The Definitive Student Newspaper - June 2009

THE DEFINITIVE Vol. 2, Issue 4

KIPP Infinity Charter School – New York, NY

June 2009

KIPP NYC Rocks the Boogie Down Bronx BY LUIGGY VIDAL AND MARILYN GARCIA

This year’s program

KIPP Infinity’s Band, directed by Paul Novick (center) and Steve Thomas, performed three songs: “Closer,” “Weezy Mix,” and “Shaft.” –Photo by Sayuri Stabrowski

1. Closer - KIPP Infinity Band 2. Weezy Mix – KIPP Infinity Band 3. Shaft – KIPP Infinity Band 4. Explosive – KIPP Academy Orchestra 5. Summit Mix – KIPP Academy Orchestra 6. Tour of Harlem – KIPP STAR 7. Victory – KIPP Academy Orchestra 8. El Cantante – KIPP Infinity Dancers with Academy’s Orchestra 9. Viva La Vida – KIPP Academy

10. Capoeira – KIPP AMP 11. Just Fine – KIPP Infinity Chorus with Academy’s Orchestra 12. Pocketful of Sunshine – KIPP Infinity Chorus with Academy’s Orchestra 13. 90s Mix – KIPP Academy Orchestra 14. Torre de Babel – KIPP Academy Orchestra 15. TV Theme Show – KIPP Academy Orchestra 16. Speech by Dave Levin 17. Tango – KIPP Infinity Dancers

KIPP AMP’s Capoeira team is warming up backstage. The violins from KIPP Academy are being tuned. The singers from KIPP Infinity are warming up their voices, the dancers are stretching their legs, and the band is having a pep talk. And KIPP STAR’s group is putting some finishing touches on their costumes. It’s that time of year when all four KIPP schools in New York City come together to show their talent and to celebrate their successes. On Friday, April 3rd, and Saturday, April 4th, KIPP NYC performed at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. Performances ranged from a 90s mix by the KIPP Academy String & Rhythm Orchestra to KIPP Infinity’s salsa team performing “El Cantante.” Mr. Negron, principal of KIPP Infinity and one of the directors of the show, said, “The show was awesome! It was the first time that we’ve asked all the KIPPsters from all four schools to do two shows in 24 hours. They all did an amazing job.” Because Hostos could only hold 800-900 seats, KIPP NYC had to perform two shows in order to have all families attend. KIPP Infinity student, Johnathan Baldera, performed in three different acts: the tango, salsa, and band. He said, “It felt really difficult to accomplish, and it took a lot of determination. It’s also great to see what our KIPP cousins are doing and how they represent themselves.” Next year’s concert is going to be a landmark occasion because it marks KIPP NYC’s fifteenth anniversary.

The Class of 2017 is on its way! BY MARILYN GARCIA

April 7th was a big day for many fourth graders. On that day, KIPP Infinity’s fifth annual lottery was held for the Class of 2017. Approximately 175 names were submitted for the lottery. Each name was pulled one by one and given a number. The first name was given number one, the second name was given number two, and so forth. Usually, if a student get a number below 100, that student will be offered a spot at KIPP Infinity. The lottery was audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Saturday, June 13th, was registration day. On this day, the incoming KIPPsters got tested to determine their reading level, and parents had paperwork to fill out. Jennifer Navarette, 9, said, “I’m anxious because this school is better than my old school. I’m looking forward to having new friends and starting fresh.” Brandon Acevedo, 10, said, “I’m excited and speechless. I’m looking forward to classes… and going to college.”

Alicia Echavarria, a fourth grader, signs the KIPP Commitment to Excellence form. Alicia was #73 in the lottery, making her one of the lucky ones to be offered a spot in the Class of 2017. -Photo by Michael Vea

CHECK OUT WHAT’S INSIDE THE DEFINITIVE – our first-ever 12-page issue! PAGE 3

PAGES 6 and 7

PAGE 8

PAGES 9-12

Do you want to see a picture of Mr. Levin’s new baby boy, Maxwell Chase Levin? Believe it or not, Maxwell will be graduating from college in the year 2031. Congratulations!

