Patriots Ponder Best Path Forward - Paul Revere Charter ...
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Paul Revere Charter Middle School
and Magnet Center Friday, February 19, 2021 Volume 65, Issue 3
Patriots Ponder Best Path Forward
Still stuck at home
and staring at screens,
many are yearning for
a safe return to Revere.
By NICO TROEDSSON
Coronavirus continues to
take its toll on Los Angeles
County. Just a few weeks ago,
hospitals were at capacity. Am-
bulances were lined up outside
emergency rooms. And mortu-
aries were backlogged with bod-
ies. On top of all that, LAUSD
announced extremely worrisome
data from its COVID testing
program. Approximately 1 in 3
students from low-income com-
munities, who showed no symp-
toms of the virus, tested positive
for COVID-19.
Students have been espe-
cially affected by the lockdown
both academically and socially.
Just over a month ago, a strict
campus closure terminated all
on-campus programs including
childcare, athletics and in-per-
son tutoring. But with a recent
downward trend in COVID cas-
es and a loosening up of the lock-
down, talk of reopening schools
is on everyone’s lips again.
Eighth-grader Mark Lewis, left, and Nolin, his seventh-grade brother, stare at their screens. Photo: Paula Lewis (continued on page 2)
Patriots tune in as Joe Biden is Counselor Chit Chats bring the Revere Represents: Principal runs The quarantine cannot lock down
sworn in as president. Page 8 social back to school. Page 11 to raise funds for pit bulls. Page 12 the school’s sports stars. Page 32
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 2
Schools: The Forgotten Child well-being. It helps us deal with stress, cre- safety standards,” Beutner says. That could
ates healthy self-esteem, and allows us to create inequality in the safety of schools.
Throughout the pandemic, Superinten- have fun which creates endorphins.” Superintendent Beutner also criticizes the
dent Beutner expressed his frustration over Safe Schools for All plan for its new standard
the inability to properly meet students’ educa- Is It Time to Implement on COVID case counts. Previously, Califor-
tional and social needs in a safe, on-campus the Safe Schools for All Plan? nia guidelines suggested it would be safe to
environment. As a result, Beutner joined up reopen schools if case counts were at or be-
with the superintendents of the New York and Austin Beutner doesn’t think so. Gavin low 7 per 100,000 population. But the Safe
Chicago school districts to ask for the fed- Newsom’s Safe Schools for All plan falls School for All plan lowered the standard to
eral funds needed to reopen schools safely. short, according to the LAUSD Superinten- 28 per 100,000 population, which Beutner
He requested an additional $2,000 for each dent. Beutner does not feel that a safe reopen- has difficulty accepting and questions the sci-
student, totaling about $125 billion of federal ing is realistic due to the city’s high levels of entific reasoning behind it.
money for the district. The funds would be COVID-19. He also believes that the state Finally, there is a funding issue. Beut-
used to keep campuses sanitized, and provide needs to create clear standards for reopening ner believes that “community health needs
COVID-19 testing, mental health support, all schools, and then open those campuses should be addressed with public health
and a summer school program to fill in edu- that meet those standards. funds, not money which voters intended for
cational gaps caused by distance learning.
“Schools are the forgotten child,” Beut-
ner claimed, referring to the fact that reopen-
ing businesses and recreational entertainment
was prioritized over education. Students have
been hit hard by distance learning, with a
15% increase in Ds and Fs by high school
students across the district. And the longer
students are expected to continue with re-
mote education, the more trouble they will
have bringing their grades up.
Many students are feeling frustrated by
the lockdown. In a school-wide Zoom assem-
bly on Thursday, February 11, eighth-grader
Basel Thierry sent an urgent message to Re-
vere’s administrators in the chat box: “We
need to go back! It’s completely unaccept-
able that we aren’t in school by now, we need
to be taught. No excuses. Put our own needs
before yours. You guys aren’t the ones need-
ing education. I know it’s not your choice but
you guys have more power than us. Please
fight for us!”
