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University Neighborhood High School
UNHS Press
2017: A Year in Review
By SOMAIYA ATKER
The fall semester has brought many changes and celebrations to University Neighborhood High School. In the past five months we have welcomed several new faculty members into our family, of-fered our highest number of College Now courses, and were ranked as one of the top high schools in New York City by The New Y ork Daily News.
None of this would be possible without our grow-ing school spirit and community. Spirit Week, Family Night, Unity Lunch and Winterfest are all large-scale events that have brought our school community closer together. However, our strength lies in the quotidian actions of students every day that often go underappreciated— for example, the increasing Spirit Squad that cheers on our basket-ball team on their way to victory, our growing Sat-urday school numbers, and the always present help-ful hand that be spotted in the hallways.
Our continued efforts in giving back to the local and global community set UNHS apart. At the be-ginning of the year, the Student Government Or-ganization and Spanish Club combined forces in order to help victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico and Mexico. The drive supplied vic-tims with much needed necessities. In the winter students helped wrap presents for a family at a lo-cal shelter in order to ensure that everyone woke up for a pleasant surprise during one of the coldest months.
2017 was a year of growth for UNHS. This issue is dedicated to exploring the fall semester’s biggest moments and sneak peek of what to expect for this spring.
Home of The Panthers
Our Team:
Volume 2 , Issue 5
February 28, 2018
Advisors: Ms. Haff and Ms. Loccisa-
Editors: Tyler Johnson Somaiya Akter Jonathan Cruz Annjalie Chander
Monserrat Perez Sally Jiang Shanice Keitt Herla Altman
Angel Cortina Andrea Roman Anthony Rivera Udeme Udom
November: Juniors Travel to Philadelphia
By ANGEL CORTINA & MONSERRAT PEREZ
On November 20th, junior stu-dents went to Philadelphia to visit historical sites. Before the trip students were given an itin-erary that informed them of the activities that would take place throughout the day.
Continued on page 4
Panthers Dominating their Season By DANNY JORDAN
One of the biggest success stories of the year is how prosperous our Panthers basketball team has been. It all started with winning the Homecoming game, and now as of February 28th, Panthers are 13-5 and 3rd in the Man-hattan division.
The team’s success has instilled a spirit in the school we have not seen be-fore. Join the move-ment and come to the last home game at Marta Valle High School Wednesday, February 28th.
November: UNHS 2017 Unity Lunch
By XU XIAO
UNHS’ Unity Luncheon was the most anticipated event of the month. November 17 was the day where all grades were able to spend quality time with their dearest friends and enjoy a delicious meal made by UNHS’ staff, students, and parents. It was a day where unity and diversity were highly celebrated. During lunch, students and teachers were able to taste a variety of cuisines. Some of the main dishes were roast turkey, chicken curry, dumplings, and pork. The deli-cate desserts were a favorite among the students. The Unity Lunch was not only an opportunity for UNHS students to culturally explore new foods, but also to en-joy one another's company. Students were able to tell stories of their unique family traditions; it was an inter-action that is especially welcome during the holidays. Our principal, Mrs. Collins, expressed the significance of having a moment where the entire school could unite. She expressed, “When I came to America in 1986, I was invited to a Thanksgiving dinner that my friends were having. I did not have family here at this time, and we do not have Thanksgiving in Poland; it was a holi-day that I was not familiar with. When I went to my friends’ Thanksgiving dinner, I thought, ‘This is the most amazing holiday!’ It unites so many people. I want the students to know that this is not only about eating foods from different cultures, but also knowing other cultures better, understanding each other better, having more tolerance, and having respect for everyone. You see that instead of Thanksgiving decorations, we have flags of all different countries displayed. We are all here just like one big family, and that’s what I want everyone to learn.” Her favorite aspect of the Unity Lunch is al-ways “when all children are united and I can see the joy they have in being together.” Clearly, Thanksgiving is a holiday that is close to Mrs. Collins’ heart.