What’s going on with our country’s economy? Find out the real deal in words that kids like us could understand!

Check out some great pictures from the KIPP NYC Concert at Hostos Community College in the Bronx.

Check out some great photos from the end-of-the-year trips! 5th grade: Washington, DC 6th grade: Utah th 7 grade: New England 8th grade: California

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The Definitive – JUNE 2009

news

Math Team places second in championship math competition

“Bravo!” to the Cast of The Diary of Anne Frank

BY SIRAH SOW

CAST Otto Frank – Jeremy Nesbitt (2013) Edith Frank – Diamond Gamble (2015) Margot Frank – Sabrina Sultana (2013) Miep Gies – Anya Valentin (2016) Peter Van Dan – Gabriel Gomez (2015) Mrs. Van Dan – Ashley Lopez (2013) Mr. Van Dan- Frederick Paterson (2015) and Joshua Richardson (2015) Mr. Dussel – Wellington Contreras (2015) Anne Frank – Samaiyah Patrick (2015)

The last math competition of the year was held at Harlem Village Academy, and it was a nail-biter. KIPP Infinity tied for first place at the end of the team competition with North Star Academy Charter School of Newark, NJ. KIPP Infinity lost in the tie-breaker to finish in second place. Williamsburg Collegiate Charter School of Brooklyn came in third. Coached by seventh grade math teacher, Ms. Kubagawa, the math team was invited to compete because they placed first last year. Only schools that had teams or individuals placing first or second in past competitions were eligible to compete. In the individual competition, Leslie Perez (2013) and Khalil Brown (2013) made it to the head-to-head round. Only the top eight students who had the best scores on the written test competed in this part of the competition. Khalil lost to a student from North Star Academy Charter School in the semi-finals. That student would go on to win first place. In addition to Leslie and Khalil, the following students from the Class of 2013 competed: Kevin Hidalgo, Juan Carlos Vidal, and Randy Volquez. Arlin Fernandez, Dionys Gutierrez, Richard Morban, Lamar Poueriet, and Anais Quintanilla represented the Class of 2014. M A T H I S

PRODUCTION STAFF Director – Theresa Pletchon Assistant Director – Maddie Witter Sound Technician – Patrick McCaffrey

L I F E

Harlem Charter Night features Lil Mama

Harlem charter schools perform, including KIPP Infinity’s Suavemente Team BY WILSON GUZMAN

On a balmy March 15th, 2009, more than 6,000 people were packed into the 369th PAL Armory. Energy was running through the air. People screamed, “Great Schools = Parent Choice.” This was Harlem Charter Night, an event that was created to celebrate the hard work of Harlem-area charter schools. Notable guests dropped by like the group, “Iconic,” from MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, Lil Mama, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and KIPP's founder David Levin. I asked Maya Sirur, the coordinator of the Harlem Charter Night, a few questions. Here’s what she said:

Lil Mama rehearses with her dancers before the show is about to begin.

What inspired you to create the Charter Night? Maya: I was inspired by all the hard work of the charter schools, leaders, parents, and teachers. We also wanted to show that Harlem charter schools are a big family, and we stick together.

How did you get a hold of big-name folks like Mayor Bloomberg and Lil Mama? Our offices reached out to Mayor Bloomberg and he was glad to speak at our event. Also since Lil Mama was a Harlem native, she was happy to jump on board. How did the audience react to the KIPP Infinity’s Suavemente team? KIPP Infinity's Suavemente Team was a crowd-pleaser. The merengue dance was very well coordinated and well executed. The music was uplifting, and the costumes were authentic and colorful. How many people did you expect to come to the event? Were you surprised by the turnout? We expected around 5,000 people to attend, but we were ecstatic when we had the turnout of a whopping 6,000! Why was it called the Harlem Charter Night, as opposed to the New York City Charter School Night? It was called Harlem Charter Night because Harlem has been an area with an exploding number of charter schools. I think it would be wonderful idea if all of NYC was included next time.

