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New Teacher Profile: Annie Haftl

November 4, 2021 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

By Sophia Florence and Claire Powell

Annie Haftl, who joined the SLA community for the school year and goes by Teacher Annie, is working as a student teacher for Mr. Henkel’s science classes. Their presence brings engaging excitement and opportunities to the classroom for all students. Although they haven’t been here long, they have already made a long lasting impression on the SLA community.

Early Experiences

Growing up in a town called Thorton, located in Delaware county, Annie knew from a young age what they loved.

“From the time I was very little, it became apparent to both me and my parents that I was interested in science in ways that other kids were not. I was really interested in collecting bugs.”

Annie had journals filled with observations of the natural world around them, “Pretty early on I realized I was really interested in natural science.”

In school, Annie was then exposed to an incredible science education through an organization called “Science Olympian.” The club helps students They explained this club as a way for students to explore different science fields without the pressure of grades, and this is what led Annie into their exploration of different sciences.

College

They stayed in Delaware county until moving to Philadelphia to continue their college education at Drexel, where they started studying forensic science, earning their masters and bachelors degrees. Teacher Annie also focused on biochemistry and earth science, and was considering a future in research. However, their perspective changed

“I quickly realized that research and academia university structure in general is a much larger, more scary version of public schooling.”

The isolation of the pandemic also forced Annie to rethink their career choices.

“ I realized what I’m really passionate about is one, obviously science. And two, making sure that science is accessible to everyone.”

The good and bad teachers Annie encountered in high school also influenced

“My very first chemistry class ever, the teacher basically told me I was an idiot.” Annie wants to make sure students are not scared of science by discouraging educators.

“Making sure everybody knows that you don’t have to be really smart or really good at anything to do well at science and it’s really for everybody.”

SLA

The SLA community has surprised Annie. Supplies are widely available at this school, which makes it much easier for classes to be hands-on and more creative. Progressive teaching styles also opened a whole new world of opportunities for students at SLA.

The resources and flexibility has resulted in a positive response from Teacher Annie’s students. Senior Paula Vekker stated that, “I have really enjoyed teacher Annie’s lessons, just the few days they’ve been here. The lesson plans are engaging to make me want to learn more and focus.”

“Teacher Annie’s classes are entertaining and optimistic,” Senior Isabella Boix added. “It’s refreshing to see a new teacher that can offer so much knowledge on the topic of science.”

Annie has big ideas that they want to make a reality within the Philadelphia School District. Either this year or in the future, they want to establish a Science Olympiad so that more kids can have the opportunity to explore science outside of the classroom in an interactive and engaging way.

New Teacher Profile: Alex Miller

November 1, 2021 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

By Harper Leary and Adrie Young

More Than an Interpreter

As the only person in the SLA building who is permitted to enter with a face shield, she may have stood out to you around school. Interpreter Alex Miller is a recent addition to the SLA community. She has the unique position of interpreting for Sophie Zawislak, a freshman who is deaf.

“I really enjoy having her as an interpreter, we have a great relationship with each other and it’s really nice to have someone who you have a bond with especially when you are seeing them every day,” Zawislak said.

While her job is an uncommon one, her hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. She accompanies Zawislak to all of her classes and translates practically everything; comments from her peers, instructions and lessons from her teachers, and more. Ms. Miller provides the crucial connection for Zawislak that makes her learning possible.

Early Life and Education

Ms. Miller grew up in Bucks County. Her childhood best friend was deaf, and she learned to sign because of her. Ms. Miller’s parents also thought it was important for her to learn a second verbal language from a young age. She started taking Spanish classes before school on Wednesdays when she was six.

These early experiences encouraged Ms. Miller to develop a love for language. She attended college in Bloomsburg, PA; Bloomsburg University is one of the few schools in the state that has sign language interpreting, which interested her. Ms. Miller has a bachelor’s degree in science and American sign language interpreting, a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and culture, and a minor in linguistics.

