In This Issue KHS English Teacher Publishes First Novel: Lesson Plan for Murder (pg 2) How to have a Merry New York Christmas (pg 4) Under $20: The Best Gift Ideas for Friends (pg 4) Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays: The Annual Debate (pg 5) The Only Thing Better than Holiday Break: Holiday Treats (pg 6-7)
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KHS English Teacher Publishes First Novel: Lesson Plan for Murder By Zainab Kabir, Rachel Delaney and Mrs. Van Der Sluys Murder. Suspense. High school English teachers? Lead English teacher Lori Robbins released her first published novel, Lesson Plan for Murder last month; this is the first in
a mystery novel because she has “a love for mystery [and] because it gives a sense of human justice.” She launched the selling of her book at the New Jersey Edu-
With such an intense writing schedule, though, she has begun writing multiple book series. “I just sent the book to my editor,” she says about Murder in First Position, the first in another murder mystery series she’s
her new Master Class Series. The novel is about an English teacher, Dr. Marcia Deaver, found dead in her own classroom just 24 hours before the new school year starts. Although detectives are assigned to find out “whodunit,” protagonist and colleague Liz Hopewell starts her own vigilante invesPhoto by Alice Kivlon
tigation. As more teachers die, the investigation heightens to a fever pitch. Think this is a novel only English teachers would enjoy? Think again. Robbins thinks her book is a great read for high school students, as well, because of its comedic moments. Robbins explains that in the English curriculum, the books that students read all connect to each other like clues; and in Lesson Plan For Murder, Hopewell must use books to find the murderer and solve the mystery. Robbins says she chose to write
cation Association Convention in Atlantic City on Nov. 9-10, which was “very good, wonderful, because I met multiple teachers, and gave workshops to teachers who were aspiring writers.” The sequel, “Linked to Murder,” is slated to come out next year. “I write every weekend for six hours a day or more,” Robbins says of her writing process. “And then every day during the week I review and try to add to it. And then I write every day in the summer. I try to put in an eight hour day...it’s my job.”
working on, this time, set in a ballet studio. Setting a mystery series in a ballet studio actually speaks to a hobby that is very close to Robbins’ heart. “I was a professional dancer for ten years...I danced at a number of professional companies, and then I stopped dancing when my kids were very young, and I returned five years ago.” Robbin’s career as a published author is impressive enough; but she is also an advocate for other female writers. “I’m [the vice president of] the New York chapter of Sister in Crime. It’s a group of writers that
meet every month in the city. It’s an outgrowth of women not being well represented in the publishing world and so….we’ve started to promote women writers.” Those interested in reading more about Sisters in Crime can visit their website at NYSINC.org Want to solve the mystery with Liz Hopewell? Visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Room 209 at KHS. For those who want to read a sample from the book first, visit BarkingRainPress.org.
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South Korean Boy Group Takes U.S. by Storm By Gabriella Avagyan
their opinions on BTS and their growing popularity. Freshman Katie Mcspirit-Brush says, “I think it’s great that BTS is getting western exposure. They’ve worked really hard to get to ‘BTS’ (Beyond the Scene) is this point and they deserve a South Korean boy group to be known worldwide.” that has recently been gaining a lot of traction in the music industry and were finally able to make their U.S. TV performance debut on the AMAS. They released their new album ‘LOVE YOURSELF’ in September, which has a variety of pop, rap, and hip-hop tracks. It’s often difficult for music artists from foreign countries to Senior Daniella Burnett gain popularity outside says, “I’ve been a fan of BTS of their country, so many for three years now and I consider it impressive that can proudly say they have BTS has become so poputremendously excelled as a lar worldwide. group. I enjoy their music and performances, along A little earlier this year, with their hardworking BTS was nominated for the and weird personalities. Billboard Music Awards When I first got into them, and won in their category. it seemed almost impossiFans are overjoyed they ble that they would come to are getting recognition in America. Their internationthe U.S. and beyond. al fan base has grown so Some fans at KHS offered much that they have been Did you watch the the 2017 AMAS (American Music Awards) on Nov. 19? If so, then you may have seen a new artist you might’ve not recognized.
