The International Insider » mall

Eurotrip: Swiss Style

Adam Levine and Carolina Jiminez and Sean Fisher — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:04:49 +0000

With part one of the exchange finished, 17 eager students, along with English teacher Ms. Heather Prevosti, Spanish teacher Ms. Violetta Suroweic, and Math teacher, Ms. Ho-Ling Lo, embarked on their journey to Winterthur, Switzerland.

Similar to the school’s past two exchanges, students on this exchange lived with a host Swiss student and his/her family while touring the country, shadowing them while in school, and getting to know their host families.

“I wanted to see life from another perspective,” said junior Vanessa Kreytak.

The flight took off at 6:50 PM from Newark International Airport. After seven tiring hours on the plane, students couldn’t wait to land in Switzerland. The Americans arrived at 6:00 in the morning, where they were greeted by three Swiss students and one teacher from our host school, Kantonsshule Im Lee.

Students and teachers were taken to school where they were greeted by the Swiss principal and offered lunch.

“Their school food is so much better than our food; they actually have chefs working,” said junior Glenn Kugelman.

After the “official” welcome, the school day was over and the American students were free to go home and spend the weekend with their host students.

Some students had the pleasure to travel during the weekend, going as far as Bern, the capital of Switzerland and Rome, Italy.

On Monday, students arrived at school bright and early to start sightseeing. At first, the students went on a walking tour of the town where the Swiss hosts lived, followed by free time to shop and eat.

During the afternoon, the students were given the opportunity to tour the historic Kyburg Castle.

Tuesday was the day the students were able to see the Rhein falls. Students walked along the sight seeing paths taking many pictures with the falls as the background.

“One of my favorite students was traveling with the students, we had a lot of fun touring the cities and meeting the other [Swiss] students in their school and how they interact. I feel our students truly experienced the culture,” said Ms. Suroweic.

The Americans were set to attend school all day Wednesday. The Swiss hosts were all in the same classes, so the Americans weren’t separated. Our students attended classes such as Biology, Literature, and Calculus. This was also the day where the Principal of Kantonsshule Im Lee gave the students a fond farewell as well as a small gift. Each student received a Swiss army knife that was in the form of a credit card.

On Thursday, the American students, accompanied by their Swiss friends, traveled to Zurich where they went sightseeing around the town and finished up their last minute souvenir shopping.

That Friday marked the day of departure back to the United States. Our travelers had a connecting flight in Frankfurt, Germany before reaching there much wanted homes here in the United States. With each student’s family waiting and the crowd giving our students a round of applause as they exited the customs area. Each student couldn’t help but agree that this trip was anything but unforgettable.

A Whole New Community

Steven Birch and Tirath Singh — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:22:27 +0000

January was a busy month for our school’s music department. The music department under the direction of music teacher Melissa Packowski and the ambition of the students were tested when the school held its second annual Winter Concert on January 14 and followed it quickly with a community Drum Circle on January 15. Based on the responses from participants, both events were clear successes.

Guitars, drums, and a few more international instruments combined to open the second Holiday Concert with a bang. With proceeds going to Haiti, students and faculty filled the auditorium with joy. The performers breezed though the concert with seeming ease while the audience bobbed their heads in tune to the beautifully arranged music.

The highlight of the night was the Winter Wonder Rap. Screaming students were ecstatic when freshman Leo Krkuti rapped in tune with the instrumental music played by the remainder of music students.

“In guitar, we practiced real hard on the Winter Rap and I was happy with how it went,” said freshman Calissa Mc Cue.

Closing the second annual Winter Concert was an inspirational story, Christmas Eve Sarajevo. Narrator freshman Victoria Manzo led the audience through the story with a passionate voice as music accompanied her.

The audience left not only with an earful of good music and a great performance but also with the pride of knowing that they had a chance to help out Haitians who were devastated by the earthquake by dropping money into the upside-down drum just outside the auditorium doors. Overall, $250 was collected for Haiti.

