News
Editorial
Lanyards: one year later
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Feature
Sophmore declassified: school survival guide
The Chief: a symbol of pride or offensive image?
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The
Massapequa High School 4925 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758 mhsthechief@gmail.com
Sports Fall athletes share goals for season
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Chief
Vol. 64 – No. 1
September 10, 2015 www.thechiefonline.com
Massapequa High School’s Chief Source of News
Changes to AP United States History course raises questions BY KAITLYN LUCEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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KALLEIGH REGAN // THE CHIEF
Following a year of widespread criticism of the 20142015 course changes, the College Board has once again altered the framework of the Advanced Placement United States History curriculum and exam. In the Fall of 2014, the College Board introduced a new format of the AP United States History exam; this new format included changes such as increased emphasis on document analysis, four multiple choice answers instead of the previous exam’s five, and, according to some, anti-American sentiments. Critics of the 2014 framework certainly made their distaste known. Last August, the Republican National Committee stated in a resolution that the framework “...reflects a radically revisionist view of American history that emphasizes negative aspects of our nation’s history while omitting or minimizing positive aspects.” Other critics, mainly conservative, claimed that the College Board’s attempts to globalize the course in an increasingly diversified classroom arena resulted in a biased and overly politicized curriculum, whereby significant American figures and battles, among other facts, were omitted. These critics claimed that American successes were marginalized through cynical and unpatriotic language. Perhaps it was this criticism that brought about this year’s changes to the official framework of APUSH (AP United States History). Within the revamped guidelines of the course, American innovations and exceptionalism are emphasized— the College Board’s motive to please these critics is seemingly overt and stressed. “This edition is based on feedback gathered over the last year,” according to a statement released by the College Board on their website. “...
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Hitting The Books | APUSH curriculum experiences changes, leaving some unsure. and includes improvements to the language and structure of the course.” The fact that the College Board found it necessary to revise the course raises some questions on how effective Massapequa High School was over the past year in teaching the course. In other words, does Massapequa High School present accurate historical information without bias? At MHS, both AP and Regents United States History is offered as a one year course, a potentially detrimental quality to students preparing to taking the AP test in May and the Regents examination in June. In contrast, nearby New Jersey mandates that United States History should be taught over two years. By only teaching the course over students’ junior year, MHS runs the risk of having to cram information before end-of-year exams, in addition to skipping over less tested information. “I feel like the amount of history is too much to cover in a year.,” senior Alex Turco
said. “I feel that the AP [exam] is very specific on what they focus on, and my teacher did a good job covering the material, but when it came down to it modern materials… We flew by.” Others agreed that only teaching United States History as a one year course hinders students’ ability to learn the material in the best way possible, and feel that it would serve the district well to change how the course is taught. “I would love to see AP US History become a two year course. The exhaustive nature of the curriculum makes it exceptionally difficult to completely prepare students for a test in early May,” MHS APUSH teacher Mr. Timothy Thieke said. “Two years would give us more than enough time to go into more depth and thoughtful analysis of the major events of American history.” The 2015 rewrite of the framework sought to alleviate last year’s accusations of liberal bias on the national level. If these claims are true,
did Massapequa High School overly politicize United States History by teaching with partisan sources? Some students used Howard Zinn’s illustrated A People’s History of the United States in their Advanced Placement United States History classes. As a Marxist, Zinn held many anti-capitalist sentiments and frequently criticized conservative actions. Does using his book in a classroom setting present bias, therefore clouding students’ ability to learn history in a strictly factual fashion? “....Hiding the truth and altering history class to fit misconstrued ideals is not only unjust, but also effective in shaping a misinformed student body,” senior John Merz said. “[but] in the case of Zinn, his unique view provided a perspective that had not yet been talked about, and provided a more intelligent and interesting conversation.” Others disagreed. “I think that the book was definitely biased, but [my United States
2015 Changes to AP United States History:
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American national identity and unity American ideals of liberty, citizenship, and self-governance, and how those ideals play out in U.S. history American founding political leaders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin Founding Documents – including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers – as reflected in a new recommended focus section Productive role of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation in shaping U.S. history U.S. role in the victories of WWI and WWII, particularly the contributions and sacrifices of American servicemen and women in those wars U.S. leadership in ending the Cold War
History teacher] did a good job of filling in the gaps,” MHS senior Tanner Knabe said. Even so, is objectivity possible? “The use of educational resources with a political bias can affect historical objectivity in the classroom. This is why it is important for teachers to discuss historical point of view and to vary their use of sources as well as keeping an open forum for competing ideas,” Mr. Thieke added. “However, as teachers, it is important to remember that we are biased not just by what we teach, but what we do not teach.” What can Massapequa High School students taking AP United States History expect for the upcoming school year? Although it is unclear how significant the revisions made by the College Board to the APUSH Framework will be in an actual classroom setting, it is possible that students will be privy to a subtle change in language, wherein patriotic themes could be emphasized. Teachers may spend more time on battles and wars. “These changes will not necessarily impact the AP U.S. History teachers at Massapequa High School who have, and will continue to, present historical events and the individuals responsible for those historical events in a considerate and balanced manner,” Social Studies Curriculum Associate for Massapequa Mr. Brian Trapani said. “We will continue to provide sources that encourage students to think critically about historical events, the author’s representation of the historical events, and develop their own conclusions.” Ultimately, students may not notice any change at all, as the course Framework does not accurately reflect each and every school’s curriculum. What is clear is that the status of American education is being closely watched on the national and federal level.
