The Definitive Student Newspaper - February 2009

THE DEFINITIVE Vol. 2, Issue 3

KIPP Infinity Charter School – New York, NY

February 2009

It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question The Nonfiction Winter Exhibition allows KIPPsters to present their research findings on a topic that they are passionate about BY JOHNATHAN BALDERA

The Life of William Shakespeare, Bed Bugs, Hawaii, Genocide in Rwanda, Cystic Fibrosis, and the Dominican Carnival. These are just a sample of this year’s topics at KIPP Infinity’s 3rd Annual Nonfiction Winter Exhibition. Created in 2007 by 6th grade Nonfiction Research teacher, Ms. Willis, the Exhibition is an opportunity for KIPPsters to research a topic of their choice. “I based the annual Nonfiction Exhibition on Stephanie Harvey’s book Nonfiction Matters and a senior project I had in high school. I think the Exhibition demonstrates our kids’ love of learning because they get to choose their topics. It is also a lesson on Last year’s grand prize winner was Luiggy Vidal from the Class of 2014. -Photo by Miho Kubagawa independence,” said Ms. Willis. This year’s the Exhibition is set for Thursday, February 12th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the gymnasium where only invited students will be able to come and present their research findings. This year a few changes were made to the rules and guidelines of the Exhibition. First, the event will be by invitation only; students who meet the requirements (which are different for each grade) may present their projects at the fair. Second, the fair will no longer take place in classrooms; all students will be in the gym. Finally, every student at KIPP Infinity will be partnered with an adult mentor (a teacher or a staff member from the Shared Services Team). Carrie Mauer, KIPP NYC’s Director of School Operations, said, “Being a mentor is great because I get to know the kids and learn about some interesting topics such as Hurricane Katrina and Muhammad Ali.” Last year’s grand prize winner, Luiggy Vidal, took home a brand new laptop computer. His project on the Chicago Riots included a demonstration, 3-D model, PowerPoint, and the required poster. He reminisced, “It was scary performing in front of everybody because you worry about making a mistake, but I felt supported. It was an honor to win.” This year’s grand prize winner will once again receive a laptop. The top ten winners in each grade will be awarded “summa cum laude” (trophy). Those who place 11th through 15th will be awarded “magma cum laude” (blue ribbon). Sixteenth through 20th place will be awarded “cum laude” (red ribbon). Yellow ribbons will be given to those students whose projects are considered “honorable mention.” Special plaques will be awarded for the most creative topic, excellence in nonfiction writing, and best research. Representatives from Maverick Capital and the KIPP NYC Shared Services Team will once again serve as judges at this year’s Exhibition.

CNN visits KIPP Infinity BY LAMAR POUERIET

Taisha Valentin (2013) was one of six KIPPsters from KIPP Infinity who appeared on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360o. Valentin said on camera, “I might think about being president when I grow up.”

History was made on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, when Democrat Barack Obama defeated Republican John McCain in the presidential election. The day after, CNN came to KIPP Infinity to get some KIPPsters’ reactions about the outcome of the race. Susan Chun, a producer for CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360o, interviewed students in Mr. Almeida’s sixth grade math class, and in the eighth grade history class with Mr. Aulbach and Mr. Vea. The news footage aired on Wednesday, November 5th, in the afternoon and was presented by CNN reporter, Randi Kaye. “Having an African American man as President of the United States can inspire many people to make their dreams come true,” said Taisha Valentin (2013). Valentin was quoted on the news segment as saying that one day she would like to be President of the United States.

CHECK OUT WHAT’S INSIDE THE DEFINITIVE PAGE 3

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I Scream, You Scream We All Scream for…

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Sports

Valentine Grams

Guess who’s tops in volleyball… KIPP Infinity! Our volleyball teams bring home the trophy.

The Journalism Staff would like to thank everyone who bought a Valentine Gram. Your support means so much to us. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Pinkberry?

Take a look back at 2008, and check out what’s in store for 2009!

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news

The Definitive – February 2009

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA II th 44 President of the United States of America BY KELVIN PIÑA AND LUIGGY VIDAL

Hail to the chief! On November 4th, 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain with 365 electoral votes to McCain’s 173. He became the first African American to be elected President of the United States. Read on and find out some information about our 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama II.

