THE sTATement

!
THE
MAY 2015!
Design Editor: Eli Bacher-Chong!
News Editor: Rebeca Gonzalez!
Opinion Editor: Sophia
Santiago
In This!
Issue:
HSTAT PRESENTS
FIRST ANNUAL SINGING
COMPETITION (p. 2)!
Over 20 HSTAT students and
staff members display their
vocal talents.
ISSUE NO. 2
sTATement
DE BLASIO LIFTS NYC SCHOOL
CELL PHONE BAN (p.2)!
Acknowledging the technological
needs of students, new Mayor Bill de
Blasio lifted the controversial cell
phone ban in NYC public schools.
Ads. Editor: Safaa Slimani!
Cartoons Editor: Raven Lozada!
Advisor: Mrs. Meade!
(And you… Join the staff!)
SHOULD SCHOOL START
LATER IN THE CITY THAT
NEVER SLEEPS? (p.5)!
With busy school and personal
schedules, New York City students
frequently feel overwhelmed.
Shoutouts!!
(p. 8)
HSTAT’s Theater Workshop Wows with Guys and Dolls!!
By Safaa Slimani
!
More than eighty students and
including selling candy and
staff members combined energy and
hosting a cake walk event. !
effort for nine months to produce
! The number of students
this year’s musical, Guys and Dolls.
involved was not the only
Set in 1940’s, the comedy explores
impressive statistic- the show
the relationship between male
also broke HSTAT’s record for
gamblers and female missionaries.
audience-attendance, with over
When a cheeky gambler is
750 tickets sold between the
challenged to take a devout
production’s four shows.!
missionary on a date, romance
! As the numbers indicate, the
blossoms and hilarity ensues. !
show was a hit. The cast and
!
Open auditions for the show
crew’s hard work clearly paid
began in the fall. In order to involve
off. The clean musical numbers,
as many students as possible in the
choreographed by Oscar
Theater Workshop program,
Sifuentes, a 2014 HSTAT
Musical Director Mr. Adelizzi and
graduate, charmed the
Stage Director Ms. Plumb doubleaudience. For two hours, the
Adelaide
(played
by
Senior
Jennifer
Aguilar)
and
her
Hot
Box
girls
perform
cast the lead roles, allowing for a
crowd was transported to 1940’s
“Bushel and a Peck.” (photo courtesy of Mr. Mueller)
record-number of students to
Manhattan. The cast’s
participate in the production. The
convincing acting and costumes
HSTAT Theater Workshop covered the elevated production costs from
made spectators feel like they were watching real gamblers, Hot Box
increased student participation by fundraising in various ways,
girls and missionaries instead (continued on page 3)
HSTAT Gives Roof an Eco-Friendly Upgrade!
By Eli Bacher-Chong and Issam Eddine Djadja
After almost a decade of red tape
and construction, workers are
finally beginning to convert the
once deserted roof of the HSTAT
auditorium into a farmable
greenhouse.!
!
The steel skeleton of the
future greenhouse already stands
on the roof, a structure planned to
measure twenty-four feet wide by
sixty feet long. Mr. De Martini, the
Assistant Principal of
Organization at HSTAT, recently
described the benefits of the
greenhouse. These include
providing fresh produce for the
the culinary club and cafeteria.
The greenhouse, with a total cost
nearing two million dollars, will
also be used for science classes
studying biology and agriculture.
In addition, it will serve as an
insulator for the auditorium,
blocking heat from escaping in the
winter and shielding it from the
sun in the summer.!
!
Students will have access to
the greenhouse with adult
supervision. However, the
!
greenhouse will not be open to
students during their lunch
periods, or to the outside public.
A greenhouse gardening elective
will become available. The
presence of an enclosed
greenhouse will allow the school
to grow off-season crops in the
wintertime, according to
Ramsunder Adinaryan, the
senior project officer from the
School Construction Authority
working on the project.!
!
The project received funding
from New York City
councilmember Vincent Gentile.
The School Construction
Authority is responsible for the
physical construction process,
locally managed by Bassam
Abdu. This group carries out a
wide array of other building
projects, from installing science
labs to the construction of all New
York City Schools.!
!