Editors Lauren Abderhalden ...... Editor in Chief Sarah Dougherty ...... Editor in Cheif Section Editors Caroline Lavallee ...... Arts & Entertainment, Sports Deanna Fanelli ...... Local/World News Katie Goralski ...... Features Camille Balo ...... School News
able to tour here, were on “Jimmy Kimmel”, and are going to their second American music show! It really amazed me to see their progress and I’m excited to see where the future takes them!” Senior Natalie Talamo
says, “BTS have made a lot of awesome music and worked hard for a long time; they used to come out with music that didn’t grab many westerners’ attention, but now they have fans all around the world! Seeing them and their fan base grow is really cool, and I’m excited to see them at their second American award show, and hopefully win like the last time!”
Freshman Kayla Tehrani says, “I’ve just recently got into BTS, but over this short time I’ve never felt so involved with a music artist. We have the ability to vote for them in Asian awards, as well as be able to bring them to America! They always interact with fans on social media and care a lot about what they do. BTS is really worth getting into and I’m super hyped to see them perform at the AMAs!” Freshman Emily Mazurkiewicz says, “There are so many words to describe BTS, but the one I would use right now is inspiring. They’ve come from a company that wasn’t known for popular artists, and they struggled for a while. But here they are at the top of their game, and it makes me so proud of them. They’re so humble about it all too, which encourages me to be the same way. They’re really the ones that get my day going and the ones that help me smile and brighten others’ days!”
Advisor Alana Van Der Sluys ...... Advisor Layout Caroline Lavallee ...... Graphic Design, Layout
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How to have a Merry New York Holiday By Gabriella Avagyan
Decorations are up, kids are making their wish lists, and everyone is stressing over gifts. The holiday season is finally here. Here are some fun pastimes that aren’t too far from home, but still pack in bundles of holiday cheer. 1. Elf the Musical Are you a fan of musicals? Like holiday movies? Elf the Musical is the on-stage version of the classic Elf movie made in 2003, and you can see it at Madison Square Garden Theater. It’s packed with staple Christmas tunes like “Sleigh Ride” and “Let it snow!” that can get anyone in the holiday mood. 2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Don’t miss your chance to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree this winter! The gigantic fir tree is annually put up at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and will be lit and on display until Jan 7. The best part: it’s free! 3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights If this neighbourhood was in the running for “Most Extravagant Christmas Decor” they would win by a mile. Huge inflatable Santas, nutcracker armies, and
glowing nativity scenes; Dyker Heights has it all. Over 100,000 people come and visit the amazing displays. 4. Bryant Park Winter Village Do you remember that one big skating rink you always see in holiday movies? That likely was Bryant Park Winter Village. If the 17,000 square foot ice rink doesn’t catch your interest, the village also has over 150 stores and food vendors. Skating is free if you bring your own skates, and if you’re busy with holiday shopping—don’t fret. The rink will be open until March 4. 5. Radio City Christmas Spectacular Santa and his helpers, the Rockettes, and star-studded holiday costumes. Could it get anymore classic-NYC-Christmas? The show has been held at Radio City Music Hall since 1933, and it’s not stopping this Christmas. Find tickets on Ticketmaster for shows up until Jan 1 and have fun with the whole family!
Under $20: The Best Gift Ideas for Friends
By Julia Hackney With the holiday season holidays. She feels that coming up, students at these are the best gifts Kinnelon High School are because they are very rushing around to buy useful in the chilly New gifts for friends, family, Jersey weather, and and teachers. While many they “..come in a variety do not mind splurging on of styles and colors that their siblings and parents, are perfect for everybudgets for schoolmates’ one.” Considering how gifts tend to be tight. cute hats and gloves can Whether the present is be found everywhere, for a Yankee Swap, Se- from the dollar store to cret Santa, or just to show the mall, these presents gratitude for friendship, are perfect to buy in the right gift at the right bulk for everyone. price can be difficult to find. Sophomore James Kimberlin thinks that the gift Freshman Caroline Tighe should be “something bought her friends foo- that you heard them tie pajamas. “Not only talk about in the past can you collect a variety or something meaningof them in different col- ful to them.” A gift that ors and forms,” she said, has sentimental value “they’re also like portable or a message behind it hugs, and they have built will mean far more to in hoods.” She also men- a friend than a genertioned that this present is ic gift will. These gifts affordable, and would be don’t have to be expenan overall crowd pleaser sive, either. Kimberfor both boys and girls. lin said that one of the This gift is both humor- gifts he plans to buy is a ous and useful, and could hula girl for his friend’s easily be used for a White dashboard, because he Elephant gift exchange. is thankful for her driving him everywhere. Another practical yet in- While this present holds expensive gift is a gloves a rather low price value, and hat set, which fresh- the message behind it is man Zenobia Ahsanuddin bound to mean a lot to bought her friends for the his friend.
