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Making Things a Little More Uniform at WHS
By Linda Buffington
STAFF WRITER
It has recently been decided by Mr. Caroll, the principal of Waldwick High School, that in the coming year students will be required to wear uniforms. He has many different reasons for his decision to change the dress code. Such a pronouncement will cause much controversy in the school, especially from the students. The big question is how will they make kids who have never had to wear uniforms before accept this idea?
After countless years of dealing with dress code issues, Mr. Caroll is ready to throw in the towel. This means no more sagging jeans and t-shirts for guys. For girls, there will not be any more short shorts, tank tops, and tight dresses. Everyone will be wearing the same khakis and polos in the school colors.
Mr. Caroll feels as though this decision will be beneficial to the school. With all of the bullying awareness that is surfacing, uniforms can assist this. If everyone dresses the same way for school, no one can be made fun of for his or her style. He believes that this will alleviate any stress that students would have about dressing “the right way.”
Especially during the summer months, there are issues with the style of dress in school, especially with girls. They walk around the building wearing short shorts and revealing tank tops. One staff member said, “This gives the school a negative image. If somebody walked in here between the months of April and June they would be appalled at what these girls, and sometimes boys, are wearing. Having uniforms would alleviate a lot of stress during this time and throughout the rest of the year.”
As for the look of the uniforms, the manufacturer is yet to be decided. Sketches are being drawn up for approval over the next few months. The final design will be revealed at an assembly in late June. At this event, Mr. Caroll will outline the new dress code and rules.
Cell phones, iPods banned from WHS
By Julia Romano and Alex Levine
STAFF WRITER
Mr. Carroll announced on Thursday that Waldwick High School has put a ban on cell phones and iPods. The students are no longer allowed to have their devices out at anytime during the day. This means no texting in between classes, listening to music, or playing “Draw Something” during lunch.
When the technology policy was first enacted, it was meant to help students learn more through cell phones for cell phone polls and the multiple uses on smart phones. Mr. Carroll’s intentions with allowing the use of cell phones during school were to embrace technology and to teach students how to use their phones for educational use.
Since then, students have been abusing their privilege by texting during class and disrupting teachers by listening to their iPods in the middle of their lessons. This has upset Mr. Carroll and he won’t tolerate the misuse of technology, so has in turn taken away the students’ right to use their phones at all during the day. Without cell phones, students will not be able to do texting polls during classes and some other educational technology services that use cell phones.
When the technology policy was first enacted, it was meant to help students learn more through cell phones for cell phone polls and the multiple uses on smart phones. Mr. Carroll’s intentions with allowing the use of cell phones during school were to embrace technology and to teach students how to use their phones for educational use.
Since then, students have been abusing their privilege by texting during class and disrupting teachers by listening to their iPods in the middle of their lessons. This has upset Mr. Carroll and he won’t tolerate the misuse of technology, so has in turn taken away the students’ right to use their phones at all during the day. Without cell phones, students will not be able to do texting polls during classes and some other educational technology services that use cell phones.
“Phones and mp3 players have become nothing but trouble,” Mr. Carroll said in an interview. “Kids aren’t paying attention in class. They are getting very distracted.”
The first consequence of being caught using your phone/iPod is now going to be a warning. A second offense results in a central detention, and finally, if a student is caught three times, he or she will have a Saturday detention.
“The students aren’t paying attention in class anymore,” said the principal of WHS. “With so many of them having connection to the Internet, it’s easy for them to go on Facebook during their lessons.”
The new rule will come in to affect April 4th. There will be assemblies held in the little theater for each grade on April 3, explaining the new rule. Freshmen have it first period, sophomores second, juniors third, and seniors fourth.
“I’m not doing this because I’m mad at them,” said Mr. Carroll. “Grade averages have been dropping significantly and it needs to be stopped.”
“This is unfair,” reported an anonymous junior. “We don’t deserve to have our phones taken away. We didn’t do anything!”
