RKA GAZETTE

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RKA GAZETTE

Issue 5

April 2013

RIVERDALE KINGSBRIDGE ACADEMY MS/HS 141 GO TIGERS! #TIGERPRIDE

Health Fair 13 By Danny McCauley

On March 13

th, there were nothing but positive vibes as RKA and Mr. Cromartie hosted the annual Health Fair in the

Gymnasium. Each year, schools that are affiliated with HealthCorps host these exciting health fairs. These health fairs look to raise awareness in many areas regarding both mental and physical health. In Mr. Cromartie’s opinion, Fair 13: New Year, New You! , was RKA’s best health fair yet.

The gym was divided into two sides. On one side of the gymnasium, you could find (other than the most wonderful and amazing MC, Danny McCauley) the CPR training booth, in which Mr.Jiminez, The CEO and founder of “ Third Watch Training,” guided students through the steps of CPR. “The great thing about this station, is that it equips students with the ‘how-to’ in case a situation does come up where they need to know this kind of stuff,” said college-bound senior, Jacob Levi Dabby.

Another station included Drunk Goggles, in which students would put on goggles that imitated the vision of an intoxicated person. The students were asked to try and stack cups to make a pyramid, which many could not do. Other booths included “Good and Bad organs exhibit, nutritious smoothies, and tranquilizing Yoga. “ This just has been a great experience,” said Mariah Fontanez, who helped in various HealthCorps events throughout her time at RKA.“ Students get the opportunity to learn about these health issues in a different learning environment.”

Students could also be found piled up on the other side of the gym at theUS Marine’s fitness station, where the marines hosted a pull up competition for students. Alan, the meditation advocate, helped students deal with stress.

Special thanks to the students that helped get things together: Security, David Zhang, Neftali Polanco, Evan Silverman, and Larry Currier, and most importantly, a big thank you to Mr. Cromartie who made it all happen!

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Middle School Poetry Café By Lindsay Maselli

Students showed their creative side at RKA’s Poetry Café that took place in March in the library. Students brought poems to share with the audience and enjoyed light refreshments.

The Poetry Café is a place where students can show their creative side by reading poems they wrote. Some students shared poems of love, pain and loss, and some of happiness. There were so many different poems that there was something for everyone. The middle school students did a great job of putting their feelings and thoughts on paper. It took a lot of courage for the students to get up and express themselves with other members of the audience.

The middle school students seemed nervous walking up to the podium, but as soon as they felt comfortable with the audience they appeared to be naturals at it.

The audience was respectful and enjoyed listening to the poems. Refreshments were served after the event. Mrs.Orozco did a great job arranging this event.

10th

Grade College Trip By Abby Rugova

On April 3rd, the 10th graders went on an amazing college trip to Adelphi and LIU (Long Island University). The first stop on the trip was Adelphi. On the tour of Adelphi we traveled all around their campus and sampled the food in the cafeteria. We sat down in their beautiful red-chaired auditorium that had a recording media room. Their classrooms were well maintained and their 2-story library had excellent resources. The second stop on this trip was LIU. With a massive campus to tour and with limited time, we went into a few buildings. The students really enjoyed the athletic facilities. Seeing the swimming pool and gym excited all the students. What was more exciting was actually experiencing the dorm life on campus, seeing how college students live their life away from home. We also visited Kumble Hall (Admissions Office),the science labs, and the Performing Arts Center. After visiting these two colleges, we went for a big dinner. On Long Island we ate at an all you can eat diner, Old Country Buffet. This was our last stop before returning to RKA.

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WHO DAT?

¡Delicias! By Jazmine Kerr

On March 22, Ms. Prado invited her eighth grade students to eat at Delicias Restaurant. This exquisite Mexican restaurant is

located in “Spanish Harlem” at 2109 3rd Avenue. After learning about la comida (food articles), the class took an exciting trip to this restaurant.

The menu items included were tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Students could also choose a beverage of their choice. While all of us were excited to be able to eat and go on a field trip, we were also nervous to order. As this was a class trip, we were instructed to order in Spanish. The (very patient) waiters were courteous and seemed pleased.

Once all of the orders were in, something caught the student’s eyes . . .Jarritos Mexican sodas. These are authentic Mexican sodas that are sweet and fizzy with many flavors to choose from. Lots of students ordered them and some even took them home. After eating and taking pictures, the students headed back home with full bellies and huge smiles.

