Volume 3, Issue 2 - Clifton Public Schools

Christopher Columbus Middle School
April 2014
Volume 3, Issue 2
Ms. Lalama - Co-Advisor
Mr. Giblin - Co-Advisor
CC
olumbus
olumns
Contents
Dear CCMS Community create your own
at wordle.net
1
Spotlight2
CCMS Opinions
3
Annie Jr. at CCMS
4
CCMS Critiques
5
CCMS Pep Rally
6
CCMS Fashion
7
Spring Things
8
Dear CCMS Community,
Wow! What a wild winter! Despite the
cold our students worked very hard to
bring you the second issue of the year just
in time for the start of Spring.
Ms. Lalama and I are happy to present
to you some of the cool events that
happened in our school, and some of our
student’s opinions on the issues important
to them. We here at CCMS are all
especially proud of all the amazing things
our students have accomplished, some of
which are also covered here.
The administration and the staff here
at CCMS deserve a big round of applause
for all the hard work they put into these
events. Also, the parents need to be
thanked for everything they do for our
community.
This issue and past issues of the
Columbus Columns can be found online at
the CCMS web site. Please visit the link
to download your copy. Please share with
families and friends, too!
http://clifton.k12.nj.us/schools/columbus
-Ms. Lalama & Mr. Giblin
CCMS Columns
Page 2 of 8
Spotlight
Should Students Decide Which Classes to Take?
Tyler Ojeda
Should students in middle school and high school decide
what classes they get to go to? The issue about students in
middle and high school deciding on what classes they should take
is a complex one. While some may say that students shouldn’t
decide on what classes to go to because they can’t make big
decisions, some may disagree. I believe students should decide
on what classes to take because they can participate more they
would be with their friends, and they can take courses that
focus on their career goal.
First, if students were allowed to take their favorite
classes then they would participate. Some students don’t like
certain classes because they are just bored or don’t like the
class. While some may disagree because if they select their
favorite class they won’t take the main classes such as math and
science; on the other hand, if it was their favorite class, they
would get better grades because they would participate more.
Also students would be more focused on that class and it would
help them later in their life.
Another example is students could be in classes with
their friends. If students were in a class with their friend,
they would get the same homework and help each other out.
Students that have trouble in class could have their friends help
them out. While some may say that taking classes with your
friends would make the class noisy; however if students were in
a class with their friend, they would get the same homework and
help each other out. Students that have trouble in class could
have their friends help them out. Also students would compete
with their friends to see who could get the better grade. If you
put down some rules and get past the noise, you could probably
get used to it.
Finally, students should take classes that focus on their
career goal. While some may say that art, music, social studies,
and language arts are important because in language arts you
need to know how to write an essay and read an article; on the
other hand instead of wasting time with these, I could be taking
the classes I need for my future career. For example, I want to
build machines for scientists to use to study the earth. I would
need to take more science and math classes. Instead of wasting
time with these, I could be taking the classes I need for my
future career.
In conclusion, I have analyzed the two sides of this
issue; I believe that students should decide on what classes that
get to go to because they can participate more, be in classes
with their friends, and take classes focused on their career goal.
All City Band Concert: Perfect Harmony
All City Strings Concert:
Performance From Our Souls
Nicole Castillo and Abigail Nelken
The All City Band Concert took place on Thursday April 3rd,
2014. It was an outstanding performance by the 6th, 7th, and
8th grade band. They had been practicing for quite some time,
and the time that they had put in to learn the music showed the
night of the concert at Clifton High School. This is always a great
opportunity for instrument-playing students to stand out among
their peers. This was a time to come together with Woodrow
Wilson to show that together is better than separate. Instead of
in a competitive way, Christopher Columbus practiced together,
and played together in harmony. It was an inspiring as well as
a motivating night for the musicians. Thanks to the teachers,
parents, students and administrators for a wonderful evening!
