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.”

Fun Events Raise Money For Good Causes

By Gresa Shala

The school year has just started and I.S. 49 is bursting with all different kinds of activities. With almost 1,000 children attending our school, you can imagine how there’s always something going on! Whether it’s community service activities, fund-raisers or after school programs and clubs, there is plenty of good news at Dreyfus!!

One of the first fun events took place on September 29. I.S. 49 Arista students and teachers participated in the “Light the Night” walk to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.“They are local events that all (Dreyfus) students, not only Arista (students), can participate in by collecting donations and volunteering their time,’ said Mrs. Abramowitz when she was asked why she chose to lead and attend this walk with Ms. Wolfson. “It is also a wonderful opportunity for students to interact with their teachers outside of school,” said Ms. Abramowitz.

Just recently on Sunday, October 21,2007, I.S. 49’s Arista students and teachers (including Ms.Abramowitz, Ms.Wolfson and Ms. L.Buono) participated in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk at Clove Lakes Park. The walk, which has taken place for more than a decade, drew thousands of Staten Islanders and many of the participants were students.Tim Rice, the walk’s emcee, says he volunteers himself to the walk because “I’ve become very emotionally involved in this when I see all these women that have suffered greatly, especially those that are wearing sashes that say ‘Survivor.’” He also said, “To me it’s such a powerful symbol of victory over this disease.”In the event I felt like I was walking through a sea of pink—everyone there was wearing pink: pink sweaters, caps, and bracelets, and there was even a person whom I saw that wore a pink wig! It was a day full of energy and zest; there was loud lively music and enthusiastic walkers surrounded by friends and family.

Many companies such as UFT, Pathmark, Staten Island University Hospital, USBC Staten Island Association and media sponsors like WABC-TV, 105.9 La Kalle and 98.7 Kiss FM sponsored the walk.

The money raised helps the American Cancer Society fight breast cancer by: helping to educate women across the nation about prevention and early detection, providing free programs and services that better the lives of cancer patients and their families in more than 3.400 communities in America.

Did you know that since 1993, 3.5 million walkers national have raised more than $230 million through Making Strides events?

Our Troops in Iraq: When Are They Coming Home?

By Sarah Novak and Gresa Shala

From issue 3 winter 2006

Many families in the United States are concerned whether or not the troops are coming home soon. The troops, which include the Army, have been in Iraq since 2003. That’s three long years of suffering bombings and other dangerous threats. Families of the nation’s troops really hope their loved ones get home soon. One very lucky state, Vermont, received the best gift yet for the holidays. Their troops came home from Iraq.We decided to interview a person who is in this situation. We interviewed a family friend, Zbigniew Krysiak whose son just came back from Iraq. Zbigniew is 51 years old and works as a security guard in New Jersey. He has two other children who are in high school in Staten Island. Zbigniew told us that his son, Sebastian, who is 23, was in Iraq from December 2004 until December 2005.Why, we asked, did his son join the Army?“He wanted to serve his country,” Zbigniew said. Zbigniew told us that he and his son communicated regularly by phone and e-mail. Zbigniew’s son had a dangerous job while in Iraq.“He stayed in the area of the famous prison, Abu Grab,” Zbigniew said. “He served as a medic. He also operated a machine gun to protect ambulances. Many times he was in life threatening situations.”We asked if Sebastian received any honors or awards for his bravery. “Yes. He received nine medals,” Sebastian’s father said. “One of them was the American Warrior Medal which is given to soldiers who serve in extremely dangerous conditions. He received another medal for saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. When they were having lunch, he spotted a gunman and killed the man to save his friends.” Zbigniew said that his son feels that fighting the war is his job.“He feels the war is his duty and he is not afraid to fight,” Zbigniew said. Everybody hopes the troops come back from war. All of them are trying their best to defend their country and fight for what is right. We all hope they come back…. and soon.

