lpahomov

Feels Day the 14th

February 13, 2014 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

valentines-day

By Nicholas Murray

Valentine’s day is a huge event for so many people. As most people know, It is a day were you show the people around you how much you care about them. I, personally, think that it is, in some sense, misleading.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind if people do something special for me on Valentine’s day, like giving me an insane amount of sweets, lots and lots of sweets. I just never felt the urge to change how I acted on that particular day. I never believed in changing how you are just because society says we should.

For example, Thanksgiving. When Thanksgiving comes around, I never feel more thankful for the things I have. It may be the day of giving thanks, but the things that I appreciate in my life have already been given thanks. This is because I am always thankful for the things I have.

It is the same for Valentine’s day. The reason I never feel like showing the people I love how much I care about them, is because I already do that as much as I can. Nothing I could say or do would convey my feelings any further. This is how I think everyone should be.

Does this mean I will never do anything special for Valentines? No. If I ever feel the need to, I will go the extra mile. There is nothing wrong with that. I just think that people should do something really special for their loved one more often. I don’t think that Valentine’s day is terrible, just that it makes people think that it is the most crucial time to show someone your love.

I am sure that many people disagree with this, and you have the right to. Not everyone conforms to this ideal that you should only go all out on Valentine’s day, and that is amazing. Just think about how you treat your loved ones, and have a great Valentine’s day.

Through The Eyes of a Belieber…

February 11, 2014 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Will Amari

staff writer

He has slick hair, pretty brown eyes and a notorious reputation. The Biebster, formally known as Justin Drew Bieber, has always been the center of media. Known more for his “dreamy” smile then his actual music, Mr. Bieber has been to London, the Anne Frank Museum, and now most recently… Jail! Yes, these are troubling times for The Biebster.

At SLA, an anti-Bieber community will not be hard to find. Most students found in the hallways and classrooms are critical towards this pop sensation. Some call him “a monster, just a terrible person in general,” while others claim him to be “just another troubled teen”. However, Junior and current Belieber, Jenny Perez thinks otherwise.

“I think he’s a good guy.” Perez defends, “I mean he can carry an attitude but everyone carries an attitude. But once people get to know him… yeah.”

Perez has been a hardcore Belieber since 2008. A minority in SLA, she often feels looked down upon because of her taste in music. Still, she doesn’t let this get in the way of her passion. “I ignore it, everybody has different taste in music. I’m proud to say that I’m a Justin Bieber fan!”

Beliebers like Jenny Perez are often stereotyped as ten to fifteen year old girls obsessed with a fame-crazed celebrity who “thinks he’s cool just because he knows Usher.” Perez, of course is not fifteen, and is often critical of Justin Bieber’s current behavior.

When asked what she thought about Justin’s controversial act of filling a private jet with so much pot smoke, the pilots had to wear gas masks, she replied saying, “It’s inappropriate. I think just fame can go over his personality. Too much fame, too much money can cause problems.”

Owner of ten magazines, more than 100 posters, signatures, pictures, tickets, sweaters, jackets and every album Bieber had ever made, Perez feels that she truly knows Bieber. “I met Bieber on 2012 in December in Philadelphia. He was nice. There was only like seven of us and we all got to see him outside of the hotel. We took pictures.”

Despite his acts and his many problems, Perez believes that Justin is a good guy. “It’s the media that makes him look bad,” Perez states. “He really does care.”

Deep down in her heart Jenny Perez will always love Bieber. Even if she can’t go to prom with him, she will believe that he is there in spirit.

“Anything is possible,” Mr. Bieber once said. “I’m telling you, people. Everyday we wake up is another blessing. Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you. Never say never.”

Hallway Fashion- Nashay Day

February 8, 2014 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

By Zoe Schwingel-Sauer

Shirt: Barney’s

Jacket: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: H & M

Shoes: Doc Martens

Is there a story behind your outfit?

I was mad.

What winter trends are you taking inspiration from?

