Si n ce 1 7 7 7
Ja nua r y 2 015
William Penn Cha r te r Sc hool • 3 0 0 0 W. S c h ool Hou s e Lan e, Ph ilad elp h ia PA 1 9 1 4 4
Erging for Blaine
Community Service
Jordyn Schwartz, ‘16
Emma Grugan, ‘18
Photo From PC’s Flickr On Friday, November 21st, 2014, the Penn Charter crew team hosted an Erg-A-Thon to raise money for the new fitness center, which is to be named in memory of honoring Blaine Steinberg, OPC ‘11. Blaine was a varsity athlete who played soccer, squash, and lacrosse. Athletics played a large role in Blaine’s life, the new fitness center is a celebration of her devotion to sports. Many students, parents, faculty, and OPCs participated in the Erg-A-Thon, including Blaine’s parents, Sid and Jill Steinberg, who hopped on the erg for a good portion of the Erg-A-Thon. The event included nine ergs, a DJ, and an abundance of members of the Penn Charter community. Everyone present erged for one hour and twenty minutes, erging a total of 87,403 meters and raising over five thousand dollars in memory of Blaine. After an hour of erging, the community present gathered at the back of the fitness center.
At 8:15 each morning the lists for the week’s service opportunities are already full, whether for serving meals at the St. Francis Inn, tutoring at Casa Del Carmen, playing games at the Widener Memorial after-school program, or moving the homeless on Sunday’s with the Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network. James Ballengee, the Director of Service Learning, animatedly expressed that “there is more activity than ever and the lists are fuller than ever!” Behind Mr. Ballengee is a group of forty-two students, approximately ten percent of the Upper School student body, who make up Penn Charter’s Service Council, the Upper School’s largest student organization. With a mission to address issues such as food inequity, poverty, and educational inequity, the Service Council promotes and does service within the Philadelphia community. Eliza Jacobs, a co-clerk of the Service
Seniors Ethan Ashley, Ethan Grugan, Jeremy McDavid, and Sabrina Pogrebivsky, made remarks thanking everyone who came out and participated in the Erg-A-Thon. Blaine’s father, Sid Steinberg, also expressed his gratitude for the event. Crew team assistant coach and Penn Charter teacher, Michael Moulton, stated in an email to the team, “I’m thinking this afternoon how your event showcased several things; the brand new fitness center, team member muscle, the way we work together to do great things and, most of all, the meaningful and caring nature of the Penn Charter Community.” Senior, Holly Webb reflected on the event stating that, “it was a great turnout and it was awesome to see so many people participate.” The team was grateful not only to have known Blaine but to have raised money in her honor.
Gillian Boss, ‘15
Photo From PC’s Facebook
Photo From PC’s Facebook
“With a mission to address issues such as food inequity, poverty, and educational inequity, the Service Council promotes and does service within the Philadelphia community.”
Continued on Page 2
13 the MUSICAL!
The Middle School musical this year was 13. If the title does not give it away, the opening number is sure to prove that this show is about being 13. The show is focused on an extremely transitional time for many middle schoolers, and the problems with bullying, something that happens on a daily basis to teenagers worldwide. As Ms. Bender wrote in her director’s notes, “there is the constant fear of being seen as different. In some cases, those differences are celebrated, but more often, they become the very source of teasing, bullying, and even physical harassment by others.” Ms. Bender continued to explain the idea that bullying can’t be ignored, and we should all learn to admit it does happen; “When we ignore these things, or choose not to talk about them, we are closer to making it better for our kids, their friends, and the world around them.” Thirteen year-old Evan Goldman, played by eighth-grader Cole Frieman, moves from New York City to Appleton, Indiana after his parents get divorced. Evan has to meet new people
Inside this edition....
Council explained that “Service Council aims to create stronger relationships with our partner schools in the Philadelphia community and engage in new programs. This year we have more students than ever before, which has really improved the participation in service opportunities.”
and try to fit in. Evan is left deciding between being popular and being himself. Sixth-grade Leah Sax, who played the role of Molly, said the musical “addresses the social challenges that a teenager faces in middle school.” Evan is a complete outsider in Appleton and desperately wants to befriend the popular kids. His first friend in Appleton ends up being his neighbor, Patrice. Unfortunately, the popular kids don’t like Patrice and refuse to attend Evan’s Bar Mitzvah if Patrice is invited. Evan chooses the popular kids over Patrice, and works to befriend the school football star, Brett. After various events, Evan realizes that Brett and the popular kids aren’t the people he wants to be friends with. His only real friends are Patrice and a disabled boy named Archie.