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Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays: The Annual Debate As 2017 comes to a close, the annual question rises again: “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”? With the growing diversity of the American population, the need to be politically correct has become a prevalent issue, especially during the winter holidays. Christmas is just one of many holidays celebrated in winter including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and New Years. While some stores and businesses abandoned the use of “Merry Christmas” to reach larger audiences, others wonder if they should do the same.
By Colt Chronicle Editorial Staff
the traditions they have in their families.”
It is often deemed politically incorrect to talk about religion because some people may be easily offended. Junior Rachel Dillon celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas, and although she is not offended by a “Merry Christmas” greeting, she says that “sometimes it does bother me a little bit because I’ll go through the entire week and nobody even notices Hanukkah.” Likewise, teacher Hannah Sappio, who is Jewish, says, “Sometimes I feel left out... [but] I’m used to it.”
President Donald Trump already established his position on the issue at the Values Voter Summit in October, telling supporters that “we’re saying Merry Christmas again.”
In reference to the way some may take offense when talking about religious holidays, Junior Diala Amer says, “I don’t think [people] should be sensitive. There’s nothing to be sensitive about.”
But KHS students and staff have their own opinions on the controversy.
Amer is both Arabic and Muslim; therefore she does not celebrate any holiday during the winter months. She celebrates Eid, a Muslim holiday that changes dates every year. “I know when my holiday is and I’m not sensitive when people say Merry Christmas to me,” she says.
Junior Kendal Simmons says, “If someone is wishing you Merry Christmas and you celebrate only Hanukkah, they’re still meaning well… it’s the intent behind what they are saying.” Both Jewish and Christian, however, Simmons also says, “It’s good to be aware of what people celebrate and
If “Merry Christmas” is usually the default greeting during the winter months, does that deem other holidays less im-
Photo courtesy of Diala Amer
Diala Amer (center) celebrating Eid with her family.
portant? Simmons says, “I don’t think [Hanukkah] is deemed any less important because it is [about] how your family celebrates. It may be less recognized but… it doesn’t make it any less important.” Similarly, Amer on the Muslim celebration of Eid, says, “It’s the same importance, it’s just not known [as much].” However, Dillon argues this point: “If [Hanukkah] was important we would get days off for [both] Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah,” Dillon also says that more awareness about the different religions could answer the “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” debate because “insensitivity about the holidays comes from an insensitivity about the religion itself.” She says that education about all religious holidays is the most important issue.
While some non-Christian students may understand the good intentions behind a “Merry Christmas” greeting, others may be sensitive and easily offended by this simple phrase. Because these opinions vary so much, perhaps it is most important to be more aware of all types of religious holidays and festive greetings. This way, one can be considerate of the diversity in the KHS community and be more open-minded to the changing demographics regarding religious factions. While it is essential to remain sensitive when talking about religious holidays, it is also important to remember that regardless of the holiday, the winter break is a time for friends and family festivities. With this in mind, be happy when wishing people “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” or even “Happy winter break.”
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The Only Thing Better than Holiday Break: Holiday Treats By Juliana Marston
As the holidays this winter approach, so does the time to bake delicious treats. With so many different kinds and recipes it’s hard to choose what to bake. “Gingerbread cookies are my favorite, mainly because my family bakes them together around the holidays,” says freshman Madelyn Goia. “Yeah,” agrees freshman
Jacob Prescot. “Anything involving gingerbread is bound to be good,” he says. “Peppermint bark is amazing!” says sophomore Noreen Abedrabbo. “It’s the perfect combination of chocolate and peppermint, and doesn’t have too many ingredients.” “I like chocolate chip
cookies because they’re a year round kind of treat,” says freshman Sarah Armstrong. Gingerbread cookies, and peppermint bark are an example of a treat associated with certain holidays, but there are other ones that are more common on a regular day basis; chocolate chip cookies are an example.
