Sentinel october 2009

The Sentinel St. Luke’s School

377 North Wilton Road - New Canaan, CT - 06840

October 2009

Inside this issue...

Accepted Seniors

Fall Sports Previews Fall Play Announced Caption

SLS iPhone App Kelly Wendt Arts Editor

Steve pictured next to new cookies (left) and old cookies (right).

Courtesy of Brenda Meany

Petition for “Old Cookies” Works Caroline Hopkins Contributing Writer

If you’ve been a student at St. Luke’s long enough, you would probably agree that no matter what, the one thing there is to look forward to during the school day has always been that perfect period of time right after you finish your lunch. You and your friends walk right up to the beautiful array of freshly baked cookies, pick out the best one there is and gather in front of the microwave, anticipating the flawless taste of your perfect chocolate chip, sugar, or oatmeal raisin cookie. Nothing could ever go wrong. That is, until you realize that the cookies you once knew and loved have spontaneously disappeared, only to be replaced by a new form of cookie that can really only be described as a fake, “poser” cookie.

When the absence of the old cookies was discovered, students in both the middle and upper schools were outraged. Without the anticipation of a warm, delicious cookie, how could they possibly get through their classes?

A certain group of seventh grade girls, particularly disturbed by the mysterious cookie disappearance, decided that this was simply unacceptable. They therefore took it upon themselves to create a petition to get the old cookies back. The petition reads as followed: “Although we are very thankful to have access to cookies in our school cafeteria, we have found that the old cookies are significantly better than the new cookies.

Thank you for your support. From, the St. Luke’s Community.”

The cookie petition was an immediate success.

Students in grades 5- 12 began bursting into the cafeteria begging Steve to let them sign the petition. Soon enough, over 50 students had signed their names on the petition, including Steve himself who enthusiastically wrote along with his signature: “Steve Olmstead, Executive Chef of Southern New England Food Service also would like “real” cookies back.”

And guess what? The petition actually worked!

On the day the old delicious cookies lay within their basket once more, students were ecstatic. According to Steve, one middle school boy was so delighted that he snapped a picture of the cookies with his cell phone and exclaimed, “I’ve missed you!”

When asked what he himself thought about the return of the old cookies, Steve was confident in his answer. The old cookies do take more effort to serve, for he must come in earlier in the morning in order to bake them.

However, Steve believes that the smiles on the faces when the kids bite into their delicious freshly baked cookies makes it all worthwhile.

Actual petition, signed by members of the SLS community.

Over the summer, St. Luke’s school became one of the first schools in the country to launch an iPhone app for students, faculty, and parents to use. The idea came from a group of Stanford students who realized that being able to check a school directory or calendar would be much more accessible if there were an app for it. The students created the iPhone app and started a business of making the app for other schools. Through our school website provider Whipple Hill, a cutting-edge technology company, we were able to get the app made for us.

The application is free to download, but not just anyone can access the directory and the school calendar; you have to have an SLS username and password.

Although the app currently includes a directory, school calendar, and lists of athletic events, the school is already looking to add more so the app functions more like the school website; so that students can check homework assignments, teachers can post work, and parents can check their children’s grades.

Some students are finding the app less helpful and more a waste of space on their iPods. According to junior Brian Williams, “It doesn’t give you everything that you really need. I can’t get my schedule, I can’t get my homework. I can just find people’s addresses.” According to Technology Coordinator Ms. Preston, those things are hopefully on the way for the app.

Already, though, teachers and parents are finding it useful as an on-the-go tool. As Academic Technology Coordinator Mr. Foley says, “Thanks to the generosity of SLS parents, I asked for and received an iPod touch through the Wishing Tree, and I’m finding it indispensable in my new job [upper school academic technology coordinator]. I use the SLS app all the time. I’m all over the school and with the iPod touch I can look at calendars or go to the directory from SLS iPhone app viewed from iPhone. anywhere.”

Whether the app is going to stay as more of a convenience for teachers and parents or expand to be a useful tool for students as well is yet to be seen; however, it has yet to cause any harm. It is undeniably useful for on-the-go directory or calendar lookups and will hopefully unify the SLS community a little bit more.

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College Visits

HILLTOP NEWS

Charlotte Lyons Contributing Writer

As many of you have already noticed, the new College Counseling Office is open in the upstairs hallway. However, if you’re not a senior or junior, you probably don’t know what goes on in there. What many don’t realize is that the newly renovated English room isn’t just a place for Ms. Bell and Mr. Smitobol to chill on the couches, it’s where the future becomes reality for seniors.

As fall approaches, seniors get antsy about colleges: where they’re applying, whether they are going early decision anywhere. The first semester of senior year holds the title as “the hardest semester of your life,” as reported by past seniors.

College flyers advertising their visits to SLS. As if senior year wasn’t hard enough, the College Counseling department has so kindly arranged for numerous college representatives to come in and meet with interested students. To some it may sound like fun, but these meetings or “interviews” can be seen as either a way into the school… or an easy way out.

