A Blind Brook High School Student Publication
Issue #1 November 2023
Thanksgiving Opinions: Diverse Perspectives on a Celebrated Tradition By Yana Vorobiev Thanksgiving, a time-honored tradition in many parts of the world, transcends mere indulgence in a feast; it stands as a cultural emblem deeply rooted in historical significance. For centuries, this holiday has served as a poignant reminder to reflect on gratitude, history, and the profound act of coming together. However, the opinions surrounding Thanksgiving vary widely, reflecting diverse perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. Conversations with my peers reveal that, for most, Thanksgiving is a cherished occasion—a time to gather with loved ones, savor delectable dishes, and express gratitude for life. It provides an opportunity to reunite with family, forge cherished memories, and bask in the warmth of shared traditions. Yet, for others, Thanksgiving elicits a sense of discomfort, sparking dialogues about the darker aspects of its history. The origins of this holiday trace back to a narrative of colonization, prompting questions about the treatment of Indigenous people, land appropriation, and the erasure of their cultures.
with a critical lens, recognizing the imperative to honor Indigenous perspectives and rewrite the narrative to encompass a more inclusive and truthful history. In recent years, discussions about the implications of Thanksgiving have gained prominence. Advocates call for reframing this holiday, shifting the focus towards acknowledging Indigenous communities, understanding their experiences, and supporting initia-
tives that amplify their voices and preserve their cultural heritage. Moreover, diverse cultural backgrounds and personal beliefs influence how individuals perceive and celebrate Thanksgiving. Immigrants, children from immigrant families, or those from different cultural backgrounds might adopt elements of Thanksgiving while blending them with their traditions or choosing not to celebrate it at all.
The evolution of Thanksgiving persists as people seek ways to infuse it with more profound meaning and inclusivity. Community-driven initiatives often emphasize the spirit of giving, encouraging individuals to volunteer, support local charities, or engage in acts of kindness—expanding the essence of Thanksgiving beyond a singular day into a year-round ethos of compassion and appreciation. As opinions about Thanksgiving diverge, the overarching sentiment remains clear—a call for reflection, understanding, and a collective effort to create a more inclusive narrative. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the past and shape a future where traditions are celebrated with One theme emerges in the myriad opinions surrounding Thanksgiving—the importance of acknowledging history, fostering empathy, and embracing diverse perspectives to create a more unified and compassionate world.
Features
Notes from Our Editor: Hi everyone! My name is Kunjal Kothari, and I am delighted to be the Editor-in-Chief for the 2023-24 school year! As a past writer and column editor, I have seen first-hand the dedication and time poured into this newspaper. FOCUS is more than just a club; it’s a collaborative and innovative community. We learn how to stay curious, search for stories, and write outstanding articles. I want to integrate more interviews, multimedia content, and an interactive touch into our editions. Stay tuned for our following issues! Email kkothari@blindbrook.org for any ideas or questions!
Politics, News, and more!
Features.....................................1 Politics.................................2 Viewpoints..................................2 News........................................3 Sports...................................3 Arts and Entertainment.................3 Health and Sciences.......................3
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Viewpoints
Should We Get Rid of the Quarter System?
