The Mirror: November 2014

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William Pen n Cha r te r Sc hool • 300 0 W. S c h ool Hou s e Lan e, Ph ilad elp h ia PA 1 9 1 4 4

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Good things come in small classes The Mirror investigates class size

By Madison Harden ‘16 and Allison Stern ‘16

The controversial issue regarding the ideal course size is a topic debated throughout schools around the world. At an independent school like Penn Charter, an overcrowded classroom is a rare occurrence. Still, the range of students per class at PC is significant. There are a multitude of factors that have created the size differences: course level options, student qualifications, block availability, and more. Advantages and disadvantages of different class sizes for both teachers and students are numerous. From a student perspective, it makes sense that a small class provides more benefits, such as a closer student-teacher relationship and a higher level of motivation to engage in the curriculum. The effectiveness of teachers can also be impacted when it comes to the number of students they are required to teach and the affiliated workload. Although preference is still specific to the individual, small classes seem to be a more beneficial environment for both teachers and students.

“A small class provides more benefits, such as a closer student-teacher relationship and a higher level of motivation to engage in the curriculum.”

At Penn Charter, the official limit for an upper school class is twenty students, but the actual number varies greatly. The largest class has twenty one students, while the smallest has just three. Mrs. Portnoy, the upper school registrar, explained the elements that contribute to the size of a course: “The size is going to range where the block is, the size of the junior and senior classes, and the number of qualified kids… we want to have a very broad based curriculum, so there are some courses that do not fit in the schedules for many students. The

a three way tie for the smallest course size of three students in the Foreign Language, Mathematics, and Science departments. However, all of these classes were ranked as high-level or second exposure courses. Excluding the mathematics calculus class, the French IV class and the Organic Chemistry class were optional high level courses and were not graduation requirements. Some students tend to drop mentally rigorous classes once they pass the requirement level, which explains the limited number of students. The mathematics calculus class was a spring trimester class intended for seniors; many seniors will bulk up their first and second trimesters since they are applying to colleges during this time and leave the third trimester fairly open. Therefore, the size of the calculus class was most likely due to the lack of students willing to take a third trimester class.

PLACEHOLDER

school has decided that in order to have a broad based curriculum they want to have those courses.

So sometimes those can be very small.” As students get older, they are introduced to new class options.

Freshman year, for example, there are many more required courses than there are for Senior year. For this reason, the senior classes tend to be smaller, particularly in the third trimester. Another factor that contributes to course size is the block it is placed in. Electives, college counseling, and certain other courses take away frees throughout the school year, which limits the block availability of many students. Even if there are multiple blocks for one course, the students who have signed up to take the class are often distributed unevenly. Luckily, as the

NEWS AND COMMUNITY

STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATE Editors Note: For each edition of The Mirror, student council leaders Dolly Segal and Ross Wood will keep the student body informed of Student Council’s plans.

This week in student council, we reflected on Spirit Week and the PC/GA day pep rally.

We discussed what went well, and what we can improve on for next year. We got some great feedback from our peers that help fuel the discussion on our meeting on Tuesday. All in all, spirit week and the pep rally went well and was a lot of fun. Thank you all for your participation, and hopefully it only gets better in years to come! Among other things, student council has shifted our focus onto the cleanliness and stewardship of the Upper School bathrooms. We are aware that the bathrooms present several issues that need to be brought to light.

Inside this edition....

“The 2009-2010 AP US History class had the largest number of students, reaching a count of 22”

Penn Charter community opens its doors to more students, new course options often emerge, which The 2009-2010 AP US History class means many course sizes are actually lessening. had the largest number of students, reaching a count of 22, which is slightly over the official “Some students tend to drop limit of the upper school for class size. Despite the fact that there were two sections of AP US mentally rigorous classes once History offered, the class was in high demand for juniors and seniors. Furthermore, AP US Histhey pass the requirement tory is a high level course, yet more students have level” shown to have more participation in an AP his tory class than an AP science class. While there

With the constant variability of courses are a few similarities between the class size trends each year, class size tends to vary between differ- of the 2009-2010 year and the current 2014-2015 ent subjects; however, some trends have remained year, some class sizes have greatly fluctuated. constant. In the 2009-2010 school year, there was

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Entertainment

MORE THAN ME

Kolby Kaller explains her new club, which aims to help female students in Liberia.

If a Penn Charter student were to exit the front doors of the upper school building and venRemember, if you have any ture approximately 4,772 miles southeast, the stuissues or concerns you think dent would not only be violating the school’s offcampus policy but would also find themselves in student council needs to be the heart of West Point, Liberia. This is the location of More Than Me Academy, a girls school with the talking about and making mission to “make sure education and opportunity, initiatives towards, please not exploitation and poverty, define the lives of the don’t hesitate to talk to your most vulnerable girls from the West Point Slum of (morethanme.org). Katie Meyler founded student council representa- Liberia” the academy in 2013 with the hopes of getting tives. girls off the streets and into school. It is the first tuition-free, all-girls school in Liberia. Girls who Thanks, attend More Than Me tend to be ambitious when Dolly and Ross it comes to making goals for their future. Benetter is currently studying to become an engineer; she remains happy despite the fact that she has a sick mother, no father, and no bed to sleep on at night.