A Lesson In Forgiveness

By Cyndi Chin and Stephanie Chin
From issue 3 winter 2006


In November, Steven McDonald spoke to our Science and Technology Magnet classes. He was shot two decades ago by a 15-year-old boy and he forgave him. He still works as a police officer in a wheelchair. McDonald was working as a police officer in Manhattan when he was shot. “I love being a policeman,” said McDonald. He has been a policeman for 20 years and he became one to help others.Steven says that many teen-age boys used to go to Central Park to hurt others. This is a problem Steven and his fellow police officers were trying to address when he was shot. He says that the boys he encountered bought a gun from a guy who told them that it’ll make them powerful. Steven McDonald started to ask them questions. The 15- year-old boy had a gun and he pulled the trigger at McDonald.The boy shot him in the head and then in the throat. The injury left him paralyzed. Many people helped him during the difficult time while he was recovering. He’ll never forget their support. “It was the best time of my life. I changed inside in my heart,” said McDonald. McDonald was brought to the hospital and recovered from his wounds for a year and a half. While he was in the hospital he got a phone call. The call was from the young boy who shot him. The boy called to apologize. He apologized to McDonald’s family and to him. McDonald was able to love him and forgive him and it made him feel good. McDonald and the teen even became friends. “We all make mistakes,” he said. “We are here to love and support each other,” says Mc-Donald. His words were beautifully spoken. In fact, there was complete silence in the auditorium when McDonald spoke. After telling students and staff his story, McDonald read a poem called “You’re Special.” He had also told us that he worked at a woman’s jail. A woman there came up to him and told him she heard him speak at her school. She was sorry that she didn’t listen.At the end of this assembly, some of the students asked McDonald some of their questions. We will never forget this day. We will learn to respect and love each other more. We are all glad that he came and visited our school, I.S.49. We will tell all of our friends about this assembly.

A Great Assembly For A Great Hero

By Stephanie Chin

From issue 4 summer 2006

Dr. Martin Luther King is a great hero who helped lead the Civil Rights Movement. He helped black people and white people realize that going to the same school, sitting in the same place, or even being good friends is okay. That is why we honor Dr. King’s birthday as a national holiday. “I think Martin Luther King represents the ideals that all of us should live by,” said Mr. McGhie, dean of the Journalism Academy. At I.S. 49 we do more than just stay home from school on the holiday. Thanks to teachers like Ms. Mercil and Mr. Schwartz we also have a very special assembly. The school orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Schwartz, was excellent at the assembly. They played many songs. During this performance, I was especially amazed at how good Kyle Francis, a sixth grade student, sang his solo “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” At this assembly, two very important people spoke. One of those people was Reverend Tony Banks. Mr. Banks comes to our school every year to speak about Martin Luther King. The other person was Mr. Bonamo, one of our deans. Mr. Bonamo has been serving in our school for many years and we are honored to have him working at I.S. 49. After Mr. Banks and Mr. Bonamo talked, we had another event: the candle-lighting ceremony. During the ceremony, students spoke about one time in their life that they really helped someone. After each student spoke, each candle was lit. These candles stood for values such as Honesty, Caring, Patience, Humility, Cooperation, and Courage. “The candle lighting ceremony spoke of Dr. King’s six building blocks of learning,” said Ms. Mercil. After the candle lighting, students from the Journalism Academy read speeches. The speeches were about the person who inspires them most. The person who inspired them came to the assembly and accepted awards. Cyndi Chin from the Journalism Academy was one student who read her speech about her brother, Justin Chin, and how she admired him. Justin is a sophomore at Curtis High School and a graduate of Dreyfus. “I felt nervous reading my speech at first but then as I got to the end, I felt confident,” said Cyndi. Mr. McGhie and Ms. Mercil were just a few of those who attended who really enjoyed the speeches. “The speeches that the children read were heart-felt, genuine and touching,” said Ms. Mercil. “I thought the children did a wonderful job presenting their feelings about the person who influenced them in their life,” said Mr. McGhie. This assembly was the best we had so far this year. The assembly helped students recognize an important figure in history.

Rosa Parks: A Small Woman Who Taught A Big Lesson

By Stephanie James

From issue 3 Winter 2006

Rosa Parks was a black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white woman She died recently at her home and was mourned by millions of people all over the world. For her act of defiance, Mrs. Parks was arrested, convicted of violating the segregation laws and fined $10, plus $4 in court fees.

