Poly Times, Volume 1, Issue 2

Before you begin to think about the next school year, we have some summer ideas to help you enjoy the season. Be safe, but have fun!

FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS SUMMER 2021

Tales From Blended Learning

As you know, the Coronavirus pandemic has caused 150 million people to get infected and has resulted in three million deaths worldwide. The pandemic has also caused millions of school children to stay home and participate in remote learning. This type of learning is not for the weak-minded and has detrimentally affected students socially, physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, through wearing masks and educators taking the vaccine, New York City schools were allowed to be open again with reduced capacity and mask-wearing. Poly Times interviewed a few students and teachers on their experience in blended learning so far and here are their responses:

“As a student who just started blended learning, I can say it has helped me for the better. I noticed how being around my peers and my teachers can really help me truly understand what is going on in my classes because if I need help I can just ask a peer or teacher. Also, being around other students who are also learning keeps me motivated to learn as well. Overall, I believe that blended learning is exactly what I needed to start getting focused back on my classes again.”—Joshaun Jakes

“Blended learning was a big adjustment at the beginning for both teachers and students. I feel that blended learning is definitely not for everyone, but there have been many positive

City Poly Students and Teachers Share Their Experiences

By: Djineylla Baptiste

Mc Intosh

Joshaun Jakes

outcomes. For one, there is consistency with every teacher using Google classroom and less paper waste from handouts. It has also helped teachers find new collaborative tools such as Nearpod, Kahoot, Flipgrid, and more. Some struggles that come with blended learning are IT issues, not being able to see every student in person, and less time for students to socialize with their friends. Some teachers and students may lack self-motivation when working from home and need to come into the building every day but there are some who thrived and found their voice over blended learning. Students who are usually shy or nervous in school were able to feel comfortable and participate more online. There are many pros and cons to blended learning, but I would love for it to continue as an option for those who were successful with it during this time.”—Ms.Grimes

“Blended learning is the answer to the question that no one wanted to ask: How can education survive during a pandemic? I won't deny how difficult these last 14 months have been; the technology, apathy, and turned-off cameras are enough to make teachers tear their hair out, but just getting students back into the building has given me a breathtaking boost. It

isn't perfect by any stretch, but being able to meet my 9th-graders in person and actually get to know them has been more than I could even imagine.”—Mr.Abry

“Blending learning has got me motivated to finish tasks. Being in a working environment helps me concentrate on the task at hand. Interacting with students and teachers help build a community and friendships. Instead of things distracting you when you're at home, sitting in a classroom where everyone is doing the same things helps me focus better. I’ve also noticed assignment have been handed in faster than when we were in online class.”—Phoenix Li

At the end of the day, teachers and students both believe that in-person learning is very beneficial because it helps everyone to stay focused, allows them to socialize, it is easier to do assignments, and receive motivation from others. Overall, in-person learning has benefited both teachers and students and we hope to see you in school next following year for full in-person learning!

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Summer, Summer, Summer Time!

By: Amera Roche and Erwin Alcindor

Summer ‘21 is finally here! We Outsideeeeee! Y'all know the Vibes! Ain't no stoppin us. We got y’all with some places to visit, where you can eat, hang out and “enjoy yourself” as Pop Smoke said.

Places To Visit

Color Factory Artech Museum Beat the bomb Area 53 Bowl 360 Sip and Play Brooklyn Bridge Park Roller Skating Picnic Play Hide and Seek Eat BasketBall Prospect park Roller Skating Hudson River Park Beach Volleyball Mini Golf Basketball Skatepark Sky Zone Take the Tram to Roosevelt Island Regal theater Governors Island

Places to Eat

Penelope Cafe Maison Pickle Cheeseburger Cheeseburger 375 Chicken and fries Lemongrass grill Lil Sweet Chick Mister Dips

Sweets

Insomnia cookie Get Stuffed Cold Stone Creamery

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Jobs and Resume Advice

BY: Djineylla Baptiste and Nikolai Markov

Summer is finally here and with that comes time to find a job or an internship. From your first job to your last one, you will need to present a resume. Your resume allows employers to get a glimpse of your goals, skills and accomplishments. Before they see/meet you, they will look at your resume. It sounds weird, but most college and scholarship applications require you to upload a copy of your most recent resume. Rather than waiting until your senior year to create one, you should do so now and update as often as you acquire new skills and experiences. Even if you have never had a job, you can add things such as:

•Volunteer experience (in and outside of school) •Academic achievements (GPA, Awards, Honors, etc.) •Clubs and extracurricular activities •Skills (soft and hard)

Resume Formatting Tips:

•Keep it concise •Focus on depth and length of commitment •Provide detail whenever possible •Formatting is key •Be honest and accurate

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Learn About Your

Zodiac Sign

By: Mia Reyes

Water Signs

Water signs are exceptionally emotional and ultra-sensitive. They are highly intuitive and they can be as mysterious as the ocean itself. Water signs love profound conversations and intimacy. They rarely do anything openly and are always there to support their loved ones.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Fire Signs

Fire signs tend to be passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They get angry quickly, but they also forgive easily. They are adventurers with immense energy. They are physically very strong and are a source of inspiration for others. Fire signs are intelligent, self-aware, creative and idealistic people, always ready for action.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) Leo (July 23 - August 22) Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Earth Signs

Earth signs are “grounded” and the ones that bring us down to earth. They are mostly conservative and realistic, but they can also be very emotional. They are connected to our material reality and can be turned to material goods. They are practical, loyal and stable and they stick by their people through hard times.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Air Signs

Air signs are rational, social, and love communication and relationships with other people. They are thinkers, friendly, intellectual, communicative and analytical. They love philosophical discussions, social gatherings and good books. They enjoy giving advice, but they can also be very superficial.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Libra (September 23 - October 22) Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Friendship Compatibilities:

Cancer + Sagittarius Taurus + Pisces Gemini + Capricorn Libra + Leo Scorpio + Aries

Virgo + Capricorn Sagittarius + Aquarius Gemini + Leo Cancer + Scorpio

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POLY PRIDE

SUMMER 2021