Inside...
Brighter Horizons Academy
Under-16 soccer season wrap up P. 8
Counselor listens, advises, non-judgemental Jenin Sallouha, is making an impact on the student body. Students have someone they can confide in with their problems or issues. P. 3
Volume 6 Issue 1
November 2009
Garland, TX 75044
Employee held at knife point Counselor Thief steals vehicle on and sense of security board By: Karma Orfaly Editor-in-Chief
She was parking at her apartment complex, talking on her cell, moving as quickly as possible when a man held her up at knife point. Within a nanosecond, she tossed her purse at him and began to scream and run. He was right behind her. On September 12, at approximately 1:30 a.m. after a long night of Taraweeh prayer and Qiyam Al-Layl at the Richardson Mosque, Hayat Abrams, ECE administrative assistant, was robbed at knife
See Cops on page 2
By: Safa Mohammad Writer
The St. Croix apartments is the place where the robbery took place. The neighborhood is not well lit, not even at the main entrance of the complex. The sun has just gone down, and it is pitch dark, except for the lights which shine on the complex name plate, and one light on each complex. Many lights are noticeably burned out. Photo by NMS
Who is Jenin Sallouha? What does her job title mean? Don’t we already have one – a guidance counselor? Aside from a friendly smile and a warm greeting, she is a woman of substance with a tremendous responsibility at the academy. Sallouha’s official title is student guidance counselor and she is the newest addition to the staff. Unlike Samia Khan, who is the high school
See Counselor page 3
Journalists attend annual live competition Closed campus policy is enforced on teachers Teachers may not leave the campus unless it is an emergency. They cannot go out on their break for lunch. P. 4
Flu like symptoms brong about large number of absentees
More compete at Texas Association of Journalism Educators Fall Fiesta, San Antonio. Usman Asad Writer Packing cameras, batteries, rulers, pencils, and dummy sheets are all part of the packing ritual for the annual Fall Fiesta competition. For the fourth year in a row, journalism students competed in the Texas Association of Journalism Educators live competition held in San Antonio every October.
Students departed on Friday, Oct. 16th, competed on the 17th, attended workshops on the 18th, and returned after the awards ceremony on the 19th. Seventeen students competed in various categories including individual photography, team photography, newspaper front page and feature page, and basic and advanced yearbook design. Three students placed,
Prevention starts with good hand washing practices. A habit being enforced at the academy. P.3
Book Review
Does my head look big in this? This is a story of Amal, an 11th grader living in Australia. She decides to wear hijab full-time. This story tells about her emotional and spiritual journey. P. 7
Peers celebrate the win of Amir Hamza (sophomore) who received a superior for his live competition photo in the people category. This is the second year that Hamza competes and places. Carrying him on their shoulders are Abdullah Qutu (junior) and Ali Elsehety (junior). Photo courtesy of Rami Zidan
winning three awards. Zubeda Varwani (freshman) for advanced yearbook design, Fatima Hanif (freshman), for basic yearbook design and Amir Humza (sophomore), for his picture in the people category. “I was so surprised when they called my name (at the award ceremony) as a winner,” Varwani said. “I was not expecting it because I felt like I didn’t learn everything I should know, but I was so happy.” Photographers are given three hours to complete their assignment and must take and submit pictures in six categories. Humza, who won a “Superior” felt that the competition was tougher than usual this year. “For some reason, it was harder this year. I felt there was more pressure than before even though it was my second year in competition,” Humza said. In past years, BHA competitors have fared better at the award ceremony. The advisor believes there are several reasons for the drop in wins. “First, the photographers had an off day and most of the competitors were first timers,” Natalia Suleiman, journalism advisor said. “Furthermore, many of the students were not feeling well.” As for the newspaper designers, they had very little training. A few weekend work-
shops and club meet days. “My yearbook students did well because they were trained by our yearbook representative, Arena Welch,” Suleiman said. “As for my newspaper students, I should have spent more time with them. Nonetheless, they are sharp and I know they will do better next year.” This year five newbies entered a first time category, the Scavenger Hunt, in which participants were given a list of thirty items to photograph. Each photo had a different point value. The participants went all around San Antonio in search of the items. Competitiors included: Omar Alahmady, Mohammad Dalaq, (freshman), Maryam Elnashar, Ayesha Sayed, and Sumayyah Zidan (8th). “It was so much fun going all around San Antonio taking pictures,” Zidan said. “You get butterflies before you start; then when you’re running you’re all sweaty but in the end the experience is great.” Firdose Qureshi, chaperone, feels that the experience was good for the newbies. “It is exactly what they needed, Qureshi said. “I spoke to one of the directors of TAJE and she told me that they acceded this group activity so
See Trip page 2
Page 2 November 2009
Bha Post
The
HARD NEWS
Cops arrest thief, car has minimal damage Continue from page 1 oint. “I usually spend the nights in the Masjid after Qiyam alLayl if it is very late,” Abrams said, “but, SubhanAllah, that day I decided to go back home.” Abrams typically parks her car two to three minutes away from her apartment on Abrams Road in Dallas. On this morning she was talking on the cell with her friend, Furdosa Abdurahman. She is startled as a man with a knife comes from behind her and shouts “Give me it, give me it!” “I became scared,” Abrams said, “I threw my purse and ran screaming ‘Somebody help me! Somebody help me!’” Abdurahman becomes alarmed as she hears what is happening on the other end of the cell phone. What starts as a friendly conversation ends in Abdurahman being the witness of an attack and theft.