Education: Obama attended the local schools in Jakarta, Indonesia, until the age of ten. When he was sent to live with his grandparents in Hawaii, his grandparents enrolled him at The Punahou School, a very prestigious school in Honolulu. He attended Punahou from fifth grade through high school. After high school, Obama decided to attend Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. After two years, he transferred to Columbia University here in New York City, where he majored in political science with a focus on international relations. He graduated from Columbia in 1983 with a degree in political science, specializing in international relations. After college, Obama moved to Chicago, IL, to work for a community organization known as Developing Communities Project (DCP). He worked there for three years before deciding to attend Harvard Law School in Massachusetts. At Harvard, Obama was selected as an editor of the Harvard Law Review, a law journal published by Harvard students, at the end of his first year, and then president at the end of his second year. Obama was the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. Family: Obama met a woman by the name of Michelle Robinson in 1989 when he worked at Sidley Austin, a law firm in Chicago, IL. Robinson was actually his adviser during this time. They began dating later that summer in 1989, became engaged in 1991, and then married in 1992. Their first daughter, Malia, was born in 1998, and their second daughter, Natasha (also known as Sasha), was born in 2001. Inauguration: The inauguration of Barack Obama as President took place on January 20, 2009. The theme of the inauguration was “A New Birth of Freedom,” commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.

YES WE CAN

Childhood: Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His mother, Ann Dunham, was white and originally from Kansas, and his father, Barack Obama, Sr., was black and from Kenya. When Obama was only two years old, his parents separated. Later in his childhood, he moved to Indonesia with his mother and his stepfather. At the age of ten, Obama moved back to Hawaii to live with his grandparents from his mother’s side.

Levin and Feinberg Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

Did You Know? Here are some really interesting facts about our 44th President, Barack Obama! - Barack Obama loves to play Scrabble. - He smokes, but is trying really hard to quit because there is a “No Smoking” rule in the White House. - He doesn’t like ice cream. He worked at a Baskin Robbins as a teenager. Guess he got sick of ice cream because of Baskin Robbins! - He’s a Grammy Award winner. In 2006, Obama received a Grammy for “Best Spoken Word Recording” for the audio version of his book Dreams From My Father. - He is left-handed.

I

- His nickname in high school was “O’Bomber” because of his basketball skills. - While living in Indonesia, he ate dog meat, roasted grasshoppers, and snake meat (among other things). - His name means “One who is blessed” in Swahili. - Obama can speak Spanish. - During his childhood, people called him “Barry.” He decided to go by his official name, “Barack,” when he started college. - If he weren’t involved in politics, Obama said that he would likely be an architect.

Mike Feinberg (left) and Dave Levin (right), KIPP’s co-founders, were recipients of the 2008 Presidential Citizens Medal, the second highest civilian award in the United States awarded by the President. The award was established in 1969, and it is granted to any U.S. citizen “who has performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens.” Congratulations, Mr. Levin and Mr. Feinberg!

- His favorite meal is his wife’s shrimp linguini.

FEATURES

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The Definitive – FEBRUARY 2009

MANIA! BY WILLIS FELIZ

Ms. Kubagawa’s classroom is decorated like a Pinkberry store. The teachers constantly talk about how good it tastes. And New York City is opening so many of them. I ask, “What’s the big deal about Pinkberry?” On December 13th, 2008, fellow journalist Lamar Poueriet, Mr. Vea, and I went to a local Pinkberry by Columbia University on 112th Street and Broadway to check out what the hype was all about. For some reason, I thought that Pinkberry was going to be a regular looking store. Boy was I wrong. The moment I walked in, I was immediately struck by the brightness of the place. On one side of the room were odd-looking kitchen supplies that looked like toys out of a cartoon. On the other side was the colorful, sleek sitting area – white tables with green chairs. Everything seemed futuristic. I ordered a pomegranate-flavored yogurt with fruity pebbles, yogurt chips, and chocolate chips. Lamar ordered the original-flavored yogurt with cookies and cream, fruity pebbles, and strawberries. Mr. Vea ordered the green tea yogurt with yogurt chips, mochi (rice cake), and pomegranate seeds. We all smiled from ear to ear as we enjoyed our desserts. I was in heaven after taking the first bite! The yogurt was both sweet and sour at the same time, and the toppings were literally icing on the cake. On this day, one person was working behind the cash register. His name was Chris. Chris, a tall, tattooed, young man, helped us select our treats. He looked very happy to be working there and even gave us some information about the history of Pinkberry (see facts below). According to Chris, most customers order the original flavor and the most popular topping at this particular store is strawberries. How much does it cost? Depending on the size (small, medium, or large) and the number of toppings one gets, expect to pay $4 to as much as $10. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it!