Revere history teacher Ms. Makhani wor-
ries about the impact of lengthy school clo-
sures on teachers and students alike. “Edu-
cation is not the same when you cannot learn
and teach in person,” she says, going on to When students left campus March 13, 2020, it was supposed to be for only two weeks. But
explain that “middle schoolers need the per- now, it is almost twelve months later and there is still no return in sight. Photo: Nico Troedsson
sonal connection of both their teachers and
their peers. It really makes a difference if While Newsom’s Safe Schools for All
students can see their teacher smile or move plan would provide $2 billion to safely re- K-12 education.” He goes on to say that Safe
around in the classroom and likewise it is mo- open campuses by mid-February and in- Schools for All would use state funds that are
tivating for teachers when they can see their cludes an increase in COVID-19 testing as meant for “‘instructional improvement and
students’ expressions. It helps us understand well as a mask requirement for school staff accountability,’ including reducing class size;
if students are confused, need extra help, or and students, Beut- providing supplies,
are mastering the information.” She feels that ner says that is not equipment and oth-
“motivation is decreasing,” and hopes for enough. The LAUSD A spring reopening is looking er services to ensure
“students to participate and turn their camera Superintendent feels
on so their classmates and teachers can inter- that the Governor’s
uncertain but an extended that students make
academic progress;
act in some way.” plan doesn’t acknowl-
school year is in the works. providing profession-
School Counselor Ms. Evans is also con- edge the huge impact al development to
cerned about students’ emotional well-being. COVID-19 has had staff to improve and
She explains that on top of falling grades, on low income communities. “It leaves the increase the quality of classroom instruction;
“distance learning is affecting students both definition of a ‘safe school environment’ and and paying teacher salaries and benefits.”
socially and emotionally because they are the ‘standard for reopening classrooms’ up to Beutner sees this as a problem because using
not able to interact with one another; and the individual discretion of 1,037 school dis- the funds for public health means money that
interaction is a big component of positive tricts across the state, creating a patchwork of is taken away from the classroom.
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 3
While the Revere campus remains shuttered, LAUSD’s COVID testing program continues to test its students and their families. In a recent
announcement, LAUSD uncovered some alarming data on the number of positive cases among its student population. Photos: Nico Troedsson
To date, LAUSD has used its own funds Like Superintendent Beutner, the union What’s happening in other school
to upgrade the air-filtration systems in more is also calling for more funding and for districts around the country?
than 80 million square feet of buildings; re- “school staff required to work in person to
configure classrooms, restrooms, halls, cafe- have access to vaccinations.” They believe According to the New York Times, New
terias and other common areas to keep people that current “state funding will dispropor- York City’s “push to become the first big
safely apart; and provide PPE and masks at tionately benefit white and wealthier com- school district in the country to reopen class-
every school and in every classroom. munities.” rooms last fall” was a “risky experiment,”
There are also ionized cleaning systems The union points to recent data showing but it has “also provided reasons for opti-
on every campus and staff have been trained “a 35% increase in a rare pediatric inflamma- mism at the midpoint of the academic year.
on health protocols and practices. Beutner tory syndrome linked to coronavirus, known In-school transmission of the coronavirus
believes that once public health officials give as MIS-C, leading to more hospitalizations has been very low, and there has also been
the signal, LAUSD is ready to go. in school-aged children” as yet another rea- broad agreement that children have benefited
son to hold off on reopening. from being in classrooms.” However, there
They also claim that “More than 65% of have been many “disruptions—especially
The teachers union stands firm LAUSD parents surveyed said they do not when classrooms and school buildings are
against reopening want to return to in-person classes because frequently closed because of virus cases.”
In New Hampshire, Governor Gina Rai-
of too-high infection rates.”
In a statement released Feb. 16, United mondo made it a priority to keep all of her
In a paper published July 2020, titled
Teachers Los Angeles, the union that rep- state’s schools open, even though her state
The Same Storm, but Different Boats: The “was the most COVID-infected region per
resents Revere’s teachers, spoke out against Safe and Equitable Conditions for Start- capita in the country,” according to the New
reopening. UTLA considers it reckless to ing LAUSD in 2020-2021, UTLA outlined York Times. The paper said that the effort re-
open schools for in-person instruction while its conditions for reopening schools. Most sulted in “severely stressed” educators, high
Los Angeles country remains in the purple of the conditions are focused on health and absenteeism, and the fact that “at times, it did
tier. They believe that “doing so would al- safety standards, requirements for physical not even feel like school.”
most certainly lead to an increase in infec- distancing, an emphasis on hygiene, and oth- In Chicago, the school district reached
tions and school closures, creating even er health concerns. a deal with its teachers’ union earlier this
more instability and frustration.” The paper ends with a call for federal month to reopen its elementary and middle
“Resuming in-person instruction when support which includes additional funding schools. But this only came after a long bat-
cases are so high and without proper health as well as Medicare for All. The union also tle between the city’s mayor and the teachers’
and safety protocols will result in a yo-yo asks for state and local support which in- union. “We would never have opened with-
effect of closures, upending the very edu- cludes things like a wealth tax, a millionaire out mayoral control,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot
cational stability that our students and com- tax, defunding the police and other political told the New York Times. The mayors of Los
munities deserve,” UTLA President Cecily concerns not directly related to health or ed- Angeles and San Francisco do not have this
Myart-Cruz said. ucation. type of power over school districts.