This has been a year where there has been a lack of love in our country. We have faced discrimination in many forms and a Thanksgiving Lunch was probably a mo-ment many students desired. As UNHS students we should appreciate the moments we are able to spend as a family because are actually in need of one.
As Ms. Collins said, we are all a family and it is events like the Unity Lunch that help us connect with one an-other. The flags of the world are still admired daily from our students and this shows the respect and value of each UNHS student.
Ms. Collins
grabbing some
treats in the
cafeteria during
Unity Lunch.
Students dine in the lobby during Unity Lunch.
Seniors Hawa Sall
and Lenaya Sharp
pose while serving
turkey during Uni-
ty Lunch.
Students wait for their delicious meal in the cafeteria.
December: UNHS Winterfest 2017
By XU XIAO
On December 14th, UNHS hosted its annual Winterfest. It is always a memorable event for the entire school and a much-anticipated tradition. Our performers exhibited a variety of talents through dance and music, and they prepared extensively for their outstanding performances.
Student Government and the Arts Department united to make the show possible. Ms. Asch, Mr. Chung, and Mr.Sossi were active in the production of the show. We had the pleasure to interview the contributors on the matter and received useful feedback. The ultimate goal for Winterfest was “to celebrate our school community through performance in a way that respects how diverse we are, how talented we are, and how proud we should all be of who we are individually and as a whole,” ac-cording to Ms. Asch. Our music teacher, Mr. Chung, added, “The ultimate goal is to demonstrate diversity of the school by doing music and dances from several dif-ferent countries and cultures. We would like to show that we are very diverse and that we’re
celebrating our differences.” As with the Unity Lunch, Winterfest to promote the celebration of diversity on campus.
Although this winter was cold, our hearts were warm, and the freezing conditions outside school doors did not stop the enthusiasm of students. The applause from the audience meant the show was to start, and our first per-formance was a Cuban dance, the rumba. The ebullient dance had attracted the attention of students, leading to a great start of the show. One of the most impressive performances was the piano music, “Kiss the Rain/River Flows in You” by Evan Wong. The graceful music made every audience member enthralled; the lobby was so peaceful. Other performances were outstanding too. The Winterfest ended beautifully with “Question” by UNHS dancers, and the audience reluctantly left the lobby. The performances were spoken about the next day of school and highly celebrated throughout social media. It was a terrific opportunity for students to share and celebrate their many talents!
Several mash-up photos of the variety of cultural dances
from the event. Photos taken by Annjalie Chander.
Mash-up photos of all the musical talent from the even-
ing from pianists to vocals. Photos taken by Annjalie
Chander.
Continued from page 1
On the day of the trip, students were required to arrive at school by 7:15 in the morning. Junior students were then divided into two groups to avoid overcrowding during the trip. The first group went to the Constitution Center, a museum solely dedicated to the Constitution. There we explored the historical impact of the living document. We also investigated the meaning of the phrase “We the people.” Students also experienced “Freedom Rising,” a multimedia spectacle; the play conveyed the grave im-portance of the Constitution. After the finale of the play, students were allowed to traverse the museum freely. The second group went to La Salle University. La Salle is a privately-owned Catholic college located in Philadelph-ia. Students were met with a tour of the campus given by attending students. Later on, students were given a chance to get a glimpse of the library and the School of Business. The School of Business also happens to be lo-cated in the tallest building within Philadelphia. To finish the tour, students were given an informative session on the topic of college. From there, both groups ate lunch and then parted ways again. The first group went on to visit La Salle, while the second group went to the
Con-
stitution Center. Nearing the end of the trip, both groups met up again at Eastern State Penitentiary. A historical marvel,
Eastern State Penitentiary is a famous prison that opened in 1829 and remained open until it was shut down in 1971. Known now as an “archaic” prison setup, it in-spired many prisons at the time to adopt a similar struc-ture. But that’s not all that makes Eastern State special; it also held notorious crime lord, Al Capone. Eastern State has carved itself into the history of Pennsylvania. After visiting Eastern State Penitentiary, students left with chills down their spine seeing the penitentiary shift as it grew darker outside.
