Jeff Rosen began teaching at Spotswood High School many years ago, and from the moment he walked through the doors of the school to the moment he leaves after the final day ends, it is apparent that Mr. Rosen has influenced his students as an educator and as a mentor. You can’t walk through these halls and not think of Mr. Rosen.  He is as much a part of the school as the bricks which hold it together. Almost everyone in the school does an impression of Mr. Rosen, and those that do not even understand the impact he has had on generations of SHS students. Even if a student has not had Mr. Rosen as a teacher, he/she knows of him, with his loud booming voice down the hallway, sometimes talking about the etymology of a word. Many agree, across all disciplines Mr. Rosen has a wide variety of knowledge from the roots of a word to how an expression came to be.  As an educator he is unmatched, and he is and will be remembered as a lifetime learner.

An assembly was held on Thursday, May 20th, in the Spotswood High School cafetorium covering the effects of drinking and driving during Prom weekend. Guest speaker Steven Benvenisti, an attorney, presented the severity of drunk driving, as he now dedicates his life to preventing its fatal price. He told the story of a man who excelled in both sports and academics, and received a scholarship at the College of New Jersey. This was a man whose life was drastically changed after being struck by a drunk driver.

This assembly had a big impact on many of the students who attended Prom Weekend.  Amanda Gagnon, a senior, said, “Seeing the devastating effects that the usage of alcohol by one person can have on another caused me to be very cautious of the people around me. Mr. Benvenisti was like me, for he wasn’t going to drink that evening, but he nearly lost his life. That just goes to show that you always have to be aware of the actions of others.”

Justin Aquino, also a senior, said that “it taught me that even though you are not drinking, you can still be affected by other people who are drunk. His speech didn’t change people’s minds completely, but it gave them a reason to second think of each decision they make when alcohol is involved.”

Salsa dancing, the polka, and great food were found at the first International Night in recent memory.  It was an event like no other. During various language classes, students were taught how to salsa and polka with the best of them. It didn’t matter that I had two left feet, within a matter of days I performed a salsa routine in front of a number of witnesses. Srta. Trimboli and Frau Altmiller were driven and committed to creating and crafting a night in which world cultures could be celebrated. When asked about how far this could go Srta. Trimboli stated “Until we run out of different cultures in the world,” which was an amazing statement considering how many things we covered during the night. From Japanese Origami to playing a German pretzel toss game, the night was full of interesting people and spectacles of different countries.

 
A major highlight of the night was the variety of food, everything from Arroz con pollo (Chicken and Rice) to Lasagna was present in the buffet catered by the Cambridge Inn for the event. The night continued with hands on activities in which we were directed in how to create panda origami and we were treated to a game known as a pretzel toss in which we literally tossed pretzels into a pail held over the head of a catcher, winners received German candy. The high energy atmosphere and the friendly attitude were very relaxing, making it fun to try something new. The appreciation of different cultures is very important in this country, and International Night was a step in the right direction.

 
By the end of the night I could dance salsa with my eyes closed, appreciate the skill involved in a polka, create Chinese lanterns out of New Years envelopes, and make a panda bear by folding paper. I honestly have to say that out of a majority of school functions I have been to, the International Night was one of the most entertaining.  I give it 5 stars out of 5 and I say that whoever wishes for a good time, should look out for this event next year.

Why is our generation the only one that doesn’t have its own style?  The 90s, 80s, 70s, 60s, 50s all had a specific style. This is the millennium- people have been dreaming for years about what would be “in” right now, and we’ve let them all down.

Clothes don’t determine your status anymore, which sounds like a good thing but it’s not.  Why?  Because you can still be “cool” in knee socks and sandals with your hair in a giant knot on top of your head, but the best part is that I can’t laugh at you or I’d be the jerk.  A girl can still be “cute” wearing a skirt over her jeans with high-top neon Converses, clashing stripes with polka dots, and I would be the jerk if I laughed at that.

I seriously feel like I’m travelling through time when I walk the halls of Spotswood High; there are kids with mullets, punk kids, emo kids, grunge kids, preppy kids, and sporty kids.  Almost everyone thinks they’re so different, but then what’s the definition of generic?  According to the Webster Dictionary it means “relating to or descriptive of an entire group or class, general; not having a brand name, specifying neither masculine or feminine gender.”  Because of this, we’re all victimized by the lack of creativity. There’s no sense of individualism anymore, or rebelliousness for that matter, and the false sense of pride in our nation’s youth is atrocious and a major cop out.