When these representatives come to visit, they expect to be bombarded with intricate, specific questions about their school. However, it’s been proven that the senior class does not understand this. In the past couple of college -meetings, members of the senior class have been asking questions that could easily be found on the schools website.

Ms. Bell graciously stated, “the next person to ask a silly question is going to kicked out!”

Fortunately, there has only been a handful of college meetings, so there’s time to learn about meeting manners. Ms. Bell and Mr. Smitobol have arranged for a wide range of schools to come and visit St. Luke’s School such as The University of Edinburgh of Scotland, The University of Miami, Colby College, Colgate, Notre Dame, Boston College and many more from across the country (Ms. Bell would like everyone to notice the geographic diversity of all the schools she has arranged to come). Also as an added bonus to the representatives, the college counselors mark off “exclusive” parking spots for them when they visit, putting forth every luxury SLS has to offer.

If anyone has any questions about when certain colleges are coming or about the questions he should be asking in meetings contact Ms. Bell, Mrs. Tregellas, or Mr. Smitobol. Remember, the counselors have worked hard to get these colleges to come, so don’t forget to attend the meetings, seniors!

October 2009

Already In

From the Oval Locker

This year St. Luke’s had an exceptionally large number of students already into college by the start of their senior year. Four members of the senior class have been accepted to their first college of choice.

We have three students, Amanda Ackerman, Kofi Agyapong, and April Walsh who have been accepted

by Wake Forest and one student, Cameron Wilson, who has been accepted by Stanford. Both Cameron and Kofi were offered spots at their college of choice based on their outstanding athletic performances at St. Luke’s. As many of you know, Amanda Kofi was invited to play soccer at Wake Forest based on his astounding achievements on the soccer field. In addition, Cameron was asked to Stanford for his unsurpassable golf skills.

Meanwhile, both Amanda and April applied to Wake Forest over the summer and discovered they Kofi were accepted four weeks later.

Most colleges have an early application option, excluding University of Virginia and Harvard. However, Wake Forest is unique in the idea that you can apply before your senior year begins. Both April and Amanda knew they were accepted into Wake Forest before April the start of their senior year. At Wake Forest anyone can be accepted early, not just athletes; however, Stanford differs on this, and almost all early acceptances at Stanford are for athletics. Moreover, most Division Cameron 1 schools accept only athletes for early decision.

If you aspire to apply early, college counselors recommend that you make junior year a strong year because colleges will not be able to see your senior year grades. This is not, however, meant to discourage students from applying early, as long as they are committed to the college they are applying to. Furthermore, many students apply early to find out where they’re going as early as possible to make senior year less stressful. However, in an interview with Kofi I discovered that students already into college have to work just as hard, if not harder to maintain their grades, even once they’re in. “Wake Forest wouldn’t let you in if your grades drop just because you got recruited to play soccer,” said Kofi.

The important idea to remember when applying to colleges for early decision is to make sure you are dedicated to the school. These students were able to apply before their senior year because they knew they were committed, and wouldn’t change their minds. “I am excited because I am moving a step further in my life, meeting new people, people who are more experienced than I am,” said Kofi, “I am also excited to start college because it’s like the stage that opens your eyes to the real world.”

Despite the fact that these seniors are already committed to college, their senior year is much the same as kids who don’t know where they are going yet. Nevertheless, it’s a relief to have some of the pressure off.

As the fall approaches, activities on the Hilltop are in full swing. Girls’ soccer, boys’ soccer, field hockey and football have all had a great start to their seasons, winning their home openers, while volleyball is practicing hard to capture their first win as well. The upper school drama production, “The Uninvited,” which is scheduled for November 13th, stars seniors Inna Fetissova, Cole Bishop, Campbell Gallagher, Cooper Baer and Jacob Parker-Burgard.

This new school Sam Sexton, Student Council President year brings new opportunities to make a difference in our community.

The first thing that we are going to do as a student body is work to keep our school clean. Each grade is going to be responsible for one area around the school (these designated areas will be announced at Town Meeting) to keep clean throughout the year. At the end of each month, teachers will decide which grade kept their area the cleanest, and they will be awarded with a dress down day. I encourage you all to partake in the effort to show greater respect for our school environment not only because you will potentially receive a dress down day, but because we should all be proud of our school and its appearance. I would like to thank you all in advance for your help.

October is our most lively month at St. Luke’s primarily due to our Homecoming celebration, which will be held Saturday October 17th.

Leading up to Saturday’s events will be Spirit Week during school. Each day we will dress up to show our school spirit. This year the Student Government has been making plans to bring new life to spirit week. No more will we have the same old “Pajama Day” and “80s day” -- this year we will be adding a creative twist to Spirit week which includes prizes for “Best Costume” at the end of each day as well as other fun activities. I hope that everybody will come out to support all of our athletes while also enjoying the many other activities that will take place.

To keep up with announcements and reminders for Homecoming and other upcoming events, please be sure to join the “SLS 2009-2010” Facebook group. The group also serves as the Student Government’s “Suggestion Box” for all students to give their input on student life on campus, so please let us know what you are thinking.