In a survey conducted by Ms. Haff, almost all students agreed that Eastern State was the highlight of the trip and the Constitution Center was the “most informative” part of the trip. We are so glad that we had the opportunity to take this informative trip.
Team Justice
poses outside the
Constitution
Center that over-
looks Liberty
Hall.
Students learn about the history of Eastern
State. Students from Team Liberty pose inside Corridor 11 of
Eastern State Penitentiary
November: Juniors Travel to Philadelphia
December: Saturday School Trip to See Wonder By JONATHAN CRUZ
On December 17th, Saturday school teachers Ms. Haff, Ms. Loccisano, Mr. Moulder, Ms. Wright, and Mr. Wohlers took 30 Saturday school students to the AMC Movie Theater on 34th Street to see the movie Wonder. The trip was re-warded to students who attended Saturday school at least five times by the mid-dle of December.
The movie starred Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson and was adapted from the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio. The Internet Movie Database describes the movie as an “inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to discover their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.” This movie not only was entertaining to watch, it also sent an im-portant message to our Saturday school attendees about the effects of bullying and the significance of acceptance. This can be all summed up in a quote from the novel and movie, “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”
For the spring semester, Saturday school students will receive new incentives for attending classes on Saturday, including a cruise around NYC, UNHS clothing apparel, and a variety of gift cards. Saturday School will start up again during the first week of March.
November: Freshmen Visit the Museum of Natural History By JOCELYN GARCIA Dinosaurs and whales and space, oh my! Over 120 freshmen explored the Ameri-can Museum of Natural History this past No-vember. Armed with a packet of activities, students connected the museum to each of their academic subjects. While the Museum of Natural History offers 40 permanent ex-hibits and rotates several dozen more, stu-dents focused their attention on The Rose Centre for Earth and Space, The Hall of Bio-diversity and Ocean Life, and several exhibits in the Human Origins and Cultural Halls.
Many freshmen were especially fond of the Giant Blue Whale Model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Made entirely of fiberglass and 94 feet long, it's no wonder why the main attraction certainly left an impression. Stu-dents also roamed the Cullman Hall of the Universe, where they explored black holes, moon rocks and even cal-culated their weight on the moon. Other highlights included the Dzanga-Sangha Rain Forest, the Cosmic Pathway that wraps around the Hayden Sphere, and the tiki sculptures adorning the walls of the Northwest Cultural Hall.
Halfway through the day, students enjoyed a brief lunch break in the museum lunchroom. The day concluded with a group picture and a stunning view of Central Park. Students were also able to catch a sneak peek of the floats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The class of 2022 gathers on the steps of the Museum of Natural History
Volunteer Opportunities for the UNHS Community
By AISATOU DIALLO, GRISELL GARCIA, TYLER JOHNSON, CARLOS MARTINEZ, MIRNA SAMPSON
The DOE requires all high school students to have a set amount of community service hours in order to graduate. Students are not limited to what they can do for community service, but there are some guidelines you are required to follow in order for these community service hours to count. Some students complete these hours at school func-tions but many do not know that there are many community service opportunities outside of school. These oppor-tunities can introduce students to a wide range of interesting activities: from filmmaking to pet care to food sort-ing, the opportunities are endless.
New York Cares’ Senior Manager for Youth Volunteering, Emily Bailey, believes that it is very important for teenagers to engage in volunteering opportunities. “It gives teens a chance to address issues that might happen in their neighborhood. It also can spark an interest for teens in a possible career path.” Bailey also believes that teens can be a real asset to volunteer programs for our city. “Teenagers are pretty fluent in social media. Since they are tech savvy, they can spread issues to a large group of people and spread awareness.” Bailey concluded the inter-view by addressing the stigma around teenagers. “People believe that teenagers don’t do much but by volunteering it can help prove them wrong.”
There are many volunteer opportunities for teenagers all over the city. It just takes the right research to find the best match. Here are some volunteer opportunities you may consider, but keep in mind that you are not limited to these options.