THE CHIEF 2 NEWS Mr. McCaw soars into his new postition as Executive Assistant
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
BY DANIELLE ANZELONE STAFF WRITER
There’s a new sheriff in town… well, executive sheriff. With a new year comes new people— this school year brings Mr. Jordan McCaw into the General Office. Although Mr. McCaw has been working at the Main Campus for almost ten years in various
departments, his new position as Executive Assistant to the Principal will ensure that everyone at MHS knows him. Since 2003, Mr. McCaw has been working within the Massapequa School district in all different types of positions. Between 2003 and 2012, he worked in the English department, teaching high school
students at both the Ames Campus and the Main Campus. In 2012, he became the supervisor of secondary education and was responsible for all students with special needs. He worked with teachers in a program within the special education department called the “The Life Skills Program,”
KALLEIGH REGAN // THE CHIEF
New Sheriff In Town| Mr. McCaw is the new Executive Assistant to the principal.
which he also supervised. As for his new job, he must supervise the instructional program in the building, support the district mission, and create a safe place for students to learn and explore. He is also the one who is responsible for creating schedules for the entire building, including students, and must move schedules around to fit the needs of students and staff. During his college years, Mr. McCaw’s sophomore English professor encouraged him to think in a different light and completely shifted his perspective on English and literature. From then on, he wanted to change the lives of his students the way that his professor changed his life. As a result, Mr. McCaw was encouraged to pursue a career as an educator. Mr. McCaw is not worried about his new responsibilities. Instead, he is truly is excited and hopeful. His past assignments consisted of supervising small, secluded programs; however, now he overlooks so much more and he will be able to oversee many new courses and meet new people that he would not have seen or met before this point. Although he loved what he did and who he worked with in his past positions, Mr. McCaw is very enthusiastic about changing things up.
“I understand that that this role is going to be challenging, but I am looking forward to embrace that challenge,” Mr. McCaw said. The new Executive Assistant has quite a few goals set for this upcoming school year and he is eager to achieve them. “I hope to continue to support an incredible group of educators so that they could continue to bring enthusiasm and opportunity to the classroom so students could be challenged and supported,” Mr. McCaw said. He also wishes to introduce new and different coursework into the classroom, prepare students to compete for opportunities beyond high school, and give students the most meaningful experience they could get out of high school. As far as opinions on our current state of education, Mr. McCaw believes that “all students should be pushed to meet their potential and supported while doing so.” Although he seems to be excited about his new job, he really does miss being a teacher. “There is absolutely nothing in this world better than being in a class with a group of students,” Mr. McCaw said, “where you feel like the work you are doing is positively affecting their lives.”
Welcome Mr. Trapani, Social Studies Curriculum Associate BY ALEXANDRA DOULOS COPY EDITOR
Despite working in a variety of settings, Mr. Trapani is not new to the Massapequa community as he has lived here for many years. He is eager and enthusiastic to be “a positive contributor to the success of a community that per-
sonally holds a special place with [him].” At Massapequa High School, Mr. Trapani hopes “to challenge the students of Massapequa High School to achieve to a level that fulfills their capacity to learn” and “be
a positive contributor to the Massapequa High School administrative team as we build upon the recognition of Massapequa High School being one of the best high schools in New York State.”
JACKIE ANGELO // THE CHIEF
The Massapequa community welcomes Mr. Brian Trapani as he prepares to assume the responsibilities of K-12 Curriculum Associate for Social Studies for the 2015-2016 academic year. Mr. Trapani has previously “worked with at risk juveniles as a member of the American Red Cross staff.” Additionally, he “spent some time as a counselor and case manager assigned to adults coping with mental illness.” Mr. Trapani began his career as an educator teaching Global History and United States History in Evander Childs High School in the Bronx, and later became the Coordinator for Social Studies Grades 6-12 in the Commack School District. Mr. Trapani decided to become a social studies teacher because he “felt that being able to teach history was an opportunity to teach the most interesting subject there is.” To him, “teaching history means we get to discuss
the documented history of all human interaction, creation, problem solving, and attempted problem solving.” “As a counselor, case manager, teacher and administrator the greatest skill I learned was how to develop mentoring relationships with other individuals (students and adults),” shared Mr. Trapani. He recognizes that “to challenge individuals to achieve their capacity for success by recognizing the level of success an individual has achieved, then have the ability to support them at that level to help him/her grow” will help him in his new position. Mr. Trapani enjoys teaching because it affords him the “opportunity to share [his] enthusiasm and passion for a certain subject with students every day. Teaching means we have an opportunity to prepare students to be positive contributors to the society left in their hands, in the not so distant future. It doesn’t get better, or in my opinion, more important than that.”
New Kid On The Block | Mr. Brian Trapani is the new Curriculum Associate for Social Studies.
THE CHIEF NEWS You’re... elected? Explaining the Donald Trump phenomenon
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
BY DAVE MARQUES
Presidental Apprentice | Former reality star runs for president. Megyn Kelly. issue in the 2016 election, and This raises the question: many voters are turning away what explains Trump’s ap- from “status-quo” candidates peal? such as Hillary Clinton and “Voters will find his frank Jeb Bush and looking towards remarks a refreshing change grassroots-oriented, populist from the carefully crafted candidates. sound bites offered by his ReBernie Sanders is the publican challengers,” said Democratic populist candiMrs. Suzanne Borger, an AP date, who favors a ScandinaUS Government teacher at vian-influenced, democratic MHS. “Voters also seem to socialist reform platform to admire his confidence and his tackle income inequality, and financial success. It remains to currently has a 7 percent lead be seen if these qualities will over Hillary Clinton in New lead to a victory in November Hampshire (according to PPP 2016.” poll). While both candidates Trump’s campaign is es- seek to garner the support of sentially populist, focusing the working class, Sanders primarily on the vote of the favors domestic reforms (tax conservative working class, reform, single-payer healthmany of whom have felt the care, regulation of Wall Street) brunt of American trade pol- whereas Trump’s reforms are icies favoring outsourcing outward-looking, focusing and lower wages. Income in- on external sources for a perequality has been a pressing ceived loss of national pride.
