november 2004
NEWS
THE BOSTON GLOBE’s designer gives pointers to THE DAYTIME
by A. M. and E. R.
Greg Klee, the deputy design editor for THE BOSTON GLOBE, shared his ideas for laying out the paper in a visit to THE DAYTIME on Monday, November the 1st. He spoke to both the 6th and 7th grade WRITE WAY electives and gave a special seminar for 6th grade DAYTIME staffers interested in layout.
Klee went over the basics of layout, ranging from terminology to spatial relations. For example, Klee pointed out the new teasers at the top of the GLOBE’s Page One are called “skyboxes”. Klee also urged DAYTIME layout artists to strive for a “...clean look.”
In a special seminar with 6th grade staffers, Klee offered suggestions for improving page 6 of this issue of the paper. Staff members then proceeded to lay out page 7 using his techniques.
At THE GLOBE Klee is responsible for a number of feature layouts, most especially the movie section and the idea section of the Sunday GLOBE.
In thanking Klee for donating his time, DAYTIME advisor, R. P., pointed out how much money it would have cost to hire Klee for a day.
When Enough is ENOUGH!
by E. C. and R. P.
“Kids in middle school are vultures, picking out the weak and different and crushing their spirit like an ant.” Anonymous descriptions of hateful phrases and slurs from last year’s 8th graders were used to justify this claim, and were shared with teachers during their professional development program on Thursday, September the 30th.
Further, there was testimony from Day alumni as part of a workshop aimed at raising teachers’ awareness towards hurtful and detrimental terms, or put-downs, that students used frequently in school. The alumni shared with their former teachers their experiences of harassment from other students and the hurtful language that is tossed around freely in the student community.
Entitled “It’s How You Say It,” this workshop raised teachers’ awareness of the situation among students who were not in the presence of adults. The language and ostracism exhibited among students was brought to light before teachers’ eyes as the alumni shared their experiences.
When asked what the emphasis was in the workshop, W. P., one of Day’s foreign language teachers, replied, “... it was enlightening...it was basically about the power of words and how voice inflection can be positive or negative. Overall, the gist was to be more aware of how we treat each other as human beings.” The workshop, D. P. commented, “...brought to the front of your brain, what adolescence is all about.”
During the workshop teachers gathered to attend two separate programs. Greeted with an introduction, teachers dived into the personal insights of former Day alumni. Many gave raw accounts of the negative rhetoric wantonly tossed about by those who teased others, and the insecurity that it generated for them. N. C., Green Team social studies teacher said, “I think students who spoke shocked many teachers. We had no idea it was happening so often.”
Teachers were grouped into sections to brainstorm ideas about how they should react to scenarios of derogatory jeering and to delve into the heart of the problem. Pinpointing effective strategies; addressing behavior; and discussing with the students their true intentions, were all discussed amongst the groups. Teachers attempted to find the common weight of the power of words by trying to balance becoming pro-active and educating students.
Words such as “retarded,” “gay,” and “sped” are the most widespread phrases used negatively uttered here at Day. Over the years, these words once considered neutral, have been used offensively and with contempt. “Sped,” abbreviated from “Special Education, represents a support program for students learning at different speeds. “Gay,” identifies one’s sexual orientation. “Retard(ed),” indicates someone with an intellectual disability and “Jew,” recognizes one’s religious beliefs.
Teachers ended the workshop anticipating a student survey which the whole school would take on Wednesday, October the 20th. Upon the survey were personal questions about negative comments directed towards gender, race, ethnicity, physical appearance, religion and learning abilities.
N.C. reassures students that teachers do a lot of things to help eliminate name-calling “...behind the scenes: have faith that we take action.” She guarantees teachers will always confront and will “...never sweep the negative insults under the carpet.”
Student concerns given voice in poll
In the subsequent poll taken by the student body, many questions regarding the serious topic of the insults and vicious comments aimed at other peers were discussed [see some of the results on this page].
When asked how they felt when they witnessed a put down or negative comment, the majority said that they felt upset often, followed closely by feeling uncomfortable sometimes. This poll reflected the student body’s feelings towards negative and derogatory slurs and comments, as well as how they felt about the fact that they were being said.
On Wednesday, October the 27th, all Day students spent an early release day being educated about hurtful words and how to nurture a caring and open community. Students stayed in their homerooms, watching videos and contributing to discussions. The first video, entitled “Let’s Get Real, ” showed various perspectives of neutral and negative language and how the use of put downs contribute to a negative atmosphere. This video was narrated by actual students who either lived through persistent bullying or those who applied it to others. Whether it was harassment, physical abuse or verbal harm, Day students were able to see the different situations of harmful language and its traumatizing after-affects.
Students then discussed in their homerooms, how the words are used in negative ways today and how many times they see this language utilized on a daily basis. A follow-up video was shown, made by Day teachers M. D.and K. R.,asking students to identify whether a situation shown used a term in a negative or neutral sense.