Fardusi Uddin
Music is in our souls, especially for those who took part
in All City Strings. Each and every one of the performers was
the key to this special occasion. All City Strings is not just about
entertaining or showing the Board of Education that the Arts are
very important; it is about students expressing their emotions
through their instrument. Incredibly, with just three rehearsals
with Woodrow Wilson Middle School, this was one of the best
performances that I have been an integral part of. It is still hard
to believe that with just three rehearsals together, we were not
just creating perfection, but bringing real music to the sound
of our ears. The orchestra in All City has been performed by
fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, as well as the
high school students. It was truly amazing and managed heartily
and fully by Mr. Leshowitz. However as an eighth grader, I'd
like to thank Mrs. White and especially Mr. Mankin, whose first
time conducting an orchestra in All City and making us better
players each day. It was a great experience for the performers,
conductors, supervisors, and especially the audience. It's just an
experience you can hold on to and look back on. This is really
something to look forward to every year. I can’t wait until next
year!
Above: The All City Strings Orchestra featuring students from CCMS and WWMS.
Page 3 of 8
CCMS Opinions
CCMS Columns
Are You in a Clique or a Friendship Group?
Wendy Olmos
Ever wonder what’s the difference between cliques and
friendship groups? What’s it like inside a clique? Or even why
people would want to be a part of one? As you read, you’ll find
the differences between a clique and a friendship group.
Friendship groups are formed around things other
people have in common like sports, music, movies, drama club,
and so much more. Some of the different types of groups are
the jocks, skaters, preps, and goths. People in these groups
feel like it’s a place where they’re welcomed, supported, and
can be themselves no matter what. These types of groups are
flexible and invite anyone to join in. You don’t only have to
socialize with people in the group; you can hang out with anyone
you want, even if they are outside the group. Some of these
groups stick together for a long time, while others drift apart
for reasons like they make different friends, developed other
interest, or have less in common than they used to. In friendship
groups, people have one or two friends they feel the closest.
A restricted group is known as a clique. One key piece
is that not just anyone can join their crowd. Cliques are tight
groups that have a strict code of membership and ways to act.
They focus a lot on maintaining their status and popularity;
instead of one another’s shared interests and values. They make
it look like people in their group are better than everyone else;
or that their status is higher than anyone else’s.
Cliques tend to use their power to hurt others in ways
like excluding them, being mean, insulting others by trying to
“fix” them or give them “makeovers,” and targeting someone
for looking, acting, or being different. Clique members can
sometimes be bossy and demanding. Their membership is tightly
controlled by the leaders or “social gatekeepers;” who have
the power to decide who’s in and who’s out. Cliques often use
flattery, humiliation, even rumors to manipulate events and
maintain their status. Girls aren’t the only ones who are in
cliques; guys even start their own cliques too.
I know what you’re thinking,”why would someone even
join a clique in the first place?” There are many reasons why and
unfortunately, it is a matter of false perception. It gives anyone
a chance to feel cool and it’s a place where they can get social
status. Another reason would be that others don’t like feeling
left out, or they feel like it’s better to be on the inside rather
than the outside. It’s also gives people who like control a chance
to be in charge. Especially, others who are comfortable with
following rules have a place where rules are defined. Eventually
some clique members decide they want out, because they don’t
like dealing with all the rules, pressure, or hurting other people.
So remember you don’t need to join a clique in order to
fit in. All you need to do is be you and be true to yourself.
Cliques can lead to bullying
Frustration! Lets Bring CCMS to 2014
Beanies: Against the Rules?
Nicole Shubaderov
In the beginning of the
school year, a new fashion trend
commenced, Beanies. We began
wearing them in school but were
banned because of dress code
issues. My question is: What
did beanies do to you? They are
amazing hats worn towards the
back of the head with a small
ball on top and it makes people
look adorable.
The reason they
were banned is that they are
considered “hats” and distract
us. Even though it’s on the back
of our heads, I doubt it’s going
to distract anyone. I realize
that a beanie is part of the hat
family but it is more of a fashion accessory. Therefore, there is
no reason to ban the beanies in school.
In conclusion, I believe that wearing beanies as an
accessory should be brought to the attention of the Board of
Education, so they can think this through. Thank you.
Cindy Akkari
“Outrage!” is the cry of many students of CCMS. The
first day we walked through the big comforting doors of CCMS
and we thought that this would be a great experience. However,
it wasn’t but let me further explain my point. The teachers,
staff and administrators are wonderful, but my concern is the
Board of Education. In my opinion, they seem isolated and they
portray that they don’t care about our needs or ideas in our
building. Wouldn’t it be fun to have an 8th grade graduation day,
or have iPads, tablets or laptops to use in our classes? Our school
can use a major update with many things, but the Board of Ed.
states there is not enough money in the budget. Is that really
true? I know that budgets are developed around taxes as well as
money from the state and federal governments’ too.