“Fudge brownies are also good for any day, and you can decorate them however you want,” says sophomore Amanda Vecharello. “Most deserts can be made for any holiday, it just depends on how you decorate and design them. Like shaping sugar cookies too look like reindeer,” Says Abedrabbo.
Gingerbread cookies Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses 1 large egg Decorating sugar or sprinkles (optional) Directions: In a medium size bowl, mix together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Then set it aside. With an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until it becomes a smooth mixture. Then blend in the molasses and egg. With mixer on low, add the dry ingredients; mix them just until a dough forms. Place the dough on floured plastic wrap and pat into an 8-inch square. Wrap it well, and place it in the fridge to chill for 1-2 hours. Preheat the oven to 350
degrees. Divide dough in half and work with one half at a time (rewrap and refrigerate other half). Then place the dough on floured parchment/ waxed paper; rolling it out 1/8 inch thick, turning, lifting, and flouring dough (and using a rolling pin) as needed. Refrigerate the dough (on paper) until firm, about 15-25 minutes. Take the dough back out, and wait a minute for it to Adapt to room temperature. Then cut out shapes, and transfer to baking sheets,
Bake until the dough firms, and the edges just begin to darken. This should take 10 to18 minutes, but it depends on the cookie’s size. Cool completely on baking sheets. Then decorate to your heart’s desire.
Colt Chronicle December 2017 Page 7 Fudge Brownies Ingredients: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 2/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt ½ of the butter (4 tablespoons) and put it in an 8-inch square pan. Set that aside, and then take a medium saucepan over low heat, and melt the rest of the butter. Remove pan from heat, and stir in cocoa. Let cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Carefully stir in sugar and then the egg. In a small sepa-
rate bowl, stir together vanilla and coffee until the coffee is dissolved. Add both to the cocoa mixture. Mix thoroughly, so that the batter is consistent. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, and smooth the top. Bake until surface of brownies looks barely dry, and an inserted knife comes out with a few moist crumbs, rather than uncooked batter. This should take about 20 minutes. Cool it to room temperature and serve.
Peppermint Bark Ingredients: 2 pounds white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces 12 large candy canes 1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil Directions: into small pieces. Line an 11-by-17-inch baking Stir pieces of candy canes pan with parchment paper, and the peppermint oil into and set it aside. the melted chocolate. If usIn the top of a double boiler, ing a double boiler, remove or even in the microwave, the chocolate from the melt the white chocolate. If stove. Then pour the chocusing the double boiler, stir olate over the baking sheet constantly. If using a micro- and spread it evenly. Chill wave, heat it for 45 seconds until firm in the refrigeraat a time and stir after each tor (25 to 30 minutes). interval. Then break it into pieces, Crush up 12 large candy canes and serve. Store it in an air(you can use a meat tenderiz- tight container in the refriger, or whatever works for you) erator for up to a week.
Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 3/4 cup milk-chocolate chips Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. cup milk chocolate) Then cover the Taking the ingredients, blend togeth- batter, and freeze for 10 minutes. er flour, salt, and baking soda. Beat Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop the butter and sugars with a mixer on or tablespoon, place the dough medium-high speed until the mix- onto baking sheets lined with ture becomes pale and fluffy. This parchment, spacing about 2-3 should take 3 to 5 minutes. Then inches apart. Each should be a cirblend in the egg and vanilla. Reduce cular shape, and you may need/ the speed in the mixture to low. Add want a second pan. Flatten the the flour, salt and baking soda mix- dough slightly. Bake them until the ture in 2 batches, and beat until ev- centers are set, and cookies are erything is combined. Stir in choco- pale golden brown. This should late chips (ž cup semisweet and ž take 12 to 14 minutes.
Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart
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Editorial Cartoons By Madison Gear