Reflecting upon this workshop, active committee member S. H. responded that he believed students would “...react positively...our lesson has clear goals.” S. H. hoped students would be able to see words in both negative and neutral ways. “I think kids will be relieved to have it recognized because it is not a secret that hurtful language is used.”
N.B., another member of the committee, says, “The goals of our committee are to educate students, to have teachers send consistent messages, and to let the students know we will deal with these put-downs.” Finally, N.B. feels it is important “..... for us to work together so that all students feel respected and part of our Day community.”
Newton community responds
In a similar event relating to Day’s put-downs, hundreds of Newton residents gathered at City Hall on Wednesday, October the 20th, to attend a citywide rally against the racial slurs recently printed on Bowen Elementary School ’s mural. Some notable appearances were made by Newton Mayor David Cohen, School Superintendent Jeffrey Young, and others.
Mayor Cohen promised to bring to justice the individuals who committed “this shameful act of discrimination.”
Young expressed his feelings and optimistic views on the future, yet still exposed the vulnerability of the city. “I was shocked...in some ways, I was caught off guard [by the vandalism]. It means we need to recognize that people live through this all the time. In truth, it is not about Bowen only. Its about Massachusetts and the United States .”
Carol Blake, husband of Bowen’s targeted principal, approached the issue “...not as a politician, but as a humble husband and I ask, ‘why are we here?’ Anger and guilt are partners. The act that happened is active racism. It’s passive racism when no one does anything.”
Blake reached his hand out to the community for help and support. He stated that there is a $2,000 reward for those who step forward with any information and that he will be posting numerous flyers against this act of racism, across the city. “I have hundreds [of flyers]. I will print hundreds more and I will keep printing.”
Perhaps with these lessons, Day students can help create a caring community which is open to all differences. With steps like these, the Day and Newton communities will slowly, but surely, make progress towards a more tight-knit and understanding community.
All work and no pay
by S. S.
Day students walking through Newtonville may have noticed signs in car windows, calling for “Fair Contracts” and urging people to “Call Mayor Cohen”. These signs were printed and distributed by the Newton Teacher’s Association (NTA), led by its president, Cheryl Turgel.
Newton teachers are “extremely frustrated” because “we have not yet reached settlements,” says Turgel. Teacher’s contracts expired on August the 31st, 2004 , and since then the NTA has gone to great lengths to reach new agreements.
While “...striking in Massachusetts is illegal,” the NTA has staged demonstrations at City Hall, has handed out cards during events at schools (such as back to school night and Election Day), and has manufactured the aforementioned signs; all of this done with the intention of “...protecting quality education”.
“It’s a success,” says Turgel.
Turgel does not foresee a settlement in the near future (“I don’t have a crystal ball”). She does believe that Mayor David Cohen can help end this problem (hence the signs urging citizens to call him), saying he “...could find additional funds for the school budget.”
Regardless of the fact that a settlement has not yet been reached, Turgel believes “...the negotiations team has been operating in good faith to come...to settlements that respect our members.”
Day students meet Salvator F. Dimasi, new Speaker of the Massachusetts House
by J. H. and B. H.-M.
Sal Dimasi, the new Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, in an appearance at 182 Greenwood Street in Newton on Sunday, the October the 24th, shared with Day students and others what he will try to accomplish in the House and his thoughts about the November election. He answered DAYTIME’s questions about education.
Dimasi has mixed feelings about MCAS. In one sense, he thinks that it is beneficial for kids to know where they stand academically. However, Dimasi thinks it should not decide whether students pass or fail, but should be used for purposes of graduation.
Dimasi is also trying to make the school system of Massachusetts the best school system ever. He also says that Newton ’s school system is already good, thanks to Newton Mayor David Cohen and his co-workers.
What Dimasi is doing that differs from the past House Speaker, is that he is trying to make and have open and inclusive legislative process, which allows all Representatives to have power in the House.
During his speech, he talked about a party he went to after he was elected House Speaker and the Governor was there. He said that Italians hug each other in greeting, so after Dimasi hugged the governor, someone asked “So what did you get out of hugging the governor?” and Dimasi said, “I got frostbite.”
Another big political figure at this party was United States Representative Barney Frank. His views on the Presidential election is that the Democrats have got lots of votes for John Kerry and that this will be a close election.
Other important figures there were Kay Kahn, who was running for a state representative seat, and the Mayor, David Cohen, himself. Other aldermen and state representatives were also present.
Career track
D. J. pursues career in education
By Ned Reichenbach
D. J. is developing a career as a teacher’s aid. She works in Room 218 as well as the nurse’s office.
D.J.’s current job is a teacher aid. She helps kids work hard and helps the teacher with the class.
D. J. became a teacher’s aid because she enjoyed working with middle school students who grow so much during this time. “It is fun to watch children learn new things,” says D. J.
D. J. has had other jobs at different schools as well. She was a health assistant and worked in the nurse’s office at Day, Brown, Bigelow, and Oak Hill, both high schools, and some elementary schools. D. J. loved all her jobs and working with children.