FEATURES

the Definitive – JUNE 2009

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Top Writers in the Class of 2014 venture down to Park Slope for a memorable writing experience BY WILSON GUZMAN

Ms. Bravo and the Salsa Team pose with Caridad De La Luz, also known as “La Bruja.” La Bruja performed her original poetry at Harvard’s Latino and Latin American Cultural Show. –Photo by Michael Vea

Maxwell Chase Levin Sleep, baby, sleep! -

Upon entering 826NYC, one would think the entire place is dedicated to superheroes. After all, the sign outside says, “Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.” A tall man with spiky hair named Chris comes up to you and shows you around. He walks to the end of the store which is full of shelves. He goes to one particular shelf and, in less than ten seconds, a “magical” door opens. You see a large room filled with books and computer equipment. This room is known as 826NYC’s workshop. On May 6, 2009, twenty seventh graders boarded the subway downtown to Park Slope, Brooklyn, for a trip that many of them would never forget. The students had their photos taken with their own choice of goofy glasses and poses. They sat down and, as a team and a family, decided on an adventure story complete with twists and turns. The title was “The Hobo Chronicles”, because after all they wrote their book about two lost homeless men who find their way to Los Angeles, CA, to become rock stars. The students walked away with their own paperback version of their adventure book. “We all put our minds together to create an entertaining story. I was happy the final product,” said Christopher Gonzalez (2014). According to their website, “826NYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.”

Guess who will be graduating from college in 2031. Maxwell Chase Levin! Baby Maxwell was born on February 18, 2009, at 11:22pm. Congratulations to his parents, Dave and Nikki!

Lamar Pouereit is not only a writer for The Definitive, he also memorized pi to over 200 digits. Congratulations, Lamar! -Photo by Marilyn Garcia

3.14159… how far can you go? 7th Grader memorizes pi to over 200 digits! BY MARILYN GARCIA

Lamar Poueriet (2014), a student in the Cal homeroom, memorized pi to over 200 digits. In honor of Pi Day, Ms. Kubagawa, KIPP Infinity’s seventh grade math teacher, gave her students a couple days to memorize as much of pi as they could. Raymond Arias, from the UNC homeroom, and Richard Morban, from the Brooklyn College homeroom, memorized the most number of digits in their college. “I broke the numbers into chunks. I kept repeating those chunks over and over again. Before I knew it, I had memorized over 200 numbers,” said Poueriet, 13. “This competition completely exceeded my expectations. Lamar, Raymond, and Richard really went above and beyond,” said Ms. Kubagawa. Pi Day was officially held on March 14th. Get it? 3.14? Each contestant was awarded a certificate of achievement. Lamar’s homeroom, Cal, was treated to a “pie party” during lunch time complete with apple and pecan pies.

Attention, Class of 2015! Are you interested in being a member of the newspaper staff? If you are, see Wilson Guzman (2014), Sirah Sow (2014), or Mr. Vea (advisor) for more information. We’re looking for talented writers, editors, cartoonists, and photographers.

THE DEFINITIVE

Reporters and Photographers

Johnathan Baldera, Willis Feliz, Marilyn Garcia, Wilson Guzman, 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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the Definitive – June 2009

EDITORIAL

Dear Tiffany

Wilson Guzman’s Tech Beat This issue’s topic: Blu-Ray

Blu-Ray is the next media player disk. Its HD qualities will blow you away. For example, the video and audio are 1080p. This means you will get the best video and audio possible in the coming years. Before you go out and buy Blu-Ray, here are some things to know about it. 1) It is officially the PlayStation 3 media disk. Just so you know, PlayStation's older media formats are: the CD (Compact Disc), the DVD (Digital Video Disc), and the UMD (Universal Media Disk). 2) The new format of HD disks will NOT work on your existing DVD player. Unless you buy a Blu-Ray player or a PlayStation 3, you won’t be able to play the disk. But, if you buy the Blu-Ray player, you will be able to see all your favorite DVD titles. 3) The cost. Now Blu-Ray disks are moderately priced. I hit some local and online stores like WalMart, J&R, and Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and bhphotovideo.com, and these Blu-Ray disks are priced form $5-$20. I personally recommend buying the Blu-Ray because it's more modern than the DVD. Plus, you are taking your DVD viewing level to the highest you can possibly go. Ask any PlayStation 3 owner (like me), and we'll tell you that the PlayStation 3's graphics have gotten much better because of the Blu-Ray switch.