Light colored denim.

Who’s your fashion inspiration?

Marc Jacobs.

The Chromebooks are Coming!

February 6, 2014 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

The Chromebooks are Coming!

by Jesse Shuter and Zoe Schwingel-Sauer

Staff Writers

Photo Courtesy of http://www.inferse.com/11164/dell-joins-world-chromebooks/

On thursday, January 23, 2014, Science Leadership Academy (SLA) along with partners from the Franklin Institute and Dell officially announced a partnership for both computers and learning.

The arrangement will provide the incoming Science Leadership Academy students along with the current ninth grade students, the new Chromebook 11. These are not only a brand-new model of Chromebook, but they are the first Chromebook to be made by the Dell company.

The grant provides 620,000 dollars to SLA from Dell to be used to buy the new machines for these students, but also create what will be called the Center of Excellence for Learning. This new center will be used to showcase the innovative use of technology in the classroom, as well as help other schools follow in SLA’s footsteps.

Science Leadership Academy Principal Chris Lehmann, described the concept of the center as “an everyday Educon.” Educon is an event held each year at SLA where teachers and school officials from all over the world come to SLA to learn about the school’s innovative style of learning. They also come to take lessons from SLA back to their schools so that they can keep growing as a place of learning.

Lehmann said the goal for the Center of Excellence was to “create an environment where the learning is transparent.” Essentially, educators come to SLA to learn the style of learning, and take back the lessons and integrate the ideas into their own teachings, in a new way.

Lehmann also emphasized that the goal for the center was, “Not so [educators] can go back and do exactly what we do, but to take the lessons that we have learned, and make them their own.”

At the official announcement speeches were given by Principal Chris Lehmann, Congressman Chaka Fattah, Dr. William Hite of the Philadelphia School District, Dell Representatives Jon Phillips and Deb Bauer, and finally Franklin Institute CEO Dennis Wint.

All speakers emphasized the importance of this new partnership for education purposes.

Teachers are excited about the change, and are also relieved about the transition.

English and Drama Teacher Matthew Kay said, “Fundraising for laptops each year was an incredible burden for the school each year so the fact that Dell stepped up with this arrangement was a real life saver”

Freshmen do not feel the same way. Most Freshmen that were interviewed expressed worry about the Chromebooks’ lack of features.

When asked if he was excited about the new laptops, freshman Declin Zisser said, “No, Chromebooks are awful. They have nowhere to put disks in and you can’t download anything.”

While some freshmen feel this way, most people at SLA are embracing the change and looking forward to the new laptops.

The Laptops are going to be distributed on February 6th, 2014. It remains to be seen how the freshmen will adjust to the new laptops.

Common App & the College Application Process

February 6, 2014 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

The process of applying to college can be extremely stressful, as can be choosing which schools to apply to.

The important thing to remember going into senior year is that everyone has a different experience and a different process. For some it is very easy, for some it’s a challenge, it really depends on what the individual is searching for from life after high school.

Nowadays, the most common method of application is through the online application system, common app.

“Common app is a helpful tool, but I don’t understand why they don’t use more advanced technology like pdfs, they could easily avoid all of the glitches and problems that people have to deal with in the process of applying if they just updated the technology” said Senior, Tyler Creighton.

Senior Taylor Veasey felt differently about the topic.
“The common app is an amazing tool when it works. It saves a lot of time.” She said.

Taylor also applied to a record high of 43 universities this school year.

“I applied to 43 schools because I wanted to have options and flexibility. I know that to some people 43 seems excessive but when you are in a position of financial instability it is a good plan. My family is not able to pay for a college education out of their own pockets and I needed a very generous financial aid package. I received many fee waivers so I thought “Why not?”. I would not advise everyone to apply to so many colleges but, it worked out for me. “ said Taylor.

Taylor’s top school was Vassar college, where she applied early decision and recently found out she got accepted. She will be attending Vassar in the fall.

Written By Isabela Supovitz-Aznar