“
Fearing for Abrams, Abdurahman listens in on screaming and cries of help until the phone goes dead. “I heard her screaming and asked what was wrong, but then the phone went dead. I called my brother for help, and then I called the police and gave them the address.” Abrams describes the attacker as a short, skinny, African American man no more than five feet tall. With a hood on his head, he is mostly covered and his face is not very visible. As Abrams runs, the man chases her. He grabs her hand and yells at her to give him the keys. “I threw my keys and kept running. I heard my friend on the phone, but I didn’t answer because I was afraid he might kill me.” The assailant drove off leaving her purse behind. “I called 911,” Abrams said. “I told the officer what happened, and I told him I’m
I became scared. I threw my purse and ran screaming ‘ Somebody help me! Somebody help me! Hayat Abrams
scared.” A neighbor sees the incident and realizes that Abrams is in trouble. “My friend called her brother and he and his wife came to get me. My neighbor waited with me,” Abrams said. Abrams explains that this incident has impacted her in many ways. Even though she has changed her apartment locks, he does have personal information which was in her glove compartment. She says it is hard for her to go out alone, and she constantly looks around and pays close attention. On October 30th, Abrams receives a letter informing her that her car had been recovered and that the thief was arrested and in jail. Ironically, as if she has not suffered enough, she is told that she must pay $300 to take her car out of the pound. “I was so happy to know my car was found,” Abrams said, “I said thank you and paid the money.” Her Toyota Corolla is returned; however, not without damage to the steering column and the door handles. Nevertheless, it is drivable.
Abrams recovers her car, a month an a half after it was stolen. Visible damage is done to the steering column, the dashboard, and the car handles are ripped off and the car keys were never recovered. However, the car is in operable conditions. Photos by Amir Hamza “I was very surprised,” Abrams explains, “I didn’t think it would come back. Everyone kept telling me that my car would never be returned.” Prior to the receiving of the recovery letter, Abrams did purchase another car. She has decided to sell the recovered car. “I didn’t get the keys back,” Abrams said. “I want to sell it because I am afraid. He knows where I live, I fear that he might come back. I don’t know
how long he’ll be in jail.” The BHA staff has helped Abrams over the course of this incident by providing rides and collecting donations. Abrams has faith that she was saved that night because she had been worshipping. Now she feels that with her faith and time she will someday feel safe again. In the meantime she is grateful for her coworkers and friends. “Thank you for your support BHA!” Abrams said
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Trip proves good experience Kudos Corner Submitted by Shahneela Khalid BHA parent
Continue from page 1
that photographers can get experience without feeling too much pressure when they compete independently.” Because some of the students were ill, they canceled several of the planned activities and opted to stay at the hotel and rest. However, they did do the traditional Riverboat ride and shopping at the Mercado and eating at the oldest Mexican restaurant on the Riverwalk.
This is Amir Hamza’s winning “people” photo of a Mexican singer taken at the Mercado.
Photo by Sumayyah Zidan
Photo by Mohammad Dalaq
Zubeda Varwani (freshman) accepts her Excellence Certificate for her win in advanced yearbook design. Photo by Amir Hamza While participating in the Scavenger Hunt, Mohammad Dalaq (freshman) captured this unusual picture. The woman bravely stands underneath the calm horse. First time competitor Sumayyah Zidan (8th) takes a picture of a trolly, one of 30 items on the Scavenger Hunt.
Mamoon Khalid is a 3rd grader, and he joined Boy Scouts of America last year at MAS Youth Center, Plano as a Wolf Scout. He is currently a Bear Scout enjoying the activities and company of many other Cub Scouts, some of them are also from BHA, at MAS Youth Center. Recently Mamoon and his other peers in the pack completed the first ever Popcorn Sale. During this activity which spanned roughly over two weeks, the Cub Scouts at MAS Youth Center raised more than five thousand dollars. With the special help from Allah (SWT), Mamoon turned out to be the best cub scout selling popcorn worth of more than one thousand dollars. When asked, Mamoon shared the secret of his success as saying Bismillah and asking Allah for help before ringing the bell at each house he visited in the neighbourhood. He also thanked all the teachers and some of his friends’ parents at BHA who also bought popcorn from him. The money raised will be used to further improve the scouting program running at MAS. However, the main gain out of this exercise for Mamoon and other Cub Scouts was self confidence. They had the opportunity to talk to neighbors, friends, and family members about the Boy Scouts
Mamoon Khalid (3rd grade) We recognize you for a job well done!
