March, 2015 Edition

Principal’s Message

From Ms. Amador

I.S.303 PresentsI.S.303 Presents

This month don’t be sur-

prised if people greet you in the

morning with the famous “Top of the

Morning!” phrase. The unusual

display of the color green should

also serve as a feast for your

eyes. This pervasive color in the

natural world finds to evoke an emo-

tion of rebirth. It is considered the

color of peace in ecology and it is

used worldwide to represent safety.

I invite you to contemplate the color

green and the festivities that it will

inadvertently bring to us this

month. The shamrock – a symbol

of good luck in Irish culture serves

to give us a positive hopeful outlook

on life and events. As we offer you

this March edition of our school

newspaper I wish you all the best of

the Irish.

Q: Mrs. Sullivan, can you please tell us about the importance of Pi Day here at

I.S. 303?

A: Pi Day started being celebrated by students all over the country a few years

back. It was started to raise awareness about Pi and its importance in our lives. Pi is an

irrational never ending number. The day is a fun way to celebrate math. This year was a

benchmark with Pi Day of the century.

Q: Are you happy with the students’ reactions to Pi Day?

A: Judging by the reactions from teachers that celebrated with their classes, I

think that the students really enjoyed participating. I celebrated with my classes by having

circular donuts. Other classes celebrated by having pies.

Q: Please tell us your feelings on Pi Day and what we can expect next year?

A: I designed all of the Pi Day t-shirts that the teachers wore. This process took

hours. I am expecting the celebration next year to be school wide.

Photos By: Waseem

Saleem, 7-227 inter-

view by John Ri-

cardi and Allen

Talovikov, 7-227

Page 2 One W ork ing Un i t

By: Ms. Amador,

Principal

Chris Kyle was born in Odessa, Texas. Chris was born the first of two boys to Deby Lynn and Wayne Kenneth Kyle, a Sunday school teacher and a deacon. Kyle's father bought his son his first rifle at eight years old, a bolt-action .30-06 Springfield rifle. When Chris be-came proficient, he was later gifted a shotgun. It was with that shotgun that they hunt-ed pheasant, quail, and deer. Chris attended high school in Midlothian, Texas. After school, Chris became a professional bronco rodeo rider and worked on a ranch. His professional ro-deo career ended abruptly when he severely injured his arm. After his arm healed, Kyle went to a military recruiting office, interested in joining the U.S. Marine Corps with a special interest in special operations. A U.S. Navy recruiter convinced him to try for the SEALS. Initially, Chris was rejected because of the pins in his arm, but he eventually received an invitation to the 24-week Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL school (BUDS), which he joined in 1999. Assigned to SEAL Team 3, sniper element, platoon "Charlie" (later "Cadillac"), within the Naval Special Warfare Command, and with four tours of duty, Kyle served in many major battles of the Iraq War. His first long-range kill shot was taken during the initial invasion when he shot a woman approaching a group of Marines while carrying a hand grenade. An article by CNN reported that the woman was cradling a toddler in her other hand. As ordered, he opened fire, killing the woman before she could attack. He later stated, "the woman was already dead. I was just mak-ing sure she didn't take any Marines with her." Because of his track record as a marksman dur-ing his deployment to Ramadi, the insurgents named him Shaitan Ar-Ramadi (English: 'The Devil of Ramadi'), and put a $21,000 bounty on his head that was later increased to $80,000. They posted signs highlighting the cross on his arm as a means of identifying him. In 2008, outside Sadr City, Chris reportedly made his longest successful shot after spotting an insurgent who was about to fire a grenade at the U.S. Army convoy. Kyle stated that he fired one shot from his McMillan Tac-338 sniper rifle from about 2,100 yards (1,920 m) away, killing the insur-gent. During four tours of duty in the Iraq War, Kyle was shot twice and survived six sepa-rate IED explosions. He accumulated 160 confirmed kills out of 255 probable kills. On Febru-ary 2, 2013 Chris was shot and killed at a shooting range in Chalk Mountain, Texas by a fellow war veteran. Chris’s legacy was immortalized in 2014 when Clint Eastwood directed a biopic movie of his life with Bradley Cooper in the starring role.

Our IS 303 team attended the ASCD Conference which is a National Conference. At

this conference the teachers and I attended various informative workshops which topics ranged from best teaching practices to creating the optimal learning environment. Our teach-

ers came back eager to share with colleagues and students. Our upcoming professional learn-ing sessions will serve as a forum for teachers to share with their colleagues what they

learned.