“I felt great donating because knowing a dollar or two can help someone in need was the best part of attending the Concert. I think the performers were great and have wonderful talents,” said sophomore Gilana Levin.

Preparations for both events began in the beginning of the first semester. For the freshmen students in the music classes, a five month deadline for an anticipated perfect concert was difficult despite the amazing result.

” It turned out being an awesome concert even though we had such little time to prepare. It was very good, and the crowd loved it,” said freshman Samantha Escobedo.

Of course, Mrs. Packowski had her hands full juggling two events.Only one day after the Winter Concert, H Block music students participated in a community Drum Circle with special needs students from PS 37R.

A Drum Circle is just a simple gathering of two communities who intend to share music and play together. Our school hoped to share its unique international music and instruments with students from another school community.

The Drum Circle began with students from the visiting school listening to an introduction about drums by doing a drum roll. Junior Caileen Gonzalez broke the silence by playing a classic game of Simon Says with the kids. Who doesn’t love Simon? Afterwards, the kids had a chance to play a beat on the conga, a Cuban drum, according to the number of syllables in their name.

“I loved the Drum Circle,” said visiting student Christopher V.

The drum circle wasn’t only for students but for the participating adults as well. The teachers from PS 37R appeared to have a blast playing the drums with everyone.

“I think it was a wonderful introduction. My students loved it. I can’t wait to do it again,” said teacher Darlene Bowman Archer.

Along with the teachers and students, the H block students also enjoyed working with everyone and teaching them how to play drums.

“It was a great experience. I enjoyed it very much because I love little kids,” said senior Brittany Llorca.

The entire Drum Circle was a success, though of course it had to conclude with a even greater bang. H Block students began to play a familiar song, The Lion Sleep Tonight, on their instruments as the visitors clapped in tune. Aisha Musa sang while everyone else clapped and played their instruments.

“I liked the song at the end, The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” said visiting students Joshua M.

Later, the H Block students shared cupcakes with their guests as they said their good-byes.

The community drum circle that took place on January 15, 2010 was a complete success and went as planned. Now, Mrs. Packowski is awaiting the next one to yet arrive.

“I think it went very well. It was a first time experience for the facilitators to work with students close to their age outside of this school. I think it’s wonderful that we can reach out to our community and bring them this rare and rewarding experience,” said Mrs. Packowski. “The Staten Island community at large will have an opportunity to participate in a community drum circle offered in late February.”

As the music department grows and established itself within our small yet mighty community, we can expect many more opportunities and events at school. For now, we give you all a big thumbs- up!

CSI Experiences Dakamela

Helen Bekhit — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:21:38 +0000

It was a chilly afternoon, when a very earnest and exceptional visitor came to our school to speak to the sophomore advisories. Students sat waiting, not knowing what he would talk about.

Playing a slideshow, Mr. Grashow, guest speaker and founder, with his wife Sheri Saltzberg, of the U.S. Africa Children’s Fellowship, spoke about the hardships children, teenagers, and even parents go through in the small town of Nkayi Zimbabwe in Africa where the Dakamela School, our sister school, is located.

“With no money to support themselves, it’s our chance to make a difference,” Mr. Grahow.

The Dakemela School fundraising program started five years ago when the Kaplan Advisory, under the leadership of graduate Liana Inzerillo, decided to help the less fortunate while earning the required 120 hours of community service credit necessary to graduate.

“ I have spent many years trying to make this program continue to be a success because of merely seeing these children’s faces every time we visit and bring them goods. The smiles, excitement and purity in their hearts makes what I do continue to happen. When thinking about what little they have and how they act upon it, still being happy, it makes them deserve the work we put into everything. They deserve just as much as we do,” said Mr. Grashow.

Raising money to certify teachers as well as provide children with shoes and notebooks tad easier, students in the Kaplan Advisory and others in the school who have helped have continued and will continue to make a difference.

Currently, the entire sophomore class, under Physical Education teacher Ms. Carmella Pepe, will be involved in supporting the Dakamela School.

