December 2013

tjTODAY

THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312

Gymnastics P7

DECEMBER 20, 2013

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 3

What is that “A” worth?

School targets cheating with new ethical survey

by Sandy Cho and Shayna Hume News Editor and Editor-In-Chief As the loud ticks of the clock count down the remaining minutes of the test, worried sighs fill the room. Hands cramping, students rush against time, hoping that anything they write down will count for partial credit. For some students, thoughts of a short peek at their neighbor’s paper or a quick Google search begin to sneak in.

How far do students really go to get that A? In the middle of November, an announcement was posted to Intranet as well as to the morning announcements that a new survey would be released on Dec. 5. The Jefferson administration’s goal with the survey was to reach a set of comprehensive statistics depicting the community of academic integrity at Jefferson. The new survey is more concise and focused on the core issues highlighted from the initial survey from last spring.

Statistics from this recent December survey show that 66 percent of the faculty agrees that cheating is a problem, while 32 percent of students agree that cheating is a serious problem, a decline from last year’s 59 percent.

The administrative team hopes to improve the school culture when it comes to academic integrity. The new survey will also procure more accurate data with core questions similar to those found on the spring survey.

While both surveys show that many students and teachers agree that cheating is a major problem at Jefferson, principal Evan Glazer believes the results are not as significant as they appear.

“Based on the results of the survey, we learned from an expert at the International Center for Academic Integrity that our results are consistent with most high schools.

Comparatively, there isn’t a reason to have an elevated concern,” Glazer said. “However, this is not a utopia and people acknowledge that cheating happens so we need to constantly nurture and cultivate our culture of integrity to improve where we are.”

Assuming answers were filled out honestly, some students found that the survey taken last spring was an accurate portrayal of academic integrity in the school.

continued on p. 2

New honor council promotes restorative justice

by Ellen Kan Managing Editor In response to the increased emphasis on academic integrity violations, the Jefferson administration has established a new honor council to better address and combat transgressions of the honor code.

The honor council, which is currently composed of seniors Andy Holsten, Raeford Penny, CheyAnne Rivera and Joey Valery, junior Anant Das, sophomore Sophia Moses and freshman Kristin Myers, was formed at the end of the last school year. Administrators invited these student leaders to an academic integrity workshop over the summer to discuss the results obtained from the Jefferson community’s spring academic integrity survey.

Fifty-nine percent of the students surveyed responded that they agreed or strongly agreed that cheating is a serious problem on campus, and 45 percent of responding faculty members acknowledged that student compliance with academic integrity policies is low. continued on p. 2

44% 32% 84% 66% 91% 42% of students are not sure or disagree that it is important to challenge dishonest behavior

of students think cheating is a major problem on campus

of parents discuss the importance of academic integrity with their children

of teachers believe cheating is a major problem on campus

of teachers put integrity in their syllabi

of teachers are not sure that they are diligent in discovering cheating

Go to page two for information on the new Honor Council and the effect of grade stress. graphics by Sandy Cho, Shayna Hume and Lindsay Williams

P6

Athletes pursue unsual sports

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Students plan travels for winter break

P13

Computer science celebrated

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Clubs begin to prepare for I-nite

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news

december 20, 2013

Kudos & Accomplishments

Students and teacher chosen for program Senior Ankit Goyal, junior Maddie Zug and computer science teacher Ria Galanos were selected to participate in the Google Trailblazer program for this year. The program's purpose is to help bring awareness to and expand the education of computer science.

Seniors advance for Jefferson Scholars Program

Seniors Will Ashe and Robert Young have been chosen to continue to the Jefferson Scholars Program by a committee of teachers.

The process involved an essay, resume and an interview for all of the four finalists. The program, which is held at the University of Virginia (U.Va), grants a full scholarship and opportunities to the 33 selected students. After a regional screening to get the 115 finalists, the selected finalists will be announced in March.

Policy debate team succeeds at tournament

At the Washington-Arlington Catholic Forensics League (WACFL) 3, which was held on Dec. 14, many members of Jefferson's Policy Debate (PD) team placed at the tournament. For the novice team, freshmen Elizabeth Hu and Jessie Shen placed fifth, sophomores Yeonju Kim and Lisa Qian placed sixth and Alison Li and Christine Li placed eighth. For junior varsity (JV), juniors Katherine Yan and William Liu placed fourth and qualified for JV Metros. For the varsity team, seniors Richard Wang and Tarun Kamath placed seventh.

Team of students win first at Hackathon Seniors Eric Bo, Matthew Jiang, James Wang and Will Xu received first place and $1,000 in the Geospatial category of the ModevEast Hackathon, which was held from Dec. 12 to 13.

Moradi places first at Jefferson's Poetry Out Loud Junior Pegah Moradi won the Poetry Out Loud Competition that was held at Jefferson during eighth period B-block on Dec. 6. She is able to compete for Regionals on Jan. 31 at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.

Model United Nations (MUN) members wins at conference

After three days at the College of William & Mary, from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, seniors Connor Hennessey-Niland, Prajeeth Koyada, Charith Ratnayake, Somya Shankar and Ani Surumpudi and sophomore Shohini Gupta took home the Best Delegate awards from the conference. In addition, members of the team were able to receive two Outstanding Delegation awards, six Honorable Mention awards and seven Verbal Commendations.

Students place second programming competition

at

A team consisting of juniors Corwin de Boor, Danial Hussain and Matthew Savage and sophomore Ashley Kim received second place at the Philadelphia Classic, which is a four-hour programming competition that was held at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) on Nov. 16.

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School targets cheating with new ethical survey

continued from p. 1 “As with most surveys, the real measure of a survey’s effectiveness will be how the data is used by the creators," junior Vikram Sardana said. "I think that if people answer the survey truthfully and the administration is effective, they’ll find the survey to be useful.”

However, others found the survey ineffective as many of the questions had seemingly obvious answers.

“I think the ethical survey was sort of a photo courtesy of Shawn DeRose waste of time, because most people know that they're cheating and they know it's Senior Megan Ganley, along with the art debad,” junior Pegah Moradi said. “It took partment, has designed the postcard that will like two minutes and seemed like most be sent to students for their achievments. surveys that people collect and then don’t really do anything about.”

The process for faculty referral has The pressure to succeed in challenging also changed, allowing teachers to fill out courses and after-school activities is one of a form online, rather than going to the ofthe reasons why students cheat. fice to retrieve a paper copy. This is one “People might think they’re better off put- of many changes the administration has ting more effort in one class as opposed to an- been implementing. other, and will just cheat to try to get by in the Hoping to commend students for class they ignored for the day,” Sardana said. their achievements, the administration “There’s also a competitive aspect to grades has implemented a new system in which in certain circles, and if you don’t get caught, postcards created by senior Megan Gancheating is a way to elevate your standing in ley and the art department will be sent terms of grades.” home to students who display exemplary A notable case of students in a high pres- behavior. sure environment participating in unethiAccording to Assistant Principal cal academic practices occurred in 2012 at Shawn DeRose, the purpose of these postStuyvesant High School, one of the nine cards is to support students by rewarding Specialized High Schools in New York. A them beyond their academic achievestudent distributed answers to the Spanish ments.

Regents exam through cell phones, and furIn addition, a student-led honor counther investigation found that answers to the cil, which will target restorative justice, English and physics Regents exams had also will begin in the second semester of the circulated. Nearly 2,000 text messages con- school year. taining this material were sent and dozens of “The distinction with the honor Counstudents were implicated. hil is to do some more restorative justice The scandal had extensive ramifications. approaches that are not disciplinary in naThe principal, who later resigned, was criti- ture, but make students accountable and cized for mishandling the case, and all of the responsible for addressing the harm they students were suspended. The ringleader have done to the people where the infracwas expelled. tion occurred,” Glazer said.

Although Jefferson has not had an inciWith the implementation of the new dent to that extreme, cheating does exist here. honor council, academic integrity may be Senior Tina Ju once witnessed a cheating more honored with the community. incident and was frustrated when one stu“Our greatest effort is on restorative dent repeatedly looked up answers on the justice, thinking that people will be more quizzes and received perfect scores, which forthcoming on the harm that they have affected the curve and ultimately, the class’s created," Glazer said. "We don’t know grades. how it’s going to go but philosophically, “My guidance counselor emailed my we believe when someone faces an integteacher about the cheating, but I don’t know rity consequence, he or she should own what happened after that point,” Ju said. it.”

Honor council established to promote restorative justice continued from p. 1 “The survey highlighted that Academic Integrity is an important part of the school culture and that there is room for improvement," Assistant Principal Shawn DeRose said. “In addition, the survey provided data on the specific areas from the students, teachers and parent's perspective that we can improve upon. ” The honor council is experimenting with a policy known as restorative justice, which has been implemented in several schools, including W. T. Woodson High School.

Restorative justice places more emphasis on understanding the consequences rather than punishing wrongdoings. At the moment, specialists from the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Restorative Justice Office are training the honor council members in how to properly implement the policy at Jefferson.

“We want to build a community of trust because we are already such a tight community,” sophomore Sophia Moses said.

“We’re coming up with a very systematic approach to dealing with cheating violations so that when someone commits a violation, they can understand how it impacts their peers, teachers and the rest of the community.”

Students who commit violations of the honor code and admit to misconducts will have the option of appearing before the student-run honor council, which will give recommendations for the proper course of action.

“We don’t determine guilt, but rather serve as a source of remediation once guilt has been determined,” Valery said. “The honor council will provide an environment in which

involved parties can meet and discuss what happened, and as soon-to-be countycertified Restorative Justice Facilitators, we council members will work with those parties to make sure future incidents are avoided.”

Currently, the Jefferson honor council, which is sponsored by history teacher John Struck and geosystems and math teacher Shawn Stickler, is meeting during eighth periods to further discuss how to prevent and reduce honor code violations.

The council is still a work in progress, and the members are drafting a constitution that will outline rules and precedents for the future. In future years, honor council members will most likely be chosen during the spring student government elections.

Once elected, members will hopefully serve on the council for the rest of their time at Jefferson in order to establish consistent leadership.

The most important aspect of Jefferson’s honor council is that it is student-run, with the goal of inspiring more successful results in the future. The honor council anticipates formally introducing the option of restorative justice to the student body by the start of the second semester.

“We hope that the honor council will give students ownership of the issue, because it is more powerful hearing from your fellow peers,” DeRose said.

“Hopefully, the consequences assigned by the honor council will allow students to learn from their mistakes and earn back trust from teachers and peers in a nonpunitive way.”

Academic stress leads to cheating

by Lindsay Williams Online Editor With stress about college and grades, students want to end up on top. Unfortunately, many crack under the pressure.