KUDOS TO YOU!
of America Popcorn Sale fund raiser. It was a great opportunity for Mamoon to learn how to talk to strangers and convince them to spend money for a good cause. Mamoon also learned how to deal with situations of rejection when some said NO. The whole exercise was a great experience for Mamoon as he also earned many special prizes in addition to the patch for the popcorn sale. Alhamdulillah he is already looking forward to the next year for which he has set for himself an even higher goal in line with the Cub Scout motto DO YOUR BEST!!”
Bha Post
November 2009 Page 3
The
NEWS
Counselor listens, advises, non-judgemental Continue from page 1 guidance counselor, Sallouha is a licensed social worker with credentials to counsel children, as well as adults. Her work experience includes working as a case manager for behavioral health. With the growth of the student body, their diverse backgrounds and the students’ need to confide in someone, the board of directors felt it was time to hire a counselor. “It’s very important to have someone with expertise in dealing with students, behavioral issues, and their personal situations,” Dr. Adnan Omran, principal said. “Students need someone to help them reflect and learn from difficult situations like aggression, bullying, anger management and even stress.” Sallouha is expected to be proactive, develop activities, provide counseling tips and attend to any issues that necessitate counseling and guidance. And from the positive feedback she is getting, she seems to be making an impact. “Everyone has welcomed me,” Sallouha said. I have re-
ceived calls from concerned teachers, and parents who want my input.” And students feel comfortable approaching her as well. With her responsibilities, comes the question of ethics and privacy. Just as physicians, psychiatrists, attorneys and other professions, so must Sallouha protect the rights of those who confide in her. “Whatever is said in my office stays in my office,” Sallouha said. “Before we begin any conversation, I make sure to tell the students what I will and will not share with anyone else.” There are times when Sallouha must break her silence. “I will only consult someone if the students are a threat to themselves or to others,” Sallouha said. If a student is being physically abused by a parent, or any adult, Sallouha must report the incident to the proper authorities. “If a situation is about miscommunication between a student and a parent or parents, I often suggest a family meeting,” Sallouha said. “Quite often, parents may be going through difficult times and do not know that they are having
a negative impact on their children.” When it comes to behavioral issues, Sallouha does not necessarily see her role as one of ‘blame and punishment to the child.’ If a student is acting out or has behavioral problems, her role is not to accuse and lecture, or to make a student feel like they are bad. “Sometimes parents or teachers want to discipline, when perhaps a student just needs to talk to get to the root of an underlying problem,” Sallouha said. In her line of work, she often deals with students who have real emotional problems and other situations which would seem complicated to the average person. Sallouha has learned not to mix her personal feelings with her professional duties. “I don’t give my personal opinion,” Sallouha said. “My advice is based on past experiences in counseling people in different states and agencies, which have helped me get a well rounded view of the world.” As for her own personal expectations, she has some short term and long term goals. She recently had a meet the coun-
Jenin Sallouha is a licensed social worker. Students feel comfortable talking with Sallouha about any subject. And whether they are talking to her about simple things such as what they did over the weekend, others assume she is counseling them about serious issues. Eventually, people will get used to the idea that she is not just a counselor, she is a trustworthy friend. Photo by Amir Hamza She would also like to go back selor session with 20 parents. “It was supposed to last one to school and get her masters hour, but it lasted two,” Sal- and possibly PhD. And although she has only louha said. “The parents are so eager to talk to me about my been at the academy a few months, her presence is already role.” Among her short term goals making a positive impact. “The counselor has already are: continuing to open up channels of communications distributed a needs assessment between teachers, staff and survey for situations,” Omran herself. Her long term goals in- said. “This survey is important clude holding workshops and in determining root causes of seminars on how to be better problems as behavioral, acacommunicators and listeners. demic or procedural issues.”