D. J. has a big family with three kids: S. J., who is 15; C. J., who is 14; and B. J., who is 12. D. J. and her husband, S. J., also have 2 cats, Precious and Junior; and 2 dogs Elmo and Rox. On D. J.’s day off she tries to bring her children to sporting events or reads.
D. J. grew up in Waltham and went to Central Middle School . She attended Quincy College . In school, science was her favorite subject. D. J. liked science because it was interesting and she loved doing experiments. D. J. reflects on dissecting a frog in 7th grade; she said that it was very cool.
We can change the world...
Day alumna Sonia Chang works to advance women’s leadership in American politics
by A. H-B.
When we begin school each day at 8AM , we focus mainly upon present events: classes that we are looking forward to, last minute studying for tests, and the frequent glance at the clock to see how many hours remain until lunch. But do we ever really take the time to wonder where we might choose to go after the period of time that we spend in the Newton Public Schools comes to an end? Or where Day students from 10 years before have ended up?
Day alumna Sonia Chang (Class of ‘92) works with three organizations: the Lee Family Office, Revolutionary Women, and the Barbara Lee Family Foundation to advance women’s leadership in America . Chang had a vested interest in the recent Presidential election.
When asked what her plans were after the election, Chang admitted that she “...will probably want to get a few good nights’ sleep” after a season of such hard work and diligence. But once she has fully recovered, together the organizations will review their labors of the summer and fall, evaluating the overall success of their work. Just as soon as the first election is over, Chang will join her peers in looking into the upcoming years, deciding which projects will be undertaken in 2005. “Because,” says Chang with a smile, “there’s always another election coming up!”
Chang’s first piece of advice for middle schoolers who want to make a difference, is not to “...think of yourself as ‘just a middle schooler.’ You’re a person who wants to change the world for the better, just like any other adult.” During Chang’s long experience in politics, she has encountered numerous talented young people who have contributed significantly to campaigns.
Just by taking the first step of showing a slight interest in volunteering for a campaign, hard work and commitment will lead to a wide array of fantastic opportunities. She reminds young people to never feel restrained by their age or lack of experience, because those things are not of the most importance when one wants to make a difference.
Sonia Chang was a student at Day in ‘91 and ‘92, on the Purple and Blue teams. Immediately after graduating from Newton North, Chang attended the University of Virginia where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political and Social Thought. She then returned to Massachusetts , where her political experience began, working for 2 years as a legislative aide in the State Senate.
Chang took a year off from her political work by becoming an 8th grade social studies teacher, something that she had “...always wanted to do.” After her curiosity about teaching was satisfied, she returned to the political field and managed a special State Senate campaign in 2003 and 2004.
For Chang, pursuing a profession in the political area was simply the “...logical way to go, ” as she believes that government and politics are extremely powerful tools in resolving conflicts. Growing up, it seemed to Chang that the importance of making positive improvements for the community was always emphasized forcefully. Consequentially, the area of work that she has ended up in came as no surprise.
Presently, Chang is working with three organizations that all strive in different ways to achieve the same goal, which is advancing women’s leadership in American politics. The efforts of the Lee Family Office, the first organization that Chang is working with, are to assist progressive Democratic women who are running for office on not only the local and state levels, but the national level as well.
Revolutionary Women is the second organization, and its focus is to “...mobilize women voters and activists, and to encourage everyday women to make their first steps toward running for office themselves.”
The third organization is called the Barbara Lee Family Foundation. The Foundation supports the political leadership of women without favoring any particular political party. The Barbara Lee Foundation also supports the political leadership of women.
Researching the public’s view of women candidates, voter registration programs and political internship programs are just a few of the ways that the organization is working to reach its goal. The shared hope of all 3 organizations, as well as countless others, is that the “...40 million women who didn’t vote in the 2000 election DO vote this year,” says Chang emphatically, “and more strong women leaders get elected to federal, state, and local offices in November.”
“Really,” says Chang as a last piece of advice, “most of good politics is just common sense, really hard work, the desire to solve problems, and humility.” With those characteristics and a positive attitude, any of us can make a difference.
NEW YORK TIMES reporter offers basic news gathering advice to DAYTIME
by M. G. and R. P.
Be curious, ask questions, be prepared. According to reporter Eric Lichtblau of THENEW YORK TIMES, these are some important characteristics of a good journalist. When he came to visit THE DAYTIME on October the 15th, he gave advice to the 6th grade DAYTIMERS on becoming a professional journalist.
In his visit, he told the students about interviews and writing. He encouraged the young journalists to be prepared by researching the subject of an interview and by preparing questions in advance.
For example, if a good reporter is going to interview a lawmaker, he/she should familiarize him/herself with laws that the legislator has authored. Questions should be arranged in order of importance.
He talked about how to grab the reader with a strong lead and said, “...keep it fresh”.
Other points he emphasized were to look for a different slant, or a unique approach to a subject. Focus on the main points of the story and make it fun.
Before Lichtblau worked for THE NEW YORK TIMES, he worked on his college newspaper, and other smaller papers. Lichtblau focuses on law and government. He pointed out that his deadlines are very short, since THE TIMES is a daily paper. |