As an Interpreter

Ms. Miller has interpreted for college classes, high schools, hospitals, and even a podcast where she translated Spanish into ASL.

She said that one of the hardest parts of her job is the physical exhaustion from signing all day long. Interpreting can also be mentally taxing, because she is constantly switching back and forth between English, ASL, and even Spanish.

Ms. Miller also mentioned how difficult the social stigma around the deaf community can be.

“Sometimes people don’t really know what to do with me, or they don’t let me in the room, so there’s a lot of advocacy that I have to do in my life, to be like, your patient has to communicate with you, and they can’t hear you, if I’m not there, how’s that gonna happen?” she said about interpreting for doctor’s appointments.

Even with all of the difficulties of being an interpreter, Ms. Miller still loves her job and how she can connect people together. She mentioned the lightbulb she sees go off when working with someone and how special it is to be a part of that.

“It’s cool because [Ms. Miller] helps me talk with [Sophie], in ways that are not just lessons. Normally with kids, I’ll tease them and stuff like that. It’s cool that she can translate those things too, so I can make faces at her and tease her and stuff like that,” English Teacher Mr. Kay said about working with Ms. Miller and Zawislak.

A World Traveler

Ms. Miller has a passion for visiting foreign countries.

“I love going and learning about cultures, learning about how different people do things; I just love it—going outside of the big sites and seeing how people really live. The world is so big; there’s so much to do, there’s so much to see, there’s so much to learn,” she said. She’s already traveled to almost thirty countries, and still wants to go to Antarctica, see the Northern Lights, and visit every continent.

As a fluent Spanish speaker, Ms. Miller took the opportunity to spend a year abroad in Argentina near the Paraguay border. There, she taught English to kids, many of whom were already bilingual.

She emphasized how important it is to study abroad. “I honestly cannot stress enough if you have the opportunity to study abroad, do it! As long as you can, as much as you can, anywhere you can. You will never get another experience like that again.”

While Ms. Miller travels for enjoyment and cultural exposure, she also finds it important to give back, which is why she has done international service.

SLA Plans, Prepares for Facility Upgrades at Ben Franklin

May 23, 2019 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Zoe Kwasnicki

Staff Writer

Starting next school year, Science Leadership Academy Center City will no longer be located at 22nd and Arch. Instead, our new campus will be located within Ben Franklin High School – or at least half of it.

But that is all the majority of the student body knows – excluding sketches of floor plans and photos of construction hung up in the hallways. The more intimate details of our new home is largely unknown which has resulted in jittery sophomores and confused freshmen – terrified that their first day at school will be spent wandering aimlessly between classrooms. Not to mention the potentially awkward social interactions between SLA and Ben Franklin students.

Sophomore Lily Bromley expressed worry that the Ben Franklin students will be annoyed that it’s through the addition of SLA that the quality of the building will be improved.

“I’m excited in some ways – like I’m excited to have a nicer building but there are some things I’m worried about. Like that there might be some inequality between our school and their school… now that we’re coming in they’re getting all this stuff.”

The school is designed to prevent more division between the schools however because while the majority of the building will be split down the middle, the first floor will be shared by both SLA CC and Ben Franklin students although the main entrances will be different. SLA CC students will enter on Green St. and into a common area while Ben Franklin students will enter on Broad St. and into the main hallway.

Also on the first floor will be the auditorium and the gym – two building features never before enjoyed by SLA CC students. The cafeteria is moving from its original space on the 6th floor to the first floor as well.

In the cafeterias there will be one kitchen, but two separate serving and seating areas. The SLA CC cafe will be outfitted with “Starbucks-style” seating in the words of Principal Chris Lehmann, with low seating and high seating mixed throughout the space.

From there the second, third, fourth and fifth floors will be divided and designated for classrooms with the sixth floor featuring both CTE rooms, the art room, and – a new addition to SLA – a terrace!