By Maddie Fishbach
Dialogue in Blind Brook High School has been provoked over the topic of getting rid of the quarter system currently being used to grade students in each class. The quarter system is when students receive a grade after each quarter of the school year, and their final grade becomes an average of each quarter in addition to their final assessment. This allows students to have a fresh start to their grade after the termination of a quarter, with their new current grade beginning at 100. The alternative to the quarter system is the rolling grade system. The rolling grade system is a continuous grade that is continually updated based on one’s assignments, assessments, and participation in class. Instead of starting at 100 each quarter, students’ grades will build off of the current average for the school year. Students and administrators have been thrashing out this topic by looking at the pros and cons of each system. While the rolling grade system can help students identify their exact progress throughout the year, there is limited time for improve-
there is limited time for improvement in a particular area since grades are updated frequently. On the other hand, the quarter system allows students to obtain multiple chances to earn a good grade for the quarter, but the learning is fast-paced, and large assessments/projects are crammed all at once before the end of the quarter. Blind Brook High School’s Congress has tackled this debate while considering the positive and negative aspects it would bring to the students. When asked what side the majority of Congress sided with, Alli Low, a Blind Brook sophomore, reported, “It was split… People liked the idea of how a rolling grade system would help to better represent student activity in class, but it was also mentioned that students who may not start the year with good grades will have a tough time getting their grades up since there is no reset”. After much conversation, Congress has still not settled on the system they plan on supporting. “One complaint with the quarterly system is the fact that since quarters are weighted the way they are,
one bad quiz in a quarter will ruin your yearly grade if there aren’t a lot of other assessments within the same quarter,” Blind Brook sophomore student Pablo Zeitune stated after a Congress meeting. “Complaint two is the buildup of tests and projects at the end of each quarter… which in theory we could fix with a rolling grade book”. Tatum Korpi, another sophomore Congress member at Blind Brook, commented, “Quarterly grades are better because it allows students
better because it allows students to have three fresh starts if they have a difficult quarter before.” As there is no final decision yet, Blind Brook High School will continue to talk through the quarter and the rolling grade systems to decide which system they will use. Overall, both systems provide significant benefits to the students, and no matter which one gets chosen, the school will ensure that each student’s grades accurately echo their academic performance.
He agreed to an agreement with the Democrats for a 45-day stopgap funding bill, which was the final straw for Matt Gaetz. Gaetz initiated the call for McCarthy’s historic removal. Eight hardright Republicans, along with 208 Democrats, pushed alongside Gaetz for McCarthy’s removal. Democrats felt it was time to end the chaos that McCarthy brought to the House. Additionally, House members across parties felt that McCarthy’s choice to abandon hard-right ideals to avoid a government shutdown was another
example of his tendency to strike unpopular deals to save face. Three weeks after Kevin McCarthy’s ousting, Republican Mike Johnson won the Speaker election and became the next Speaker of the House. Johnson was one of the less popular candidates running for the new position. Concerns surrounding Jim Jordan, Steve Scalise, and Tom Emmer, his opponents, helped him forge a successful run and his ultimate election.
Politics
The New Speaker of the House By Noah Dweck
On October 3rd, 2023, the United States Congress voted to remove Republican Kevin McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the House. This was the first time in U.S. history that the Speaker had been voted off, resulting from a 216-210 vote in favor of removing McCarthy. McCarthy graduated from California State University and served in the California State Assembly. He was later elected to Congress in 2008 and then as the House Republican Chief Deputy Whip from 2009 to 2011. From 2011 to 2014, he served as House Majority Whip. He was elected Speaker of the House on January 3rd, 2023. As the newly elected Speaker of the House, McCarthy was now the presiding officer responsible for maintaining order, managing House procedures, and governing all administration business. His tasks included swearing
in new members into the House, giving members permission to speak on the House floor, counting and declaring all votes, and appointing members to committees. McCarthy has been involved in several controversies leading up to this historic event, which was reflected in the initial voting process to elect a new Speaker. During the vote for Speaker of the House, votes favoring McCarthy fell drastically, in part due to the opposition he faced from several “ultraconservative GOP lawmakers” (Kochi). McCarthy started making closed-door concessions to those opposing him to save his campaign. These concessions were successful, and he could sway many voters to support him. However, McCarthy failed negotiations to leverage reforms and cuts, and many were dissatisfied with McCarthy’s deal, which raised the debt limit on government borrowing.