Dr. Omran wears multiple hats: principal, vice principal and finance. Without a VP, many have noticed that Dr. Adnan OmDiscipline is being main- ran is wearing two hats, that tained by teachers, adminis- of a principal, and that of trators, security, and the prin- vice principal. Omran is frecipal because of the lack of a quently heard in the hallways vice principal this academic implementing rules such as year. walking on the right side of Other than the role of dis- the hallway which speeds ciplinarian, the VP of the up the process of getting to school maintains and over- classes. looks all non-academic tasks “The effect of a security such as faculty and student guard and a principal can attendance, extracurricular be seen. This way, students activities, assemblies, forums, know the rules,” Suraiya Ally, teacher, said. A VP was hired during the summer break, but in the end he chose not to move to Texas. They continue to interview qualified candidates. Meanwhile, teachers are also doing their part to help Omran with the maintenance of school rules. “With the coordinated efforts of our team of teachers and staff, well continue to maintain discipline and order, Inshallah (God willing),” Omran On a daily basis Dr. Adnan Omran, principal said. leads the morning assembly. Then his off to At the end of perithe rest of the business of running an academy ods, teachers patrol the including: paroling the hallways, meeting with hallways which seem parents, board members, teachers, etc. Without a VP he is also in charge of overseeing the running to keep students movof all departments including teachers, administra- ing. If students start horsing around, they tion and any incidents or situations which may can immediately stop come up. Photo by NMS their behavior. FurBy: Karma Orfaly Editor-in-Chief
thermore, grade level meetings are taking place regularly to head off issues before they arise. “We’re reacting quicker, so the students don’t feel they can push their limits,” Maria Zidan, math teacher said “When they see a teacher on duty, they are more respectful towards each other.” While some think there is a need for a VP for the role of disciplinarian, some teachers feel the students’ behavior has improved since last year. One such teacher is Jaena Almallah, English teacher. “I see this year the kids are more on board. The teachers are all working together. It feels more organized to me. People are doing what they are supposed to be doing more than last year.” Almallah said. “During dismissal and in the hallways, it is basically a strong effort by teachers to have our force known. A silent but deadly force,’” Almallah jokes. With the teachers patrolling the hallways after morning assemblies, even out of uniform students are caught before getting to class. Samira Siddiqui, computer department head, thinks this helps prevent a lack of discipline even if there is no VP. “Because the teachers know the situation, everyone is stepping up and helping
out Dr. Adnan on this,” Siddiqui said. “We used to think ‘Ok, we have someone to take care of this so we don’t really have to.’” The discipline policy is present just as it was last year. Insaf Lachtar, Social Studies department head, believes that our discipline policies have never been the issue. Rather enforcing the policies are. “It’s all about consistency,” Lachtar said, “We have a duty roster and everyone is doing their job to the best that they can.” While some students feel there is a need for a VP, they also feel that the way things are being handled now is suitable. “The way the school discipline is being handled is good,” Saman Najmi, senior said. “But having a VP would take some of the pressure off the principal and teachers. Having a n extra person will pick up the extra slack.” Mohammad Diwan, previous VP is currently the principal at the Islamic Association of North Texas’s Islamic Quranic Academy As a principal, he is in charge of the overall operation of the school. IQA has a school manager, who is regarded as the maintainer of discipline, just like the role of a VP. “At BHA, I was not responsible for the school at all lev-
els. I was working with the principal to ensure certain aspects were carried out. I now have the burden to assure every aspect is up to standard to say the least,” Diwan said. But, there is always room for improvement when it comes to day to day discipline issues at the academy. Level one infractions which are habitually committed such as misconduct, talking in the class, getting to class late need to be handled immediately. In the past, a Disciplinary Action Report was sent to the VP by teachers. A disciplinary action plan depending on previous infractions was then discussed with a student and if necessary the parents. This process could take more than a day or two at times. New policies are being considered. If approved by the board, teachers will have more input and students will learn their consequences immediately. Depending on the number of infractions, students may have to stay after school on Fridays for detention. “It’s an idea that we hope will curve some of the daily infractions,” Stacey Ahmed, administrator said. “No one likes to stay after school, especially on Friday. Perhaps this will make students think before they act.”
Page 4 November 2009
Bha Post
The
OP-ED
Paperless trend is good for environment Paperless equals communication-less By Rahel Usman Writer
Global warming has become part of the American vocabulary. Suddenly, more and more people are carpooling, recycling, and reducing the amount of paper they waste. Even our school is following this trend. Our weekly newsletters now go on Edline, as do our study guides and all communication. According to a website, http://www.lisashea.com/lisabase/aboutme/paperusage. html), each one million papers not printed saves 85 pulp trees.. Americans discard 4 million TONS of office paper every year That’s enough to build a 12 foot high wall of paper from New York to California. Going paperless is the right thing to do. We can do our study guides on the computer and if it’s for a grade, email it to the teacher. The same for our notes: instead of buying ten notebooks, the teachers can post the notes online That will eliminate our paper wastage. In a few schools, attendance sheets and tests are done online. In rural Kentucky, at Eminence Middle School, the Paperless Classroom, have PDA’s that enables them to receive tests and homework via an infrared beam from the teacher’s PDA. The fact of the matter is that we just need to start at some point going paperless. We may not be able to go cold turkey, but we can start by doing our study guides online or emailing our assignments
to our teachers. Some parents and students might complain that it will be complicated and that it will waste our time. If we’re online anyways, why not go on Edline and save it on our flash drive or desktop. Most of the time, when we receive our study guides or lesson plans we throw it in the trash or recycling bin. Going paperless is more efficient, less costly, and e c o - f r i e n d l y. What’s not to like?
By Naailah Nathani Writer
Go Green! Reuse, Recycle, Reduce! Save the Planet! Seriously People, lay off on the Hippiness! Everywhere we go, we see signs that promote pro-enviromentalness. Is there any scientific data that going green is helping the planet? Since when is former Vice President Al Gore, a scientific authority on the subject? He launched a three – year $300 million campaign an authority on “going green”. I say that money could have
been better spent. What makes people think that if we conserve water and recycle paper we will not run out of these resources? Allah says in the Quran “If you would count the bounty of God, you could never reckon it.” (Quran 14:32-34) Recently, our school has decided to go 100% paperless! Administration, teachers and staff now rely completely on Edline as the main form of communication with parents and students. We no longer get notes, fliers, homework, handouts, etc… If you want to know something, go to Edline! I ask what about those who are not into online communication. What about the idea that most parents and students rarely check Edline and are not used to this form of communication. They don’t know what’s happening at the academy. These days, Edline is so crowded with information; it’s rather difficult to figure out what is for students and what is for parents. Edline should go back to what it was - a place to find homework assignments, study guides, grades, and an announcement here and there. The “Thursday Announcements” should be brought back. Perhaps, as much paper as was used in the past is not necessary, but going completely paperless is not conducive to better communications. Allah put us on this earth to use its resources. I am not saying that we should not recycle, but there has to be a happy medium. Let’s not go to extremes, but rather see the need for more than one form of communication.