Trump has successfully appealed to nationalist and nativist sentiment (his campaign slogan promises to “Make America Great Again”), directing his message towards a segment of the population disgruntled by job competition from immigrants and foreign companies, especially Chinese. “America is a brand and the brand has been hurting a very long time, and it takes somebody like Trump to bring that brand back,” said a supporter at a focus group conducted by pollster Frank Luntz. Another element distinguishing Trump from “establishment” candidates is his trademark candor, familiar from his days on “The Apprentice”. “Am I going to vote for him? Probably not,” said MHS senior Brian Smith. “But I do respect his honesty.” Supporters interpret his brash, unrehearsed interactions with the media as subversion of its influence over politics, contrasting them favorably with the scripted statements of other candidates. One participant in the Luntz focus group described the media as, “de facto the power behind the throne in this country”, and praised Trump’s willingness to confront mainstream news organizations. “Every time the media
thinks it’s got a ‘gotcha’, he turns it around on them,” said another participant. Despite the promising polling data, it is still too early to know whether Trump will make it past the primaries. Opponents cite his unpopularity with minority voters, lack of political experience, impractical policies (such as forcing Mexico to pay for a gigantic wall along the southern border), and his lack of support from Fox News and the Republican party as possible reasons that his campaign will flounder. This last point is especially important, as Jeb Bush and other notable Republicans point to his previously liberal positions on various issues in attempts to undermine his conservative appeal. The latest Iowa caucus data provides further evidence that Trump’s campaign may lose steam. Unlike in the New Hampshire polls, Trump only leads by a slim margin. Neurosurgeon Ben Carson comes in close second, behind by only 5 percent, and with the highest favorability rating (79%) of any GOP candidate he may overtake Trump. What is certain, though, is that Trump’s boisterous antics will continue to dominate the airwaves for the time being.
ever, it seemed as though the administration wasted no time in punishing students who forgot their lanyard at home or not wearing it at all times. Many students had a distinctly negative reaction to the administration’s undertaking of creating an effective safety policy. While perhaps no one questioned prioritizing safety, the policy stressed out some students and angered some because of its disciplinary repercussions. “It’s not that it was stressful persay, but it definitely made me somewhat paranoid because I was more concentrated on who would see me if I didn’t have my lanyard on and get me in trouble rather than relaxing during the breaks between classes,” senior Giorgia Piantanida said. Despite varying student feelings towards the policy, lanyards were undoubtedly successful in quickly identifying who— and on the flipside, who wasn’t ——a student of Massapequa High School. One incident, which included trespassing on the premises,
If students could enter through a building without a lanyard, couldn’t anyone, hypothetically? Through word of mouth, students were able to skirt around the system— without the administration knowing. Evidently, the safety policy had flaws, but this was to be expected in its inaugural year. What is important is that the lanyards were an added measure to keep students safe. If keeping students safe required a stricter disciplinary code, then so be it. Safety is a privilege, and not a guarantee— ultimately, the lanyard policy is deserving of respect from students and staff alike. What can students expect for the upcoming school year? MHS students can anticipate that the lanyard policy will stay, albeit with a few alterations. According to the letter from Dr. Williams, enclosed with students’ schedules, “On the first day of school, we will issue student ID cards and lanyards, which students will be required to wear as they enter
and exit the building throughout the day and when they attend MHS events.” In fact, the identification number feature of the ID cards will be in use this year— a step up from last year, where lanyards were only used as a quick visual to identify Massapequa High School students. “Students will be required to show and/or scan their IDs in a number of different places in the building,” Dr. Williams said. Although it is unclear now how the student body will feel about the lanyard policy over the next school year, what is clear is that the highs and lows of last year have been taken into consideration by school administrators to make this year the most successful yet. “Safety and security are always top priorities for us.” Dr. Williams said. “...We will continue to examine our protocols and enhance the security measures we have in place in order to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff.”
COPY EDITOR
MICHAEL TERCHA // MCT CAMPUS
Donald Trump is once again on our television screens, but this time in a radically (some might add bizarre) new context: as Republican frontrunner in the 2016 presidential election. Once written off as a publicity stunt, Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency has shattered expectations. Trump currently leads the pack of Republican candidates in New Hampshire according to Public Policy Polling and Monmouth University. At 35% in the PPP poll to just 11% for John Kasich, his closest competitor in the state, Trump has left more “mainstream” candidates trailing far behind. At the same time, however, the real estate magnate and television icon’s campaign has been a magnet for controversy from the start. His comments equating Mexican immigrants with rapists and drug runners, his austere immigration policy entailing the deportation of eleven million undocumented immigrants, and recent confrontation with Univision reporter Jorge Ramos have alienated the majority of Hispanic and Latino voters. Even Fox News, a network frequently described as a political entity due to its influence on Republican politics, has fallen out with Trump following a feud with GOP Debate moderator
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Lanyards: revisiting MHS safety policy one year later BY KAITLYN LUCEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Has Massapequa High School’s security policy, amended for the 2014-2015 school year to include the infamous lanyard policy, delivered on its promise of keeping students safe? During the 2014-2015 school year, students of were surprised to learn of the new safety policy that required each student to wear bright yellow that held student identification cards. Although this code was mentioned briefly in a letter mailed home by Dr. Williams during the summer, many did not know about the policy until the first day of school. The change came about with the intent of ensuring student safety while keeping MHS’ open campus policy, where students can leave the campus during scheduled lunch and out periods. “We know this may be a difficult change, so we will give students time to get acclimated,” Dr. Williams said last year of the new policy. How-
was quickly taken care of by school security; it is certainly possible that the bright yellow lanyards played an important role in identifying that the trespasser was not a student. Perhaps strictness was necessary, in the beginning of the year, to encourage students to take the policy seriously. However, the anxiety that stemmed from not wanting any disciplinary action taken against them for an honest mistake led to some students taking rash actions. For example, one student at MHS, after realizing that they forgot their lanyard at home after stepping off the school bus, decided to take advantage of a possible weakness in the system. “I knew that the entrance in the center lobby always had [administration] waiting to catch you without your lanyard, and I didn’t want supervised [lunch]. Someone told me that another door never checked if you had it or not, so I walked in that way to avoid the main area where they check lanyards. It worked,” the anonymous student said.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
ADVERTISMENT
THE CHIEF
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FEATURE
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
THE CHIEF
Sophomores Declassified: Back to School Survival Guide
By Jackie Angelo, Tim Keuchler, and Jennie Toutoulis
Tip #1:
Don’t be afraid to make friends with upperclassmen. At first they might look intimidating, but chances are they are not going to bully you and take your lunch money like in the movies, because they are there for the same reason you are — to get an education.