Clockwise from top: Pinkberry staff member, Chris, and me; Lamar and I enjoy our Pinkberry yogurt; that’s me standing in front of Pinkberry on 112th Street and Broadway. –Photos by Lamar Poueriet and Michael Vea

QUICK FACTS ABOUT PINKBERRY What exactly is a Pinkberry?

Pinkberry is a fat-free, tangy yogurt made from real skim milk and topped with daily fresh-cut fruit.

Who created Pinkberry?

Pinkberry was created by Shelley Hwang and Young Lee in Los Angeles, CA.

How many Pinkberry stores are there, and where are they located?

There are a total of 61 Pinkberry stores, mostly in California, but 13 in New York City.

Is Pinkberry really fat-free?

Yes, all Pinkberry flavors are made without fat and with limited calories.

Mini-KIPPster! Ms. Nwokoye, Nonfiction Intervention teacher, gave birth to Sophie Amarachukwu Milord on August 9th, 2008 at 12:20am. She weighed in at 7 lbs. and measured 20 inches. Congratulations! -Photo by Anais Quintanilla

THE DEFINITIVE Co-Editors-in-Chief Sydni Falconer and Sabrina Sultana

Congratulations! Sixth grade writing teacher, Ms. Chait, is now Mrs. Heuisler! Rachel Chait married Chris Heuisler on Sunday, October 12, 2008, at the John James Audubon Center in Pennsylvania. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Heuisler! -Photo courtesy of Rachel and Chris Heuisler

Reporters and Photographers Johnathan Baldera, Willis Feliz, Marilyn Garcia, Wilson Guzman, Richard Morban, Kelvin Piña, Lamar Poueriet, Anais Quintanilla, Sirah Sow, and Luiggy Vidal Principal Joseph Negron [email protected] Journalism Advisor Michael Vea [email protected] KIPP Infinity Charter School 625 West 133rd Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10027 (212) 991-2600 / (212) 234-8396 fax

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EDITORIAL

The Definitive – February 2009

Changing the World Starts Small

Dear Tiffany

BY JOSEPH ALMEIDA, GUEST COLUMNIST

Witnessing the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama on Jan. 20 was the most defining moment of my lifetime. I, the son of a mother who gave her all to afford me the best life she could while raising me by herself, was behind the reflecting pool in front of the U.S. Capitol to capture this rare moment in history. Amid a sea of almost 2 million people, I bore witness to the man who now leads our country, shares a story strikingly similar to mine, and who looks like me. To put into words what this means or the feelings that are conjured up has been one of the most difficult tasks I have had in a while — perhaps because I am living history. I think back to when I was a child and I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. Like many young children, I answered that I was going to be president of the United States. More important, I was going to be the first black president of our country. So regal and heroic a position, I saw myself assuming the role when I had not seen any African-American in that office before. So hopeful, so self-assured, so convinced that I would live out that dream. Today, I see Barack Obama in that office, and I am unequivocally elated that he is our first. My earliest memories of childhood include an unyielding promise that I made to my mother. I was going to change the world. I was going to do it in a big way, too. I told her I was going to teach, and she had reservations about it. Citing long hours, little pay and exhaustion, she tried to maneuver me into a career that paid more money and spared the lack of sleep. But my commitments to helping young people realize their dreams and true potential only became stronger as I grew older. And so throughout high school and college, I taught. From facilitating youth groups in New Bedford while in junior high and high school to working with students who wanted to go to college through the Upward Bound program, even substitute teaching at my alma mater, New Bedford High School, I found a way to impact the lives of young people. Upon graduating from Georgetown University, I felt an obligation to continue teaching, formally this time, with Teach for America, an organization that allows the nation's top college graduates to teach in lowincome communities to change the trajectory of students' lives with an excellent education. Four years ago, I began teaching fifth-graders in New York City while I earned a master's degree in education. I was fueled by the state of stagnation that plagued my students' underperformance. In most cases, they were performing at least a grade level below where they should have been. With hard work and a relentless pursuit of excellence, my students overachieved and earned some of the highest scores in the city on the state tests. Today, I work for KIPP Infinity Charter School, one of the Knowledge is Power Program schools. I continue to teach because I am keenly aware of the inequities that exist in our country with regards to education. I know that with a collective sense of purpose we can positively impact the life of every child in our nation. My hours are long and I have lost sleep in finding countless ways to help my students succeed. But some sacrifices have to be made if we are to get this country back on track. I feel reinvigorated by the words of our new president to repurpose myself in helping to fix our economy through education. And each of us can begin in our own neighborhoods. After all, it is that sense of community that ultimately sustains or detracts from our progress. In effect, the sum of our seemingly small efforts will help us to change the world in a really big way.