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 4
Vaccines are available. Now what? teachers next in line to receive
the vaccine. While the vaccine
With the recent development of COVID would protect the teachers, stu-
vaccines, LAUSD would like to see two dents would not have the same
things happen: for teachers and staff to be immunity, and could take the vi-
vaccinated as soon as possible, and for in- rus back home to their families.
fection rates to drop. Barbara Ferrer, the Los In this way, children can become
Angeles County Public Health Director, an- “superspreaders,” and infect a
nounced that vaccines could be available for large number of people unknow-
teachers as early as February. However, get- ingly. That’s why Beutner would
ting all teachers and staff vaccinated would like to see COVID-19 vaccines
take at least a couple of months. on the list of mandatory vaccina-
On February 15, LAUSD Superintendent tions for all LAUSD school stu-
Beutner expressed his frustration over the dents once it’s available to chil-
availability of vaccines for teachers: “Making dren. He would like all students
schools a priority also means vaccinations for to be vaccinated “by this time
all who work in schools. California is provid- next year.” Families who are
ing vaccinations for cannabis delivery drivers opposed to their children getting
but not school bus drivers and teachers. How vaccinated would be given the
does that make sense?” option to continue with distance
To get Californians vaccinated more ef- learning.
ficiently, Superintendent Beutner is pressing LAUSD’s first vaccination site
for LAUSD campuses to be used as vaccine opened on Feb. 17 at the Roybal
distribution centers. Beutner claims that lo- Learning Center. District offi-
cal schools are more convenient than having cials announced plans to open a
to drive to more distant locations, saying, second, larger vaccination cen-
“There are an average of two Los Angeles ter at SoFi Stadium which could
Unified schools every square mile–within vaccinate up to 10,000 people a
an easy walk, bike ride or drive for millions day. The site would be mostly
of people from San Fernando to San Pedro. focused on vaccinating teach-
Unlike a stadium parking lot, school cam- ers and staff at both public and
puses are built to care for large numbers of private school throughout the Arik Kraft, seen here assembling vaccination kits for a lo-
people. We have restrooms and space for county. LAUSD nurses would cal clinic, supports the idea of mandatory COVID vaccines
them to spread out so vaccine recipients can administer the vaccines along for all LAUSD students and staff. Photo: Akshay Sateeh
be monitored for adverse reactions.” LAUSD with Anthem healthcare provid-
and UTLA are currently discussing whether ers. Superintendent Beutner believes it would How do Patriots feel
to have school nurses administer COVID-19 take less than 1% of available vaccine doses about the vaccine?
vaccines to employees, if school campuses to vaccinate all 25,000 LAUSD employees.
do become vaccination sites. LAUSD has But L.A. Public Health Director Barba- According to a poll conducted in the first
nearly 600 nurses who could administer vac- ra Ferrer claims that the county hasn’t yet week of February, Patriots are evenly split on
cines not only to district employees, but to made school employees eligible for vaccines the vaccine. Eighth grader Jaron Paris sup-
the entire community. because there simply aren’t enough doses. ports the idea of mandatory vaccinations as
New CDC Guidelines for K-12 school So for now, the district is only vaccinating a requirement for reopening schools. “I think
were updated February 12 stating: “Access employees who are 65 or older and already the COVID vaccine should be mandatory for
to vaccination should not be considered a qualify to get the vaccine. All educators will everyone if we’re going back to school,” he
condition for reopening schools for in-person be part of the next group of essential workers says. “We have already reopened too quick-
instruction.” Still, the CDC has voted to put eligible to get the vaccine starting around Mar. 1. ly in this pandemic, and we shouldn’t reopen
until it’s absolutely safe.” Jaron would be
willing to be vaccinated “as soon as there’s a
safe vaccine for kids.”
Sixth grader Leo Wolfe is less enthusi-
How do you feel about astic about getting the shot, saying “I don’t
think I would like it because personally I do
getting the COVID not like getting shots.” However he agrees
vaccine once it’s available with Jaron “that everyone should get the vac-
cine before going back to school. The vac-
to students/minors? cine should definitely be mandatory.”
Eighth-grader Arik Kraft, recently vol-
unteered with his family to assemble 500
Based on a poll conducted the week of Feb. 1, 2021
of 227 Patriots from all three grades.