Tip #2:
Always do your homework. Although it might seem cliché, it is senseless to lose points on your final average for something that could be finished within minutes.
Tip #3:
Be nice to all your teachers because they are here to help you—it is one thing to be the class clown but it’s another to be flat out disrespectful. Additionally, you will eventually have to ask two of your teachers for recommendation letters for college; be the type of student that they would be glad to write about.
Tip #4:
Have your own school supplies. Nothing is more irritating than the kid who always needs to borrow a piece of looseleaf paper or a pencil.
Tip #5:
Never wait to do an assignment the night before it is due. Hey, we have all been there, but the feeling of realizing you have no idea how to login to turnitin.com or write a works cited is one of the absolute worst.
Tip #6
Join a club. Being around people who have similar interests as you is a quick and easy way to make friends and get involved. Even if you do not know how to speak Italian or knit, you may surprise yourself if you try it out.
Tip #7
It is pointless to worry about popularity. Later on in life, it will hardly matter who dated who, or who went to what parties in high school. Just be yourself.
Tip #8
Go to school events. Teenage years are the time to make memories and school is the perfect place to start. High school is a place to make memories, and school is the perfect place to start.
Tip #9
Start studying for tests early. You may think you understand everything in class, but your teacher will not be there with you when you’re cramming the night before.
Tip #10
Cherish moments in these next couple of years as much as possible. Before you know it, your high school career will be over.
Tip #11
Take a lot of pictures. Whether you are at a school event, or just hanging out with your friends, taking pictures is a great way to document your teenage years. Having pictures will allow you to look back years from now and remember what you were like as a teenager.
Tip #12
Get used to square dancing. If you love square dancing, lucky for you! You will have to do it for the rest of your time in high school. However, for the rest of the people that hate it, learn to have fun with it. Everyone has to dance, so make the most of it. Go to “Shindig in the Barn” and make the best of the activity!
Tip #13
Put down the phone. Sure, when you enter MHS, it is nearly impossible not to see people staring at their phones in the hallway. However, using your phone could also cause you miss out on making great memories, meeting new people, and could also lead to trips and slips.
Tip #14
Walk in the hallway. Nothing is worse than a person who stops to talk to their friend in the middle of the hallway. It causes unneeded traffic, and it could cause kids to walk in late to class. If you want to talk to your friend, go to the side and let kids in the hallway pass you by.
Tip #15
Make smart choices. Whether it’s health-wise or friend-wise, always listen to the little voice inside your head that tells you if something does not feel right. Being a teenager is a time to make mistakes and learn from them, but also listen to yourself rather than other people.
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THE CHIEF
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
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Hungry? The best plac $
The Cyber Cafe
ld cuts Top Pick: Boar’s Head co or The Good: Inside MHS so there is no rush . long walk in harsh weather conditions area. Variety of meal options. Large seating The Bad: Most students would rather age of enjoy their free period to take advant cy. poli Massapequa’s unique “Open Campus”
$-$$ Town Bagel
Top Pick: Egg bagel with but ter, iced coffee
The Good: Experienced shop specializing in bagels, sandwich es, and wraps. The Bad: Seating is cramped, especially on rainy or cold days.
$-$$
$-$$ Potstickers
Top Pick: Chicken Lo Mein The Good: The food is fresh and offers a healthy option to traditional Chinese takeout. The Bad: Students who do not anticipate being first in line might cut it close getting back to class due to the long wait time. However, there is an “order online” option, so students have the ability to place their order ahead of time and pick it up during their lunch
Zona
Pequa Panini Top Pick: The a specialty at Zon a e ar is in an p llings. The Good: The ve variety of fi si n te ex an r fe mind that and they of ave to keep in h ts en d tu S : d The Bad their order an g n ki ta e ar rs ey because waite the kitchen, th om fr em th od to service. bringing the fo them for their p ti to ed ir qu are re
$
$
Fredo’s
e icilian slic S : k ic P p To true of pizza. A y t ie r a v t : Excellen s The Good ia r izze . with a les p le d b n a il la a Is v Long ating a imited se L : ostini. d a B e Th t than Cr n e m n o ir nv inviting e
Bagel Cafe
Salad on a roll Top Pick: Egg and le sandwiches ab iz om st u C : d The Goo Fast service. MHS than chopped salads. er away from h rt fu ch u M : The Bad . or, Town Bagel it et p m co n ai its m
THE CHIEF
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
ces to eat around MHS $
$
i n i t s o r C
izza hicken P C lo a f f : Bu nd Top Pick iendly a r f s y a r lw taff is a drink fo s a e h d T n a : d slice The Goo regular a y u b ents you can ble, stud a t a t e to g $4. ush. at the r In order e : b d a o t B k e Th quic et there g ld u o h s
Taco Joes
Top Pick: Kids Burr ito The Good : The kids meals are included in a great op each are a tion: n entree, a beverag tor tilla ch e, and a fr ips, ozen yogu The Bad: r t. Definitely not walkin MHS. In o g distance rder to ge from t there in t a car or a ime you n bike. No s eed tudent sp ecials.