By taking multiple Advanced Placement (AP) classes and extracurricular activities, students find that they have too much to handle, and they often feel that they have to turn to unethical practices to keep up.

“People are so aggravated by fears and misconceptions about college that they believe cheating will make them better off,” sophomore Jasper Treakle said.

School psychologist Gregory Myers attributes the problem to the mentality towards failure.

“I think that the culture of students at TJ is that failure is not an option, so students have adopted the mindset that they have to do anything to get the ‘A,’” Myers said.

This problem is aggravated during the dreaded junior year when the stakes are highest.

“The pressure to get good grades might make some students more willing to sacrifice learning for a better score,” junior Sam Cadd said.

The guidance office recognizes stress, but realizes that students will be reluctant to lessen their load. To help, the administration has implemented activities like ‘Stress less, laugh more!’ week and eighth period yoga.

“TJ has started to take steps in the right direction, and I think we’ve raised the consciousness about this, but I think it needs to be more of a buy in from students and parents,” school counselor Kerry Hamblin said.

Club starts petition to help other schools

by Sandy Cho News Editor After raising over $44,000 to install 22 solar panels on the school during the 2008-2009 school year, Jefferson’s Environmental Impact Club (EIC) is working with Three Birds, a non-profit organization that focuses on having students help communities through renewable energy, to help other schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) system obtain their own solar panels.

“The goal is that schools who have raised enough funds on their own to install panels should be able to do so easily with the help of FCPS,” senior Robert Young, who is the president of EIC, said. “We aren't really asking FCPS to do anything difficult, just to assist schools who have already raised the money themselves to carry out the process.”

With around 300 signatures already, a petition has been going around with a goal to get the FCPS School Board to create a program to assist schools in implementing panels after they have already raised the money.

"When the EIC raised money from Whole Foods, Texas Instruments and other companies to put solar panels on TJ, we encountered some resistance within FCPS and the process of actually installing panels took a long time as a result," Young said. "We are hoping to speed it up for schools in the future."

photo courtesy of Robert Young

Members of Jefferson's EIC meet during eighth periods to focus on the environment.

November Issue Correction: In the Kudos “Goertel selected to Army All-American Marching Band,” senior Caleb Goertel’s name was misspelled.

news

december 20, 2013

NEWSMAKERS

Choirs accepted to competition Students celebrate New Year

photo by Yena Seo

photo by Sandy Cho

The News ManChoir, the all-male a cappella group, rehearses their songs during eighth period.

Backstory On Dec. 10, Jefferson’s three a cappella choirs, ManChoir, Sirens and Show Choir, were accepted to compete in the SingStrong D.C. High School Competition, a contest for high school a cappella ensembles.

In order to be accepted to compete at the event, all three of the choirs auditioned by submitting videos that showcased the ensemble’s talent. Show Choir sent in a video of their cover of Lorde’s hit “Royals” in an original arrangement by senior co-captain Olivia Sullivan.

“We were a little worried because we received confirmation for Sirens almost immediately after submission, but we didn’t know if Show Choir had made the cut until Dec. 10,” Sullivan said.

Sirens, the all-girls a capella group, sent in a video of them singing “Jumping Trains” by Jojo, while ManChoir, the all-boys counterpart, sent in a video of last year’s Spring Show performance of “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts.

“SingStrong will allow us to perform for people from across the United States and get feedback from professional judges,” Sullivan said. “We’re also looking forward to the workshops and professional performances.”

The competition will be held on Feb. 21-23 at South Lakes High School and will feature high school vocal groups from all over the nation.

“We’re super psyched about performing at SingStrong,” senior ManChoir captain Alex Le Floch said. “It’s always more fun to perform in front of an audience that gets the finer parts of a cappella, and we get a nice long set to jam.”

The News Juniors Charles Chen and Michelle Namkung help sell food during Oshogatsu, the Japanese News Year’s that was held on Dec. 13.

Backstory Peals of laughter filled Gym 2 as students eagerly wandered from table to table that were selling Japanese food, drinks and stationery. The Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) held its annual Japanese New Year’s festival, known as Oshogatsu, during both A and B blocks of eighth period on Dec. 13.

Not only were Japanese items sold, but the society also performed a calligraphy dance, which employed writing traditional letters in diluted ink on a large piece of paper.

The members also showed off dance moves to Japanese songs choreographed by juniors Tony Baek and Charles Chen. To prepare, students had to meet many times both in and outside of school.

“For the calligraphy performance, everyone needed to write in Japanese, especially in an artistic form,” junior Shreya Nandi said. “We had to practice both in school, at least two or three eighth periods every week, and after school, which were two to four hours each. We even went to someone’s house during the snow days. We were pretty dedicated.”

In addition, students prepared fresh sushi and other foods, learning months in advance on how to prepare for the delicacies, before beginning right before the festival.

“We had a sign-up sheet so people could bring in materials and as a group, we spent lunch and sometimes class rolling and wrapping up sushi to sell,” senior Juliana Said, vice-president of JNHS, said.

At the end of the festival, the members were able to sell around $800.

“It was a great success and we’re proud of our achievements,” Said said.

- Sandy Cho

- Yena Seo

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Seniors excel in debate

photo by Tommy Lunn

The News Seniors Yana Kaplun and Richard

Wang received a plaque for their achievement at the Electric City Invitational tournament in Scranton, Pa. Backstory Competing in the Varisty Policy Debate division for the Electric City Invitational debate tournament, seniors Yana Kaplun and Richard Wang tested their debate skills from Dec. 7-9. The two competed in the Varsity Policy Debate division, succeeding by advancing to the quarterfinals round.

“We looked up the arguments that each team that was going to the tournament had ran in the past, and we prepared individually for each team,” Kaplun said.

The tournament hosted debaters from across the country, in hopes of reaching the prestigious Tournament of Champions (TOC). The TOC is a national competition held every year in May at the University of Kentucky. The championship pits the 16 winners or 16 winning pairs of regional championships against each other.

“If you do really well at certain national tournaments, you get a bid for the national TOC tournament,” Wang said.

Debate’s top circuit is the TOC, featuring the strongest and most experienced debaters from across the country. Kaplun and Wang succeeded in Scranton, advancing further than any Virginia team had in 20 years.

“We feel pretty happy about the performance,” Kaplun said. “It’s the first time in about 20 years that a team from Virginia has gotten this far in a tournament on the national level.”

- Tommy Lunn

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opinion

tjTODAY Volume 29 Issue 3

2013 Pacemaker - NSPA 2013 Trophy Class - VHSL 2013 All-American - NSPA 2013 Gold Medalist - CSPA

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Shayna Hume

Managing Editor Ellen Kan

Online Editor Lindsay Williams

News Editor Sandy Cho

Opinion Editor Tommy Lunn

Sports Editor Stav Nachum

Spread Editor Alexis Williams

Entertainment Editor Anshula Rudhraraju

Features Editors Anjali Khanna Esther Kim

Social Media Editor Yena Seo

Staff Reporters Megan Ganley Romain Debroux

Adviser Erinn Harris

Printer Silver Communications TjTODAY is the official newspaper of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology published monthly by the journalism staff. It serves as a vehicle for student expression and is an open forum of issues of interest and concern to the school community.

A full-year subscription can be purchased through the Thomas Jefferson Publications Package or by sending a check or money order for $20 to tjTODAY. The staff is deeply committed to a code of journalistic ethics that demands the exercise of accuracy, good judgment and impartiality. The content of tjTODAY is determined by the editorial board.

Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the staff of tjTODAY, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors.

Signed editorials and letters to the editor reflect the views of the authors. tjTODAY solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene or otherwise inappropriate.

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december 20, 2013

Teacher-student relationship vital for academic integrity Lead Editorial

ferson, it may have become difficult for individuals responding to give their own experiences in light of what they feel is the general atmosphere at Jefferson.

The last question offered on the teacher survey was of particular importance, addressing the safeguards that teachers practice during examination periods. In the past, it has been noted by many students that while measures such as large dividers and seating arrangements have been provided, there are also many occasions where teachers feel comfortable to leave for extended periods of time during examination situations.

The student survey, sent out to all grade levels, was similarly angled, asking to what extent the students feel obligated to challenge their peers on such behavior through questions such as “Students understand their responsibility to report cases of cheating committed by their peers” and “Students believe it is important to challenge dishonest behavior committed by their peers.”

However, it was without a doubt the penultimate question on both surveys that addressed the problem most directly. The teachers were posed the blunt, “Have you ever ignored an incident of

tj TODAY’s unsigned majority opinion On Dec. 5, Jefferson released a new survey to the student body, faculty and parents. Its mission? To reinforce this year’s goal of creating a school-wide culture of academic integrity.

With such a publicized attempt to reinforce these standards, many past aspects of the current system are coming to light, most of which are likely to be improved by current administrative measures. However, as made clear by this survey, that won’t matter if the relationship, with regards to academic integrity, between teachers and students doesn’t improve alongside it.

Some of the questions on the teacher version of the survey seemed to specifically address this issue, with queries about the integration of ethics policies into syllabi, and to what extent the teachers feel the process for handling integrity violations is “fair, impartial and consistent.”

However, while the faculty survey addressed the issue, the large majority of the questions were disconcertingly vague. With each question generalized to the entire body of teachers at Jef-

cheating to avoid the requirements of the reporting process,” while students were given a similarly-tuned “Teachers are vigilant in discovering and reporting cheating.”

For many, that was the hardest question to answer.

What these surveys show is not a new problem. It’s one Jefferson has been dealing with for quite some time now, as teachers and students struggle to find a balance of communication where both sides feel as if academic integrity violations are fairly reported and dealt with.

Some of the new measures that might rectify such a situation include a future online form for teacher referrals. The current system has both a paper and online form, but the new version will aim to make the process more available and efficient.

All in all, there is more than one issue with the culture of integrity at Jefferson.

Despite the suppositions of some media sources, we’re no ivory tower, and in fact working to make many positive changes to our community every year.

However, when it came time to answer the concluding question on the student survey, “Cheating is a serious problem at campus,” agreeing even moderately with it was far more difficult than we had ever imagined.

Holidays’ focus should not be the mall It’s that time of the year again.

Everyone is spending money left and right for the sake of giving gifts for the holidays. Malls are packed, TOMMY LUNN big box stores have long lines and delivery men cannot get a minute of rest. It seems like Americans are okay with this, but should they really be making this sacrifice?

The consumerism that runs rampant during the months of November and December is nothing new. On the outside, the five and dime stores of yesteryear seem akin to the Target, Macy’s and Best Buy of today. People run around trying to get the best gifts at the best prices, myself included.

