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DECEMBER 2005Volume 25, No. 05, DECEMBER 14, 2005 NEWS
BEATS
IN BRIEF
U. S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi outlines Oval Office Program for womenby V. G., A. N., and A. R. On Friday December 2nd, Nancy Pelosi the leader of the Democratic party in the U. S. House of representatives, was at Harvard to discuss Oval Office Program and more. The Oval Office Program gets women, who want to lead a career in politics, ready. “Know your power,” Pelosi says to the women inside and outside of the Oval Office Program. Pelosi would really like to see women more involved in politics. Pelosi’s attitude is: “I’m going to run for office and change the things I wanted to change.” Pelosi has the highest congressional ranking of any woman. She is very active in politics as the leader of The Democratic Leaders. Pelosi was an important vote against the budget. She won her job with ease; in six weeks she gathered a team and won the election hands down. Now, Pelosi is investing in doing things to make America a better place. Pelosi says she wants to imagine a better world. “My founders have confidence in the faith and future. Pelosi would like to challenge the nation more than ever. “I would like to build a bridge between academic study of government and politics.” “We cannot go forward wisely if we do not go forward together,” says Pelosi. She believes in being wise, making the right choices, and succeeding at her tasks. Pelosi would like to work on health programs. She wants to make the programs better by improving the quality of the work. She thinks everyone should have health care, whether they can afford it or not. Pelosi agrees with many about the war in Iraq. She believes it is spending too much money on supplies needed. Pelosi’s advice for Day Middle School students who want to follow in her same career path is to get involved with that which interests you and to read and watch the news. Though she is working towards a better America, Pelosi still thinks our world is a good place. She says “ America is great because America is good.” (Assisting in the preparation of this article were G. R. and Alison Wu]
8th grade U. S. History placement is still in jeopardyby the DAYLIGHT Team, E. E. and S. S. The debate over U. S. History's place in the Newton curriculum continues. THE DAYTIME recently spoke with the 4 chief decision makers in this issue to find out where it stands. Janet Buerklin, Newton's K-8 social studies (SS) coordinator, says that for the moment U. S. History will remain in the 8th grade curriculum and that no decision has been made. Marshall Cohen, SS department chair at Newton South, concurred, saying that the only major decision was the placement of the U. S. History MCAS test in the 11th grade. For more information on this, see the October edition of THE DAYTIME. Jonathan Bassett, SS department chair at Newton North, refused to speak about this issue. Responding to an e-mail request for an interview, he said "I have no comment for the 'DAYTIME'." Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Carolyn Wyatt, says that there is no discussion concerning 8th grade U. S. history. She comments that it is not on her agenda to discuss. Buerklin said she did not know how much moving United States history out of the 8th grade and into the high schools would cost the taxpayers. Green Team SS teacher Nancy Cohen, however, did check into costs. In a proposal she brought to a K-12 SS Committee meeting last month, she maintained that the cost of replacing books, training teachers, and taking other necessary provisions would cost upwards of $100,000. The Committee did not consider the proposal at that time. DAYLIGHT Team: C. A.-L., V. G., A. R., A. S. and J. T.
Day’s Mosley enlists in the Massachusetts 54th Regimentby M. G. “What made me join the Massachusetts 54th Regiment? Many reasons!,” said assistant principal Jahmal Mosley. “I think it’s important that we never forget history.” Mosley added, “My participation in the re-enactments as a black soldier gives me a sense of liberty and pride.” The 54th Regiment was an all-African-American group of soldiers who fought in the U. S. Civil War. The platoon was organized by Robert Gould Shaw, whose memorial is located on Beacon Hill. The 54th Regiment held a re-enactment on Veterans’ Day. Now, a group of African-American men meets the second Tuesday of every month to discuss battles from the Civil War. “We have high school kids and people in their 60’s,” said Mosley. But if people under the age of 18 wish to join, they must first have the consent of their parents. “Reenactments take place everywhere really,” said Mosley when asked. “It really all depends on who signs up. You can’t have 100 Union soldiers and 2 Confederate ones.” What exactly does Mosley’s job entail? “I wear many hats with the regiment.” And he means that literally. The costumes worn at the re-enactments are replicas of actual uniforms, so that the members can more easily portray African-American soldiers. Mosley continued, “During re-enactments, I perform drills, pretend to die, and really try to place myself in the shoes of a black Union soldier. I even grew a beard, although I personally prefer to be clean-shaven and bald.” However, “Lieutenant Benny White is the military expert who is primarily responsible for teaching new members military drills,” Mosley added. “I’m a history geek.” When THE DAYTIME inquired about the crowd at the reenactment on Veteran’s Day, Mosley replied “On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say it was about a 4. It was a very cold day. That might have had something to do with it...I don’t know if enough people knew about it either, though.” In the future, Mosley would like to get more schools out to see the re-enactments. “I never want to forget that my predecessors (black and white) helped in the fight for equality.”