$-$$
$-$$
Starbucks
Zim Zari
Top Pick: Vanilla Latte, Green Tea Frappuccino
Top Pick: Cheese Quesadilla
The Good: A “Southern California” style restaurant serving “Surf and Turf” with a Mexican twist. Student specials. The Bad: Opens at 11:30, so students who have 4th or 5th period lunch are not able to eat here.
The Good: Variety of delicious coffee and tea drinks. Relaxed atmosphere. The Bad: More expensive than its main competitor, Dunkin Donuts. Not many food options. 5 minute drive from MHS. Wait time varies, but is usually around 3-5 minutes.
$$
Sal’s Meat Market
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Top Pick: French Va nilla Swir l Iced Coff The Good ee : There ar e a and other variety of beverages, coffees, te as, along with breakfast foods. Quic bakery an d k ser vice. The Bad: Store clos est to MH slightly hig S tends to her prices have compared locations. to other Often a lo ng line in before sch the morn ool. ing
KALLEIGH REGAN // THE CHIEF
Top Pick: Fried eggp lant, tomato, and mozzarella sandwich The Good: Fresh, m ade-as-you-wait sa ndwiches and a well stocked deli counter. The Bad: Sal’s is dr iving distance away , so make sure you have a ride to make it there an d back in time for next pe riod. No seating avai lable. In addition, the wait can be lengthy so it’ s best to call in your order in advance.
Dunkin’ Donuts
$
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kaitlyn Lucey MANAGING EDITORS Tim Keuchler Kalleigh Regan COPY EDITORS Alexandra Doulos Dave Marques Jackie Angelo
ADVISOR Elyn Coyle Massapequa High School 4925 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758
Editorial Policy
The Chief, the student newspaper of Massapequa High School, is an open forum to discuss the student body’s issues and concerns. Members of The Chief will make every effort to publish following the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and invasion of privacy. Consistent with the first amendment of the United States Constitution, the staff also will refrain from printing material that may incite students, be a violation of MHS’ Student Code of Conduct or disrupt school operations. The editorial board of The Chief welcomes and encourages submitted letters, stories, cartoons and any other feedback to the editor. Please send all submissions to mhsthechief@gmail.com. Letters sent by email may need to be verified by student signature before publishing. • Although anonymous letters to the editor are not printed, names will be held upon request. The Chief has the right to deny publication of any editorial, column, review or comment. • Grammatical and/or spelling corrections will be made; however, the content will not be altered. • Corrections will be printed when mistakes are found or brought to the attention of the staff. • Original stories will carry bylines, although stories rewritten by someone other than the original author will not receive a byline. Contributing writers will be listed at the end of an article. All bylined writers will be held accountable for their work. • All columns, reviews or commentary are strictly the opinion of the writer and may not represent opinions held by the school board, administration, sponsors, parents, student body or advertisers. However, all editorials reflect the viewpoint of The Chief editorial board. Distribution: 1,700 copies 1,859 students, 194 teachers All papers are free
The iconic symbol of Massapequa, The Chief, has come under fire and sparked fierce debate as to whether or not the commanding emblem is derogatory towards the Native American population of the country and local area. Mascot controversy has been enraging various groups and tribes as both sports teams and schools use the images of Native Americans as marketing and spirit-rallying images. The town of Massapequa derives its name from the Native Americans who once lived in the area. Prior to European settlement, Long Island was divided into thirteen tribal territories. Those who lived in the region from Seaford to the west, Islip to the east, Huntington to the north, and the Great South Bay to the south were known as the Massapequa tribe, also known as the Marsapequa or Marsapeagues. According to An Illustrated History of Massapequa, in 1935, excavation efforts in what is now Harbour Green, unearthed fourteen skeletons of Native Americans, well preserved due to the South Shore’s sandy soil. Additional Native American relics were found under the Massapequa Lake, 0.8 miles away from MHS. These findings point to the once large population of Native Americans in the area. As the saying goes, “Once a Chief, Always a Chief.” Across Long Island, each tribal territory, or “chieftaincy,” was led by a chief who presided over the territory. Thus, “The Chief” is meant to pay tribute to the once powerful leaders of Long Island, and came from a state of respect, not reproach. Thus, the mascot is a celebratory symbol of the first inhabitants of Massapequa, and represents their valiant achievements rather than their eventual decline. Massapequa was once led by a chief who stood up for his people, even in the most despairing of situations: Tackapausha, also known as Takapoosha. Although the Native Americans were ill-fated — as they were no match for the settlers’ weapons, as well as the diseases that they brought — Tackapausha bought the Native Americans of Massapequas more time. He, along with
Once a Chief Always a Chief | The Chief is a local symbol of pride in the town of Massapequa.
