The Lighter Side of History

The Lighter Side of History/ Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment:

Where Does Social Studies Fit In?

The Lighter Side of History/ Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment: Where Does Social Studies Fit In? Ditmas I.S. 62 Classes 801, 802, and 803 Barry Kevorkian, Principal Mr. David Liotta, Social Studies Educator/ Film Director and Creator of DNN News 801, 802, 803-Coach Mr. Terence Caufield, Social Studies Educator 803-Coach We, The Students - Writing Institute Press Dr. Rose Cherie Reissman, Founder of the Writing Institute

Production/Press Preparation Team

Chief Editors: Ambre Hall Faith Iyahen Rosalie Goldhagen

Art Editors/Cover Designers Joshua Swaby Afik Comedie

Joshua Swaby It was easy to find a picture of the title “Light Side of History� because I knew the three main topics that Dr. Rose talks about in class are Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment. I have a creative mind for envisioning imagery in a picture. I am very pleased with how my drawing came to be, and want to thank the class for voting for our title.

Writing Editors: Dylan Canete Sumaira Butt Sahbreena Jasmin Ricardo Jones Amanda Xavier, Proofreader-English Language Arts Teacher Ismael Batista, Designer Jesus Berenstein, Photographer College Commentary: Peter Pinto, St. Francis College

High School Commentary: Ditmas Offi Team whoseCourier, effortsMother supportCabrini the Writing Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief ofceThe Cabrini High Institute School Students from the Marilyn David Ivdu High School

Kathie Carroll Mary Errico Joey Leone Rosalie Pinto

Thanks to Ivdu Principal Ms. Chavie Khan and Braha Einhorn, Ivdu Language Arts Specialist Published June 2012-Writing Institute Press Writing Institute Press 700 Cortelyou Road Brooklyn, NY 11218 Dr. Rose Cherie Reissman, Founder

Special thanks to : Kathie Carroll, Maria Errico, Joey Leone, and Rosalie Pinto-Ditmas Office Staff- They make the Writing Institute possible

Ditmas Student Contributors Class 801

Class 802

Class 803

Aneesa Ahmed Andy Bravo Tiffany Brissett Dylan Canete Brandon Eddy Ambre Hall Junior Jeangilles Genesis Orea Michael Pashayev Kaalel Robinson Kimberly Rocha Zanaya Rogers Christina Smalls Ivan Vazquez

Alexey Aulov Sumaira Butt Vanessa Campos Ricardo Condado Kevin Damier John Davalos Rosalie Goldhagen Marvin Henrius Cesar Hernandez Faith Iyahen Sabina Kahramonova Timothy Martineau Brandon Martinez Sabrina Shahid Eduardo Vazquez Assata Johnson-Williams Diamond Williams

Kriselle Alvarez Qamar Awais Clar Bellegarde Mauricio Cohetero Afik Comedie Joseph Cuatlacuatl Kayla Danvers Anaya Deslandes Khym Dupre Miguel Genao Asanta Hawthorne Sahbreena Jasmin Ricardo Jones Rehman Naeem Neshat Patwary Linda Ramirez Shiyanna Ruiz Jennifer Shalmiyev Janet Shumshumova Enmanuel Sibrian Joshua Swaby Vanessa Vera Arielle Thomas Jahsen Wint Javier Zamudio

Introduction The kernel idea for this book came from Mr. David Liotta, who suggested that we approach the varied topics of the 8th grade Social Studies curriculum through the engaging lens of three pop culture topics that would engage the students.

These topics suggested by Mr. Liotta were: sports, entertainment, and fashion. The students were first asked to connect these topics to the mandated Social Studies Curricula and themes. Next they had to react to it as 21st Century students.

Then to anticipate the audience for the digital book including those who have viewed the DNN Ditmas News Network , other responders to the students’ voices were invited to react in print. They included: a cohort of high school students from our Jewish special education partner school Ivdu, a high school junior from a Catholic parochial school who edits her school’s newspaper, a college freshman from a Catholic college, and a teacher of English Language Arts completing her master’s degree.

In addition to their commentary as Kensington students, other distanced/ parochial/public responders were added to the mix, so the students could immediately get feedback from older peers and adults. The selected peer age and older peers were reflective of different cultural and educational perspectives.

The idea behind these other perspectives is that they started the ongoing discussion that the e-book edition of this book will prompt.

As a Social Studies and a Literacy education teacher/researcher, I am excited by the ways in whichDitmas technology, literacy, thesupport Liotta the television news Office Team whose and efforts Writing Institute KathieStudies Carroll and English project supported and “vivified” Common Core Social Mary Errico Language Arts Literacy. In addition, the on air broadcasting and on site Joey Leone Workshops at York College and the Brian Lander Expo, offered Liotta’s students Rosalie Pinto who wrote this book the chance to “voice” their civic citizenship and Common Core SS/History and ELA skills immediately in 2012.

The Lighter Side of History enlightened, engaged and enrolled proactive citizens in middle school.

We look forward to your voices.

Dr. Rose Cherie Reissman Founder of the Writing Institute

Table of Contents Student Foreword-Rosalie Foreword-Rosalie Goldhagen High School Student Editor Foreword - Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor in Chief of the Cambrini Times Chapter 1: Winning or Losing? Is just playing and competing enough?

Marilyn David Ivdu High School Students’ Point of View Commentary by Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier, Mother Cabrini High School Chapter 2: A Day at the Ballpark-From Joy to Tragedy Chapter 3: “New Start for Mother” In March 2012, Denis Hamill paid a visit to the Ditmas News Network and Ditmas Bulldog Bite news reporters. The story he was working on inspired these writings.

Commentary by Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier, Mother Cabrini High School Chapter 4: Bullying/ Sports: The Social Sports and Fashion Connection Commentary by Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier, Mother Cabrini High School Chapter 5: The Death of Whitney Houston Chapter 6: Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment Commentary by Chana R. Stein, Student Teacher at Ditmas I.S. 62 Marilyn David Ivdu High School Students’ Point of View Chapter 7: Fatal Focus on Fashion Chapter 8: Book Reviews: The Hunger Games Commentary by Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier, Mother Cabrini High School Chapter 9: Coaching as Sports in Action Chapter 10: Life at D.N.N.

Table of Contents - Cont.

Afterword - Kimberly Drelich, Student Reporter at Columbia Journalism School Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies Student Alignment of Liotta Method to Common Core by Faith Iyahen

Student Foreword Rosalie Goldhagen

Student Foreword

Working with Dr. Rose is an amazing experience. I’ve been working with her for three years. Writing stories and being able to have them published is a really extraordinary experience. My classmates and I are very lucky to be able to work with Dr. Rose and to meet with authors like Andrea Pinkney. I personally have developed a great relationship with Dr. Rose, and am very thankful to be able to publish my writing and see it as it is developed into a book. I love working with Dr. Rose and her crew of student publishing team writers. I can see how mature my writing has become. me.

Foreword High School Student Newspaper Editor Foreword Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier, Mother Cabrini High School I greatly enjoyed meeting the students of 801, 802, and 803, and reading their writings on various topics related to fashion, sports, and entertainment. I admire the way Dr. Rose introduces topics straight from the headlines of newspapers and media and makes students become aware of them and form opinions about them.

I found that the students’ writings were mature and creative. In their discussion of “Winning or Losing” they drew from their own experiences to form their opinions. Many students stood out to me when they responded to “A Day at the Ballpark.” One of these was Neshat Patwary, who expressed a strong emotional response upon reading the article about Sharon Stone, who died while trying to catch a foul ball for his young son. I noticed that she thoroughly thought through her stance on whether foul balls should continue to be thrown into the stands. Students showed compassion in their responses to “New Start for Mother” and maturely handled tough topics like drug abuse, the price of fame, racism and death in “The Death of Whitney Houston” and “Fatal Focus on Fashion,” which discussed the Trayvon Martin case.

I also enjoyed reading the students’ poetic pieces. Khym Dupre wrote a great poem about bullying in which she said: “Less crime, less harassment/ Take time to think it over/ Please no conflict/ But/ Gain a friendship between teams/ Less judgment, share the love.” This poem stood out to me because in it, Khym sincerely expressed her emotions and desire for unity among all people.

After reading the writings of the students of 801, 802, and 803, I am confident that many of them will continue to work in media and publications in high school and will succeed. Personally, I have greatly enjoyed being a staff member and editor of my school newspaper, The Cabrini Courier. Through my work with the newspaper, I have gained new skills, have formed great friendships, and have discovered an interest in journalism that I would have never become aware of if I had not joined the staff. I encourage students to participate in their schools’ media-related extracurricular activities because in doing so they will learn more about their schools, communities and selves.

Chapter 1: Winning or Losing? Is just playing and competing enough?

Brandon Martinez Winning or losing is not all fun, no matter which result you get. If you win you are happy and surprised, but if you lose it doesn’t matter once you had fun. When you practice a lot, you are sure you are going to win. However, winning isn’t everything unless you had fun. You don’t feel like a winner when you know you didn’t have fun or that you cheated to win.

Response to Brandon Martinez - Ricardo Jones I agree with this piece of writing because it tells about winning and losing.

It shows that he knows what winning and losing are about.