The greenhouse is scheduled
for completion by June 2015, but
Mr. De Martini says that June 2016
would be a more realistic
A greenhouse at another public school, similar to the one being constructed at
HSTAT (photo courtesy of the School Construction Authority)
estimate. The project began in
2006, and construction is about
halfway complete.!
!
Construction typically occurs
on weekdays after 2:30 pm, with
additional work done in the
Page "1
morning on weekends. Even
though construction is moving
ahead, hurdles inevitably arise.
Steve Gonzalez of the School
Construction Authority handles
(continued on page 2)
MAY 2015!
!
(“HSTAT Gives Roof an Eco-Friendly Upgrade”, continued from
page 1) noise and dust issues that arise with the nearby community, or
at least “tries” to, as he jokingly remarked.!
!
Mr. De Martini revealed that the school building first opened in
1914, making it over a hundred years old, so the original hand drawn
blueprints are imprecise. As a result, the roof had to undergo various
tests and inspections to determine its composition and strength.!
!
It was reported that the building had insufficient water proofing,
which allowed water to enter and cause minor damage to the
auditorium floor and ceiling. Mr. Adbu of the School Construction
Authority promised to repair the damage after the project is
completed.!
!
When asked about this new development at the school, freshman
Justin Franqui quickly spouted “We’re getting a greenhouse?”!
!
Amid these benefits and obstacles, Mr. De Martini points out that
this is “the High School of Telecommunications Arts and Technology,
which makes you think of computers, computers, computers, but this
is advancement in a different kind, technology of a different kind.” He
hopes the greenhouse project will “take our school in a different
direction” towards improved environmental education and
stewardship.!
!
HSTAT Presents First
Annual Singing Competition!
By Raven Lozada and Elianny Tull!
!
Over 20 HSTAT students and staff members displayed their vocal
talents in the auditorium on Friday, March 20th at HSTAT’s first-ever
singing competition, “The Sing Off”.!
!
The Student Government Office (SGO) planned the event for
nearly a year. SGO President Tarek Algabyali, along with the help of
the other SGO members, created the Sing Off to give students a
musical outlet and a chance to show off their hidden talents.!
!
Before the event took place, the SGO kept the details of the show
shrouded in mystery. The identities of the judges and the prize were
concealed until the night of the show. “We felt that we shouldn’t reveal
the judges so contestants wouldn’t try to convince them and spread
bias,” Senior SGO member Ellie Ly explained. !
!
The Sing Off participants shared heartwarming reasons for
competing. For some, it was an opportunity to reveal a side of
themselves their teachers and peers might not see in the classroom. For
one student, however, the show was the chance to stand on the
school’s stage one last time. Senior contestant Nicholas Candelario
collaborated with Sophomore Brendan Sullivan and sang “The Man
Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script. Although Nicholas had
participated in other HSTAT productions, he explained that his
performance during the Sing Off will be his most memorable. “I got to
enjoy myself while singing with my friends. I actually got closer to my
friends, too, because we were in the competition together.” !
!
The winner of The Sing Off, Senior Esther Barrezuela, was elated
when she received her prize, a $75 giftcard. Esther gave a chilling
performance of the song “Someone Like You” by Adele. “I was up
against awesome vocalists, like Julissa [Loaiza], Nicholas [Candelario]
and Brendan [Sullivan], and I definitely wasn't sure if I was going to
win. I was just trying to enjoy myself.” Esther explained that many of
Senior Esther Barrezuela won the school sing-off, winning a $75 gift card.
!
ISSUE NO. 2
the contestants, including herself, learned a great amount from the
experience. “I realized that you just have to have fun! If you take
everything too seriously, especially if there is a prize, you'll overthink
it.”!
!
The audience seemed to enjoy the show. “It was amazing,” Senior
Miguelina Ortega raved. “The participants were talented, and I didn’t
know so many Tele students have amazing voices.” !
!
The contestants were not the only impressive part of the Sing Off.
Freshmen Simeon Karakatsiotis attended The Sing Off and expressed
how proud he was of his fellow audience members. “There was a sense
of unity [in the audience]. Everybody was clapping, everybody stood
up, and nobody showed any disrespect.”!
!
The SGO hopes to make the Sing Off an annual tradition at HSTAT.