“Dear Tiffany” is KIPP Infinity’s advice column. If you have a question or a concern that’s on your mind, leave it to “Tiffany” to give you some helpful advice. All letters will remain anonymous. You may submit your letters to Mr. Vea’s mailbox in the main office (Ms. Ceron’s office). Have a nice day!

Dear Tiffany, I am a KIPPster in the fifth grade. I show all of my work to my teachers and I don’t get a lot of deductions, but it is taking me too long to finish my assignments. Sometimes, I have to wake up early to finish my homework. Sincerely, Anonymous KIPPster Dear Anonymous KIPPster, I deal with this situation often. You should ask your mom if you can stay for Wall Street. If you don’t finish your homework in Wall Street, you should go home and quickly do your homework once you get there. Go into a quiet place to concentrate. I know that some students take a shower right when they get home. This re-energizes them! Reward yourself in the end after you have completed all of your assignments. That way, you can rest peacefully that night – and every night. Sincerely, Tiffany Dear Tiffany, There is a rumor going around that I like this boy, and now he won’t talk to me. I feel bad because I actually kind of like him. I just do not like it when rumors are spread around. Can you help me? Sincerely, Anonymous KIPPster Dear Anonymous KIPPster, Tell the boy that those rumors are not true. Even tell him that you are a good friend of his! Be very sincere about this so he knows it is true. Sincerely, Tiffany

Joseph Almeida is KIPP Infinity’s sixth grade math teacher.

The Tech Beat Today’s topic: The Digital Television Transition or (DTV) BY WILSON GUZMAN Now you all at least heard a bit about the DTV transition, haven't you? On June 12th, 2009, The FCC or the Federal Communications Commission, ordered all full-power stations such as WNYW (Fox 5), and WNBC (NBC 4 or New York 4) to turn digital at the stroke of 11:59pm EST to turn digital. Think of digital as like your cable box, or satellite box. The reason why is very simple: the analog waves that we receive from the air as radio waves take too much space and it's harder to make analog waves each year because FM radio waves take a lot of power. So the FCC decided that digital TV is the new frontier, and decided to take the initiative with other large countries such as: Canada, China, Finland, Germany, United Kingdom (England), and Australia to change from analog transmissions to digital. So if you have a Rabbit ear antenna that takes UHF, and VHF transmissions, you have three options: 1) Get a new TV with a digital tuner *It will say on the box digital tuner is on the TV so, you just have to plug the Rabbit ears in, and you're set. 2) Get a converter box. The government has a program that will take $40 off your purchase of digital-to-analog converters such as: the DTVpal by Echo star, (makers of Dish Network), and the Insignia Digital-to-Analog Converter for Analog TVs (from Best Buy). These cost about $55-$75 to get, but when you get it you'll be happy you bought it. 3) Get cable or satellite TV. I have contacted the five major cable and satellite and Fiber optic companies in the major metropolitan area, and they said they have specials for the transition. Here are the numbers below to call when you’re ready: Cablevision: 1-718-617-3500 Time Warner Cable: 1-718-358-0900, 1-212-358-0900 Dish Network: 1-888-825-2557 DirecTV: 1-888-777-2454 Verizon fiber optics service (FiOs): 1-888-553-1555 Hope you enjoy digital, as the rest of America does.

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The Definitive – February 2009

sports/entertainment

NOTHING BUT NET

Bump, Set, Spike!

KIPP Infinity’s two co-ed volleyball teams place first and second at the Charter School Athletic Association Volleyball Championships. “Team Infinity” placed first – Sabrina Almanzar, Jennifer Bravo, Peter Clark, Willis Feliz, Jay Henriquez, Harold Mercedes, Israel Pieter, Anais Quintanilla, Ashley Santiago, and Taisha Valentin. “Team KIPP” placed second – Ashley Ceron, Kai Clarillo, Orlando Garcia, Brian Hernandez, Richard Morban, Genesis Nuñez, Aronys Perez, Kelvin Piña, Gianni Polanco, and Fabio Rivera, Jr. The teams were coached by Ms. Stabrowski and Ms. Scott. –Photo by Marya Murray-Diaz

WHOOSH! Hakeem Thomas (2014) takes a shot and everyone turns in surprise. -Photo by Anais Quintanilla