I hope you’ve had a great start to the school year.

Megan Cullinane Staff Writer

Samantha Sexton Student Council President

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October 2009

The Sentinel Staff Editor in Chief Alexandra Jaffe Layout Editor Jon Salamon Sports Editor Doug Walker Arts Editor Kelly Wendt Photo Editor Brenda Meany Visual Design Maggie Goldstone Staff Writers Maria Carlucci Jenna Decatur Naomi Dubissette Janay Parrott Theodor Trampe Contributing Writers Amanda Ackerman Elina Berglund Megan Cullinane Amy Fox Caroline Hopkins Charlotte Lyons Caroline McCown Alex Polyakov Samantha Sexton Sports Writers Henry Clayton Ryan Giggi Nick O’Meara Kevin Young Contributing Photographers Amanda Ackerman Faculty Advisor Mr. Flachsbart

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OPINION

This is Not OK Alex Polyakov Contributing Columnist

Recently, the Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs (OCPA) reported that only 2.8% of high school students in Oklahoma would be able to pass the US citizenship test. I’m on a five hundred word limit, but I feel that that sentence warrants repetition. Only 2.8% of high school students in Oklahoma would pass the US citizenship test. That is not a typographical error. To put this into perspective, here are some more figures: 92%, the rate at which immigrants pass this test to become naturalized; 60%, the passing grade for the ten-question test, 23%, the rate at which the question “Who was our first president?” was answered correctly; and finally, 3%, the margin of error for the OCPA’s studies.

This outrages me. 2.8%? My parents, who learned History in Soviet Russia (where History teaches YOU), passed the test this summer. I got to see some of the questions. They aren’t difficult; they just require a basic understanding of American History and Civics (at about an eighth-grade level). These are high school students we’re talking about here. It’s actually our job to know these things! What are 97.2% of these students doing? No way MTV has turned their brains into such mush.

If 92% of people with very limited knowledge of the country’s history can pass this test, why can’t our own students, who were born here, and have had the advantage of being mandated by the American government to hear this in class?

As Americans, we need to earn the rights guaranteed to us, by knowing what they are and how we got them. I don’t even understand how one can live to be a high school student and not know that George Washington was the first president!

I’m not asking for a hundred percent here (that would be unreasonable, even the tests only asks for six of ten). Not everyone knows exactly how many Justices there are on the Supreme Court (9) or how many representatives there are in Congress (435).

But 2.8% is unreasonably low. Impossibly low, I would say. There is a part of me that hopes that all of the students in Oklahoma got together on Facebook and decided to play an elaborate practical joke on the OCPA. This alarming trend isn’t just limited to Oklahoma, either. Similar studies have been conducted throughout the United States, with similarly disturbing results. Unfortunately, it’s long been known that America lags severely behind other industrialized nations in terms of education.

The scary part is, these are kids who are either already 18, or will soon be turning 18, and voting for policymakers (they’ve been a quality bunch lately, haven’t they?), entering the workforce (we wonder why there’s a recession and a 10% unemployment rate), and eventually be the adults who make up the country. We need to buck up, and not become a nation of ignorance. I’m embarrassed by this news, both as a teenager and as a newly naturalized American citizen.

Top Ten:

Rejected Advisory Activities 10. Cleaning the nearest restrooms.

9. Translating the school song into

all languages taught at SLS. 8. Seeing who can burp the alphabet.

7. Eating Doctor Wilcox’s brain in

a jar.

6. Adopting a tarantula as your

advisory pet.

5. Decorating the exterior of the

Davis’ house with toilet paper.

4. Taking a nap in the front

circle.

3. Picking a member of the

advisory each week and listing

10 bad things about them.

2. Skinny dipping at the pool next

to the art building.

1. Writing in journals about your

feelings.

Are We Really Green?

Theodor Trampe Staff Writer

Over the past few years, the St. Luke’s community has committed themselves to being a model “green school.” Lights have been fitted with motion sensitive controls to ensure that no electricity would be wasted. The school has abandoned the use of Styrofoam and plastic in the cafeteria in favor of prison-style trays and reusable silverware. There are even bins in every classroom and hallway so that students can recycle their papers and plastic bottles. All of these things help make the school a much more responsible and environmentally friendly place…

But everyone forgets about the textbook.

Every student in the school receives a textbook for each of his classes. These books serve as a valuable resource for the student and a strong reference for the teacher. At the end of each of year, students simply take their used textbooks and throw them in the trash. There are some minor attempts to recycle these textbooks. Teachers offer to collect books, and boxes are set up in the hallway at the end of the year to dispose of the books. Nobody makes an effort to return these books, and most teachers don’t care because new books are delivered next year. Why doesn’t the community make an initiative to gather these used books and distribute them at the start of the new school year? What makes a new book necessary when a slightly worn older one is exactly the same? For all the things the school has done to become “green” why haven’t we made this simple step?