“The importance of students to realize the value of helping others is in dire need these days. Students in this generation have only looked at what they want to have and what others have when they should be aware that people everywhere suffer each and everyday. The sophomore advisories have agreed to lend a helping hand to those in need to prove that help can come from anyone who wants to be able to make a difference,” said Mrs. Pepe.

Not only was collecting materials the main strategy of the Kaplan Advisory, but students also collected money last year to certify a teacher at the Dakamela School.

“No matter what education brings to a person, the importance of helping others is a true heart warming experience. Being able to give students like myself the chance to learn and have a better life truly moved me as well as other classmates of mine. I hope that the new sophomore advisories continue to feel the way I did when I helped out as much as I could,” said graduate Liana Inzerillo.

Mr. Grashow, his wife and son Alexander Grashow travel to Africa each year to meet the cargo container and visit the schools they support. Four years ago, the Kaplan Advisory decided to help the Grashow family and began by collecting shoes, clothes, and helped to load the cargo container bound for Zimbabwe.

The partnership will, hopefully, continue and expand, helping students in Zimbabwe and in our school, become involved in community service.

“Its really important not just for the school to receive credit with the amount of whatever is donated, but it’s mostly about the lives of the children. We are lucky to be able to have everything we need, why shouldn’t they be given the same opportunity?” said sophomore Emily Funes.

Knowing pens, pencils, money, clothing, food, and other supplies can be donated to the school and their students has made the word ‘hope’ truly known and meaningful to the sophomores.

“Without the proper necessities these students and adults have very little. With no money there is no schooling or certified teachers, with no shoes students can’t get to school on time, with no school supplies they aren’t allowed in, and without uniforms students aren’t admitted to school. The biggest problem now is the inflation in Zimbabwe because of political instability, which makes the economy weak. People are going through rough times, and it’s our job to help make things easier,” said Mrs. Kaplan.

The current sophomore advisories have agreed to make a plan and with the help of their friends and families, the students of Zimbabwe will continue to be successful.

Kaplan’s Gone?

Laurel Haim and Rosa Carucci — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:21:00 +0000

“It’s very difficult for me to leave, but it can be difficult to get a sabbatical, and this is the first time I have been approved,” explained Journalism adviser Nancy Kaplan to her students as she told them about her sabbatical leave.

As of January 31st, one of our schools founding teachers, Mrs. Nancy Kaplan will be taking a study sabbatical leave for one semester and will return in September of 2010.

Teachers that have taught for seven consecutive years are eligible for a sabbatical leave. During study sabbatical, teachers chose to return to a college or university and take graduate level classes in their licensed subject. They must take eight credits, and the teachers have to pay for their own courses. The Department of Education must approve of these classes before they are taken, and while on the leave, teachers on receive 70 percent of their pay.

“I’m taking a sabbatical so I can recharge my batteries and teach for many more years before I retire,” said Mrs. Kaplan.

Mrs. Kaplan will be attending Brooklyn College where she will be take three classes: Comparative Ethnic Literature, The Short Story, and Faulkner.

“I wanted to take journalism classes, but my sabbatical might not have been approved since my teaching license is English and History. I hope to sit in on some journalism classes at Brooklyn College, though,” said Mrs. Kaplan.

If the course work a teacher applies for is not rigorous enough or if they teach in a shortage area, they can be denied sabbatical leave.

Normally, when the teacher contract is renegotiated, sabbatical leaves are always discussed.

The NYC DOE would like to omit sabbatical leaves from the teacher contract. However, the United Federation of Teachers is always supporting sabbaticals.

“The DOE wants to remove sabbatical leaves to save money, but it’s not going to happen in the future,” said UFT representative Jim Sherlock.

Although she will be busy with her schoolwork at Brooklyn College, Mrs. Kaplan still plans to help her students and the newspaper whenever she is available.

“I’m only over the bridge and an email or a phone call away if The Insider staff and my students need me,” continued Kaplan.

“I know that along with me, the entire staff and faculty wish Mrs. Kaplan a wonderful and productive sabbatical. We will all miss her, her creativity, her passion, and her dedication to our students and our school, and look forward to her return,” said Principal Ms. Aimee Horowitz.