But it seems that we’ve forgotten the true meaning of the holiday season. Religion aside, 21st century America seems to have relinquished the aspects of family, tradition and charity for a new iPhone or laptop.

For the first time, stores began to open on Thanksgiving Day. Completely oblivious to the fact that their employees deserve the day off, corporate America once again goes for the profit. And it’s only because consumers allow them to do so that this is possible.

The same goes for other holidays. Is there anything wrong with buying presents? Absolutely not. However, if that is the only thing that brings people to holidays, then the problem begins to show itself.

As the United States begins to lose its community values on which it has existed for centuries, the need for us to hold onto them becomes more important. The “good old days” weren’t

all that good, not by any means, but that doesn’t mean there were not good aspects.

If people used to be happy getting just a few gifts and now people demand more and more, there becomes a clear and unfortunate culture change. The greed and selfishness epitomized by gift-giving and getting in general highlights are what we, as the younger generation of Americans, need to change.

Do you need to give up all of your presents? Keep all of them. Am I shaming people for being materialistic? No, it’s only human nature; I also fall victim.

Instead of trying to eliminate this problem altogether, people need to focus on a few other areas to maintain a healthy balance. Spend time with your family. Play a board game, watch a movie or just talk.

Try accepting the challenge of doing so without personal electronics in hand.

Reach out to those in your community who have less than you. Even in the incredibly affluent Northern Virginia region, dire need exists. Spend an evening volunteering for Meals on Wheels or at another charity. Either way, don’t restrict this to the winter—need does not exist solely during the holidays.

Commercialization is taking over the holidays and bastardizing their importance. No matter what you believe, there will always be friends, family or strangers that you can help in some way or another.

Americans need to look forward to spending time with loved ones instead of their presents. Make the choice: which is more important to you?

cartoon by Megan Ganley

opinion

december 20, 2013

College rejections don’t have to ruin your life “I am sorry to tell you that we will not be able to offer you a place to study BSc in International Relations for the 2014/5 academic year.”

When I got my rejection email from the London School of Economics (LSE), I was devastated. Heartbroken. Angry.

Thoughts began to fill my head: What am I going to do now?

What did I do wrong in my application? Have I messed up other applications?

And yet, looking ahead to the future, I am honestly not that upset anymore. Even after a few days, the misery began to wear away. Over and over, I told myself, “If they don’t want me, I’m better off without them.” Truly, it is their loss.

TOMMY LUNN With all the other opportunities I am going to have for colleges, I know that I am going to be happy and successful wherever I end up going.

With LSE off the table, I have begun to get more excited about the other programs to which I’ve applied and am applying.

Does it still hurt? Truthfully, it’s really painful, but only if I let it be. By getting caught up on one school and one program, I ended up shooting myself in the foot. From it, however, I have seen that I will most likely be well off wherever I go.

As the end of December rolls around and early decision and action applications come back, mixed emotions flood Jefferson. Some kids will get into their top choice and be ecstatic. To them, congratulations. Others will get rejected or deferred; it’s inevitable.

Getting rejected does not mean the end of the world. Everyone, accepted or not, needs to hold their heads up. Going to Jefferson and working hard means you have a lot to be proud of. And honestly, the process of college admissions that has become such a game of chance should not get in the way of that.

But for those whom rejection has hit hard, there are a few things to remember. No matter where you end up, you will do well. So long as you make the most of what you have and don’t let rejection get in the way, you will find the right place.

If your dream school rejects you, your future is not doomed. The school is probably not the best place for you. Yes, it’s hard to deal with, but things will work out in the end.

Frankly, you’re in good company if you get rejected by your early admission schools.

Many highly qualified Jefferson students find themselves in that situation. But once April comes around, those same students will likely find themselves receiving admissions offers from multiple prestigious schools.

Lastly, don’t forget to always have a safety that you would enjoy going to. Too many Jefferson students get caught up in rankings to pay attention to what matters in a school.

A good school is one where you will be able to make the most out of your four years there, not necessarily one with a high ranking.

With the last applications due soon, keep a few things in mind. As long as you put in an honest effort, everything will work itself out. You and the right school will find each other, even if it doesn’t initially appear so. Work on your applications over break, and before we know it we’ll be second semester seniors.

Early Acceptance Rates Williams (ED) - 25% UChicago (EA) - 39%

Columbia (ED) - 23% Northwestern (ED) - 40%

Harvard (EA) - 13%

5

Cell phones don’t make good company for the dinner table

At dinner with friends recently, I noticed that the table was significantly quiet. Faces were illuminated blue from the backlight of cellphones and thumbs moved in blurs across the screens. When there was a conversation, however, it was limited to showing each other mildly humorous tweets or funny pictures on Instagram.

Frustrated, I wondered what the point of eating out with friends was if everyone was preoccupied with their mobile devices, whether they were on social media, playing games or texting a friend. What happened to quality dinner conversations? When did reading an ephemerally humorous post become more valuable than holding discussions about current events, our passions or life in general?

We’re all complex human beings. Don’t we want to get to know each other more instead of learning about the details of people we don’t know?

A survery conducted in March by Mary Madden, Amanda Lenhart, Maeve Duggan, Sandra Cortesi and Urs Gasser of the Pew Research Center and Berkman Center for Human and Society at Harvard University found that 78 percent of teenagers now own a cellphone and 47 percent of those teenagers own smartphones, a 24 percent increase from 2011.

With more teenagers having access to cellphones, and in particular, smartphones, it’s inevitable that they will be more inclined to see what’s happening on the Internet or talk with their friends when they are away from the computers.

Although urgent issues, such as sexting and texting while driving have been in the spotlight, there now needs to be a line drawn when it comes to cellphone etiquette.

You honestly can’t tell others how to use or not use their cell phones. However, you can reprimand them for how ridiculous it is and encourage them to not take conversation for granted.

It’s rude to those who are making an effort to physically meet up rather than engaging behind another screen.

With our society and social lives becoming increasingly dependent on using mobile technological devices, people may not realize that what they’re doing is disrespectful at the dinner table or at any kind of social engagement. However, there should be more effort to pay attention to our surroundings.

Phone calls and retweets can wait, but your friends certainly won’t.

Dartmouth (ED) - 19%

graphics by Tommy Lunn

Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) acceptance rates for stuudents from Jefferson Class of 2009 through Class of 2013. All figures are from Naviance.

graphics by Sandy Cho and Tommy Lunn

Rejection of CommonCore takes away from students As educational reform is brought to the forefront, Virginia has controversially decided to reject the CommonCore, a set of federal standards designed to ensure that students across the nation are equipped with realworld skills they will ROMAIN DEBROUX employ.

The strength of the CommonCore lies in its simplicity—emphasizing core subjects relevant to success in the real world: arithmetic, reading and writing. For example, under the CommonCore’s standards for English, students would be expected to compare and contrast stories by first grade, determine the theme of a story by fifth grade and analyze an author’s tone and literary techniques by ninth grade. The CommonCore’s standards in mathematics are equally advanced: addition and subtraction would be mastered by first grade, complicated expressions and equations would be covered in fifth grade, and equations involving complex numbers would be understood by ninth grade.

As one of only four states to reject CommonCore,

Alaska, Texas and Nebraska making up the others, Virginia’s decision came as a surprise to many. The main arguments made against CommonCore seem to revolve around three general issues: the intensified educational content, the flexibility granted to states to make individual adjustments and the potential invasion of privacy. The privacy issue stems from concerns that CommonCore requires recording of students’ test scores, race, economic background and personal addresses.

Although the privacy issue is very real and must be addressed, the first two arguments are unfounded.

Another concern is that as states would only be able to adjust 15 percent of the educational content, teachers’ creativity might be crippled. This proves to be an empty fear as the CommonCore is only a set of standards, not a curriculum as many have misconstrued. This means that although end results are imposed upon teachers, they may use the entirety of their creativity during the year to reach the set standards. There is no “one size fits all” curriculum that so many people seem to worry about.

Regarding the educational content, students and teachers would be expected to do more, and do it more quickly. For example, subtraction would be introduced in kindergarten instead of first grade. As such, struggling students might be left overwhelmed. However, this fear is alleviated once one understands that, although Com-

monCore standards delve deeper into the topics, not as many will be covered. Furthermore, as the criteria used to determine which topics are covered is how useful the topics are to succeeding in the real world, students currently struggling could, in fact, benefit the most from these new standards.

CommonCore’s lessened emphasis on memorization and intensified focus on “higher-ordered thinking” lends itself well to fun projects. For example, the CommonCore has reformed contents of the fifth grade English standards to include the ability to compare and contrast characters from a story. In order to meet the previous standards, a fifth grade English teacher in Delaware had to resort to mundane worksheets. Under the more open-minded CommonCore standards, the same teacher now asks her students what a character might say in an email. This could hardly be accused of limiting a teacher’s creativity.

Most claims made against CommonCore stem from misconceptions, as CommonCore is actually an innovative educational scheme in which students are taught skills relevant to the modern world. In many cases, it will even enable students to have more fun while learning. By failing to embrace the CommonCore standards, our politicians have let down the students and parents of Virginia.

6

sports

december 20, 2013

G N I E T T D U G C E H E T N O

Jefferson students take up

fencing in order to broaden their sports activities through training, Junior Olympic trials and national tournaments

by Stav Nachum Sports Editor While not uncommon to see many Jefferson students participating in sports of all kinds varying from soccer to crew to golf and more, rarely do you meet a student who participates in the less common variety of sports, such as fencing.

Filled with a repertoire of different offensive and defensive moves such as the lunge, feint, and parry, as well as an assortment of protective gear and of course the foil, fencing is not a sport based on brute force but rather a more tactical game. As a result, people overlook the sport and fail to realize the dexterity and essential skill set required by athletes in order to become highclass fencers.

“Fencing is like physical chess,” sophomore Juliana Bain said. “You don’t have to be the tallest or strongest to win, you need to have quick reflexes to predict what your opponent is going to do and change accordingly.

Bain has participated in fencing since the age of nine and began to fence competitively three years ago. She has participated in Junior Olympics for the past two years and summer nationals this past year. Should her fencing experience continue on the path that it is currently on, Bain hopes to continue to fence through and after college if she can.

“Since I first started fencing all those years ago, I knew that I would always enjoy the sport and would want to continue it for many years,” Bain said. “The fact that I still enjoy it just as much today has solidified my intention of continuing to fence through college.”