Khym Dupre I think that winning isn’t everything. I say that because when you win something you start to brag. When you brag, you become a sore winner. When you are a sore winner you make people feel bad. I hate winning because I hate seeing sad faces on people. If the Giants do win, I will congratulate them.

Response to Khym Dupre - Ambre Hall I feel (also) that winning isn’t everything. I say this because people who are used to winning become cocky and arrogant. Then, when the world turns the wrong way it’s the end of the world. That’s why many people feel badly when they win. So I guess you’re right.

Dylan Canete “Victory and Defeat” In life, it’s winning or losing, even if it’s not against people. When the Patriots lost this last Super Bowl, it was devastating for them, for their lives, for their futures, and possibly their demise. It changes everything. It’s tattooed in history. Don’t listen to people when they say winning or losing isn’t important. Winning and losing takes place against nature, government, and between people. You can turn the governments tables, you can actually win and hear those pens of change click as they furiously scribble words on paper. History can’t repeat itself unless you’re there to do it.

Response to Dylan Canete - Ricardo Jones I agree with Dylan because he is right about what people say.

Kimberly Rocha In winning or losing it really depends on the occasion or event. If the occasion is a war it is important to win, but if it is a little competition it isn’t too important.

If it is a national competition, it could be important. If you don’t win it is okay because there will be more. I think that war is the only important competition to win. Any other competition really isn’t important to me unless it’s for a good cause. If I could do something in a competition with an opportunity to win prizes or money to help causes, I would do it.

Cesar Hernandez Winning or losing really isn’t that important, depending on the situation of the competition. The importance depends on whether it is a one time war or an event /option that can be repeated. If it can be repeated, then winning or losing is not that important.

Response to Cesar Hernandez - Ricardo Jones I disagree because you don’t depend on the situation of the competition, you work your hardest to win. It’s okay if you lose, but it’s not okay if you lose because you did not try.

Ricardo Condado In life, it’s not always winning. In some cases winning is everything. In competitions, winning is not always important. You put your best effort and at the end you find your results. Mostly, if you want to win so badly well in that case you get too cocky and you start to get over carried with the prize. But in a war, winning is everything. War depends on life or death. If you lose a war you lose everything, your country and freedom.

Zanaya Rogers Winning is precious to some

Response to Zanaya Rogers Faith Iyahen

Winning is a precious thing to some.

Just to have power The joy of saying “I won.”

Winning is everything.

When you have been rejected Neglected--

Rejoicing that triumph That victory at hand, But then putting behind you Feelings of the other man

Look at this from my perspective.

I’ve been shot down Thrown to the ground.

Everyone I know has turned around.

Just for once imagine Think, letting your mind run free Think about others And how they must be

Winning is everything So I will win then I will singThis is not just anything..

Winning isn’t everything, You shouldn’t expect it to come.

It comes and goes Just have fun.

Yet even though one wins, Another loses.

Even though no one’s touched Hateful words are like bruises.

Winning is everything.

To my chance I cling, cling, cling.

Winning is everything.

Jahsen Wint Winning is good or isn’t it? I believe that winning is good for many reasons, such as you feel good about yourself . If you win, you have the motivation to continue in what you’re doing.

I’m a football player who knows what it feels like to win and lose. I can tell you that winning feels a whole lot better. If you win all the time and then lose one time then you have to feel bad. You must know how it feels to lose in order to win. Yes, winning is everything. Don’t play a game that you don’t want to play to win. I, as a player, have played football ever since I was eight waiting to be number one in the nation and I just lose. I thought that the youth football league would prepare me for high school. That’s why I played for the Brooklyn Renegades. Now it’s time for high school. In high school, the players are better than you.

Response to Jahsen Wint - Michael Pashayev You should expand more on how it feels like to lose; like what you feel Tell why you want to be number one in the nation Good story Why do you want to go to high school and compete against other players whom you feel are better than you?

Shiyanna Ruiz To me, winning and losing is the same. If I win, I’m happy. If I lose in my heart and mind I still know that I tried my best. I am still a winner. I don’t like the fact that people judge you based on the fact if you’re a loser or winner!

Vanessa Vera If I got into the finals and didn’t win, I would be upset because I worked very hard to win and practiced every day. If they didn’t like my art work I would never draw again.

Response to Vanessa Vera - Ricardo Jones I think that practice makes perfect. Therefore it is most likely that you can expect to win.

Sahbreena Jasmin If I were in a competition and I lost, I would be pretty devastated. But one thing I’d do the next time is try harder and have good sportsmanship. So, the next time I’m in a competition I’ll probably win. One thing I have to always remember is to be fair.

Response to Sahbreena Jasmin - Ricardo Jones I would be pretty devastated also because I came to win, not lose.

Kayla Danvers My point of view about winning or losing is that at some point I will feel terrible about it and sad. However, at some point I’ll get over it. It’s better to lose and try than not try at all. If you do try again, you’ll know what to do better. It’s so much better to have experience to try than not to. For example, I go to step for fun. We have competitions with other step teams. Sometimes you lose, but loving the thing you love to do is what matters the most.

Response to Kayla Danvers - Ricardo Jones Yes, you have to keep trying and trying to succeed.

Arielle Thomas From my point of view, if I competed in a competition and I came in 2nd or 3rd place I would feel upset. I hate it when I don’t win and people are better than I am at something. I would also be proud of myself that I actually had the guts to even enter a competition. Although I didn’t win, at least I still gave it my best shot.

Neshat Patwary I love drawing and dancing. But sometimes when it comes up as a competition some people win, some people lose. Those who lose feel badly. They also give up.

But I think that if I were to lose in any competition I wouldn’t give up. At least I have a talent that I could show but maybe it’s not the way people want. When it comes to drawing well I am not that great an artist but I still try and try to be a professional artist. In competitions, people’s goals are to win and if I won I would feel happy. Winning is also everything and not everything. It is my opinion that if I were to lose, I wouldn’t give up because I have my own talent.

Qamar Awais When my team lost, I was so angry I didn’t want to play basketball again. But I got over that loss. I kept playing/ practicing. To me, winning is everything. What’s the point of practicing and trying so hard if you think winning is not everything?

Ricardo Condado “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose” Once you put your heart in the game you should feel good.

Rehman Naeem I believe winning is a good achievement because if I started already what’s the point of leaving? If you’ve done so much, why should you back out?

Miguel Genao Winning is everything. Losing makes you feel disappointed and like you’re terrible.

No matter what anyone says, don’t give up. Then, you’re just going to show the person who you lost to that you’re a loser.

Janet Shumshumova Winning to some people is not everything, but for some people winning is their life. My point of view of winning is in between these two extremes. Some things that I really care about then winning is everything. For example, if I race my friends, I would want to win. I would want to be the best one.

Everywhere is a competition- for everyone; like getting a job, playing in sports or getting a higher grade than somebody else in school. You should never give up just, keep trying at what you do the best.

Asanta Hawthorne To me winning isn’t everything because at the end of the day all that matters is that you went out there and had fun. Life isn’t all about winning. Growing up, I didn’t really win a lot but it didn’t matter to me because at the end of the day I was still Asanta. I still loved track. It made me happy I didn’t join because I love to win. I joined because I wanted to meet new people and have fun.

Linda Ramirez I would feel upset and angry if I lost in a dance competition. But I will not give up on trying my best by practicing. I will not get down just because I lost at the final . I’ll enjoy it and try my best. I always believe in myself.

Enmanuel Sibrian I think winning is everything because you train so hard just to lose. If you win, training was actually worth it. Doing exercises will not be for nothing. What you’re training for is to win. Why would you train and put your sweat and tears in the training, just to lose?

Fun One shot One opportunity Team work Bad losses Anticipation Losers Legacy Kriselle Alvarez My point of view about winning is “ If you win or you lose, it’s not the end of the world”. But if I were to win a competition, I would be very happy. I will not let another team bring me down. I will never give up.

Anaya Deslandes Head Up or Down?

One thing that I really enjoy doing is dancing. I dance because it’s a way that I really enjoy myself. I can relax and be me. If I were to be in a competition in dance to win first place and I didn’t reach my final destination, I would be really disappointed an upset. I wouldn’t consider myself a sore loser. I would just enjoy it and learn from what I did. You have to know what it feels like to be down, that way you would learn how to not let anything or anyone bring you down. It’s a well known lesson. We have to keep going if you want it. Don’t let all that trying and practice go to waste.

Christina Smalls My perspective of winning counts in different situations. When I try out for a contest or competition I usually only do it for the purpose of fun. If I only did it for winning, it would get boring , basically “un-fun.” As for the Giants winning the Super Bowl, I think that winning did count, because they worked very hard for that experience.

High School Voices Marilyn David Ivdu School Students React: Shlomo Youssoupov, Marilyn David Ivdu School Winning is not everything because if you would win everything, then you wouldn’t gain so much from the game. Sometimes it’s better to lose the game, and actually enjoy playing. Winning can make you feel proud, but losing can be a good opportunity to improve your skills. The main point is to enjoy the game or competition, and gain experience and respect, no matter if you win or lose.

Abie Ohayon, Marilyn David Ivdu School I don’t think it’s all about winning. It’s all about energy, strength and courage. Winning is not everything in life. If the other team might lose their confidence/ self-esteem, the team that loses might feel badly because they probably worked very hard and put in effort. We always have to encourage our friends that were all winners. We’re all in this together.