“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 have been having problems with one of my friends. We are slowly breaking apart because of her boyfriend. He just doesn’t like us. Since my friend and her boyfriend are always together, my other friends and I don’t spend time with her anymore. Sincerely, Torn Dear Torn, I’m sorry you are going through this. You should try talking to your friend. Talk to her about how you feel about her boyfriend and how you guys don’t spend as much time together. I’m positive that she’ll understand. Maybe after you guys solve your problems, you guys plan a day to have fun together all day. Sincerely, Tiffany Dear Tiffany,

The Definitive asked the Class of 2013: Out of the four end-of-the-year trips, which one was the best? (N=52)

My friends and I have been having problems with a certain person. She’s constantly telling us what to do and always has an attitude. I don’t know how to deal with her. What should I do? Sincerely, Anti-Attitude

California

Dear Anti-Attitude,

Boston

You should try talking to this person. Try your best to solve the problems between her and your friends. If you feel like the problem is not solved, find a teacher you can trust and to get advice, or plan a time with the teacher, your friends, the girl and yourself to talk about it in order to find a final solution.

Utah

D.C

Sincerely, Tiffany 0

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Keeping the Morning Affirmation Alive BY TARIQ IFIELD, Guest Writer

We are KIPP Infinity And we are a team and a family We believe that with desire, discipline, and dedication We can change our place within it There are no shortcuts There are no limits As a team and a family We will either find a way or make one In some KIPPsters’ minds, they wonder if the “circle up” is important. In my mind, I believe that it is important. To be absolutely honest, the morning affirmation begins our day as a family with each other. “We are a team and a family”. That line represents what we are in society. The morning affirmation makes us better people in reality.

When we recite “There are no shortcuts, there are no limits”, we remind each other that there are no easy passes, period. The morning affirmation actually empowers us, though some may not actually see what it does for us. If we pay close attention to the words, we can see that it only helps us come of age. When we recite “We can change our world and our place within it”, we are really saying that we can make outstanding changes as we work together to make those changes. This school is full of discipline. The teachers want us to desire our education and because of their dedication to teaching us, we constantly prove to each other that we are a team and a family that we say in the beginning of our short, but powerful speech. What should we say if a visitor asks us, “Why is the morning affirmation recited?” Simply say that we recite because it’s who we are and what we stand for. It’s not just a daily reminder; it’s for our future.

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The Definitive – June 2009

Scientists of the Future

sports/entertainment

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS!

BY MARILYN GARCIA AND LUIGGY VIDAL

Boom! A soda bomb went off on the campus of City College on 138th Street and Convent Avenue. Is there a war going on? Was this a student prank? No, it’s a group of 7th and 8th grade KIPPsters from the Classes of 2013 and 2014. Mr. Dukeman, KIPP Infinity’s 7th grade science teacher, took a group of KIPPsters to City College to do some experiments, such as making a soda bomb and seeing a termite’s stomach under a microscope. Also the KIPPsters got to go to the National History Museum, and to the Beetles Exhibit. Mr. Dukeman said, “I learned that sometimes students can handle more freedom with lab experiments when they don’t get direction. I will cherish this because it’s the first time I took students to a college laboratory. It makes me proud because to see middle schoolers working in a college laboratory.” Arlin Fernandez (2014) said, “I enjoyed dissecting a termite’s intestines and getting to know the eighth graders.” Professor Chris Li helped to make these events possible.

Girl’s basketball team after winning the title

Leola Gordon and Ivelanyi Ureña work on a science project at City College.