Bain usually woks on her fencing skills and prepares herself for upcoming tournaments three to four times a week. Sometimes, however, other sports such as field hockey get in the way and Bain must reduce her fencing routine, which she is greatly reluctant to do.

Bain mostly enjoys the tournaments that allow her to travel to gorgeous locations such as Reno and Anaheim, and also the chance to show off her skill in the sport. With many upcoming tournaments this year, Bain thought back to her first ever tournament from when she was in seventh grade that took place in Houston, a super youth circuit.

“During my first ever tournament, I hadn’t expected to do well and booked a flight for 1 p.m. so I could get back home in time for the first day of school,” Bain said.

“I ended up making it to the top eight in my age group and placed sixth in the tournament. I missed my flight and the first day of seventh grade, but I was incredibly pleased with my victory and had high hopes for my future in fencing.”

Junior Nathaniel Taylor is another Jefferson fencer who started only recently, unlike Bain who began many years ago. He had been looking for a sport and his friend

photo courtesy of Juliana Bain

Sophomore Juliana Bain represents the United States of America as she fences at her at Junior Olympics event this past year.

had recommended he start fencing; last spring he finally gave it a try. Thus far in his fencing career, Taylor has discovered that he truly enjoys fencing for its tactical appeal, a constast to his past sports.

“Fencing is great because it requires a lot of thinking and athletic ability,” Taylor said. “It’s like playing chess, only if you mess up you get stabbed.”

Though he has not yet competed in a tournament, and only fenced roughly four months, he hopes to attend a tournament sometime in the near future so that he can showcase his skills and see his skill level beside other fencers his age. However, even though he has just started to become a serious fencer, Taylor already knows that he wants to continue to fence, if not professionally or competitively, at least recreationally through and after college.

“I have come to love fencing over the past four months and I would definitely like to start tournament fencing soon, and try to get a classification,” Taylor said.

“If possible, I would like to continue fencing in college,

and recreationally afterward so that I can continue to enjoy myself though the sport.”

Both Taylor and Bain would like to see some form of a Jefferson fencing club or activity formed during their time at Jefferson because they believe that if given the chance to participate in a school sponsored event, more students would give the sport a try and find that they enjoy it as much as these students seem to.

“I would love to see more students at Jefferson begin fencing,” Bain said. “I think that if more people open themselves up to the possibility of fencing, they would come to enjoy it just as I have.”

It might not be a riveting match against your long-lost ginger twin as seen in “The Parent Trap,” but fencing is a sport that many teenagers around the world enjoy.

Many Jefferson students have also begun to experiment with the sport as well. Perhaps over the coming years more students will begin fencing, and before long the club that Bain and Taylor want to see emerge will become a reality within the walls of Jefferson. graphic by Stav Nachum

Injuries emerge in Jefferson athletes as the winter sports season commences

by Stav Nachum Sports Editor As winter sports are starting their season, injuries are becoming more and more common throughout the school.

Whether a small affliction such as a jammed finger or a bruise, or a much more severe injury such as a concussion or sprain, high school students seem to be a magnet for the worst possible injuries during sports practices and games.

Concussions and other serious traumas, while they may seem rare, happen more often than one might think. This year, the National High S c h o o l Sports Related Injury Senior Tim Zhong slushes his injured ankle before football practice in the athletic trainer’s room. graphic by Stav Nachum

Surveillance Study showed that sprains and concussions are now the two most common injuries among high school athletes, and the percentages keep rising each year. This year, the percent of concussions out of the total injuries was 23.1 percent and sprains were 42.3 percent.

“I feel like the risks far outweigh the benefits of playing through a serious injury,” junior Carrie Heilbrun said. “If an athlete continues to play while injured, the injury will probably worsen, and performance won’t be top-notch anyway.

It’s much better to take a month and to focus on recovery.”

Though it seems that nothing can be done for these injuries in order to prevent them, Jefferson’s trainers have a few tips that will allow athletes to prevent injuries and improve each athlete’s game performance. They urge students to get in shape before playing a sport, stop playing when they feel pain, warming up before exercise and not doing too much too soon.

Wearing the proper gear and learning the proper form for the sport are also

crucial to reducing risk of injury. Most importantly, injuries should not be kept from Jefferson’s athletic trainers who can help athletes heal the injury while also allowing athletes to continue participating in their sport should their injury allow it.

“As far as injuries in practice go, a lot of them can be avoided by players being smart in how they play,” junior David Noursi, a varsity basketball player, said.

“Obviously you want to play hard during practice to get better, but there are times when you can avoid a jammed finger or a rolled ankle in practice by being smart and knowing when not to play hard.”

If these steps are followed and athletes are aware of the risks and chances of injury, many of these unnecessary injuries can be prevented and treated faster than they have been in previous years.

“Every athlete wants to compete and support their team, so you wouldn’t want an injury to get in the way of that,” sophomore Thuy-Vi Nguyen said. “As long as you play safe and follow the guidelines the trainers provide you should be in good shape.”

sports

december 20, 2013

7

Gymnastics team prepares for season by refining their skills during practice

RAISING THE BAR

by Stav Nachum Sports Editor Whether on the mat, the uneven bars or the beam, Jefferson’s gymnastics team is known for the effort, dedication and skill that they showcase throughout the season in their many competitions. Though they technically participate in an individual sport with an emphasis on personal improvements, the members of this team are able to work together in order to reach new heights Although the gymnastics team did not do as well as they had hoped last year, with new athletes and renewed determination, it shows promise for the coming season. As they begin practicing for their upcoming competitions, the team reflects on last season and goals for the coming year.

“Though we weren’t bad last year, there is definitely some room for improvement both individually and as a team,” sophomore Revu Pillai said. “Personally, I’m going to try to get better at beam, and as a team I hope everyone will be able to improve in as many of their own events as they can.”

With three new freshman recruits on the team as well as now having two gymnasts that also participate in club gymnastics, the athletes hope that this fresh talent will give them the leg up they need for the coming season as they work on their own goals and the team goals as a whole.

Some Jefferson gymnasts also believe that the district change will play in their favor, as it did for many of the fall sports players who saw sudden rises in ranking and conference championship victories.

“I am confident that Jefferson will improve at least by one ranking this year if we work hard and commit ourselves this year,” freshman Tatiana Bennett said. “The new gymnasts and district change definitely give us an advantage, but we still need to work hard to get there.”

Since their practices are held with three other schools, Edison High School, West Potomac High School, and TC Williams High School, the gymnasts also get the chance to meet new people and get the chance to work with more club gymnasts since there aren’t that many at Jefferson.

“My favorite part of practice is that it’s different every day and there are so many aspects of each event that everything is always interesting and new,” junior May Thinnyun said. “There are always new skills to learn and the team’s size allows us to be close-knit and supportive of each other.”

Though the gymnastics team is one of the smallest Jefferson sports teams when it comes to size, this doesn’t stop them from showing their talent and dedication to the sport.

So even while some people may believe that the smaller team leads to a less skill and effort amongst the athletes, this is far from the truth. In fact, most of the teammates agree that the fact that their team is smaller gives them many advantages that other, larger teams would not have.

“I love how different gymnastics is from other sports teams at Jefferson,” Bennett said. “Our team is about the fourth of the size of other teams, which not only allows us to become closer but also al-

lows us to compete in more events.”

As their competitions grow nearer, many of Jefferson’s gymnasts are eagerly awaiting their chance to show what their practices and teamwork have allowed them to improve on over the past few weeks.

“Gymnastics is a fun sport and is both individual and team. You’re competing for the team, but you’re also competing for yourself,” Thinnyun said. “I am definitely looking forward to improving and of course winning this season.”

Junior Jenny Fang and sophomore Maya Pabilonia compete at this season’s first competition at Fairfax High School in the uneven bars, vault and floor routine competitions. photos courtesy of May Thinnyun

8

spread

december 20, 2013

Around the world

Students take advantage of the

“I am going to California to see family friends. Since the winter break is longer this year, we are able to go to more places like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.â€? ČŹÂ?Â›ÂŽÂœÂ‘Â–ÂŠÂ—Čą ’슗¢ȹ ž—

“My dad has extra airline miles this year so we are going skiing in Montreal, Canada. We get to go for longer because of the long break.�

-junior Carolina Hatanpää

“I am going with my family Austria to visit my cousins. W used to go all of the time, b we haven’t been able to fo while because of school. T year we can go because of t long break.�

-junior Sara Muel

photo courtesy of Stephanie Hoang

Senior Stephanie Hoang returns to Beaver Creek, Colorado for an annual family ski trip this year.

“Every year my family takes an annual ski trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado. My favorite part of the trip besides skiing is drinking white hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows at the hotel’s hot chocolate buffet.�

-senior Stephanie Hoang

“I’m going to Costa Rica because I want to take a break fom college apps by visiting tropical jungles and beaches.�

-senior Parag Shukla

“My family and I are going to the Caribbean for winter break. It will be nice to go to the beach for Christmas.�

-freshman Selina Cheng

“My family goes to Sanibel Island, Florida where we collect sea shells, kayak, bike and go to the beach.�

-sophomore Virginia Pan

™‘˜Â?Â˜ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ›Â?ÂŽÂœÂ˘Čą

ÂžÂ—Â’Â˜Â›Čą ÂŠÂ›Â’ÂœČą ’ľŽ•Â?Ž•Â?ȹ›ŽÂ?ÂžÂ›Â—ÂœČąÂ?Â˜Čą ÂŠÂ›Â’ÂœČąÂ?‘’ after her exchange trip with the school in

photo courtesy of Virgnia Pan

Sophomore Virginia Pan takes an annual vacation to Sanibel Island, Florida, with her family to go to the beach. photo courtesy of Virgnia Pan

On her annual family vacation to Florida, sophomore Virginia Pan enjoys collecting seashells at the beach.

spread

december 20,2013

d in 16 days

9

e lengthened break to travel raphics and reporting by Alexis Williams and Anshula Rudhraraju

y to We but or a his the

ller

™‘˜Â?Â˜ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ›Â?ÂŽÂœÂ˘ČąÂ˜Â?Čą ÂŠÂ›Â’ÂœČą ’ľŽ•Â?Ž•Â?

“I am going to France to visit my boyfriend, and I am also visiting Belgium and Luxembourg. My parents made me raise all of my own money, so I used my Christmas money and Â–Â˜Â—ÂŽÂ˘ČąÂ?Â›Â˜Â–ČąÂ‹ÂŠÂ‹Â˘ÂœÂ’Ä´Â’Â—Â?ÇŻČ„ ČŹÂ“ÂžÂ—Â’Â˜Â›Čą ÂŠÂ›Â’ÂœČą ’ľŽ•Â?Ž•Â?