Kim Kardashian Pregnant
Kim goes crawling back to Kris
By Lauren Tom
STAFF WRITER
For months now, there has been full coverage on the infamous couple, Kim Kardashain and Kris Humphries. Crazy media attention has been following their every move, starting with their huge million dollar wedding to their dramatic divorce. With all of this madness, everyone wonders how this duo can ever top these attention-grabbing events. The huge question is: What is next for the Keeping up with the Kardashians star? As if the paparazziwas having an easy enough life now, Kim Kardashian’s recent pregnancy news was literally handed to them on a silver platter.
After only 72 days of marriage, it barely took another 72 days to get the couple back together. A close family source says that Kim was at first in hysterics over the pregnancy shocker, but soon came to her wits. I nsiders say Kardashian begged Humphries to take her back and revealed to the surprised 26 year old Minnesota native that she was in fact pregnant with his child.
The couple reportedly is back together and the two were seen holding hands at the Los Angeles airport. Reports online said that Kris is delighted to be a father and in fact, “always knew he and Kim would be great parents.” The Kardashian’s rep is keeping a very hush tone about this, but older sister Kourtney Kardashian tweeted a couple days ago that her 3 year old son, “Mason cannot wait for his new playmate.”
Mother and manager of Kardashian, Kris Jenner, is rumored to be furious and outraged with the news of Kim. So far there has been no word from other sister Khloe who has been trying to have a baby with her basketball hubby, Lamar Odom for 2 years now. Family feud, perhaps?
As seen on their reality show, all of the Kardashian’s are very strong and opinionated individuals, so how is all of this going to play out? From recent episodes, viewers can tell that they despise Humphries and hated how he changed Kim. Fans cannot wait for the drama to begin and the claws to come out. Nevertheless, a close source says that this baby will bring this couple back together and even closer than before.
So is this a good thing? Only time will tell. The most asked questions on recent blog sites surrounding this pregnancy are: Is she having twins? Where will they raise the baby, Minnesota or California? Will her stomach be as big as her prominent bottom?
The Kim Kardashian baby bump watch is officially on.
WHS sees huge staff changes
By Eric Ackerman
OPINIONS EDITOR
In a shocking vote Monday night, the Board of Education passed a plan proposed by the superintendent and administrator to fire and replace the entire Waldwick High School staff.
A lapse in the contract between the teachers’ union and the school district unfroze all contracts and tenure regulations for a six-minute period during which time the superintendent and the Board of Education acted on their new plan.
“Timing was just perfect,” the superintendent said. “We’re sorry to see them go, but financially, we’re going be saving enough to do wonders on the buildings and curriculum in the district.”
As of June 23, 2012, the entire staff of Waldwick High School including Mr. Carroll, Mr. Clancy, all teachers, guidance counselors, the nurse, secretaries, technology staff, and custodians will be unemployed.
Each staff member makes between roughly $45,000-$138,000, depending on position, degrees, and years of experience. By replacing them with a new staff, the salary range will be much smaller and will free up expenses for other needs of the school.
An influx in upcoming students from the Middle and Elementary schools requires the high school to expand. Finances for the expansion will be provided for by the old pension fund and the money saved by firing the staff.
The Echo staff recently caught up with several faculty members to find out what they will be doing come June 23rd. Mr. Lazzaro will join the Washington Nationals as their concession manager. Mrs. Pagano will be working full-time in a law office. The biggest shocker is that Ms. Sobkowicz will be running for governor of New Jersey in the 2013 election against current governor, Chris Christie.
Cafeteria Food Will Be No More
By Natalie Tasci
STAFF WRITER
Starting in September, the Board of Education decided that they will no longer be supplying food to the cafeteria. Besides being unhealthy and arguably more artery-clogging than candy bars, it is also very pricey. The high price that the school is paying can be shown through the prices that the students pay.
“Prices definitely went up from last year,” one student said. Not only would getting rid of the cafeteria food benefit the students’ health, but it would also benefit Waldwick High School’s wallet. As a result of this movement, however, every student will need to bring in a bagged lunch from home.
There will be no more mozzarella sticks, french fries, sandwiches, or wraps. Many students are outraged. “I don’t have time to pack my lunch in the morning,” another student said. “It’s easier to buy.”
By eliminating the cafeteria food, Waldwick High School will be a much healthier place. The only food and beverages available for purchase will be the snacks in the vending machine. “Students will still be able to buy a snack to accompany their bagged lunch,” administrators said. This is one of the first steps in Waldwick High School’s attempt to become a healthier place.
