitious and strong.



Aquarius January 20-February 18 The Aquarius is symbolizedby the Water Bearer.Aquarius has quick intellectand an extensive mind. You’rerebels but you always need people to bearound. You have a lot of friends but you don’treally get close to anyone in particular.



Pisces February 19-March 20 Fish represent Pisces. Some of the most visible traits ofan Aquarius are that they are open-minded, sympathetic,and instinctive. Pisces tend to follow their instincts morethan their facts or logic. They are daydreamers and verycreative. Instead of fighting, they prefer to just relax.

Laptops Versus Cell Phones: A Tough Choice To Make

By Cyndi Chin

From issue 4 summer 2006

Have you ever thought of which was better cell phones or laptops? Many people use laptops and cell phones, especially today. There are many opinions on whether cell phones are better or if laptops are better. Some people can’t get both, so when their parents ask them which one they want more, they’re not sure which one to buy. There are many abilities cell phones and laptops both have. My opinion is that laptops are better but many people in my class have different opinions. I say laptops are better because it has the same abilities as cell phones and more. It also has the Internet (many cell phones also have Internet access but you’ll have to pay more and it’s harder to use without a keyboard). Some positive things about laptops are that they provide Internet, Microsoft Office and many other programs. I have a laptop of my own at home. I use my laptop and play online games on it and chat with my friends. Just like cell phones, you can talk to your friends if you have a microphone hooked up. Laptops in my opinion can do everything a cell phone can do and more. Cell phones, however, are very helpful in case of an emergency. Instead of using a pay phone outside you can use it if you spot a fire nearby. Cell phones can also do fun things such as play games, take pictures, text message and more. My mom and my brother have cell phones. I admit that cell phones can come in handy. For example, when I went to see my brother run, my mom and I realized we went to the race too early so I used her cell phone and took pictures. Another time was when my brother was lost so he called my dad to get him. However, there are some negative things about laptops such as there are sites that you don’t know and your computer can get viruses. A cell phone has more negative things that can happen to it such as you might lose it and it can break easily. My brother drops his cell phone all the time. Gabriella Balderas from the Law and Government Academy said,” I would like to have a laptop better because I can check on the Internet and research many things.” As technology gives cell phones more and more abilities, I guess our opinions will change too.

Why We Think Cell Phone Banning

An editorial by Hawa Barbra & Mayra Bonilla

Cell phones should not be banned from school because emergencies can occur. For example, if a child gets hurt in school and the school is trying to reach the parent at home, but they are not picking up the phone, what happens? If the child has a cell phone with them, they could checking the student cell phone and get the parents’ cell phone numbers or other relatives’ numbers.

Other emergencies could happen, like if a child is walking home by himself or if he or she is taking public transportation and something happens like a fight. If the person gets hurt really badly, the child could call the police.

Another reason is if someone tries to do something to the child like kidnap him or her, they could start running and call the police really. As we said in the beginning of this article, cell phones are very important in school and out of school. The Board of Education should take this into consideration and try to change the law about cell phones being banned from school.

Our Favorite Shows On Our Favorite Network

My 9 (formerly UPN 9) is amazing! For all of you who don’t know, My 9 is Channel 9. There are many shows on this station. For example, All Of Us, Everybody Hates Chris and WWE Friday Night Smackdown! The TV show “All Of Us” has many characters. Their names are Duane Martin who plays Robert James. Next, there’s Lisaraye Mccoy who plays Neesee James. Also, Khamani Griffin plays Robert James or Bobby. And last but not least, there is Tony Rock, Chris Rock’s brother. Tony Rock plays Dirk Black. This season, the show will focus on Robert and Neesee’s relationship and how they deal with raising Bobby Jr.

The next UPN9 show is called, “Everybody Hates Chris.” This show is hilarious! The characters of this show are Tyler James Williams who plays Chris Rock, as a 13 year old. This show is about a 13-year-old boy growing up in Brooklyn during the early 1980s. He has to go to a middle school of all non-colored people. His life is tough, but he manages to deal with it. The final My 9 show we recommend is WWE Friday Night Smackdown! One wrestler on this show is “619,” Rey Mysterio. He is 5 foot 6. He is 165 pounds. And his finishing move is the 619. Next we have the Undertaker! He is called the, Legendary Deadman. He is 6 foot 10. He weighs 328 pounds. And his finishing move is the choke slam, the Last Ride, and the Tombstone Piledriver. You can catch these shows Monday through Friday on channel 9. We guarantee that you will love all of these UPN 9 shows.

If Grades Matter, Why Do They Shatter?

From Issue 5 winter 2007

By Manuel Valenzuela & Iger Ostreni


How much do YOU care about YOUR grades? Some people are “nerds” about their grades. Some don’t care, they just don’t study or do their homework.

Hello fellow students! This story will make you think more about your grades andhow much you care about them. Most people weknow do their homework during lunch or during their classes. You probably never thought that this was a big deal and was willing to take these consequences. Most think that the teachers won’t realize that they are doing their homework for other subjects. But once caught, you have a 90% chance of getting a call home or you home work being ripped in half. This happened to one of our fellow classmates during class; he was doing his Math homework. He shall remain nameless.

So now you are wondering doing homeworkin class shows that you care about thembut that is a definite NO. Well this shows thatyou don’t. By doing your homework in another class you are not paying attention to the lesson that is going on. There is why homework has the word HOME- in front (which means that you do it at home). After interviewing ten people we found out that seven out of ten people do their homework and just two of these people do it only sometimes. If in every ten people the results are like this then this proves that many students do not care enough about their homework. If some people do their homework in school, I recommend that you should wait and do you homework during Beacon or other after-school program.Next time you do homework in class (if you have a conscience) think about you grades and ask yourself: Do I Care About My Grades?