Commentary - Winning or Losing Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier The importance of winning depends on the situation. Winners in a sports game or spelling bee should feel proud of themselves for winning, but should never brag to their friends about it. Those who do not win should feel pride in their participation and look forward to the next time they can participate. In other situations, victory is monumental. This idea is depicted in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. In this novel, the protagonist Katniss Everdeen must fight to the death in a sport called the Hunger Games. In this case, her life depends on her victory. Thus, the value of a loss or win can be determined by the situation.

Chapter 2: A day at the ballpark From joy to tragedy

Shiyanna Ruiz I think that Cooper should still go to baseball games because the only reason his dad (Shannon) took him was because he wanted to continue the tradition that his dad started when he was young. Cooper may have bad memories at the stadium, but he’ll always have his dad in his heart. I’ve been through my mom dying and I am starting to get that you will always have memories, but you’ll learn how to handle it only when you get older. The memories won’t overtake your life.

Khym Dupre When I was first read this story, I thought it was really sad because having a young kid watch you die is really sad. Their young minds don’t know if you’re breathing or not. All they know is that you caught a foul ball for them from their favorite sports player. To fall 20 feet is like jumping off a bridge.

When I was young about five or six years old, my dad was in an accident somewhat like this. It was my older brother, my best friend and me. It was her birthday. She was turning six. It was a fun day. We had ice cream, cake, candy and soda. We were playing pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, hide-and-go-seek, and breaking open the piñata. What a fun, glorious day.

My opinion for letting players throw foul balls into the stands is neutral. I say, let them keep doing because it puts a smile on a kid’s face when they get a ball from their favorite player. Many ball-related accidents happened. Some people survive and some do not.

Neshat Patwary This story made me emotional. There was a reaction to it. I felt so sad because Shannon Stone, who was trying to catch a baseball for his 6-year old son, Cooper. I feel so badly because he died catching the baseball for his son, Cooper. It was very dangerous because he fell from 20 feet. The part that I loved most was he was trying to catch the ball for his son. When I had read this story, I remembered my grandma who used to take me to her garden which was beautiful and I always wanted to go there. After she died, I didn’t feel like going to garden. It makes me think of her.

This story made me remember about my grandma, whom I miss a lot.

Every time I go to visit her, she always used to take me to her garden, which was so beautiful. She knew that I loved her garden and whenever I was so sad that place made me happy and it was special for me. But since she died, I don’t feel like going to the garden because when I go there it makes me remember her when she used to take me there.

Asanta Hawthorne When reading “A Day at the Ballpark,” my heart filled with sorrow. It was so sad that this boy’s father only wanted to catch a ball for his son. It means everything that your dad would die to catch a ball for you. I feel as if he was trying to give his son the best day at the ball park.

A memory of a good time with my family is on vacation with my family. I feel every moment you’re with friends or family you have to make the most of just that one moment because you only live once.

I personally think that they should STOP throwing foul balls into the stands because people are getting hurt. It’s traumatizing seeing someone you love die because they’re trying to catch a ball.

Anaya Deslandes During Social Studies, Dr. Rose read a story to our class. The title of the story was “A Day at the Ballpark.” The story is about a man named Shannon Stone, taking his son to baseball game and passing away trying to catch a ball for his son. He was only 39 years old. This was a true story. I know that I didn’t do anything however I felt extremely bad just reading that story. A child witnessed his father dying right in front of his face.

I have many good memories with my family like parties, hangouts, and movies. I love spending time with my family. It’s such a good time. There was this one time my family and I joined our hands during Carnival time. It was so much fun. We danced and partied together. Spending time with the family is always a good time.

My opinion is that maybe the fans shouldn’t be able to catch foul balls because of this accident. For example, the guy that passed away. Let’s not wait for things to get worse.

Mauricio Cohetero It was awful that the dad died but what was more painful was his own son saw his father die getting the foul ball for him. I think his son is going to remember that awful moment, but he is going to keep on going to baseball games because one it’s a tradition and second to remember his father.

The best memory I had was when I wanted to go play soccer in Queens with my mom. It was the best time because I actually spent the whole day with my mom. I played my favorite sport and most importantly my mom was there to see me and cheer for me.

My opinion is that people should keep on trying to get the foul balls because it makes baseball fun for the people and not boring.

Janet Shumshumova When Shannon Stone died trying to catch a baseball for his 6-year old son, Cooper, I think it was devastating for Cooper to watch his father die. It was really sad, Shannon was only 36 years old, and that’s young. Shannon was also working as a firefighter. If I were Cooper, I wouldn’t know what to do about the future.

It would be so hard to lose a father trying to catch a baseball for you and trying to keep a tradition that Shannon had when he was younger.

I remember when my brothers and I went bowling together. They also took me ice-skating once. I love them. I would never want to lose them. It may be really hard for Cooper Stone but when he grows up I think he would understand everything his father went through.

My opinion about players throwing foul balls into the stands for the fans to catch parallels the quote contributed by Shannon’s mother. She said, “That’s why daddies bring their little boys to the ballgame is for memories like that, please don’t stop.” I agree that overall in the majority of cases, the balls caught will generate positive memories for the fans.

Jahsen Wint The “freak accident” was a true story that hurt me mentally and emotionally. A day that was supposed to be exciting and fun turned out to be a day that was very hurtful and tragic. It will always be remembered by Shannon’s son. Shannon’s son was only 6 years old when he saw his father die reaching over a chair to catch a foul ball for him.

I remember when I went to a football game with my aunt. It was exciting at the time for me because it was my first football game I’d ever gone to. There were people everywhere. That same day my aunt and I were trying to catch a football. It was a crazy thing to do or it was something that wouldn’t happen but we tried any way. The end of the game came. We didn’t catch anything, but I didn’t care because I still had fun with my aunt.

I believe that rule forbidding fans from catching foul balls should be established. First off, somebody can get hit with the ball and get hurt badly.

Second is that the same thing that happened to Shannon can happen again.

Rehman Naeem When I read this story it had me horrified. He died in front of his son! I believe it’s sad if your dad dies over a ball. It was shocking, falling from 20 feet.

But may he rest in peace.

My family had a wonderful time on my birthday. We all got together and sat, talked, and called over our cousins. It was fun. Hopefully I have another birthday like this.

Rosalie Goldhagen There Must Be A Law A man brought his son to a baseball game to have fun and enjoy quality time with his father. Ironically, the father, Shannon Stone had tragically lost his life trying to get a foul ball. How could that have happened?

Stone reached over the railing and ended up flying out of the stands and falling 20 feet. Besides Stone’s tragic accident, think about the poor son, Cooper as he witnessed his father’s death. Stone was a young man, 39, who was a firefighter. Stone’s death is terrible and there’s only one way to stop this from happening. It’s time to create a law stopping people from harming themselves and from harming the feelings of your loved ones. As much as fans love to get a foul ball to have as souvenirs, this practice needs to be halted.

Jennifer Shalmiyev What do the words “freak accident” mean to you? Well, to little 6 year-old Cooper those words described the possibly worst day of his life. This has actually taught me that I should keep my family close. Accidents do happen and they can result in death. Losing someone in your family can seriously damage people and might change them for the worse.

Actually, in the beginning of the story, I remembered back to one of my own family trips. I looked up to the sun and it reminded me of the Pennsylvania sky. Almost every year we got there for vacation. I always want my mother to sit in the middle section of the car. I don’t want to lose her. Every summer at the pool I stay with my mom. She gets scared very easily so she always finds the best way to keep us safe. My sisters have pretty much raised me. My father is very strict with everything. You can say he’s over-protective.

Many things ran through my head as the story was read. You see having to keep a foul ball from an actual baseball game. This actually brought tears.

I think that it should be allowed to still throw balls in the stands. However, the safety issues have to be raised.

Javier Zamudio It was tragic for this man to die like this. It was tragic for this man because he died with his son seeing him fall to his death. When I read this story I felt so sad because his dad died and his son was going to have no father for the rest of his life. I also wonder if his son will go to games like his dad used to do.

I went to Mexico with my family and had a good time. I had a good time because we had fun and we played soccer, fed cows, watched movies, lit fireworks and watered the plants.

Joshua Swaby My reaction to this story was disappointing and shocking to have a father named Shannon Stone, a 39 year-old firefighter, try to catch a foul ball and wind up dying in front of his son. This is very tragic and sorrowful story.

I had many memories in the past with my family. One memory I’ve remembered is being with my sister walking around in Rhode Island as we laughed together at night. Though she had trouble with mom and moved to the Bronx we were very close. She took care of me a lot and being without her made me very glum. I was disappointed to lose her and to that I always call her to see if she was okay.

My opinion on catching a foul ball into the stand is they should still continue it because death is constant every day. It’s the family baseball tradition. It is what it is. A fan will always remember his first foul ball catch!

Qamar Awais I’m really sad for Shannon Stone. He died trying to catch a baseball for his son. It’s really sad how his six year old son saw him die. He was a firefighter, 39 years old. He fell 20 feet.

Joseph Cuatlacuatl When I heard the story about Shannon Stone’s death I felt sorry and terrible.

Shannon died trying to catch a baseball for his 6 year old son. He fell down 20 feet. Shannon’s son Cooper watched as his dad fell down.