Agnes wants to be a teacher and Abernita dreams of the day she is a nurse. Each girl has personal struggles to overcome as well as the day-to-day challenges of living in one of the most notorious slums in the world. Penn Charter has recently partnered with the Liberian school to provide support and to better understand what life is like for our counterparts on the other side of the Atlantic.

Last year, I wrote my term paper on the progress Liberia has made towards economic and governmental independence after its recent fourteen-year civil war. I was busy researching facts to write on colored index cards for a paper whose contents I felt no personal connection with when I stumbled upon More Than Me Academy’s website. Suddenly, the statistics had faces.

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PC’s Environmental Changes • From the Archives: PC/GA DAy • WISE WINSTON STANDARDIZED TEST CONFLICTS • COMICS • and more....

NEWS AND COMMUNITY

PC’S 325th Anniversary CelebratiOn

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Penn Charter Celebrates With Extravagance

Gillian Boss, ‘15

Paolini said, “The musical aspects and speeches from the students, teachers, and guests brought the celebration of our school’s birthday to life.

I really enjoyed learning new things about the history of our school from them, and especially liked hearing from Thomas Jefferson.”

Friday, October 24th marked the 325th birthday of the William Penn Charter School. Students, administrators, OPCs and family all gathered on PC’s front lawn to celebrate the big day.

The morning convocation began with the honoring of Penn Charter’s founding year, 1689, as well as OPCs by decade starting in the 1930s. Select students carried flags marking each decade as the OPCs trailed behind. The OPCs ranged from former faculty and staff, to Alumni award recipients.

NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012

“It is the history and tradition surrounding Penn Charter that truly encompasses what it means to be a part of this community.”

The rest of the morning consisted of welcoming speeches, musical performances and various guest speakers. Senior Class President, Alec Veznedaroglu, began the speeches explaining, “it is not simply the academia, or the competitive athletics that makes Penn Charter different from other learning institutions. Rather, it is the history and tradition surrounding Penn Charter that truly encompasses what it means to be a part of this community.” Following Alec, Isabel Mehta, Class of 2020, delivered a speech explaining a few of the 325 reasons “Why We Love Penn Charter”.

Both Alec and Isabel spoke of the wonderful community and environment Penn Charter creates for its students. After asking Alec his thoughts on the event, he stated, “I thought it was amazing to see OPC’s dating back to the class of 1930 having the chance to interact with present day students.”

Philip Hyun Su Price, Class of 2022, led the convocation to a moment of silence, following which Allan Brown, honorary 1689 senior master, began a Scripture reading. PC Phillies Choir sang a mash-up of “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” before our guests spoke. Guest speakers included Lieutenant Governor of the Common-

Photo By Jeffrey Soffer wealth of Pennsylvania James Cawley and Former Governor of Pennsylvania and Mayor of Philadelphia Ed Rendell. Mr. Rendell discussed the importance of education nationwide and how school funding shouldn’t be sacrificed in budgets. Margaux Pelegrin OPC ‘99 and Alumni Society President congratulated Penn Charter on its progress and accomplishments. The attendants were lucky enough to hear Michael Casimir OPC ‘09 play his wonderful rendition of “Tango, from Sarasateana”

by Efrem Zimbalist on the Viola. Dr. Ford ended the ceremony with his reflection on the 325 birthday of Penn Charter. He said William Penn would be proud to see the school today and Penn would be even more proud that the school still runs on the traditions of the 1711 charter. Dr. Ford then invited Quakers Dozen to sing the “Quaker Affirmation.”

The morning concluded with the arrival of ‘Thomas Jefferson’ on his horse and the singing of Happy Birthday. Sophomore Justine

“The food trucks opened and the lines began to form.

Chickie’s & Pete’s, CulinArt, Jack’s Firehouse, and Distrito were the choices of the night.”

As the day progressed, the celebration did not come to an end. Students and Faculty prepared for the PC Community Party beginning later that night. An extra tent was set up outside of the middle school for extra seating, and food trucks were brought in. At 6 o’clock the Upper School Jazz Band began playing songs such as Gospel John, Nightingale, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and Birdland.

The food trucks opened and the lines began to form. Chickie’s & Pete’s, CulinArt, Jack’s Firehouse, and Distrito were the choices of the night. The party began with a Video Short highlighting the 325th convocation that occurred earlier in the day. Quakers Dozen performed “Explorations” composed by Joseph Fitzmartin to words by T.S. Eliot. Dr. Ford welcomed the audience of over 1,200 people, and Student Representatives spoke on behalf of Penn Charter. Paige Hodges, Class of 2016, and Cole Frieman, Class of 2019 explained the impact PC has had on their lives and the opportunities PC has provided for them. Quakers Dozen performed “Awaken”, a song composed by their very own James Paolini, Class of 2015, and the worldwide premier of “William Penn: Founding Father” was screened.

Christian Teuber, dressed as William Penn, and Dr. Ford concluded the event with the ceremonial cutting of the cake. Cake and Hot Chocolate were served in the Front Circle as guests enjoyed a spectacular firework show.

