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Features
Common Sense |March 6, 2018
Substitutes affect learning From the inside Long term subs create disadvantage for students Demi Ellenbogen staff writer Everyone knows the feeling of excitement when you walk into your classroom and see you have a substitute. A free class period to catch up on homework, study for future tests, or to just play on your phone. Who wouldn’t enjoy that? Teacher absences can be the result of various situations: personal leave, family event, sick day, maternity leave, etc. Although this seems amazing at times, having a substitute teacher also has its pitfalls. There is a debate over whether those students who have long term subs, or even a sub just for the day, have a disadvantage. Students with substitute teachers may feel like their quality of education is being impeded by the absence of their teacher. Due to miscommunication with the teacher, the sub plans get messed up, causing the students to not have the right work to do, or not having the right resources. Also, often times the sub isn’t specialized for the class they are subbing in, so students are unable to ask questions and get the help they need. “If we have a sub the day before a test, we don’t get the opportunity to review and ask questions,” sophomore Parmida Khajoee said. When teachers know they are going to miss a day, they often leave plans for the substitute. This way, the students are being productive and getting work done, even in the absence of their teacher. “I always leave extremely detailed plans for my subs, which include the assignments, what to do if there is a drill, where to leave the attendance, and any other information,” Spanish teacher Matthew Salzman said. Teachers who leave plans for the sub are extremely helpful, as students are still able to get the necessary work done. However, when the teacher’s absence lasts for more than a couple of days, students might be at a disadvantage. Even though they will have work to do, without their teachers present students aren’t getting the educational stimulation they need. “When we have a sub it seems like we are just given busy work and not really learning,” junior Kayla Hill said. If teachers have extended absences, such as maternity leave, the students will be given a long-term sub. These substitutes typically are more experienced with the subject
they are teaching and are capable of leading the class as the original teacher would have. With the help of other teachers in the department, they are able to teach the students the most effective way they can. The ability of a substitute teacher to successfully fill the place of a teacher varies from sub to sub, and from class to class. Often students act up or think they can slack off because of the presence of a sub. Substitutes work better when the students are willing to help. “By telling the sub where things are or what the assignment is, the class is able to run smoothly even in the absence of our teacher,” junior Mason Kravitz said.
When we have a sub it seems like we are just given busy work and not really learning.
- Kayla Hill, junior
Students, teachers react to singing valentines Day. “It was great seeing so many talented students perform and it seemed like the recipients really enjoyed and appreciated them. I look forward to the singing Valentines every year,” Duong said. Not only were the Valentines special for the recipient, but all of the students in the classes got to experience them as well. Junior
Photo Abby Russ
Rachel Wei editor-in-chief Athletes, spectators and coaches from all over the world sit unified in the arenas and open air competition spaces in PyeongChang, South Korea. People from countries where political ties are strained stand side by side, watching athletes twirling on the ice and flipping in the air. The 2018 Olympics was a refreshing celebration of human ability and talent in a year filled with political strife; it proved that even in today’s politically tense climate, it is still possible for all of us to come together in harmony to commemorate hardwork, dedication and athletic ability. It was touching to see all the attendees cheering for their country’s representatives and Olympians’ pushing the boundaries of what the human body can do. Similar to literature and art, the Olympics at its core is a celebration of human life and ability. The ability for international competitions such as the Olympics to bring people of all backgrounds together is a testament to humans’ deep bond with each other. No matter what type of government we live under, what political leaders we have or what language we speak, we can all connect with each other. Although it may seem obvious and insignificant, remembering that we’re all human can be immensely powerful. Holding onto what holds us together, not what threatens to drive us apart, can help us work together to solve international problems. Instead of thinking “environmental problems are not my country’s concern,” or “refugee issues won’t reach me here,” we should all come together in international unity to address global concerns. If we can all gather peacefully at the Olympics to celebrate human life, we should be able to meet and effectively discuss the well-being and survival of the human race. Global issues such as global warming and disease are potential disasters that require the best and brightest human minds working together, not behind closed borders. Recently, I had the chance to see the musical Chess at The Kennedy Center, which discussed the use of games to help settle international disputes. Chess is set in the Cold War Era and centers around two chess players as they face off to decide who will be global champion. One chess player is Russian, and the other is American. Government officials in both countries attempt to negotiate with each other throughout the tournament to inch closer to halting the nuclear arms race for the sake of humanity. Whether fictional or real, tournaments of all sorts help us see all the passions we share collectively as humans. Although most were focused on the athlete's performances and scores, I found the Olympics memorable for exemplifying how we can all celebrate human life in peace and harmony.
Winter Olympic Sports
Cross-country skiing Bobsled
Nordic combined Ice Hockey
Biathlon
Skeleton
Alpine skiing
Luge
Curling
Ski jumping
Figure Snowskating boarding Freestyle Speed skiing Skating Short track speed skating Information gathered from Olympic Games
Infographic by Hannah Shapiro
the teachers of harder classes might find these interruptions disturbing, some instructors appreciated the surprise appearances. Math teacher Throughout the school day on Catherine Ruback had a quiz during Feb. 14, students were surprised in her Algebra 2 class, yet continued to their classes with singing Valentines have a positive opinion on the singing sent from their peers. While these Valentines. “I thought they were treats were nice breaks during the day, awesome. We had a quiz but I thought teachers have varying opinions about it was a nice break for the students them. and lifted their spirits,” Ruback The performances were said. given the acappella groups: Ruback was easy-going The Supertonics, The when her class was interrupted, Chromatics and The Acabellas. but not all teachers are this The students in these three way. Junior Grace Youngstrom groups were excused from witnessed some negativity their classes for the day and by her teachers when The went around filling Valentine Supertonics entered during requests from students. The her day. “We were taking a test members of the groups did during one of my classes and not consider this annoying my teacher told the Tonics or hard work and said they to leave and come back later, had a fun day. Junior Marc but they never did. Some of Laibstain is a member of The my teachers really liked the Supertonics and had a great Valentines and even danced time singing the day away. “It's to them, but others didn’t find always been one of my favorite them as amusing as the rest of days of school going to all the us,” Youngstrom said. classes and singing, it makes so While some teachers and many people happy, but also A cappella group, The Supertonics, sing the hit song students may not have enjoyed shows the school how much “Toxic” to Rachel Berman during her newspaper class. the singing Valentines, the work the different groups put majority of the school found in,” Laibstain said. Sierra Coflin got to see several them exciting and funny. Yes they Depending on the class, teachers performances from the acappella may have been interruptions, and yes found the singing Valentines exciting groups throughout her classes. “It they can be embarrassing, but they and a great experience for the students was really fun to see the people be are mostly viewed as a way for friends and themselves. Art teacher Quan Duong enjoyed the performances in serenaded by the different groups,” or significant others to brighten another’s day and give their class a her classes throughout Valentine’s Coflin said. Although one might think that good laugh. Hannah Shapiro features editor
The beauty of international harmony