This story reminds me of the time I went to Six Flags with my brother and our uncles and aunts.

Chapter 3: “New start for Mother”

In March 2012, Denis Hamill paid a visit to the Ditmas News Network and Ditmas Bulldog Bite news reporters. The story he was working on inspired these writings. It dealt with a woman who shoplifted yeast to bake a loaf of bread for her family, since she couldn’t afford to buy the yeast.

Kriselle Alvarez I believe that the woman with six kids should be excused because she didn’t steal for the fun of it. She had no food stamps for her six children, I believe she should not be charged. They should let her off for this time.

Eduardo Vazquez I don’t think she will go to jail. One main reason is she had a family to feed and care for. I know she shouldn’t have stolen but the motive was something important. She needed to feed her family, rather than having them suffer from hunger.

Assata Johnson-Williams I think the lady should keep the record. I say that because she still stole.

Just because she didn’t have the money, doesn’t mean she had to steal. She could have asked for time to pay on an account. Same goes for the lady who stole the makeup. She should be finger-printed and put into the system. At least Margaret Deming had a reason. This particular lady did that because she wanted to, not because she had to.

Alexey Aulov Margaret Deming was arrested for shoplifting, to feed her family because she couldn’t afford a loaf of bread. I think that they should take off the criminal charges that were pressed against her. At least she did it for a good reason, it’s not like she did it for fun. Imagine if you were in her situation. I wouldn’t last a day. I hope that some people can help her by giving her the assistance that she needs.

Timothy Martineau I think that in her situation she had a right to steal those items. Being a mother it must have been hurtful for her to just sit there when her children were crying out in hunger.

Vanessa Campos I don’t think she should go to jail because she stole yeast to bake a loaf of bread. Everyone has to eat. She took the loaf of bread to feed her family. It’s unfair that she has to go to jail just for feeding her family. Everyone has to eat.

Just because she’s poor doesn’t give anyone the right to take her to jail. She has a family to feed. In the end analysis, she’s not the first or last person to steal.

Qamar Awais I think the case should be dismissed. She had no food stamps and she couldn’t get them. She is poor. She has six kids, but not enough money to feed them. I also think the judge might feel sorry for her.

Commentary - “New Start for Mother” Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier I believe that the state should drop its charges against Margaret Deming, the mother of six who stole bread and yeast to feed her children. She does not deserve to suffer for this minor offense since she did it for the well-being of her children. Furthermore, if the state presses charges against Deming, her opportunities for attaining a good job will be diminished because she will have a record.

Chapter 4:

Bullying / sports: the social sports and fashion connection

This chapter was inspired by the premiere of the documentary Bully and the controversy over its rating and content.

Asanta Hawthorne To me, bullying should never be okay. Every school should have students monitored on who they’re having problems with and why. No students should be bullied because of their color, gender, or country of origin.

When I was in elementary school, I was bullied everyday in 4-5th grade so I can actually relate to a person who is bullied. It was horrible. Some days I didn’t want to go to school. Bullying really takes a toll on its victim.

Neshat Patwary I think people should stop bullying. It hurts the victims who are getting bullied by others. Sometimes the victim who is getting bullied may end up doing something drastic. I think the school could stop bullying . It’s their responsibility because students’ parents aren’t next to them. Many victims end up committing suicide due to the bullying and getting badly judged for their looks, clothing, and more. Basically to me it isn’t important or relevant to judge others, particularly peers. The only thing that is important is being nice to others.

Kriselle Alvarez I feel that bullying is a very dangerous thing. I also feel that the school staff members should do something about it. One reason bullying is a dangerous thing is because kids can be forced to commit suicide. In this case, staff should take care of it.

Linda Ramirez Bullying is not a good thing to do. People get hurt and upset. The people who bully think they can control others and feel powerful. But being brave and sticking up for yourself helps end bullying.

Janet Shumumova Bullying is a very important part of this world. There are many types of bullying such as cyber bullying and regular type of bullying in school or anywhere.

Now they have a documentary entitled “Bully.” I think it’s the school’s obligation to deal directly and effectively with bullying. In that movie, 2 out of 5 kids committed suicide.

In the movie, they show you how the victims are bullied . The filmmakers include dialogue with expletives and violence perpetrated on the victims by their peers. I feel that bullying can be stopped by the principal and other teachers.

There can be a law about bullying but that’s not really needed.

Khym Dupre What is bullying?

Is it a way of being mean Or is it a way of life?

Why do people do it?

Why the conflict?

The behavior is uncanny We need a defense mechanism It’s also abuse of power What is bullying?

It’s a cruel way to treat people.

Bullying in games Football, baseball, basketball, soccer Whatever game, there’s bullying.

Why is there so much cruelty?

People and their behavior More guards, more defense Less crime, less harassment Take time to think it over.

Please no conflict.

But Nurture friendship between teams Less judgment, share the love.

Anaya Deslandes Many people have bullying problems. They see someone being bullied. Most of the time, it is usually a child or student in school being bullied. Many of them feel as if they can’t do anything about it. Nobody usually believes them. How sad when help is urgently needed.

Arielle Thomas Every year millions of children get bullied. When children get bullied they either speak up and get some help or they are silent about their problems.

Often, they keep on getting bullied repeatedly. Some children get tired of getting bullied and as everyone has they have their breaking point and start to fight back. When students who are being bullied fight back, it creates even more of a situation. When they fight back they get beaten up and injured. They get in trouble for fighting. Some children do speak up and get help but some children still get bullied today.

Commentary - Bullying Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier Whenever bullying occurs, there are three kinds of people involved: the bully, the victim and the person who stands by. The bullyfinds any excuse to belittle his/her victim: whether it’s the victim’s sense of style, their race or their customs.

It’s important to know that bullies behave this way to feel better about themselves. When they see great qualities in their victims that they wish they had, they make fun of them or abuse them to make them feel small and worthless.

Victims of bullying should try to ignore their bully, always remembering that they do not deserve bad treatment and never sinking to the bully’s level. Victims of bullying should also seek the advice/ help of their parents and teachers without fear. Those who stand by and witness bullying as it happens should immediately seek the help of a teacher. Remember that no one deserves to be bullied and that each of us can do something to stop it from happening.

Chapter 5:

The Death of Whitney houston

Christina Smalls “The Death of a Star” Whitney Houston was one of our generation’s great musical talents. But sadly, the talent was wasted, tragically. She died from a drug overdose. She had many accidents with drugs, but this apparently was her last “accident.” So many beautiful singers have been killed by drug addiction, like Amy Winehouse. Amy Winehouse’s voice captured the hearts of millions, but she also tragically died from drug use. Whitney Houston is a singer we’ll never forget, not to mention Amy Winehouse also.

This relates to Social Studies as far as persons, culture, values, regions and celebrity.

Enmanuel Sibrian The Whitney Houston situation isn’t really that important to me. It really isn’t because I didn’t listen to her music. I feel sorry for her daughter but it’s not a big matter for me.

Kimberly Rocha Whitney Houston died at the age of 48. She was an amazing singer. She was much loved and still is by millions of fans. But maybe she didn’t realize it.

Whitney got addicted to drugs and booze. There were 100,000 downloads in just the first day after her tragic death. She was found dead in the bathtub of a hotel. Her daughter had a panic attack right after she heard of her mother’s death. She also had another attack the next day. For both she had to be rushed to the hospital.

Jennifer Shalmiyev What can you say about how fame and fortune can affect a person? As regards to 48 year old Whitney Houston, it brought trouble, stress and then death at an early age. Other celebrities have overdosed on drugs and passed away. Singer/ dancer Michael Jackson overdosed on drug medication. The doctor claimed that he hadn’t told him to take so much “medication” but then again when answering questions he was drunk. It’s surprising and amazing what fame can lead to for some celebrities.

Zanaya Rogers The Old Die Young The old die young?

This question can make you wonder, What could’ve caused this death?

One that made millions cry.

One that left many depressed.

A young, soulful voice.

A young woman.

With an audience of all ages.

Yet with old experience, Making her memorable.

Sure she’s had hardships, Everyone does.

But why, someone explain why, The famed die young.

Ambre Hall Editorial Commentary This poem has some connections to Social Studies. Whitney Houston’s voice expressed her feelings. She was a strong African-American woman that died young. Her songs represented her. This connects music to people, people can connect with struggle. Struggle connects back in history, struggles that not only African Americans but others faced as well.

Kriselle Alvarez “The Missed (We all Miss Whitney Houston)” You will be missed, I’m sure your family and friends will be p_____.

You were loved by many, Fans and much more.

You were never a bore.

You was very famous.

We all know you’re not gone forever You were so very clever.

You are to be missed, Whitney Houston Oh, how you are missed.

Ambre Hall A Daughter’s Lament- Bobbi Kristina Brown’s Perspective I miss you.

I love you.

I wish I could’ve helped.

But it wouldn’t have changed, How you felt Is there anything I could’ve done?

Everyone can play the “It” game We all know it’s just a game of torture.

But can I ask you something?

Fame, fortune, love they are all balancedWhat happens if one gets unbalanced?

And what does it mean for the daughter What does it mean for me?

Social Studies connection: When a famous person dies from drug addiction that puts the child/ children in a position where they feel emotionally devastated.