COVID-19 vaccine kits for a local clinic that
Graphics: Google Forms. works with under-served communities. He
was tasked with the delicate job of assem-
bling syringes for his aunt who would then
distribute the vaccines. Arik supports the idea
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 5
of mandatory vaccines for all LAUSD stu- the pandemic has brought into their homes and if not well...ten days won’t do much.”
dents and staff “but only if it’s proven safe.” and our communities. Los Angeles Unified Seventh-grader Nurah Abokar also thinks
He himself would be happy to get the vaccine is already planning how to provide these that “an extra ten days won’t make much of
once the safety issue is resolved. services including expanded tutoring and a difference” while Emma Zarutsky, also in
But not everyone is eager to see schools in-person academic and enrichment classes seventh grade, is more adamant: “As far as
reopened just yet. Eighth-grader Elle Citron this summer.” an extended school year goes, I’m definitely
believes “that the COVID vaccine will make Although the L.A. Times reported on not up for it. That’s ten more days of stress
everyone feel a lot more comfortable about February 1st that Beutner’s plans are “driv- that aren’t really going to improve learning.”
reopening.” But she doesn’t necessarily feel ing the district toward a mandatory summer Katie Jeffers, another seventh-grader, is hes-
that the vaccine should be mandatory, stating, session,” the superintendent has not men- itant about cutting summer break. “Summer
“Teachers and staff who have a medical need tioned mandatory summer school in his re- is way too important to be taken away and
or who are willing to get the vaccine should cent weekly updates. It is possible that only replaced with school,” she says.
get it but no one should not be forced into it.” those students with failing grades will be ex- Seventh-grader Kai Rifkin worries about
Elle is worried about the side effects of the pected to attend summer school. During win- the amount of screen time students have al-
vaccine, stating, “Personally, I’m not com- ter break, students who received an F in any ready had, saying: “We’re on screens seven
fortable getting the hours a day! Screen
vaccine because at time can give many stu-
a young age I don’t dents headaches. Not
know how my body only that, teachers also
would react to it or assign hours of home-
whether it will be work and make us study
able to fight it off.” for tests. We are doing
She thinks it’s more is more than enough.
important to be cau- They have to let us live
tious than to reopen our lives too.” Mean-
too quickly, ex- while, eighth-graders
plaining, “Califor- Gabr Traum and Ki-
nia is just starting arash Vazirnezami be-
to lower numbers lieve that “extra school
and I fear open- should only be for those
ing schools would Because of an alarming drop in academic performance resulting from months of distance who don’t have a pass-
bring them up again. learning, LAUSD is considering extending the 2021-2022 school year. Photo: Nico Troedsson ing grade.”
I don’t think Califor- Other students
nia would want to be in the position we were of their classes were given until January 29 to were outraged by the idea. “Everybody is
in last time where things started to open up complete enough missing work to achieve a surviving a global pandemic and the reward
and case numbers skyrocketed.” passing grade, and were expected to check in is more school? I just don’t think that is
Seventh-grader Aria Kamei-Oser is also with teachers at least once a week over winter fair,” said seventh-grader Tyler Harper. Sev-
feeling wary. “I am not entirely sure that break for help. enth-grader Eli Konecke questioned the logic
I am willing to get the vaccine,” she says. Mr. Iannucci explains that “as of today, behind the initiative, saying: “Why do they
“It’s newly made and who knows if it may there are no plans by the District to provide think that just because they are lengthening
cause side effects that we don’t know about. mandatory summer school. There will be in- the school year, kids with failing grades will
I would like to wait a little while until there tervention and enrichment classes offered but magically start paying attention? Also, the
is more information on the vaccine’s success. to my understanding there will be no manda- kids with great grades will be penalized for
At the same time, I think California should tory sessions. As for the additional ten days nothing,”
wait until everyone is vaccinated because in for next school year the Board of Education For eighth-grader Sherwin Hazany, “ex-
my opinion it is still dangerous to go back to is still looking into that possibility.” tra school hours is unfair to students who
school all of a sudden. Since Paul Revere is a The school has, in fact, emailed an an- have been working hard to pass 8th grade
huge school, if one person gets it, then anoth- nouncement outlining two options for the and get into high school, and LAUSD’s plans
er will, and it’ll be like a domino effect.” 2021-2022 school year. Families have been to make us go through all that stress again,”
asked whether they would prefer two fewer feels like a punishment.