Girls Locker Room to Be Renovated In Summer 2012
By Alexandra Hernandez
STAFF WRITER
This one goes out to all of the girls at Waldwick High School that have been complaining for years that the locker room should be remodeled. Principal Carroll, Vice Principal Clancy, and the Board of Education have decided that it is time for a change.
The WHS girls’ locker room will be renovated over the summer of 2012. “We have enough money in the school savings to rebuild. It has been more than ten years since the locker room has been renovated and it’s time for a new look,” says Mr. Carroll. “Since the boys had their locker room renovated over the summer of 2009, the girls definitely deserve it.” Everything in the room will be knocked down, including the old showers, bathroom, and lockers. However, the varsity lockers will be kept since they are still new.
Mrs. Olivo and Mrs. Caroll will be getting a brand new office with their own private bathroom and a small kitchen. Varsity players will have their own section with tall blue lockers and four showers. Three new automatic toilets will be installed, in addition to automatic sinks. The old lockers will be replaced with new white lockers that will be slightly larger than before, and the old shower room will replaced with lockers.
Now do not forget about the walls—rumor is that there might be a little pink added.
“I’m very excited to see how everything turns out. The girls are really going to like what we have planned for them,” said Mr. Clancy. Construction will take place starting at the end of June 2012 and will take one full month to rebuild.
Uggs No Longer Acceptable Footwear at WHS
By Mike AvakianSTAFF WRITER
It has come to the attention of WHS that Ugg shoes are becoming an issue to the school in more than one way. They are a problem during fire drills, they do not offer proper support to the foot, and some versions of the shoe are making a mess around the school. These reasons have forced the administration to try banning Ugg and similar style shoes from being worn in the building. The administration is taking inspiration from other schools that have banned Ugg shoes such as Eastern Christian, Highlands, Paramus, and IHA.
During fire drills, students with Ugg slippers have been falling out of their shoes while they shuffle out of the school. If the fire were real, there would be no time for students to be running back into the building to rescue their slippers. Also, these shoes are dangerous because if the students have to walk down stairs to exit the building, their slippers could fall off and drop down the stairwell and hit somebody. These slippers are just causing more danger and panic than there need be in an already stressful situation.
According to the school, Uggs are known to be harmful to your feet because the boot’s soles wear down after time and your feet begin to slip around. “The sole flattens out over time,” says senior Natalie Tasci. The soles of the boots flatten, the boots become difficult to walk in, and the foot begins to slide around inside the shoe. Another problem is that in older Uggs, the boot becomes very weak and people actually end up walking on the side of the shoe.
The straw that seems to have broken the camel’s back is that some styles of the boot are making a big mess all over the school. Some boots have accessories on them like rhinestones and long fur that resembles human hair. After time, most of these garnishes fall off and it is the custodians who have to clean it all up. It is not fair to them and it makes Waldwick High School look very dirty and disorganized.
On account of all these matters, the school has decided on a rule that the shoes are no longer going to be allowed in the building. So far, the rule is in the early stages of development and it is not clear whether or not the rule will even come into effect. The students of WHS will most likely not support the rule and they may even rebel against it since so many of the student love the shoes for their comfortable furry inside and practical looks.
Water Fountains: To Drink or Not to Drink?
By Darien Delgado
STAFF WRITER
STAFF WRITER
Water fountains at Waldwick High School could be dangerous to one’s health. Many are worried and angry that their children are not even able to drink water at school.
Waldwick High School was built on the sight of a World War II military base, long since removed of traces, but are experts sure of this? Since its doors opened many have enjoyed their time at WHS greatly. Recently though, many have avoided drinking from the water fountains due to the water “tasting bad.” But many others have been doing so because they actually became sick from the water.
Could this have something to do with the old military base? No, of course not.
During the Second World War the US military came to the small town of Waldwick and purchased some land off of Summit Ave. Where the high school now stands, it was called camp Smith. It was part of the army and all that is known about it is that a small detachment from the camp was used to protect manufacturing of local mills and private homes that would create parachute cloth, flak jackets, and uniform insignia. There are also reported as having been used to protect the Erie Railroad facilities.