another chief, “Will Chippy,” skillfully transferred pockets of his tribe’s land over a period of time. “There is something heroic in this Chief of the Massapeques. Clothed in furs, disdaining gew-gaws, and tempting finery offered by the whites, standing as a barrier against their encroachments,” early settler Daniel Denton wrote about Tackapausha in 1670, according to the Massapequa Historical Society. “And, as far as he could, holding his possessions intact until death took him to The Happy Hunting Ground.” The culture of the Massapequa community, especially in terms of athletic achievement, is greatly impacted and aided through the use of a symbol that portrays strength, valor, and tenacity. These values were once exercised by the earliest leaders of the area, and are cherished today by current residents of Massapequa. “The Chief” mascot is a manifestation of the respect earned and deserved by chiefs such as Tackapausha, and is a celebration of the area’s rich history. Perhaps Massapequa’s sports standings would not be the same without the unifying symbol that is “The Chief” mascot. Recently, professional sports teams, namely the Washington Redskins, have faced criticism for choosing to keep their logos in the wake of activist opposition. The professional football team came under fire for having an offensive, racist name. In an interview with CNN, Suzan Harjo, a Native American activist who strives to ensure that Native Americans are treated with the dignity they deserve,
emphasized “the R-word — she can’t even bring herself to say it—is the same as the N-word.” Harjo insists that instead of feeling honored for having their heritage exposed in mainstream culture, Native Americans feel offended. “They say, ‘You’re being honored’ . . . we say, ‘We’re being offended,’” explained Harjo. “They say honored. We say offended. Then they just tell us to shut up,” Harjo said in a statement, according to the Los Angeles Times. A game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins during Columbus Day Weekend in 2013 sparked additional controversy. Outrage followed as Native American tribes were offended that the day devoted to Christopher Columbus— who along with his crew, was responsible for killing through enslavement, slaughter, and disease much of the native population of islands such as Haiti—was now also the day that a team that has supposedly celebrates Native American heritage. On a broader national scope, it is theoretically reasonable for American Indian tribes to hold greater influence in deriving solutions for these controversial issues. However, on the local level, it is unlikely that the mascot will ever be changed. Massapequa is overwhelmingly lacking in a Native American population— this could be a reason why there haven’t been any active movements to change the mascot of “The Chief.” According to the 2010 census, out of 21, 685 residents, only eleven held Native American heritage
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LESLIE FIENE // THE CHIEF
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jennie Toutoulis
THE CHIEF EDITORIAL The Chief: a symbol of Massapequa pride
Massapequa wishes to pay appropriate homage to the true first explorers, discoverers, and settlers of the Americas, Native Americans, through our mascot that adorns apparel, posters, pennants and bumper stickers. However, in order to this, the residents of Massapequa and Massapequa Park need to do their part in learning about the past so that they can celebrate the rich history of their town. “I am not a fan of organized sports and that’s primarily what the logo [“The Chief”] is used for,” Massapequa High School senior Aggie Lesser said. “..I think people should learn more about what that symbol means before they put on their jerseys or cheer for their school.” There are several resources are available to the public for this very reason. The Massapequa Historical Society has access to archives that date back to early settlement of the area. In addition, books are available in the Massapequa Public Library: for example, An Illustrated History of Massapequa by the Massapequa Post and The Long Island Indian by Robert Coles. Ultimately, we seek to honor the original native people of the continent that we too call home. Massapequa began as land of a Native American tribe and though it is not in Native American possession any longer- we must do our part to honor the original people of the region. Though we cannot rewrite history and prevent the erosion of Native American presence, it is our duty, as a town, to pay homage to our valiant predecessors.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Warped tour brings alternative music to Long Island
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
BY EVELYN SOKOLOWSKI CONTRIBUTOR
or trying to sing the few lyrics I knew or heard being repeated. Courtney Majano, a senior at Massapequa High School said that her favorite part of Warped Tour “was being able to be around other people who enjoy the same music as me.” That’s the thing about Warped Tour: it is a fun, safe environment where you can be yourself and have conversations with friendly concertgoers, who are mainly high schoolers, while waiting by the stage for the band you want to watch come up or waiting on line for a meet-and-greet. “Anyone and everyone should go [to Warped Tour], even if you don’t really listen to any of the bands that are playing… Warped Tour is supposed to be a fun day. It’s supposed to be a day where you can do whatever you’d like, within limits, and enjoy yourself,” senior Shannon Malone said. Ultimately, there were three key things I learned from my Warped Tour expe-
rience: Make sure you apply sunscreen throughout the day, be careful of the moshers and
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crowd-surfers, and, most importantly, have fun.
PROVIDED BY KYRA LEVEY
Black Veil Brides, Escape the Fate, Metro Station, Set It Off: these bands were just four out of the ninety-plus performances live at Warped Tour. The parking lot of Jones Beach’s Nikon Theater On July 11, 2015, was transformed into nine stages where spectators experienced a wide range of music — from heavy metal to punk to electronic — and even comedy (at the Warped Comedy Tent). Warped Tour kicked off with huge lines. I came an hour early, since it started at eleven, but everyone else seemed to have had the same idea. Although most long lines are, for the most part, monotonous, this one was not as boring as one would think. A game of volleyball started between the two lines, which made the time pass more quickly. Once I entered, it was an overwhelming sight. Tents were set up for the performers and their merchandise, for specific causes including can-
cer awareness and saving the animals. Other tents were specifically made for cooling off, and offered free water. The performers’ tents also offered meet-and-greets— some were free, but others were ticketed events and required a purchase at that tent. I only attended one meetand-greet— it was for the band Set It Off, who played at the end of the day and was the best performance I have ever seen live. The bandmates were some of the sweetest, funniest people I have ever met and their music, especially their new album “Duality,” is definitely worth the listen. As far as the performances throughout the day, they were top notch. Each had huge crowds dancing and singing along to their music, though some had the occasional crowd-surfer or mosh pit. I may have either never heard of nor listened to most of the performer’ music at Warped Tour before, but that did not stop me (and others) from dancing along to the beat
THE CHIEF
Rock On | Warped tour brings onlookers to their feet.