Can extra school days make up weeks of summer vacation or to split those As state and district leaders try to better
for lost education? two weeks between summer and winter understand the virus and its vaccine, the pos-
breaks. There is no option to select “none of sibility of getting back on campus in the near
As part of its discussions around reopen- the above,” which suggests an additional ten future looks uncertain. Superintendent Beut-
ing schools, LAUSD is also considering days of school has already been decided. ner is wary of a spring reopening, stating,
adding an extra ten days of learning to the Many Patriots are scratching their heads “It’s clear we’re a long way from reopening
2021-2022 school calendar. The hope behind at the news of an extended school year. schools with the virus this high.” However,
the extended school year is to address some Eighth-grader Maddox Walker says, “I President Biden has declared school reopen-
of the learning losses students suffered have don’t know how helpful that would be. We ing a national emergency. His administration
after nearly a year of distance learning. might only learn a small amount from that is willing to provide the federal funding nec-
Last month, Superintendent Austin Beut- extra ten days.” Alexi Baski, who is also an essary to get most K-12 schools open within
ner said, “In addition to preparing to re- eighth-grader, agrees. “An extra ten days of his first 100 days, which would be sometime
turn students safely to their classrooms, all school just seems pointless. Not much can between now and April. That, together with
schools and all students will need additional be accomplished in ten days and since this the new COVID-19 vaccines and a low-
time at school to recover lost learning oppor- would take place next year at that point I er number of new cases, may mean there is
tunities and deal with the anxiety and trauma would assume we have made a full recovery, some small bit of hope for students after all.
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 6
Celebrating History in the Making
Throughout February, Patriots
she said, “by discounting ourselves early on.
Even if something seems out of reach, you
are marking Black History need to go for it anyway and see what hap-
Month by studying the lives
pens. You might be the perfect fit.”
Mr. Flowers added, “You have to get
of important change makers. comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Ms. Lutz responded, “Yes! That’s when
By TAMARA GEAR real change happens. I had to learn not to be
intimidated by people who don’t look like
Who is Phillis Wheatley? That was the me.” She also stressed the importance of ed-
question Revere’s Black Student Union ucation. “No one can take your degrees away
asked as it launched its annual observance of from you,” she declared.
Black History Month. This week BSU did a Jeopardy game on
Wheatley was the first African-American Wednesday during lunch. Also not only has
author of a published book of poetry. Born the BSU club been hosting a bunch of events,
in West Africa and transported to Boston, she but teachers have also been planning some
was enslaved at a young age to the Wheatley activities of their own.
family. Learning about her remarkable life Mr. Fulling placed his eighth-grade history
story was just just the first of many activities students in breakout rooms to list African Amer-
planned to celebrate the lives of Black barrier icans who have a difference in the world. He
breakers past and present. also gave his class an extra credit assignment
On the first week of this month, the BSU to further explore the contributions made by
club also spotlighted Kathryn Finney, who these notable history makers.
is the founder and CEO of Digitalundivided. In his eighth-grade English class, Mr.
Digitalundivided is a social enterprise that Slavin read a short paper on the women who
helps Black and Latinx women founders on worked at NASA to get the first American to
their journey through the startup pipeline. the moon. He also assigned his eighth grad-
On the second week, the BSU club spot- ers a few questions on them.
lighted Gerrett Morgan who invented the Ms. Evans (top left) invited Peyton Watley to Meanwhile, Ms. Makhani’s eighth-grad-
three-position traffic signal in 1923. talk about her experiences at Spelman College, ers are making Google Jamboards, which
The BSU did more than share awareness while Kyle Small (below left) was invited by are digital posters, featuring members of the
of noteworthy history makers. On Feb. 4 Mr. Flowers to talk about Hampton University. Black community who have made a positive
the club hosted a “Family Kahoot!” during difference in the world.
lunch. Students were encouraged to bring leges and Universities, also known as HB- Isabella Tavakoli chose former FLOTUS
along a parent or guardian or older sibling to CUs. Michelle Obama. “She is one of the main
play together with them over Zoom. In another event, the BSU showed an ep- reasons I am a feminist,” Isabella said. “She
“The meeting went well,” reported Ms. isode of “The Proud Family” last Friday at proves every day that being different does O
Evans. “Mr. Flowers and I introduced our- lunch. This ground-breaking animated series not make you any less great.” ca
selves to those who weren’t BSU members, ran on the Disney Channel from 2001-2005 Many of Mr. Wechsler’s seventh-grade ca
and then we did our usual check-ins with and was especially noteworthy because it English students wrote poems about nota- lu
the students. They have to type a number in centered around an African American family. ble African Americans whose lives continue an
the chat from 1-10 to describe how they Career days were held at lunch on Feb. to inspire others. Lucie Brazier wrote about sp
are doing. They put a 10 if they are feeling 18 and 19. Tola Lutz, an executive at a cy- Misty Copeland, the first African American S
amazing.” ber security firm, woman to be promoted to prin- M
She continued, “Then encouraged Pa- cipal dancer in ABT’s 75-year sp
we acknowledged the family triots “to choose history: For this great Black
member they brought to the careers and paths dancer,/Trying hard’s the an-
meeting since it was ‘Family that will bring swer./With her magical moves,/
Kahoot.’ Then we started and joy and lead you She prances in dance shoes.