MAKER CLUB Zachary Jokelson, ‘18

The Maker Club is a merger of the Art Club and the Innovation Club. This merger is important because it allows the club to mix “the innovative aspects of engineering and the creative aspects of art,” as Gordon Robertson, one of the leaders of the club, stated. The additional leaders of the club are student Derek Magers and chemistry teacher Mr. Kilbane. This year the Maker Club has many exciting projects in store such as making Halloween costumes with LED lights and building submarines. The Halloween costume workshop combines art and engineering because in addition to designing costumes, circuitry is used to add the LED lights to the costume. This year Penn Charter is competing in Sea Perch, a competition between schools where each school creates its own submarine. The work done on the submarine will take place mostly during the second trimester.

Currently the club meets during block 9 and after school on Tuesdays. However, as Sea Perch approaches, the club will try to meet more often to be more flexible and get more time Gordon says.

In addition to having workshops, the Maker Club has speakers who add new information and opinions to the club. Gordon also says that the Maker Club is a way to try out what you want to do as a profession to see if you like being an artist or engineer. Gordon explained that The Maker Club also tries “to help people out… you can come in and not know anything about building... and we’ll help you out and get you where you want to be”.

“This year the Maker Club has many exciting projects in store such as making Halloween costumes with LED lights and building submarines.”

Maker Club meets Yellow Monday flex block and other times after school

MORE THAN ME: A NEW CLUB (CONTINUED)

The emotionless facts I had been reading were instead pictures of smiling, laughing girls that did not look so unlike girls one might find in the lower school at Penn Charter. Except these girls did not have new clothes, a clean playground, a Kurtz Center, or a neighborhood where they could feel safe. Their smiles made me think.

“A couple of phone calls and emails later, Maddy Harden (junior), Ally Stern (junior), and I found ourselves starting a new club at Penn Charter”

A couple of phone calls and emails later, Maddy Harden (junior), Ally Stern (junior), and I found ourselves starting a new club at Penn Charter that hopes to shorten the trip to Liberia into a much more manageable distance: a simple journey from the cafeteria to room 135 on Blue Thursdays. Our goal, under the advising of Mrs. Roberts, is to both fundraise and spread awareness while forming relationships with the girls on a personal level. We will be doing things like watching cool documentaries, skyping with the girls, and planning fundraising events. We are currently planning a delicious alternative to a bake sale in order to raise money for Ebola prevention and treatment. Everyone is welcome to join and be-

come a part of something 2that extends beyond the average PC day (4,772 miles beyond to be exact).

More Than Me meets in room 135 on Blue Thursdays during lunch Talk to Kolby Kaller (kkaller@ penncharter.com) to find out more!

NEWS AND COMMUNITY

Eco-friendly Changes First Grade tackles terracycling

Yamit Netter-Sweet, ‘18

This year the Penn Charter community is working hard to make changes that will help the school become more environmentally friendly. The high school Green Club has been discussing several issues that need to be addressed and is in the process of setting goals for this year. In an interview, two of the Green Club leaders, Tate Miller and Pam Gonzalez, talked about the great turnout in Green Club this year. With an increase in students, the club will have even more unique input and hands to take action in an impactful way. Two of the ideas that the Green Club has come up with are composting and solar energy, both which would be a challenge for the community. However, these ideas would ultimately have a very positive impact on the environment. Additionally, Tate and Pam talked about farm to table, which involves eating locally grown food and supporting local farms. One plan that has already been established by the Green Club relates to the use of plastic water bottles, which are very wasteful. The idea focuses on eliminating all plastic water bottle sales at the school, and providing each student with his own reusable water bottle.

“Terracycle ... ‘a company that takes waste and turns it into new products such as pencil cases, backpacks, shower curtains and lunchboxes.’”

part of a project initiated by Penn Charter’s first grade. Their goal is to collect items that would otherwise be put in the trash such as old chip bags, juice pouches and diaper packaging, which will later be sent to a company called Terracycle.

In an interview with one of the first grade teachers, Orit Netter, Terracycle was explained as “A company that takes waste and turns it into new products such as pencil cases, backpacks, shower curtains and lunchboxes”. This project is especially rewarding because it is an easy way to reduce the amount of waste that will be sent to the landfill. In addition, it teaches students, such as the first graders, that any used object can turn into something new. So far this year, the two new environmentally friendly changes within our community are going really well. Although it is all a challenge, the Penn Charter community is taking action and doing a great job in its attempt to become more Green.

NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012

Remember ... it’s the blue bins!

Another exciting change that has already taken place is the establishment of a recycling station in the cafeteria. This station, which contains lists of what can and cannot be recycled, allows stu-

dents and faculty to easily access recycling facilities and encourages people to use them. Next to the station lies a number of larger bins which are also new additions to the cafeteria. The bins are

PC in the P C Penn Charter in the Philadelphia Community

Alexa Herskowitz, ‘16

The Louis Savino Day of Service is always a highlight of the school year for Penn Charter students. Students and faculty unite by advisory and do community service to help benefit the local community. This year 541 members of the community participated in 25 different projects in our local Philadelphia community.

Prior to going out to complete these projects, students gathered for an assembly to listen to speaker Elizabeth Strasbaugh. With beautiful weather and an amazing attitude amongst the Upper School, this year’s day of service was one of the best ever.