Closed campus policy enforced for teachers academy they must stay on campus throughout the school day.” This year administra The main purpose tors have decided to en- of this policy is to ensure force the “closed campus that an adequate of teachpolicy” that prevents ers are available for stuteachers from leaving the dents at any time of the campus during school day. hours. “Teacher availabilThe policy requires ity is something we conteachers to report to work sider very important at by 7:45 and stay on cam- BHA. The teachers should pus until 3:45. They can be vigilant, visible and only leave in case of an available for emergencies emergency. Teachers’ and to safeguard the stuclock in and out using dents at all times.,” Oman electronic time clock. ran said. Thus if they leave, admin Qamar Madani, istration is aware. teacher, thinks the policy “This closed campus is fair. policy was actually started “If all the teachers and enforced four years went out for lunch, we ago. Dr. Adnan Oran, wouldn’t have enough principal said. “But it was staff to supervise the stunot until the beginning of dents,” Madani said. “Bethis year that we made it sides, I hardly go out anyclear to the teachers that ways; I would rather use for the well being of the Usman Asad Writer
the time to catch up on my work.” She adds that teaching quality should improve because of the free time. “After discussing the rationale behind the policy, we have had very few teachers that voice concerns with this policy. They understand the situation,” Omran said. However, there have been several cases this year of teachers finding loopholes to the policy, such as asking students to drive out and bring them lunch from Subway or coffee from Starbucks during their class breaks. “We have made it clear to the teachers that they cannot go out during hours, and they have plenty of alternatives, such as bringing lunch from home or placing orders
One option teachers and staff take advantage off due to the closed campus policy is the “Brown Bag Lunch” sold on Friday’s by the journalism department. Students make fresh sandwiches and deliver those who order. Photo by NMS
for delivery early,” Omran said. “Furthermore, all RISD schools have this policy so we are not doing anything unusual.” Madani admits that in the past she has broken the policy a couple of times to go buy lunch
and come back to eat, but she thinks the administration is fine with it. “I think the policy is there so people don’t abuse it and go out for hours and come back late for classes unprepared,” Madani said.
Bha Post
November 2009 Page 5
The
EDITORIAL
Even freedom comes with limitations
Editor-In-Chief Karma Orfaly
Staff Writer
Usman Asad Maleha Hameed Naailah Nathani Safa Mohammad Khadija Saifullah Afia Tariq Rahel Usman
Head Photographer Abdullah Zidan
Staff Photographers Aysha Ahmed Omar Alahmady Mohammad Dalaq Maryam Elnashar Amir Hamza Sumayyah Zidan
Cartoonist
Selma Eljouhari
Graphics Design & Layout Khadija Saifullah
Advisor
Natalia Suleiman
Proofreader
Stacey Ahmed Jaena Almallah Noor Taleb
The BHA Post is published by the Journalism Club of Brighter Horizons Academy, 3145 Mecial Plaza Dr., Garland, TX 75044. The BHA Post is a member of the Teachers Association of Journalism Educators and the Interscholastic League Press Conference and a recipient of the 2006 Award of Excellence in overall ILPC newspaper competition, as well as two year nominee for a Star. Letters to the Editor
All of our readers are encouraged to participate in this forum by submitting letters to the editor for publication. Letters can be mailed or E-mailed to natalia@bhaprep.org. Letters must include the signature and telephone number of the writer. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and grammar.
Disclaimer The views and opinions of the journalism students do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the Academy’s Administration. The BHA Post is a platform by which the student body’s voice may be represented within the highest journalistic and Islamic ethical standards.