I feel bad for our generation’s children. I would be embarrassed if my parents were the only ones in history without a “brand name.”  I’d be embarrassed for being the spawn of the people who wasted the beginning of a whole new era. As it stands, we’re in desperate need of a good idea. Hopefully it comes around before it’s too late.

Sketches, sculptures, short films, paintings, and gingerbread houses all in one place?  The 2010 Art Show displayed all of this and more.   Art and graphics students’ work was featured in the show this past May. On average, each student had at least 2 of their best pieces of art displayed in the library. This year there were about 350 art students and 87 graphic design students participating. Altogether there were at least 800 pieces of work hanging from the ceiling, displayed on bookshelves, and taped to the wall.

Mrs. Plachinski’s 14 Advanced Placement Art students had the opportunity to display a large amount their work, about 10 or so pieces. These students include:  Maeghan Adinolfi, Evette Arzola, Brooke Astor, Carol D’Armiento, Colleen Duffy, Amanda Gagnon, Kenneth Goff, Jennifer Gonzalez, Gina Graci, Taryn Jozefowicz, Mary Lynn, Daniel Macor, Stacey Sceigel, and Larissa Torraca. Everyone was amazed by their talent.  Mrs. Plachinski was sure to point out that the work displayed wasn’t even their best because their five best pieces were sent to the College Board for review.  She is extremely proud that one of her A.P. students was accepted to Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, an outstanding art college.

With a faculty reception, an evening for the community, and the attendance by all SHS English classes, the 2010 Art Show had an excellent turn out.  Mrs. Collins says of its success, “the show was a wonderful opportunity for all art students to showcase work.”

New Jersey recently passed a new law which went into effect on Saturday, May 1^st.  This law was created to help police officers identify and enforce the driving restrictions for teenagers.

The law is named after Kyleigh D’Alessio who died in a car crash in 2006 because she was not wearing a seatbelt while in the passenger seat of another teen driver’s car.

Teenagers ages 16-20 are now required to display a red decal on their license plate during the first year of driving. The fine can raise up to $100 if you are caught without one. Decals must be placed in the upper left hand corner of the license plate. These new decals will cost you about $5 and can be purchased at DMV agencies.

Three Republican state assemblymen are planning to introduce a bill that would get rid of the new decal. National Youth’s Rights Association is also against this new law; they are trying to get rid of the law asking for drivers and their parents not to buy or use the new decals even if they are required to do so.

After talking with Sergeant Bierman and Mr. Calder, much was learned, including the fact that even police officers, the ones enforcing the law, do not completely agree with it. On the other hand, Mr. Calder, Principal of Spotswood High School, agrees with the law saying that “this is for the safety of the kids.  They may not agree, but it’s for their safety. They do not need distractions and they need to focus more on the road.”  He says that during his commute to and from work, he often observes teens texting while driving and not paying attention to what they are supposed to be doing.  He says they could cause serious injuries to themselves or others around them by not paying attention to the road.

To make sure that the students of Spotswood high school understand the new law completely Sergeant Bierman is available to answer any questions.  Mr. Calder gladly summarized what he and Sergeant Bierman will be doing to enforce this new law here at the high school, “we will be doing checks, either early morning while they drive to school or after school while they are leaving.  We will also checking parking lots to make sure everyone is following the rules.   We don’t want anyone to get into trouble.”

 Sergeant Bierman was nice enough to provide a copy of a hand out that he passed out to his officers which helped explain the law a little better for everyone:

MAY 1, 2010 CHANGES TO THE GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE (GDL) LAW

On May 1, 2010, the requirements for all teens (16-20 years of age) holding a permit or provisional license under New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law, will change. To ensure that GDL holders comply with the law, they and their parents should be aware that the teen driver:

• May not be on the road between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• May transport only one passenger in the vehicle besides his or her dependents.

(Note: If a parent or guardian is in the vehicle, the passenger restriction is waived and the teen may transport as many passengers as there are seat belts.)

• May not use a cell phone (hand-held or hands-free), iPod or other wireless electronic device.

(Note: GPS systems – portable or built-in – and iPods connected to a vehicle’s sound system are permitted, but a teen should not make any adjustments to these devices while driving.)

• Must ensure that all vehicle occupants are properly restrained in child safety seats or seat belts.
• Must display decal on the front and rear license plate.
• May not plea bargain any point carrying offenses.

