Frogs and Fun at CSI

By Jonathan Ortiz & Dana Governara

Our trip to the College of Staten Island on May 29th allowed our class 824 to study in a nice college lab. The purpose of this trip was to dissect a frog. The first thing we had to learn was how to stay safe. We had to wear gloves to protect us; also we had to wear goggles to protect our eyes from getting poisoned from the chemicals.

We watched a virtual dissection on a screen to learn what to do first. Our class had to study the frog’s organs and find out where they were and if they worked any differently than then the human body. Our lab teacher told us that we can look through the stomach to see what the frog last ate. Jonathan’s frog didn’t eat anything, but I also found out it was a boy. Dana’s frog was different though hers was a girl (the frog had eggs) and it also didn’t have anything to eat. At first we felt it was disgusting, but kind of cool, and that we were going to be sick. First we had to cut through the skin of the frog. Then we cut through the muscles from the throat to just below the stomach. “It was interesting because we got to see the organs. The skin felt like rubber which was hard to cut,” said Anita Zekaj from 824

By the end we all felt like we learned so much about this frog and that a book can’t teach as much as we experienced here. This was something we thought we would never do in junior high school.

Beacon

By George Harris

Did you ever wonder what goes on in the school once you leave? A lot is the answer. After 37 and ½, the afterschool program BEACON begins. Beacon starts up when everyone leaves. Beacon is Dreyfus’ premier school program. It starts at 2:00 and ends at 4:30. Miss Ebanks runs Beacon. She doesn’t do it alone; she has coaches and teachers who help her. Beacon attracts so many students because it’s a fun and exciting program. Some programs are gym time, art, computers, nail salon and dance. There are just too many things to list. I love these activities! I attend beacon very often. There are educational and fun subjects that are put in your schedule. Your schedule depends on your last name and sometimes age. If you are not part of Beacon, maybe next year you should be.

The STEP Program

Do you want to go to college? Do you have the money? No? Well, the STEP Program is a program that can help you. The STEP program is a program that helps you get into college. It also helps you prepare for college by helping you do better in Science and Math. If you go you are rewarded $500 for your college fund.

The STEP program helps you get into college, get good grades and get a good career. This program starts in the summer at the College of Staten Island. It opens at 8:00 a.m., so try to be early! The special thing about this program is that it doesn’t cost any money. The STEP program is open to all sixth graders.

At the STEP program you learn many important things, such as Science and Math. This is helpful because if you need a push in these subjects this would be a great opportunity. This can help you in high school and in college. It’s sponsored by the College of Staten Island and is run by Ms. Debra Evans-Greene. This program is also open on Saturdays.

Microsoft Publishing

Publishing Program

Have you ever heard of the “Microsoft Publisher” program? Well, I didn’t. Well, not until I interviewed Mr. Wandera. Mr. Wandera, a math and computer teacher, has been teaching students about the “Publisher” program for three years. He teaches four magnet classes in after-school magnet: 710, 610, 730, and 630.

I found out some of the things that you can do on the “Publisher” program. Some of those things that you can do on the “Publisher” program are make Brochures, Greeting cards, Thank you cards, and more. I asked Mr. Wandera if he did any projects in the “Publisher” program with his classes. He said, “I split the class into groups, and made them make a company with a logo, a catalog, a brochure, a website, and more.”

I also asked Mr. Wandera what made him want to teach magnet classes. He said, “I want to teach magnet classes because they are challenging, excited to learn, and I love them.” This is a little something about the “Publisher” program.

Adopt a Grandparent

By Grandchild Adel Elzaine

Good morning grandparents, Council man McMahon, Dr. Papler, Ms.Cicero, Ms.Hill, Ms. Ruzi, Ms. Refano, and all of the staff in the Richmond Rehabilitation center. I am excited to be present here and speaking here. I, Adel Elzanie, and my fellow peers are here from Adopt a Grandparent to share our final last memories until September. Adopt a Grandparent was creation of our student council members. Once this program was created, it was sponsored by Council McMahon’s Civic Kids. We could not have been here if it was not for him.

This year, the program started off with the creation of the hundred penny book. This box contained a pen to write there memories inside a journal and a deck of cards to play with. The hundred penny box was inspired by a book called “The Hundred Penny Box”, by Sharon Bell Mathis. The book is about a boy, Michael, whose great-great aunt owned a hundred penny box. Every birthday, she would put one penny inside it. Each penny possessed precious memories. Michael was very attached to her aunt and loved her most, like we do with our grandparents.

Now the hundred penny box was supposed to recall the journeys that the grandparents they had experienced. It was also created to recall the memories that we spent with each other. For instance, can you remember when we gave Rose the box? Do you remember how exited she was? Or, remember when we first talked to Rocky and discovered the similarities we had. Remember the time we decorated the shirts? Then we decorated the clay. Remember how fun it was and how beautiful I came out? Also, remember when did not want us to leave because of the fun we had. Finally, remember when I saw Anna. I remember when I came into the room and saw everybody. I remember when I saw, what I call the grandparents shinning face. What a precious memory for all of us when we met! However, I must stop now for I, along with my other peers shall reveal the quilt dedicated for the grandparents and meant for us to share a hundred memories. (Reveal) All of the squares represents special events that we shared or was in their journeys. We will donate this quilt to the Carmel Richmond Rehabilitation center. We should cherish these moments and keep it fresh in our memory. The last word that I shall speak about we have endured. These people were Reveren Bill, who stayed with us for six years, Bella, who stayed with us for 2005-2006 and our former principal from I.S. 49, Ms. Lamb. Sorrow and sadness filled me when I heard this terrible news. If they were all here, what a joyful event this could have been if they were here. What an event this could have been if our former principal was present. She could have seen the children of I.S. 49 where she once was, giving grandparents some thing to do in a nursing home. It would delight her even more if she saw us entertaining her. However, no matter where they are, we shall always stay happy because all of them will always be in our hearts.

I would like to end this by thanking everybody for being here and listening to what I have to say. It was a huge honor to be talking here. I would like to thank Ms. Ruzi, Ms. Refano, Council man McMahon, Dr. Papler, Ms. Cicero, Ms. Hill, the Rehabilitation center, and most of all, the grandparents for giving me a sensational time sharing memories and having a fun time. I am sad for our losses and sad to leave all of our grandparents. However, we will always be with all the grandparents and try to entertain you. Everybody, have a great day and grandparents we will see you soon.

Thank you.

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?

Even If You Don't Like Soccer, You'll Like This Player

By Metin Elmadag
From issue 4 summer 2006

I like to watch and play soccr. My favorite player is David Beckham. Beckham is a famous soccr player who plays for a Spanish team. As aplayer, Beckham is known for his free kick expertise, hot temper and spectacular long shots.

In June of 2003, Manchester United traded David Beckham to a Spanish team known as Real Madrid for 35 million Euros. David Beckham’s uniform number in Manchester United was 7. Now his uniform number on Real Madrid is 23. Beckham is best known for being Real Madrid’s midfield star.

His popular nickname is “Becks.” He is married to former Spice Girls star Victoria Adams. He has three sons with Victoria Adams. Their first son’s name is Brooklyn and he was born on (March 4th 1994). Their second son is Romeo born on September 1st 2002 and Cruz was born last year on February 20th. Beckham is my favorite player because he does cool tricks with the soccr ball. Even if you don’t like soccr, check out the tricks Beckham does during his games and practices. You can find soccr games and even some of the team’s practices on any sports channel and often on Channel 2.