All seemed well and good, but what really happened on the base? Who was there? Most importantly, what does it have to do with the now foul water? Could harmful toxins chemicals and even every day things like gas and battery acid be among them? In recent weeks, many have been complaining about a stomach bug that has been “going around.” What do these people have anything in common? Look at who has gotten sick. Now remember the history of the land on which the high school stands. A past military base left untouched for years with plenty of time for seasonal rains to wash away all traces of anything harmful to at least just below the surface to be forgotten?
Maybe whatever it is has something to do with the water fountains, but who really knows?
WHS will be fully air-conditioned
By Santiago Garzon
STAFF WRITER
Waldwick students have always complained about the unbearable heat toward the summer months, but there is no need to complain anymore because WHS has decided to install a full air conditioning system for the 2012-2013 school year.
The decision was made towards the end of the last school year. Unfortunately, the school did not have the money to buy such an expensive system at the time. However, the plan was approved, and with the help of some generous donations, will be put into full effect during the summer months. By the time everyone gets back in the fall, it will be fully functional.
The exhausting heat will no longer burden students. “I am upset that the school is getting it after I am graduating, but I know how happy all the underclassmen must be because it is going to be great,” says Alex Hernandez.
The staff is especially delighted because dressing formally in 95 degree weather is a misery. If it’s tough for the students who wear shorts and t-shirts, imagine what the faculty members have to go through.
Many people believe that having a central air means that school year will have to go year-round, but that is ridiculous. The school will still be closed for summer vacation just as it has always been; the only difference is that students and staff will not be dying of heat exhaustion as the summer months approach.
This is no Jonas joke
By Melissa Davies
STAFF WRITER
Prom is supposed to be a fairytale evening for teenage girls everywhere. These girls fuss over details of gowns, shoes, and hair, but the most important detail of all is who to take as a date. Rumor has it that the 2012 Waldwick High School prom will have a special guest as one lucky girl’s date.
The special guest is the famous actor and singer, Nick Jonas, and the lucky girl is a new student named, Alexis Fisherman. According to whispers in the girl’s locker room, Fisherman, a junior, has been in love with the Jonas brothers since before they were even Disney guys. The Jonas family has been friends of the Fishermans’ for years and the Jonas brothers have known Fisherman since they were in diapers. Maxwell Frederickson, a friend of Fisherman, says that she was with Alexis at the time Nick Jonas accepted the prom invitation.
“We were both hanging out in her room doing homework,” Frederickson explained. “And her cell rang with a strange number neither of us recognized. We don’t pick up to unknown numbers. Fifteen minutes later the same number called back again, and we just kept ignoring it. Getting a bit nervous, she turned off her phone. Suddenly the Fisherman home phone rings- and with the same number! Her mother picked up the phone this time and starts freaking out and getting all excited. We never expected it to be the Jonas family calling to say hello.”
The Jonas family was around the old neighborhood since Nick was cast in the Broadway show, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. The show is playing in New York City and that is only 30 minutes from the old Jonas hometown of Allendale. According to Mrs. Linda Fisherman, mother of Alexis Fisherman, Mrs. Jonas is an old friend from bible study and church. Nick Jonas had been phoning Alexis Fisherman to catch up while he was in the area. After a few times of no answer, Nick Jonas suggested his mother phone the house.
Later, the news was put into a Facebook status by Alexis Fisherman herself. It read, “Just got a phone call from an old family friend, and now I know for sure that people at WHS will know who I am once prom comes around!” According to Fisherman, the phone call did not start off about prom. Jonas asked how junior year had been at Waldwick, and Fisherman replied with an unhappy answer.
“Nobody knows who I am at this school; it’s like I don’t even exist,” Fisherman explained. “I got kind of emotional on the phone while talking about it to Nick. I kept telling him how everyone keeps talking about prom and I have no date since nobody knows me. Once I brought up prom, I guess I made it sound like I was desperate for a date. Nick actually offered to be my escort; I hadn’t asked him at all.”
