The Definitive Student Newspaper - October 2009

THE DEFINITIVE Vol. 3, Issue 1

KIPP Infinity Charter School – New York, NY

October 2009

¡Espectáculo! This year’s Latino Cultural Show is a feast for the senses BY ARGENIS MARMOL

KIPP Infinity’s second Latino Cultural Show happened on October 29, 2009, in the auditorium. Coming back from a one and a half year hiatus, the Latino Cultural Show was truly a feast for the senses. The performances this year were the result of weeks of preparation. The show opened with an Aztec dance piece, set to the song, Mexica, featuring eight 7th grade females wearing elaborate pheasant feather headdresses. Eighth graders Adriana Aponte and Amaris Ureña sang a tribute to MexicanAmerican singer, Selena. Jacob Garcia and Audrey Bonnet, both 6th graders, performed a spoken word piece directed by Mr. Willey. A dance couple from the Folkloric Dominican Dance Company performed a traditional Dominican dance. Oye Como Va – Katerin Villar, Edivic Perez, and Sabrina Almanzar at dress rehearsal. The female dancer is the mother of Anais, Cesar, and Fabian -Photo by Adrian de la Rosa Quintanilla. Produced by Mr. Griffith, a video called “Celebrations” featured KIPP Infinity parents and students’ narrations of Hispanic traditions. The KIPP Infinity Chorus, directed by Mr. Madden, sang three songs: “Let’s Get Loud,” “Conteo,” and “La Vida es un Carnaval,” featuring 7th grade soloist, Katerin Villar. Fifth grade Nonfiction Studies teacher, Ms. Bravo, choreographed a salsa routine to the song, “Me Libere,” by El Gran Combo. With the help of Big Brother L, 8 th graders Tariq Ifield and Fabio Rivera performed a heartpounding rap that they wrote themselves called “Infinity Latinos.” The show ended with the KIPP Infinity Band, under the direction of Mr. Novick and Mr. Thomas. The band performed two songs: “Guantanamera” and “Oye Como Va.” Congratulations to all who performed and to Ms. Bravo and Mr. Negron for directing the show. See you all at next year’s performance!

KIPP Infinity welcomes three new big KIPPsters BY JASON BRAVO

KIPP Infinity welcomes two new teachers and a new staff member. The new teachers are Ms. Amber Boies and Ms. Frances Olajide. The one staff member is Mr. Peter Croncota. Ms. Boies is the new 6th grade reading teacher, who has actually worked at another KIPP school for four years. Ms. Olajide is the new 6th grade writing teacher, who teaches alongside Mrs. Heuisler. Mr. Croncota, who used to work in the KIPP NYC Shared Services Team, is Infinity’s new Director of Operations. These big KIPPsters work hard to make KIPP Infinity a better place for all of us. Here’s a transcript of my Q&A with all three of them: How has KIPP changed your perspective about kids? Ms. Boies: KIPP has helped me to realize how much students can accomplish with the help of teachers. Mr. Croncota: I have come to realize that kids can do a lot more and work a lot harder than most people think they can. Ms. Olajide: So far, KIPP has taught me that kids are capable of self-control and selfdetermination. How has KIPP changed you in particular? Ms. Boies: Since working at KIPP, to me it feels that even on weekends, KIPP is still present. Also, KIPP has pushed me to learn new things about teaching. Mr. Croncota: KIPP has made me appreciate the value of a great education. It has given me great hope that so many incredible people have committed themselves to helping our kids. Ms. Olajide: KIPP has made me more organized and less jaded about life.

From left to right: Ms. Frances Olajide, 6th grade writing teacher, Mr. Peter Croncota, Director of Operations, and Ms. Amber Boies, 6th grade reading teacher. -Photo by Jason Bravo

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CHECK OUT WHAT’S INSIDE THE DEFINITIVE KIPP Infinity appears on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. For more details, check out page 3.

Meet the new journalism staff! Turn to pages 4 and 5.

BEWARE! It’s time for a scare! Turn if you dare… to page 7.

Check out your horoscope on page 8.

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The Definitive – October 2009

Boies, Croncota, and Olajide join the KIPP Infinity Family

news

KIPP Infinity’s Policies This year, KIPP Infinity teachers and staff members will be strictly enforcing the following policies:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

One necklace tucked in One bracelet and ring KIPP shirt clean and pressed KIPP shirt tucked in all times Black or brown belts No dangling earrings, studs, and hoops Hoops no bigger than a quarter Boys: no earrings Pants on waist KIPP sweatshirts only – no “hoodies” Navy blue shorts may only be worn during the summer KIPP sweatpants are not permitted during school hours UGG boots may be worn with pants tucked in No jeans, unless earned If uniform emergency, contact your teachers.