History of the 54thby B. M. In 1863, Robert Gould Shaw, member of a prominent Boston abolitionist family, organized the 54th Massachusetts regiment, to be made up of free African-Americans, and to fight in the Civil War. Shaw was appointed colonel of this regiment by then governor John A. Andrew. As one of the first black regiments in the nation, the 54th’s performance was used for testing the ability of African-Americans in combat. The 54th, as well as the 35th United States Colored Troops, served as the rear guard for the Union Army and possibly prevented its destruction. After a period of recruiting and training, the unit proceeded to the Department of the South, arriving at Hilton Head, South Carolina, on June 3, 1863. Soon after, it saw its first action at James Island. The regiment earned its greatest fame on July 18, 1863, when it led the unsuccessful and controversial assault on the Confederate positions at Battery Wagner. In this desperate attack, the 54th theme casualties (54 were killed or fatally wounded and another 48 were never accounted for). Shaw, the regiment's young colonel, died on the crest of the enemy parapet, shouting, "Forward, 54th!"
What was Watergate?by B. M. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein (see accompanying article) were the two reporters who covered and exposed the Watergate scandal. In 1972, five men, Bernard Barker, Virgilio González, Eugenio Martínez, James W. McCord, Jr. and Frank Sturgis, were discovered breaking into the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate Complex in Washington, D. C. The men had broken into the same office three weeks earlier as well, and had returned intending to fix wiretaps that were not working and, according to some, to photograph documents. The need to break into the office for a second time was just the highlight of a number of mistakes made by the burglars. Another, the telephone number of E. Howard Hunt in McCord's notebook, proved costly to them – and the White House – when found by the police. Hunt had previously worked for the White House, while McCord was officially employed as Chief of Security at the Committee to Re-elect the President (CRP), later commonly referred to as CREEP. This quickly suggested that there was a link between the burglars and someone close to the President. However, President Nixon’s press secretary, Ron Ziegler, dismissed the affair as a "third-rate burglary". Though the burglary occurred at a sensitive time, with a looming presidential campaign, most Americans initially believed that no President with Nixon's advantage in the polls would be so foolhardy, or unethical, as to risk association with such an affair. However, the heroic reporting of Woodward and Bernstein established the connection between the Watergate burglary and the President so strongly that Nixon resigned in 1974...the only U. S. President to do so. Two persistent reporters brought down a PresidentBob Woodward and Carl Bernstein reflect on Watergateby A. G., J. L., and B. M. It was just over thirty years ago that two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, were able to crack the famous Watergate scandal and bring Richard Nixon to justice. Following this, Nixon resigned as President thanks to the help of Woodward, Bernstein, and the anonymous source Deep Throat. His identity was kept a secret until recently, when it was revealed that he was Mark Felt, who was at that time the deputy director of the F. B. I. Now that Watergate is a thing of the past, the two enjoy sharing their stories and knowledge with the public. Their last appearance was at a forum in the John F. Kennedy Center of Harvard University on December the 5th. The two openly discussed the issue of anonymous sources and did some debating on their respective journalistic methodologies. Woodward’s method is to befriend “high, low, and medium” level advisors, secretaries, and officials. Using these contacts, he can weave a web of what is happening in a Presidential administration. “There is a point where, if information is