Ellie Ly explained, “We hope that every year, the SGO will be able to
hold the Tele Sing Off for the students to participate in and enjoy.”!
De Blasio Lifts
NYC School Cell Phone Ban!
By Safaa Slimani and Mustafa Hamdan!
!
Acknowledging the technological needs of students, new Mayor
Bill de Blasio lifted the controversial cell phone ban in NYC public
schools. The ban, put in place in the 1980’s to minimize classroom
disturbances, included the prohibition of not only cellular phones, but
also electronic devices such as iPods, iPads, head phones and beepers.!
!
When the ban was in place, many schools utilized strict policies to
keep their students’ phones from entering the school buildings,
confiscating any phones found in bags and lockers. In many parts of
the city, students began utilizing neighboring shops and restaurants,
paying store owners a dollar a day to hold their phone while they were
in class. When the school day ended, students would have be able to
quickly access their phone from the shop, rather than needing to return
home to pick it up. With this practice, however, costs would add up to
about $180 a year, a burden for many students and their families. !
!
Although concern about the distraction electronic devices can
cause is still present today in parents, teachers, and even some
students, schools agree that cell phones offer parents a sense of
security, providing communication between parents and their children
throughout the school day. Ms. Bauman, a Senior English teacher at
HSTAT and parent of two teenagers, said that she felt the old ban was
“unrealistic” with its strict rules. She said she was happy to hear the
ban was lifted and believes allowing cell phones in schools is a fair
tradeoff for parent’s to have access to their children during the school
day. “A lot of parents want to know that they can contact their
children,” she added. !
!
Unlike other schools, HSTAT maintained fairly lenient protocol for
cell phones and other electronic devices when the ban was in place.
With the removal of the ban, HSTAT’s policy saw no significant
changes. Principal Shepard explained that students will continue to be
allowed to carry their cell phones into the building and around the
hallways and use them as tools in class when they are needed, but they
cannot use them whenever they please. Unless given permission, cell
phones should not be visible or used during class. Ms. Shepard
believes HSTAT’s policy is beneficial yet practical. She concluded, “Our
time is better spent not fighting technology but rather helping students
recognize how to use technology productively and responsibly.”
Page "2
MAY 2015!
!
HSTAT Teacher Featured on
ABC Show!
by Mustafa Hamdan and Elianny Tull!
!
Everyone's been there: you find yourself awkwardly watching as
you witness a complete stranger in the middle of a wrongdoing. Do
you step in? Or do just ignore it until the scene passes? The ABC
television show What Would You Do? tests strangers’ willingness to
intervene in a public injustice by performing uncomfortable and
sometimes hostile
scenarios. The social
experiment television
show broadcasts
bystanders’ reactions,
filmed with hidden video
cameras. Once the
interaction is over, Host
John Quiñones explains
what going on before the
scenarios escalate.
Situations range from child
abuse to racial and gender
discrimination. HSTAT
Science teacher, Ms. Beck,
found herself in one such
dilemma at a local Bay
Ridge coffee shop.!
! On the morning of
February 25th, Ms. Beck, a
Freshmen Living
Environment teacher, went
to the Coffee Lab, located
on Third Avenue for her
usual cup of coffee. “I
thought I was going to just
get a coffee. I ordered it
and waited for it to be
made,”
she said.!
Science teacher Ms. Beck poses with
! Because the episode has
John Quiñones, the host of What
not aired yet, Ms. Beck was
Would You Do?, after she was
mandated to sign a
surprised by live cameras.
confidentiality agreement.
!
ISSUE NO. 2
“Signing these forms meant that I wouldn't be allowed to talk about
what happened until after the episode airs,” she explained. Ms. Beck
added that in addition to the surprise of the appearance of the
cameras, she was equally as astonished by how quickly they
disappeared. “The host and all the camera people jump right back into
the van as soon as they're done interviewing you. It was weird.” She
explained, “I signed the papers, and then suddenly everyone had
vanished! I asked for a picture with the host so that I could have
evidence that it had even happened. I then went back to school and
taught my fifth period class about cloning!” Ms. Beck laughed.!
!