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“The Uninvited” Janay Parrott Staff Writer

It’s that time of the year again! The time when the costumes and the drama comes out, and no I don’t mean Halloween! Alas, preparation for the fall production of our 2009-2010 school year is underway. The name of the play is The Uninvited, written by Tim Kelly. Once again, it is directed by our very own Mr. Dale Griffa. “One of the reasons why we decided to choose this play”, explains Mr. Griffa “is that we wanted to either do a comedy or a mystery”. He also says, “This particular script is so unique. Everyone gets a chance to shine. It has unique characters and it’s just well written.”

In this production, there will be some special lighting affects, as well as custom-made costumes by Joanna Bornstein. I know it sounds very interesting, but wait it gets better. This classic ghost story is about a young girl named Pam and her brother Roddy. They discover a beautiful house in the western part of England. The house is being sold for a freakishly low price, why is that so?

What happened in that house 15 years ago? Who holds the key to the puzzle?

The only way you can find out the answers, is by going to see the production when it comes out on Friday November the 13th or Saturday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m. Word on the hill is that it’s the play to see. “We have a hardworking cast and a fabulous director and crew. You don’t want to miss this!” states 9th grader Lexi Zargar. So come out to see what will be the play of the year!

Pearl Jam Jams On Amy Fox Contributing Writer

Pearl Jam was formed in 1990 in Seattle, originally part of the grunge music movement that spawned acts such as Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. Though they were a key band of the movement, Pearl Jam’s sound was considerably more akin to 1970s classic rock than the exploding alternative rock genre. The band broke into the mainstream in 1992, a year after the release of their debut album, Ten, which has been certified thirteen times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Eighteen years later, in 2009, Pearl Jam has just released their ninth album, Backspacer.

The opening song “Gonna See My Friend” sets the beginning of Backspacer up as a fast paced work. The following song, “Got Some”, is slightly heavier, but maintains the same speed. Track three, “The Fixer”, is the first single from the album and for good reason. It is the catchiest both lyrically and musically on the entire album. The next several tracks veer toward a relaxed mood, quite unlike their older sound. This continues until track eight, “Supersonic” which picks up the tempo again. The last few tracks are a bit more mellow, surprisingly so for an ending to an album. The final song “The End” does make an unexpectedly good finish to the album despite its short length.

Backspacer is a fairly engaging album with good meaning and emotion to the songs that are thankfully not the recycled loops heard every day on Top 40. Its brief songs do leave the feeling that a little more could have been added to make the album exceptionally exciting. The length and speed of the CD made it seem like Pearl Jam intended to punch out a bunch of singles or simply just needed to make a new record for the sake of it. This left the feeling that this particular work was not much of a personally artistic endeavor for the musicians.

Nonetheless, the album is entertaining, and its shortcomings can be overlooked. Out of all Pearl Jam’s works this is not a particular standout, but Backspacer is quite easy on the ears and makes for pleasant listening.

ARTS Ingrid Michaelson a Hit Amanda Ackerman Contributing Writer

Though often overlooked for chart-toppers like Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, passionate singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson deserves some recognition of her own. Although seemingly homogenous to the likes of Sara Bareilles or Imogen Heap, Ingrid Michaelson distinguishes herself through her raw and intimate sound as well as unique and personal lyrics. Just two years ago Michaelson released her classic album, “Girls and Boys” and as of August 25th her latest injection into the pop scene is “Everybody.”

Michaelson in a recent interview regarding her new album said, “It’s completely autobiographical, snapshots of my life”. Michaelson readjusted her sound in the studio creating clear differences from “Girls and Boys” by adding big sounds and b u i l d s to create more of an orchestral accent.

The most evident shift in sound can be found in the piano drivIngrid Michaelson’s new album cover. en “Once Was Love” which features drums and poignant lyrics. The whole album reaches melodic heights with brilliant piano melodies, guitar and strings. In the charming “Mountain and Sea”, Ingrid incorporates a large chorus with her own double tracked vocals.

“The Chain” makes an appearance on “Everybody” as a favorite from her last album, “Be Ok”. “The Chain” begins slow and expands into a melodic collage making the song a staple of Michaelson’s concerts.

Michaelson doesn’t rely on anyone but herself to make her music a success. She wrote all 12 songs on the album, significantly contributed to the accompaniment arrangements and signed the album on her own label, Cabin 24 Records. She remains imaginatively fresh by insisting on a parallel level of commitment to individualism in the way she approaches her work.

All in all, Ingrid Michaelson has done it again with “Everybody.” Whether you’re looking for a song to do homework to without falling asleep or just feel good songs, Ingrid is the girl for you. I highly recommend “Sort Of”, “The Chain”, “Mountain and the Sea” and “Once Was Love”. Enjoy!

Pearl Jam’s new album cover for Backspacer.

October 2009

No Shame for Fame Jenna Decatur Staff Writer

Fame is an updated version of the hit Broadway Musical as well as the 1980’s movie and TV show that sparked thousands of fans across the c o u n t r y.