Jonas has never attended a high school prom before. The band was on tour in 2008 when Joe and Kevin were missing their proms. At several concerts the guys would jokingly ask the crowd of joyous teenage girls who would go to prom with them. Now, Nick Jonas is lucky enough to experience prom at Waldwick High School in June with the one and only Alexis Fisherman.
And yes, Nick Jonas had to get a permission slip signed too.
Best Celebrity April Fool's Day Jokes
By Madison Irwin
STAFF WRITER
Have you ever wondered what celebrities do on April fool’s Day? Well, like everybody else, they spend their day in a “productive way.”
According to some sources, celebrities have had their fair share of pranks. The paparazzi did a good job capturing these moments right as they occurred. So, when it comes down to it, all people like to have fun fooling others on the first of April. We’ve got the low down on all of your favorite celebs, so keep scrolling.
In 2010, Nicole Richie, the famous prankster, teamed up with Khloe Kardashian to hack into Kim’s twitter account, on which they posted dirty messages. After several embarrassing messages, Kim managed to reclaim her Twitter account, but did admit, “That was hands down the funniest April Fool’s.”
Justin Bieber also pulled a funny prank on the public. In 2010, Bieber “bought” Funny or Die. “Anything that’s not Bieber dies,” Bieber said on a Funny or Die video. "I'm a star; I do what stars do," he said. "I ride on yachts, I autograph lady lumps, and I pay people to do what I want."
Another good one was when Ciara pulled a preggy prank. The R&B star announced that she was pregnant on April fool’s Day.
Everyone got a laugh when Seacrest got owned by Joel McHale. He already loves to make fun of Ryan Seacrest. Joel took over his personal website and rename it JoelMcHale.com. The only thing that he changed about the site is that he changed the picture of Seacrest’s face to his own. One of the headlines read, "Relive Joel McHale’s Epic Cameo in Spider-Man 2."
These are just some of the best April fool’s pranks from recent years, according to the 2011 tabloids. Ultimately, whether you are an actress, singer, or just the average person, it is a given that you celebrate April Fool’s Day in one way or another.
Apple is About to Change the World with iWall 3.0
By Lauren Foner
STAFF WRITER
Apple is always ahead in the technology world. Ten million Apple products such as iphones, ipods, Apple computers, and Apple tablets are sold every day just in the US alone. Is it possible for anyone to imagine what they will think of next? Haven’t they just covered it all?
Before Apple founder, Steve Jobs passed away from a long battle of cancer, he had a few more ideas up his sleeve. Dear friend of Jobs, Walter Reeds, was left Jobs’ journal of ideas that were to come for Apple, and it seems that Jobs’ latest idea will change the world forever.
You have all seen the movies that predict what the future will look like, but in 2013, it is about to come true. Apple has come up with a screen made of the thinnest glass out there, which will be made large enough to cover a wall.
iWall 3.0 is a material that looks like regular glass, but when the iWall is turned on, it shows up as 3D on a HD screen (no glasses required of course).
iWall can be used for a television, smart boards, wallpaper, online classes, camera, recording live stream view of events, and much more. The iWall will also be installed on buildings in Time Square and on the billboards you drive by.
iWall will bring you all of your iPod, iPhone, and iPad apps—life size. Sports stadiums can use the iWall 3.0 material for realistic effects during games. Video chatting can be accomplished with larger groups of people. iWall comes with the new Apple game system iplay, an app that can only be purchased on Iwall. Imagine having movie and game nights using your entire living room wall.
The iWall 3.0 comes in custom shapes and sizes. The basic custom shapes you can order a square, circle, diamond, and an apple shape. For sizes, the same standard television measurements apply to Apple’s iWall 3.0. Apple iWall 3.0 will range between $1,500 to $3,000. Average apps on iWall 3.0 will start at $10. Apple iWall 3.0 will receive updates like other apple products.
The future is going to become the present with the new iWall 3.0. The launch date has yet to be released, but several celebrities are known to have contacted Apple about pre-ordering the iWall.
Walter Reeds coined the iWall slogan, “iWall 3.0: incomparable, simply the future.”
An important note from The Echo staff
The previous 12 stories on this page were specially crafted as a joke.
April fools!
Spring spirit week is here
According to Student Action Council member Sabina Sullivan, the overwhelming success of this fall's spirit week inspired a second round of crazy days preceding the spring pep rally.