Then they might end up using drugs themselves. This relates to Social Studies because sometimes history or in most cases, history repeats itself. It also deals with the family and community issues of survival, drug addiction, youth citizenship and social/emotional well being.

Chapter 6: Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment

Music for Eternity

By Aneesa Ahmed and Genesis Orea My heart flows For that one song.

The rhythm is likeMy heart beatingI sing and dance, To it all day and night.

I dream of it, I paint my songOn canvas like Creating a masterpiece, Music is entertainingLike chocolate and ice-cream.

The energy flows for eternityAn addiction to sound.

An addiction that’s found This song I love.

I breathe, I feel And I paint.

This poem is related to Social Studies because it deals with U.S. power and focuses on how music affects individuals.

Kaalel Robinson Sports, Fashion and Entertainment- The Social Studies Connection I believe that sports, fashion and entertainment should be in school textbooks. Personally, I love sports. Football, basketball, and soccer are my best sports. I like to have friendly games. I don’t care if I win or lose, as long as I have fun playing.

Sports should be in the school textbooks because they are history and deserve to have a spot in my textbook. The textbooks now are boring, but they tell you about things that happened a long time ago. Events may that take place years ago are still considered history, so sports should be considered history too. History includes current events as well.

Aneesa Ahmed I agree that Eli Manning is a better quarterback than Peyton Manning. Eli Manning is playing better than anyone going into the Superbowl. He still came away with two touchdown passes, and more than 300 yards passing. The news articles states: “He is not just the Giants’ star, he is clearly their leader, and that starts with the way the other players take their lead from him.”

Response to Aneesa Ahmed - Ricardo Jones, editorial comment I agree that he is their leader and this was a great writing piece.

Jennifer Shalmiyev Money is actually a major power in entertainment. You may think that the actors and actresses have not earned the publicity they receive, but I beg to differ. Because of the amount of time and energy that they put into their work they deserve it.

Before cameras and televisions, people invested their money to put on these shows. Whatever the stage, performers have to study their lines and memorize them.

Linda Ramirez The way life is related to Social Studies is through fashion and sports. Many games are related to Social Studies concepts and reference history. The way people wear their clothes now in the present speaks to culture and values. In the present people wear their clothes to reflect comfort and today’s social standards.

Ambre Hall Response to Jay-Z Baby Blue Birth Song You said you’d wreak havoc on “da” world But we know you would, If anyone touched your baby girl.

A pinch of love, A whole glass of BThe world awaitsTo see what great parents You two will be.

The miscarriage wasn’t your blame, So to you Blue Ivy Carter, Live up to your name And fame.

Asanta Hawthorne “Giants” Dreaming, then suddenly the Super Bowl is where I stand.

“I’m living the Giants dream.”

It’s time to stick up for my team, touchdown, Oh yeah, the Giants run this town.

Pick up the pass, no time to waste.

Response to Asanta Hawthorne - Ricardo Jones I understand what she is saying and I like how she explained herself in this poem. I too am a Giants fan.

I love the fact that they won the Super Bowl.

Kriselle Alvarez “Why I’m Not Interested in Football” Football is not a sport I can play.

I really don’t know what to say.

I heard about the Big Blue, It surely does make me blue.

I know nothing about football.

But I know if you play, you can fall.

Maybe one day I can learn.

But sometimes I just think it’s not my concern.

Response to Kriselle Alvarez - Ricardo Jones I get what she is saying, she can’t play football and it’s not her concern. It’s good to know that she got involved in the activity.

Ivan Vazquez I am interested in sports. My favorite sport is soccer. My favorite team is Real Madrid and Football Club Barcelona. My favorite positions are forward, midfielder and defender. Sometimes I like to be goalkeeper.

In soccer, each team needs to have possession of the ball. The team with the highest number of possessions is better than the other team. When a team plays and they win, they gain points.

Response to Ivan Vazquez - Ricardo Jones Wow, my favorite sport is soccer as well. I love Football Club Barcelona. I think that he explained the game really well.

Farhad T. Rahman My favorite sport is baseball. I like it because it allows me to express myself and make new friends. Whenever I win or lose a match, I am a good sport saying: “Good game.” Then I shake hand with my opponents.

Brandon Eddy Football is a great sport because it’s interesting to watch. My favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s great because it’s a sport of competition. You have to work with your teammates to win.

Junior Jeangilles Sports are played all over the world for many reasons. Some play for fun, to work out or even for money. Sports are not always about winning. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. It’s all about fun.

Sports play a major part in my life. During my free time I play sports with friends. My policy is to play fair and have fun. I don’t really care if I win or not.

One of the reasons I love sports is it’s a great way to lose weight. I also like it because you get to hang out with your friends and family. Sports also help me to take anything off my mind.

In sports, everybody has a role. No matter what sport it is, football, basketball, or soccer, each player has to work collaboratively with others as part of a team.

Michael Pashayev Football is my favorite sport and sports are very important to me because without sports I’d never be this fast, strong or even athletic. Sports help me stay in shape and healthy. Sports also let me have fun with others.

Sports are a thing that you always should work hard for. For example: MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a sport that you should always work hard at even if you’re the champ and can’t be defeated. If you lose even one day of training then someone is training 100x better than you. On the day of the fight, you got your behind kicked. This is why sports requires that you to train.

Response to Michael Pashayev - Junior Jeangilles I have to say, in sports you have to work hard as Michael said. He and I need sports to stay in shape.

Christina Smalls “Entertainment” Movie stars, acting and playing their roles.

Songs that we bop our heads to by pop stars.

Gossip on those stars, that we see casually watch.

All of these things entertain us!

Junior Jeangilles All of those things entertain me. My opinion on this is that she knows how she feels and how to say what she feels.

Jahsen Wint Sports are important to American culture. Sports are important because they’ve been around for years. They’re something that people like. Sports have been around for a long time. There are different kinds of sports such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball and hockey. These are the main sports in our culture.

Sports help people learn how to win and lose, sports can make a person feel good about themselves or if you lose it teaches you how to feel disappointed.

Playing sports comes with conflicts, behavior, defense and power. When playing sports, you have an emotion which should be friendly but some players feel competitive or angry.

Asanta Hawthorne “What I Know”- Fashion Commentary on Our Literacy Person I know your name is Dr. Rose, You’re stylish from your head down to your toes.

And now that I know that, Dr. Rose should run all types of fashion shows I could wish one wish for Dr. Rose this Christmas because nowI know one thing that makes her dance and prance until she showsThat fashion makes her see what’s best in persons’ personalities But now I truly know why Dr. Rose is stylish from her head to her toes.

“Sparks of Fashion” If there’s style, there’s love and if there’s fashion, there’s passion. You can take a simple outfit and turn it into something you love. There’s a spark of fashion of every where there’s a speech of passion in every ear. You can take a simple outfit and turn it into something classic.

Janet Shumshumova - Commentary on a Coach advertisement This drawing is about fashion and how this brand is called Coach. It’s an expensive brand. Some people are poor and can’t afford Coach. In the ad, the owner dresses up a dog with a very expensive collar. The dog doesn’t care what he/ she wears nor if it’s Coach brand label. However, the owner does care about the brand and the label.

Tiffany Brissett Fashion is like an ocean So many things you never knew Like where’s your other shoe.

Growing over different generations, Price is a thing of the past.

Red bottoms are the thing Of the future.

Zanaya Rogers (original poem was written in a dress frame) A poem about fashion Is a poem about you.

Yet a piece with a design’s an art form bold and trueA slip of a stitch Is like the must fit of a shoe.Because no one knows fashion better than you.

The perfect dress or perfect shirt.

The perfect hat or perfect skirt.

The pattern, texture, and design.

Fashion is something that changes time.

Fashion takes time, That is true but fashion is what represents you.

Response to Zanaya Rogers - Junior Jeangilles A poem about Dr. Rose this is nice when it talks about how fashionable she is.

Rosalie Goldhagen I believe that people should dress how they want and nobody has the right to judge anyone. I’ve been on both sides and I know that when I’m dressed the way I dress it’s not fun to be made fun of or having anyone judge each other.

But on the other hand, they judge you when you judge them. Nobody has a right to lower someone’s self-esteem and happiness. People shouldn’t be able to bully people because of how they dress. Nobody should ever bring anyone down because of how they dress. “Never judge a book by its cover.”

Ambre Hall Jimmy Choo shoes.

Rockawear tutu.

Breakin’ all the rulesFashion makes for you.

Gucci sweaterNothin’ better.

Rockin’ patent leather G’sSobe threads on my wrists.

Etiquette styleThat adapts over time.

Something will never changeMy love for an expensive Price tag.

Andy Bravo I’m a boy, but I love fashion. If I had all the clothes I wanted, I would shock everyone with the name brands I know.

Response to Andy Bravo - Junior Jeangilles I am blown away at the fact that he said it so well in so few words. My opinion now is that fashion is for girls and also boys.

Commentary from Students in the Ivdu School , our Jewish Parochial High School Partners Yaakov Kuinova, Marilyn David Ivdu School I thing you should never judge a person by the way he or she looks. You should first get to know the person and then when you really have a long lasting relationship, then you judge the person to help them, not to hurt them in any way. Judging can be a good tool to use, but only if you use it in the right way. If you decide to judge a person to get an advantage over him or her, then you are living in a world with no harmony. When there is no harmony there are problems. When there are problems, there is nowhere to live in peace.