Boys’ basketball team after winning the title

Kelvin’s Komics by Kelvin Piña

On Saturday, March 21st, the girls’ and boys’ basketball team won their first-ever basketball championship against Leadership Academy in the B division. Before the game, the national anthem was played by Ismael Peter, Jericho Nesbitt, Jeremy Nesbitt, Kevin Hildago, Tariq Ifield, Sydni Falconer, Randy Volquez, Luiggy Vidal, and Jay Henriquez. Go team! -Lamar Poueriet

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CENTERSPREAD

CRISIS IN THE UNITED S How did this all start? The U.S. economy is in deep trouble. Experts say that we’re in the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression. So, how did it get to be this bad? It all boils down to one pretty simple idea: money is running tight, like a room that’s running out of oxygen. Everyone – people, businesses, government, our entire country – is feeling the pinch. Mortgage. That’s a fancy way of saying a “loan” for a house. If you want to buy a house, you’re likely going to have to take out a mortgage (loan) to help pay for it. That mortgage is going to come from a bank. Experts say that the main reason why our country got into a financial mess is due to a mortgage meltdown. Many regular Americans, for whatever reason, could not afford to pay their loan/mortgage. As a result, banks foreclosed on these people’s homes. Not good. It got to the point in which so many homes were being foreclosed that it caused a huge financial collapse. Some experts believe that the big banks are to blame, and not the regular American. Banks were giving out loans/mortgages like candy when they should have been more selective about giving them to people. When you’re watching the news and you hear the phrase, “subprime mortgage crisis,” this is it. And it all started to emerge in 2007.

Economic Stimulus To stimulate means to excite or grow. Our government has passed two big laws that are intended to stimulate our economy. President George W. Bush signed into law the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. $165 billion was pumped into the economy in the form of income tax rebate checks. Basically, checks were mailed directly to taxpayers on or around April 28, 2008. People could spend this check any way they pleased. On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This stimulus plan was a lot more expensive than President Bush’s plan. This package cost nearly $800 billion. The plan includes: expanding unemployment benefits, education, health care, and infrastructure. The Act does specific that 37% of the money ($288 billion) must be devoted to tax relief.

Big-Name Financial Firms Close Down or Combine Several financial institutions completely closed down, were “bailed out” by the government, or forced to merge with another company. Here are some examples: 1. Lehman Brothers went bankrupt. 2. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley were bailed out by the United States government in 2008. 3. Merrill Lynch and Bear Stearns were taken over by other companies. These five big-name banks combined were $4 trillion in the red!

Barack Ob By: Kelvin Piña

You’ve seen and heard it all over seems like this is something that wi economic crisis. You might be conf on. After all, the people who talk a The purpose of this centersprea happening so that kids our age cou

CENTERSPREAD

The Definitive – June 2009

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D STATES OF AMERICA The Unemployment Rate in the USA (Percentage of people 16 years and older who are unemployed) Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1999 4.3 4.4 4.2 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.1 4.0 2000 4.0 4.1 4.0 3.8 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.1 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 2001 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.9 5.0 5.3 5.5 5.7 2002 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.9 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.9 6.0 2003 5.8 5.9 5.9 6.0 6.1 6.3 6.2 6.1 6.1 6.0 5.8 5.7 2004 5.7 5.6 5.8 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.4 5.4 5.5 5.4 5.4 2005 5.2 5.4 5.2 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.8 2006 4.7 4.8 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.6 4.7 4.7 4.5 4.4 4.5 4.4 2007 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.8 4.7 4.9 2008 4.9 4.8 5.1 5.0 5.5 5.6 5.8 6.2 6.2 6.6 6.8 7.2 2009 7.6 8.1 8.5 8.9 9.4 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Bernard Madoff

Obama By: Anais Quintanilla

over the news programs. It at will never go away. It’s the confused about what’s going alk about it on TV are adults. read is to translate what’s e could understand this stuff.