the students did a good job an- into the future.” Coming up, Dr. Jewell
swering the questions correct- She talked about Parker Rhodes, the author of
ly.” The winners were Brook- how her father several novels, will be appear-
lyn Walker, Jason Dovine and came to America ing on Zoom with Patriots on
Soleil Shepard, so they will be from Nigeria and Thursday, Feb. 25, during lunch.
receiving a gift card. had to work hard Her visit is being arranged by
Then on Feb. 10 and 11, to succeed. He Ms. Gualano, Revere’s teach-
the Black Student Union in- taught his daugh- er librarian, and the BSU.
vited speakers to come to talk Phillis Wheatley wrote ter to never give Jewell Parker Rhodes will The author will talking about
about their experiences attend- poetry while enslaved in up. “Sometimes talk about her books on her books, including “Black
ing Historically Black Col- Boston. Drawing: Britannica we self-reject,” Feb. 25. during lunch. Brother.”
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 7
Auction Committee Aims for a Banner Year
By NURAH ABOKAR Ms. Natella reported that the on-
line format gives more people a
After months of planning,
chance to participate. “Revere
this year’s Annual PRIDE Auc-
alumni are also being invited
tion is almost here. It will be held
this year, and so far a bunch
free over Zoom tomorrow night,
have RSVP’d.” She said that
Saturday, Feb. 20, from 7:30-
six teachers will be assigned to
9:00 p.m. VIP Zoom classes
breakout rooms to share their
for purchase will be held before
programs with auction guests.
the main auction from 6:30-
There are also VIP packages be-
7:30 p.m.
ing offered with lots of extras.
The parents organizing the
“There will be a magician from
event sent out a message saying
the Magic Castle, a mixologist,
that they have “created a night
and a variety of tasty gourmet
to bring our Revere community
meals being delivered to spon-
together to share in a fun-filled
sors’ homes,” she said.
evening celebrating, honoring
Auction co-chairs Jamee Na-
and giving back to the Paul Re-
tella and Paula Lewis sent out the
vere community including our The auction banner hangs on the fence facing Sunset. Photo: Jame Natella following message: “Please tune-
administrators, staff, teachers
for Revere in the many days be- not the first time someone in the in with your energy, passion, and
and students. All families and
fore the auction. neighborhood took down a sign enthusiasm for our school. We
friends are invited to attend.”
The auction has been in like that. “I took it to PRIDE know it’s not the same as being
This year’s event will be in-
the planning stages for many and they said it’s an ongoing in person but trust us, we prom-
spired by the ’80s. Some promo-
months. On Jan. 4, auction co- occurrence,” Ms. Natella said. ise to make this a fun, lively, en-
tional messages featured scenes
chair Jamee Natella put up three “We are working closely with a gaging event. The good news is
from famous ’80s movies like
promotional banners on campus community group to solve this a virtual auction allows a greater
“The Breakfast Club.”
fences, two on Allenford and one problem. This is private prop- audience participation. Thus, it
First there will be a “silent”
facing Sunset Blvd. She took erty we’re talking about and we will be a free event for the entire
auction with a great amount of
pictures to show members at the have a right to promote school Paul Revere Community. This
items that people can bid on.
committee meeting the next day. events. The organization we’re will allow for participation from
Then, after that there will be
But before she knew it, she got a working with is not sure who did the entire community especially
“live” auction items that will be
distressing call from an auction it this time, but they did assure for those who haven’t been able
auctioned off in the traditional
committee member informing us it’s not the neighbor who took to attend in the past because they
dramatic way to cause suspense.
her that the Sunset sign was no down one of Mr. Foxson’s signs live too far away. We believe this
The winning raffle tickets will
longer there. She did some dig- a while back.” is a great opportunity to build a
be announced soon after. The
ging and discovered that this was On a more positive note, community and make an inclu-
tickets were used to raise money
sive event for all. For we need
each other more than ever.”
The ’80s-themed auction
will raise funds for improve-
ments and needed renovations
to Revere’s library, farm, au-
ditorium and learning garden.
With the auction Revere hopes
to raise money for a new roof for
the goats’ pen, repairs to the farm
cultivator, two blowers and bat-
teries, and fifteen new shovels.
This will help Revere maintain
its farm, a place for students to
expand the range of their science
and earth studies. Funds from
the auction will also go into get-
ting a new stage floor and audi-
ence seating for the auditorium.
Additionally the money will be
used for a mural in the learning
garden and new books, chairs,
carpet, and paint for the library.
More details can be found at
paulreverems.com.
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 8
Seventh-grader Kai Rifkin watches President
Joseph Biden deliver his inaugural address.