—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ČąÂ?›’™ȹÂ?Â˜Čą Â›ÂŠÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇ°ČąÂ“ÂžÂ—Â’Â˜Â›ÂœČą ÂŠÂ›Â’ÂœČą ’ľŽ•Â?eld and Carolina Hatanpää went to the Louvre MuÂœÂŽÂžÂ–ÇŻČą Â˜Â›ČąÂ Â’Â—Â?Ž›ȹ‹›ŽŠ”ǰȹ ’ľŽ•Â?Ž•Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ›ÂŽÂ?ž›—’—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Čą France while Hatanpää is going skiing in Montreal.

“I am going to India because –¢ȹ ÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂœÂ’Â—Čą Â’ÂœČą Â?ŽĴ’—Â?Čą –Š››’ŽÂ?ÇŻČą I can only go because winter break is so long.â€?

-sophomore Maitri Patel

“I am going to my cousin’s wedding reception. It is going to be a traditional Indian wedding, but in Dubai.�

-sophomore Shirali Nigam

˜Â?Čą ÂŠÂ›Â’ÂœČą ’ľŽ•Â?Ž•Â?

Â’ÂœČąÂ Â’Â—Â?Ž›ȹ‹›ŽŠ”ȹ n the spring.

by Alexis Williams Spread Editor This year, the stars have aligned, the fates have come together and ÂŽÂ&#x;Ž›¢Â?‘’—Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ“ÂžÂœÂ?ȹ›’Â?‘Â?ÇŻČą Â˜Â›ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÄ™Â›ÂœÂ?ČąÂ?Â’Â–ÂŽČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœÇ°ČąÂ?‘Žȹ Š’›Â?Š¥ȹ ˜ž—Â?¢ȹ Public School system has 16 days of winter break. This is mostly due to ‹˜Â?‘ȹ ‘›’œÂ?Â–ÂŠÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?Čą ÂŽÂ Čą ÂŽÂŠÂ›Č‚ÂœČą Š¢ȹÂ?Š••’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂŠČą ÂŽÂ?—ŽœÂ?Š¢ǰȹ–ŽŠ—’—Â?Čą Â?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ÂœČąÂ Â’Â•Â•ČąÂ—Â˜Â?ČąÂ˜Â™ÂŽÂ—ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?ÂŠÂ˘ÂœČąÂ•ÂŽÂŠÂ?’—Â?ȹž™ȹÂ?Â˜Čą ‘›’œÂ?Â–ÂŠÂœČąÂ˜Â›Čą Â?Â‘Â˜ÂœÂŽČąÂ?˜••˜ ’—Â?Čą ÂŽÂ Čą ÂŽÂŠÂ›Č‚ÂœČą Š¢ǯȹ Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ•Â˜Â—Â?ÂŽÂœÂ?ȹ‹›ŽŠ”ȹÂ?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ™Â˜ÂœÂœÂ’Â‹Â•ÂŽČą to have.

Many students are taking advantage of this long break. Some are žœ’—Â?ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?’–ŽȹÂ?Â˜ČąÂŒÂŠÂ?ÂŒÂ‘ČąÂžÂ™ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂœÂ?žÂ?¢’—Â?Ç°ČąÂ›ÂŽÂ•ÂŠÂĄČąÂ˜Â›ČąÂœÂ™ÂŽÂ—Â?ČąÂ?’–Žȹ ’Â?‘ȹÂ?Š–ily. Čƒ ČąÂ Â’Â•Â•ČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂ Â˜Â›Â”Â’Â—Â?ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂŒÂ˜Â•Â•ÂŽÂ?ÂŽČąÂŠÂ™Â™ÂœÇ°ČąÂœÂ’Â—ÂŒÂŽČą ȹ‘ŠÂ&#x;ÂŽČąÂŠČąÂ•Â˜Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ Â˜Â›Â”ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?ÂŽÂ?Čą done before Jan. 1 and working on my senior research project since it involves a lot of computer work, â€? senior Jose AcuĂąa said. “Most of all, Â?‘˜žÂ?‘ǰȹ ȹ Š—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂœÂ™ÂŽÂ—Â?ČąÂ?’–Žȹ ’Â?‘ȹ–¢ȹÂ?Š–’•¢ǯȄ Other students are using the long break to its fullest potential and ÂŽÂĄÂ?Ž—Â?’—Â?ČąÂ?‘Ž’›ȹÂ&#x;ŠŒŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ™Â•ÂŠÂ—ÂœÇŻ Čƒ ȹŠ–ȹÂ?˜’—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Čą Â˜ÂœČą —Â?ÂŽÂ•ÂŽÂœČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ&#x;’œ’Â?ČąÂ–Â˘ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂœÂ’Â—ÂœČąÂ˜Â&#x;Ž›ȹ ’—Â?Ž›ȹ‹›ŽŠ”ǰȄȹ

TJ Travels 1

About 46 percent of students are traveling over winter break.

2

About 16 percent of students are traveling internationally over winter break.

3

The most popular countries to travel to internationally this winter break are Costa Rica and Canada.

4

The most popular city to travel to domestically this winter break is New York City.

5

The most popular activities for students who are not traveling over winter break are sleeping and studying.

information based on a poll posted on social media site, to which 82 students responded

freshman Abhi Mogili said. “Because of the longer break, we are able Â?Â˜ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂŠČąÂ•Â˜Â—Â?Ž›ȹÂ?’–ŽȹŠ—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?’쎛Ž—Â?ČąÂ™Â•ÂŠÂŒÂŽÂœÇŻČ„Čą Of course, the long break is one of the best times of the year to travel ’—Â?Ž›—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Â•Â˘ÇŻČą Â?žÂ?Ž—Â?ÂœČąÂŠÂ›ÂŽČąÂ?›ŠÂ&#x;Ž•’—Â?ČąÂŠÂ•Â•ČąÂ˜Â&#x;Ž›ȹ ˜›Â?‘ȹ Â–ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŒÂŠÇ°ČąÂŽÂœÂ™ÂŽÂŒÂ’ÂŠÂ•Â•Â˘ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ™Â•ÂŠÂŒÂŽÂœČąÂ•Â’Â”ÂŽČą Š—ŠÂ?Šȹ ‘Ž›Žȹ ’—Â?ÂŽÂ›ČąÂœÂ™Â˜Â›Â?ÂœČąÂ?˜–’—ŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂ?’–Žȹ of year. Čƒ ¢ȹÂ?ÂŠÂ–Â’Â•Â˘ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ?˜’—Â?ČąÂœÂ”Â’Â’Â—Â?ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂ˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ČąÂ’Â—Čą ˜—Â?›ŽŠ•ǰȹ Š—ŠÂ?ÂŠÇ°Č„ČąÂ“ÂžÂ—Â’Â˜Â›Čą Carolina Hatanpääȹ œŠ’Â?ÇŻČą Čƒ ÂŽČą ÂŒÂŠÂ—Čą Â?Â˜Čą •˜—Â?Ž›ȹ Â?Â‘Â’ÂœČą ¢ŽŠ›ȹ Â‹ÂŽÂŒÂŠÂžÂœÂŽČą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ break.â€? Â?žÂ?Ž—Â?ÂœČąÂŠÂ›ÂŽČąÂ?Š”’—Â?ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂ˜Â™Â™Â˜Â›Â?ž—’Â?¢ȹÂ?Â˜ČąÂŠÂ—ČąÂŽÂĄÂ?›Ž–ŽǰȹÂ?˜’—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ™Â•ÂŠÂŒÂŽÂœČą •’”Žȹ —Â?Â’ÂŠČąÂ˜Â›Čą ÂžÂ›Â˜Â™ÂŽÇŻ Čƒ ȹŠ–ȹÂ?˜’—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Čą —Â?Â’ÂŠČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŒÂŠÂžÂœÂŽČąÂ–Â˘ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂœÂ’Â—ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ?ŽĴ’—Â?ȹ–Š››’ŽÂ?Ç°Č„ČąÂœÂ˜Â™Â‘Â˜Â–Â˜Â›ÂŽČą Š’Â?›’ȹ ŠÂ?ÂŽÂ•ČąÂœÂŠÂ’Â?ÇŻČąČƒ Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ ’—Â?Ž›ȹ‹›ŽŠ”ȹ‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŽÂ—ČąÂœÂ‘Â˜Â›Â?Ž›ǰȹ ČąÂ Â˜ÂžÂ•Â?Čą not have been able to go.â€? Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ›ÂœÂŽÇ°ČąÂœÂžÂŒÂ‘ČąÂŽÂĄÂ?›Ž–ŽȹÂ?Â›Â’Â™ÂœČąÂŒÂ˜ÂœÂ?ČąÂ–Â˜Â—ÂŽÂ˘Ç°ČąÂ Â’Â?‘ȹ’—Â?Ž›—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•ČąÂŠÂ’Â›Â?Š›Žȹ costing sometimes over $1,000 round-trip, and some students like juÂ—Â’Â˜Â›Čą ÂŠÂ›Â’ÂœČą ’ľŽ•Â?Ž•Â?ȹŠ›ŽȹÂ?˜›ŒŽÂ?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂœÂŠÂ&#x;ÂŽČąÂ–Â˜Â—ÂŽÂ˘ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ™ÂŠÂ˘ÇŻ Čƒ ČąÂŠÂ–ČąÂœÂŠÂ&#x;’—Â?ȹ–¢ȹ ‘›’œÂ?Â–ÂŠÂœČąÂ–Â˜Â—ÂŽÂ˘ČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂžÂœÂ’Â—Â?ČąÂ–Â˜Â—ÂŽÂ˘ČąÂ?Â›Â˜Â–ČąÂ‹ÂŠÂ‹Â˘ÂœÂ’Â?Â?’—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ™ÂŠÂ˘ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ–Â˘ČąÂ?›’™ȹÂ?Â˜Čą Â›ÂŠÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇ°Čą ÂžÂĄÂŽÂ–Â‹Â˜ÂžÂ›Â?ȹŠ—Â?Čą Ž•Â?’ž–ǰȄȹ ’ľŽ•feld said.

10

entertainment

“The Hobbit” stuns with quality visuals

photo courtesy of www.thehobbit.com

by Yena Seo Social Media Editor After last year’s disappointing return to the Shire in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” director Peter Jackson released “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” which chronicles the adventures of hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his rag-tag gang of dwarves as they journey to stop evil and save Middle-Earth.

I was introduced to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy at a young age by my father, and I quickly fell in love with and soon becoming obsessed with the series. I watched the movies religiously, having marathons of the director’s cut of the movies—all 682 minutes worth—every holiday break. I was that nerdy kid who taught herself Elvish and fell in love with Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Disney didn’t give me my high expectations of men; J.R.R. Tolkien did. Despite my disappointment with the first “Hobbit” movie, my hopes remained high for the second installment.