Also making her leave easier is the recent grant Mrs. Kaplan won. Mrs. Kaplan is the 2010 Middle Atlantic States Region winner of the Bob Costas Award for the Teaching of Writing given by the College Board every year.

“It’s a relief knowing the journalism fund will have plenty of money this year and next,” said Mrs. Kaplan.

Temporarily replacing her will be Mr. Frank Duffy. Mr. Duffy will be teaching Ms. Kaplan’s English classes as well as running the school newspaper.

International Ice

The Insider — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:18:07 +0000

TORONTO, CANADA- Traveling to the Antarctic with Students on Ice taught me things that I may never have learned without this unique experience. Of course, we all gained significant knowledge about the South Pole – facts and figures and such. However, it is what I learned through the experience of being surrounded by such extraordinary people in such an extraordinary environment that has truly impacted my life.

Forming the strong relationships I did with the students on the trip lead to my realization of a few different things. For one, I learned that everybody has something to offer, whatever that is, and because that thing is unique to that one person, it is valuable. Furthermore, to label or judge people because of the way they look, talk, or where they’re from does nothing but limit a relationship. What I am referring to rather is tolerance, in that in order to form a strong relationship with someone, one must be able to embrace their perhaps less desirable qualities as much as they embrace their desirable qualities.

For me, one of the emerging topics of this trip was passion. The thing that struck me most all of the educators and chaperones that were on the trip was that they have all followed their passions. Before this trip, I had always thought that I would go to business school, get a degree, get a job that I can live with, and practice my passions on the side. However, meeting these truly inspiring adults has led me to question my own ideals and priorities that most definitely translate into life choices that I will soon be making. Talking to other students that were on the trip, I do believe that this coming of age was shared by many.

Being in an environment as untouched as Antarctica guided me to a realization of the fragility of the planet. Needless to say, it is difficult to imagine what somebody’s actions in New York, Toronto, or Shanghai have to do with the Antarctic. However, I have learned that much of what humans do around the world effects the environment, whether that environment is Central Park or Deception Island in Antarctica. Furthermore, small changes in the environment may not affect human beings; however, they may have a tremendous impact of the environment.

For example, it was a common sight throughout the trip to see penguins laying belly-down in the snow. The penguin equivalent to a mist fan on a warm summer’s day, lying in the snow is one way penguins cool down in the heat of the summer. This sight led me to wonder what were to happen if the earth continued to warm even gradually over decades. Therefore, the way humans choose to live their lives can have a direct impact on not only their surrounding environment, but the global environment.

Indeed – a delicate planet we inhabit.

Frozen Birds

The Insider — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:17:38 +0000

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL- Though cuddly and wobbly and down-right adorable, penguins aren’t the only birds that Antarctica has to offer. Birds are one of the more common types of animals that inhabit our world. Just like anywhere else in the world, Antarctica has several species of birds. Accompanied by the expedition ornithologist (bird expert) Santiago Imberti, we learned about the many interesting species of birds in Antarctica. Apparently, there are birds in Antarctica that aren’t penguins.

After leaving Ushuaia, our ship, we started seeing many different species of sea birds. In the Drake Passage, there are many species of birds. Every day during the crossing of the Drake Passage we conducted a bird survey. In the survey we counted not just what species of birds we had seen but also how many. Without seeing the Drake in my own eyes, I probably wouldn’t have believed we had seen dozens of Black Browed Albatross and Giant Petrels. The birds there were flying very close over our head.

The Wandering Albatross, which lives over the waters in the Drake Passage, is the largest bird in the world. Its wing span is 3.5 (11.5 feet) meters long. After a lecture from Santiago about the various species of birds that we were likely to encounter in Antarctica and in the Drake, we saw the Wandering Albatross. It was an impressive sight.