Shuie Lefland, Marilyn David Ivdu School I feel that people shouldn’t be judged by the way they dress. People have different reasons for the way they dress. People can wear suits to go to work, uniforms for school, or jerseys to play ball. Some people have no money to buy clothes. We shouldn’t judge people by the way they dress because we don’t know the reason why they dress that way.

Laiby Stern, Marilyn David Ivdu School Sometimes in different neighborhoods people look at me in very strange ways. They look at me and say, “If you’re wearing jeans you must be a bum.’’

People should not judge anybody by what they wear. There is usually a reason for why people wear certain things. People shouldn’t interfere in other people’s lives by telling them what to wear and what not to wear.

Commentary Chana R. Stein, Student Teacher at Ditmas I.S. 62 In an ideal world, fashion would not play a role in profiling and we would not judge people according to their clothing choices. Unfortunately, however, we do not live in an ideal world. First impressions are important. We live in a society that is predisposed to judge others based on stereotypes; a society that will judge you based on a cursory glance, which will be used to decide whether you are worth getting to know.

We’d like to think that our way of dress does not say anything about who we are as people, yet it is important to know that, while we should never change who we are, there is a time and place for everything. In school, we learn about code switching as it pertains to language. The way we speak at home or to our friends is different than the way we speak in school or any professional environment. The same term can be modified, when it comes to the way we dress too.

At home or on the street, it is okay for me to wear a tank top, sweatpants and a cool pair of sneakers, but it would not be okay for me to show up to work that way. At home or on the street, some people find it fashionable to wear pants that ride low enough to show off their derrieres, but it is not appropriate fashion to wear at school or to a job interview. People see baggy and think ‘thug’; dark clothing must mean you are ‘Goth,’ and color coordinated must make you a geek or a snob.

Amongst our friends and family, we should and we must stay true to ourselves. The people who already know us see past our exteriors. In the real world of the unknown, however, it is important to present ourselves in a way that will give off a first impression that is acceptable to those in our society, who have our futures in their hands. Hopefully one day we will live in a society less inclined to judge us before knowing us, but until then, if we want to be successful, in some ways, we must mold ourselves to conform to what is deemed acceptable.

Chapter 7:

Fatal focus on fashion

Kayla Danvers I think what happened to Trayvon Martin was cruel and unnecessary. Why? First of all from the newspapers they said Trayvon was just walking from a corner store and a man named George Zimmerman was using self defense, I guess he felt threatened. My argument is that a seventeen year old boy was wearing a hoodie. He had an Arizona tea bottle and Skittles with him. What was he doing that was so bad that a random man shot him?

Sumaira Butt Trayvon’s Martin’s death was such a tragedy especially considering the fact that he was shot to death because of the color of his skin! This is very ridiculous in my belief. This racism needs to stop. People need to learn that everyone in the world is equal! It especially pisses me off to the fact that the man who shot Trayvon just thought, and suspected that he was up to no good.

Mr. Zimmerman did not really know. His wearing the hoodie and the color of his skin contributed to Trayvon’s death. So all this racism needs to stop. Accusations and shots should not be taken without someone’s knowing what is really happening and investigating before shooting.

Rosalie Goldhagen I feel that Trayvon’s death was tragic. He was a poor little boy who got killed because he was wearing a hoodie and because he’s black. Nobody can even imagine what the family is going through! This is supposed to be a free country where any race can live here as long as they aren’t breaking the law. Millions of people wear hoodies. Why should this boy’s young life be taken away? George Zimmerman shot him. Trayvon had a lot to live for and George should be sentenced to death for taking away this young boy’s life. How would you feel if that was your son who got shot because of his race and wearing a hoodie?

Sabina Kahramonova I think Zimmerman should have been arrested because he killed Trayvon Martin whom he called the police on saying that he looks suspicious. First of all, he should not have followed Trayvon after he called the police, because the police said not to follow him. Then, he claimed to shoot the boy because of self defense. I think this was because of the way Trayvon Martin was dressed. Just because someone has a hood on does not mean that they are doing something wrong. So justice might be served, Zimmerman should be arrested and tried.

John Davalos I believe that it is unfair that Trayvon Martin was killed just because of his race and because he was wearing a hoodie. The reason I think this is because the man who killed him already had a criminal record. What if he just felt like shooting at someone? All the kid held in his hand was skittles and iced tea. The kid was just too young to die. He had his whole life ahead of him.

Anonymous From my perspective of the Trayvon Martin case, I think Zimmerman should be in the electric chair. Trayvon Martin got killed because he was black and was wearing a gray or black hoodie. If you listen to the tape recording when George Zimmerman called the cops, he told them that he thought Trayvon was up to no good. Trayvon went to 7-Eleven and bought a can of iced tea and a pack of Skittles. My question is was Trayvon supposed to have beaten Zimmerman with iced tea and skittles? I found out about this case on Facebook and on the news before we talked about it in class.

Chapter 8: Book Review: The Hunger Games

Faith Iyahen I am a fan of books like The Hunger Games. From Matched to Twilight I enjoy the text art. The Hunger Games may look tough but it is truly an emotional triangle.

As for the mania across the world, it is an emotional 360 from the moody Twilight. I have done my research and it seems as if Twilight has been outshone by the dangerous new Hunger Games as the last movie comes to an end. I think the Hunger Games mania came in too early. As the Twilight series comes to a close, Hunger Games starts.

I think it doesn’t really matter. Fans of The Hunger Games and Matched are all interested in Twilight as I can’t wait to end this great movie, Hunger Games is still an ongoing phenomenon and something to look forward to this spring.

Arielle Thomas The movie The Hunger Games is related to Social Studies because it can relate to the past when Hitler made all of the Jews starve and work to death. In the movie The Hunger Games a little girl who is 12 years old has been picked to go into the games. Because her sister is older and cares about her, she takes her place as tribute. In The Hunger Games there is a conflict and it’s between life and death. Just because they were poor they were put into hunger games. The rich have power over the poor people just as Hitler had over the Jews. The poor couldn’t do anything about it.

Javier Zamudio The Hunger Games and Social Studies are related. They are related because The Hunger Games is about conflict. As part of Social Studies, wars and conflicts are analyzed. It’s also related to Social Studies, because there have been battles that win and lose like in The Hunger Games. It’s also related because in The Hunger Games people had power over people like in Social Studies people have power over other people or classes. Some of the characters from The Hunger Games were rich. They had fancy things and nice clothes just as Social Studies deals with the rich and entitled.

Khym Dupre The Hunger Games is related to Social Studies because The Hunger Games focuses on a society where a young person gets picked by lottery to compete in these games. In the movie, a little girl gets picked to fight in this dangerous competition, but her older sister won’t let her do it. So she decided to take her sister’s place in the games. The older sister is competing against her childhood best friend and a guy she never met before.

Response to Khym Dupre - Rosalie Goldhagen I agree that when they go out there, they fight to the death. It is like gladiators.

Kriselle Alvarez The Hunger Games is related to Social Studies. One way is because of conflict. In the article it states “This isn’t about first kiss, this is life and death.” This makes me think that it has a lot to do with profits. In the articles dealing with the first weekend profits, it states that this film did $100 million on its opening weekend. Therefore, its profits link it to the economy as well as Social Studies themes of values and laws.

Asanta Hawthorne In The Hunger Games to win you must fight to the end. When you’re chosen you’re chosen, there’s nothing you can do. It doesn’t matter what your identity is or who you are. The goal of the game is to win to save the competitor’s life.

Hunger games are based on cruelty. But win or lose you must always stay true to who you are. The only way you can is if someone vows to take your place. This is related to Social Studies because in history people basically had to fight for their lives and for their way of governing/conducting their society.

Neshat Patwary There are many different things that are related to Social Studies. In the old days, the way it is related to The Hunger Games because the girl had to stand by and be confident in her ability to save her own life. Just as the Hunger Games involved Katniss is a life or death struggle, so essentially is Social Studies about life, death, winning and losing. It has been related with so many things back then.

Marvin Henrius The Hunger Games predicts several things about our future based on trends in our 2012 reality. What it says is that society will be divided and under government watch. It also shows that the government will take advantage of the people by taking their children and making them fight to the death.

Diamond Williams The Hunger Games suggests that in our future we are going to fight each other for other’s entertainment. In the book and in the film, the government is taking advantage of people by taking innocent children for fighting and not caring what happens to them.

Kevin Damier If the scenario of The Hunger Games were real, it could drastically change Social Studies as we know it.

One way The Hunger Games could change Social Studies is by replacing all the major wars we had, because all the countries could choose a representative to the Hunger Games and if a country’s representative won, that would mean victory for that country.

Another way The Hunger Games could change Social Studies is by changing all the countries’ locations we know now, because if some countries are having disputes about some land borders, they’d just decide it by doing a Hunger Game and change everything.

The last way The Hunger Games could change Social Studies would be by getting rid of people who made the history books, because if everything was decided by The Hunger Games only those who controlled the games would author the history texts.

Jennifer Shalmiyev When you’re being loyal to somebody you don’t want them to pass away or get hurt. Especially if they are relatives and you’re very close with that person.

