Summer 2024
Student
Post
The “Student Post” is an online newspaper created by the 4th-6th grade students of the Journalism and Broadcasting summer enrichment class. The goal of this 5 week class was for students to learn about journalism and broadcasting while practicing their writing and speaking skills.
Meet Our Writers
Owen Downer
My name is Owen Downer. I’m 11 years old and I’m going into 6th grade. One of my favorite activities is playing basketball. My favorite team is the Philadelphia 76ers. I go to Kennedy School.
Elle Downer
My name is Elle Downer and I’m 10 years old, I will be going into 5th grade S.T.E.A.M. I love to play basketball and do other sports. One of my other hobbies is doing arts and crafts.
Nourhan Darwazeh
I go to Lincoln School maybe transferring to Robert Futon I am 11 and I have a hobby of dancing soccer taekwondo I'm a brown stripe I’m the last belt to black and I am an anime nerd
Charlie Hvasta Jr
My name is Charlie Hvasta jr. I am 9 years old and 5’9 tall.
Sometimes I get pink or red eye like an apple red..
Sometimes I am afraid of getting lost or being alone.
The school I go to is Horace Mann and I am going to have eye surgery next year.
Damien Garcia
I am 10 years old. I go to Horace Mann. I love waffles and to play games.
Brianny Jimenez
Something about me is that I like to play soccer and the school I go to is McKinley school and I am from the Dominican Republic. I am 9-years-old.
Meet Our Writers
Luis Escobar
My name is Luis Escobar. I am 12 years old. I go to Kennedy School. I was born in Colombia and I arrived in the US 10 months ago. I like to play soccer in my free time.
Samed Al-Sadi
MY NAME IS SAMED AND MY LAST NAME IS ALSADI
MY AGE IS 13. I AM IN SIXTH GRADE. MY COUNTRY IS YEMEN AND I CAME TO THE US A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I LOVE SPORTS.
Layal Abu-Ali
My name is Layal and I am going to 5th grade. I go to school at Robert Fulton and my favorite thing to do is go to the pool. I have 3 siblings: 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Kayla Correa
I am 10 years old and what I like to do for fun is play soccer with my friends. I am also kind and nice. Horace Mann was my old school.
An editorial is an opinion article. A good editorial should include reasons or evidence to support the opinion.
by: Owen Downer
Sports Should be Mandatory at a Young Age
I think sports or any active activity should be mandatory at a young age. If you were to do sports you would have a good healthy long life. Being healthy will make you stronger which you need in basketball, soccer, swimming, wrestling, or boxing. Another benefit of being healthy is you get to live longer and you can do other stuff you haven’t done before. Living longer means you can also spend more time with family and friends.
My second reason why sports should be mandatory is because if you do sports at a young age you will probably like it more and become better at it when you grow up. If you’re good at that sport you win more games and you might even win championships. If you win the championships you might get a party. Also if you’re good at that sport you might even win a trophy. For example Joel Embiid started basketball when he was 14 years old and he got into the NBA when he was about 20 years old.
My third reason on why sports should be mandatory is because if you are good enough at that sport you will maybe become successful. If you’re amazing at basketball then you might get drafted into the NBA or WNBA. If you do get into the NBA or WNBA you’ll get a lot of money. Also if you do make it you will become famous. Also people you have known for a long time will be very proud of you, like friends or family.
By: Brianny Jimenez
Hot and Sweaty Makes Learning Hard
Schools should have air conditioning because the weather is very hot in the summer and makes people hot. When people are too hot they get distracted and can’t focus.
Sometimes the weather is extremely hot in the class and kids get dehydrated and don’t feel good. Teachers also can feel nauseous and dizzy. If the school had air conditioner teachers and students would not feel nauseous and dizzy. Also hopefully in the future we can get air conditioners in school.
When a kid is dehydrated they could get sweaty and can have a hard time focusing. When it's hot, you feel weird and sick and when it’s extremely hot, it is difficult to pay attention to the teachers and teachers get upset at you. If school had air conditioning kids would pay more attention then they usually do in the summer.
By: Elle Downer
More Celebration Breaks at Schools
There are many holidays celebrated all over the world. But some of them are not as recognized and schools will often not have a day off. So I think that because some students are from different parts of the world they might celebrate these kinds of holidays. Schools should celebrate all holidays by giving students the day off.
One reason is that if schools don’t have days off, but but a student wants to celebrate with their family, it might cause them to miss a day or two of school. This could also cause them to fall behind, and put stress on them. So to prevent that, kids should get a break.
My second reason is that kids that don’t celebrate these holidays have a chance to take a break from school for a while and relax. This might also give them a chance to possibly study for a test or catch up on more school work. Also, they might want to spend time with their families.