Elizabeth Strasbaugh graduated from Penn Charter in 2007, and is now a manager for a nonprofit organization in Boston that works with public schools in need. She talked about her service experience at Penn Charter, and how she did not realize at the time how much it would affect others. “As a member of the service council, Elizabeth Strasbaugh showed me that the service work I participate in at Penn Charter will not just end after high school. It was really nice to know that I will have many more opportunities to make a difference in my community” Ally Stern, a junior in the Upper School said.

Before Elizabeth Strasbaugh spoke, students also watched a video of a former Penn Charter student who was very good friends with Louis Savino in high school. He talked about

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Louis Savino and made the day so much more meaningful, as he portrayed to the school how important the day of service is. “I thought the speaker spoke very well about Louis Savino, and really gave everyone the true reason why we have the day of service. He gave us background on Louis’ life, and made us acknowledge how much service meant to him” Brooke Hassman, a Junior and active member of the service council said.

Students and faculty then departed on various different projects throughout our local Philadelphia community. From gardening in Kensington, to sorting clothes at nonprofit organizations, and even packaging food for the homeless, the day of service faces a wide range of service every year. “I had a blast working with students at the Widener Memorial School, it was a lot of fun, and I made friends with a lot of the students there,” Dylan Dykstra remarked.

“The seventeenth annual Louis Savino Day of Service was one of the best ever! Ranging from the amazing keynote speaker who was actually a Penn Charter graduate, to just all of the reaction we got from all of the projects”, Director of Service Learning, Mr. Ballengee said. Mr. Ballengee does an incredible job organizing service opportunities at Penn Charter, and works so diligently to make the Day of Service successful every year. This year’s Louis Savino Day of Service was a meaningful and wonderful day for all Upper School students, and we can only look forward to next year’s!

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(above) Seniors excited during the PC/GA Day Pep Rally

Green Club meets Tuesdays at Lunch.

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SPORTS

THOSE BOYS IN SPEEDOS NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012

PLACEHOLDER

Gabriela Rodriguez, ‘16

As the fall season comes to an end, it is a time to celebrate. While some athletes celebrate the end of rigorous workouts, blood, sweat, tears, and an unusual amount of broken limbs, other athletes look forward to partaking in winter sports; however, every student at PC should be celebrating the great accomplishments of this fall season. One team in particular deserves special recognition.

Whose talent is unparalleled? Who has won three consecutive championship titles? Whose outfits put all others to shame, yet on an ordinary day they still go unnoticed in the crowd? No, it’s not Lady Gaga, but our very own Penn Charter Boys Water Polo team. This year the boys’ water polo team was not only the best team in our area, but they won Easterns (a huge championship tournament held in Maryland), deeming them the best independent school water polo team on the entire east coast. These boys have, for years, made huge strides in Penn Charter’s Athletic program, yet their team is barely recognized throughout the school. Why is this? While we all love the glory of “Friday Night Lights,” dressing like marshmallows or blueberries, and jumping around like kindergarteners after a shot of espresso, it seems less of the student body is interested in attending our championship caliber water polo games.

Charlotte Murray, ‘18

Or should I say “Woman Up?” For all of you who have not seen a girls’ water polo game (or as they say in Philadelphia: wooder polo) let’s clarify something, you are not riding a horse in the water! Water polo can be described as wrestling someone while playing basketball and soccer in the water. This grueling sport is only for the toughest and most resilient athletes.

“Or should I say ‘Woman Up?’”

This sport is intense. The effort it takes to swim down to the other end of the pool and tread water while defending the ball is exhausting.

With every stroke you push and push yourself to be there before your opponent. Just the thought of chlorine being splashing in your eyes by an annoying GA girl who pinches and digs her long painted blue and red nails into your skin is agonizing.

“Penn Charter’s 2014 girls water polo team is a clan of motivated athletes. The aspiration and passion these girls exert to be the best is unbeatable.”

“One team in particular deserves special recognition.

Whose talent is unparalleled?

Who has won three consecutive championship titles?”

These boys are truly amazing individuals. With only one team member having played before entering high school, they each learned the sport as freshman, and have worked to perfect it over time. Since their freshman start, many have come to love Water Polo and even play in outside leagues. Perhaps this is because of the brotherhood the sport seems to form. The boys on the team are very close-knit. Peter O’Malley, senior on the varsity water polo team, comments that bond is probably formed from the “horrible amount of time [they] spend together.” Those early morning practices, tough workouts, long bus rides, and pressure-filled practices are experiences only they face, and the boys find solstice in the communal understanding of these grueling tasks. Despite all this hard work, the team has gained a reputation for humor. Peter’s thought about this “Anyone in a speedo can be funny.” With such great attitudes towards their sport, these boys deserve more fan support.

Peter notes that “aquatic programs just aren’t as hyped as much as most land sports are.” Assuming none of us melt like the Wicked Witch of the West, it is surprising that the aquatic programs at Penn Charter tend to have a fewer fans than land

sports. Some may claim there isn’t enough space in the pool area, but when cheering from the stands of a field, we all huddle together like sardines in a can. This close-knit crowd takes up minimal space at our land games and actually contributed to the fun. So, would cheering in the pool area really be any different? We’d still bunch together, jumping and screaming with our arms either pinned to our side or straight up in the air to avoid elbowing the person next to us. One could argue that the poolhouse provides an even better atmosphere for cheering. With echoing walls, splashing water, and a sweaty, huddled cheering section, it is practically the Back to School Dance all over again.