Classrooms will be outfitted with a variety of furniture similar to the mix we currently have at SLA. Teachers were able to choose between single or table seating for their rooms although all seating will remain consistent in classrooms, with a style similar to the current classroom furniture.

However, there will be some more unique chairs known as the Ruckus in the cafe and the Study Skills lab.

But besides classrooms and bathrooms, the second through fifth floors will also have small “collaboration” rooms/areas throughout the school along with a “Living Room” on the second floor which will be spaces in which students can work on their ongoing projects or simply relax.

All of these changes are backed enthusiastically by Mr. Lehmann, who emphasises the fact that every single alteration was due to the unique wants and needs of SLA’s community:

“I think the general goal is this: I think SLA has a unique culture and I think we all enjoy that. And I think [what we are doing is] figuring out what that culture looks like in a new space and figuring out how to continue to involve and develop and enrich the culture…in a new space.”

And amid the apprehension of a new location and new neighbors, students are still optimistic.

“It’s going to be weird, but I think we’ll figure out,” stated Sophomore Mo Kelly.

Ramadan at SLA – 2019 Edition

May 16, 2019 by Amelia Benamara Leave a Comment

Opinion Editor

Amelia Benamara

The month of Ramadan has started off yet again at SLA Main for the third time in the month of May. Monday, April 6th of this year marked the first day of what’s known as the holy month for the Muslim community.

Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one’s prayers. Many Muslims dress more conservatively during Ramadan and spend more time at the mosque than at any other time of the year. Beawiharta, Reuters Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, and charity.

Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking during this time, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior.

In 2019, a large number of students participate in the fasting process where for a full month no food or liquids are permitted to enter your body until the sun sets during the prayer, Maghrib.

Coincidentally, the end of the year’s activities that the entire school participates in fall around the same time as Ramadan fasting. This keeps students from participating in school-related events such as class potlucks, sports parties, and even field day.

“It isn’t as difficult as I expected it to be especially since some of my friends are fasting with me so we get to share the experience together,” Senior Aysha Siddiquee tells us, “it’s getting harder now with all of the end of the year parties and events including food since we are and will constantly be surrounded by food.”

Even though people do have their fair share of questions and concerns at the end of the day the Muslim students do understand it comes out of curiosity and wanting to learn which makes it that much more exciting to share new knowledge and in general the community that they have of Islam.

Although there is a large group of SLA students who have been fasting for a long period of time now who claim that Ramadan isn’t as been as difficult this year specifically, compared to all of the other years.

“When it comes to the activities around the school, I fasted for many many years and some days are easier than others, especially when week without walls comes and the temperature rises to 80 and 90 degrees.” Junior Mamadou Samassa speaks on his experience so far.

“Now we have a system in place in order to make it easier on us to go and pray which makes our fast that much more complete.” Aysha goes in depth on the community in general.

This year, along with last year, SLA allows students to make use of space in the building to perform their prayers during school hours. This year especially, students were overwhelmed when the principle, Mr. Lehmann, allowed a small group to leave school grounds to pray at the Masjid Al-Jamia, located on 42nd and Walnut.

“This year was a really unique experience, the principle actually let us last Friday. It proves that the school shows general understanding and respect o all religions and all values that students have.” Mamadou Samassa expands.

Image result for ramadan 2019 — Photo Courtesy: Google

As far as respect goes in the SLA community, many Muslim students feel overly comfortable fasting and gain a lot of support not only from their peers but also from the staff and teachers — even Chris Lehmann, SLA’s founding principle.

Although there are few students who went in depth on the lack of help their peers provide.

“For the most part, my friends don’t exactly help my fasting process but not on purpose. For example, we’d be playing a basketball game and convince me to play another round — sometimes they forget which is completely okay.” Samassa continues.

As a student who surrounds herself with many Mulsim friends, Senior AIlin Li goes in depth on the support she attempts to provide throughout the entire month.