An Inauguration to Remember
Following a historic election, Patriots witness the swearing-in of America’s new administration.
vary from how he would solve a certain first National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda
By PARSA IMANKHAN
problem to what his stance was on a topic. Gorman, read her inaugural poem. As a fol-
Although the country had mixed opin- After we wrote for five minutes he called on low-up, he asked his students to type in the
ions over whether the correct person for the people to pretend to be Joe Biden and answer Zoom chat a part of the poem that stood out
job was chosen, Jan. 20, 2021 marked the the questions asked by people randomly.” to them.
end of one era and the start of a new one, as Mr. Roig’s seventh-graders watched the Mr. Slavin’s eighth-graders also studied
Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President
of the United States.
From the inauguration of the first female
vice president to a departing president who
denied he lost the election, this is a day that,
depending on how the Biden administration
deals with the country’s current problems,
will either be one of the best or worst days in
American history. There was truly no short-
age of inaugural-related activities at Revere
on the days surrounding the event.
Several teachers at Revere incorporated
the inauguration into their classes. In Mr.
Schwartz’s English class, students watched
the new president’s inauguration speech. Mr.
Schwartz also opened the chat in the Zoom
call, allowing his students to share their
thoughts on the speech. “We also wrote a
journal entry about what question would we
ask Joe Biden at his first press conference,”
said Mason Wiener. “These question could Mr. Slavin teaches his English class about Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman.
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 9
From their homes, seventh-graders Max Dorband and Sage Denham watch newly-inaugurated Joe Biden give his first speech as 46th President.
her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” which was “After watching several videos of Kamala make a judgment about her.”
full of literary touches on every line. Arik Harris’s speeches, I was filled with hope Some of Revere’s P.E. teachers also
Kraft reported, “We listened to a short NPR and felt excited to spend the next four years worked the special day into their lesson.
audio which was an interview of Amanda (hopefully even eight) with Joe Biden and “During first period, Mr. Foxson was having
Gorman where she spoke about herself and Kamala Harris as my president and vice trouble connecting, so Mr. Amos chose to
read a bit of her poem. Our assignment was president. It’s incredible how she is the first ask our classes trivia questions about current
to write three things we learned, two inter- woman vice president. I have hope that she and historical events,” said eighth-grader
esting facts, and one question we have.” will do many great things.” Lily Williamson. “He made it fun and engag-
Seventh-grade history teacher Mr. Eighth-grader Nico Troedsson had a ing by offering Super Stars to the first stu-
Schepps showed his period 3 class a CNN slightly different opinion, saying, “I do not dent to submit the correct answer. He asked
video which included the inauguration. care about the race, ethnicity or gender of about where the VP lived, where MLK gave
“Then he showed us a bunch of things that a president or vice president. I only care his “I Have A Dream Speech,” and a ques-
Joe Biden said he’s planing to do while he if they are able to pull off their job in a tion about Rosa Parks.”
is president,” said Tamara Geer. “We then satisfactory way. So, I do not have any spe- Once Mr. Foxson joined the Zoom, it
got to share and talk about what our favorite cial feelings about Kamala yet, since I need was time to begin his inaugural P.E. class of
thing was, such as Biden’s promise to rejoin to see if she is a good leader before I can the Biden era.
the Paris Climate Agreement.”
Ms. Zelsdorf gave her students the op-
tion to leave class entirely on Inauguration SIXTH-GRADERS TALK ABOUT THE NEW ADMINISTRATION
Day, in order for them to watch the historic “I wonder what the
event with their families. “I’m happy about
Kamala Harris new president will
Patriots have high hopes for the new do if his plan to
administration. Eighth-grader Shane Mas- becoming the
vice president conquer COVID
terson said, “I have high hopes for President fails. If vaccines
Biden’s administration. His commitment to because it shows
that America is aren’t effective
vaccinate 100 million people is something enough, I wonder
that I hope is achieved. I hope the President finally realizing
that gender if he has any other
can bring the economy back and rebuild in- ideas for ending
frastructure. I hope the President can fulfill doesn’t matter.”
—Skyler Bral the pandemic.”
his promise to unite America again.” —Hendrix Hughes
Eighth-grader Giada Musumeci said,
“My hope is that the administration will
be more responsible and better leaders “I hope the new “I am happy for
for the country. I hope to see them handle administraton Kamala Harris
COVID-19 in a smart way. Hopefully, the will balance their because she is the
new administration will unite the country funds better so first woman ever
and defeat the coronavirus. I hope that they that they do not to become the
make the country whole again, instead of spend money on vice president
Americans rioting and fighting one another.” useless things and women
With Vice President Kamala Harris tak- instead of goals deserve to have
ing office, history was made as the first Afri- like fighting the same rights
can-American, Asian-American and female climate change.' that men have.”
vice president was inaugurated. —Eli Kagan —Julia Jawor
Seventh grader Samantha Beckey said,
February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 10
A Fresh Batch of Treats
From Leadership
Mr. Bilek’s student council team hosts a series
of lunchtime events that appeal to all the senses.