To be a good example is to be worthy of imitation. To be worthy of imitation is the greatest struggle each Muslim faces day in and out. Doing what is right is not always easy, and once in awhile we all may falter, but recognizing the goal eventually brings about positive results. A student recently posted a forum online under the name of the academy. He was asked to shut it down. In the past, students have created pages in Facebook and MySpace specifically to put down the school, teachers or other students. Others have posted inappropriate videos and pictures under the banner of BHA sites or pages, while yet other students post inappropriate messages using offensive, vulgar language. All have been asked to shut or take them down or/and suffer consequences depending on the severity of their ill behavior. We at the BHA Post, believers of freedom of speech, that the time has come for administration to have a written policy addressing student conduct outside of school, as well as, consequences for defamation of BHA. While more and more schools have policies that regulate behavior outside of school, there are still
many like BHA that only have “understood verbal policies.” The Richardson and Garland Independent School Districts have their behavior policies regarding the reputation and behaviors of students outside of school on the student handbook, as well as, posted on their websites. Students are required to display good moral characteristics and behavior off campus, just as they would on campus. Students are expected to represent the school well at all times whether they are on their own personal time. In order to maintain a successful school with a strong foundation and a solid reputation we belief that written policies are necessary. Neither are we advocating students not have Facebook or MySpace pages, nor are we saying that they should not be allowed to criticize the school. However, it must be done in a forum that allows the healthy debate of both sides. Posting negative messages about the school, or showing the lack of moral characteristics can have its consequences. When parents are seeking to make a financial investment in their children’s education, they care about the reputation of the institu-
tion, the strength of its academics, student achievements as well as the character of the students. It is well known that parents migrate from other cities, states and even overseas for their children’s education. We want to have a school that appeals to colleges, parents, and other students…a school that has the highest Islamic standards…a school that is well worth the investment. What we want is an Islamic “Ivy League want to be the Harvard of Islamic schools in America. Not only will parents be encouraged to enroll their children, but certified teachers will line up to teach at our academy. Teachers want to know that their main role will be to teach a subject, and not to teach manners, and discipline. Furthermore, most reputable and private colleges do consider the school that students have graduated from. They seek to know if the academy is strong, do they graduate reliable, students worthy of scholarship money. And yet there are those who belief that such policies are an infringement on the 1st amendment. Does the constitution not safeguard freedom of speech? Does not everyone have the right to say, post and behave in any manner they
want? There are limits – even to our freedoms. We ask are we allowed to scream “fire” in a public place where there is none. No, unless one wishes to suffer legal ramifications. So you ask, why can’t I run around screaming and ill behaving, acting like a donkey, if I wish. Why the rules, I’m not hurting anyone? – It’s call LIMITATIONS! Prophet Muhammad, (PBUH) lead by example. He believed that the best of man is one with good behavior and moral characteristics. Omar ibn al Khattab, the companion of the Prophet, said, “Blessed he who knows his limits and is stopped by them.” Just as many schools, public or private have written policies or codes of conduct and their consequences so should we. As youngsters and teenagers we often thing only about the immediate gratification we get. It is not only we are older that we ask “what was I thinking,” and then it is too late. We should always remember that our religion is not just our faith, it is our way of life. Think, before you speak, post and act.
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Editorial Staff
FEATURE
Bha Post
The
Page 6 November 2009
Flu like symptoms bring absentees up high The Center for Disease Control expects the winter to bring much more flu symptoms. By Afia Tariq Writer
As it was with other schools in Texas, the academy had its high number of absences this past September and October. The highest number of absentees was 49 out of 630 students on October 12th. Although many of the absentees suffered flu like symptoms, there are no statistics indicating if anyone had the H1N1. “The situation is getting better for now” Linda Elnashar, student health supervisor said. “But the winter temperatures aren’t here yet.” From the last week of September absence occurrence began rising rapidly and peeked in mid-October. “Absences are surely much more than last year” Jennifer Salem, ECE administrative assistant said. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) students should not go to school if any symptoms are present. However, many parents still send their children. “Students, in fact, are still coming to school although they are sick,” Elnashar said. ““Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without taking any medications.” In fact many parents give their children medicine in the morning thinking that their fever will drop and they will be
able to attend classes without problems. “Don’t come to school if you take a fever reducer in the morning. This isn’t off the top of my head, it’s from the CDC,” Elnashar said. Students are actually afraid to miss school because it might lower their grades. Naailah Nathani (8) was absent for six day due to the flu. “I had an A in math, and it went down to a C” Nathanisaid. Another student Yumna Furqan[6], was absent for two weeks. “My grades went really low, it took me a week to raise my grade, I had to stay after school and skip recess to make up my missing assignments,” Furqan said. An important factor of prevention the spread of the flu and flu like symptoms is good sanitary practices. BHA is taking action to minimize any further spread of sickness; they are sanitizing door knobs and stairs. According to Elnashar, “students should bring their own Clorox wipes, tissues, hand sanitizers and make use of them.” ” The Texas winter is expected to bring much more flu diseases to the entire state. To prevent the spread of the flu, the CDC states that “Students need to get plenty of sleep and physical activity, drink water, and eat good food to help them stay healthy in the winter and all year.” During the months of September and October there was an increase in absences as shown in above chart. However the greatest concentration of absences occurred from the 23rd of September through October 13th. A record number of 49 were absent on Oct. 5th.
Student body elects Student Council board By Khadija Saifullah Designer & Writer In order to determine Student Council leaders for the year, elections were held on September 16, 2009. The student body elected candidates for each of the following positions: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, historian, and parliamentarian. The candidates campaigned a couple of weeks prior to the elections. “As president, my main responsibility is to preside over the weekly meetings of the Student Council and supervise the functioning of the elected officials,” Suhail Varwani [senior], re-elected president said. “It is also my job to represent the student body at the events outside of school.” Varwani was secretary in his freshman year and president in his junior year. He intends to improve on what he
was able to do last year. “I believe that Insha Allah we will be able to work more efficiently this year since I am more aware of the limitations of the presidency, and know how we could improve on what we did last year.” Currently Student Council consists of over fifty students, and is planning to host activities done last year, as well as adding on innovative ones. “This year we are planning to host many of the activities we had last year, such as Character Counts Week, Teachers’ Appreciation Week, Humanitarian Week, a Lock-In, and Gifts for Refugees. In addition we would like to have fund raisers to help with poverty, hopelessness, host a talent show and/or game show, and begin a program where the students can compete academically and athletically with other schools,” Varwani said.