KIPP Infinity’s basketball season started in December and ends late February. As of press time, the team’s record was 3-7. According to Coach Griffith, the most awarding game was against Ross Global, a school that is known for winning most of their games. KIPP Infinity beat them in a nail-biter. The team is currently made up of eleven players: Andrew Campbell, Christopher DeSousa, Denis Ducasse, Majestic Grigg, Jay Henriquez, Tariq Ifield, Arismendy Pichardo, Lamar Poueriet, Christopher Ramos, Kamao Romaine, and Hakeem Thomas. The team is coached by Mr. Griffith and Big Brother L. DeSousa (2014) said, “We’re definitely getting better at the fundamentals of basketball, and we’re learning how to work as a team and to trust one another.” –BY RICHARD MORBAN

2014 GOES ICE SKATING!

Kelvin’s Komics by Kelvin Piña

Ms. Schlanger and Sharlyne Marte are all smiles. – Photo by Anais Quintanilla

A Team With Heart BY MARILYN GARCIA

According to Ms. Wills, they are an “aggressive” and “supportive” group of girls. Who are they? KIPP Infinity’s Girls Basketball Team. With a record of two wins and four losses the girls’ team is made up of seven from the Class of 2013, two from the Class of 2014, two from the Class of 2015, and a manager from 2013. The season started in late November and will continue until midMarch. The girls play against the Beacon Program every Friday and against other teams from Harlem Charter League Association. In order for the girls to have a successful game, Ms. Willis has the team drill the basics, which include lay-ups, dribbling, and passing. In addition, the team has developed a defensive strategy called “Edge” Most students know that Ms. Willis also teaches 6th grade Nonfiction Research. How does she balance teaching and coaching? She said, “It’s exhausting, but it’s worth it. Plus, I love seeing the kids I A Team and a Family  -Photo by Marilyn Garcia teach in a different environment.” “I think the girls are doing very well. Even though we’ve won two games, it feels great, and Ms. Wills is an inspiring coach,” said Ashley Ceron, the team’s manager. The members of the basketball team are: Stephanie Alcantara, Ashley Ceron, Jhessett Estrella, Samantha Martinez, Janea Middleton, Emily Montesino (Captain), Pamela Negrin, Yermilin Rodriguez, Zulenny Sanchez, Maria Tatis, Katerin Villar, and Brooke Ward.

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To: Mikeyla From: Anya Valentin Message: Thanks for being my best friend and for being nice to me.

To: Tania and Crysthal From: Naroly Message: You rock! Happy Valentine’s Day! To: Anais From: Mr. Brunzell Message: Thank you for teaching me!

To: KIPPsters Big & Small From: Henry Levin Message:

Valentine Grams

the Definitive – February 2009

To: Mandy Casamassima From: Ramsey Neale Message: Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Vicki Zubovic From: Ramsey Neale Message: Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Christina McDonald 000 From: Ramsey Neale Message: Happy Valentine’s Day! To: My Destinee From: Your Boo-Boo Message: You mean a lot to me on this day. You are the one, the number one for me.

To: SST and Infinity From: Christine Vasconez Message: Thanks for making room 345 such an awesome place to work! To: Ms. Rosario From: An Admirer Message: You’re the sweet smelling, beautifully growing rose in the Garden of Life.

To: The Guidance Team From: Rebecca Rosario Message: There are no words….. I feel blessed to work with such amazing people. Happy Valentine’s Day! To: Elizabeliz From: Your BFF Vanessa Message: You Rock! Happy B-day! You’re my best BFF! To: My fellow KIPPsters From: Kitty Message: Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow. Happy Valentine’s Day! To: Dielka and Wilson Guzman From: Your son Message: Thanks for being such good parents, and I can’t express it enough in words, but thanks! To: Cal From: Johnathan Baldera Message: Let’s keep up the good work!

To: Ms. Stabrowski, Ms. Schlanger, and Ms. Kubagawa From: Marilyn Message: Thanks for all the help you’ve given me, and making me feel successful on the test! To: All my fellow 2014sters From: Wilson Guzman Message: Thanks for a great January, and get ready for March Madness! It’s around the corner! To: KIPPsters From: KIPP Infinity Imagine- The Yearbook Staff Message: The Yearbook is on its way! Want to send a message to your teammates? Buy a yearbook I.M… coming soon! 

To: Mr. Negron From: Dilcia Ceron Message: Thanks for creating this Z wonderful school! To: Elise Taylor From: Dilcia Ceron Message: Thank you for all the things that you do for KIPP. Thanks for being my friend!