relevant, and of interest, you are compelled to publish it,” he said. Bernstein, on the other hand, tends to get information without speaking to officials in the administration. Bernstein was immensely critical of the Bush Administration. “The question is whether we have a President who is competent,” he said. During the question-and-answer session during the forum, THE DAYTIME was able to ask the question, “In today’s political climate of special prosecutors, and Judith Miller having been sent to jail because she would not reveal her sources, do you think that it would be possible to cover a Watergate-type event the way you did, and, if not, could you cover it?”. The response was positive. “I think that you have to go back to the beginning of Watergate, when very few organizations were willing to commit the resources to pursue the story...It is, in a way, happening again,” said Bernstein. Woodward added that some organizations are pursuing the Bush Administration. Following the forum, THE DAYTIME was able to ask Woodward and Bernstein some questions. When asked if there was any chance of Ginsburg v. New York Times (the Supreme Court decision smashing the rights of journalists to conceal their sources) being overturned, both said that that would probably never happen. Both Woodward and Bernstein were asked what student journalists, who wish to pursue a career in journalism, should do to prepare themselves. Bernstein replied, “Get a job as an intern at a weekly or monthly. It’s much better than taking classes,” Woodward replied, “Learn to get information from people and documents and go to some of what you are reporting on.”
Al Franken waxes poetic on matters politicby O. D. and G. R. Emmy award winning television writer and producer, Grammy-winning comedian, radio host and best-selling author, Al Franken was at the Charles Hotel on November 15th. Franken is touring the country to promote his new book THE TRUTH ABOUT JOKES. The book is divided into 3 parts: “The Triumph Of Evil,” followed by “Seeds Of Collapse,” and finally “The Resurrection Of Hope,” a letter to his grandchildren. Franken may run for a seat in the Senate from his home state of Minnesota. “I don’t know yet ... it [depends on] whether my radio show or...[being Senator] is more important,” comments Franken. Franken is a Democrat with strong views. In fact, his latest book is about the corruption of the Republican party. Franken helped support the Well Stone Action based in Minnesota. The Well Stone Action is an organization that helps train activists giving them the tools to become candidates and campaign managers. Franken and his wife, “Franni”, are moving back to Minnesota to help organize and strengthen progressives and liberals. “I would like to see...[the Democrats] take back the house in 2008,” says Franken. When asked, Franken said he would like to see Barack Obama (the Senator from Illinois) as president. “The world hates...[the U.S.]; we are heating the world up.” Franken believes that the important issues are health care, repealing tax breaks to the high-income Americans, the environment, and stopping the war in Iraq. Franken is traveling to Iraq next month to “entertain the troops with comedy.” Franken says about leaking identities of CIA agent and indictments of White House staff, “This is a disgrace and we should really be mad about this...,” “I believe they’re [the Republicans] tanking now,” continues Franken. Franken performed on and wrote for the popular late-night comedy show “Saturday Night Live.” “[I enjoyed] working with great people..., the writers and the hosts,” Franken says. Franken’s book talk was very emotional. One chapter in THE TRUTH WITH JOKES is very personal and upsetting for Franken. It mentions his father, who died 12 years ago of lung cancer. Franken had the audience laughing for most of the night, but as he read about his father, Franken broke down crying and so did the audience. Some people do a lot with their lives, while others do nothing. Franken is someone who chose to do a lot, and he did.