“Ms. Bender’s choice of show and wonderful directing helped the cast with their ‘growth of becoming a welcoming and kind team in the PC community.’”
The show was an extreme eye-opener on a subject that is easily ignored. The show was a revelation for Penn Charter middle schoolers. Leah mentioned that Ms. Bender’s choice of show and wonderful directing helped the cast with their “growth of becoming a welcoming and kind team in the PC community.” Through learning these powerful lessons and creating bonds with their peers, the cast was able to make this show come to life. Frieman said being a part of the show was “a lot like being on a team. You had to work together, and for everything to go well everyone would have to contribute.” Cole explained that he met new people and even became closer with people he was already friends with. Leah said the cast grew more as a family from the first day at auditions to the last day of strike. The entire cast put on a wonderful show, working hard to get the message across while having fun doing it.
WINTER SPORTS • WINTER CONCERT REVIEW • POP CULTURE GRID COMICS • SONG LYRIC PUZZLE • and more!
NEWS AND Community / ENTERTAINMENT
Page 2
The Mirror Staff 2014-2015
NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
WINTER CONCERT REVIEW
Managing Editor Alexa Herskowitz Photos From PC’s Flickr
Zachary Jokelson, ‘18 This year’s Winter Concert was a huge success. The pieces that were performed by the band ranged from rock to more traditional pieces, adding fun energy to the concert and showcasing different sections of the band, such as the trumpets and saxophones. When Mr. Ford selected the songs for the concert, he tried to pick songs that the band enjoys. He encourages band members to help select songs. Mr. Ford’s favorite symphonic band songs were “Silent Stands the Elm” because of the emotions it expresses, and “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas. Mr. Ford was excited for his first concert in the Kurtz Center. He explained that the Kurtz Center “fills with sound, which is something [he’s] going to have to get used to,” and he wanted the music to be worthy to be performed there. Mr. Ford is also in charge of the Jazz Band. He is very pleased that the Jazz Band now has thirty members and counting. His favorite song for Jazz Band was “Children of Sanchez,” in which guitarists Jon Weiss and Sami Pathek had solos, and “Over the Rainbow,” where Lindsey Bentham and Maria Perry sang the classic melody once performed by Judy Garland. Senior Jimmy Paolini, a member of the Jazz Band, has also been working on arrangement for the ensemble, which Mr. Ford looks forward to having Jazz Band perform one day.
“Mr. Ford’s favorite symphonic band songs were ‘Silent Stands the Elm’ because of the emotions it expresses, and ‘Carry On My Wayward Son’ by Kansas.” Mr. Fitzmartin, not surprisingly, was also very proud of his choristers after the winter concert. This year he made sure to keep himself to thirty minutes when the chorus performed, but this did not stop him from having action-packed songs. His goal for the songs was for them to be “entertaining and that it will entertain not only the audience but it will keep the choir from getting real bored.” He is happy about how far the choir has come since September, because at first “people weren’t singing out” and now he is glad to see people “gain strength and confidence.” He also wanted “each piece to have it’s own unique flavor.” He started and finished the concert with classical music and “a whole variety of things in the middle.” His favorite song was “Psalm 23,” which he describes as being “gentle and laid back.” Both Mr. Ford and Mr. Fitzmartin included what they call “learning pieces” or “teach-
Editors-in-Chief Benjamin Skinner Jeffrey Soffer
ing pieces” in the concert. Mr. Ford said they are songs that are not hard to play, but “hard to make it sound good,” and also from which the bands could learn style. In Jazz Band and Chorus good “learning pieces” were “Gospel John” and “Psalm 42,” respectively. Mr. Fitzmartin described a “teaching piece” as a song with “elements in the music that we can pull out and discuss and talk about.” For example, Mr. Fitzmartin said that “interval steps and key changes” are often difficult and practicing these can allow students to learn new techniques. However, Mr. Fitzmartin was sure to mention that he also wanted his “teaching pieces” to be enjoyable. In the end, the winter concert stuck the right balance between a great night for the audience and a fantastic time for the performers.