Directed

by Kevin Ta n c h e roen, and choreographed by Marguerite Derricks, this musical and performing arts production is sure to Scene from the new movie “Fame.” touch the lives of aspiring actors, actresses, and singers everywhere. The movie follows the lives of 9 teenagers, some of which include Marco (Asher Book), Jenny (Kay Panabacker), Denise (Naturi Naughton), and Alice (Kherington Payne).

Fame takes you though the lives of these characters, as they go through all 4 years of high school at an intense New York Performing Arts High School, designed for only the best actors, actresses, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists. The students are given the opportunity to achieve F a m e , but only through pure talent and dedication.

Not only do these kids deal with the competitiveness of the Performing Arts, but they also suffer through Poster for movie “Fame.” regular high school challenges such as homework, friendships, romance, disapproving parents, self-doubt, and even an attempted suicide.

These talented teenagers find away to put aside the competitiveness, and help each other to face these challenges. Along the way, they discover who has what it takes to make it in the musical world, and who doesn’t. While the majority of the songs differed from the original movie, it included the classics “Fame” and “Out Here On My Own, “ both of which where sung in a more modern fashion.

Fame is very well choreographed, with its catchy dance moves and lyrics that are sure to make you want to get up and dance. The movie also illustrates the talent and perseverance that it takes to make it in the music world very well. However, the numerous characters can make it confusing at times. For those of you who enjoy High School Musical, the new hit show Glee, and of course the original Fame, this is definitely a must-see.

October 2009

FEATURES

5

Walmart Finds

One Million Spiders

Kindles Available

For all you Walmart lovers, if you’re like me, whenever I run out of things to do, I always seem to find myself in the very back corner, aisle 3 of Walmart: the fishing section. However whatever it is you need -- from mountain lighting, toasters, and even flat screen TVs -- Walmart’s got it! When Walmart says they have the lowest prices, they mean it. Check out some items I spotted while in Walmart on Monday night...

Jon Salamon Layout Editor

Imagine spending four years in Madagascar collecting and handling over one million spiders. This is a task that would make even the most avid animal-lover cringe. But Simon Peers, one of the foremost textile authorities of today, has collaborated with Mother Nature to produce a marvel – an 11-foot by 4-foot textile made entirely out of spider silk. It is currently on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Peers and about 70 others went through the meticulous process of harvesting the silk of female golden orb-weaver spiders. Using a replica of a 19th century spider-silk harvester, the team carefully and safely extracted the golden gossamer from the spiders.

Although a handful of spiders died in the process, most survived and were released back into the wild. In fact, these spiders naturally replenish their silk supply in about a week, which made it easy for the harvesting team to keep a steady supply of spiders. The large, golden webs of these spiders can be seen shimmering in the sunlight all across Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

All of the spider handlers were professionals, as these particular spiders have a nasty (but not fatal) bite.

Spider silk is a unique material; its tensile strength is stronger than steel and it is as durable as Kevlar, which is used in bulletproof vests. Even more remarkable is its lightness. A single strand wrapped around Earth, which has a circumference of roughly 25,000 miles, would way a mere 16 ounces. Historically, fishermen have used spider webs as fishing nets. The web’s lightness, elasticity and strength make it a useful, all-natural hunter’s tool.

Naomi Dubissette Staff Writer

Maria Carlucci Staff Writer

Outside of a Walmart.

Find this in the Kitchen and Dining aisle: 3 Pack Value Combo -A steam iron -A coffee maker -A 2 slice toaster Price: $15.00 This combo deal provides the appliances in green, orange or black.

Seniors, this is perfect for college.

Assorted bags of chips.

The Kindle, equipped with a scrolling button for navigation, a keypad for typing notes, and access to the Internet, is both the teacher’s and student’s dream. It also has an audio option so if your eyes become tired, you can sit back and let the book read to you. Wouldn’t such an expansive, advanced technology be exclusively used at school?

Surprisingly enough, students are allowed to take home Kindles as they would any library book but with one restriction…let the librarians know first!

1. The average chocolate bar has 8 insect legs in it.

Find this in the TV section: 19” Emerson Flat Screen TV Who hasn’t spent a summer saving up for a sweet flat screen TV to put in their bedroom?

19” flat screen LCD HDTV Price: $188.00

TIP: Instead of paying a dollar for a bag of chips in the cafeteria...

Get 22 bags of chips for $6.16 The assorted chip bag has all my favorites- Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos and Lays.

Senior Cameron Wilson reading a book on a Kindle.

Facts of the Month

Find this in the Bed and Bath aisle: Throw Blankets Snuggle in style with new micro plush throw blankets! Comfy!

Price: $7.50

Find this in the Candy Aisle: Sweet Halloween deals!

Besides me, because of my obnoxiously long drive way and isolated house, placed deep in the woods of New Canaan... who doesn’t get trick or treaters?

Any 2 bags of candy for $5.00

Kindle- noun; technology at it’s finest that is now available in the SLS library.