Teachers were also very eager to share best practices with their students and kept referring to

what they learned and how they would implement new strategies to help all learners.

I look forward to seeing all the strategies learned shared with both students and teachers. We continue to learn and encourage all students to come up and ask us about our learning experi-

ences and how we plan to make our school a better place through these opportunities that will

open the doors to all learners and will help make these experiences fun! Carmen N. Amador

By: Darian Lynch, 6-106

One W ork ing Un i t Page 3

By: Junaet Mahbub, 7-

217, Photos By: Eben

Missick, 7-227

Q: Mr. Iacovano, Can you please tell us about your career as a

teacher and assistant principal?

A: I was a physical education teacher for ten years and also a dean of stu-

dents. I have been an assistant principal for sixteen years. I’m very proud

to call I.S. 303 my home. I want this to be the best middle school in New

York. I enjoy coming to work every day and helping shape all of our stu-

dents into fine young men and women.

Q: What are some of your interests outside of school?

A: I coach baseball in the Spring and Summer. I also coach two basketball

teams. I’m also a fan of working out in the gym. Aside from those activi-

ties, I am an avid fan of trying new varieties of pizza.

Q: What are you expecting from the state tests?

A: I am expecting all of our students to do well. They have been very well

prepared by the teachers. As long as they believe in themselves, and try

their best they will succeed.

Q: Ms. Lawson, what made you want to become a teacher?

A: In college, I was a marketing major. I took teaching as an elective

course and enjoyed it. I decided to do some field work and take extra

credits in work that I missed.

Q: What are some of your classroom highlights so far this year?

A: My class has come a long way, especially in ELA. I am very happy with

how they are coming along with their state test preparation as well.

Q: What activities do you enjoy doing in your time outside of the

classroom?

A: I enjoy going to concerts, movies, and doing volunteer work. I also en-

joy spending as much time as I can with my friends and family members.

One W ork ing Un i t Page 4

Monthly Horoscopes with Ms. W March Edition

Aries: March 21st – April 19th:

Extreme situations call for extreme actions on Monday and Tuesday. Make sure you have backup before you go in. Wednesday through Fri-day is an intellectual time for you, so you tend to deal with problems on an analytical level rather than an emotional one. Yes, your friends will be surprised! De-tails aren't your thing on Saturday and Sunday. Make a list of chores so you don't forget anything. Taurus: April 20th – May 20th:

There's a line between confidence and arrogance, but you seem to have forgotten where it is on Monday and Tuesday. Tone down the bragging just a bit. Your first instinct is to do battle with someone who challenges you on Wednesday through Friday, but you'd actually do better working as a team. The Moon mellows you and puts you in a creative mood on Saturday and Sunday. When's the last time you picked up a paintbrush or some colored pencils and got lost in your own creations? Gemini: May 21st – June 20th:

Someone new comes into your life on Monday and Tuesday, and it might not be love at first sight, but there's definitely potential for romance. Wednesday through Friday is a good time to try your hand at a new activity, but it might be a good idea to do it on your own first in case something embarrassing happens. Respect is important on Saturday and Sunday, but don't just give it away - make people earn it. Cancer: June 21st – July 22nd:

Thinking about someone from the past on Monday or Tuesday isn't going to bring him or her back to you, but it's OK to be sad. Deal

with your emotions as they come up in order to move on. You're getting along really well with someone you usually clash with between Wednesday

and Friday, but don't push it. You'll probably never be best friends, and that's OK. Sticking with your usual routine is a good idea on Saturday and

Sunday. The unusual can be confusing over the weekend.

Leo: July 23rd – August 22nd:

You good mood is contagious on Monday and Tuesday. Smile even if you don't feel like it - you will make someone else happy. The Moon brings some radical ideas to your thought processes on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but don't put those ideas into action quite yet. Your work could use some editing before you take it public. Saturday and Sunday are good days to follow your imagination. It will take you far. Virgo: August 23rd – September 22nd:

Monday and Tuesday are days to save instead of splurge. Make your own lunch instead of going out with friends. Every dollar makes a difference! The Moon helps you relate to people you would normally clash with between Wednesday and Sunday. Take the opportunity to make your social circle bigger and more interesting than it's ever been before. Get creative on Saturday and Sunday. There's more than one way to do things.