Do you feel like KIPP is doing a good job of educating kids? Ms. Boies: I feel like KIPP is doing an excellent job of educating kids. People come to visit, and this shows that we are doing something that they want to see. Mr. Croncota: I think KIPP is doing an outstanding job in educating kids. Ms. Olajide: Yes, because teachers work hard to understand the kids, and they do whatever is possible to help them understand a subject. What are some goals that you would like to accomplish at KIPP? Ms. Boies: I want to know my students better, and I want to see them go through college graduation. Mr. Croncota: I would like to make sure that KIPP is the most efficient school in terms of finance and operations. I also want to make sure that KIPP is the best place to work for teachers. Ms. Olajide: I would like to see my kids be at grade level by the end of 6th grade writing class. What motivated you to work at KIPP? Ms. Boies: I was in a program called Teach for America. I went to visit KIPP schools and saw all teachers working together and the students working hard. Mr. Croncota: I believe in the mission of KIPP, and I think that KIPP schools are the best public schools in the country. Ms. Olajide: Ms. Kubagawa is a friend of mine who recommended me to come to KIPP.

-COMPILED BY DAIJAH DANIELS

∞∞∞∞∞∞

Spotlight question:

How has the new school year been treating you so far? INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY KAI CLARILLO, AARON GEORGE, AND DEION JONES

William Bunce

Elizabeliz Negron

Clarissa Cuevas

Adriana Aponte

Class of 2017

Class of 2016

Class of 2015

Class of 2014

“This school year has been good so far. I’m working hard in math class, and it sometimes gets complicated. I think my strongest class is Nonfiction Research, because of the work and the fun lessons.”

“So far it has been good. It was kind of hard in the beginning being the new girl and all, but I got used to it. I’m looking forward to going to New England. I’m hoping that the rest of the year turns out to be more exciting and fun.”

“So far my school year is starting off well. Math has been the most difficult class for me because we’re learning 8th grade and 9th grade material. Science class is the easiest for me because I have fun and I learn new things each day.”

Joangela Santos

Joel Sanchez

Rasheed Lucas

Christopher Gonzalez

Class of 2017

Class of 2016

Class of 2015

Class of 2014

“This school year has been good because I’ve learned more things in this school than in my old school. I love Nonfiction Studies. I have never been on the bench, and I can’t wait to go to Washington, D.C.”

“ This school year has been good so far. This year I’m looking forward to the end-of-the-year trip to Utah and to passing the tests to move on to 7th grade. I also hope to make new friends and to improve my reading.”

“This school year has been treating me well because my teachers respect me, and I respect them, and I have respect for myself and for my teammates.”

“I’m learning more and receiving more work here than in my old school. I’m excited about going to Washington, D.C., and I’m happy about my paychecks. My favorite subject is math because I’ve learned to roll my numbers.”

“The classes have been pretty tough because I need to make better choices. Math class is easiest for me, unlike Science class, which is much more difficult.”

News

The Definitive – October 2009

KIPP Infinity featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams BY JASON BRAVO

Two KIPP schools – KIPP Academy of Opportunity in Los Angeles and KIPP Infinity – were featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams on Monday, October 5th. With 8.7 million viewers, this news piece was considered the most watched news piece about KIPP since April 2006 when KIPP was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The NBC crew gave video cameras to two students, one from each school, to document their “daily life as a KIPPster.” Erin Chapman, an 8th grader at KIPP Academy of Opportunity, and KIPP Infinity’s own Gabriel Gomez, a 7th grader, were selected to carry a camera around with them all day – morning until night. In addition to Gabriel, Keith Dozer, also a 7th grader, was featured on the news program. “I was surprised because I’ve never been on TV! The NBC people inspired me to do well, and it felt good to have my 15 seconds of fame and to share it with my family!” Mr. Negron, our principal, jokingly commented, “I was afraid that I was going to stumble my words, and I wanted to make sure that my hair looked good.” He continued, “I knew that only a small part of what I said was going to be on TV, so I had to make sure that I was choosing the right words.” The camera showed a lot of what we do best: working hard and being nice. Congratulations, KIPP! Keith Dozer (right) was featured on NBC Nightly News.