What Would You Do? is not the first show lucky enough to have
Ms. Beck as a guest star. A few years ago, she appeared on an episode
of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. “They asked a group of people to
clap and dance behind that night's band, the Ting Tings. Somewhere
out there on the internet is a silly video of me dancing to one of their
songs. I challenge you all to find it!”!
!
The episode of What Would You Do? will be airing in late May or
early June, and Ms.Beck’s segment will be in the first episode of the
new season.!
!
Ms. Beck’s episode of What Would You Do? airs at 9pm Eastern
Time on Friday, May 29.!
(“HSTAT’s Theater Workshop Wows with Guys and Dolls!”
continued from page 1) of their friends and classmates.!
!
The musical not only entertained, it delivered significant message
about diversity. Ryan Basso, who played lead character Nathan
Detroit, said he feels the musical, “defies [the] normal routine” by
showing even groups as different as gamblers and missionaries can
work together. Crew Coordinator, Ms. Rehwaldt, added that the play
opened up people’s minds to see that “humans have a lot in common,
no matter where we come from.” !
!
By the end of rehearsals and shows, students found that they
learned much more than how to sing and dance. “I learned I can use
[theater skills] in everyday life,” said Freshman Ariel Pulla. “It taught
me how to roll with the punches, confidence in public speaking, and
the value of hard work.”!
!
Directors Mr. Adelizzi and Ms. Plumb hope to continue the
Theater Workshop’s success and growth in the upcoming years. “The
crew and the cast worked very hard to produce something that
honored all their hard work,” Ms. Plumb said. “Everyone worked
together to make something very special. I am deeply impressed by
the talent and initiative shown by the students.
Page "3
MAY 2015!
!
The Model UN Club poses for a group photo. (photo by Benjamin Flores)
Model UN Club Attends
Annual Conference!
By Benjamin Flores!
!
Nearly a dozen HSTAT students, ranging from sophomores to
seniors, attended two Model United Nations Conferences over the
months of February and March. The conferences, which took place at
Hofstra University and the Hilton Conference Center, brought
together thousands of high school students from across the city and
around the globe to discuss past, current and future global issues. !
!
Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the United
Nations, where students are asked to role play and grapple with
social and political situations. As delegates of different countries,
students work together to resolve a fictional issue. These issues differ
from more practical issues, like border control, to more hypothetical,
such as a vampire take-over.!
!
At the conferences, HSTAT students could be heard speaking in
“United Nations Talk” during their deliberation, saying things such
as “motion for a five moderated caucus,” among other phrases. In the
addition to using fun phrases, the conference allows the students to
develop public speaking and collaboration skills, which they quickly
learned are crucial to bring resolution to whatever issue is at hand.
Senior Rowida Abdelhafez explained that, “being part of Model
United Nation has allowed [her] to enhance [her] leadership, debate
and research skills, [which] aids in other aspects of [her] school life.” !
!
In addition to academic skills, MUN Club Advisor, Mr. Rader,
explained that HSTAT students left the conferences with an even
more important takeaway: “compassion and a better understanding
of the world.”!
!
Against the Plastic Empire!
By Eli Bacher-Chong !
!
If plastic is dangerous, then why do people use it, eat out of it,
and drink out of it every single day? Plastic items are everywhere:
cups, utensils, water and beverage bottles, food containers; the list
stretches on. In fact, Americans use enough plastic water bottles in a
year to circle the earth three times. It can be scary how much one
substance has infiltrated everyday life. While individuals eat and
drink out of it, and throw it into the ground and the oceans, this
unnatural material can contain toxic chemicals. But by simply
swapping out food and drink containers, grocery bags and eating
utensils, individuals can slash plastic’s power.!
!
Many think recycling solves the entire problem, but in fact, most
plastics cannot be recycled in all areas of the United States, and
currently the recycling process weakens the material. Often, a hardplastic jug has to be made into a flimsy plastic bag or a polyester
jacket (yes, polyester in clothing is actually plastic!) Therefore, the
best solution is to stop using plastic, at least when possible.!
!
Many feel that because plastic is so frequently used that it could
not possibly be toxic. After all, few people drop dead right after
drinking from a plastic water bottle. Think of plastic as more like
!