The Hunger Games is only a matter of winning and losing something. Sometimes it’s either you sacrifice yourself or a loved one. The people are chosen by a lottery.

Sumaira Butt “The Hunger Games” is a phenomenon, a book coming into theaters overwhelming many people. As many people tweeted how it’s “so emotional” and “just amazing.” What’s this book all about? Well, it’s about how twenty-four tributes are forced to enter a competition and only the winner survives. “In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts.” Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in The Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death.

Survival is second nature for the sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and little sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When her sister is chosen to participate, Katniss volunteers to take her place and has to survive now.

With the matter of fighting between life and death with the apocalypse in it is changing the way people think would there ever be an apocalypse, the end of the world a question some may never know? Can it predict what may happen in the future, what may be the purpose of person’s lives and values as Social Studies evolves? I do believe there is a day of doom and end of the world ahead, but we do not know when it is coming.

Clar Bellegarde The Hunger Games relates to history because of how the main character took her sister’s spot in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games was about people that were chosen by other people that have more power to fight for their lives.

In history, the games were similar. Many people were in the line of death. So the games are paralleled by history’s wars and conflicts.

Sabrina Shahid The Hunger Games will affect Social Studies in the future. The Hunger Games tells us that the world will come to an end. Some will become poor and have no food to eat. The Hunger Games gives us an idea what the world would be like in the future.

Janet Shumshumova The Hunger Games is a book and movie. This movie comes out on March 23, 2012.

The book and movie is related to Social Studies because The Hunger Games is based on the future but has features from our current society. It’s kind of similar to the apocalypse. This movie/ book is about a girl. Katniss is taking the place of her little sister on The Hunger Games.

Rehman Naeem I think it’s brave and amazing because The Hunger Games is harsh, also it’s a game of life or death. The big sister is very brave to take her place. Meanwhile, people drove from Utah (12 hours) just to watch The Hunger Games. Four-hundred people camped out for almost two days outside L.A. Nokia Theater to get a front row spot at the Games premiere on March 12, joined by thousands more whose deafening roars left the cast overwhelmed. Therefore this film is also connected to Social Studies because it demonstrates popular culture 2012.

Rosalie Goldhagen What are Hunger Games? The Hunger Games is a novel written by Suzanne Collins. The book is about a 16 year-old girl who lives in a post-apocalyptic country of Panem. The young heroine Katniss is forced to complete a hunger game which is part gladiator-style death match. These Hunger Games are cruel and are inhumane. Do you want to risk your life for Hunger Games?

These Hunger Games are not making people well, they are ruining their health. Poor innocent people are willing to risk their lives to participate in these Hunger Games. The fictional Hunger Games would be illegal in the U.S. I believe that these Hunger Games are an abuse of humans. The Hunger Games represents a negative aspect of how some in society treat humans. It seems that the society is taking advantage of these people and they’re just trying to make money. Nobody should be forced to fight until only one person is left.

There shouldn’t be any Hunger Games. This book can serve as a social warning.

Entertainment Book Review Review of Andrea Pinkney’s Duke Ellington

By Rosalie Goldhagen This is a wonderful, successful story about a man named Duke Ellington, born in 1899. Duke was forced to learn how to play piano but later on decided to quit. One summer day Duke started playing piano and was entertaining people in the 1920s. Next thing you know, Duke is playing everywhere and is on the radio.

This book tells the story of how a young man who hated piano finally ended up loving it. He started a band. Very soon he became a popular song writer for entertainment. Duke made jazz music and was even introduced in Carnegie Hall.

Andrea Davis Pinkney is an amazing Caldecott Honor book writer.

Commentary Book Reviews: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Elizabeth Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief of The Cabrini Courier As a fan of The Hunger Games, I’m glad to learn that the students of Ditmas I.S. 62 enjoyed reading The Hunger Games and fully grasped its messages about survival, sacrifice and corruption in government. I was impressed by Sumaira Butt’s plot summary and the connection Rosalie Goldhagen made to society today when she said: “The Hunger Games represents how we treat humans.” It seems that the society is taking advantage of these people and they’re just trying to make money. Nobody should be forced to fight until only one person is left.” Students were clever in their comparison of the public’s fascination with The Hunger Games to the Twilight phenomenon of recent years.

Chapter 9: Coaching as sports in Action

In addition to classroom texts, Ditmas IS 62 students are taught Social Studies by individuals who also serve as sports coaches and can directly speak to how sports competition and teaming connects with Social Studies.

Interview with Mr. Caufield by Sumaira Butt Sumaira:: What does coaching teach us about values in social studies?

Sumaira Mr. Caulfield: Through sports history, we are able to see how different groups of Americans have become mainstreamed into the very fabric of our country. In my classes, I make an effort to highlight the importance of using one’s status as “underdog” to inspire my students. We are all “underdogs” in our own right. The same can be said of many sports teams.

Sumaira:: What does coaching teach us about values in Social Studies?

Sumaira Mr. Caulfield Caulfield:: In order to be successful, a class and/or a sports team must practice communication, cooperation and teamwork the foundations for a successful society. The U.S. has also incorporated these practices in the form of Democracy.

Through use of these practices, our country has been and will continue to be a world power.

Interview with Mr. Nolan and Ms. Lynch by Sumaira Butt and Rosalie Goldhagen Sumaira and Rosalie: What’s it like being a coach?

Mr. Nolan: I love coaching because it’s very different from being a teacher. There are fewer students on a team than in a classroom. Therefore, coaching allows you to have a greater impact on their lives.

Ms. Lynch: I enjoyed being a coach because the children enjoyed learning new skills.

Once they were able to practice and feel confident, they built self-esteem.

Sumaira and Rosalie: What does coaching teach us about values in Social Studies?

Mr. Nolan: They are basically the same because discipline in the classroom is just as important as discipline on the court.

Ms. Lynch: Sportsmanship, cooperation, and camaraderie are values you can develop being on a team.

RInterview with Mr. Adams by Rosalie Goldhagen Rosalie: What’s it like being a coach?

Mr. Adams: I like coaching because it allows me to participate and be a part of the growth process for young people. In a team setting I have 15 young men to work with and actively teach on a daily basis. To be able to witness their growth makes it a great experience.

Rosalie: What does coaching teach us about values in social studies?

Mr. Adams: I think coaching and teaching are very similar. My experiences in coaching help me to be a better teacher and vice versa.

Chapter 10: Life at D.N.N.

Students of Mr. David Liotta have the unique privilege of first hand experiencing how entertainment, news broadcasting, authenticates the Common Core Literacy in Social Studies and History Values. The students below play key anchor roles in DNN News and also study Social Studies with David Liotta , the co-creator of the DNN Ditmas News Network. They know as middle school 8th graders how being part of the news entertainment media realizes Social Studies Standards.

The Life and Literacy Learning of a Ditmas Network Newscaster Anaya Deslandes It was my second month of being a senior, and I was already getting along with all of my teachers. My favorite class was always Social Studies. It was only because I had the best teacher, Mr. Liotta. He was the one who told me about D.N.N. He told me what it was and all of the work that you would have to do in order to complete an episode. I would need to read a written script effectively for camera. After that, I would have to be able to interact convincingly with my male anchor colleague. Mr. Liotta also explained that after I became more comfortable with the scripts, I would be asked to author a frame script on my own with Sean, my colleague. Next, I would have to use the frame script. I had to improvise my conversation with Sean as needed. I was really interested. I was up for the challenge. I wanted to be a part of it.

A few days after he told me about it and I had done some preliminary work, he offered me the anchor position. I was scared by the responsibility and exposure, yet at the same time I was extremely interested. I had never did anything like it before and I wanted to try it.

The first day was so confusing. I did not understand what I was supposed to do. I didn’t even know if I was supposed to do anything at all. I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know what was required or taking place. The other anchor that is now one of my coolest friends, Sean, also did not know what was going on. The room that we were in had everything that we needed. The audio recording equipment brought by Mr. Liotta was in view. I just repeatedly thought to myself how I am going to keep up with what I am supposed to do for the rest of the months being in this program. It was confusing to the point where I wanted to quit. It was just a weird moment. At the end of the day, I knew that staying and trying was my one option so that I could be an effective and successful media personality.

For a moment I felt like a woman from the 1940’s. Here I was surrounded by a bunch of boys who seemed capable of delivering up front and behind the camera. Basically I felt like they were better than me in some way. So I started to

think to myself that maybe if I stepped up my game that I would fit in and know what I’m supposed to do at all times. I knew that the day that I would finally know what I’m supposed to do, I’d feel like DNN the Ditmas News Network- anchor spot was where I belonged.

After a few months, I was stepping up my game. I was writing my own scripts and finding my own stories. There was always a time when I would too lazy or too annoyed when it was time to work. Then Mr. Liotta would have to repeatedly say to me how this is the last episode. However, of course I wouldn’t believe him. Sometimes we would have a few hard times coming up with some ideas. Sometimes there wouldn’t be enough interesting facts or stories about the school we could generate. Even though I was used to being a part of all of this, I still couldn’t believe that I was a part of a program. I couldn’t believe that I was on TV. Sometimes people would come up to me and ask me if they could join and be my anchor partner. At one point I felt like a star.