Dorot Summer Internship Program
For New York City High School stu-dents - rising sophomores through rising seniors. Activities: Documentary Filmmaking Intergenerational Theater Deliver meals and birthday cakes Teach computer skills Cook and dine with seniors Plan intergenerational trips to lo-
cal museums Teens receive 104 hours of com-
munity service There are two sessions: June 25th- July 19th July 24th- August 16th The internship is 4 days a week, Mon-days-Thursdays,10:30am - 5:00pm. Due Date: May 10th Website: www.dorotusa.org/teenapp
Food bank for NYC
Age requirement: 13+ Type of volunteer: Food sorting Food service and culi-
nary and event support at NYC food services
Located in the five boroughs Availability: Monday-Friday Group size: 15-50 Contact info: Jasmine Wagner (212)566-7855
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Type of volunteer: cat volunteer, kitten socialization volunteer, and dog reading volunteer, Have to be 16 years old, no
exceptions. Students who need community service hours should apply to the volunteer program during the regular quarterly application.
Quarterly applications are to be submitted the first week of De-cember, March, June and Sep-tember
Have to volunteer at least 8 hours per month.
Can volunteer at any location. Volunteer fee is waived for
students with a student id Contact info: Julie Sonenburg, [email protected] www.aspca.org/tacke-action/volunteer
Chemistry Club By SALLY JIANG & UDEME UDOM
Calling all UNHS Science fanatics, come join the Student-led Science Club. The Club will meet every Fri-day in the Science Lab starting December 15th. Mr. Viteri (Chemistry teacher) will guide students on their experi-ments. The new club is recruiting members who want to learn more science than from their regular classes. Mem-bers will further their knowledge of the world using science. Students will choose their own experiments and ideas they want to test and try out in the lab. The Science Club will try out cool experiments in the lab, learn science based on real life (chemistry and physics), tutor students in Chemistry, and MAKE SCIENCE FUN!!!.
History Club By SALLY JIANG & UDEME UDOM
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” - Winston Churchill
The History Club is an upcoming club that will be led by Mr. Kazaks in room 404. The club will be stu-dent-led and will be held Tuesdays during 5th period lunch or 6th period lunch. Mr. Kazaks is open to suggestions for meeting dates. Activities will include watching history movies (Zulu, Waterloo, Apocalypto, etc), political dis-cussions on prevalent politics, encouraging students to learn about history, and tutor students in history-related topics (either student-led or teacher taught).
New ideas are encouraged as this club is mainly run by students. Additionally, this club encourages students of all grade levels to attend if they are interested in history. Not only that, but students can ask for help with history homework or seek tutoring.
Debate Team: What Is Their Next Debate Topic? By TANIA JOAQUIN
UNHS has recently added a new club to its list of extracurricular activities: the Debate Club. During a brief interview with Mr. Cavalli, 9th grade Global History teacher and the advisor of the Debate Club, we dis-cussed the ideas that inspired the formation of this club. He explained that the purpose of this club is “to encour-age students to think independently and learn skills of argument.” Mr. Cavalli always had a passion for discussing current events and important issues; however, it was the student demand that really led to the development of the Debate Club.
The club meets every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15 P.M. and focuses on “ideas that relate to not just to the govern-ment but equality in our communities.” During their meetings, club members discuss the procedure of debating and dispute about many social issues. Mini-debates are held weekly and topics are typically discussed the week before.
The next debate is a roundtable discussion on gender equality where Mr. Cavalli hopes will “expand [student’s] horizons on current issues.”
Student Government Preps for Valentine’s Day
The UNHS Student Government has been working hard preparing for the Valentine’s Day. Members of Student Government will be fundraising in preparation for Valentine’s Day by selling roses ($2) and candy ($1) that will be delivered on Valentine’s Day during 3rd period. All sales will be made during 5th/6th period lunch throughout the week of February 5th.
Tickets for the school dance will also be made available at the Student Government booth in the lobby during lunch. Pre-sale tickets for the dance will be sold for $3, this price includes entry, food, and beverage. You can buy tickets for $5 at the door on the day of the dance.