ISSUE NO. 2
smoking: it mostly harms health slowly over time, but when it
becomes clear, it is already too late. There are a couple of major
chemicals to take note of: Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, and
Styrene. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC), an environment group, BPA can be found in plastic water
bottles, baby bottles, and many other clear plastic containers. Studies
have linked this chemical to reproductive disruption, as well as to
risks of breast and prostate cancer. It also disrupts hormones, the
chemical messengers of the body. According to scientific tests,
roughly ninety-three percent of Americans have some BPA in their
bodies. BPA is found mainly in plastic bottles, so a good step to take is
to switch out disposable plastic water bottles with reusable ones
labeled BPA-free.!
!
The chemical styrene is very common and very sneaky. It is a
chemical that seeps into liquids and foods from hot PS (polystyrene)
plastic. PS plastic is best known for Styrofoam, and its most regular
form is often used in takeout containers. According to the EPA,
chronic exposure to styrene can negatively affect the brain and spinal
cord. Additionally, styrene oxide, formed from styrene in the human
body, is officially a probable human carcinogen, or a chemical that can
cause cancer. PS plastic is usually not recyclable, so avoid Styrofoam
and disposable plastic containers whenever possible. PS plastic can
also be identified by a number six inside a triangle marked on the
container. Use reusable plates, utensils, cups, mugs, and containers
made of ceramic, glass, metal, or hard plastic, like Tupperware.!
!
Additionally, many animals die as a result of the plastic pollution
that ends up in the ocean. Scientists have found mountains of plastic
trash washed up on beaches on the big island of Hawaii (quite the
vacation!). Most of the plastic that ends up in the oceans was once
litter on the ground, blown by wind and swept by currents.
Sometimes, the force of the wind and waves grinds the plastic into a
tiny but lethal sand-sized grains. In the North Pacific ocean alone,
over one-hundred thousand marine animals and one million sea birds
die from swallowing or getting tangled in plastic each year, according
to the EPA and many other environmental groups. In other words,
over a hundred seabirds and animals are killed by plastic each day.!
!
In the oceans, there are two main plastic animal-killers, both of
which are common items. The first is the plastic shopping bag. Sea
turtles in particular mistake the shape and see-through look of
floating plastic bags for the jellyfish they usually prey on. A good way
to fight the plastic bag is to use reusable cloth or canvas bags at the
store. The second is the plastic ring used to package cans and bottles,
usually in packs of six or eight. These become invisible in water, and
many animals swim through them and choke. This is especially a risk
for young animals because the rings will tighten around their necks as
they grow. The best thing to do is to snip all of the rings before
throwing them away.!
!
The concept is simple: If individuals use plastic items that are
meant to be thrown out, then these items are garbage even before they
hit the trashcan. The best way to fight the plastic empire is to not use
so much plastic. Yet the ubiquity of plastic, and indeed it being a
virtual empire, may seem discouraging. But picking up a single
plastic bag can save one hundred sea turtles: one turtle that did not
swallow the bag, and the hatchlings from his or her one hundred
eggs. Small actions truly do have large impacts. We have the power to
defeat the plastic empire. We have the power to save the world.
Page "4
MAY 2015!
!
Should School Start Later in the City
that Never Sleeps?!
ISSUE NO. 2
Tele Takeout
By Rebeca Gonzalez and Stiven Reynoso!
! Students and teachers alike can agree that one of the most
common phrases heard throughout the day is “I’m tired.” With
busy school and personal schedules, New York City students
frequently feel overwhelmed and find themselves sacrificing
sleep in order to keep up with the daily demands. With such
frequent reminders about students’ lack of sleep, it’s hard to not
question if the start of school should be changed to a later hour
in the day.!
! When it comes to maintaining an exceptional academic
lifestyle, many teenagers feel that it is hard to complete
homework at a reasonable hour and stay alert in the classroom.
With some students commuting more than an hour to school, it
can seem nearly impossible to complete homework and wake up
early enough to make it school before 8:10. Sophomore Vicky Lin
agreed that the amount of homework she completes each night
leads her to forfeiting some of the eight to nine hours doctors
recommend for her age group, adding that she often feels
“sleepy” throughout the school day. !