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KIPP Infinity’s Homerooms 2009-2010 Class of 2017 (5th grade) Harvard University Rutgers University Wooster College Class of 2016 (6th grade) Xavier University Georgetown University University of Texas Class of 2015 (7th grade) Pace University University of North Carolina University of California, Berkeley Class of 2014 (8th grade) Hamilton College Union College University of Kentucky University of Connecticut Compiled by ARGENIS MARMOL

David Cisse and Tania Smith selected for KIPP Student Leadership Summit BY LOURDES DELGADO AND SAMANTHA REYES

Two KIPPsters from the Class of 2016, David Cisse and Tania Smith, were chosen to represent KIPP Infinity at the most recent KIPP Student Leadership Summit in San Francisco, CA. They were nominated by their peers and teachers and spent the weekend of October 13 th in California, along with Mr. Ian Willey who served as their teacher chaperone. KIPPsters from all over the country were invited to attend the Summit. At the Summit, the students participated in high ropes courses which were designed to build trust and confidence and to develop leadership skills. Each course involved taking risks, which as Tenia said, helped her “to trust others” so that she could “accomplish more.” One high ropes course, called “The Lion’s Leap,” involved climbing up a 50-ft. tall tree. There was a plank at the top, and the goal was to jump off the plank. “It was scary for me because it was so high up. I’ve never been that high up before,” said Tania. David also enjoyed the high ropes courses. He commented that the entire Summit experience was “full of life and very exciting.” One particular high ropes course, called the “High V,” proved to be a challenge for David. He found support in Mr. Willey. “Mr. Willey was very supportive because I didn’t really want to do the whole High V. He supported me on my second try, and I completed it.” One of the biggest highlights of the experience was the submission of a proposal. Each school group had to develop a plan to improve their school, and the winning proposals would be funded a certain amount of money in order to accomplish the goal. According to David, the proposal involves a picnic / clean-up with I.S. 195. “We’re going to meet with IS 195 (the student leaders) and we’re going to talk to them about the situation of the dirty yard. We will choose people to clean the yard, and IS 195 student leaders will also choose students to help clean.” The plan is to have this project take place in the spring when the weather is much nicer. This is also an opportunity to build relationships with students from the other school.

5th Grade Autobiographies Miguel Ramirez reads his autobiography out loud while Mr. Willey and some KIPPsters listen attentively. – Photo by Lourdes Delgado

THE DEFINITIVE Editor-in-Chief Sirah Sow Reporters and Photographers Jason Bravo, Kai Clarillo, Emanie Cruz, Daijah Daniels, Lourdes Delgado, Orlando Garcia, Aaron George, Deion Jones, Argenis Marmol, Samaiyah Patrick, Samantha Reyes, Joshua Richardson, and Angely Ureña Journalism Advisors Ered Massie [email protected] Michael Vea [email protected] Principal Joseph Negron [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 – October 2009

THE DEFINITIVE’s 3

rd

CENTERSPREAD

Generation

PHOTOS BY SIRAH SOW AND ANAIS QUINTANILLA / LAYOUT BY SIRAH SOW

Sirah Sow Co-Editor Class of 2014

Jason Bravo Reporter Class of 2015

Books I Like: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Clique series by Lisi Harrison, and Spells and Sleeping Bags series by Sarah Mlynowski.

Future Plans: I’d love to attend Harvard University. I’d also love to be a part of the US Air Force or to become a scientist that studies the different planets.

Dream Interview: I would’ve loved to have interviewed Michael Jackson because he was truly a legend.

Spare Time: Play soccer and the guitar Favorite KIPP Experience: Going to Utah and playing in the pool at Zion.

Spare Time: Dancing and watching good movies.

Emanie Cruz Reporter Class of 2015

Daijah Daniels Reporter Class of 2015

Future Plans: I want to go to Brown University in Rhode Island and be employed in the entertainment business.

Favorite Books: Watchers, Gossip Girl, and Slam

Dream Interview: I would love to interview Marques Houston because he is definitely my favorite singer.

rques

Favorite Experience: Being a part of the KIPP NYC show at Hostos Community College in the Bronx.

Lourdes Delgado Reporter Class of 2015

Orlando Garcia Reporter Class of 2015

Why Journalism? I wanted to try something new, and since I’ve never been on a team like this before, I wanted to know what it was like.

Future Plans: I would like to become an engineer or a student of the culinary arts.