“[Fitzmartin wanted] ‘each piece to have it’s own unique flavor.’ He started and finished the concert with classical music and ‘a whole variety of things in the middle.’”
News & Community Emily Barkann Jordyn Schwartz Sports Ethan Ashley Eliza Jacobs Editorials Allison Stern Sophie Eldridge Entertainment Gillian Boss Sally Stanley Photography Sabrina Koenig Faculty Advisor Nora Landon
Common Sensless Comics written and drawn by Emmet Foley, ‘17
Continued from Page 1 “Senior, Tamera Davis, Sophomore, Jack Roseman, and Freshman, Maria Perry, are undergoing training by Sparkmakers to do STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) work.” Recently, the Penn Charter community collected 1,410 books for the Widener Memorial School library, the second school library PC has helped replenish. Over at the St. James School, three PC students are interning with Sparkmakers to learn how to use science and engineering as a means to promote creativity and innovation in underprivileged Philadelphia public schools. Senior Tamera Davis, Sophomore Jack Roseman, and Freshman Maria Perry, are undergoing training by Sparkmakers to do STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) work. According to Jack Roseman, “Sparkmakers educates kids about engineering, science, technology,and mathematics
SERVICE (CONTINUED) through fun projects to spur students’ interest in the field of engineering.” After training, the three interns will teach what they have learned at the Widener Memorial School, the St. James School, and the Rhodes E. Washington Elementary School. In addition to the aforementioned program, Mrs. Hilton’s Quakerism class is completing preliminary work at the Widener School to prepare students for usage of the 3-D printer provided to the school with the money raised at Penn Charter Day at the Phillies this past September. Soon, as a result of these various Penn Charter programs, all three institutions will use technologies such as their own 3-D printers to spark a maker culture! In honor of the holidays, Penn Charter had its annual gift drive in which each advisory in all three divisions provided gifts for families in need. French teacher Ms. Allen and Spanish teacher Ms. Bossone led this year’s efforts. Gifts, ranging from blenders to Barbie bicycles, were given to families from the Taylor School and Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network. Also, remember that there are always ongoing diaper and food drives!
“PC students received $2,500 by the Patricia Kind Family Foundation to construct a playground.” Students from this summer’s Philanthropy 101 Course wrote a grant for the Rhodes E. Washington Elementary School to fund a playground. The PC students received $2,500 by the Patricia Kind Family Foundation 2 to construct a playground. Currently, the Rhodes Elementary School’s play area is a large, crumbling blacktop with broken glass and litter. From the years 2009 to 2014, the Rhodes Elementary School has been a women’s leadership academy, a high school, a middle school, and now a kindergarten through eighth grade school. After five years of instability, the playground will provide the students with a stable environment where they can grow and learn. Due to the PC students’ contribution, all students will finally have a place to exercise and let their imagination run free, while also providing a happy and safe environment. Service has been an important facet of Penn Charter since its founding. As a testament to our Quaker roots, community service is a funda-
mental component of the PC identity. With the development of the Center for Public Purpose, Penn Charter is continuing in its mission to have students step outside its red doors and make a difference.
Page 3
SPORTS
GIRLS BASKETBALL Alexa Herskowitz, ‘16
Photo From PC’s Facebook (above) Junior Hannah Fox celebrates her one-thousandth point on December 19, 2014.
Penn Charter’s Girls Varsity Basketball team possesses the drive, talent, and dedication any athletic team would want. With a challenging schedule but hardworking attitude, students and faculty can expect great things from this year’s girls basketball team. The team welcomes new head coach Jim Powers this year. The assisNEWSPAPER • APRIL2012 tant coaches are Laura Kurz and Jen Fabbi, who played division one college basketball. Also, an Upper School Spanish teacher, Sean Ahern, is an assistant coach. The goal remains clear this season for the entire team, as they have their eyes on the InterAc and State Championship.
“We...hope a lot of students fill the gym during our games.”