! According to Assistant Principal Mr. De Martini, an average
of 400 students come into school late each day. Ms. Rehwaldt, a
sophomore history teacher, finds that her first period attendance
is the lowest of the day. “Several students come late to first
period or simply miss the period all together,” she explained.
“At the school I previously taught at, nearly fifty percent of my
first period class failed the semester because they missed first
period. I think it is a problem a lot of schools face.”!
! Sophomore English teacher, Ms. Meade, agreed, adding, “It’s
always more challenging to keep first period class excited about
the content in comparison to my classes that meet later in the
day.”!
In many places around the country, schools are opting to start
later, with some first period bells ringing as last as nine o’clock,
according to NPR.!
! Junior Alexandra Bizas believes a later start to the school day
would greatly benefit the attendance and performance of
students. “[In order to do both homework and classwork
efficiently,] students need more sleep,” she said. !
! Other members of the HSTAT community, however, do not
believe changing the starting time will resolve student
exhaustion and tardiness. Science teacher Ms. Giambanco said,
“Students need to have better schedules. There are always going
to be tired and tardy students. If the school day starts later,
they’ll just go to bed later.”!
! HSTAT Principal Ms. Shephard confirmed that at this time
there is no plan to change the start of the school day. Adding that
the modification to the schedule would need to be approved by
teachers, parents and students at HSTAT, making a later start
time a “fairly large and difficult change.”
Need a quick boost of energy after school, but
you’re too busy or lazy to cook? Energy bites are a
perfect after-school snack to keep you feeling full
and awake to push through your pile of afternoon
homework. This snack is quick and easy, taking just
five minutes to make. It also makes a great on-the-go
breakfast for your morning commute to HSTAT. The
recipe is flexible, so don’t worry about exact
measurements.!
!
Here’s what you will need: !
• 1 Ripe banana!
• 3 Spoonfuls of uncooked oatmeal!
The following ingredients can be used to
personalize the bites for your desired flavor:!
• Nutella!
• Shredded coconut!
• Peanut butter!
• Cocoa powder!
• Honey !
• Chocolate chips!
!
Steps: !
1. Peel the banana and mash it thoroughly in a
bowl.!
2. Mix in the 3 spoonfuls of oatmeal into the bowl.!
3. Add in the optional flavor ingredients (we
recommend Nutella with the banana).!
4. Ball up the mix in your hands (after you’ve
washed them, of course).!
5. Enjoy!...and share them with a staff member of
The Statement.!
!
As an extra option, you can heat up the bites for
extra gooeyness and warmth. Here’s how: !
1. Arrange the bites on a plate.!
2. Put the plate into the microwave, and heat for
one minute.!
3. After the minute is up, flip the bites on the plate. !
4. Heat for 30 more seconds.!
!
Submitted by Junior Anita Lam.
!
Page "5
!
ISSUE NO. 2
Arts & Entertainment
Cartoon by Raven Lozada
MAY 2015!
Safaa’s Bookshelf!
The Flowing Way of the Leaf!
by Safaa Slimani!
!
by Issam Eddine Djadja!
!
The workers of trees creating life!
Wonder by R.J. Palacio!
✭✭✭✭⭒!
They fall but never fail, ever so perfect
Some of the most touching stories are those of people who have found a
way to deal with what is out of their control. Wonder is a novel told
mainly by August Pullman, a fifth grader who suffers from a facial
deformity. He makes the decision to attend a public school rather than
being homeschooled by his mother. August must step outside of the
protective bubble of his family if he wants to experience life and all it has
to offer him. As you read Wonder, you will find yourself rooting for
August as he navigates the discomforts of being different from other in
the outside world in which he now finds himself. When you finish the
novel, you’ll walk away with a story and life lessons you will never
forget.!
!
and precise !
Flashing signals to the ear!
Screaming life to the naked eye!
Around the human no matter where he is!
People destroy and poison it!
It creates while people learn!
Yet the human fails to share its ideas!
It teaches messages to blind eyes !
It shouts at life with “woosh” yet
humans only hear “boom”!
Leaves are the blood of my body
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie!
✭✭✭✭✭!