“I try not to eat around those who are fasting just because it doesn’t feel right while they’re doing it for a good reason. I support the idea of Ramadan and my friends even influenced me to fast myself because of how healthy it is and to, of course, support them.” Li expands on her experiences this year with her Muslim companions.

Ramadan is a time for prayer. SLA has been able to create a space that respects religion and allows people to have a place to pray and find others who share the same beliefs.

Does SLA have a Bias Against Community College?

May 16, 2019 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Brendan Hall

Staff Writer

High schoolers around the country get the same message starting freshman year: the paths they choose after they graduate are crucial The seniors at SLA are no exception and prepare to make a life-defining commitment to a post-graduate program.

Aside from programs, location, and cost another important part of making the college decision is the type of college/university to attend. Varieties of these include private colleges, public colleges, trade schools, or community college. Knowing how to decipher between these types for the best possible result may be more difficult than it appears due to the benefits and shortcomings of each type of schools.

As a citywide admissions school, SLA prides itself on helping students get into elite schools with competitive admissions. But does this focus overlook the value of less prestigious, but more affordable schools?

“SLA college counselors and other teachers recommended me liberal arts school and I think that’s because a liberal arts school is most similar to SLA,” Senior Messele Asfaw said in response to what types of post high school education SLA recommended.

Asfaw furthered this claim by saying he believes those who chose a liberal arts school did it because they wanted a similar learning environment to SLA. In a follow up he believed that a problem could occur from a formulaic recommendation.

“There’s a stigma against community college that certain students and faculty members have against it despite that option being a reasonable choice for certain people,” Asfaw critiqued about the college counseling students receive. In the end, Asfaw decided to attend SUNY Stony Brook because of the quality of its engineering and film program.

Another student confirmed Asfaw’s perception.

“In general I think SLA gives recommendations based on types of schools that resemble [where the teachers went],” Senior Majd Bostani stated. Bostani believes school faculty do this to inform students about an opportunity to learn in a manner that replicates project-based material. However he also expressed there was an inconvenience with this method because they tend to favor institutions which mirror SLA’s style.

“A student looking for guidance would likely find conflict with the type of schools recommended because it’s rare for them to recommend schools outside of a university,” Bostani claimed.

“I knew where I wanted to go based on my own research and parental guidance,” Sean DeSilva explained. DeSilva progressed his statement and said this tactic allowed to look aside from educational institutions which mirrored SLA’s ideals. DeSilva furthered this implying SLA had bias towards certain types of colleges.

“I think that looking over community colleges could potentially waste a reliable option due to the stigma around it,” DeSilva stated. In the end, DeSilva decided to attend LaSalle.

Another anonymous student described a past incident where her brother had an unpleasant confrontation about his choice to attend Community College of Philadelphia. This incident lead to her deciding to not ask the college counselor for guidance because of how attending community college was taboo for her brother.

Some seniors at SLA believe Community College is looked down upon by faculty members, and even their own peers. This could result in a lack of motivation for students who know they cannot attend a university due to cost or other factors.

“My job is to let students know about a wide range of schools,” Mrs. Hirschfield the college counselor asserted. She also explained that despite the stigma against community college a significant portion of SLA students have attended each of the past 4 years (10%).

“I think that there is a stigma, but I don’t think it’s exclusive to SLA,” she stated. This point was proceeded with her opinion, which is people do this because selective schools are valued more in a professional setting. For instance, a Bachelor’s degree is more prestigious than an associate’s degree, but applicants overlook the option of transferring to a university.

Furthermore, she stated this stigma could result in a negative college experience for future students due to chasing prestigious validations. However, Ms. Hirschfield countered the claim that SLA has a practice of automatically overlooking community options.

“If a student said they wanted to go to CCP I’d support the choice, it’s just I want students to be aware of all their options…maybe that’s where the misunderstanding comes from,” she addressed when asked about a student not coming to college counseling.