In Antarctica itself there aren’t many species of birds, but the birds that are there are quite unique. Other then penguins, the bird we probably saw the most is the Skua. The Skua was a medium brown bird that feeds on penguin chicks and eggs. It’s one of Antarctica’s most common birds. We saw Skuas in almost every place we went.

Another common bird is the Snowy Sheathbill. The Sheathbill is a small bird that looks really like a white pigeon. The Sheathbill mostly lives on the ground and it scavenges food, usually in penguin colonies. We had seen this bird almost in every colony we went to, and in several other places as well.

But the bird we saw the most, was definitely the Cape Petrel. The Cape Petrel is a fairly small type of Petrel. It’s black and white, and eats fish and krill. The Cape Petrel are so common that they are considered one of the most common seabirds in the southern oceans. Their population is estimated to be about two million birds. We saw them pretty much everywhere.

There were many species of birds we saw in Antarctica. The birds of Antarctica are unique, and it was fascinating to see and learn about them.

Get On the Island!

Briana Kohm and Kayla Yee — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:14:52 +0000

Are you wondering what to do for your loved one on Valentine’s Day? Boys, do you buy your girlfriend flowers, chocolate, and a teddy bear? Girls do you buy your boyfriend candies, cologne, and some heart boxers like every other year? Well this year, make your Valentine’s Day special and take your partner to that romantic spot that will leave them speechless!

Three restaurants that are sure to make all couples fall in love are Buddha Lounge, Angelina’s, and Bistro. All located here on Staten Island, these three locations were chosen because of their food, atmosphere and elegance.

Buddha Lounge is filled with romantic and exotic décor. The lighting is dim and the seating is comfortable, but to make it more romantic, there is a balcony for you and your lover to sit under the stars and eat your meals. This Japanese restaurant has a Manhattan feel and a fun atmosphere for everyone.

“The atmosphere was very nice. It was a nice change in pace from what’s normally on Staten Island,” said Mathematics teacher Ms. Lillliana Vendra.

Along with many delicious meals, fresh sushi is one of the top choices on the menu, but this Valentine’s Day there is a special four course meal you are sure to enjoy. Since most entrées start at around $25, if you are looking for a nice fancy, expensive experience this is definitely the restaurant for you. Located at 2945 Veterans Rd. in West Charleston Buddha Lounge has both the atmosphere and food to set the mood.

If you don’t want sushi, Bistro, an Italian style restaurant might be the place. The restaurant sets the mood for couples looking to take a load off their feet and relax. Soft coloring of the walls, a beautiful setting, and a candle light dinner makes this restaurant special and romantic.

“The way we cater is special and romantic. We have dancing, corner tables away from others, and entertainment. We also have a special band playing romantic music for Valentines Day and a special menu,” said owner Anthony Figuccio.

This restaurant is always a full house on Valentine’s Day, and a good reason may be the specialty dish, lobster. With their special A La Carte menu for Valentine’s Day entrée prices usually start at about $21. Located at 2561 Hylan Blvd. this restaurant will be sure to start some sparks.

The third restaurant, Angelina’s, has an extraordinary ambiance, wonderful atmosphere and live music. The most romantic part of this restaurant is that it’s right on the water and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset with your loved one. This vivacious restaurant has a special four course meal Valentine’s Day special which includes veal chop risotto with porcini mushrooms for $59. Angelina’s is located at 399 Ellis Street and is an outstanding spot for you and your date to enjoy some peaceful romance.

“Angelina’s is a fun place infused with exceptional food,” said owner Angelina.

We all want this Valentine’s Day to be special for the ones we love, so why not take them to one of these special places.

Sophomore Column: Done With Your Resolution Already?

Jayme Farbowitz — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:12:29 +0000

Bringing her arms up in a shiver, Charlene Casteno walked up the hill to school. It’s just an average day, nothing different about it except for that random rock that caused her to trip. Getting up slowly, she mutters a curse. Realizing what she had done, she utters another one. Why? Because she had broken her New Year’s resolution already, which was to minimize her cursing.