Everyone loves a light-hearted comedy from time to time, and The
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian offers a reader comedy and so
much more. Junior keeps his life story very honest in his journal. He tries to take his life on the miserable Indian
reservation in a different direction and enrolls in a new, all-white school outside of the reservation, leading Junior to
deal with the judgment of both his new classmates and his friends and family on the reservation. If my review can’t
convince you, I’ll let the book’s 20 literary awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s
Literature, speak for themselves.!
!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan!
✭✭✭✭⭒!
This series starts with the novel The Lightning Thief, starring Percy Jackson as the funny and sarcastic protagonist.
Percy learns that he is a demigod, and that Greek mythology is in fact no myth. He comes into this newfound life
facing a terrible accusation: Zeus, the god of lightning, charges Percy with stealing his lightning bolt, the most
powerful weapon on the planet. Percy goes on a quest with his best friend Grover and a girl named Annabeth to
find and return the treasured lightening bolt to Zeus before his anger leads to the destruction of the world.
Thankfully, the adventure doesn’t stop there; there are four other novels in this series to keep you entertained.
!
Page "6
MAY 2015!
!
ISSUE NO. 2
Tele-Triva Crossword Puzzle
Test your Tele trivia knowledge with The Statement’s crossword challenge. If you successfully complete the puzzle
return it to room 334 for a free shoutout in the next issue of The Statement. Don’t know an answer? Ask around and get
to know your school and teachers a little better!
Across:!
6. What sport did Mr. Gennaoui play in college?!
7. How many HSTAT teachers had a baby during the
2014-2015 school year?!
8. On which floor is the art studio located?!
9. Which teacher once toured in a metal rock band?!
12. Which HSTAT club sells coffee and bagels each
morning?!
13. Which last name is shared by two HSTAT teachers?!
!
!
Down:!
1. Which gym teacher was also a student at HSTAT?!
2. Which counselor works in room 431?!
3. Which park is located across the street from HSTAT?!
4. What animal serves as the HSTAT mascot?!
5. Which Spanish teacher speaks three languages?!
10. What subject did Ms. Shepard teach before she was
principal?!
11. Where did Ms. Murray go to college?
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Shou
MIGHTY BANDIT x SWAMPMAN [Prod. by Johnny
Rocketfingers]!
If HSTAT recycles all of its paper, we can save 8 trees per
year.!
For the love of Earth, Recycle!!
RECYCLE!!
Dear: Senee: You are my best friend I love you!!!!
Go Yellow Jackets!! !
Samaher, you’re 18!!
eggs, bacon, grits. __________!
When I go to Ihop I order some __________!
Ca$h is king!!
Hazel Negron you are my world I love you with all my
heart and soul, more than you could ever know ♥!
!
ISSUE NO. 2
Statment Staff:!
Rebeca Gonzalez (News Editor)!
Eli Bacher-Chong (Design Editor)!
Safaa Slimani (Advertisement Editor)!
Sophia Santiago (Opinion Editor)!
Raven Lozada (Cartoonist)!
!
Staff Writers:!
Stiven Reynoso!
Issam Eddine Djadja!
Elianny Tull!
Mustafa Hamdan!
Benjamin Flores
Hi!
Consider Humanity!
Congratulations Raven! You bring creativity and a spark
to the newspaper with your wit! Love you!!!
Ya tu sabe!
Good luck my AP Calculus students. Joke: What is the
integral of 1/cabin? “log cabin”!
I love Anne Chen ♥!
Interested in writing,
design or business?!
Join the statement for the
2015–2016 school year
by talking to your
academic advisor.
To Crazy Cuz who makes me happy OXOX You’re
amazing No Joke! OXOX Mr. Crazy Mr. Crazy! take
care!
Realistic Drawing Practice!
Final Product (Where is the rest
By Stiven Reynoso
of that hand’s body? You draw it!)
☞
touts!
MAY 2015!
Step 1!
Step 2!
Step 3!
Shading Tips!
In order to draw your
object or item, you need
the base outline of the
object. Mine is a cup, so it
will be a cylinder.
To make your object/
item look realistic, you
need to get some details
done in your drawing
(for example, you need to
find where the shadows
start and where dark
shadows are).
In order to give your
drawing a realistic look
and feel, you need good
shading.
If you want soft shading,
you can use your finger by
rubbing it where you want
a soft shadow.
Go, Tele!
!
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