We’re sure you’ve heard his name in the news. Is he related to the economic crisis? Sort of. Bernie Madoff, 71, pled guilty for operating a “Ponzi scheme.” A Ponzi scheme is a “fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors rather than from any actual profit earned” (Source: Wikipedia). It’s named after Charles Ponzi, who actually used this method after moving here to the United States from Italy. On December 11, 2008, in the midst of the financial crisis, Madoff was arrested. His two sons actually reported him to authorities. On June 29, 2009, just a few days away, Madoff may be sentenced to life in prison.

Tips for managing your money 1. Use lists when you go grocery shopping. It sounds like a simple idea, but it works wonders. 2. Use coupons at the supermarket. Coupons can be found in newspapers and supermarket papers. 3. Avoid eating out. Start making lunches at home. 4. Use the internet to look up prices on foods. 5. Avoid paying brand names on clothing. You don’t really need that expensive shirt from Abercrombie. 6. Don’t become a tech junkie. Don’t always try to buy the newest pieces of technology. 7. Keep track of your expenses. 8. Always have a rainy day fund for emergency purposes only. 9. Save money every day. Even the littlest amount counts. 10. Create a budget that details all the necessary things you need to buy. This may leave you with some extra money for other “wants.”

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the Definitive – june 2009

KIPP NYC Celebration Concert 2009 Friday, April 3, 2009 / Saturday April 4, 2009 Hostos Community College, Bronx, NY

KIPP NYC CELEBRATION

The KIPP AMP Capoeira Team, directed by Ms. Nicole Smith

The KIPP Infinity Band, directed by Steve Thomas and Paul Novick

The KIPP Infinity Chorus, directed by Mr. John Danny Madden

The KIPP Infinity Salsa Team, directed by Ms. Leyla Bravo

The KIPP Academy Orchestra, directed by Mr. McClenty Hunter

The KIPP Infinity Tango team, directed by Mr. Michael Vea

KIPP STAR’s Tour of Harlem, directed by Ms. Rai Bolden KIPP Star presents “The Tour of Harlem”

Photos by Sayuri Stabrowski Page Layout by Wilson Guzman and Christopher Acevedo

5th Grade Trip

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KIPPsters from the Class of 2016 and fifth grade writing teacher, Mr. Willey, enjoy their time in the hotel pool.

Damon Horton and David Cisse outside of the Capitol Building.

Dear Diary BY DAVID CISSE

Day 1 When I first arrived in Washington, D.C., I felt excited because I was finally in D.C. for the first time in my life! The best part of my day was walking to and from the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. A couple of facts that I learned: 400,000 people died in World War II, Obama gets paid $400,000 for being the president; and Lincoln was one of America’s most famous president. I will remember seeing the GIGANTIC penny in the Lincoln exhibit. That was awesome. Day 3 I am feeling excited because I bought a Georgetown sweater and I got to see the Jefferson Memorial (my D.C. topic in Nonfiction class!). I learned that you can get a PhD, which is the highest degree. But, truly, the best part of my day was getting that Georgetown sweater.

Six Flags America in Maryland

Dear Diary BY GISELLE CUEVAS

When I first arrived in Washington, D.C., I felt like a teenager because my parents weren’t around and I was on my own. No one was going to help me with anything. We were able to hang out with our friends. I was also excited about seeing the different monuments and playing games with my roommates. I have made new friends who I never associated with before. (HELPFUL ADVICE TO 2017: No one is going to be happy with who their roommates are, but you’ll feel much better after one day.) It was also really cool to tell each other secrets. (HELPFUL ADVICE TO 2017: Never go into deep in secrets!) It was really a fun time when another group was allowed to come in my hotel room. We made more friends that way! Keep up the good paychecks and go to Washington, D.C.!

Photos by Ian Willey Layout by Wilson Guzman and Luiggy Vidal

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6th Grade trip

We are a team and a family!