Not even a month after the New Year has started people have already broken or just plain given up on their resolutions. According to www.destroydebt.com, statistics show that of the people who keep track of their New Year’s resolutions, about 80 percent of them don’t keep their commitments.

“I’m still cursing, even a little bit more than usual now. I haven’t given up. I’m still working at it. I try my best to keep trying,” said sophomore Charlene.

But it’s only a matter of will power – right?

“I always try and I always give up,” said social studies teacher, Ms. Mangiero who would rather her resolution remain undisclosed. Shaking her head with a sheepish grin, she continued, “I have the best intentions, but that and $2.50 will get me on the train. I never make a plan.” As we continued our conversation, I myself was shocked about what came out of her mouth next.

“Maybe I should make a SMART goal. I should ask Mrs. Emmerson, she’s good at making those.”

Is she serious? Using the SMART goals in real life–she must be kidding! If you think about it though, it might help.

According to http://www.guardian.co.uk, those who made a series of small goals had an average success rate of 35 percent. Those who told their friends about their goal, rewarded themselves after a small step they had made, focused on the benefits, and kept a diary of progress had a success rate of 50 percent.

Even in our school it works.

“My resolution is to make more time to spend with my family. Is it working? Yes,” said Paraprofessional Kathy Ronos. “I’m taking small steps.”

Surprisingly, SMART goals can work. I can hear the groans coming from the readers already, but hear me out. For those lucky enough to not know what a SMART goal is, it’s a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. SMART goals cover the who, what, when, where, and whys of your goal while also making you ask; what can I measure to check my progress? How can I attain it?

If it sounds incredibly annoying on paper, be sure to know it is incredibly annoying to stick to in real life, but it works. If you want to keep your New Year’s resolution, this is an idea on how to do it. If it’s important to you, then it shouldn’t be a problem to just try it, no? Be sure to remember that slip-ups happen. Don’t give up because you mess up once or twice.

As Charlene says, “Go hard or go home.” So keep trying everyone.

You’ve Got A Bomb In Your Hand!

Priscilla Torres — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:10:53 +0000

Everyday someone uses electronics, whether it’s a cell phone, microwave, a T.V., or an iPod. However, very few people are aware of the damages these items are doing to their health. For years now many rumors have been circulating about the dangers of specific electronics, the biggest rumor being that cell phones cause brain cancer.

In a study done by scientists at Imperial College London, evidence was found that electrical fields from televisions, computers, and other everyday electronics can cause illnesses like asthma, influenza, and other respiratory diseases.

“ Tanning can be fatal if the eyes are unprotected. It can cause change in the skin and cause skin cancer,” said Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Giri Dharan.

According to the scientists the electrical fields given off by a great variety of household items, which include televisions, lamps, computers, cookers, and wiring charge tiny particles in the air such as viruses, allergens, bacteria, and extremely toxic pollutants.

Since these particles are so small, they are always in the air, being breathed in constantly. The charge that the particles pick up from nearby electronics makes them stick to the lung tissue and the respiratory tract, causing different infections in the body.

“I believe electronics are a necessary part of life because everyday we rely on electronics to get through our day. Also electronics have performed miracles in the medical field to help those sick become better. Our society has become so dependent on electronics that we need it for everyday life. Without it society will crumble and reduce our civilizations to that of prehistoric life, for example back to the era with cavemen,” said junior Derrick Tam.

Today society has become extremely dependent on electronics, suggesting that society cannot survive without them.

“I think they [electronics] are completely necessary because they come in handy for emergency situations. iPod’s distract people from unpleasant situations, pretending to text helps in awkward situations and cameras record memories. I don’t believe microwaves are necessary because they’re cancerous. Anything you can microwave, you can put in a toaster oven and it’ll taste one hundred times better. The world would stop revolving if Computers were eliminated,” said junior Alessandra Asperti.

Over the past few years, a big concern among people is whether cell phones can cause brain cancer. Many scientists, including Naohito Yamaguchi, have done studies on this theory but more research needs to be done to know for sure. These studies all come to the same conclusion, that there is no evidence that links cell phones to cancer or other health problems.