So why don’t we love cheering on the polo boys?

“Some may claim there isn’t enough space in the pool area, but when cheering from the stands of a field, we all huddle together like sardines in a can.”

O’Malley thinks it may have something to do with their locker rooms being cut off from all the other teams’. The locker rooms are a place to bond both with your own team, and often others.

On any given day, pump-up music can be heard blaring, girls can be heard singing, and freshman boys’ voices can be heard cracking in their attempts

“Kick Out” “Man Up”

Penn Charter’s 2014 girls water polo team is a clan of motivated athletes. The aspiration and passion these girls exert to be the best is unbeatable. The confidence of playing their best is instantly real once the dark and light blue swirled polo suit with yellow lettering spelling PC is zipped up. Even when it’s the 4th quarter and PC is down by six, the girls are motivated to make a few last goals. Last year’s season started off with a Varsity team of twelve players. This year’s team has twentytwo Varsity and JV players. The team has accomplished so much since the 2013 season. There have been new athletes and quite a few wins. Nicole Cousounis, a captain, comments: “Every practice and game is leading up to PC/GA day. That extra effort in practice will all be worth it. As our coach says: “The dream is…..to beat GA!” That slogan has rubbed off so much that beating GA is their ultimate goal too. “It’s our time to beat GA!”

(right) Girls Water Polo’s Seniors get together at PC/GA Day

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to sing along. Through this bonding, teams tacitly agree to support each other, displaying their support at games. Though they’ve been known to have their own fun, the boys water polo team does not get this crucial time to hype up their sport in a locker room full of other athletes. However, Tim Zurcher, a junior on the water polo team, notes that “this year [fan support] is a lot more than years previous.” Both Zurcher and O’Malley mentioned that the field hockey team and the girls water polo team came to cheer them on at the Malvern game––a game they won against their biggest competitors.

But Zurcher says “it’s still not to the point that [water polo] is a big thing, even though we win most of our games.” When O’Malley was asked if this lack of fan support upset the team, he replied “it totally does.” Why does this upset them? Zurcher put it best: “When we have fans there we play better.”

Can you imagine that? With such minimal support, these boys have managed to secure three InterAc titles and this year became the best team on the East coast, but if they truly play better with fan support, image how unstoppable they would be if more students attended their games. While O’Malley’s final observation was that “PC Spirit is definitely at an increase this year, in all sports,” it’s fair to say that after the grueling morning practices, countless hours in the pool, and never-ending perseverance, these boys deserve more of our support next fall season. So next year, when you want to cheer on a sports team dressed like marshmallows, blueberries, or any other color scheme, head down to the the pool and cheer your friends in speedos on as they continue to win game after game.

FIELD HOCKEY Brooke Hassman, ‘16

This season, girls field hockey returned with determination for success. The team has a new assistant coach, Mary Beaman, and Melissa Grossman is in her second year as head coach. This season’s team features four seniors and two juniors, as well as some freshman and sophomores. The seniors and captains are Grace Harbison, Dolly Segal, Sophie Eldridge, and Kennedy Kline. The two juniors on the team are Ellie Zimering and Bella Smith. The underclassmen have stepped up to fill the spots, and have received more Varsity playing time than in the past.

“Junior Ellie Zimering says that, ‘The best thing about Field Hockey is the team, we’re

Gabriela Rodriguez, ‘16

all very close friends, and work very cohesively...”

Junior Ellie Zimering says that, “The best thing about Field Hockey is the team, we’re all very close friends, and work very cohesively.

We may notNEWSPAPER be winning the InterAc this year, • APRIL2012 but we definitely put our hearts into the game.”

She said that their best game has been against Springside, in which every team member was very dedicated, and gave full effort. This intense game ended with a score of 4-2, and a win by PC. Ellie said that, “the team had a rough loss against EA, but when they played them for a second time, Penn Charter had more determination and played a lot better.” They are very excited for PC-GA day, and they are ready to beat GA.

GOLF

This year Penn Charter’s golf team reached impressive new heights. Under the guidance of Mr. Larrabee and the assistance of Coach Erdmanis, the team placed fourth in the InterAc––the best result for a long time. This season the team’s best combined score was at Gulf Mills, as Jake Cutler, Brian Isztwan, and JB Bradbeer, all scored in the 30’s. The senior leadership and new freshmen had a big impact on the team’s success. JB Bradbeer, co-captain with Owen Davis, and number one spot on the team, remarks, “We had six new freshman... Although we were fairly inexperienced this year, it is good for the younger kids to get real match experience. As captains, Owen and I wanted to ensure that our team worked when we didn’t have practice; because in order to improve throughout the season we needed to work outside of team practices.” Beyond such dedication, the captains also ensured that the team of twelve boys was tightly knit– ––a great factor in the success of their season.

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SPORTS

“Beyond such dedication, the captains also ensured that the team of twelve boys was tightly knit–––a great factor in the success of their season.”