The team is filled with exceptional athletes who all have a great deal of experience off and on the courts. Furthermore, three of these athletes were also members of the Girls Soccer team that just won the state and league championships. “We know what it takes to win a championship, and we want to bring that winning attitude to the basketball team,” eleventh grader Hannah Fox exclaimed. Hannah is one of Penn Charter’s most versatile and athletic students, and she is bound to make a huge positive impact on the basketball team this season. When asked about this upcoming season, Hannah was very clear on her team’s excitement for the road ahead, “We are all looking forward to playing on a new court, and hope a lot of students fill the gym during our games.” All Penn Charter students
should be fired up for this team, as every player is anxious to make this season victorious and memorable. The team has many returning players from last year’s team, so they definitely know what it takes to have a great upcoming season. The Seniors are clear leaders and role models to the underclassmen on the team. From experience, to leadership, to talent, this year’s Girls Varsity Basketball team has everything it takes to be successful. Everyone at Penn Charter should anticipate a great season for this team, and show their support all season long by attending as many games as possible.
WRESTLING Gillian Boss, ‘15 The new season has brought many changes for the wrestling program. The team is back in their old location and is excited to welcome the new Director of Upper School Wrestling, Mr. Shaifer. Mr. Shaifer is teaching a Middle School math course as well as working with the Middle and Upper School Learning Support programs. OPC ‘82, Mr. Shaifer has returned to Penn Charter to lead the wrestling team to victory. The reigning captains, David Smith and Jelani Buie, hope to bring wrestling back with the new coaching staff and great facilities. A few of the wrestlers had the opportunity to work with Coach Shaifer in the offseason and have already improved immensely. The team hopes to place higher than fourth in the InterAc. In past years, the team placed fourth and fifth so the new goal is set. David explained that he hopes to get a van full of guys to the national prep tournament at Lehigh this February. Locally, the big rivals include EA and SCH. These teams have been competitors in the past, but captains are hopeful they will surpass both of them as well as GA this year.
“Our team is driven to make an impact on the state wrestling landscape but even more, to work to help make Penn Charter a better place” Mr. Shaifer and the coaching staff hope to bring energy, passion, a drive for success, and a desire to make a difference. This year’s team is young and lacking in numbers but Mr. Shaifer believes all the wrestlers are “tough, determined, resilient, and as a result, ever improving.” He feels that David, Jelani, and Ricky Peterson have all been great leaders. They have been supportive of the new coaches and encouraging of the younger guys. Adam Cohen and Tanner Frye have both extremely improved. David Giorno, Gene Naumovsky, Billy Costello, Chris Johnson, Akeem Blake, Harold Anderson, and David Groshens are the energy that drives the team. Archie Filshill, Sam Smith, Alex Koenig, Jordan Steinhouse, and Luke Mattice have all been working hard. “Our team is driven to make an impact on the state wrestling
BOYS BASKETBALL
Michael Newman, ‘16
This winter, Penn Charter Boys Basketball will be competing for the title of InterAc Champions. Since 1924, Penn Charter leads the InterAc with 32 championships. They aim to recapture the title for the first time since 2004. To do this, they will have to unseat the current champions: Germantown Academy.
against Haverford on Tuesday, January 13th. The team will rely on the skills of starters Pat McCain, Julian Johnson, Harrison Williams, Sean Foley, and Jake McCain, and will also be looking for contributions from Frank McGlinchey, Michael Berk, Evan Ferrell, and Eric Stahlheber. Captain Pat McCain describes the group as a “good defensive team and [they] have guys that can “Captain Pat McCain describes score.” After losing some seniors, the boys gained a lot of former JV talent. “We’re losing a couple key the group as a ‘good defensive seniors from last season,” McCain says, adding: team and [they] have guys that “hopefully some new guys step up and contribute.” Once this team starts playing together and can score.’” gaining chemistry, they will be poised to make a Led by captains Pat McCain and Julian run at an InterAc title to end the 10 year drought Johnson, the team will look to beat GA when they and begin a new era of dominance in the league. square off on Tuesday, January 6th, and again on Friday, January 23rd. Along with GA, the Quakers are looking forward to a tough matchup
landscape but even more, to work to help make Penn Charter a better place” says Mr. Shaifer. Ricky explained that he, along with the rest of the team, enjoy the new wrestling room and the history behind the room. Wrestling consists of a non-stop six minute match, the goal of which is to outwork the opponent. “The mentality that we can outwork people truly shows a difference between winning and losing”, David said. In order for the team to have the endurance to sustain six minutes of wrestling, Coach Shaifer has the team drill for at least 20 minutes in order to practice situations that might happen during a real match. Although each wrestler has individual matches, the entire team must work together to receive the highest score. The team started the season off with a 48-25 win against GFS on Tuesday, December 2nd. Ricky said, “This year the team is hoping to bring back the wrestling tradition that Penn Charter once had where people are excited to see us wrestle and come to our matches and excited about what is going on with the team.” The wrestling team is looking promising with Mr. Shaifer, their strong first and second year wrestlers, and the veterans of the team.