Favorite KIPP Experience: Going to Utah. Spare Time: I like to go on the computer and watch television.

N

Dream Interview: I would love to interview Beyoncé because I want to sing and look like her. -

Favorite Experience: Going to Utah and making it through Observation Point. Spare Time: I like to go outside, play video games, or sleep over at my cousin’s house.

CENTERSPREAD

The Definitive – October 2009

page 5

“Journalism is the first rough draft of history.” Deion Jones Reporter Class of 2015

Argenis Marmol Reporter Class of 2015

Favorite KIPP Experience: Going to Utah and hiking Observation Point with my Team and Family.

Favorite KIPP Experience: Going to Utah and accomplishing the eight-mile hike with my friends beside me.

Favorite Books: The Afterlife by Gary Soto, Slam by Walter Dean Myers, Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper

Why Journalism? I want to improve my writing.

Spare Time: I like to exercise, play football, and hang out with friends.

Future Plans: I’d like to attend Duke or Northwestern and become a lawyer.

Samaiyah Patrick Reporter Class of 2015

Samantha Reyes Reporter Class of 2015

Dream Interview: I would like to interview the members of Nickelback, my favorite band.

Future: I’d like to attend Columbia or Princeton. I want to become an obstetrician or a pediatrician.

Future Plans: I would like to go to Harvard Law School and become a celebrity lawyer. Spare Time: I like to play video games, and watch Nick at Nite.

Why Journalism: I love writing about events in the school, and I can’t wait to see how great the newspaper is going to be this year. Spare Time: Swimming, playing soccer, or watching TV.

Joshua Richardson Reporter Class of 2015

Angely Ureña Reporter Class of 2015

Favorite Experience: Talking to my dad after he received open-heart surgery.

Future plans: Go to college and become a lawyer.

Future Plans: I want to be a baseball player or a stockbroker if baseball doesn’t work out.

Spare time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Spare Time: Even in the winter, I love to play outdoor sports. I also enjoy playing video games and reading.

Favorite experience: Going river rafting in Utah. Dream Interview: Stephenie Meyers, author of the Twilight novels

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The Definitive – October 2009

Games Galore

EDITORIAL

Dear Tiffany

BY ORLANDO GARCIA

Are you a game fanatic as much as I am? Here’s a list of famous games for X-BOX 360 and for PS3. These may not be the newest games on the game market, but I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with them. In addition, there’s a new game system on the market that was released on October 1, 2009. Read on!

“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.

Game System X-BOX 360 and PS3

You may submit your letters to Mr. Vea’s mailbox in the main Office (Ms. Ceron’s office). Please seal your letter in an envelope. Have a nice day!

Game Ultimate Alliance 2 (T for Teens)

Game description The Marvel Superheroes defeat all of their foes, and then a civil war breaks out between them. Retail value: $59.99

Wall-E (E for Everyone)

Based on the hit movie, Wall-E is a game with little to no violence and it doesn’t corrupt the minds of the youth. Retail value: $49.99

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 (T For Teens)

In this game that’s full of action, the stars of the WWE Universe have been transformed into an allnew game where you can create many things, like a signature move, a character, and even a setting to fight in. Retail value: $52.00

Rock Band: The Beatles(T for Teen)

PSP Go

Downloads only (for children to adults)

This game includes most of the Fab 4’s best songs. “Career mode” begins in the first concert that the Beatles played in, and ends with their last concert. Retail value: $49.99 (CD only) This is a new game system created by the masters at Sony. There’s only one small problem. This machine only works by download, which means no UMD (Universal Media Disc) for PSP. Retail value: $249

Dear Tiffany, Every Friday we have to wear professional dress, and almost every Friday there is a problem with what I’m wearing. For some reason they tell me it’s too tight or too revealing. Now that they deduct 20 paycheck points, it could seriously hurt my paycheck average. When someone comments on my clothes, I get an attitude so I get a minus 26. What should I do? Sincerely, Dress To Impress Dear Dress To Impress, First and foremost, you cannot get an attitude. Being rude makes everything worse. As far as your clothing, look at the school policies. For example, you are not allowed to wear leggings. Plan your outfit in advance - try it on and see how much skin you are showing. You can also ask a teacher of what they think is appropriate dress wear. They will probably give you an idea of what to wear. But ask before another Friday comes! You do not what to risk getting another minus 20 points! Sincerely, Tiffany Dear Tiffany, I’m tired of all this homework. Every time I go home my mom wants me to do chores, so I go to sleep late doing my homework. I also have to spend time with my family and friends, but I don’t have time to because I have to do a lot of homework every day. All the kids from my block are outside while I am inside my house doing homework . Sincerely, Homework Hater