Bigelow dedicates a memorial to its visionary educator, Robert Frostby S. C. and J. T. Robert V. Frost, the late former principal of Bigelow Middle School, was a visionary educator whose sphere of influence extended far beyond his school. It was appropriate, then, that Bigelow alumni (students and teachers) should gather on Friday afternoon, the 18th of November at 4:00 to dedicate a bench in his memory. This ceremony began with Todd Harrison, the current principal at Bigelow, who talked about changes at Bigelow and the imprint that Newton Public Schools has made on many citizens. “I think this bench will really show what Bigelow stands for,” said Harrison. Leah Macintosh, a former Bigelow student, talked next. She spoke about the hardships of the Vietnam War and the programs Frost organized to help students make their views heard. Macintosh said that these programs helped the students to feel active. The third speaker was Paul Welch, a former assistant principal. Welch worked under Frost from 1973-1976. He helped to comfort Frost, who had just lost a son in the Vietnam War. When Welch finished speaking, Sue Fisher, a former social studies teacher, complimented Frost on his honesty, straightforwardness, and good sense of humor. Fisher also shared several funny stories about Frost. The next speaker was George White, who had the idea of the bench in the first place. White showed a slide show that was shown at Frost’s retirement party. The slides portrayed the various places Frost worked at, along with his houses, family, and friends. The ceremony wrapped up with Frost’s daughter, Sarah Frost Shumann, saying a few words. She thanked everyone for the wonderful ceremony honoring her father, and helped White unveil the bench. Robert Provencher, advisor of this newspaper, did not attend the ceremony but had fond memories of Frost. “Bob actually hired me in 1968. He had just lost his son, Dana, in Vietnam. It was a very violent time in U. S. history with incredible demonstrations on campuses all across the country. Bob was a very brave man who ardently defended the rights of his staff and student body. He was one of the visionaries who gave the Newton Public Schools the reputation it enjoys to this day. They don’t make 'em like him any more.”
BEATS
Day’s NurseGayle Larson will be Day’s new nurseby M. V. The new nurse debut is closing in on students at F. A. Day. On January the 3rd, Gayle Larson will start her permanent job as nurse. To the delight of the Newton Health Department, Larson was hired, allowing the department not to have resort to an agency nurse. Larson has had experience as a Newton nurse; she was a substitute nurse for all Newton public schools for two years. After Larson takes her place as Day’s permanent nurse, Kathleen Walsh, Day’s current nurse, will go back to her former job as replacement nurse for the Newton Public Schools. Avian flu is not yet a pandemic, yet it has the potential for becoming one. And as research continues to grow on the flu, scientists say that it may be evolving to a stage where the flu can be passed through people, making a flu outbreak in America more and more likely. Walsh says, “If health care workers let people know that there has been an outbreak, the flu could be more easily contained.” Walsh reminds all students to stretch before sports. She also says that their will be a scoliosis checks December 12-16, to make sure students’ spines are straight.
Student CouncilBig changes in student council meeting times proposed to increase participationby S. Q. Last month the Student Council faced an unusual problem. It didn’t have enough members to commit to any of the large projects that it had hoped to. The council needs a minimum of 12 members to function, and it had 9; 9 is definitely not a significant number. But Samantha Genier and Michael Harding, the advisors of the council, came up with a plan. Harding stated that the main reason that the council didn’t obtain enough members was because of the fact that it is an after-school activity and kids have so much to do after school these days. The proposed new schedule would have the 6th graders on the council meet during school in Harding’s room, during 6th period on Wednesday, their D.E.A.R. time. The 7th graders on the council would meet also on Wednesday in Harding’s room, but during 7th period, their team time. The 8th graders would meet on Friday, during their team time. In addition to these once-per-week meetings separated by grade level, there would be one all-grade level after-school meeting once per month, to enable members to make sure they can attend. The support of Day’s faculty is key if Harding and Genier are to get this plan off the ground. If this plan is not supported by the faculty members, the new plan is not possible; it will not work if teachers are reluctant to send their students to a student council meeting during D.E.A.R. or team period.