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Dear Diary Dear Diary BY ASHLEY SOLOMON

I remember when we started the hike to Angels Landing in Zion. I thought I was ready to hike, but, truthfully, I was not prepared for the task at hand. Nevertheless, I was determined to make it through the hike at all cost. So we started off walking in the rocky, narrow, zig zag clearing. I was standing with Zariah and Kayla T. We were walking next to the Virgin River and I could feel the mist of the cold temperature of the waters rushed up into the air. This gave me energy to keep on moving. I kept on proceeding up until we reached the hilly part of the hike. I decided to stop because I started to feel hopeless. I just tried to give up on everything and thought about ending my hike right then and there. Zariah came up behind and she started power walking up the mountain. She grabbed my hand and said, “Let’s go! Get up and keep it moving, because if I’ve got to climb this mountain, you’re climbing it with me!” I don’t know why but I got up and climbed the mountain with Zariah. She is one of my best friends. I heard Shemar and Rasheed singing their song about working harder and moving faster, and I started to laugh. Everyone kept moving along. By now we were at the second half of the hike and Zariah had an asthma attack. I stood with her for 10 minutes while she got her breathing circulation back on track. Mrs.Heuisler and I were encouraging her to keep going. She decided to keep going up the mountain. At that moment in my head I declared that I would not complain the rest of the way up. If she could have an asthma attack on the top of the mountain and still continue up then I could do the same! I kept up with Zariah all the way until we heard the ending. I started to fall about ten minutes behind from the group. That was until Mrs. Williams (Kayla T.’s mother), Kayla T., Joaquin, and Christina came and started walking with me. We all encouraged each other to continue up the mountain and catch up to the rest of our group. Mr. Witter put me all the way to the front of the line. As I was walking to the front, everybody was clapping for me and I felt proud of myself. In a matter of five minutes, I made it to the top of the mountain! The sight was so beautiful and mind-blowing. At the top of the mountain I thought to myself that this was worth the hike. I was happy with my achievements! There is nothing that you can’t do without a little bit of heart, hard work, struggle, effort, and pain.

BY GABRIEL GOMEZ

I remember when we first started to climb Angels Landing. It was okay when we started out. I remember seeing a river and that was pretty much the only thing that was moving (nature-related, anyway). When we started uphill, I got a bit scared. There were other hikers coming down and we had to move to the edge. I thought I might trip and fall when we got to the edge. I was also very hot. I mumbled on occasion, “We need a water break.” The leader wouldn’t stop for a water break, though, because we had one ten minutes ago. But I got thirsty very quickly. When we made it to the shade, I felt like dropping to the ground. We finally got some protection from the sun, so this would be a good place to stop and relax. Then, we went to the other side of the mountain, and it was hotter than before. After that, I got so confused. I wondered why the shade couldn’t stay longer, and how come we had to go on the other side where the sun is. When I got to the top, I dropped into the sand. We did it.

Photos by Peter Croncota Layout by Wilson Guzman and Luiggy Vidal Mrs. Heuisler and Ms. Willis

7Th Grade TRIP

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Decked out in Harvard U. gear

Dear Diary BY SIRAH SOW

Professor Tewksbury of Hamilton College taught a lesson on tsunamis.

Today was much better than I had expected it to be. The duck tour was very funny because our guide was absolutely hilarious. It was really cool because we got to take almost the same tour later that day. The other tour I’m referring to is The Freedom Trail. I had a great time. I think that everyone’s favorite part of the Freedom Trail was walking around the graveyard. It was really amazing to stand where some the most important men and women in history were buried. Something interesting that I learned was that there was actually a sixth death in the Boston Massacre. A young man was shot, and his name is recognized on the tomb stone. We also saw some people’s graves that you should know: Paul Revere, Sam Adams, Crispus Attucks, and James Otis were just some a few. After the Freedom Trail, we went back to our dorms at Tufts University. I had thought that this was really turning out to be a wonderful day, until I found something out. I found out that you choose your friends carefully, and also that if you don’t trust someone don’t let them have the power to have influence over how you feel and what you think. This will only get into bad situations. I needed to go and sort things out by myself for a little while and clear my head. Today was truly a great day.