Sudoku
The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 sub-grids that compose the grid contains all of the digits from 1 to 9. The puzzle setter provides a par-tially completed grid, which for a well-posed puzzle has a unique solution.
Aquarius (Jan 20th - Feb 18th)
Get creative. Social life may be getting out of hand and you may like some quality private time just to play. Just when you think that you have your schedule under control and can get a little rest, the next irresistible invitation comes along. Don't even think about saying no. Just go. Take a breather and have a little silly fun in the middle of the stressful holi-days.
Leo (July 23rd - Aug 22nd)
Your social life is buzzing but you may feel more like a spec-tator or observer than a participant. Enjoy being less conspicu-ous and let your friends show off for a while. It should be fun to watch. get creative with shopping and wrapping gifts. Your mind may be buzzing with a zillion splendid, personalized gifts that would be easy to make, but time is running short. Be the grownup in the room, make smart decisions, and be re-spected.
Pisces (Feb 19th - Mar 20th)
Work may try to draw you away from home, but you know where your heart is. Even if it's an early holiday party, you might prefer to skip it. Get out in public. People want to be with you and do what you're doing. Participate in a holiday charity event for children or seniors or both. Get great pleas-ure from doing the simplest things.
Virgo (Aug 23rd - Sep 22nd)
Hit the “pause” button and don't get run over by the holidays. It could be hard to concentrate on your work, but you will. You're doing interesting things and it's a nice break from the mounting holiday madness at home. Perhaps it's the promise of favorite foods and treats. See relatives or friends who had become scarce this year. Being together will be good for eve-ryone.
Aries (Mar 21st - April 19th)
Decompress with your favorite buddies during this month. There may be a lot of big name, exciting, and exotic enter-tainment available, but sometimes it's better to just chill with your friends. Let yourself be surrounded by people and soak up their enthusiasm and wonderful, wild ideas.
Libra (Sep 23rd - Oct 22nd)
Something will hit you with a strong desire to get away, far away. You won't go, however, because you have so many people and things nearby that you dearly love. It will light up your desires to be with friends and neighbors.
Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)
This month is a money making month. It could come from afar or even from people you barely know. There may also be plenty of advice that comes with it, but you know your own mind. A variety of people and problems may come to you for solutions, and you will have them. It will be easy, too. Have fun being the expert. A variety of people and problems may come to you for solutions, and you will have them. It will be easy, too. Have fun being the expert.
Scorpio (Oct 23rd - Nov 21st)
A lot of people have your back and you have resources that are completely overlooked. You're actually in great shape now. Feel powerful and energetic and get everything done ahead of time. Give your friends or family a helping hand. Money is a big deal during this time. You could easily spend way too much. At the same time, you could receive a gener-ous, unexpected gift. Expect nothing, be gracious, and see what happens.
Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)
Slow down and stay organized. The full moon on December 3 is shining for you. On December 22, Mercury goes direct just in time for a smoother, sweeter holiday.
Sagittarius (Nov 22nd - Dec 21st)
The moon conjoins Jupiter on the fourteenth. Get lucky about something fundamental that will make many other small prob-lems go away. The new moon on December 17 beams happi-ness and good cheer your way. On the spur of the moment, turn over a new leaf in your personal life or attitude and in-stantly become a new, improved you.
Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)
Quiet time may be all you want when the full moon comes on December 3. Holiday plans are beginning to get serious and there could be a work crunch going on, too. Take care of yourself and don't get frazzled. On the sixth, Mercury and Mars are sextile while the moon is in Cancer. Be smart, mo-tivated, and sensitive.
Capricorn (Dec 22nd - Jan 19th)
Some little things around the house need attention, and you're in the mood to do them under the full moon on December 3. Groom the dog, get the cat to the vet, or organize and feed the indoor plants. The holidays are falling into place, and you are making it look effortless.
Provided by Juan Cortina, Joe Liang , Tony Yang Powered by: astrologyclub.com
PTA/SLT Update
On January 10, the School Leadership Team discussed the following:
The prom for seniors: Location to be determined in March.
Expanding communication with parents through monthly emails and phone calls.