There will be NO grandfathering of existing permit and provisional license holders. Regardless of how much time a GDL holder has remaining on her or his permit or provisional license, s/he must abide by these requirements beginning May 1. In addition, the name of the provisional license will change to probationary; this will be reflected on documents issued after May 1.

THE DECAL

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is charged with designing and distributing the decal, which must be displayed on a vehicle’s front and rear license plate when a permit or provisional license holder under 21 years of age is driving. The decal will be:

• Affixed with a Velcro system to allow for its removal when the GDL holder is not behind the wheel
  • Reflectorized so that it can be seen at night.
• Non-descript

(it is intended for enforcement purposes).

o       $4 per pair at MVC agencies.

(Note: MVC is developing a bulk purchase program for driving and high schools, police departments, and other organizations.)

Spotswood High School was quite the place to be on the evening of April 30, 2010. Hundreds of students, parents, family members, and teachers lined up for The Ninth Annual Mr. Spotswood Pageant presented by Miss Meyers, Mrs. Collins, Ms. Goglia and the Class of 2010. Before the show, the cafetorium was filled with escorts in gowns, judges preparing, and spectators scrambling to find a good seat. At 7:30 the lights dimmed, the curtain opened, and the show began.

The twelve gentlemen competing to be Mr. Spotswood this year were as follows; Justin Aquino, Mike Brauer, John Chludzinski, Ben Horowitz, Jack Hummel, BJ Hyde, Allen Kuiper, Cody Leonard, David McSpedon, Tyler Osofsky, James Pareti, and Thomas Pareti. There were four judged categories; “Hey Baby, What’s Your Sign?”, Talent competition, Mr. Celebrity imposter modeling competition, and the Formal Wear modeling. There were also awards for: fan favorite, Mr. Congeniality, People’s Choice award, and Faculty Favorite.  Each contestant amused and amazed the audience with their hilarious and impressive skits. Some great moments were the opening dance, guys coming onto stage twirling in dresses, and the voting to determine the winner.

The results for Mr. Spotswood are as follows: People’s Choice award- Ben Horowitz, Mr. Congeniality- Justin Aquino, Faculty Favorite- John Chludzinski, “Hey Baby, What’s Your Sign?”- Thomas Pareti, Mr. Celebrity Imposter- Justin Aquino, Top Talent- Dave McSpedon, Mr. Formal wear- Allen Kuiper, and Audience Favorite- Tyler Osofsky. The Final Five were Cody Leonard, Ben Horowitz, Tyler Osofsky, James Pareti, and Thomas Pareti. The Second runner-up was Tyler Osofsky, First runner-up was Tomas Pareti, and the 2010 Mr. Spotswood is Ben Horowitz. Congratulations to everyone who took part in this successful pageant!

Contestants and escorts

Ben Horowitz - Mr. Spotswood 2010

Opening dance

Opening dance

There is a syndrome that afflicts 9 out of 10 seniors in high school. There are almost no symptoms before it takes hold, and it is caused by no bug or chemical agent. It is a condition known only as Senioritis; if caught early the “illness” can be curbed through excessive studying and a drive to perform. However, if left to progress into the mind of a common senior, it can be quite detrimental to one’s health not to mention the GPA of the afflicted.  A classic slacker may show very little signs of senioritis and his/her GPA may not drop as much as say an honors student who has been a workaholic for his or her four years of high school.
Senioritis can strike within different areas of the year; usually the outbreak will occur between the months of April and June. If the condition is left untreated for more than a few weeks the chances of recovery becomes slimmer. Contrary to popular belief there is a milder strain of the disease known as Junioritis. People who contract Junioritis tend to have a lower GPA their Junior year, but tend to have a more mild case of Senioritis their senior year. According to Senior Dan Estrada, an individual who has had multiple cases of this warm weather condition, he defines the condition as “slacking off.” According to Estrada “once you find out you’re in college, there is no point to high school.”  His advice for prevention is to “remember you have to do your work unless you want to be stuck here another year.” And to those of you that tend to be underachievers, “pass English, health, and gym.”  To identify an advanced case consider the following symptoms:

 
• Excessive complaining about being in school
• Copying homework from others
• Refusing to attend classes
• Missing school on lab days
• Signing out early

The recommended treatment is to take an hour daily to study. This can curb the “slacker attitude” and create a wake-up-call for the student to increase his or her current GPA.  In the words of Mrs. Nascimento do not act like “you have one foot out the door.”