My last reason is that it is just a way so that students can have time to have a celebration with their family and other relatives. An example I have of this is the Eid celebration which schools in North Bergen, NJ have off on this holiday so the kids have time to party.
That is why I think it is mandatory for all schools to have off on these holidays so kids can go home to celebrate and have fun.
By: Layal Abu-Ali
Uniforms in Schools
Did you ever think what would happen if uniforms were banned? Well I think that uniforms are a great quality about school because if there were no uniforms then students can be made fun of. Also with uniforms kids do not have to worry about what they have to wear in the morning. Another reason why uniforms should still be worn in school is because then the principal will know if that student goes to this school. Lastly, uniforms do not need accessories but other outfits do.
I have plenty of reasons for my statement, one of them is that uniforms make it easy for the principal and vice principal to know if you go to that school or not.
Uniforms make it easier to get dressed in the morning. Were you ever late to school because it was spirit week and you wanted to put on that kind of outfit that can happen everyday if uniforms were banned? You have to look for shoes to match your outfit too with other stuff and that can take a long time. Uniforms make it easy to get ready in the morning so you are not late to school.
by: Samed Al-Sadi
Soccer is the Best Sport
Soccer is the best sport because:
By: Nourhan Darwazeh
"Demon Slayer: the Mugen Train Arc" is a Great Movie
"Demon Slayer: the Mugen Train Arc" is a great movie because of its well-developed characters, amazing animation, and compelling plot that provides good drama. Fans love it because they get to see their favorite characters in action. Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the Hashira fight to ensure humanity's survival while facing the enemy, Muzan Kibutsuji, who summons demons into the world.
1) The animation is impressive, enhancing the overall experience of the movie.
2) The drama in the plot is engaging and well-executed. For example, when Tanjiro returns from helping his village, he discovers his family brutally murdered, and Nezuko, who is now a demon, is the only survivor. Gyiu, a Hashira, tries to kill Nezuko, but she proves him wrong by protecting Tanjiro.
By: Charlie Hvasta Jr.
Disney is the Best Place
The place I want to go to is Disney World. They have so many fun rides there and really good food such as candy. They also have toys, hats, and other stuff. They also have people that dress like different characters, for example from Disney world Joy from the movie Inside Out or Woody from Toy Story or other characters.
by: Kayla Correa
Should Kids Have Homework Over the Weekend?
Kids shouldn’t have homework on the weekends because they need more time to have fun, they need a break from school, and they might not have time to finish it.
Having fun helps us learn because we can remember the games we play and the things we learn.Homework might be too hard to do alone and they might get bothered.
Students need a break from school.Schoolwork is too hard and students might get stressed out.Some kids just want to have fun and play,like have free time.
Kids might have things to do after school. Some kids might have to babysit their brother or sister because parents are too busy.If a kid plays sports and has practice they won’t have time to finish homework.
A book or movie review allows the writer to tell the audience about a work while also giving criticism.
Inside Out (2015)
Movie review by Samed Al-Sadi
Spy Kids (2001)
Movie review by Nourhan Darwazeh
Under the Boardwalk
Movie review by Kayla Correa
The Book of Life (2014)
Movie review by Luis Gulliermo Escobar
Despicable Me 4 (2024)
Movie review by Damian Garcia
Inside Out 2
Movie review by Charlie Hvasta Jr.
Diary of Wimpy Kid: The Wrecking Ball
Book review by Brianny Jimenez
Oral Interviews
Interviews help the audience learn about the subject while also allowing the reporter to work on creating and asking interesting questions. Our reporters worked on their self-confidence, their voice volume, and their oral speaking skills while also learning the importance of asking probing questions.
Nourhan Darwezeh and Ms. Nazar
Charlie Hvasta Jr. and Layal Abu-Ali
Brianny Jimenez and Samed Al-Sadi
Damien Garcia and Luis Guillermo Escobar
By Layal Abu-Ali
All About Samed
How old are you? I am 12 years old.
What's your favorite drink? I like to drink apple juice because he also likes fruit.
What's your favorite planet? I like Jupiter because. I like the colors on this planet.
What is your favorite color? I like the color blue because my bird from Yemen that died was blue.
What is a job you want to do when you? I do not know
What's your favorite animal? A dragon because I like the colors on it.
Who is your favorite person ever? My mom because she cooks for him.
By Damien Garcia
Learning About Charlie
How are you feeling?
I feel fine.
Where do you like to go in your free time?
Mostly to the park.
When is your birthday?
August 30.
What is your favorite game?
Pacman because it is so much fun.
Why is super marlo your favorite movie?
I like it since I was little.
Who is your best friend?
My best friend is Damian.