I know that Passaic Middle School now has laptops for
every student and they are building a new stadium. I find this
ironic that CCMS now has a wireless system in the building,
but we have no devices and are unable to use it yet. Can you
imagine what great work both the teachers and students can
do throughout the building? We do have a stadium but it will
be updated this year with new bathrooms, locker rooms and
workout areas. Have you seen the bathrooms and locker rooms
in both of the gym areas in CCMS?
The students here want what is fair to make our school
updated and successful. We do get mad and we feel this is
outrageous. It’s time that we catch up to this century.
CCMS Columns
CCMS Does Annie!
Page 4 of 8
Annie Jr. Review: WOW!
Ms. Polito’s 3rd Period Class
It’s Showtime! On March 5, 2014, Ms. Polito’s 3rd
period “Red” class had the rare opportunity to see the spring
premier of CCMS’s production of Annie Jr. The musical tells
the adorable story of Annie, an orphan in the 1930”s and her
quest to find her parents. She and the other orphans suffer
while scrubbing the floors of Ms. Hannigan’s orphanage. When
Mr. Warbucks, a well-known millionaire, wants to spend his
Christmas holidays with an orphan, Annie gets her chance to find
love and a new family. But Ms. Hannigan’s swindling brother
Rooster and his accomplice Lil come up with a plan to pose as
Annie’s parents. They want to get their hands on the $50,000
reward Mr. Warbucks has offered to anyone who can prove that
they are Annie’s parents. Mr. Warbucks is so taken with Annie
that he wants to make sure she is with her true parents. He
uses his connections to have the FBI and President Roosevelt
find Annie’s parents since Grace, his secretary, is not convinced
“It really lo ok
ed like the 19
30’s w ith
the clothing
and the settin
g. The lig hts
d im med at th
e rig ht mo men
t”.
-Connor Sjosw
ord
Above Left: Annie and the Orphans perform a dance number.
Above Right: Daddy Warbucks, Annie and Grace
Below Left: FDR and the Orphans celebrate Christmas
Below Right: Some CCMS teachers get Annie’d
that Rooster and Lil are telling the truth. Unfortunately,
Annie’s parents died a long time ago, and the FBI determines
that Rooster, Lil, and Ms. Hannigan were in cahoots to trick Mr.
Warbucks. The loving bond that forms between Annie and Mr.
Warbucks convinces Annie that her true home is with Grace and
Mr. Warbucks, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Ms. Polito performed in the pit orchestra, and her class
critiqued the cast’s first performance for the fifth graders of
Clifton while she played.
“The play was a success!”
-Lena Jamhour
“My favorite was Ms. Hannigan. She had a
wonderful voice and was really in to her
acting”. -Zanayah Rodriguez
acticing
CCMS had been pr
“The students of
. Fo ley.
Ms. Pogg i and Ms
for months with
to o”.
a beautiful so und,
The band had such
-Kenneth Rivera
“It was amazing! With the live music, it was
an even better play”. -Daphne Rodriguez
“It seemed as if the play was a real movie”.
-Omar El-Zagah
CCMS Columns
Page 5 of 8
CCMS Critiques
Book Reviews
Amanda Stetz & Jesus Estrada
Cell by Stephen King
In these times, the average teenager is
more prepared for a zombie apocalypse
then their math tests. If you’re one of
these average teenagers then this is the
book for you.
Cell by Stephen King is an apocalyptic,
horror novel that tells the tale of what
would happen if everyone that used their
cell phone went insane: zombie insane.
Cell follows the actions of a man named
Clay Riddel, one of the few who were
fortunate enough to not be on their phones
when this whole mess happened, and how
he needs to make it to Maine to find out
what happened to his family. Mix that in with a lot of zombie
fighting action, and you have a truly excellent page-turning
novel.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak:
Warning: Many tears were shed with this
book.
The novel, The Book Thief beautifully
tells a story about a young orphaned
girl named Liesel Meminger, her fight
for survival during World War II, and the
everyday dangers her and her foster family
faced. Zusak creates strong characters you
can’t help but love as the story line twists
and turns with every chapter. One of the
best things about The Book Thief is that it
teaches you some history along with the
story. Complete with an ending you’ll never forget; there’s a
reason why The Book Thief has been #1 on the list of books for
young adults. Read it and you’ll find out.