"I think Rosa Parks was a nice person who didn’t care what the rules of the city were; she thought everyone should be treated equally."

Ms. Parks taught us a big lesson: Just because a person is not the same color as you doesn’t mean you have to treat them badly or disrespect them.

Soaring Through the Big Apple on Spring Break

As we all know, the city that never sleeps is New York City’s famous saying because there is something going on every second of the hour! Even at midnight, the buses and subways are still running! No matter where you are or how early or late it is, in New York City, there are always people around.

There are so many places in the Big Apple, why wait until the summer to have fun. Spring Break is a perfect time to start exploring. But what should you do first? Should you eat or visit the historic landmarks? Or, maybe you should go to a Broadway show. A lot of people cannot make their decisions so that’s why you should plan your places and start from the best to the bottom!


The places you go should depend on your personality. Let’s start at the food places. What are some good restaurants or fast-food places to stop at? Do you want an elegant and fancy restaurant or would you rather eat at a fast and quick restaurant? Of course, it depends on what you like to eat or what you feel like having at that exact place and time. Do you want Italian, French, Chinese, Russian, etc.? Since New York has about the most food places in the world, let’s start our way from fast food places. What is the most common fast-food stop you’ll see around Manhattan? None other than McDonalds! I’m sure everyone knows and eats at this popular fast-food place because it is everywhere! If you want a quick snack, find your nearest McDonalds and grab a burger! Another good place to stop by for something delicious is Subway, which is located throughout the many streets of Manhattan. What happens if you want to eat a full-fledged dinner? Some good places are Sharaku, a Japanese restaurant located near Aster Place. You may think it could be just your average Japanese food place but the food is GREAT and the prices are reasonable. The dinners are also great, including Miso soup and salad in the beginning.

Talk about eating, next to Sharaku is a good Japanese market called Sunrise Market. It sells Japanese food and many good snacks you’ll enjoy. For good Italian food, there are many family- style restaurants in the city, such as Carmine’s. Carmine’s Restaurant can be found in the Theater District (so it’s a good place to stop if you’re going to a show) and on the Upper West Side. There are also many places that are educational and fun such as the museum! There are many cool museums you can go to like The Museum of Natural History. There you can see the study of evolution, dinosaurs, and even music! There are also many people interested in art which brings up another great museum called the Metropolitan. There, you’ll see famous paintings at every corner! Plus, they also opened a beautiful place on the rooftop of the museum which is the perfect spot for people to sit down and relax. If you’re interested in books, there are also great bookstores. One of my favorite places is Barnes and Noble on 17th street, Union Square. There is also one on Aster Place so if you have the time, drop by and read a book. Another good bookstore is Kinokuniya bookstore which sells anything you can imagine from Japan. I advise that people who are only interested in Japanese stuff such as anime should go here because the only books they sell are manga, Japanese comics. Also if you’re interested in Asian music and origami, take your time to stop by and have some Japanese fun. Another bookstore that is cool is Borders, which is similar to Barnes and Noble. They have dozens of fascinating books from top to bottom! If there is one place where a lot of fun events go on, it has to be on 17th street, Union Square. Almost every weekend, there is something fun going on in Union Square. One event they almost always have is the Farmers Market. Now you may think, what’s Farmers Market? When farmers come and sell stuff? To tell you the truth, that is exactly what it is! People who take time to grow vegetables, fruits, syrup, etc. come to Union Square and sell their organic foods. Speaking of food events, you can see a man between the ages of 60 and 70 at one corner of 17th street; he is there peeling carrots and potatoes. This is more of an advertising thing because he demonstrates his invention he created that lasts for a very long time. People get fascinated more and more as they watch him in amazement.

So you see, there are a lot of fun things you can see and do in Manhattan! So when you have time during the Spring Break, get off the couch, catch a bus or the Staten Island Ferry, and join in the fun!

Is Myspace Safe?

Is Myspace, the popular website, safe? What do you think? People say that it’s perfectly safe and some say that it is not safe at all. Myspace can be safe if used with caution.


