Health and Science Urgency of Earth Consciousness

In a world where environmental issues are becoming increasingly pressing, it is essential for us to develop a strong sense of Earth consciousness. Earth consciousness compels us to recognize that every action we take, no matter how small, impacts the environment. This deep awareness and appreciation of our planet and its interconnected systems prompts us to live in harmony with nature rather than exploit it. This mindset entails adopting sustainable practices, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and embracing the principles of conserving, reusing, and recycling. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing one of Blind Brook High School's biology teachers, Ms. Shallo, who shared her insights on the importance of Earth consciousness and the measures she takes to support environmental conservation.

As an advocate for sustainability, Ms. Shallo actively incorporates sustainable practices into her teaching environment. She embraces natural light, ensuring that the classroom utilizes sunlight effec-

By: Yana Vorobiev

ively and minimizes reliance on artificial lighting. By doing so, Ms. Shallo not only reduces energy consumption, but also creates an atmosphere that connects students with the beauty of the natural world.

A conservation-based mindset involves recognizing the intrinsic value of the Earth and its inhabitants. It goes beyond environmental awareness; it encompasses a holistic approach that acknowledges the interdependence of all living beings, and ecosystems. Sustainability begins with taking responsibility for our actions. Each decision we make, from the products we consume, to the energy we use, can either contribute to the degradation of the environment, or promote sustainability. When we cultivate our appreciation for the world, we acknowledge that the health and well-being of the planet are intricately linked to our own.

On days when the weather allows, Ms. Shallo takes her students outside, allowing them to experience the wonders of nature and emphasize the importance of envi- ronmental conservation. By encouraging outdoor learning, she inspires her students to develop a deep appreciation for the environment, which motivates them to protect it. Ms. Shallo also runs a paperless classroom, promoting digital resources and minimizing paper waste.

Ms. Shallo also discussed how her commitment to sustainability extends beyond the classroom. At home she practices composting: an environmentally friendly way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil. Composting not only minimizes the amount of waste sent to landfills, but also provides an opportunity to turn organic matter into a valuable resource for gardening and agriculture.

Being Earth-conscious invites us to adopt a lifestyle that respects and harmonizes with nature. By following Ms. Shallo’s example and embracing sustainable practices, such as renewable energy sources and responsible consumption, we reduce our ecological footprint. We can also encourage others to make environmentally conscious choices by sharing knowledge and leading by example. Moreover, spending time in nature and immersing ourselves in its beauty and tranquility can deepen our connection to the Earth.

Viewpoints

Should School Start Later?

By: Ella Mensch

The start time of schools has been a very controversial topic for years. Some think that elementary schools should start before high schools because the natural sleep schedule of younger children has them going to sleep earlier and then waking up earlier than high school students. Others think that the starting time of schools does not matter because kids will be in school the same amount of time every day no matter what. Each approach offers advantages and disadvantages.

Science tells us that teenagers need about 8-10 hours of sleep per day for their brains to fully function. A student whose school starts at 7:50 am will have to wake up from 6:307:15 am. With this wake-up time, a student needs to go to sleep around 10pm in order to gain their full 8 hours of sleep. However, with the increasing amount of extracurriculars students are taking, combined with the homework they have, it is almost impossible to be in bed at 10 pm. Sophomore Sophia Morlino said that she is lucky to be in bed by 11:30 pm. Teenagers who do not get enough sleep will start to have shorter attention spans and may lose their temper more easily. They also have a higher risk of developing a drug/alcohol addiction, and most of the time develop a caffeine addiction. If the start time of schools is later, students will be able to get the sleep they so desperately need. This will not only improve the grades they get but will also improve their attitude towards things such as friendships/relationships. Studies have proven that teenagers get their highest quality of sleep starting around 2 am until late morning. It simply doesn’t make sense to force teens into a sleep schedule that does not align with activities in their life, and does not provide the highest quality of sleep. With extra sleep granted from a later start time, mental health would significantly improve and teens would be overall more optimistic.

The current school day at BBHS is from 7:50 AM -2:20 PM. That is almost seven hours of in-school learning. If the school day did start later, students would still be in school for 7 hours. But with a later start time, the school day would not end until later. This means that students would have less time in the afternoon to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. Homework would be pushed back until later in the evening, and students would continue to go to bed later. Such scheduling considerations would need to be thoughtfully addressed before a dramatic change in the school day is implemented; there is no reason that schools should start later if students will be sleep deprived by the same amount as when school starts earlier.

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The club has had a lasting impact on prior and current members, some of whom have been involved since their freshman year of high school. Eager-to-learn freshmen feel a connection with the team, emphasizing the positive impression the club has made.

Ms.Gianfrancesco, the club’s advisor, has spoken of the enduring emotional connection she shares with the team members, claiming she has spent more time with them than her own children. Weinstein shares that the club’s “wide variety of absurd team traditions, combined with the intense feeling of shared pride after a County Championship win, has made