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
In this dystopian society filled with radioactive animals
and genetically mutated humans Cia, the main character, has
been chosen to participate in the Testing alongside her fellow
classmates in Five Lakes Village. Throughout The Testing, they
will be faced with trials that are incomparable to any obstacle
they have faced so far in their journeys. At end, the Testing is an
amazing book and is a must read by all.
Happy for Pharrell Williams
Max Dubac
Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” is making everyone feel
better! Along with his signature hat, his smashing hit has
made it to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100! “Happy” was
written and produced by Pharrell, and Rhea Dummett, Trevon
Henderson, Ashley L. Lee, Shamika Hightower, Jasmine Murray
and Terrence Rolle helped make this song come to life as
background vocalists.
“Happy” commands Billboard’s Digital Songs chart,
and this song alone is in its “13th largest sales week ever for
a digital song and the eight-greatest for a non-debuting title,”
says Billboard Magazine. Pharrell has been easily recognizable
working with Robin Thicke
on his song Blurred Lines
and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky.
According to his website,
“Grammy Award winning
musician/entrepreneur
Pharrell Williams is a
creative force, using music,
fashion, and design to
express his distinctive style”.
Most recently, he celebrated
his 41st birthday and I’m
certain he’ll be celebrating
all the way to the bank with
his songs that prove to be
major hits!
Splatter Up! Review
Yosef Demby
Do you like talking fruit? How about baseball? And let’s
not overlook the knife cuttings, third-degree stove burns, and the
explosions!
Hi, I am Yosef Demby; writer for the school newspaper’s
nutty comic strip: The Tenth Grade Trio! Today I am going to
review the app game, Annoying Orange: Splatter Up! Based on
the hilarious web series/T.V. series, this game is sweeter than a
squashed pineapple! Believe me, it’s not the pits! Really funny
when you are ripe, but you will still have fun when you have
passed your expiration date. It may be hard to cut through at first,
but you will soon get it! With terrible puns, burping beverages and
more, what is not to like about Splatter Up?
So if you purchase this game at the App Store, remember
to watch both series. Buy the other game, Kitchen Carnage and
remember to go to the comic section to read the hilarious Tenth
Grade Trio! But for now, this is cartoonist and now app critic,
Yosef Demby signing off!
CCMS Columns
Page 6 of 8
CCMS Pep Rally
The Ma
jorettes
!
The CCMS Dance Team
!
The
The CCMS Chorus
p
Ste
m
Tea
The CCMS Band &
Orchestra
LET’S
m
etball Tea
Boys Bask
CCMS
The Annual CCMS vs WWMS Basketball game was
once again preceeded by a spectacular pep rally. Several
of the CCMS dancing teams and the chorus provided
entertainment while the CCMS Band and Orchestra
played bombastic anthems to introduce the Boys and
the Girls Basketball teams. Way to go CCMS!
GO
Girls Ba
sketball
Team
CCMS Fashion
CCMS Columns
Page 7 of 8
Cool Hairstyles 2014
Amanda Stetz
It may be sweater weather and nasty precipitation, but
that doesn’t mean your hair can’t look amazing! Here are
some popular hairs styles to try this winter!
Beach Waves: Having rolling waves in your hair is pretty
cute to say the least, and in winter, why not look like you
just came from the beach? The picture to the right shows
a 6 step tutorial in how to create the hairstyle with only a
straightener. Don’t own a hair straightener? Then all you
have to do to achieve this look is braid your hair and leave
it in over night. It’s simple and beautiful.
Hair Chalking: Chalking your hair is like dye without the
commitment. Hair chalk is a stick of colored chalk you rub
in your hair (usually on the ends). The color stays in your
hair until you wash it out. Hair chalk is a good way to test
out different colors in your hair if you’re looking to dye it
in the future; or, if you just don’t want to go through the
long process of dyeing.
Fishtail Braid: There are thousands of braids out there to
try, and it just so happens the fishtail braiding a one of
the easiest and prettiest ones. You only need two thick
strands of hair to start with; you pull a section of the right
strand into the left strand and then pull a section of the
left strand and pull it onto the right strand. That’s all it
takes! The more hair you have, the more time consuming
this braid is, but don’t fret; an alternative to this, is
braiding only one section of your hair, like shown in the
picture. With millions of Youtube tutorials to help you, the
options with this braid are limitless!