In case you have not seen the giant sign in the main hallway by the office, here is what to expect this week:
Monday - Mad Hat Day!
Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter.
Monday - Mad Hat Day!
Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter.
Ryan Casey wore a colorful circus top hat that caught the eyes of many. The hat was bright red with a unique design of smaller shapes of vibrant colors such as blue, yellow, and orange. He got it at the circus and says it is the craziest hat he owns. Casey said he likes Mad Hat Day because, "It's fun to wear a silly hat once in a while."
Chris Komjian was sporting a white Italian fedora that he got for his birthday just last week. When asked why he chose that hat he said, "[because] it's new and I like to wear hats." Komjian also shared a story from when he was in Little Italy, and an Italian guy taught him how to properly put on a fedora. Check it out below.Tuesday - Half Formal Day! Half formal day is a classy way for girls to show off their heels and guys to step up their style with a nice necktie.
Walking around the school, it was obvious that a lot of girls were anticipating wearing their fancy shoes that they would not normally wear to school. Although the girls may be more excited than the guys, many boys are still looking forward to looking dressy while still wearing their casual duds.
The general consensus is that half formal day is a great, easy, and most of all, a fashionable way to show your school spirit. Ladies, step into those pumps, and boys, tie those ties.
“Remember,” says Mike Avakian, “don’t waste your spirit weeks, because your last one will creep up on you fast.”
Wednesday - Jersey Day! March Madness is finally here.
On Wednesday, students get to wear their favorite jersey to school as they represent their favorite team.
Senior Sabina Sullivan said that she is going all out and dressing like a basketball player. “I’m a senior, and I am going to show all the spirit that I have for the very last time at Waldwick High School,” said Sullivan.
Even if you do not own a jersey, you can still show your silliness by wearing other sports gear. Basketbasll fans are sure to enjoy every moment of it.
Thursday - Blackout Day! Join the dark side and dress all in black.
Ms. Waligroski is excited for Blackout Day. “I’ve never experienced it. I have plenty of black because I like to go by unnoticed. Are they turning the lights off too?”
It seems like everyone is planning to wear black, including Mr. Ryan. “I won’t be here on Thursday, but I’ll wear black at home.”
Friday - Warrior Day! Spring athletes wear uniforms, other students and staff wear blue and white warrior gear.
Students and staff here at the school are all very excited to participate in Warrior Day. Senior, Ali Giordano, said, “It’s fun because it is a chance for students to show their school spirit. I will wear everything blue and white!”
Physical Education teacher, Mrs. Olivo said, “I think that it is great as long as everyone participates. I will probably be wearing a t-shirt or sweatshirt with Waldwick on it.”
Remember, everyone should show their school spirit by wearing your Waldwick Warrior gear on Friday!
Grad Ball 2012 fashion show a success
“It was a great night for a great cause. It was, in my mind, a charity gala."
The Annual Grad Ball Fashion Show took place on Wednesday, March 21st, from 6:30-10:30p.m. at Seasons in Washington Township, NJ. Fashions were modeled by the WHS Senior Class.
Tables surrounded the runway and a vast buffet of delicious appetizers was located at the back of the room. Along the walls, towards the back, were prize baskets that were raffled off throughout the evening.
Various clothing stores provided outfits ranging from sportswear to formal wear, and vocational school students did hair and makeup.
Students who modeled outfits during the show sported yellow “swag” t-shirts in school on Thursday, and they couldn’t stop talking about how fun the fashion show was.
"It was a great event for a great cause. To me, it felt like being at a charity gala."
--Eric Ackerman (senior)
"It was so much fun to see everyone so dressed up and getting so into it!"
--Danny Smith (senior)
"It was a lot of fun and it brought all of us together!"
--Alyssa Tyukody (senior)
"The fashion show was a great way to raise money for our graduation.
At the same time, it was tons of fun to get all glammed up.
At the same time, it was tons of fun to get all glammed up.
Everyone looked great!"
--Natalie Tasci (senior)
"Overall, I think the night was very enjoyable,
and it was funny watching the seniors strut their stuff."
--Jessica Colucci (junior)
Photos courtesy of Danny Smith.