Billboard Hot 100 Fest heats up Jones Beach Theater BY JENNIE TOUTOULIS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Music fans of all ages packed the Jones Beach Theater for the first ever Billboard Hot 100 Fest. Headlining acts such as Nicki Minaj, the Weeknd and Justin Bieber attracted thousands to the two day event on August 22 and 23. The Billboard Hot 100 Fest consisted of three stages, spread across the venue to cre-
ate an intimate and enjoyable experience for audiences. The Beach Stage showcased R&B/ Hip Hop artists like Christina Milian, Fetty Wap and Tori Kelly. Fans were able to enjoy the sets at this stage in a general admission setting. The Samsung Level Stage offered more alternative rock acts such as X Ambassadors, American Authors and The Maine. Again, this stage was a
general admission style where fans had to stand by the stage. “The Samsung Level Stage gave me a chance to see my favorite band [The Maine], who normally plays small club venues, in a festival setting,” senior Marissa Mangione said. The main attraction, however, was the Hot 100 Stage, which was in the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. Acts ranged from Jason Derulo, Lil
Wayne and The Weeknd on the first day to Nicki Minaj, Skrillex and Justin Bieber on the second day. Fans packed the stadium — according to News 12, there were 17,000 fans in attendance on the first day and 23,000 on the second day. As for organization, Jones Beach Security seemed overwhelmed by the turnout for the headlining acts. Many seating
TIM KEUCHLER // THE CHIEF
Throw Some Glitter Make It Rain | The first annual Billboard Hot 100 Fest had a crowd of over 15,000 people in attendance.
sections were blocked off because seats had been filled up. Before Nicki Minaj’s set on Sunday, three security guards had to hold off hundreds of fans standing on the stairs because they couldn’t get seats. While there were other acts on both the Samsung Level Stage and the Beach Stage at the time, it was clear Minaj and Bieber brought in the majority of the fans. Time in between sets was very short considering how long a tech crew usually has to set up for a show on tour. However, X Ambassadors and Justin Bieber had trouble with their in ear monitors, which are worn to hear their vocals while on stage, but members of the tech crew efficiently solved these issues. Also, during Nicki Minaj’s set, a main camera was delayed, making it appear the performer was lip syncing when she was using a live microphone. Overall, the Billboard Hot 100 Fest provided a high energy environment with a variety of music acts that kept the crowds entertained from the start of the day to the end. Billboard’s first event was so successful, they are planning for the Hot 100 to return next year. Ultimately, Billboard hit a high note bringing the hottest acts to the beach this summer.
THE CHIEF FEATURE Fall fashion trends: fierce, fabulous, and a little bit fancy
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
BY EMILY KEUCHLER STAFF WRITER
pect to be able to wear outfits in your wardrobe again and again. According to Glamour, some looks that will get a lot of wear this fall are skirts and dresses paired with tights and cardigans. For example, a bold colored dress in one of the predicted fall shades with black tights and a neutral sweater is a fashionable and trendy option. This outfit provides warmth, while still ensuring that the wearer looks stylish in the latest trends. As for skirts, a bold skirt color and neutral sweater or blouse color, or a statement sweater or blouse color paired with a neutral skirt color, are good options. Even though these trends and colors are going to be “what’s in” for this fashion season, they are not the endall, be-all. Feel free to play around with other pieces and colors to create your own looks and style. Everyone’s style is their own and unique to them — so do not be afraid to wear what you want and have fun doing so.
TIM KEUCHLER // THE CHIEF
It’s finally the moment that many fashion lovers have been waiting for: the fall season. Fall means New York City Fashion Week — a major deal in the fashion world. Fashion Week is significant because it tends to set the trends for the next season. In fall, many fashionistas wear and style the trends and pieces that were showcased in last spring’s New York City Fashion Week for Fall 2015. With each new fall season buyers are awaiting the new trend pieces that will be released; they will also learn the trends that may be carried over into the new fall season from previous years. A key part to fall fashion and a favorite to many is layering, considering many people are coming out of a very warm summer season. Start and stock up on your fall wardrobe with some simple staple basic pieces that you can layer and use for many outfits and also transition into other seasons. Then continue to build your wardrobe with different acces-
sories to completely transform a look from event to event or from season to season. Some popular pieces for this fall will be floppy hats, over the knee boots, turtlenecks, and boyfriend jeans. Although fall is usually associated with warm neutrals and rich colors, this season prepare to be introduced to some more variety. According to Pantone, gray, olive green, and maroon will be major colors for this fall season along with some other unexpected colors such as orange, coral, lavender, teal, navy and periwinkle. Some people may be afraid to commit to so called “season colors.” One very safe way to wear these colors would be by wearing your accessories in brighter statement colors such as a coral scarf or a navy handbag, and grounding the look with earth tones or neutrals, such as a gray or tan sweater with a basic dark pant. Brighter colors in the form of accessories will add a pop of color to neutral outfits. By wearing neutral colors and adding fun accessories, ex-
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Falling Into Fashion | New styles for the fall season.
How to build an art portfolio for college admissions and beyond BY KAITLYN LUCEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Stacks upon stacks of college applications from seniors from all over the world fill the admissions offices of thousands of colleges and universities each year. How does one stand out from the crowd? One way that artistic minded students can bolster their chances at their dream college or university is to submit a portfolio
as an added facet to their application. What should one include in their portfolio? How does one get started assembling their strongest pieces? In order to answer these questions, among others, Lori Horowitz, a visual artist and the director of Massapequa’s Studio 5404 Arts Space, a nonprofit art gallery that aims to bolster the
cultural arts of the South Shore of Long Island., shared how to put together a strong porfolio. Here are some of her tips: Portfolios Have an Ideal Size An applicant should aim to assemble a portfolio that is composed of roughly ten to fifteen pieces. This size allows for the showcasing of an ap-
plicant’s wide range of artistic abilities without overwhelming an admissions officer. Diversify Your Portfolio Admissions officers want to see that a prospective student has experimented and succeeded in several different mediums. “Besides the basic drawing, [students] can include pieces that incorporate different skills— for example, graphic design, painting, or photography,” Mrs. Horowitz said. Don’t Procrastinate
KALLEIGH REGAN // THE CHIEF
Art is Smart | Submitting portfolios to schools will give applicants a leg up in admissions.