Work it! Posing at Hamilton College in upstate New York.

Dear Diary BY EDIVIC PEREZ

Day 1

… It’s 1:14am and I’m STILL doing my homework! I did the reading homework on the bus already. All I needed to complete was the science assignment and the reflection. Like Mr. Vea said, college is a lot about choice. I can do all my homework today and go to bed later. Or I can finish it tomorrow morning and just tough it out. Day 2 Today was as trying as yesterday. This was our last night at the Vernon Down Hotel in upstate New York. I was kind of sad because my roommates and I were getting along well. We woke up this morning at around 7:00 and got dressed. At breakfast, the talk of the day was, “How late did you stay up last night doing your course packet?” Everyone looked so sleepy at breakfast! It was a twenty-minute ride to Hamilton College. There, we played a lot of games, learned about tsunamis in a real college classroom, and even went on a scavenger hunt.

Marilyn Garcia holds up a Brown University pennant.

2014

Photos by Nelson Castillo and Michael Vea Layout by Wilson Guzman and Luiggy Vidal

Kelvin Piña and Arlin Fernandez get caught in the rain at Six Flags New England.

Page 12

the Definitive – June 2009

8th grade trip

Seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco

Arismendy Pichardo, Denis Ducasse, Aronys Perez, Jennifer Bravo, Karina Delgado, Leola Gordon, Delaney Sampson, Aaron Rahman, and Gabriel Rodriguez in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

Dear Diary

Ashley Lopez, Ms. Capaldi, and Zulenny Sanchez --- Ms. Capaldi, are those reference tables?

BY JENNIFER BRAVO

After four whole years, I was leaving the school that has made me into a hard working person… the school that has seen me change over the years for the better. I was both extremely nervous and excited about the idea of going to California. California was the state that I had always dreamed of visiting. On our day of departure, I even woke up at 2:00am – just enough time to take a shower and to be at KIPP at 4:00am on the dot. As I was getting ready, everything around me was in silence. No noise at all. But all I could think about were the words, “You have just landed in San Francisco, California.” I couldn’t wait for that moment to happen. Fast forward: I was now in San Francisco, California. We checked into La Quinta hotel and headed to the van with my group, headed by Ms. Capaldi, and the driver, Mr. Griffith, while the rest of the Class of 2013 went on the bus. We were headed to perhaps California’s most famous bridge: The Golden Gate Bridge. I got to the Golden Gate Bridge and was struck by the beautiful purple flowers and the statue of Joseph Strauss, the designer of the Golden Gate Bridge. We had to walk up some flights of stairs in order to get to the bridge. While my group waited for the rest of 2013 to arrive, I witnessed dozens of people running, riding bicycles, and walking across the bridge. I even saw surfers from a distance – and that made me want to surf! (I don’t know how to, though.) The Class of 2013 arrived and it was raining even harder, but we decided to walk the bridge anyway. As I was walking on the bridge, the water drizzles from the fog came toward my face. I actually enjoyed that feeling of the water and the wind coming at me. The bridge looked really damp – its orange and red colors were covered by the fog, just like a postcard. I walked in silence and simply thought about my life. This helped me to concentrate and to appreciate the landscape even more. I walked with Ms. Osborne and I told her how I felt. I actually liked talking with her about the high school and what I wanted out of life. Ms. Osborne and I enjoyed the walk together, and we made it all the way to the end. Some KIPPsters decided that they would turn around and not continue. When Ms. Osborne and I finally got to our final destination, we took pictures. Both of us were so happy that we accomplished the walk across the entire way. The memory of the bridge and that walk with Ms. Osborne will be forever captured in my memory like a camera. I would love to go to college here. Maybe when I’m old enough and able to afford it, I could live in California.

Ms. Rosario and Mr. Griffith

Ms. Capaldi, Edelin Fernandez, Ms. Osborne, and Mr. Johnson

Pictures by Adrianne Capaldi Layout by Wilson Guzman, Luiggy Vidal, and Michael Vea