From the Archives Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from The Penn Charter Magazine, the predecessor to The Mirror. In honor of Penn Charter’s three hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary, The Mirror will be republishing articles from earlier editions and iterations of the school newspaper. This piece is from the 1887, the first year that Penn Charter and Germantown Academy played each other in football. This traditional has now evolved to include all of the other fall sports, forming the one-hundred twenty eight year tradition of PC/GA Day.

“Although the Penn Charter team was defeated, they showed that with more practice they might play a very strong game.”

“The kick was neatly and quickly performed. On taking the field again, P. C. forced the ball towards G. A.’s quarters and by good play scored a touchdown.”

While the team competed cohesively as a whole, there were also some notable individual achievements. On October 22nd, Brian Itzstwan, freshman and number two spot on the team, won the InterAc championship, proving underclassmen can have a big impact. JB, himself, won the individual cumulative season, with a scoring average of 37. Co-captain, Owen Davis, notes, “We started off the season with good hopes and we met our expectations for sure, it was a successful season and the team is very young and have much success to look forward to in the future, though we have lost JB who has had the most successful career of any PC golfer in years.”

Even with such a loss, there is no doubt, this young team will only more success in the future.

Congratulations to THE InterAc Winners!

GIRLS SOCCER PAISSA State Champions

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BOYS WATER POLO

East Coast Independent School Champs

EDITORIALS

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The Mirror Staff 2014-2015

Editors-in-Chief Benjamin Skinner Jeffrey Soffer

NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012

Writer, ‘15

Managing Editor Alexa Herskowitz

SAT vs. PC/GA Day: Who Wins?

Jordyn Schwartz, ‘16

Amongst the many college decisions looming over each upperclassman, standardized testing for college admission proves to be one of the most daunting and stressful. Should I take the ACT or the SAT? Do I have to take a subject matter test too?! How many am I supposed to take?! Then, the final question: When should I take my tests? This question becomes all the more complicated when bringing into consideration the heavy workload of Junior and Senior year, athletic and extracurricular commitments, family commitments, and AP testing/final exams. The harsh reality of standardized testing is that there is no convenient time.

“The harsh reality of standardized testing is that there is no convenient time.”

This year is no exception! Historically speaking, the November SAT has been offered on the first Saturday of November. However, this academic year the College Board unexpectedly scheduled the SAT and subject matter tests on November 8, 2014. This second Saturday of November has also been reserved for the 128th annual PC/GA Day, in which Penn Charter and Germantown Academy celebrate the oldest football rivalry in the nation. Each year, this annual day is looked forward to, particularly by upperclassmen who look forward to participating in and attending the athletic competitions. How are both Penn Charter’s individual students, faculty, and administration going to resolve this “inconvenience”?

The conflict between the November SAT examination date and PC/GA Day was first brought to light last year during administrative meetings. The matter was addressed by both the athletic and college counseling departments. It was believed that this conflict would only affect a small number of the Penn Charter student population, as the November SAT date is “one of the last testing dates for Seniors and it is early for Juniors,” as explained by John Thiel, the Director of Athletics and Athletic Planning. Yet, this date may be the last opportunity for many seniors to improve their

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score before final applications are due. Further, some Junior student-athletes who are hoping to be recruited may take these tests earlier in an effort to provide college coaches with baseline scores. Those participating in the athletic competition are forced to make a choice between their own personal college process and playing for his or her team. Dan Evans, Director of College Counseling, explained that “the testing data from previous years suggest[s] that a handful of Seniors could be impacted by the conflict, but it would be unusual for a Junior or Sophomore to be impacted since those grades rarely test in November.” That said, according to John Thiel, at least two Juniors decided to move their testing to another date in order to compete in PC/ GA Day. This conflict also extends beyond the athletes and to those who wish to come out to GA and support their friends and the Penn Charter Community, particularly in the earlier-scheduled events.

“Those participating in the athletic competition are forced to make a choice between their own personal college process and playing for his or her team.”

News & Community Emily Barkann Jordyn Schwartz

cording to the Episcopal Academy website, EA/ Haverford events do not commence until 1:00 PM. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the PC/ GA Day events remain scheduled during the morning hours, in direct conflict with the administration of the SAT and subject matter tests.

This SAT/PC/GA Day conflict represents just another facet of the sports vs. academics debate here at Penn Charter. Dan Evans’ advice for Juniors and underclassmen in balancing testing and conflicts, such as athletics, is:

Sports Ethan Ashley Eliza Jacobs Editorials Allison Stern Sophie Eldridge

[W]hen students consider a schedule for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, or ACT, they need to consider their other obligations whether they are academic, extra curricular, or personal. While most Juniors start their standardized testing in winter or spring of 11th grade, it is not a “one size fits all” approach.

A testing calendar that works for one student might not work for another student.

It is only the beginning of a year of “inconvenient” standardized testing! Juniors take note that your days may start earlier than expected for the Winter Dance and Junior Prom. Varsity squash players don’t even think about the February ACT test; and those with friends and relatives in the Senior class may have to skip the June SAT and Subject Matter testing in order to catch Commencement.