“One of the things we would like to improve this year is allowing the students’ voices to be heard by the administration about any concerns they may have. Also, we would like to work on increasing school spirit.” Komal Sawani [freshman], secretary, is a second year Council member. She ran as part of the DreamTeam and won. “As secretary I mostly take notes and help out with what others need and keep records of minutes.” Second year member, Hiba Khan’s [freshman], was elected parliamentarian. “My job is to keep the meeting in order and basically go around telling people to quiet down when the meeting starts,” Khan said. The Council have a calendar of what they promise to be a year full of activities.
A group of students decided that they would have better chances of winning by running as the “DreamTeam.” Their hunch was right three of the four candidates won in their respective office.
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Keeping It Reel by Karma Orfaly
Disney
Pixar’s
UP Disney Pixar has done it again in another fun family film that will take you on the adventure of a lifetime! Get ready to soar the skies with funny characters and exotic animals! This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat! UP tells the story of Carl Frederickson, who, saddened by the death of his lifelong friend and wife, Ellie, decides to go on the adventure of a lifetime. By tying thousands of balloons to his house, he soars through the skies in order to reach his final destination of Paradise Falls in South America. A dream of Ellie’s to live there, Frederickson is passionate to reach
this breath-taking resort in order to fulfill his wife’s dreams. In taking this trip, he leaves behind a life of misery and hatred towards many, including a young wilderness explorer named Russell. Little does he know, that when his house takes off into the sky, Russell is on his porch simply waiting to get his “assisting the elderly” badge by helping Frederickson. Though disappointed by the accompanyment of Russell at first, Frederickson will soon learn that he will be a great addition to this exotic journey. UP will have you connected in every scene. One minute you’re grieving for the death of Carl’s wife and the next you’re laughing
New DVD Release: UPlifting message about friendship from an unlikely odd pair hysterically at Russell’s innocent but humorous comments. The relationship between Frederickson and this young boy grows and will have you stopping just to say, “Awww.” It’s a hilarious movie that teaches you the value of friendship no matter what age you are. This movie is very well animated . From talking dogs to exotic birds, you’ll never know what surprises will come. Though the usual children’s movie shows talking animals in a way of moving the animal’s jaw in human-like form, UP portrays dogs as regular a n i mals with
thoughttranslating collars. In this way, even a talking dog is realistic! Fredericks o n and Russel are also very
ego, Lou Grant, a character in the television shows Mary Tyler Moore from the ‘60’s and
for Russel, the d i re c to r decided on Nagai because he was a non ’70;s (way beofre even my parents time!) and Lou Grant. Asner had joked when receiving a model of his character saying “He looks nothing like me!” Asner’s voice also fits Frederickson spot on! His gruffy voice reflects the voice of a
stop t a l k e r. Russel, Na-
soured old man which helps the audience f e e l Frederick’s grief. Russel is voiced by Jordan Nagai, a nine-year old Japanese American. Though 400 children showed up to the audition
gai’s character in UP is the first Asian American figure in a Pixar movie. When recording the voice of Russel in a scene where he was hanging upside down, the writers would swing Nasai upside down to have the realistic effect on the movie. The actors are definately one with the character in the movie. The adventure you take through
her whole school. Amal stands out by her name alone, and wearing the hijab is really going to complicate things. This novel portrays the struggle that high school teens g o
through on a daily basis and the ways Amal tries to fit in. As she struggles to make her life suit her Australian friends as well as her Islamic religion, she learns that religion always comes first. She must learn the hard way though,
this movie is outrageous and one of a kind. Though the thought of dragging a house along on balloons through the skies is unrealistic to say the least, the exotic scenery and animals will have you entranced in the wonders of South America. Though Frederickson’s house was everything to him, he soon learns that sometimes you have to give up the material world for the people you care about. We see the choices he makes in intense situations of action. Even an unexpected twist of irony is depicted in UP when Frederickson’s childhood hero becomes his number one enemy in the wilderness. Pixar has perfected the scenery in this movie down to the last detail. You can fly through storm clouds, float with hundreds of colorful balloons, hike mountains, and enjoy the beautiful Paradise Falls.
In fact, this movie would be superb in 3D. Readers, if you are a Pixar fan, then this is defeinately a must see movie. It’s one of the better animated movies created so far, maybe even levelling up to the one of a kind Toy Story. If you hate Pixar animation and can’t stand to see half real half cartoon drawn characters, then I STILL recommend you watch UP. The story behind it is inspirational and viewers of all ages will appreciate it and connect. It definitely deserves a full five stars! This movie is rated PG for some peril and action. Other than that, it is a clean, family oriented movie that suits an audience of all ages.