If you don’t have a picture of yourself online, then it might be pretty safe. If you just have an icon, then it’s safe too. You should go onto Myspace for good reasons, such as to talk to your friends. For example, if you forgot your homework you can ask your friend for it. There are reasons why Myspace is unsafe too. Some people out there go on Myspace with bad intentions. Often teenagers and even adults are too trusting to people they do not know and this leads to the problems that Myspace creates.


What can we do to protect ourselves if we do use Myspace? Here are some suggestions:

1) Use an icon instead of a picture

2) Do not write out your address or phone number

3) Don’t add people you do not know to your list


Hopefully all students will take the privilege of internet use to heart and learn to protect themselves.

Hoping For Peace

By Jaclyn

I still remember September 11, 2001. I was in third grade at P.S. 13. Parents were picking up their kids and when my mom came to take me home, I was happy. I had no idea what was happening until I got home and saw the planes hit the Twin Towers on TV. When I saw what was happening, I was devastated. What made it worse was that my mom took out a suitcase just in case we would need to leave. I knew that there was a very small chance we would have to leave, but I wasn’t sure. We’ve been at war since then—more than five years—and I’m a bit concerned.

Reflections of 9/11

One student still remembers her fear for her father’s life

By Ashley 834



On September 11, I was only in the second grade. I stayed home from school that day because I was sick. I was laying down watching cartoons, when my mother came up the stairs crying. She told me everything that was going on at the World Trade Center and then she told me that my father worked near there.

I started crying my eyes out when my mother told me what happened. I hoped my father was alright. After a while, my father walked through the door and held me, my mom, my sister and my baby brother. He held us all tight in his arms. Then we all sat down and watched the news. We saw my dad’s friend on the news. He was a firefighter who died helping people get out of the towers.

Today, on the anniversary of September 11, I am grateful that I still have my father around. I feel bad for all the children who lost somebody in their life that day and are still standing strong. If that were my dad, I would not be able to breathe again.

It is Painful to Watch and Remember

By Kyle 832

I was in the second grade when the planes hit the Twin Towers. I used to live near the Verrazano Bridge. My mom, my sister and I were running late for school that day. We heard the first plane crash. We just thought that it was an accident on the bridge.

When I got to school, I went to my computer class. Half an hour later, my teacher got a call from the main office. When she hung up, she told me to get my bag and go to the office. I walked down the hall and saw my mom and sister there. I asked what was wrong but no one told me until I got home. When we got home, the TV was already on. I saw the towers collapse on the news. I went out onto the balcony and saw the smoke coming from Manhattan.

Even though no one I knew died, it’s still painful when I see the replay of the attack on the news. My mom still cries for all the people who died.

The Scariest Day Ever

By Julian 833

Six years ago today was a very tragic day. While it was six years ago, I remember it was a very depressing and shocking day. At around 8:30 a.m., a terrorist attack occurred. I was in the second grade getting ready to go to school. Even then, I remember turning on Channel 1 (NY 1) to check the weather. As soon as I turned on the TV, they were showing pictures of the first plane striking the World Trade Center. All of a sudden, my mom told me not to go to school. I remember everybody was scared.


The shocking thing I remember about that day was thinking about my father, who had taken the Staten Island Ferry. I was really scared and had no way to get in touch with him. My dad actually called me later that day and as soon as I heard that he was alright, I was relieved. For me, September 11th was the scariest day ever.

Superstar Tries to Commit Suicide

By Candace Eugene


Did you know that actor Owen Wilson recently tried to commit suicide? Personally, I think that is a very crazy thing to do. If you are under stress, you should get therapy. I think a lot of stars are under stress because they have personal issues, or either too much publicity from the paparazzi, and I think that they need their own personal privacy.


For example look at Lindsay Lohan, Nichole Richie, and Paris Hilton. I think the only reason that these girls are doing these different criminal acts, because they are not really under real parental control. And I think that they need their families in their life to help and guide them…… So really, I would not judge them that way. Especially Owen. He probably tried to kill himself because he couldn’t handle his situation. So he tried to end it all.

Like I said, my advice for celebrities or anyone depressed and thinking of committing suicide? Get help first before doing something that you will regret.