On behalf of the student participants, we would like to thank Ms. Prado for organizing such a great outing and Mr.Cromatie for chaperoning.

7th Grade Albany Trip

By Tristan Cruz

Focusing on teen health issues, Senator Klein invited forty-two 7th grade students to attend a press conference he was holding in Albany to launch a new teen health awareness campaign.

The conference focused on raising awareness about teen obesity, substance abuse, and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a gynecological issue that causes a great deal of pain and affects a small group of the female population.

The students were very excited about the invitation and the tour that they received of the state capital. It was good for them to see our government in action and to meet the people who represent them in Albany. In addition, they met Padma Lakshmi from Top Chef.

It was a wonderful experience for the students and they have definitely learned a lot.

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Parent-Teacher Conference/ Principal Awards By Carlene Fontanez

Every year, twice a year, there are Parent Teacher Conferences at Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy. Parents and students

come into school to talk with their children’s teachers to get an update on how students have been progressing in class. Sometimes the reports are good, and sometimes they are not so good. As well as meeting with the teachers, our March Parent Teacher Conferences also included distributing principal list awards.

The principal’s list consists of all students who have received averages of 90% or above. During Parent Teacher Conferences, parents gathered in the auditorium, met and spoke with Mrs. O’Mara, picked up a certificate congratulating their child, and enjoyed some refreshments. RKA wants their students to continue to do well in their classes, therefore rewarding them for excelling. Not only are these certificates an award but they also serve as a motivator to be consistent with the high grades.

Ms. O’Mara created the principal’s list to acknowledge all of the students who have been working hard throughout the year. Hopefully those who have not yet reached a 90% semester average will strive so that their name can one day be posted on the wall, and also receive a certificate at the next Parent Teacher Conferences.

Olympic Champ visits RKA By David Zhang

March 18

th was an exciting day at RKA. Our school hosted a famous Olympian who came to talk to the high school students.

Former Gold Medal Olympian Derrick Adkins came by RKA to offer advice concerning sports, academics and a little bit about life.

Born in Brooklyn, Adkins currently works with the New York Road Runners, and the New Balance Track and Field Armory Center in Manhattan. Adkins achieved fame when he ran for the United States in the 400 meter hurdles in the Olympic Games of 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. He also made fame throughout various World Championships, also winning the gold in the same event a year before in the World Championships. Arranged by Ms. Shulman, Mr. Adkins came by to talk to high school students about the “Olympic Way” that touched over the topics of doing well in both sports and academics. Adkins tried to get the point across that one doesn’t have to be the best at everything, just the best at what they do for themselves. Adkins brought up examples of being healthy and staying fit when it came to talking about. As Ms. Shulman said, “He was wonderful.”

Mr. Adkins came by to talk about being the best one can be; he talked to high school students at a crucial time with both Advanced Placement tests and various college admission tests such as the SAT and ACT approaching. As a reminder to all of RKA’s students, be The Best at What You Do!

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New Sports Season By Courtney Segal

Spring has officially sprung! RKA’s spring sports programs are in full bloom. With the warmer weather, RKA welcomed the softball and baseball teams back to their competitive ‘A’ divisions, as well as, the golf team for another successful showing.

The girls’ softball team is sporting new management, uniforms, and attitudes! Coach Lang and Coach Delgado are looking to revitalize the program on and off the field. In order to fulfill their laundry list of wishes for the team, everyone must fundraise. All of the softball girls can be spotted with their shoeboxes filled with an assortment of goodies. The softball team’s fundraising techniques have been successful as the team enjoys new gloves for the catcher and first baseman, a variety of hitting tools, and a pitching machine. Additional money will go to end of the season celebrations, occasional team bonding experiences, and warm-up apparel.

Boys’ baseball has made a promising start to their season. The boys are placed in one of the toughest divisions in the PSAL and continue to train hard in order to be competitive in all their games. The team welcomes back veterans in addition to welcoming a handful of freshmen (who have already made their varsity debuts). As a bonding experience, the boys set up their very own batting cage, which is used in practices to simulate live pitching in game situations. Coach Reingold and Coach DiCanio expect their team to do well this season and have focused their attention on cultivating a long-lasting program.

Coach Guignard, an avid golfer, looks forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for golf with his team this season. The golf team hopes to be as victorious as prior seasons and is excited to be back at the Mosholu Golf Course, their home turf.