My wishes came true, thank goodness. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” proved much more entertaining and fast-paced than its longer, more sluggish prequel. Big action scenes dominate the screen, and while they’re not anywhere close to the Battle at Helm’s Deep, they suffice. The most notable scene in the movie is the barrel ride, a roller-coaster event in which Bilbo and the dwarves escape from Mirkwood by riding down a river in wooden barrels. The chase between the dwarves, the elves and orcs is action-packed and keeps people on the edge of their seats, and other hilarious moments leave audience members howling with laughter.

As Bilbo Baggins, Martin Freeman presents the perfect balance of utter bafflement and worry, all while depicting the changes in Bilbo as the One Ring’s power on him begins to grow.

Additionally, Orlando Bloom returns from the original trilogy to resume the role of the woodelf Legolas, slaying orcs with effortless grace.

There’s a scene where a dwarf shows Legolas a picture of his son, Legolas’ soon-to-be best friend Gimli, which draws chuckles from the audience and tugs at a few heartstrings.

The computer-generated imagery (CGI) animation in the film is extraordinary, grounding the setting in Tolkien’s magical Middle-Earth.

From spiders to a dragon to a bear-human, these creatures seem just as real as the actual actors in the film. Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, is as magnificent and terrifying as one would expect from a fire-breathing dragon. As always, the scenery is gorgeous like all of the “Lord of the Rings” films, with breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills and snowcapped mountains.

The plot of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” might be confusing for some who have not read the original novel or seen the other films based on Tolkien’s mythical universe due to the large number of characters involved in the film. The sub-plot between the elf Tauriel and the dwarf Kili attempts to create the romance Arwen and Aragorn had throughout the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, but fails, mainly because the characters aren’t nearly as developed.

While “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” may be slow at times, overall it succeeds in providing Tolkien fans an exciting and enjoyable movie, and the cliffhanger ending is sure to be unforgettable and will leave audience members craving even more in the journey of Bilbo Baggins.

Coming Attractions photos courtesy of studio websites infographic by Anshula Rudhraraju

‘12 of Never’

december 20, 2013

Students display model behavior Jefferson student models discuss the inside life of the demanding modeling industry

by Lindsay Williams Online Editor When sophomore Claire Scoggins was told she would be doing a photo shoot in a public place, she didn’t expect how the people there would react. People began to stop and watch, and even ask for pictures.

“When we were switching locations, groups of people would come up to be asking for a picture with me, which was really funny,” Scoggins said.

“A group of teenage boys was even following me around. It felt like i was famous.”

Scoggins was ins p i r e d to start modeling by her sister, who began in middle school. She was eventually asked to model by the same company. Although it can be tough to manage with school work, Scoggins does still model on weekends.

“My shoots are almost always on weekends, so balancing it with school is never that Sophomore Claire Scoggins, a professional model, poses during a weekend shoot.

much problem, although occasionally I’ve had to leave school for auditions and such,” Scoggins said. “It’s not that hard to balance it unless the shoots are far away from this area.”

Scoggins enjoys modeling because of the excitement and glamor of the industry.

“The whole lights camera background thing is amazing to experience and talk about. You get to meet so many cool people, occasionally celebrities, and go cool places,” Scoggins said.

Junior Jessica Kim also models in her free time. Although she only does it occasionally during the school year, during the summers she goes up to New York to model.

Kim was scouted for modeling at a hair salon when she was 14 and has been doing jobs when available ever since.

Her favorite part of modeling is the extra pocket money she can earn and the free merchandise she receives from the companies she models for. However, the stress of jobs sometimes gets to her.

“My eyes get really red the next day because of all the makeup I have to wear, and if I am doing something for runway, I have to stand on really high heels for the whole day,” Kim said.

Both Kim and Scoggins agree that the pressures of the industry can be debilitating to self-confidence because of the limitations and comparisons to other girls.

“There is some harshness in the business, like the pressures to be skinny and tall and the strict limitations they have,” Scoggins said. “They will definitely measure you and compare to other girls which is just damaging to your self-esteem and body image.”

photo courtesy of Claire Scoggins

Bruce creates a jewel of a business idea

by Anshula Rudhraraju Entertainment Editor Senior Alyssa Bruce has always enjoyed making distinctive pieces of jewelry. But when she first started making the pieces, she didn’t expect her then-hobby to evolve into a business.

“I had always liked stringing things, and then in fifth grade a friend and I decided to sell some things around Christmas,” Bruce said. “I had a ton of fun and realized that I could build it into something much bigger.”

Bruce designs and puts together all of the pieces herself. Most of her original designs spring from her head, but sometimes she looks at upcoming fashion trends for inspiration for her unique designs.

“I think the most unique thing about my jewelry business is that each and every piece is one of a kind,” Bruce said.

According to Bruce, the time it takes to make each piece of jewelry varies from 30 minutes to a few days and the pricing is often determined from the materials used.

“Normally I multiply the price of the materials used by 1.5, and then I add some on for the amount of time it took,” Bruce said. “But sometimes it doesn’t add up correctly so I just do it based off the look of the piece.”

Bruce has sold pieces to her friends and has given some of her pieces to members of staff as gifts.

“I bought a necklace, and it was a gun metal chain with small beads that were blues, greens, and pinks leading to a magenta star-shaped pendant at the center,” senior Katie Valery said. “I love the color combinations she chooses not just for this piece, but for all her pieces because they are always combinations that you would never think of, but look gorgeous.”

Bruce also does custom orders. She designs pieces fit for a special outfit or event.

“I have never made repeats of any jewelry piece,” Bruce said. “So the customer always has an individualized work of art that is theirs alone.”

photo by Shayna Hume

Dec. 24: Bookstores everywhere

‘Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ ‘Chasing God’ Dec. 25: Theatres everywhere

Jan. 1: Bookstores everywhere

‘Solar Loops’

Jan. 11: National Air and Space Museum

‘Fading West’ Jan. 14: USA

11 All Hands

entertainment

december 20, 2013

Behind the Curtains

Stage hands work magic behind the scenes to help bring newest drama productions to life

by Anshula Rudhraraju Entertainment Editor After school during production week, all the actors are running around carrying props, getting into costume for rehearsal, and practicing their lines in the last minute. Behind the chaos, however, there is a team of people responsible for making the production come to life – they are quiet, blending into the background, setting the lights, fixing the sound and building the sets, but without them there would be no show.

There are currently five stage hands, who prefer to be called techies, in Jefferson drama department. With the upcoming challenge of the winter show, “A Taste of Honey,” the techies have already begun planning so that they can spin their magic behind stage.

According to stage hand and sophomore Zeal An, they will be straying from a more traditional setup by placing seating around the stage so that the actors can perform in the midst of the audience. And with no curtains and cycles, “A Taste of Honey” will be unlike anything the stage hands have ever done.

“It seems like a pretty big departure from what we’ve done before,” senior Jocelyn Huang, the winter show technical director, said. “It’ll keep us on our toes for sure.”

For the first drama production of the year, the Annual Knight of One Axe, senior Chris Doan was in charge of lighting, sophomore Ally Scholle ran the soundboard, and sophomore Julie Lee, Huang, and An were stage managers.

Like during any other production, all the stage hands worked three days a week. They stayed after school every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. During production week, the stage

hands stay after for around five hours.

As lighting technician for the 2013 to 2014 season, Doan designs, sets up and controls the lighting effects.

He also ensures that the props, such as the lamps and light bulbs, work onstage.

“I think that the best thing about my position is that I’m able to talk to everyone to get their opinions on the lighting, as well as create dynamic qualities that directly affect the show,” Doan said.

Scholle is the sound head. She runs sound effects in the booth and works with the microphones. As there aren’t many sound people working in the booth on a consistent basis, Scholle has a mostly one-woman job.

“I love being in booth and working with my board,” Scholle said. “It is a really lovely place to be.”

Lee and An worked on sets and behind the scenes on stage during the previous show, helping out whenever needed.

Huang currently in charge of all the other stage hands for the winter show. She oversees scheduling, planning, and the instruction of the - sophomore Zeal An diurnal stage crew activities, such as drilling and constructing.

“I love the stage crew; the people in the drama program as a whole, the wood room and the joy of constructing and painting a set,” Huang said.

As the planning is pulling together, it seems like “A Taste of Honey” will be something special with new effects and a unique set.

“With the other techies everything is just so relaxed,” An said. “We’re all just really good friends, having a good time, and it’s absolutely wonderful.”

“With the other techies, everything is just so relaxed. We’re all just really good friends, having a good time, and it’s absolutely wonderful.”

on Stage

Lighting photo by Anshula Rudhraraju

“It’s doubtful I can pinpoint what my favorite aspect of stage crew and lighting is, but I can definitely say my favorite aspect about Jefferson Theater in general is the people.”

-senior Chris Doan

Set Design

photo by Anshula Rudhraraju

“Having been in stage crew for this long, I wouldn’t give up the experience for the world.”

-senior Jocelyn Huang

Sound Effects photo by Anshula Rudhrarju

“This is my first year at Jefferson, so I’ve only done One Axe, which was fabulous and wonderful. I am terribly excited for the next show.”

-sophomore Ally Scholle

SENIOR AD SALES END 1/31

Senior ads will NOT be in the senior issue because this year, they are in the YEARBOOK! What does this mean?

It means that you have until January 31 to place an order for a commemorative senior ad.

Buy one for yourself.

Buy one for a loved one.

Buy one for your friends.

Buy one for your team.

Just don’t miss out on the opportunity!

Full page = $500 Half page = $250 4-units = $150

2-units = $85 1-unit = $50

Visit tjTODAY.org and click on “Advertising” to download an order form.

Make checks payable to TJHSST Publications and send digital photos to tj.yearbook@gmail.com.

12

features

december 20, 2013

USE YOUR BRAIN

Students excercise various parts of the brain by participating in many different school activities Underclassmen take on challenging academic courses

by Anjali Khanna Features Editor Most freshmen are worried about fitting in during their high school career — making friends, being involved with clubs and sports and figuring out where to sit at lunch. Some, however, are more concerned with giving themselves the most challenging course load possible within their four years at Jefferson, even if that means starting out high school by taking classes traditionally left for upperclassmen.

Sophomores who took Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus BC during their freshman year now find themselves in higher math classes, such as Matrix Algebra and Multivariable Calculus.

“I thought I’d be up for the challenge because that was something that I was seriously lacking in the math courses I took before Jefferson,” sophomore Bijal Rajput said. “I was really nervous about going straight into calculus because I’d heard about

the high expectations and difficult tests.”