Although not procrastinating is clearly easier said than done, completing one’s portfolio as early as possible will doubtlessly benefit a student who is already busy with college applications. Additionally, knowing the submission date for portfolios is crucial, as portfolios usually take more time to review than a standard college application. Originality is Important Admissions officers are trained to assess a student’s work, especially when it comes to assessing if a student
created original work. It is extremely important that work is done from observation and is not from a picture found on the internet; according to the College Board, “It is unethical, constitutes plagiarism, and often violates copyright law simply to copy an image (even in another medium) that was made by someone else and represent it as one’s own.” Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
At the end of the day, it is nearly impossible for a portfolio to hurt a student’s application. If an applicant find themselves with not enough pieces or too little time, they may consider incorporating pieces that do not require as much sitting time. “I always recommend photography to include in a portfolio, because it is relatively simple to pick up and can help to round out the portfolio,” Mrs. Horowitz said. Ultimately, art portfolios are a great way to supplement a prospective student’s application. In addition to visual art, students can submit small segments of their acting, musical, or film talent.
SPORTS Chiefs girls soccer: is the third time the charm?
THE CHIEF
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
BY JENNIE TOUTOULIS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
be difficult for seniors to make peace with the fact that that this year is their final season as Chiefs. Senior Skye Vitiello recalls that her and her teammates “took our first touch of a soccer ball together” at just four years old. Vitiello, along
with the rest of the seniors, plan on making every second count with her best friends. Yet the season will not be too quick as the girls have serious business to attend to. It is clear the Chiefs are out to claim their third consecutive
PROVIDED BY MELANIE HINGHER
Massapequa Chiefs Girls Soccer is certainly not a stranger to victory. Within the past two years, Girls Soccer has won back to back state championship titles, leaving many hopeful of the upcoming season. As the 2015 season approaches, the returning members of last year’s team and their new underclassmen are preparing for a threepeat. It is undeniable that Girls Soccer is a strong program with even stronger team chemistry. “In the season we’re a family, there’s no other way to describe it,” Massapequa High School senior and soccer player Olivia Rohrecker said. This tightly knit atmosphere will play a crucial part in helping “The Tribe”— the adopted name of the team— get to the State Championship for the third year in a row. “We constantly look out for each
other and motivate one another in order to achieve the results we strive for,” Rohrecker said. A lot of the team chemistry is owed to the amount of time the senior class has been playing together. As a result, it will
Kickin’ it Old School | Girls soccer looks for their third straight state championship in a row.
2015 Football Schedule
KALLEIGH REGAN // THE CHIEF
Touchdown | Chiefs look to score yet another successful season.
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state title and to do so, they must be extremely focused. The team plans on working hard each practice to figure out how to utilize each other’s strengths and help them play as a unit. By doing this, the Chiefs will be even stronger against their opponents. With such incredible talent and strong team chemistry, the 2015 Chiefs soccer team is ready to make even more history for the program. “We made history when we won two times in a row and winning a third would not only be a personal accomplishment, but a great achievement as a team and program,” Vitiello said when asked what a third state title would mean to her. Rohrecker added that “for the program, it would mean we would make even more history than we did last year, and that goes to show what an incredible girls soccer program Massapequa possesses.”
Date
Location
Opponent
Time
Sept. 12th
Home
Herricks
2:00pm
Sept. 19th
Home
Syosset
2:00pm
Sept. 26th
Away
Freeport
2:00pm
Oct. 3rd
Away
East Medow
3:00pm
Oct. 10th
Home
Baldwin
2:00pm
Oct. 17th
Home*
Uniondale
2:00pm
Oct. 24th
Away
Farmingdale
2:00pm
Oct. 31st
Away
Oceanside
2:00pm
*Homecoming Parade 12:30pm
Key Players Continued Evan Ryan Boys Golf
“Well my goals to win most of well at counties, season with the
for my and rest
the season are matches, score to have a great of the team.”
Shannon Mattiolo
Sarah Woods
Girls Cheerleading
Girls Swimming
“This year I am looking forward to welcoming our new coach, Coach Jordan, and hopefully making it to the cheerleading finals!”
“Our goal this season is to place in the top four at counties, top two in our division, and to have every team member hit a best time.”
SPORTS Key players set high goals for fall season SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
Meghan Dearstyne
Laura Marques
THE CHIEF
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A.J. Walsh
Field Hockey
Boys Volleyball
“I’m looking forward to counties the most because that race is what the whole season builds up to. The energy at that race is awesome, and all your hard work pays off.”
“I am looking forward to playoffs and potentially winning a 7th county title!”
“I am most looking forward to the large group of seniors we have returning [this season]. We have played together for a while and this is finally our senior season to — hopefully — play some great volleyball.”
Gab Azzariti
Girls Volleyball
Artie Stanwise
Boys Cross Country
Melanie Hingher
“Being a senior on the team, I am looking forward to working hard with my teammates and pushing ourselves… [and] taking the season practice by practice and game by game in hopes of making it to states for the third consecutive year.”
“This should probably be our best varsity team since 2012 so I’m excited to see the hard work this team has put in finally pay off when we get to counties and other big races in Manhattan and upstate New York.”
“I love my team, coaches, and representing Massapequa. All [of] those [reasons] combined make playing so much more enjoyable and fun. It makes you want to win more knowing you’re playing for your teammates and your town.”
Petey Meyer
Julianna Vutlaggio Girls Tennis
Boys Football
“This is going to be another great season with another great group of guys. Some goals this season are to make sure that we bond together as a team and stay positive with each other on and off the field....I feel we could get very far this season”
“What I love most about tennis is that it is not like your typical sport. Most sports consist of teams working together to win the game whereas in tennis it is either, up to you in a singles match or up to you and your partner in a doubles match.”
“I just love being part of a team and working with a great group of guys who share the same values as me. We all want to work hard and ultimately accomplish the goal of winning a Long Island championship.”
Girls Cross Country
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Chris Bacotti