Page 5 One W ork ing Un i t

Libra: September 23rd – October 22nd:

On Monday or Tuesday, you finally get the recognition you've been waiting for. Don't let the applause embarrass you. You deserve to be the center of attention. Your future looks bright, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are good days to start planning for it. Fill out paperwork, make phone calls, and send e-mails regarding an important future-related event. Try putting a square peg in a round hole on Saturday and Sunday. It might not fit, but the results will surprise you. Scorpio: October 23rd – November 21st:

You're in charge of you on Monday and Tuesday, and you're likely to make some bad decisions if you don't take being in charge of

yourself seriously. Between Wednesday and Friday your brilliance really shines. The whole world takes notice when you step out the door and walk

down the street. Your dreams have special meaning on Saturday and Sunday. Explore dream symbolism online or at the library.

Sagittarius: November 22nd – December 21st:

If you have problems on Monday and Tuesday, call in a favor. There's a friend, teacher, or relative who's been waiting a long time to pay you back for a kindness you showed them. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are good days to join a team or group discussion. Being on your own is fine, but times like this call for social interaction. Intense transformation is possible on Saturday and Sunday. Be the person you know you can be. Capricorn: December 22nd – January 19th:

You want to go the speed of light on Monday and Tuesday, but you're better off starting at a crawl and working your way up from there. Between Wednesday and Friday, making your ambitious side really show itself comes easier. The higher your goals the better on these days will be. Rest and relaxation is the key to whatever's bothering you on Saturday and Sunday. Put a "Do not disturb" sign on your door if necessary. Aquarius January 20th-Febuaray 18th:

If you're grounded or your plans fall through on Monday and Tuesday, use your free time wisely. You can get a lot done if you don't focus on the negative. Power struggles pop up when you try to challenge someone who thinks they're in a position of authority on Wednesday through Friday. Be patient. It will be your turn soon enough. Saturday and Sunday are good days to shop around rather than buy the first thing that catches your eye. Pisces February 19th - March 20th:

Someone's hidden agenda is becoming a lot clearer to you on Tuesday. Now that you know more about the plan, you have to decide

whether or not you're going to go along with it. You go deep into your own thoughts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but make sure you don't go

so deep that other people can't reach you. The Moon blurs your vision a little bit on Saturday and Sunday. Something you thought was right in front of

you might be quite a distance away.

One W ork ing Un i t Page 6

Trump Village Plaza is at the edge of the cliff. The shopping center’s date of clos-ing is looming. Now, you may be asking, why on earth will they be closing down the Shopping Center? The reasons are of a financial matter. The wealthy developer named Rubin Schron who owns the land has decided not to renew the leases of the many stores that have occupied the land since the 1970’s. Many of you might not know this, but the shopping center once housed a movie theater, and two different diners. As of this printing, Walgreens has already closed. CVS pharmacy might be next on the list. Through an unnamed source, it has been reported that the long standing drug store will not be getting any new shipments. This seems to be the norm in the ongoing power struggle between a billionaire developer and local resi-dents and store owners. Stay tuned for upcoming news on this ongoing struggle of

By: Rodrigo

Fernandez 7-227

On February 24, 2015 a man who failed to show up for sentencing was trying to avoid United States Marshals in a car chase.

The high speed drama began in Old Bridge, New Jersey. The chase continued through Staten Island, and across the Verrazano bridge.

41 year old Anthony Mazza was seen at his house after marshals had been staking out the house where his car was seen in his drive

way. Three people were in the car with Mazza. An unnamed women was in the passenger’s seat and Mazza was the driver. There was

also another male in the back seat. As soon as Mazza spotted the marshals he engaged a car chase. Authorities started chasing them,

and continued all the way across the Verrazano bridge. The chase ended on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn where the U.S. Marshals finally

seized control of Mazza. Upon his capture, Mazza was charged with unlawful fleeing and aggravated assault on police. There were sev-

eral other charges stemming from the outstanding warrants that he possessed. The high speed chase marked the first of its kind in over

25 years that led authorities through two states.

By: Allen

Talovlkov 7-

227

Page 7 One W ork ing Un i t

Photos By:

Eben Missick

7-227

This years Science fair was one for the ages! Students from 6th , 7th and 8th grade did a magnifi-cent job on their projects this year. Students were able to choose from a wide range of experiments and apply what they learned about the Scientific method to do an outstanding job . All classes had an oppor-tunity to view the projects that were chosen this year and give their opinions on who they thought were the best. Our team of Scientific Experts led by Ms. Cymbalist did an official judging of the chosen pro-jects and picked the best for each grade in 3 different categories. The categories were Emerging, Novice and Expert Scientist. The winner and runner up will receive a special ribbon to acknowledge their accom-plishment and all entries will receive a certificate of excellence. The judging was very difficult this year for all the projects were amazing! The winners will be announced in school and will be posted on the school website.