9/11 Anniversary

By Rianna Sookdeo, 820

On September 11, 2001, many innocent lives were lost. I don’t think that anyone could forget that tragic day when New York City was under attack. Firefighters, police officers, and local ‘heroes’ sacrificed their lives to save victims. Some lost loved ones and some can only imagine how hard it is to lose a loved one as a 9/11 victim. Six years and the pain has yet to ease scorned hearts. I would like to thank all the heroes who helped in 9/11, and yes, they are heroes. I would also like to offer my condolences to families who lost their loved ones. ..We will always remember 9/11 and we will always remain strong and united..

Astroland's Park Gone Forever?

By Cyndi Chin

The place where most people have gone to since they were a child is closing down. Coney Island is getting a makeover. They are replacing the old rides with new ones. Astroland Park is closing down. Thor Equities bought the land and is deciding to put a multi-million dollar amusement park in Astroland’s place. A lot of people love going there and it’s fit for everyone’s budget. It’s like a part of us and it would be so hard to get rid of it. Protesters are getting their wish that they won’t replace it until the end of 2008. The summer of 2008 would be the last summer for Astroland. We have one more chance to say goodbye to Astroland!!!!!

September 11th

By Tammy Lo


I was in the second grade when 9/11 happened. I was living in Bay Ridge in Brooklyn at that time. My second grade teacher was crying. In my mind I asked myself “What is happening?” The adults that worked in P.S. 170 were calling phone numbers every second. As my grandmother was walking home with me, we saw dark clouds of smoke in the sky. I was scared.

I feel so bad for all of the people that had a loss. I would be crying all the time. It is six years since 9/11 and I still feel unprotected because I feel like the terrorists are going to strike again. God bless America.

The Day Those Towers Fell

By Theadora Hadzi

The day those towers fell The world cried out in pain And though our eyes looked strong and tough We were sure we would never be the same The day we saw the smoke Many had given up for sure But still a hope flickered in the dark And we held on for nights a-many more The day we heard the news We cried in our mothers’ arms And we prayed day and night That there would be no more harm The day those towers fell. We all put on a brave face And till this day, 6 years later We’re still trying to soothe that ache

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

50 Cent in Staten Island

By Chyanne Gilliam

50 Cent is one of the biggest celebrities that has ever come to Staten Island. On September 14th, 2007, 50 Cent visited Staten Island for his five-borough tour. Over 200 people went to the concert at “Club Illusions” in Great Kills. Some fans that weren’t able to get tickets stood outside waiting for the arrival of “50” to try and catch a glimpse of him. They held posters of 50 Cent’s new record, “Curtis” on it. 50 Cent played new and old songs that night. He played new tracks like “AYO Technology,” and “I Get Money.” During his performance, he threw out fake $50 bills with his face on it to the crowd. He also brought out his “G-Unit” members Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and his personal DJ. After the show, fans were reported in the Staten Island Advance saying, “No, I’m not kidding. He was right here, at Illusions, tattoos over his whole body and everything.”

Joe Torre, Turns Down Yankees Offer

By Chyanne Gilliam

Owner of the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner, told The Record of Hackensack, NJ, on October 6th that he didn’t thing he’d bring back the manager, Joe Torre, if the Yankees failed to advance to the American League Championship Series. The Cleveland Indians then eliminated New York in four games, sending New York to its third straight first-round exit. The Yankees offered Joe a one year contract with a base salary of $5 million and Joe decided to turn it down.Torre has led the Yankees to the playoffs in all 12 of his seasons and helped the team win the World Series in four of his first five years, but the Yankees haven’t won the World Series since 2000 and haven’t won the AL pennant since 2003. Since Joe Torre is not returning, bench coach and Yankees legend Don Mattingly is the leading contender to take over as the Yankees manager. Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi, the NL Manager of the Year with the Florida Marlins in 2006, is another possibility. I think that Joe Torre should’ve accepted the offer and continued as manager for the New York Yankees next season. Joe Torre has done an excellent job with the Yankees over the past 12 years. I think that Joe Torre would’ve leaded the Yankees to the American League Championships and the World Series next season if he continued managing the New York Yankees.