Make sure to either listen to daily announcements or check out the PSAL website to follow RKA’s spring sports teams! Show your Tiger Pride this spring and cheer on your fellow classmates as they work to gain recognition for the RKA athletic department.

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Horoscopes

By Jazmine Kerr

AQUARIUS (Jan.21-Feb.19) This month is full of people from your past. Take this meeting as a sign to show how much you’ve grown.

PISCES (Feb.20-March 20) Awesomeness is in full swing. Take time to view the bright side of life. However, you will want to get work done early so you can play later.

ARIES (March 21-April 20) A talent for writing is becoming clearer this month. Your imagination is in full swing! Take advantage of it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 21) Personal responsibilities might be on your mind right now. Don't be surprised if it is difficult to get rid of them.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) This month you will have great financial wealth. Try not to spend it all! Save some for later.

CANCER (June 22-July 23) You will meet a lot of people. Some of them are important to your future! Make sure to follow up.

LEO (July 24-Aug.23) There is a lot of pressure on you to do well, don’t be afraid to ask for a break.

VIRGO (Aug.24-Sept.23) You will perfect a skill you’ve been working at. This is great for increasing your self-sufficiency.

LIBRA (Sept.24-Oct.23) It is a time for family. Hold them closer than usual because you don’t know how long they may be around.

SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.22) This month is all about fun! Don’t lose sight of your goals, but party in the meantime!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.23-Dec.21) It is a time to ensure all of your relationships are where you want them to be.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.20) This month is full of sporting events, all of which you want to attend! Make sure to remember work hard, play harder!

Who’s in the Paper Editor in Chief Editors Horoscopes Sports Shivon Ramlal Mr. Seuss Jazmine Kerr Courtney Segal Courtney Segal Ms. Shulman RKA News Who Dat? Layout Danny McCauley Chelsea Garcia Shivon Ramlal Lindsay Maselli Abby Rugova Abby Rugova Lindsay Maselli Carlene Fontanez David Zhang Tristan Cruz Jazmine Kerr

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WHO DAT? By Chelsea Garcia

June 2012, was the last time many student saw Mr. Traunfeld before his retirement. Many juniors began to get nervous that they wouldn’t have a guidance counselor to guide them through the college process when they came back their senior year. Fortunately, the students were welcomed by Ms. Eisenberg, a graduate of Lehman College. Before getting her graduates degree in counseling at Lehman, Ms. Eisenberg went to Adelphi. She majored in social science going towards a career in social working. But when she got out of college she became a respiratory therapist. Before getting into college, she spent 16 years doing this job. Once she received her master’s, she started teaching science. She worked at Evander Child’s high school, teaching high school environmental science and biology. She then started an IB teaching program in Yonkers Middle high school, and this year became the guidance counselor at RKA. Along her educational path, Ms. Eisenberg became a mother of two sons. Now they are grown and attending college. Her oldest son is 26, and has graduated from Buffalo University. He is now working and living on his own in Manhattan. Her youngest is 18 and finishing up his freshman year at Westchester Community College, where he plans to transfer to Hofstra College. He has been scouted for their division one baseball team, and is ecstatic to begin playing next year. While Ms. Eisenberg is on her own she’s always bumping to her iPod. She loves all types of music, including rap, rock, R&B, and disco. Some of her favorite artists include the Beatles, Lumeneers, and Bruno Mars. She enjoys dancing, Zumba, ice skating, and bike riding. However, she doesn’t consider herself an athlete or anything close to it. She does however enjoy exploring her creative side; she knits, quilts, and makes jewelry. MS. Eisenberg has been enjoying her first year at RKA; she said everyone is very friendly and supportive including both staff and students. She has been able to help many students stay on track and apply to colleges, without feeling too lost throughout the process. She has offered many helpful tips for our upperclassmen including learning how to manage your time, and not getting dragged in by peer pressure. She explains how easy it is to slack off while your parents aren’t around, and you only have classes twice a week. She also explains how easy it is to get sucked in by the wrong crowd and let your college life become a party life. She hopes everyone will get the experience they’re hoping for by staying involved in their college and on task. If you haven’t begun the process, she suggests you begin your research early and visit every college you’re interested in applying to. Senior year can be very pricey, so eliminating as many schools as possible will save you application money and make your decision making easier.

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