In Rajput’s case, going into higher level courses was the right decision. Another student at Jefferson also enrolled in similar courses is sophomore Ross Dempsey, who is currently taking AP Physics as well as Multivariable Calculus, another course traditionally intended for upperclassmen.

“I definitely enjoy being able to take advanced classes as a sophomore,” Dempsey said. “I’ve gotten to know many juniors and some seniors through taking accelerated courses in the past, so it is nice to continue to have classes with them.”

According to Rajput, taking classes primarily with upperclassmen isn’t too scary. In fact, it can be fun. Since most of the time Rajput spends outside of class is with other sophomores, she enjoys time in class with upperclassmen.

“Upperclassmen are pretty nice. It’s great to have someone with some more experience to talk to,” Rajput said.

The frontal lobe of the brain can be used for problem solving and planning, two skills often needed for students who take mathematics courses, especially at the higher level.

Chess team encourages use of salutary studying habits

by Esther Kim Features Editor With intricately designed pawns and knights moving around the blackand-white board, the game of chess is one of the most complex yet intriguing games played by many people. This is not an exception at Jefferson, where students vie for victory at various chess competitions as members of the chess team.

Jefferson’s chess program is currently divided into two branches, Chess Team and an eighth period Chess Club.

Chess Club allows all students to engage in chess games at a relaxing environment.

“During the club meetings, students can play chess for fun and team members usually play against each other because we are all at a similar level,” senior Ashley Xue, the captain of Chess Team, said.

The team, which consists of around 25 members, will begin practices after winter break in order to prepare for the upcoming spring competitions, such as the Virginia State Scholastic Chess Championships held in March.

“The Chess Team consists of players who attend some big events such

as States and Nationals,” junior Jeevan Karamsetty said, one of the captains of Chess Team. “As we get closer to States and Nationals, we are planning to get an International Grandmaster or International Master to help train our players for the different competitions.”

The team is preparing for the year’s upcoming state tournament to seize its victory while also encouraging its members to gain salutary studying habits.

“With chess games going up to around six hours, most of which is spent thinking, the level of concentration can easily be applied to other subjects as well,” Karamsetty said. “In addition, time management skills are also developed, with players needing to figure out how their time can best be allocated.”

The team is also hoping to participate in the national tournament, National High School (K-12) Championships, in which the team places in the top ten regularly.

“Chess has been a part of my life for over 11 years now,” Karamsetty said. “Never have I ever, and never will I ever, think about stop playing the game.”

Playing chess develops the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain which controls planning and judgement. When this part of the brain matures, the human body has typically reached adulthood.

graphics by Anjali Khanna

Students who originally started high school taking Algebra 2, or students who took Geometry in their freshmen year also have the opportunity to switch into harder classes if they feel they are up for the challenge. Jefferson offers a test to skip into Precalculus with teacher recommendation for those who are ready to progress to a harder level in mathematics.

If a student wishes to skip Precalculus, they are required to switch into AP Calculus BC, a course which most students at Jefferson take in their junior or senior year. The test requires at least a 90 percent to pass, and the student must have earned an A in all high school mathematics courses.

“The test was actually a lot easier than I had expected,” sophomore Ginny Sun said. “To prepare, I just used the Precalculus textbook and notes provided by the school.”

Show Choir showcases new winter production

by Stav Nachum Sports Editor The sounds of opera filled the auditorium as Jefferson Choir performed their production of “Dido and Aeneas” on Dec. 6 during Bblock and after school. Whether it was the voice of senior Hannah Pho dressed in a white gown as Dido or the vocals of senior Asa Kaplan playing Aeneas, Jefferson Choir produced a successful performance of the beloved opera.

“This performance exceeded my expectations,” choir director Molly Khatcheressian said. “I thought it was a beautiful, elegant performance and that everything really focused on the music and the storyline. ” The tragedy of Dido and Aeneas begins in ancient Greece, when Dido, queen of Carthage, falls in love with Aeneas, the celebrated Trojan hero. Their love falters, however, since Dido believes that her love for him will make her a weak monarch. Nevertheless, Dido accepts Aeneas’s proposal and the two are wed.

Shortly after their marriage, an evil sorcerer is plotting the destruction of Carthage and sends her trusted elf, disguised as Mercury, to tempt Aeneas to leave Dido and

sail to Italy by telling him that the gods want him to create a new Troy on Latin soil. Heartbroken that he must leave Dido, Aeneas sees no choice but to follow the gods’ wishes. Dido remains heartbroken, and when Aeneas comes to tell her, she rejects him for even having thought of leaving her. She dies shortly after from heartbreak.

“The production as a whole went really well, and we successfully incorporated a lot of traditional elements of an original Baroque opera,” senior Madie Reinsel said.

“Though it was different from a lot of previous performances mainly because of the length and type of show, I think the quality definitely measured up.”

“Dido and Aeneas” was one of the earliest English operas and was Henry Purcell’s first opera. Based on Book IV of Virgil’s Aeneid, “Dido and Aeneas” was one of the earliest English operas. It was first performed at Josias Priest’s girls’ school in London in 1688.

“The fact that students were working on this in 1688 is incredible,” Khatcheressian said. “To think that a teacher was helping students with this music and present this story and that we were doing exactly the same thing now is just magical.”

The temporal lobe of the brain is activated when the brain processes sounds and patterns in music, such as during a choir concert. Students must also exercise brain cells predominantly in the right hemisphere of the brain in order to process pitch and melody.

features

december 20, 2013

Learning the Language Chat (4)

13

Computer Science Education Week brings the art of coding into light

by Anjali Khanna and Esther Kim Features Editors In most high schools, students are offered the option to take a variety of languages- Spanish, French, Chinese or German. However, the most versatile of all languages is not even considered in their curriculum, the language of code.

Although things are different at Jefferson, where students are required to take a Foundations to Computer Science course before their junior year, many decide not to continue their learning after completing the course. In order to resolve the problem, Jefferson’s own computer science department has organized and planned Jefferson’s own Computer Science Education Week (CSEDWeek) from Dec. 11 to 18.

“Computer science is in everything that we do, and no matter what field we choose to go into, we will somehow encounter it,” junior Katherine Ann Van Kirk, a member of the preparation team, said.

Computer Science Education Week, a program instituted by Computing in the Core, an organization of various groups seeking to advertise computer science, and a non-profit organization named Code.org, fosters the learning of computer science to students around the world. One of its major events, “The Hour of Code,” offers one-hour rudimentary course of computer science to approximately five million students who have shown interest through the official website.

Throughout this special week at Jefferson, the CSEDWeek team raised awareness of computer science by taking a poll of specific computer science concepts the students were interested in. The team members plan to teach these concepts to the students after the week is over.

Highlights of the Week: The Computer Science Education Week Team painted the JLounge wall to display announcements about the events.

The Team plans to hold an eighth period event on Jan. 8 which will teach students how to program on the calculator.

Computer Science Education Week included the “One Hour of Code” activity, where students are encouraged to learn the basics of code.

“The ‘education’ part of the week is calculator programming,” Kirk said. “Jefferson students who already know how to program their calculator will be sent to math classes to teach their peers.”

The computer science department also hosted computer science trivia games each morning through the morning announcements, in which the contestants would submit their answers by lunchtime. In addition, every day of the week followed a particular theme, such as Memory Management Monday and Turing Tuesday, although the sudden snow days hindered some of the activities that were originally planned.

Nonetheless, the team continued their main events, such as the scavenger hunt and a miniature hackathon, by postponing them.

The team also offered students the chance to participate in the trivia competitions from the cancelled days. Instead of having the students submit their answers by lunchtime, the team offered a Google form where contestants could log their answers.

In addition, the members of the preparation team organized various events to broaden the awareness of computer science, including the appearance of guest speaker Helen Hastings on Dec. 16, a Jefferson alumna who developed a coding program for girls interested in the field.

However, the diverse events of the week did not just happen overnight. In preparation for these events, students met during eighth period special meetings to coordinate these events.

“For the past couple of months, we have met during eighth period in several committees, which are celebration, advertisement, school outreach and community outreach,” sophomore Satvika Kumar said. “In my committee, the advertisement committee, we have been focused on getting the word out to our classmates and community members.”

Kirk, another member of the team, was a part of the education committee of the program, but also contributed in the advertisement of the events by posting flyers, painting the wall in the J-Lounge and updating Jefferson’s Computer Science Education Week website.

“We had a lot to plan, and dividing into committees helped give people certain tasks, ” Kirk said. “Even though we split up into different committees, everyone helped with all of the activities.”

Besides hosting interactive events for the Jefferson community, the team also hopes to educate the Jefferson students about the fundamental idea of computer science and java, a software used to program codes.

Students can find Khan academy tutorials teaching basic java on the official Computer Science Education Week website. In conjunction with the National Computer Science Education Week, the Jefferson computer science department is offering an eighth period session on Jan. 8 in which they will teach students about programming on the calculator.

“Computer science is more than learning an essential skill,” Kirk said. “I want to quote Steve Jobs, who said, ‘Everyone in this country should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.’”

“A time when I really love computer science is when my code compiles and actually runs.”

-freshman Ashima Banga

“Why is there a CSEDWeek when there is no biology week or a chemistry week?” -sophomore Asha Krishnakumar

“I know that a lot of people are participating in the Hour of Code and there are minute sessions of computer science in most math classes” -junior Thai Le

“I feel like CSEDWeek doesn’t teach the type of computer science we see in the real world.”

-senior Abinand Gopal

graphics by Anjali Khanna and Esther Kim

14 Cultural clubs begin I-Nite preparations features

december 20, 2013

by Lindsay Williams Online Editor With Jefferson’s International Night (I-Nite) quickly approaching, many clubs have started preparing for their performances in the show.

Clubs are currently focusing on costumes and choreography and many will be starting practices in the coming weeks.

French Honor Society in the past has done a skit followed by a couple of musical numbers. This year, the dances are being choreographed by juniors Carolina Hatanpää and Heather Lukas.

The practices will begin shortly so all of the many members of French Honor Society can learn the dance.

Members can choose which dances they want to participate in to maximize efficiency and space.

“We have our first song completely choreographed and we are going to record a video to teach the members how to do Senior Stephanie Hoang practices a performance the steps,” Hatanpää said. “We are for the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) that in the process of choreographing will be presented in the upcoming I-Nite in early the other songs.”

2014.

Also a club which annually

performs at I-Nite, the Korean Culture Club completely changed their dance style last year to a more traditional Korean fan dance.