According to Environment, Health, and Safety Online (EHSO), Naohito led a study in February of 2008 with the Tokyo Women’s Medical University. This study compared the affects of phone use in 322 people diagnosed with brain cancer and 683 healthy people. They came to the conclusion that using a cell phone did not dramatically affect people’s chances of getting brain cancer.

“There’s no practical evidence that electronics are dangerous to people’s health,” said Dr. Giri .

The cell phone controversy will go on for years until scientists have rock solid evidence that there is no link between cell phones and brain cancer. However there are some suggested precautions to take.

Using a headset or speakerphone mode will move the phone and its antenna away from the head. Also the effects of cellular damage are greatest on developing organisms (children), so phones should be kept away from them.

Lastly if in a car, use an external antenna, which will move the source of radiation farther away. These are just several helpful precautions suggested by EHSO.

Should We Have School Uniforms?

CSIHSIS Students — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:09:06 +0000

FOR: Henna Tariq ‘11-

Many debates have been made about this subject—about whether or not it is wise to enforce the use of school uniforms. Students and some schools believe that school uniforms are a way of limiting one’s creativity. Creativity in fashion can easily be expressed during the remaining 16 hours of the day. What many students don’t see are the benefits of having uniforms in school. Having uniforms is time-efficient and money-efficient.

Many students struggle to get up in the morning as it is. And when they get up they spend their time worrying about what they are going to wear. This process is a very time consuming and tedious task. Uniforms are a simple solution to get ready in the morning. Plus, students look much more neat and professional.

Students will focus more on their studies than their clothes. No boys will be distracted from their test when a girl with an ultra short skirt sways into the room. No graffiti-ed T-shirt will ever cause a commotion.

Uniforms are also much more affordable to get than buying a new wardrobe of clothes every year or, for some people, every semester. This is a good way for families on a budget to save money on their children’s clothes.

Fellow uniform advocates also argue that uniforms will decrease the violence in schools due to gangs.

School has now become a popularity contest than about education. Students worry more about having the latest fashion trend or the most modern name brand rather than actually paying attention in the classroom. In this kind of rude awakening, we are forced to raise the question of whether or not the school is doing its part in fixing the situation. Uniforms will water down the cast system the student body has created amongst themselves.

Although the great debate continues to rage on more and more schools are considering changing their schools dress code and enforce uniforms, one thing is for certain—uniforms also illustrate a sense of family and community of the school they represent. And isn’t that what CSI strives for so badly?

AGAINST:Katherine Foote ‘12

What happened to individuality? Why should it be taken away from us? As you can guess, I’m not pro uniform. Uniforms take away our individuality and freedom to express ourselves without the use of words.

The clothing we put on for the day normally reflects our mood, personality, and attitude. They give us the chance to experiment with different styles to see what truly suites us. For some, clothes are just means to improve self-esteem, and develop an identity. I previously attended a Catholic school that required a uniform. At first, I didn’t mind it too much. However, as weeks turned into months, I soon became incredibly bored. There was nothing out of the ordinary; everyone wore the same thing every day! I soon became restless waiting for the next Dress Down Day, Sneaker Day, anything that would add some color and vibrancy to the dull blue uniform.

After high school, people aren’t going to stop judging you. The feeling of self-consciousness will forever be a part of everyday life, but how people handle it makes the difference. Someone who has decided what they were going to wear and is confident with the choice definitely going to have an advantage will have more self esteem and personality than someone with a uniform.

Having uniforms in a school does have its positives. It’s a lot easier in the morning to wake up and put on your uniform instead of searching for something. This saves time that you can use to make sure you’re organized and ready for school. A uniform takes the pressure off of some students that are very self-conscience and can’t stand the thought of being teased for what they decided to wear. If everyone is wearing the same thing, there is less competition and pressure to keep up with the ever changing trends.

Although uniforms have their positives, they have never been my thing. There is no variety and it’s very bland. Some people might say that clothing is too small to have such an effect; however, little things have a tendency to build up causing it to greatly impact life.