There is no other way to describe this technology that allows you to electronically read books.

This lightweight device feels like a paperback book but instead of having pages, it has a computer screen that displays the text. You can purchase up to 10,000 books off the Kindle for half the price of what it would cost in the bookstore. And who pays for this? Why, your SLS library, of course!

2. Coca-cola was originally green.

A worker weaving the spider silk on a loom.

Spider silk has received major attention from scientists worldwide for these distinct prop-

The finished textile. erties. In the laboratory, scientists have tried to artificially generate spider silk, but have not come far enough to utilize it at an industrial level. Unlike silkworms, which provide us with the common silk we come in contact with, spiders do not keep well together in captivity. They are hostile and eat each other, which makes managing them very difficult. Currently, it is very impractical to use spider silk on a larger scale beyond specialized projects such as this, but that may change in the future.

3. The word “coffin” used to have the same meaning as the word “pie.”

4. Mosquitoes have 47 teeth.

5. Apples are more effective at keeping people awake in the morning than caffeine.

6. TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be spelled using only the top row of a keyboard.

7. In the last 4000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

8. Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined.

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ADVICE

October 2009

How to Survive High School

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Welcome freshmen! Congratulations… you’re in high school! Whether you are new to St. Luke’s or have moved up from middle school, this year is a big step for you. It’s a year that will be filled with new opportunities, new experiences and new expectations. Some advice on how to make the most of your first year in upper school might be helpful. Here it goes!

New is the operative word. Be open to it. The first year of high school includes a lot of new students, so go out of your way to make new friends. A lot of what you get out of freshman year has to do with who you share it with. Broaden your definition of friendship to include kids whose experiences have been different from your own. When you have the option, be inclusive. The old saying “the more the merrier” is generally true.

Be pro-active. Seek out opportunities and experiences that will be new to you. Do you think you might like the spotlight but haven’t had the courage to test your talent? Go out for drama. Do you have a point-of-view that you would like to express to a wider audience than the lunch table?

Write for the newspaper, try out for the debate team, or run for office. If you are passionate about a sport, feed that passion by giving your all to the JV team while aiming for a future spot on varsity.

If you like the exercise, teamwork and friendship of athletics but haven’t hit on your favorite sport, try something new this year. Go out for a sport you haven’t played before. Upper school, starting with freshman year, is all about growth. New experiences and new challenges are how we grow.

At the end of the year you’ll be happiest about how you’ve grown as a student and a friend if you start the year with new expectations for yourself. Expect a lot. You wouldn’t be at St. Luke’s if you didn’t have a lot to offer. Set the bar high for your class work and after school commitments. Start thinking about what community service opportunities you could contribute your time and effort to and choose one that is meaningful to you. What you hear is true – the more you put into your work, interests and friendships, the more you get out of them. The more you get out of them, the more you grow.

Last, but not least, have fun! High school will be a blast if you’re open to it. Go for it!

Sophomore year comes with many challenges—hard courses, standardized testing, community service, and Drivers Ed—but that is not to say that this year isn’t manageable. Courses for most sophomores are highly demanding, and even though APs have not come into the picture yet, the material covered this year is highly difficult. For starters, most students take chemistry – a science filled with equations and properties of elements so complicated that geniuses become confused. Other strenuous courses include World History with all its reading and the world of x, functions, and equations also known as Algebra II. While teaching styles and the material covered in class vary from teacher to teacher and year-to-year, it is always important to ask questions, and get extra help if you need it. As far as college counseling and standardized testing go, sophomore year is the beginning of a long and grueling process.

All students take the PSAT in October, but there is no need to worry, as scores have no significance at all. Colleges do not see them, and their only purpose is to introduce students to the format and types of questions used on the real SAT. While some ambitious students opt to study, I advise you all not to. You have too much else going on right now in your high school career to have time to memorize definitions that most likely won’t be on the test at all, and will be long forgotten once your SAT scores truly matter.

As far as activities and teams are concerned, sophomore year is a great time to get involved. Join clubs and organizations that you are interested in, as they are not only fun, but also add to your resume. Moreover, getting all, or nearly all, of your required eighty hours of community service done during this year would benefit you greatly.

For during junior year and most of senior year, chances are you won’t have time, and who wants to be stuck doing service work second semester of senior year while all your friends are having fun?

Lastly, for the lucky sophomores with early birthdays, I would recommend getting your license as soon as possible. For while you cannot drive to school, it’s very helpful to be done with it before the hellish junior year begins. Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy your high school experience while you can!

Junior year is infamous for being the most difficult year in high school. No doubt, there is definitely some truth to that reputation. Classes are tougher and teachers expect a lot more, which makes for a pretty killer workload. But the hardest part about junior year is the testing crunch in the spring.

Between SATs, ACTs, SAT Subject Tests, and maybe even some APs, junior year can get pretty stressful—especially when these tests take up weekend after weekend between March and June. The best way to handle all these tests and keep your stress level as low as possible is to start making a schedule of when you can take all these tests.