John Thiel explained, “We have found And the 2015-2016 dates are not even out yet! that most families have taken [the conflict] into account and it has not become a big problem for us, but we would certainly hope that the SAT will switch their date back but I doubt they’ll listen to us.” In fact, the College Board, which administers the SAT, Test Date has a distinct policy with regard to school events December 6, 2014 conflicting with an SAT administration date. The SAT/Subject Tests College Board encourages a student to “choose and register for a test date that won’t interfere with comFebruary 7, 2014 petitive events in which they might participate” and “[e]ncourage students to try to transfer to another ACT test date that meets their needs.” Pursuant to the College Board’s policy, PC/GA Day is not an “unMarch 14, 2014 expected conflict,” so students are recommended to SAT take the test on one of the remaining five test dates.

November 8th is not only PC/GA Day, June 6, 2014 but also the annual celebration between rival SAT/Subject Tests schools, Episcopal Academy and the Haverford School. However, EA and Haverford students are not faced with the same conflict because, ac-

Entertainment Gillian Boss Sally Stanley Photography Sabrina Koenig Faculty Advisor Nora Landon

Standardized Testing Conflicts for 2014-15 Conflict

Upper School Winter Dance 2015 U.S High School Squash Championships Junior Prom Upper School Commencement

CLASS SIZE UNCOVERED (CONTINUED)

Compared to the 2009-2010 year, courses in the current year have had constants and variables regarding the number of students. The smallest class for the 2014-2015 year is in the Foreign Language department for a Latin 4 class of 3 students, and the largest class is a tie between Advanced Chemistry and Calculus ranking at 22 students in one section. While the Foreign Language department is still home to the smallest class in the current year, the language of that class has switched from French 4 to Latin 4. However, a trend can be seen with the level of the classes as both of those courses are of a higher level beyond the language graduation requirement. Conversely, mathematics in the current year holds one of the biggest classes for its fall Calculus course unlike the 2009-2010 spring Calculus class of 3 students due to the more favorable time of year for seniors . The reasoning behind the high student participation in Advanced Chemistry is due to the fact that this science class is a required course, and many students enjoy the challenge of an advanced curriculum. Overall, class size has varied over the past few years, yet the benefits of smaller class sizes have stayed consistent.

Smaller classes are more beneficial in

class discussion and student participation due to greater need for focus and engagement. The size of a class holds less effect on second-exposure students because of their familiarity with the course. A student with more experience in this type of course will actually benefit more from a smaller class in which they are able to more readily share their opinions. Ms. Wallmuth agreed with the degree of effect class size has on more experienced students: “[In terms of AP chemistry], being a second exposure [course],… the students bring more to the opportunity, so I don’t think it’s difficult to work with a small group. If this were an introductory class with 6 students, or 5 or 10, it could be more challenging because there is more reticence to ask questions in a smaller group.” Students who are new to a course will be more impacted by class size and might be less inclined to participate; however, some may prefer a small class due to the more personalized approach a teacher is able to take.

Although students have individual opinions on class size, the benefits of a smaller class can often outweigh those of a larger class. One perspective in favor of a larger class, given by Jack Roseman, a sophomore in advanced chemistry, describes the support a large class of 21 students

can provide: “It is easier to to take this course with so many kids in my class because science involves a lot of collaboration, so in a big class you always have a partner to work with that you’re comfortable around.” While first exposure students tend to prefer larger classes due to the comfort large classes provide, the overall class experience is much richer in a smaller class. Zoe Neefe, a Latin student in a class of only 3 people, describes a very positive experience with a small class size in response to class discussion: “[compared] to a huge class, [a 6 smaller class] is definitely easier… in a big class, it is really easy for conversation to get carried away… but with a small class, you’re really more in tune to individual things that happen”. Smaller classes tend to require much more preparation and individualized thinking because students are more highly expected to participate. In a smaller class, students’ participation grade and homework grade can improve just based on the fact that there is less room for a student to stay in the background of discussion and students must come more prepared to class. Smaller classes can put students in a vulnerable state; however, this vulnerability ultimately leaves students with not only a better grasp of the material, but also improved study skills.

“Smaller classes tend to require much more preparation and individualized thinking because students are more highly expected to participate.

While there are many different opinions on how much of an impact class size has on a student’s accomplishment in a course, smaller classes have shown to be more beneficial to student participation and student-teacher relationships. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the size of a class, such as the level of difficulty, scheduling, and interest. Throughout the years, certain trends, like degree of exposure and fall course versus winter course, have also affected the amount of students in particular classes. However, smaller classes have still shown to be a more enriching experience as students are able to challenge themselves more readily and engage themselves in the class. In all, smaller classes provide a more personalized approach, and PC should work towards minimizing the size of their classes.

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WISE WINSTON Mirror, Mirror On the Wall...

Dear Wise Winston: How old is too old to trick-or treat?

Sincerely, Already Made the Costume

Dear Wise Winston: I am a junior, but most of my friends are seniors. I am so sick of hearing them complain about doing their college applications. How do I survive until they get their acceptances?

Sincerely, Seriously, Shut Up.

Dear AMtC,

NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012

Dear SSU,

Childhood. It’s fleeting, isn’t it? It feels like just yesterday you were going door-to-door in that Pikachu costume, hoping that each house would have full size candy bars. The cool fall breeze kept you from overheating in the big plush suit, and everything was innocent. Here’s Winston’s prescription to recapture that feeling: find a small child to befriend in advance of Halloween. Options include a younger sibling or cousin, or maybe even take up babysitting in order to form a bond with a wee one before The Big Day. Then, volunteer to “take him/her trick or treating.” The kid’s parents will be thrilled to outsource this task, and then you can get back on the candy train.