By Samed Al-Sadi
Primary Interview
How are you? Good
Where are you from? Palestine
How old are you? 10
What do you do for fun? Basketball
What do you play soccer with? Father
What is your favorite movie? Inside Out 2
By Charlie Hvasta Jr.
Damian
What's your name? Damian Garcia
How old are you ? 10
Where are are you going for vacation? Mexico when I finished summer school.
What year were you born in? March 2014
How is your life? Fine because I play with friends.
Why did you come here? I want to get better a writing.
When is your is birthday? March 4
Who do you live with? My parents and brother and sister
Comic Strips
Everyday Life
by Samed Al-Sadi
Alex and his
Friend
by Brianny Jimenez
Lost Bing Bong
by Layal Abu-Ali
Just Clean Your Room
by Charlie Hvasta Jr
Add a Call-to-Action
Fast Facts of the USA
by Samed Al-Sadi
Popular Foods
Popular Sports
Most Important Person
George Washington was an American Founding Father, military officer, and politician who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797.
Beautiful Facts ABout DR by Brianny Jimenez
The Dominican Republic has a lot of different dishes to try out but my favorite dish is sancocho because sancocho has a lot of ingredients. For example, cilantro, corn, rice, carrots, and most importantly avocado.
Also another thing that is important is baseball. Baseball is a sport that every Dominican should know how to play. Fun fact: the Dominican baseball team is one of the best in the world.
The Dominican Republic has really beautiful beaches.
Taco
time
by Layal Abu-Ali
Mexico’s most famous dish is tacos. Mexican tacos can include: “beef, chicken, pork, fish, and shellfish as well as vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, radishes, chiles, and tomatoes. Tacos can also be vegetarian, filled with refried beans, avocado, potatoes, and cheese.” In Mexico I learned from research that people use corn tortillas and that “Corn tortillas have been a traditional staple of the Mexican diet for generations, but modern flour tortillas now provide an alternative that's become just as popular. It's thought that flour tortillas originated somewhere in Northern Mexico, andnow they are often the choice for dishes like burritos and tacos.¨
Details go here
Brazil’s Soccer Team
by Damian Garcia
Brazil is the most successful team in the FIFA World Cup, being crowned winner five times: 1958, 1962,1970;1994;2002.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Brazil .
Neymar is Brazil's all time top scorer with 79 goals.
Marta is considered the greatest female soccer player of all time.
The best soccer players from Brazil; Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, and Romario.
Food in Ecuador
by Charlie Hvasta Jr.
Ecuador has a lot of good food such as shrimp and rice. I had shrimp and rice from a Hibachi restaurant. Also, I celebrated my birthday there in August 2023. It was the best time of my life! We ate a plain cake with blue frosting and it was so good.
My favorite breakfast food in Ecuador was egg and ham in the morning which my grandmother made. For lunch I had McDonald’s which is also food that is made in the USA. I had my first Big Mac ever and I removed the pickles and onions because I don’t like them.
By: Luis Escobar
Colombia
Colombia is a country with a population of 51.609.000 people and there are thousands of wonders. I'm going to give you 4 facts that you didn’t know about Colombia.
Culture: Culture in Colombia is an experience in itself, with music, gastronomy and local charm. In the various regions and spaces art, music and traditions merge that embody the joy of the locals. Colombia is known as “the country of 10000 rhythms.
Food: The most popular food in colombia is the tray paisa, The paisa tray brings
beans , eggs , rice , pork , chorizo and ripe plantain.
Famous tourist attractions: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, Monserrate, Carnaval de Barranquilla
Famous people: Shakira, Pablo Escobar, James Rodriguez, Carlos Vives, Carlos Valderrama, J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma, Radamel Falcao.
Summer Olympics
The Olympics
The Olympics are the leading international sporting events featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes from around the world participate in a variety of competitions.
by Charlie Hvasta Jr.
Some of the Sports at the Summer and Winter Olympics
Winter Olympics
Skiing
Ice hockey
Figure skating
Snowboard
Ski jumping
Cross country skiing
Speed skating
Biathlon
Bobsleigh
Curling
Summer Olympics
Basketball
Swimming
Water polo
Boxing
Badminton
Cycling
Volleyball
Diving
Golf
Gymnastics
by Damian Garcia
US Men’s Basketball Team
by Samed Al-Sadi
The current Gold medalist is team USA who beat France 87-82 in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Australia took home the bronze that year. Team USA has won gold medals in five Summer Games.
The result was between the United States of America and Serbia 110-84 For the benefit of the United States of America The star of the match was LeBron James The United States of America has won five consecutive medals, which makes it one of the best teams.
The 2024 USA Men's Basketball Team is:
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
Anthony (Los Angeles Lakers)
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Derrick White (Boston Celtics)