International Love Day Luncheon: Will be held February 15 during lunch periods.
Saturday School will resume on March 3. Future Saturday school dates: March 10 and 17; April 14, 21, and 28; May 5, 12, and 19; and June 2, and 9. All students are invited to make up work, get individual tutoring, or practice for Regents exams.
Our next SLT and PTA meetings are scheduled for February 15.
Free Practice SAT Test Saturday, March 24
th, 10:45AM
Seward Park Library 192 E. Broadway
New York, NY 10002
Please bring pencils and a graphing calculator.
Please contact the Seward Park Library for more information. For students in grades 8th-12th
Hach & Rose has been an important part of the community and created this scholarship in order to
further give back to those around us who have already given us so much. For the first time this
year, Hach & Rose is providing a scholarship called the $10,000 Hach & Rose, LLP Annual Col-
lege Scholarship for graduating Seniors
This scholarship will provide $10,000 to assist one graduating Senior who has shown strength
through adversity after suffering, or knowing someone who has suffered, a serious injury due to an-
other's negligence. I wanted to see if you could distribute this scholarship to your students by add-
ing it to the financial aid section of your website. The application deadline is May 15, 2018 and we
will announce the winner June 30, 2018.
The scholarship page on our website includes the deadline, award amount, eligibility requirements,
and submission.
prompt: https://www.unionlawfirm.com/10000-hach-rose-llp-annual-college-scholarship.
Are you interested in becoming leaders while also serving the community? If so, ap-
ply for the Service in Schools (SIS) Leadership Institute! The SIS Leadership Insti-
tute is an exciting opportunity, powered by Service in Schools, for NYC public high
school students in grades 10-12 to build their leadership skills over the course of a
five-day Institute during spring break, from Monday, April 2 through Friday, April 6,
2018. The SIS Leadership Institute culminates in the planning and implementation
of a day-long Youth Service Summit for elementary school students on Friday, May
25, 2018.
Pi Day Fundraiser
The National Honor Society needs your help!
In order to celebrate Pi Day we will be hosting our first annual
“PIE A TEACHER.” Place money in the corresponding teacher’s
jar. For every $3.14 raised, the lucky teacher will get a pie in the
face.
DATE DAY ACTIVITY/EVENT
2/9 Friday Deloitte meetings, 2:40 P.M.
2/12 Monday Lunchtime assemblies for 9th and 10th grades; deadline for UNHS essay and poster contest submissions
2/13 Tuesday Lunchtime assemblies for 11th and 12th grades
2/14 Wednesday Valentine’s Day
2/15 Thursday International Love Day Luncheon and after-school dance SLT Meeting after dance (changed from 2/14)
2/16-2/25 Friday to follow-ing Sunday
Lunar New Year and Mid-Winter Recess (school closed)
2/27 Tuesday John Jay College tour, 8:30 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
DATE DAY ACTIVITY/EVENT
3/2 Friday Deloitte meetings, 2:40 P.M.
3/3 Saturday Saturday Achieve Now Academy, 8:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
3/6 Tuesday “Today’s Girl, Tomorrow’s Woman” Conference, 8:30 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
3/7-3/14 Wednesday-Wednesday
Benchmark #4 administered
3/8 Thursday Parent-Teacher Evening, 4:30-7:30 P.M.
3/9 Friday Parent-Teacher Afternoon, 12:30-2:30 P.M.
3/10 Saturday Saturday Achieve Now Academy, 8:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
3/14 Wednesday SLT meeting: 4-5:00 P.M; PTA meeting: 5-6:30 P.M.
3/16 Friday End of 4th marking period; Deloitte meetings, 2:40 P.M.
3/17 Saturday Saturday Achieve Now Academy, 8:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
3/21 Wednesday PSAT for sophomores; SAT for juniors; freshman Medieval Times trip; senior cruise
3/24 Saturday Saturday Achieve Now Academy, 8:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
3/30-4/8 Friday to follow-ing Sunday
Spring recess
MARCH
FEBRUARY
UNHS UPCOMING EVENTS