I had always pictured myself being a lot of things, but never had I once thought that I could or would dare to be an anchor. It was just something I never thought I could do. Now look at me, I’m writing scripts, coming up with ideas of my own, and helping my other partners with their scripts. There is absolute no way that I could give up on doing this. I won’t stop my media work now. Watch out for me or rather tune in to catch me on air!!!

Dylan Canete When I first came into the D.N.N. Crew I came in maybe a week or two late due to hospitalization. When I walked in through that door of 102, I was questioned about what I wanted to do. I just happened to take on any task they were willing to teach me.

I tried to be on camera and that didn’t turn out too well. Looks like that would maybe only be Ambre’s profession since she was just so fluent with it. I then tried camera work. It actually turned out pretty well and I loved it. Junior Jeangilles was also trained in camera work.

After around a week’s worth of waiting; Mr. Liotta and I went to Room 334 to finish a task for Ms. Donadio. Room 334 is the school media studio room. We had to edit some music tracks for the dance segment in the winter concert.

After like maybe an hour passed by, I started to quickly learn editing, using his programs. I just adored the style of how a video or audio was to be edited.

The sleekness of it and its tools were amazing and comfortable. I fell in love with editing. Editing has and always will be a fun profession of mine that I’ll take to its advantage some day.

Junior Jeangilles Being in this program has transformed the way I think and act. Before D.N.N, I didn’t know what was going around the school or the neighborhood. Frankly I didn’t care. Then D.N.N. came along and my job was to know what was going around, when and where. The best part of D.N.N. was that I liked what I was doing and I was good at it.

Sitting around one day my co-worker Ambre Hall, we came up with the names Ditmas Network News which is short for D.N.N. We all liked it and that’s how D.N.N. got to be D.N.N. Working together as a team collaborating on scripting, interviewing, broadcasting and then editing each broadcast is a lengthy process. Over the past few months of 2011-2012 we all came together to do that.

Ambre Hall My name is Ambre Hall, I am thirteen years old and I have worked in a news network program broadcasted over the eyes of I.S. 62 also known as Ditmas News Network. I have learned so many things. I have done many field reports where I improvised, as to reading from a screen. I have gone to museums, conventions, and programs that taught me more about technology work.

Afterword Kimberly Drelich, Student Reporter at Columbia Journalism School Students as Producers A vending machine price hike or a library closing? These enterprising students have it covered.

For a group of middle school students in Brooklyn, catching the news is much more than merely reading a newspaper, searching a Web site, or watching a program. These students at the Ditmas Intermediate School 62 in Brooklyn anchor, report, and produce their very own news show.

The Ditmas News Network students embark on their own to find and report issues impacting their school and community. One student even filmed a news segment on the Occupy Wall Street movement, after receiving a quick tutorial on how to use a flip camera.

An episode of the Ditmas News Network begins with two news anchors sitting poised at their desks in front of a brightly-colored news studio.

Music drums in the background as the student anchors, speaking clearly and looking ahead, announce the upcoming activities at their school and in the Brooklyn community.

The endeavor is mostly student-run, although teachers at Ditmas help edit the show and oversee the scripts. “Our goal is really to have it for the students by the students,” said teacher Angelo Carideo.

The program also teaches students life skills and the results are rewaring, said teacher David Liotta. “It’s fun when you have the final product,” he said.

The show is viewed by the Ditmas community on television sets in classrooms around the school.

Producing the news show has given the students many skills. Eighth grader, Ambre, 13, a field reporter, learned how to edit, fix audio and speak on television.

“I learned as I was doing,” she said.

The Ditmas News Network is just one component of a school that incorporates technology into its curriculum from producing podcasts in French class to working on authors’ websites. “The students see their work is valued,” said Dr. Rose Reissman, head of the Writing Institute at the Ditmas Education Complex.

Students interviewed also expressed that the Ditmas News Network taught them not only the nuts and bolts of journalism, but also more about themselves.

Anaya, a 14-year old, eighth grade student, said her experience as a news anchor on the Ditmas News Network took her outside of her comfort zone.

Anaya never anchored a news network before, but persevering through challenges on the show has instilled in her a sense of confidence. The news show helped her learn to think on her feet, such as the day when her partner was absent and she had to read many stories on the spot. While she said that experience was somewhat stressful, she was happy in the end. “I was extremely proud of myself,” she said.

Eighth grader, Janet, 13, a field reporter who reports news headlines in the ‘Ditmas in 62 Seconds’ segment, has learned a lot about working with other people and hearing different perspectives. “Sometimes we don’t agree on everything,” she said. “Other times we do.” She said the students are all friends and sometimes joke with each other.

Eighth grader, Vladislav, the head of the Ditmas Network Ambassadors, understands the importance of focusing on his goals. He has published his work in publications, such as Patch.org and Education Update. “It’s very essential and important for a student to start out early,” he said. As an anchor and reporter for DNN and the newspaper, he has also learned the importance of never quitting, especially after speaking with people who have achieved their goals.

Seventh grader, Sean, 12, an anchor who often writes his own script, said he has learned both the value of teamwork and the rewards of taking leadership.

“It kind of feels like an achievement, because I know I put the effort into it,” he said.

News producing is not the only feat achieved by students at Ditmas.

Students also work for the newspaper and have produced a financial literacy podcast. The students producing the podcast explained to author and speaker, Dr. Mark Gura, what financial literacy meant in their lives, and, in turn, interviewed him.

The results and confidence the students have gained from their endeavors outweighed the risk of trying something new. “A lot of us were nervous,” said seventh grader Ross, age 12, “and after it was done, we felt like we accomplished something.”

As part of the journalism program, Ross also enjoys interviewing teachers at his school, as well as columnists, such as Clem Richardson of The New York Daily News. “It’s a new experience for all of us,” said Ross.

Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects (WHST) Text Types and Purposes Standard (WHST.6-8.1) - Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

Every chapter of this book involves the students using print news, text book or electronic texts as springboards for formulating arguments.

Standard (WHST.6-8.1a) - Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

Students even responded to one another and to other diverse peers as part of this book and class discussions.

Standard (WHST.6-8.1b) - Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.

Students referenced primary and secondary sources. They also read additional library books and continually referenced print news and electronic news.

Standard (WHST.6-8.1c) - Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

Standard (WHST.6-8.1d) - Establish and maintain a formal style.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2e) - Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Beyond writing the student newscasters actually practiced this skill.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2) - Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.

The Ditmas Network News team continually write and deliver informative and explanatory texts.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2a) - Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow, organize ideas, concepts, an information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; including formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Students who worked on this book presented some of its chapters and methods to an audience of teachers at York College and to Ivdu High School Students.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2b) - Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.

Students were targeted through interviews and readings to identify key quotes.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2c) - Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2d) - Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

The work of Ditmas Network News team and the focus on the students’ understanding the standards involved them in use of news broadcaster and teacher technical vocabulary. Students also focused on appropriate publishing vocabulary.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2e) - Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.

Standard (WHST.6-8.2f) - provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

Standard (WHST.6-8.3) - (See note; not applicable as a separate requirement) Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Standard (WHST.6-8.4) - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Standard (WHST.6-8.5) - With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

Extensive peer editing sessions were part of this book publishing endeavor with adult and older peer support.

Standard (WHST.6-8.6) - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

The book’s graphics were researched with Google image search and they were scanned plus the Internet and its resources were integral to this process. DNN students also edited and prepared their own scripts using technology.

Standard (WHST.6-8.7) - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration. Students actively interviewed primary sources and did short research projects. All of the DNN stories were focused on short research projects.

Standard (WHST.6-8.8) - Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation. This was integral to DNN News team work.

Standard (WHST.6-8.9) - Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity Standard (WHST.6-8.10) - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

This entire book was developed through weekly sessions with writings for a range of Social Studies themes, purposes (broadcast, audience presentation and adult/ younger peer audience).

The Liotta Method Student Alignment of Liotta Method to Common Core Faith Iyahen 1) Mr. Liotta is open to debates to things in social politics and allows students to share their opinions on world issues.

2) Ditmas News Networking approaches issues using sources in everyday life.

3) News articles and networking use claims, counterclaims and evidence.

4) Formal styles as well as new and creative styles using technical broadcasting.

Resources For teachers who would like to implement the techniques and content shared in this book Avermann, D., Moon, J.S. & Hagood, M. (1999). Popular culture in the classroom: Teaching and researching critical media literacy. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Morrell, Ernest. (2004). Linking Literacy and Popular Culture. Norwood, MA: Christopher Gordon Publishers.

Perry, T., (2006). Multiple literacies and middle school students. Theory into Practice, 45 (4), 328-336.

Teale, W. & Gambrell, L. (2007). Raising urban students’ literacy achievement by engaging in authentic, challenging work. The Reading Teacher, 60 (8), 728-739.

Rulli,D. F. (2003). Big and Famous not always best: Guidelines for selecting teachable documents. Social Education , 67 (7), 378-380.

Sinatra, R. (1986). Visual literacy connections to thinking, reading and writing.

Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

Wink, J. (2005). Critical pedagogy: Notes from the real world. Boston: Pearson Education.

Zemelman, S. Daniels, H. & Hyde, A. (1998) Best practice: New standards for teaching and learning in America’s schools. (2nd ed.). Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1998.