Photo From PC’s Facebook (above) PC wrestling room is now complete!
GIRLS SQUASH
Kolby Kaller, ‘16
Since the start of the winter sports season, girls have been spotted wearing athletic skirts and impressive amounts of Lululemon. These athletes (myself included) are members of Penn Charter’s squash team. While they may dress nicely, they play some mean squash. The varsity girls opened their season with an impressive 9-0 victory over Shipley, led by captains Izzy Hirshberg and Claudia Dykstra. Despite the initial victory, the team anticipates tough matches in the future. According to junior Jenni Bown, “our matches against SCH and Agnes Irwin will definitely be close this year. Also, Baldwin and EA will be tough ones as usual.” Head coach Damon LeedaleBrown and JV coach Rose Weinstein are working to ensure a victorious season for the team.
“People don’t realize how difficult squash is. It really does take a lot of skill, dedication, and athleticism.”
While the rumors of squash being the “fun” winter sport are undoubtedly true, the athletes invest more hard work than most people believe. Jenni Bown emphasizes that “people don’t realize how difficult squash is. It really does take a lot of skill, dedication, and athleticism.” Topranking players log hours of practice and place in national championships. Although it is a sport that is intense and potentially isolating, camaraderie among teammates remains surprisingly high. Gabi Rodriguez, a new member of the PC girls squash program, described how “As a new member on the team, I was pretty worried, but even at the first practice everyone was inviting. I’ve never been in such a fun squash atmosphere with so many teams, players, and parents excited to watch the matches. The courts are never empty and that’s what really makes PC squash great.” With a lineup including experienced seniors like Izzy Hirshberg and young stars like 8th grader Elisabeth Ross, PC’s squash team is a group to watch out for.
3
To keep up with PC Sports, be sure to follow @ wpcsports on Twitter
ENTERTAINMENT
SONG LYRIC PUZZLE
Every answer to the puzzle is a missing song lyric. The first person to complete the crossword puzzle and hand it to either Jeff Soffer or Ben Skinner will be made a baked snack by Izzy Hirshberg.
(It’s like Trivia Crack, but on paper! )
NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012
Down 1. I want to get lost in your Rock and Roll and ______ 3. It started with a _____ 4. Red solo cup, I ______ 5. No one knows what it means, but it’s ______ 6. Making banana _____ 11. Put your records on, play me your ______ 12. It’s too late to ______ 13. I know my weakness, I know my ______ 14. Follow me, everything is ____ 17. L, for the way you _____ 20. Mama, I didn’t mean to make ______ 22. Fly me to the ______
Across 2. I shot the ______ 7. You shoot me down, but _____ 8. Wake me up when September ____ 9. Lay your weary _____ 10. It’s you, and me, moving at the _____ 15. I’m a cowboy, on a _______ I ride 16. Cause I am in ______ 18. All you other Slim Shadys are just _____ 19. Turning up the volume _____ 21. I’ll be the one if you 23. You’re everything I need ____ 24. The Devil went down ______ 25. Welcome to the ______
Pop Culture Grid: WINTER EDITION
Jennifer Bown, ‘16
Favorite Holiday Movie
Winter Break Plans
Favorite Holiday Song
Home Alone
Going to Cooperstown, New York and Newport, Rhode Island
Deck the Halls
Going to Colorado for snowboarding
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
Home Alone
Florida to visit family
Jingle Bell Rock
A Christmas Story
Swimming trip to Florida
Carol of the Bells
Number of snow days you think we’ll have this year
Favorite Winter Treat
Gwen Davis, Freshman
6
Peppermint bark from WilliamsSonoma
Jack Roseman, Sophomore
5
Hot cocoa
Elf
Jordyn Schwartz, Junior
4
Peppermint hot cocoa
Not Enough
Gingersnaps
Conor Foley, Senior
4
Check out our Website at PCMirror.org