To: Ramsey From: Christina Message: Love you lots!

To: The Class of 2015 From: Mr. Griffith Message: You are the best class EVER!!!

To: Lynn Liran From: Rebecca Rosario Message: Thanks for always trying to put a smile on my face. You are the greatest!

To: The Class of 2014 From: Mr. Griffith Message: You are the best class EVER!!!!

To: Christina From: Eugene Message: Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: The Agents of Change From: Ms. Diaz Message: Thank you for all your hard work to make the entryway project a reality. Delayed qualification is not easy. I’m so proud of you.

To: Maddie From: Tom Message: KITTIES FOREVER!

To: Argenis Marmol From: Daijah Daniels Message: BFF I PROMISE! To: Raymond Ramos From: Audrey Bonnet Message: I am sorry for what I did last year.

To: Asiya, Rebecca, LaQuan, and Juliana From: Tom Message: GO TEAM! Best Friends Forever. DON’T EVER CHANGE!

To: Big Brother L, Ms, Razvi, Ms. Rosario, Ms. Schroeder, and Ms. Liran From: Ms. Schlanger Message: Thanks for all the extra support you all provide for our kids and our team. You rock! To: Johnathan Baldera From: Your Secret Admirer Message: Thank you for being a nice, sweet guy to me. You’re very sweet!

To: Mike From: Tom Message: The British are coming! The British are coming! To: Ms. Fascilla From: Mr. Griffith Message: I have loved you for three years now. Will you marry me?

To: Mr. Thomas From: Mr. Novick Message: Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and say what have I done? I mean, I really can’t remember. What did I do? Will Farrell forever. To: The Journalism Staff From: Mr. Vea Message: Work it. To: My Secret Admirer From: Ms. Liran Message: Whoever you are, you’re incredibly sweet. Thank you for the S.S. treats! To: Britnney, Arlin, and Edivic From: Marilyn Message: Thanks for hanging out with me at breakfast and lunch time! To: Ms. Stabrowski’s Advisory From: Marilyn Message: Ya’ll rock all day! To: Floralma, Achy. S, Jay P., Genesis N., Raymond, Mayeiris, Peter, and Sabrina From Luiggy Message: You’re the best friends anyone can ask for. Thanks for everything. To: My Mother From: Samaiyah Patrick Message: I love you, mommy! Happy Valentine’s Day!

To: Class of 2013 From: Dilcia Ceron Message: I will miss you all!

To: The Class of 2016 From: Mr. Griffith Message: You are the best class EVER!!

To: The Class of 2013 From: Mr. Griffith Message: You are the best class EVER!!!!!

To: Ariel Jenkins From: Daijah Daniels Message: HEY GIRL!

To: Mr. Vea, Mr. Dukeman, Ms. Stabrowski, and Ms. Kubagawa From: Ms. Schlanger Message: Thanks for being the best team we can be. You’re all amazing at what you do! To: Anya Valentin From: Mikeyla Tate Message: Thanks for being a special friend! You’re great!

To: Vanessa From: A Secret Admirer Message: I still like you and you are very sweet! To: Edwin From: Hayden Perez Message: Thank you for always being there for me. You’re the best friend ever.

To: Edisanya From: Fabian Message: I really have feelings for you and I hope we can stay together forever. I love you.

To: Andrew Linares From: Your friend, Daijah Message: You’re my BEST FRIEND FOREVER!

To: Azana Mason From: Isatou Jobarteh Message: Thank you for hanging out with me on October 29th, 2008- KIPPster for a day! To: Lisa, Kelvin, Lamar, Abdul, Tariq, and Richard From: Willis Feliz Message: I would like thank you for being such great friends all year long!

To: Lamar Poueriet From: Richard Morban Message: Thank you for being a great friend, and always having my back. To: My mom From: Marilyn Message: Thanks for supporting me with everything I do! I appreciate all the help. To: My mother, Angela Poueriet From: Your son Lamar Message: I love you so much! You’re the best mother in the world!

To: Daijah Daniels From: Argenis Marmol Message: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER! To: All the KIPP Infinity Parents From: Dilcia Ceron Message: Thank you all for your support and cooperation.

To: My husband, Luis Ceron From: Dilcia Ceron Message: Thank you for being there every time I needed you. Love you!!!

To: Mom From: Jonathan Baldera Message: Thanks Mom for having the party in the house, and Happy Valentine’s th Day! Happy Birthday on February 24 .

Thank you for supporting this fundraiser. Happy Valentine’s Day! – THE DEFINITIVE Staff