Or just save up some cash, and buy your own candy, old man.

Sincerely, Wise Winston

Hey man, how about some empathy? Do you know how many supplemental essays some schools require? Have you ever tried to fit everything about yourself into a handful of characters on the Common App? Are you in three AP courses? Do you go down to the writing center to work on your essay for the tenth time? Right now, it kind of smells like desperation down there. Listen to what William Penn once said: “A true friend freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.” Sounds like William Penn had some experience with Early Decision deadlines. “Takes all patiently.” Consider that, let your senior friends vent a little, and bank the karma for next year, sir. In fact, one of the Common App prompts is about a “time you experienced failure.” Maybe this friendship failure could make a good essay for you.

Sincerely, Wise Winston

Gingerbread cake pops

//

Madison Harden, ‘16

To Make the Cake: Ingredients: 1. 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2. 1/4 cup butter or stick margarine, softened 3. 1/2 cup orange juice 4. 1/3 cup molasses 5. 1/4 cup egg substitute or 1 egg white 6. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 7. 2 teaspoons ground ginger 8. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 9. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 10. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 11. 1/4 teaspoon salt 12. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 13. 1 teaspoon powdered sugar 14. Cooking spray Baking Tools: 1. 2 bowls 2. Egg beater or electric mixer 3. Spoon 4. Baking pan Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Beat granulated sugar and butter in mixer at medium speed until well-blended. Add juice, molasses, and egg substitute; beat well, and set aside.

3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine the flour and the next 6 ingredients (flour through nutmeg) in a small bowl; gradually add flour mixture to molasses mixture, stirring until well-blended.

4. Pour batter into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Let cake cool for 10-15 minutes.

To Make the Cake Pops: Ingredients: 1. Gingerbread Cake 2. ¼ can of Creamy vanilla frosting 3. Semi sweet chocolate chips 4. Crumbled Gingersnap cookies Baking Tools: 1. 2 medium-sized bowls 2. Tablespoon 3. Cookie sheet that fits in your refrigerator 4. Parchment paper 5. Lollipop Sticks Directions: 1. Cut off the edges of the cake in order to avoid lumps in your cake pops, then cut the remainder into parts and crumble into a bowl 2. Add the vanilla frosting to the crumbled cake and mix together until smooth and moist (careful not to make the mixture too moist as that will result in heavy cake pops) 3. Use tablespoon to scoop out round circles of mixture and place onto parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Cover the cake pops with plastic wrap; foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours 4. Melt enough semi sweet chocolate chips in a bowl so you can submerge the cake pops into the bowl. Dip the lollipop stick into the melted chocolate about one inch, and push the chocolate-covered end of the stick into the middle of the cake ball 5. Dip your cake pop straight down into the chocolate until it is submerged and the melted chocolate touches the stick, then hold it sideways to let the excess chocolate drip.

6. Once the cake pop has stopped dripping and dried slightly, dip the cake pop in a bowl with the crumbled gingersnaps

If you want to ask Wise Winston a question, tweet @PC_MIRROR with the hashtag #WiseWinston.

Common Sensless Comics written and drawn by Emmet Foley, ‘17

Pop Culture Grid: FALL EDITION Michael Newman, ‘16 Favorite Fall Snack

Favorite Fall Sport

Favorite Halloween Candy

Spookiest Place at School

Favorite Leaf Color

Football

Nerd Ropes

Bell Tower

Yellow

Priya Ahmad, Freshman

Apple Cider

Faith Fenton, Sophomore

Pumpkin Seeds

Football

Pink Starbursts

L1

Red

Kristina Ohemeng, Junior

Apple Pie

Soccer

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

L1

Orange

David Kestenbaum, Senior

Pumpkin Bread

Hockey

Twix

L1

Red

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ENTERTAINMENT

PUZZLE FOR A PRIZE

11/10/2014

worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword.php

Name:

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.

Complete the crossword below

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Across

2. Governor of Pennsylvania 7. Maverick’s rival at Top Gun flight school 8. The graph of the trajectory of an ideal projectile 10. Musical that will be performed this winter at Penn Charter 13. The guitar’s little cousin 15. Runner of Art Museum Steps 21. The only thing more powerful than the Gods according to Vergil 22. Winner of the very first World Series in 1903 23. The team with the most Inter­Ac wins at Penn Charter 24. The production of two identical daughter cells through division

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NEWSPAPER • APRIL2012

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24 Created on TheTeachersCorner.net Crossword Maker

1. The name of the line of latitude that has the greatest linear velocity 2. Pines, spruces, and firs are ____ 3. Giff’s not-­so-­secret alter ego 4. The first state 5. Short Skirt Long Jacket 6. Achilles in the movie Troy 9. The fastest animal on the planet (can get up to 200 mph) 11. The center of an atom 12. Library 14. Rate of change 16. The study of motion 17. The founder of Quakerism 18. The smallest country in the world 19. Class involving legos with Dr. Lynch 20. Sun protection

HALLOWEEN PARADE WINNERS http://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword.php

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2. The Incredibles 8

1. Frozen Cast 3. Super Mario

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