Great Fashion for 2014
Amanda Stetz
Winter; the time for hot
chocolate, ice-skating and
snow days! It was also a good
time to look your best. Here
were some important winter
styles for 2014.
Beanies
You can’t go wrong with this
one. Wearing any type of hat
or beanie in the winter is
a win-win situation; you’re
staying warm and looking
great while doing it. Try
beanies with cool patterns or
words to make a statement.
Printed Leggings
Don’t feel like wearing jeans
or sweats? Too cold for shorts
or skirts? Well, try leggings!
Printed leggings are becoming
more and more popular.
They are comfy and look great; not to mention the fun prints
and styles they come in. Some stores even sell fleece printed
leggings, they’re thicker and warmer, but still are very stylish.
Nail Stickers
These are probably one of the best inventions ever. Nail stickers
are basically little sheets of color you stick on your nails instead
of nail polish. No drying time required at all! You can apply them
in 5 minutes with no hassle, no nail polish smell, and you don’t
need to worry about messing up on your right hand (Is it just
me or can no one paint their nails on the right hand?) You can
find strips of these sticks in most drug stores, and they come in
almost every pattern possible. Try it out!
Page 8 of 8
Spring Things!
CCMS Columns
Have to get to School for the NJASK
Mohammed Mutaher
The wind rushing past my ears, I’m running
Not even a minute to spare
Dust flying. Leaves falling. Cars roaring.
Getting breathless, can’t stop
School doors going to close
Sweat dripping. Desperation building. Going to be late on the big day
Not a good thing: Being late
One block away. Have to try
One minute left. The bell is going to ring
Big test today- It can’t wait
Lost time sleeping in bed
Sweat dripping. Going to fall. Around the corner and close to the wall.
Jump inside the door- The bell rings.
Am I ready for what the NJASK brings?
Passaic County Helpful Resources
Spring is Here: Time to Enjoy
Max Dubac
Spring Break is here and the weather is starting to
warm up. Although it is shorter this year due to the rough
winter, below is a list of things you can do during this Spring
around Clifton or throughout New Jersey. If all else fails, read a
great book or catch up on your sleep. Whatever you do, have fun
and be safe! By the way, these ideas are great for summer too!!
1) Catch a Movie - Go to theaters like AMC Clifton Commons or
Clearview’s Allwood Cinema.
2) Visit a Zoo/Aquarium - See wildlife at Turtle Back Zoo in West
Orange and Adventure Aquarium in Camden.
3) Theme Parks - Test your skills at Six Flags Great Adventure.
4) Ice Skating - Skate at Floyd Hall in Montclair or the Ice House
in Hackensack.
5) Bowling - Bowl at AMF Wallington Lanes or Garden Palace
Lanes.
6) Play Outside - Get exercise, ride your bike, skateboard, and
play sports.
7) Hang out with Friends - Go to your favorite places or just
chill.
http://www.CrisisChat.org
Online Emotional Support
Hours Vary - Approx
12hrs daily / 7 days
1-877-YOUTHLINE
1-877-968-8454
Youth America Hotline - Counseling for Teens by Teens
2nd Floor Youth Helpline
(888) 222-2228
2NDFLOOR is a confidential and anonymous helpline for New
Jersey's youth and young adults (ages 10-24). We are here to
help you find solutions to the problems that you face at home,
at school, or at play.
Contact We Care
(908) 232-2880
Award winning, volunteer-staffed, caring and crisis hotline
serving New Jersey. We are the primary responder within the
State of New Jersey to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Teenagers can reach a Contact We Care volunteer by texting
“CWC” to 839863, Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 4-10 pm.
National Runaway Safeline
(800) RUNAWAY
Call 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are a teenager who is thinking of
running from home, if you have a friend who has run and is
looking for help, or if you are a runaway ready to go home
through our Home Free program. Call if you are a teacher
looking for information to pass along to your students about
alternatives to running from home. Call if you care about a
youth and want information on how you can help someone who
may be at risk of running from home.
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
(866) 331-9474
You can talk one-on-one with a trained advocate 24/7 that can
offer support and connect you to resources. Call toll free 1-866331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453. One-on-one live chat is also
available from 4-midnight Central Standard Time, 7 days a week.