For more about the fashion show, check out bergen.com's article:
http://www.bergen.com/topstories/Fashion_Fun_Waldwick_High_School_holds_Fashion_Show_fundraiser_at_Seasons.html
For more about the fashion show, check out bergen.com's article:
http://www.bergen.com/topstories/Fashion_Fun_Waldwick_High_School_holds_Fashion_Show_fundraiser_at_Seasons.html
As WHS students rang in the new year, The Echo staff was busy creating resolutions for themselves and the community alike. To see what they would like to see happen in 2013, keep reading!
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| Image courtesy of blakecreative.blogspot.com. |
By Lauren Tom
FEATURES EDITOR
Every year, students encounter this disease periodically during the school year. This condition is targeted specifically at students who are nearing the end of their high school careers. What is this disease? Senioritis.
There are many signs to identify senioritis when first contracting it. The main symptoms include lack of motivation, poor academic performance, procrastination, and the act of going through classes with very little concentration, a term known as “coasting.” These events and actions often happen in the last year of high school, but sometimes it starts even earlier. Studies show that senioritis will present itself merely after anything school related. Multiple students stop caring after they finished the SATs. Several students admit that once they get accepted to college, “The books go out the window.” To those that catch senioritis early, a New Year’s tradition will help guide you back on track.
A big part of New Year’s is the forming of resolutions. Resolutions usually serve as a foundation for throwing away the old and ringing in the new; but in this case, it will keep a person right on track before senioritis takes control over the body, mind, and soul. Create resolutions to follow in order to remain focused on school work. Remember to stay in the zone, just like how you would be in a sports game. Turn distractions and procrastinations into a positive thing. Keep a countdown of how many days are left until the next break, so there is something to look forward too. Have a calendar handy and cross out each day with a triumphant sigh. Keeping a countdown will help to keep on striving and moving forward. If you are feeling ambitious, keep record of how many days are left till the last day of school. Mini celebrations can help mark up the 100th day. Having these “distractions” will want you to work even harder to reach the desired destination.
An additional problem that students suffer through is a drop in academic routines and “coasting” is a very easy solution to solve. If the lesson or school work is boring, find ways to entertain yourself with this uninteresting knowledge. Make up games, songs, poems, or even dance moves that go with the lesson plan in order for it to appeal to you. This will also exercise your brain. The lack of motivation tops all symptoms for senioritis. Make an incentive towards school work by setting up little goals. Say that you will do the history project, and after you achieve this goal, reward yourself. After a long week of studying, indulge in extra hours of sleep on weekends for all the hard work that you put in. If you did a good job on an English presentation, go out to the movies or the mall with a friend. By setting up a system, it will soon become a routine, not a habit to be broken.
To avoid the clutches of senioritis, follow these simple tips and before you notice, the end of the school year will be fast approaching. Remember these resolutions and stick with them. And if all fails, keep in mind that you will be done almost completing four years of high school so why not go out with a bang and be the best you can be before the next chapter of your life begins?
ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
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| 15 students participated in the walk on Sunday, October 16, as part of the WHS team. Photos courtesy of Ms. De Gironimo. |
Spirit day pumped up WHS for homecoming
Blue and white filled the halls on Friday
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| Above: Senior spirit Below: Freshmen spiritMedia courtesy of Ms. De Gironimo. |
WHS celebrates spirit week in style
Students walked the halls while wearing dresses and suits, in honor of spirit week
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| Photos courtesy of Ms. De Gironimo. |
By Linda Buffington, Melissa Davies, Santiago Garzon, and Madison IrwinSTAFF WRITERS
Students of WHS got out their best high heels and ties because today was formal day.
In honor of spirit week, students dressed up in their finest clothes. Ladies got to wear those lovely dresses they have sitting in their closets, and gentlemen fancied-up their wardrobe with ties and suits.
There was a substantial turnout today, even from the students who do not necessarily like to get dressed up. Some students, including student council representative Ali Giordano, even wore evening gowns. “I love being classy,” she said.
Others decided to get creative with their attire. For example, Riku Nakamoto and Andrew Livanos decided to cross-dress this year, wearing a cute dress and stylish skirt, respectively. They figured they would try something that had not been done before said Livanos.