If you’re going to do any SAT or ACT prep, either with a tutor or on your own, start now. The earlier you start prep, the more comfortable you will be with the test by the time you’re ready to take it. Probably the earliest you’re going to want to think about taking either the SATs or ACTs is December or January. This may sound pretty early, but believe me, you will want to start getting some of your tests over with as soon as possible.

Plus, with Score Choice now, you can take the standardized tests as many times as you want and only send colleges your best scores. (Note- Some colleges still require all scores, so talk to your college counselor if you want to use Score Choice.)

Talking to your college counselors is important. Even though you haven’t been officially assigned to a specific counselor yet, start talking to both Ms. Bell and Mr. Smitobol about any questions or concerns you may have about college.

At the end of the year, you’re going to want to ask two of your current teachers for recommendations for college. Not only getting good grades, but also getting to know your teacher is important to get a good recommendation.

Now between standardized tests, getting good grades, and starting the college process, junior year probably doesn’t sound like a lot of fun.

Believe it or not, even though it is a really hard year, it’s also really fun. Plan your year in advance so you don’t have to stress come springtime. And remember, if you start feeling overwhelmed talk to a current senior…somehow we all got through last year, and you will too!

Caroline McCown Current Sophomore

Elina Berglund Current Junior

Alexandra Jaffe Current Senior

October 2009

JUST FOR FUN

7

Teacher Anagrams A Bobble Chin 1. _____________________ A Tomb Tonsil 2. _____________________ Angle Eerie En 3. _____________________ Karma Hutch 4. _____________________ Chard Finger 5. _____________________ A Clad Azure Vial 6. _____________________ Tenth Simile 7. _____________________ Carbuncle Rim 8. _____________________ Larva Bests Fetch 9. _____________________

Mad Lib: An Average Day in the St. Luke’s Upper School

Rad As Nouns 10. _____________________ Answers Crossword:

ACROSS: 1. SAT 4. meditation 7. great 8. popcorn 9. gnome 10. ace 11. skittles 12. CLAB 13. pokemon DOWN: 1. Shakespeare 2. service 3. homework 5. crackerjacks 6. pendulum 14. empire

Anagrams:

1. Bob Leinbach 2. Nat Smitobol 3. Elaine Greene 4. Mark Chuhta 5. Richard Feng 6. Claudia Alvarez 7. Tim Helstein 8. Brian McClure 9. Steve Flachsbart 10. Susan Doran

8

SPORTS

Fall Sports Previews

Girls’ Soccer Kevin Young Sports Writer

Boys’ Soccer Henry Clayton Sports Writer

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team has gotten And so it continues… The success of the St. off to a very strong start to the 2009 season. Led by Luke’s Boys’ Soccer program in recent years has captains Carla Nicasio (’10) and shown no signs of fading. The loss of key seChandler Rae (’10) they’ve mannior players such as Andrew Clark, Chase aged to start with a record of 2-2 Begor, and Matt Connors does not seem with two tough losses against two to be much of a problem for the team this of the strongest teams they’ll play year. The 2009 squad possesses an inspirall year, Greenwich Academy and ing amount of athleticism and energy, with Loomis Chaffee. They’ve worked which they will look to physically outlast really hard over the course of preCourtesy of Amanda Ackerman their opponents. This year, the team will season to not only work on their Boys’ soccer during a game. find no shortage of leadership in senior capstamina in the grueling sessions tains Kevin Mahoney and Kofi Agyapong. with Mr. Brittenham but also to build a solid and Kofi, who was named FAA All League in promising team chemistry.

2008 and CSCA All State in 2007, is confident in “We have a very versatile team. A lot of his teammates that they have what it takes to do girls can play in many different positions so we are big things this year. Said the Wake Forest bound able to change our formation to keep our attack senior of his teammates, “I consider everyone a risand defense strong,” said Carla Nicasio. Girls’ ing star; we work as a team and we’ll develop as a Varsity Soccer has had several strong seasons in team.” This mentality has led the crusaders to a the past few years and they look to carry that suc- commanding 4-0 victory over Hamden Hall in the cess on into this coming season. home opener last Tuesday. Likewise, co-captain “We are a whole new team but we have Kevin Mahoney has expressed high expectations new strengths in our team where there might not going into the season. Shortly after last Tuesday’s have been last year... I could see us going as far as victory, the senior defender remarked, “We set the we have before, we are looking better every game bar high and are looking to be the best team we and we are proving we can stay in it with some of can be.” the top teams,” said Carla Nicasio. Good luck to the girls in their 2009 soccer season!

Field Hockey Ryan Giggi Sports Writer

Things are fresh and new in the world of Field Hockey. Coming off of a first week victory versus the evil empire King, spirits are high for our budding Varsity Field Hockey team. “We are growing every day into a better and better team,” said captain Leah Risom, one of the three senior captains (along with Ellie Werner and Timber Pech), who have been chosen to lead this team into battle.