Day School CouncilSchool Council considers school improvement plan and PRby S. Q. The Day School Council held it’s last meeting on Wednesday, November the 16th. The topics of discussion included the school improvement plan and public relations. The school improvement plan is a plan with 4 main goals that the School Council establishes in order to improve the school. As of now, Goal number 1 is to continue to raise the academic achievement of all students. Goal number 2 is to continue technology planning with an emphasis on integrating technology as a tool for improved learning and teaching. Goal number 3 is to continue to create an anti-biased/anti-racist school environment that actively practices respect for human differences. Goal number 4 is to ensure a safe and vibrant school environment. Each goal then has a list of subtopics, and the person(s) responsible for making sure that each subtopic issue is addressed. In the 2006 year though, this specific school improvement plan will expire, as it was developed in 2003. Therefore, it will be the responsibility of the School Council to develop a new school improvement plan during their upcoming meetings. The council agreed to keep the same goals as the last 3 years, but will add different activities. The council also agreed to divide the 4 goals amongst their meetings, and has already discussed the 1st goal of raising students’ levels of academic achievement during their meeting on December the 14th. Although it is not their main objective, the council has also progressed in the public relations aspect their discussion. As a first step, they decided to include the agenda of their last meeting and notes in the PTO newsletter. They also decided to appoint Lisa Cohen as the school council liaison to the technology committee of the PTO.
Speak For Yourselfby R. F. and M. G. Question: If you were in charge of the war in Iraq, how would you handle it? C. B., Platinum: “I wouldn’t even go there.” C. G., Silver: “I wouldn’t even go there in the first place.” N. S., Red: “I’d pull out because [of] George Bush.” M. O’D., Coral: “I’m totally against war!” J. M., Blue: “I guess I would stop it.” Eric Howard, Orange: “I wouldn’t have a war actually.”
IN BRIEF
Day Math League posts big winby J. S. The Day Math League won its first meet in October and posted the second highest score in the state. Do you want to refine your math skills and meet some new people? The Math League is an extracurricular activity that takes place on Thursdays after school from 2:30-3:30. Anyone can join but one should be willing to try hard and love math. At each practice students will be doing tests from previous competitions and having a good time. There are also competitions about 5 times a year, in which the Day Math Team will compete against other schools in a battle of wits ... and math. The competitions take place at each Newton middle school, including Day, and are a great way to learn more about math. The meet at Day will be taking place on February the 16th, 2006. Each meet consists of about six different rounds in which players take a three-question test. Not all players’ scores are counted in each round, but players must work as a team to win. The Day Math League consists of 20-25 people, and is “doing a great job,” says Brian Marks, the Day Math League advisor. There is no mandatory homework, but members are allowed to work on the problems they received during practice. Only 20 people can be transported to each meet, but Marks encourages people to join the Day Math League.
Stock Game will begin in Januaryby J. S. The Stock Game, described in the November the 16th edition of THE DAYTIME, will be starting in the January the 18th edition. You can still enter the contest. Drop by Room 204 for entry blanks.
McCully will leave Newton Schools Foundationby DAYTIME staff Clare McCully, Executive Director of the Newton Schools Foundation (NSF), has resigned her position after 8 years. During her tenure, McCully helped the NSF raise $3.5 million in annual and endowment funds, increased grant making from $79,000 to $275,000 annually, and increased the endowment from $400,000 to $1.2 million. Since 1985, NSF has granted more than $2.2 million to the Newton Public Schools and funded more than 350 grants citywide. McCully will be joining the national non-profit consulting firm of Graham-Pelton Consulting, Inc., in January, 2006. As a Senior Manager, she will be assisting New England nonprofits in all areas of fundraising and non-profit management. NSF is dedicated to enhancing and broadening community support for public education and to providing funds for innovative and challenging programs in the Newton Public Schools. Under McCully, NSF founded the Massachusetts Education Foundations Association, a consortium of education foundations across the Commonwealth to assist other communities in fundraising and grant making plans. Currently, there are 43 members throughout the state. NSF is the largest and most successful suburban education foundation in Massachusetts.
Jade Team learns about viruses and bacterias first-handby A. L. Jade Team science teacher Amy Richard invited her father in to teach her students about viruses, bacterias, and their cures. Tony Richard is the director of laboratory and cardiology services at Quincy Medical Center. Richard and his staff conduct lab tests and analyze bodily fluids for diseases. Richard has been working in the lab for nearly 30 years. He went to Northeastern College and then continued at Anna Maria graduate school, where he earned an MBA. Richard focused on the viral components, mechanisms, and their diseases. However, he also taught the students about cures and what's next with viruses. “I think that it was a really cool talk about viruses,” said T. W., a Jade Team student.
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