A Day in the Life at Deerfield Academy BY SIRAH SOW I was selected – along with Marco Peña (2014) – to participate in the KIPPSTEP (Success Through Enrichment Program) at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts this past summer. Here’s one day… Beep! Beep! Beeeep! It’s 6:00am and time for me to start my day. Why am I getting up this early in the summertime? I want to be one of the first two people in the shower. In the bathroom, I see my friend, Maddie, also up early about to go and take a shower. At 6:15, I am outta there and back in my room picking out what I want to wear - a Polo shirt and a pair of jeans, since today will be a little chilly. By now it’s 6:35, and the hallways are bustling with the regular morning routines, and some girls are just getting up. I do a last minute check over my homework and head off to Nina’s room. (Nina is from D.C.) I find Kailen already there. (She’s from New Orleans) We stay in Nina’s room, talk, and wait for her to finish fixing her hair. Her iPhone says it is 7:05. Oops! We race downstairs and are off to the dining hall. Even though we don’t have to be at breakfast until 7:15, we like to get there early. On our way running, I couldn’t resist staring at the freshly cut senior grass and the increasingly familiar trees. Once in the dining hall, we are served a breakfast varying from scrambled eggs to pancakes and many other delicious foods. “Morning Diana, what’s up?” Diana is another one of our friends. (She’s from Texas.) “So, for the dance, I think we should rehearse today in the dance studio with Ms. Ramirez,” said Diana. Did I mention that we are preparing a dance for the talent show on the last night? We’ve been rehearsing nonstop at whatever chance we get. But now it is almost 8:00 and we have to get to class. Kailen and I have English first and Diana and Nina have chemistry with Mr. Harcourt. But today everyone is excited because we get to dissect hearts in Dr. Cullen’s biology class. After class, I’m off to another rigorous dance rehearsal with the girls. Then we hit the showers to get ready for a Tuesday night sitdown dinner with everybody, including the amazing teachers, proctors, and a very special guest - Dr.Cullen’s 7 year old son! What a day. Looks like my space is up, so if you want to hear more, don’t be afraid to ask me. -

Dear Homework Hater, I have this same problem. To solve my problem, I ask my parents if I can do my chores at 7:00pm so I can go outside and play with my friends. If that’s not working, try calling one of your friends to help you on your homework. Remember that you can call a teacher to get help on the homework. But call before 9:00pm! Sincerely, Tiffany Dear Tiffany, I used to have a best friend that I would do everything with. But when we were put in different classes, we started getting into more arguments and now we hardly talk. What do I do? Sincerely, Barely a 7th Grader Dear Barely a 7th Grader, I can see you’re having problems with your friend. The first thing you should do is don’t stop being friends with him/her. Then you should arrange time for you guys to hang out after school or on weekends. And if you are worried about inside school, ask a teacher if you can sit next to them at lunch. Also, you can hang out with them during recess. But don’t forget that every year is different, and sometimes that means making new friends! Sincerely, Tiffany

Entertainment / sports

The Definitive – October 2009

The 5th Annual Halloween Party is here to haunt us again

page 7

Snapshots from last year’s Halloween Party

BY SAMANTHA REYES

On Saturday, October 31st, get ready for a fantastic, yet spooky, party of the year! It’s the Halloween Party. This great party will be held in the gym, and back by popular demand, there will be a creepy haunted house in the boys’ locker room. You should also expect many activities like face painting, dance-offs, and costume competitions. Food will be provided and food can also be brought. However, in order to come to this party, you will need to have a paycheck average of 35 or higher. If you get invited, there will be some rules. For the ladies, you may NOT wear a skirt that is more than 4 inches above the knee. For the men, no killer costumes allowed. Also, if you misbehave, you may be asked to sit out or leave the party. So, behave because this year’s party will have a lot of entertainment that will be remembered. Tune in for Mr. Griffith’s funky beats as the DJ and to see teachers in their costumes dancing! Come to see if the rumor of Mr. Dukeman’s gymnastics ability is really true!

This is the 7th grade math teacher, Ms. Kubagawa, as Curious George!

Rayshawn Rodriguez doing the SpongeBob SquarePants dance. See if you can spot Mrs. McCaffrey. [Hint] She’s in the back!