Other important players for this team include senior Catherine “KSimms” Simonson, juniors Rikki Conte, Caroline Price, and Katie Sullivan, and sophomore Charlotte Bergmann, each of whom are accomplished players in their own right and have contributed much to the team already.

The overall youth of the team bodes very well for the future—the team’s strong veteran leadership encourages optimism and confidence in this year’s team, but the team’s small amount of seniors has allowed the team to take on a lot of young talent that will gain valuable experience this year for the seasons ahead, and to improve a ton under the tutelage of Head Coach Mrs. Demarco Courtesy of Whipple Hill and the strong and Captain Ellie Werner during practice. knowledgeable upperclassmen.

The varsity Field Hockey team has consistently been a highlight in the St. Luke’s athletic department given its tradition of competing hard and winning, especially during the Demarco era, and that success is seemingly going to be the fate for our Field Hockey team in the years to come: strong veteran leadership supported by an influx if young talent is always a recipe for success, and that is just what we have.

Football Nick O’Meara Sports Writer

Though it may be too early to tell, the St. Luke’s football team’s new style and attitude appear promising. Hats off to Head Coach Brown and all others involved with the team, for they have done a phenomenal job during the off-season by getting the team ready for a stellar year. In addition to Brown’s energetic leadership, the team has been greatly aided by the arrival of legendary coach Jerry McDougall, who has seemingly lit a spark under the entire team. Practices are productive, plays and formations are effective, and game preparation has proven successful.

Aside from well-rounded coaching, the most important factor to the team’s success moving forward is the attitude of the playCourtesy of Amanda Ackerman ers involved, particularly the leaders of SLS football team during practice. the team, those being the seniors and captains. I’ve never witnessed a team with so much unity amongst each other, pride in their school, and dedication to achieving their goal, perfection. Senior Captain and Quarterback Andrew Bradley spoke of the cohesion of this year’s team: “Since day one of preseason our team has had a sense of unity. It’s almost like a newfound brotherhood.”

This brotherhood was put to the test in last week’s home opener against Riverdale. With a convincing 33 to 7 victory, the team has others believing that this could be the year. Their next game is this Saturday against Hopkins, which should be a test for the team. Luke’s is looking for revenge, and with this year’s explosive offense and impenetrable defense the St. Luke’s Football team looks to enter into a new era of football excellence.

Editor’s Note: The game against Hopkins drew a big crowd of Luke’s supporters, but after a close game Hopkins edged St. Luke’s out 33 to 14.

October 2009

Discovering UFC Doug Walker Sports Editor

A little over a month ago I stayed in Richmond, VA for the weekend. I was touring the University of Richmond and visiting some friends I had met over the summer, but what I found was far more valuable than friendship or what my first-choice college could offer: a supremely entertaining five hour sports extravaganza.

Strolling into the quaint home of a Southern gentleman (a friend of mine, not just any random guy) I expected to hear banjo playing accompanied by some whiny singing. Instead, I got the Ultimate Fighting Championship: blood and flying fists on the television – awesome. What is UFC, you ask? UFC is a show that has fighters go head to head using mix-martial arts, and is restrained by only limited rules. A surprising substitution, but I would take it.

The first fight I caught mid-way. Fan-favorite Randy Couture, or “Captain America,” had everyone oohing and ahhing as he strode up to the ring. A fighter hailing from Vegas no older than my fearless dux, Mr. Flachsbart, who (surprise to me) unlike the fighter is not well-versed in boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling, Couture hoisted himself into the eight-sided cage trademarked “The Octagon.” Across the cage, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter hopped around getting himself pumped up. The ref who stood in the middle called the two fighters together who perfunctorily shook hands with the same nature that you might see from two kids who are forced to shake hands by their moms . The fight began. Blood flew across – grips and grapples galore. At one point Nogueira managed to put fan favorite Couture into a head lock for what seemed like forever. “Something bad is bound to happen,” I thought to myself.

I was relatively sure getting choked was not the best thing for you. I found myself admiring the tenacity of Couture, who had been in the headlock for 30 seconds. Apparently Couture had never lost a match through submission. I was worried and enthused at the same time, completely caught up in the fight.

Miraculously, Couture managed to get himself out of the bind, but it wasn’t long until the fighter was back in the grip of the mighty Nogueira. I had been rooting for Couture but after the announcers told the story of how Nogueira had managed to survive being run over by a truck at age five, I was on Nogueira’s side. It was way more entertaining than any baseball game I had seen all summer.

I later did some research on UFC and learned that it faced some harsh criticism only 10 years ago from Senator McCain, who called it “human cockfighting.” I was also revolted by a video of the UFC’s President, Dana White, ripping on a reporter using as may slurs as one can imagine, but still, I knew I loved watching the fight.

I was confused. Should I be able to enjoy the entertainment regardless of the context or should I just stick to watching football? Is UFC another degenerative form of entertainment that the nasty people in television are throwing at consumers or is it good fun? I may never know, but I surely enjoyed watching that fight. Oh, and by the way, in case you were wondering, Nogueira won. Did I catch you curious?