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News
The Conflict Between Israel and Hamas
By: Carly Hodes
On October 7, 2023, a conflict brewing between Israel and Hamas turned into a much larger war. Tens of thousands of people were killed. Hamas, a militant group in Palestine, launched an attack on Israel by breaking through a border security fence and taking down Israeli civilians and soldiers who were on guard at the time. Other members of the group stormed beaches in Israel on different types of boats. They also reached Israel through paragliders. This attack devastated Israel by killing more than 1,200 civilians and injuring over 4,500 people. As a result, Israel declared war on Hamas. They conducted air strikes across the Gaza Strip, which also killed hundreds of people ever since the conflict has gone back and forth between Israel and Hamas. As of now, more than 14,800 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. Israel has cut off all resources going into Gaza as a result of this conflict. They will continue this until Hamas releases the Israeli hostages they are holding. Hamas stated that the group would start eliminating the hostages one
by one and filming each execution if Israel did not stop shelling homes in Gaza without warning. Gaza is located between Israel and Egypt. It is the main area where the attacks were initially launched on October 7th. Though this devastating war seems to be the beginning of a fight between Israel and Hamas, there have been many conflicts in this area dating back to the 20th century. From 1947 to 1948, when officials tried to partition Palestine into two states, intense conflict broke out over this resolution, beginning the Arab-Israeli War. Since then, there has been ongoing tension and fighting. Now, more recently, this fighting has turned into a full-scale war. Violence between the two sides has not reached this extent since the Palestinian uprising that ended in 2005. Throughout this, President Biden stated on a phone call to Prime Minister Netanyahu that “the United States has Israel’s back.” Biden has traveled to Israel, symbolizing the strength of America’s diplomatic and economic relationship with them. Many U.S. administrations have proposed different peace
The New York City Marathon
solutions, resulting in two separate states. The United States has long been an ally of Israel, providing them with military aid and international diplomatic support. On October 15, ABC News Live stated that the situation is “as bad as it can get.” Innocent civilians have been
killed in both areas. In addition, violent protests and peaceful marches are being held worldwide. This widespread conflict has impacted many, even those not living in areas directly affected. All of this is devastating, as innocent humans are oppressed and killed day after day. The violence must end.
The New York City Marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of determina tion and community. Whether you’re an experienced runner or a first-timer, the marathon
offers an unforgettable experience of pushing your limits and realizing that you can achieve anything with effort.
Sports
By Jack Mallah
The New York City Marathon is an incredible 26.2-mile journey through the city's iconic streets. It's more than just a race; it's an adventure of endurance and personal triumph. Since its beginning in 1970 with an entry fee of just $1 and an overall budget of $1000, it has grown into a premier global marathon, attracting thousands of runners each year. People participate in the New York City Marathon for various reasons. A large fraction of athletes seek personal achievement and aim to conquer physical and mental challenges. Others run to support charitable causes, using the marathon as a platform for positive change. But what unites them all is the vibrant atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, and famous landmarks that make this marathon a must-do for many. Tracie Hunter, a seasoned marathon runner with 25 years of experience, shared insights into
her marathon journey. She emphasized focusing on one mile at a time rather than the entire distance. Tracie followed a dedicated training routine, running about 50 miles per week, with a peak of 70 miles, over four months. This commitment not only builds physical stamina but also strengthens mental resilience. Reflecting on her marathon experiences, Tracie highlighted the incredible support from the crowds at specific miles. However, she acknowledged the challenges, especially the tough hill at miles 23 and 24, which require a lot of determination to overcome. For Tracie, marathon running has been life-changing; the main lesson learned is that hard work can always lead to success. Her advice for first-timers is simple: make your first marathon about finishing and savoring the moment rather than stressing over a specific time goal. goal over a specific time goal.
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Arts and Entertainment Lights, Camera, Resolution: The End of the 2023 SAG Strike
After months of tense negotiations, empty stages, and pleas for change, the end of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike has finally transpired. The conclusion of this historic labor dispute not only brings relief to the entertainment industry but also aids in transformative changes that could reshape Hollywood for years to come. The end of the SAG strike was marked by a hard-fought compromise between the Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The resolution addressed various issues, including wage inequality and the need for more inclusive and fair practices in the
By Natalie Fier
industry. Both parties recognized the necessity of finding common ground to ensure the sustainability of the entertainment ecosystem. One of the main issues at the negotiating table was the compensation for actors, with demands for fair wages. The resolution sees a commitment to more equitable pay and an adjustment of the left-over models to reflect the evolving landscape of content consumption better. The SAG strike also spotlighted the longstanding issues of diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. The resolution includes measures to era. This commitment is a crucial ties for underrepresented groups step toward nurturing a more inin front of and behind the cam- clusive entertainment landscape. As the strike settles, the industry is left with a mandate to improve its laws. The agreements between SAG and the AMPTP show a collective recognition of the need for systemic changes. Studios and production companies are now tasked with implementing these reforms, fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes fairness, equality, and a more inclusive casting process. With the strike officially over, the entertainment industry is slowly recovering. Productions put on hold during the labor dispute are resuming, and new projects are up for development. While undoubtedly scarred by the disruptions, the industry has an opportunity to rebuild with
new commitments to the principles that the strike stemmed from. Throughout the strike, actors and industry professionals united in solidarity, using their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for change. The end of the strike is not just a resolution; it’s a moment of reflection for the industry, prompting examination of its properties and new opportunities for having a comfortable environment. There is a sense of relief and anticipation as Hollywood takes its first steps into the post-SAG strike era. The resolutions reached are not just about ending a strike but about shaping an industry that reflects the values of its diverse and talented workforce. The 2023 SAG strike may be over, but its impact will undoubtedly resonate, catalyzing positive change in the years to come.