Usually students would hear the clicking of heels down the halls and think it was a teacher. However, this day it was the other way around. Teachers decided to surprise students and dress informally while students dressed in their best. “I think it is so fun that all the students get to dress up in formal wear, everyone looks so fancy. I find it hilarious that the teachers are all in casual wear. It’s like opposite day!” said senior Lauren Tom. What most kids do not know is that the concept of teachers dressing down on the day students dressed used to be a tradition at WHS said Ms. Compton.
The outcome was great on formal day—almost everyone participated. Perhaps it goes to show that people like to primp every once in awhile.
“Formal day is a day when you get to feel fancy,” said freshman Alex Levine.
Students, staff sport holiday gear, jerseys
WHS celebrates the third day of spirit week by assigning each grade level its own holiday. Staff celebrated Super Bowl Sunday/sports day.
Video courtesy of Ms. De Gironimo.
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WHS staff sports school spirit. Photo courtesy of Ms. De Gironimo. |
WHS spirit week: Mix-match day
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Outfits with different patterns like stripes and plaids paired with different styled shoes and tons of accessories have been known to grace the halls at WHS on mix-match day, and every year there is always one person who takes the cake—who is it going to be this year? Photo courtesy of Danny Smith. |
By Mike Avakian, Alex Levine, and Lauren Tom
STAFF WRITERS, FEATURES EDITOR
STAFF WRITERS, FEATURES EDITOR
Fall is starting to set in and the cold is rapidly taking over the North East. The excitement of the new school year has died down a bit and students are settling into the school grind. But this week, as it does every year around this time, WHS celebrates spirit week to prepare for the annual homecoming football game. It is a week that students and staff look forward to and it is meant to be fun and a little laid back.
Yesterday was Pajama Day, which was a huge success. Today, the halls are filled with students and teachers wearing different colored socks, different shoes, crazy hats, and uncoordinated clothing.
The concept of mix-match day is to wear clothes that ordinarily would not go together. Students and staff are encouraged to mix and match crazy prints, plaids, and colors—the options are infinite.
“Mix matched day is a lot of fun and shows expression,” said Brittany Marro, a senior at Waldwick High School.
Another senior, Kaleigh Vuoncino, said, “I like being mismatched because it’s a lot easier to dress in the morning!” Perhaps this is because for many, putting together and outfit at 7 in the morning can be a little draining, and sometimes people do not make the best choices. Putting on different colored Ugg boots or accidentally clashing colors is a common mistake made on gloomy school days. However, on mix-match day, those mistakes are welcome.
The rest of the week will feature other spirited events such as holiday day, formal day and Waldwick day.
Most importantly, remember to show your school spirit at the homecoming game this Friday at 7PM.
Pajama day at WHS
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| Pictured: senior Alexa Iannantuano wearing a robe while eating a banana and reading the newspaper on pajama day. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Hernandez. |
By Darien Delgado and Alexandra Hernandez
STAFF WRITERS
Monday, October 10, 2011, marked the start of the annual Waldwick High School Sprit Week. Each day of Spirit Week, students are encouraged to dress a little differently from their everyday attire. On Monday, students were told to wear their pajamas to school—thus eliminating the issue of figuring out what to wear because there was no need to change from last night! According to senior Taylor Poppe, “People didn’t have to be late to class because they were already dressed.”
Students entered school in their bunny slippers, night caps, and more. One student even wore a white robe and carried a teddy bear through the halls. Others just came to school with messy hair like they just woke up.
Most students said they feel more comfortable in their pajamas than they would in jeans and a t-Shirt, for example. Who doesn’t feel more relaxed in their night-time attire?
Many students feel that pajama day is one of the best days during spirit week, but there is definitely a theme for everyone. Tuesday is mix and match day, Wednesday is holiday day, Thursday is formal day, and Friday is spirit day, more commonly known as Waldwick day.
WHS hopes this year’s spirit week will pump up the football team for the homecoming game this Friday.
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| Students and staff celebrate school spirit. Pictured left to right: Mrs. Dojer, Ms. McCann, Danny Smith, Ali Girodano, and Eric Ackerman. Photo courtesy of Danny Smith. |