Congratulations to a job well done by all our participants!

By: Mr. Dobin,

Guidance Counselor

By: Mr. Iacovano,

Assistant Principal

On Saturday, March 28th, I.S. 303 reached yet another

milestone. The Sea Perch students of Ms. Garcia and Mrs. Pitti’s

sixth grade class won the 2015 New York State Sea Perch Ob-

stacle Course Competition. Ms. Bili and a group consisting of

Michael Depe and Shamari Olasoji built an underwater robot that

bested the competition which included schools from all over New

York City. The competition was fierce. With hundreds of stu-

dents competing, I.S. 303 rose to the occasion and brought home

the gold. The event was held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park

and was co-sponsored by the United States Navy. Despite the

harsh weather, all of the students involved made their best efforts

to achieve victory. Chief Freddie McAbee of the United States

Navy had this to say about the I.S. 303 victory. “I always enjoy

coming to I.S. 303 and working to educate the students about the

importance of the United States Navy. Class 6-165 has shown a

great interest in the Sea Perch project and has a very bright

group of students.” We look forward to competing again next

year and continuing to bring home the gold!

One W ork ing Un i t Page 9

I have been following the gold and silver precious metals market for a while now. It seems that over the past few months prices on both have been on an up and down roller coaster. Usually over small periods of time, there is very little change in the daily prices of both. What caught my eye as of late is that the prices are climbing and dropping at dra-matic rates. There are several factors that contribute to the overall changes. Gold and sil-ver fluctuate over sixty day chart periods. There are various ways to track the progress. Websites such as Apmex.com and Kitco.com are standards in the industry.

It is said that big investors and large corporations control the markets. It is important to un-derstand the everyday average investors comprises only fifteen percent of the market. Big corporations have been known to buy-up large amounts of gold and silver. This can cause the market prices to value or devalue. A simple way to say this is that when the supply is up, the demand goes down. Reading periodicals such as “The Wall Street Journal”, and “The New York Times” are great sources to keep track of the current markets and changes.

People’s emotions tend to get the best of them when they are thinking of investing. When prices are high, they get excited. Often we feel that this is a good time to buy because the value will keep going up. My personal opinion is that the time to buy is when the prices show a consistent day to day drop. At the current March market closing, the price of gold is $1,194.20 an ounce and silver is still up at $16.90 an ounce. Gold declined over $60 an ounce. Keep an eye on the current market for hourly and daily changes. Please also re-member that like oil, gold and silver are finite resources and will eventually run out.

By: Mr.Dobin,

Guidance

Counselor

After so many years of playing the Battlefield series, Electronic Arts finally releases a game of cops and robbers titled “Battlefield Hardline”. The full version of Battlefield Hardline was released on March 17, 2015. The Longley anticipated game has been received with rave reviews from critics and players alike. This game introduces a revolutionary change to the Battlefield franchise. The Bat-tlefield series has been centered on the topic of war. Battlefield Hardline is a first person shooter experience. When you are a first person shooter, you have the advantage of looking through the character’s perspective. The multiplayer version is very different from the previous generations. In 2000, Electronic Arts started with a World War 2 theme for Battlefield. Using the mulit -player mode, you would be able to play as any character that you would like. There are new game modes, heists, hotwires, and much more. It seems that with all of the current gaming trends, it can be hard to keep up with all of the new releases. Battlefield is definitely one to watch and not miss out on. Games that have sequels aren’t always given better than average reviews. Battlefield will prove differently in my opinion. Try your skills at the new “Battlefield Hardline” available both in stores and online to-day. Please keep reading to see what’s trending in the gaming world in April.

By: Junaet

Mahbub 7-217

Newspaper Staff

Publisher and lead Advisor Senior Editor & Advisor Technical Advisor Writer And Advisor

Samil Levin

Destiny Melendez Eben Missick

Allen Talovikov

Waseem Saleen

Mr. Dobin

Art/staff writer

Staff Writer

Lead Photogra-

pher

7th Grade Pho-

tographer

Ms. Amador

Ky Wiliams Andy Wang

Staff Writer Staff Writer

Mr. Wu

John Riccardi

Staff Writer and

interviewer

Graphic Design Editor

Ms. Wertheimer

Staff Writer

Darian Lynch

Student Editor

Staff Writer

Rodrigo fernandez

Junaet M.