Health and Sciences The BC2M Club By Alex Maniscalco
Bring Change to Mind is a new Blind Brook High School club in its second year. Although young, the club has quickly become one of the most popular, with participation ranging from the new freshmen to the seniors. Sophie Possick, a current senior, founded this club in her junior year after spending every year since the beginning of high school trying to bring a chapter of this club to Blind Brook. As this club's leader, Sophie could go to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in New York City. This event was called the City Winery for the Bring Change to Mind Revels and Revelations Gala. She spent her Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day attending this event in the city while most
of her peers enjoyed their day off. This club was significant to Sophie because she suffered from depression post-COVID-19 lockdowns. “I didn’t talk about it. I was embarrassed,” Sophie said. “That’s not healthy and if anyone else was struggling they shouldn’t be alone.” Through some research, Sophie founded the BC2M club, believing it to be the solution in making sure that no one felt alone, and knew that bringing this chapter to the school would be a rewarding process. Continued on page 5
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Health and Sciences TheContinued BC2M Club from Page 4
The club is run through a nonprofit parent organization founded by Actress Glenn Close to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. The organization organizes campaigns and develops youth programs, including clubs in high schools around the country by providing grants for them to participate in the informational campaigns and activities. Sophie said, “I wanted to create a place where people can learn, a place that is accepting and understanding and where people do not need to feel ashamed.” During the gala, Sophie and the other ushers were asked to collect cards on which guests had written their thoughts. It was quite a shock when she was handed a card from actor Ryan Reynolds. The card said that Ryan Reynolds had publicly stated that he had anxiety. In Sophie’s opinion, “If Ryan Reynolds has it, why should anyone be ashamed?” He was among many other celebrities who attended the event, including Reba McIntyre, Whoopi Goldberg, Glenn Close, Amy Schumer, and Mariska Hargitay. The need for more aware
ness on topics surrounding mental illness has increased through the years, mainly for high schoolaged students. Club advisor and school social worker Tenisha Neil-Robinson said, “The chapter has more than 14,000 students.” She says that her open-door philosophy and the BC2M club give students more opportunities than ever to get their needed help. “It’s its own gift honestly to see a kid who was struggling and being there for them,” she said. “I tell Sophie everyday how proud I am of her; I’ve seen how she has grown.” Ms. Neil-Robinson also attended the gala, and she happened to meet a social worker at a nearby private school, Sacred Heart Academy. This opportunity excited her as she now has someone to collaborate with in running the club. There may also be future opportunities for the two different clubs to work together. The BC2M club has been through about a month and a half of meetings and activities this year. After having more than 100 students sign up for the club at the club fair, the school looks forward to seeing what the club can achieve.
FOCUS Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Kunjal Kothari Operation Manager: Rachel Horn Webmaster: Natalia Terentiev Layout Editor: Sophie Possick Multimedia Directors: Charlotte Zelin and Jordana Esterow Social Media Manager: Maya Vinikoor Features Editor: Sofia Padilla News Editor: Abby Goldstein Viewpoints Editor: Hailey Mallah Arts & Entertainment Editor: Abby Meron Health & Sciences Editor: Emily Tian Politics Editor: Zoey Possick Sports Editor: Maya Vinikoor Faculty Advisor: Andre Soto Iris Chen Noah Dweck Natalie Fier Madeline Fishbach Hunter Greenspan Carly Hodes Max Kulekofsky
Jack Mallah Alex Maniscalco Joley Meron Tyler Taerstein Yana Vorobiev Bridget Zelin
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