My Head Look Big in This?
Teenager deals with Muslim stereotypes after she decides to wear head covering
by Karma Orfaly
her top priority, until one day when she makes the decision of wearing the hijab, (Islamic head covering). Amal has spent her whole life in an Islamic school, where she was surrounded by other Australian Muslims just like her. After moving out of her Islamic school as a ‘part time’ wearer of the hijab, she is suddenly inspired to wear the hijab as a ‘full timer’ at McCleans Preparatory School, where she will be the only Hijabwearer, much less the only Muslim in
well anim ate d . Disney has portrayed Russel as a young, chubby, boy who has high self esteem. And Frederickson, though seeming like a grouchy old man at first, is revealed as a caring man through his well animated facial expressions. Carl Frederickson is voiced by Edward Asner. The writers for Carl Frederickson actually based him on Asner’s television alter
Book Review: Does
To read or Not to read
Does My Head Look Big in This? By Randa Abdel Fattah is a heartwarming and inspirational novel that will keep you flipping pages and laughing the whole way through. This novel tells the story of Amal Abdel-Hakim, a Palestinian teenager, living in Australia. Set in the post 9/11 period, Amal must deal with the politics of the world affecting the way people think about her. Being an Australian Arab, otherwise stereotyped as a ‘darkie,’ Amal makes ‘fitting in’
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ENTERTAINMENT
through her mistakes. This novel shows the inspirational journey that this young lady takes. In wearing the hijab, she becomes more serious about her daily prayers and finds a place at school in which
she can dedicate time for worship. As Amal progresses through the school year and people question her religion, she finds the struggle to be more difficult day by day, especially with the racist Tia Tamos throwing discriminatory comments at her. Her classmates question the cultures they witness o n
television and Amal tries to explain that culture is not part of Islam. She finds a way however, to bring together her two close friends, Yasmeen and Leila from her old Islamic school with her McCleans group of Simone and Eileen in a way where they can get along in peace. Randa Abdel Fattah portrays cultural clash in this exciting novel. She displays the difference of cultural background and the effects of religion on it in several ways. Not only through Amal’s Australian-Muslim struggle, but also through Amal’s best friend Leila. As Leila’s mother confuses cultural background with religion, Amal tries to find a way to help her friend. In this way, AbdelFattah portrays that culture and religion are two separate things.
Abdel- Fattah also mixes in a few Arab words for a little twist. Words like ‘habibti’ (dear), and ‘Yallah’(hurry up) are commonly used. This brings you closer to the characters in the story and will keep you laughing the whole way through! Does My Head Look Big in This? will inspire young readers to go for what they believe in regardless of their race or ethnicity. This book is recommended for students thirteen years and older, for some content is at a mature level of understanding. I recommend reading this book for it will help Muslims and non-Muslims understand how to deal with each other in a peaceful manner with a strong level of understanding.
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PHOTO ESSAY
Soccer Season Wrap Up Most of the players on the Under -16 Stars team have played in a soccer league at some point in their lives, except for Ahmed Zubidat. The season began in Ramadan while the players were still fasting, however due to rain out dates they were never fasting during a game. The team consists of 17 boys of which most attend BHA, however a few attend different public schools. The league is formed via the Richardson Soccer Association. They are coached by Ahmed Zidan, BHA alumni, Belea
1 Photo by Aysha Ahmed
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Ahmad, and Maria A. Zidan, “soccer mom” and team manager. Statically, they did not do well with a record of 2-6-2 and ended the season in 6th place. “The fact is that the majority of the players are new to the team and have not played together as a team,” Zidan, team manager said. The plan is to regroup and play this fall season. “Hopefully, we can learn to work together and use each others skills, Abdullah Zidan, right midfielder said.
Photo by Sumayyah Zidan
Stars U-16 struggle this season by Abdullah Zidan, Mohammad Dalaq,
Regardless of the outcome of the season, the boys had fun. Although they were hoping to advance to the tournament of champions, they ended the season on a high note. They won their last game. 1. Abdullah Zidan, #10, right mid-fielder, dribbles across the field. Zidan plays a crucial role for both defense and offense. 2. Abdullah ElHeet, #3, currently plays left mid-fielder but can play forward as needed. 3. Waseem Hamideh, goalie, has no problem throwing
3 himself to ensure the enemy does not score. Hehas been with the Stars two years. 4. Amer Hitto #24 plays middle defense. This is his first season with the Stars. 5. Abdulrahman Al-Kadri # 2 plays left forward because he is speedy. He has been with the Stars since he was four-years-old. 6. The team stretches and warms up prior to a game. Ahmed Zubidat, new to the team, Abdullah Zidan, team veteran, Mohammad Dalaq, new team member and Malik Okkeh, new to the team are just a few of the players.
Photo by Sumayyah Zidan
5 Photo by Ausha Ahmed
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Photo by Sumayyah Zidan
6
Photo by Sumayyah Zidan