KIPP Infinity’s Cross Country Team 2009 Coached by Ms. Fascilla and Ms. Schroeder

Some members of the Cross Country Team in Newark, NJ

-Photo by Angela Fascilla

KIPP Infinity’s Flag Football Team 2009 Coached by Mr. Griffith and Big Brother L D’Asia Baldwin Nelson Castillo Peter Clark Deion Jones Aryani Ferreira Roger Flowers Naomi Hernandez Janea Middleton Mayeiris Rivera Anais Quintanilla Cesar Quintanilla Fabian Quintanilla Michael Perez Joaquin Escolera Gabriel Gomez Christopher Ramos Shemar Campbell Elvin Perez Ashlee Vargas Carlos Vargas

Andrew Bonnet Giselle Cuevas Abdul Diallo Yessivette Ducasse Willis Feliz Derek Ferreira Marilyn Garcia Jeneen Huling Angel Martinez Alex Olmedo Quincee Perry Justin Philippe Fabio Rivera Alicia Rodriguez Rayshawn Rodriguez Wilton Rodriguez Naya Rogers Briana Rosado Lizbeth Tavarez Vanessa Vasquez

Cesar Quintanilla at flag football practice

-Photo by Argenis Marmol

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Happy Halloween!

MUMMY HALLOWEEN COSTUME GRAVEYARD GHOULS GOBLINS SKELETONS CANDY WITCHES VAMPIRES SPIDERS COBWEBS WEREWOLVES SCARY PARTY OCTOBER DUNGEON ZOMBIES

The Definitive – October 2009

Horoscopes

Staying Safe on Halloween

BY EMANIE CRUZ

BY SAMAIYAH PATRICK

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) You’re not the superstitious type who looks foe shooting stars or avoid walking under ladders, but if you make a wish on the 16th, the your wish may come true. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) With almighty Mercury firing you up on the 17th, you’ll have the guts to making a lifealtering decision. Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) This week you are going to help someone younger than you and you would give them a lot of positive advice. You value your friends – even your old friends. They may come back into your life and you will accept them. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Show your friends that you can find solutions to your problems. Tell them how they can count on you to be honest and kind. Pisces (February 19 - March 20) You’re in teamwork mode this week because lately you have had problems doing things on your own. Now you’ve got friends and family to help you out and to make things easier. Aries (March 21 - April 19) You are not afraid of hard work, but make sure you have a head start on your plans. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) You’ve been working hard – maybe too hard. Perhaps it’s time for someone to lend you a hand. This special person can even help you with a problem that’s been bugging you. Gemini (May 21 - June 21) You fiends think you are not your energetic self. Let them know that you are feeling a little down. Your friends will help you get over this slump. Cancer (June 22 - July 22) You’re in the mood to make a positive change. This means that you can have a positive influence over others. It’s a good week to help others. Leo (July 22 - August 22) You need to do a little more activities with your friends. You’ve got some good ideas, now make them happen. Virgo (August 23- September 22) You need to have some time to yourself. Let your friends know you still care for them, though. That way they don’t think that you’re ignoring them. Libra (September 23 - October 12) You’re in the mood to meet new friends – go for it! Don’t let it distract you, though, from your academic goals.

Going trick-or-treating on the 31st? That’s good, but you need to be safe. You’ve got to follow some do’s and don’ts to ensure your safety. First off, travel in groups. It is safer because if a group of people want to start trouble, they may think twice if you are with three or four people. But to avoid confrontations in the first place, you should stay close to home. So no public transportation! (You wouldn’t want your superhero cape to get caught in between the train doors anyway!) Go to the houses of people you know or go to local businesses. If you don’t want anything stolen, leave your valuables at home. Avoid the “trick” in trick-or-treating – if you vandalize something, you will be arrested. With that said, don’t dare or take on dares. If you plan on staying home, don’t just automatically open the door if someone knocks. Look through the peephole and use your judgment. Police Office Pinnock of the 47th Precinct said that the safest hours to open the door are between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Speaking of police officers, if you need assistance from them, it isn’t difficult to spot them, even though people dress up as them on Halloween. There are clear signs of fakes and the real ones. The real officers will have a nightstick, gun, and a badge. Just to be safe, ask for ID. Lastly, an obvious sign would be if the police officer knows where his or her police car is – and they should have the keys! Be safe, be aware, have fun, and don’t get too many cavities. Have a great Halloween!