They will be using that style again this year, although they have new fans and in addition are switching back to traditional Korean music instead of modern pop in the background.

The choreography is finished, and practices to learn the dances will be after school starting in the coming weeks.

“This year we have a lot more people and a lot of seniors. Last year we only had 12 people but this year we have 22,” junior Janie Choi said. “Also this year ,instead of having pop music in the background we will be having actual traditional music so hopefully it will fit better and be more organized.”

Arabic Club, on the other hand, has already begun practices on Fridays during eighth period B-block.

They brought in a teacher to learn how to belly dance for their performance.

The club has faced challenges in distinguishing themselves as far as costumes and style from Persian Club, because of the simliarity in cultural styles. The club is beginning out of school practices soon in order to further develop its style and perfect the dance.

“We’re really excited for I-Nite,” junior Paris Mitzelfeld said. “We’re hopefully going to have some weekend rehearsals and we have to take care of finding costumes, which is difficult because we don’t want to have the same thing as Persian Club and we want to look good.”

graphics by Esther Kim

Application deadlines push students Prominent writing contests to consider future plans for summer garner student participation

By Tommy Lunn Opinion Editor As the month of January approaches, so do the deadlines for two prestigious writing competitions in which Jefferson students often compete. Although the DuPont Challenge Science Essay Contest and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are focused on two very different topics, Jefferson students have historically excelled in both.

The Scholastic contest is due Jan. 6, with Virginia competing in the Southeast region.

Categories in the competition range from topics such as design and painting for art to journalism and poetry for writing.

“The competition is important because it encourages talent in the humanities — talent that is necessary for our society and generation to flourish,” senior Anwar Omeish said.

On Jan. 31, Scholastic will announce the winners of the competition. Awards include exhibition, publication and scholarships.

A panel of judges will look at the thousands of submissions and select the best pieces.

“To me and other young writers, the environment the awards foster is both encouraging and rewarding, and much-welcome especially in a school environment like TJ’s that often does not value the arts to the fullest extent,” Omeish said.

The 700 to 1000 words papers for the sciencefocused DuPont Challenge are due Jan. 31.

Each paper must focus on food security, energy production, protection of people and the Earth or innovation.

Any combination of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can be used to support the papers.

“The competition gives me a chance to learn more about a topic that interests me,” sophomore Nate Foss said. “My project is about the viability and applications of smaller, possibly hand-held, nuclear reactors.”

The winners of the DuPont Challenge will be announced on April 15 of next year. The contest honors winners for the senior division, high school seniors, juniors and sophomores, as well as the junior division, grades seven through nine.

Awards are given to first, second and third place within each division, and honorable mention awards are given as well. Prizes include savings bonds, a trip to Orlando, Florida as well as Encyclopedia Britannica materials.

“This competition is great because it pulls potentially incredible ideas from a huge, creative pool of students, and also encourages said students to pursue something they’re interested in but may not have time to research for fun,” Foss said.

By Ellen Kan things,” Bhandarkar said. “I definitely encourage peoManaging Editor ple to apply because the positive energy there mirrors As the bitter winter weather engulfs the region, some the mood here at Jefferson. You don’t feel afraid interstudents have already gotten a head start on their plans acting with others because everyone shares your undyfor the summer. For sophomores and juniors, the appli- ing curiosity and passion for science.” cation process for competitive summer programs will STEM opportunities also abound in local areas as take up much of the winter months. well, and many students return to previous internships.

The College and Career Center (CCC) has recently Junior Dilip Thiagarajan interned at George Mason Uniheld many interest meetings for a diverse selection versity through the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internof internships and learning opportunities. These op- ship Program (ASSIP) last summer, where he worked tions, which range from foreign language immersion on bioinformatics. “When you dive into a career path, through the National Security Language Initiative for it’s vital to pick something you like and have a passion Youth (NSLI-Y) to the government-sponsored Science for, because work will almost become play after that and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), of- point,” Thiagajaran said. “I’m applying again not only fer students a wide range of possibilities to pursue their to continue the project, but also because I truly enjoyed passions. the experience.”

One option that attracts many Jefferson students is Finally, some students are choosing to pursue sumthe Virginia Governor’s School Program, a residential mer programs that highlight their non-academic interprogram that allows students to pursue their interests ests. Junior Sarah Falls, who dances outside of school in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and may pursue ballet to in college, is auditioning for (STEM), humanities, performing arts and related men- summer programs around the country. torship programs. Sophomore Ravi Shankar applied “After participating for two summers already, I to the agricultural program in hopes of integrating his know that that the summer intensives are really fun exSTEM interests. periences,” Falls said. “It is a really good time for me “The program takes a cool multi-disciplinary ap- to learn from well-known dance teachers and focus on proach to agriculture, including the economic, engi- ballet without any distractions.” neering, environmental, biological and chemical asRegardless of whether or not the summer programs pects,” Shankar said. match academic goals or hobbies, the CCC has databasDue to the popularity of the program, Jefferson can es that offer students more information. CCC Specialist nominate a total of eight students this year for further Eileen Kropf encourages students to take advantage of consideration. Applications are currently being re- the CCC’s plethora of resources to get a head-start on viewed by a panel of qualified teachers. finding summer programs that best suit their interests.

Other summer programs are not affiliated with the “Often, internships can be most valuable in showing school and do not require multiple rounds for selection. what you don’t want to do and what kind of careers Several life science aficionados apply for internships you do identify with,” Kropf said. “Practical experience at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help with is a valuable part of education because it complements their pursuit of medical careers. academics and helps you apply what you learned in the “The NIH is one of the world’s most renowned classroom.” medical research centers, and it would provide me with a great experience to explore topics of my interest,” junior Al Ahmed said.

“If accepted, I would take full advantage of the opportunity to put me on track to becoming a doctor in the future.”

Other research opportunities include the esteemed and highly competitive Research Science Institute (RSI), a residential mentorship program held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Senior Archis Bhandarkar, who participated in RSI last summer, espouses the program for access to unparalleled innovative opportunities. photo by Ellen Kan “Working face-to-face with some of the 50 bright- Science and Technology Division Director Matthew Pearce introduces summer est kids in the nation was opportunities to students during an eighth period information session on Dec. 13. one of the most humbling

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december 20, 2013

15

HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR 2014 YEARBOOK? Check out this list. If your name is on it, then you’re in the clear! You have a yearbook AND a free name plate!

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16

technology

what the

photo by Ellen Kan

Junior Jason Hu uses a Leap Motion controller to interact with the music synthesizing program he coded with junior Shicheng Zhao.

63%

of students use Windows personal computers

37%

of students use Macs 113 students responded to an internet survey

57%

of students use tablets

33%

of students use Kindles

11%

of students use Nooks

86 students responded to an social media survey

Outer image: senior Will Ashe takes pictures with his Canon DSLR; Inner image: senior Jonathan Towne helps to develop the Neuroscience Laboratory’s wheelchair; Upper right: Energy Systems Laboratory Director Adam Kemp created a quadrocopter.

december 20, 2013

Students contemplate the increasing role of technology in their lives

by Ellen Kan and Lindsay Williams Managing Editor and Online Editor With the cheerful holiday season nearly upon us, many students are not only looking forward to spending time with their families and taking advantage of the 16 day vacation, but also plunging wholeheartedly into the gift-giving season. Innovative technology, ranging from portable audio to gaming systems, often appears on wish lists as the fan base for the newest technology grows.

Advanced technology can be given as gifts, but some students who own this kind of equipment use it to make gifts for others.

“I build and design a lot of things, and these tools allow me to bring the creations I come up with into existence,” Fremlin said. “I think the things I create are cool but I often don’t need them, so I give them away.”

High-quality technology can help support students in a multitude of other endeavors as well, including academicbased competitions.

Juniors Jason Hu and Shicheng Zhao invested in the Leap Motion Controller, a device that can track hand and fingerprint motion in interactive computer programs.

They used Leap Motion Controllers to enhance user interaction with a program that they coded for PilotPhilly, a 24hour hackathon hosted by the University of Pennsylvania.

“My team bought Leap Motion sensors because we thought it would impress the judges, and also because the sensor is hot new technology in an expanding market,” Hu said. “Having experience with coding for the device might help us in the future.”

Other students have saved up for expensive technology that aids them in leisurely pursuits. Senior Will Ashe is an avid pho-

tographer, and he supports his hobby by buying lenses and accessories for his camera.

“I take pictures of a variety of school events for the yearbook, as well as other events for my own enjoyment,” Ashe said. “This kind of technology makes recording events and preserving the past much easier.”

Junior Vincent Billet is another student who is taking advantage of the development of technology by enhancing his video game experience through virtual reality glasses.

“I’m quite interested in augmented reality, which is using devices to change how you perceive things and what you perceive,” Billet said.

The advancement of technology has impacted more than just the individuals at Jefferson. Many of the senior research laboratories are investing in cutting-edge equipment to help students with their projects and some are even building their own.

The familiar wheelchair is the culmination of seven years of work in the Neuroscience Laboratory, although it is still in progress. This year, seniors Seong Jang and Jonathan Towne are working to improve the accuracy of recognizing brain patterns and the training period that quadriplegics will go through to use the wheelchair.

“Our final objective is to create a mind-controlled wheelchair based on a brain-machine interface allowing quadriplegics to move without as much difficulty,” Towne said. “There are many implications for the future of brain research and this project is just the beginning.”

The wheelchair project is a collaboration between several laboratories, including Prototyping, Energy Systems and Robotics. According to Neuroscience Laboratory Director Mark Hannum, this cooperation is a microcosm of the important interchange between science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“I really think it’s about the interplay between and the necessity of all the letters of STEM,” Hannum said. “This is exactly what the research labs are hoping to do, because they feed off each other to spur each other to develop new technologies, to advance new science, to ask better questions that require new technologies to answer.”

In a society in which technology is playing an ever more significant role in our lives, members of the Jefferson community must balance the benefits that technology affords with the hindrances that come with over-dependence.

“Usually we embrace a technology to help make things easier, faster and more accurate,” Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Laboratory Director LeeAnn Hennig said. “However, you run the risk of overlooking other ways to solve a problem, or become accustomed to only one way to address an issue at the expense of being flexible.

Others, like Hu, interpret the persistent evolution of technology not as a burden that inhibits creativity, but as an avenue that stimulates further improvements.

“I think that progress cannot and should not be stopped,” Hu said. “If we see that technology has problematic effects on health, relationships, and the environment, it only means we have to innovate more, not less.”

photos,and reporting by Ellen Kan and Lindsay Williams graphics by Jason Hu, Ellen Kan and Lindsay Williams