By AVERY ZEMLAK Sample questions included:
“What is the movie that Lil Hud-
This year, even though al-
most everything looks different dy will be starring in called?”
since it’s virtual, Mr. Bilek’s (Downfalls High). “Who is Ad-
leadership class made sure one dison Rae dating?” (Bryce Hall) .
thing remained the same: Valen- Dylan and Rojin are now
tine’s grams! creating more fun and interac-
“Leadership came up with tive after-school activities called
an innovative way to spread the “Small Student Support Events”
Valentine’s Day love this year once every other Friday. The
even if we are all stuck at home,” goal with these events, accord-
said President Hailey Sugarman. ing to Dylan, is that “there’s not
“For the first year ever, grams much of a social aspect with vir-
were free, online, but just as fun tual learning so we are trying to
as ever!” Just in time for Valen- bring that back.”
tine’s Day, many students and In other Leadership news,
teachers found heartfelt messag- eight-grader Sam Sonnett is cur-
es in their email inboxes. rently leading a group of other
Addtionally, Leadership held Leadership students with a mis- On Feb. 12, Sophia Winston and Ava Loos made some Valentine’s candy.
a candy making class on Valen- sion to make mental health re-
tine’s Day for Patriots to partic- sources more accessible. Sam’s
ipate in. In the days leading up goal is to make a section of the
the the Feb. 12 event, Mr. Ian- school website have phone num-
nucci sent out a Schoology mes- bers to teen hotlines and other
sage with a list of ingredients links as a part of working on
needed to make the Valentine’s ways to maximize student sup-
candy. Many students attended port throughout the school.
and had fun crafting their own “We just want students to
confections. have a spot where they can find
This was the latest in a series resources that can help them
of events that the student council with however they may be strug-
has sponsored to maintain school gling,” said Sam.
spirit during a very unusual year. On a lighter note, Mr. Bilek’s
On Jan. 29, Leadership students Zoom screen has been crowded
Dylan Johnson and Rojin Shakib lately with some special guest
led students through a fast-paced stars: Harry Styles and Baby
game of Kahoot based on popu- Yoda. “Two Ghosts” they do
lar culture personalities. seem like.
On Jan. 29, Dylan Johnson and Rojin Shakib hosted a game of Kahoot!
The answer to the above question: Charli D’Amelio is the most-followed.February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 11
App Party Never Have I Ever Dance Party
Bring Your
Pet to Zoom
Origami
Kahoot!
Getting Together, While Staying Apart
Revere's three counselors the Origami Chit Chat, students made and
showed off their folded-paper creations. At
on a separate device. At the Meditation ses-
sion, everyone had a chance to calm down
have started a Zoom on many the Dance Party, Patriots danced to music and relax over Zoom with the counselors. In
Tuesdays to play fun games from “DJ Flo” (AKA Mr. Flowers). At the
Strange Food session, Patriots showed weird
the "Would You Rather..." Chit Chat, Patriots
answered two-sided questions. Finally, in the
or just to talk to each other. snack combinations they’ve tried or like. At Peer-2-Peer Real Talk, Patriots were able to
the App Party, Patriots shared apps on their talk candidly to each other over Zoom.
By ARIK KRAFT phone that they like and which one they Mr. Flowers said, “I think my favor-
couldn't live without. At the "Be Proactive" ite Chit Chat has to be the ‘Bring Your Pet’
Earlier this year, Ms. Evans was looking Chit Chat, the counselors gave tips on how event. It was nice to see how excited the stu-
for ways to stay close to the students she has to be a better student. At the Kahoot! Chit dents and counselors were introducing their
been guiding through middle school. “The Chat, Patriots were able to play the game pets to the group.”
counseling team and I wanted an opportunity According to Ms. Evans, “The most at-
for students and counselors to stay connect- tended Chit Chat was either the 'Would You
ed. We came up with a special plan to play Rather...' game or our Kahoot! challenge.”
fun games and have interesting discussions Mr. Flowers added, “I think the Chit Chat
with one another. I think it is really import- where we introduced our strange food com-
ant during this time since we are not together. binations was a hit. I shared my popcorn and
Plus, I miss my students!” Ms. Evans said. Sour Patch Kids combo. If you haven't tried
This year, the Revere counselors started it, you definitely should!”
the “Counselor Chit Chat” which is a Zoom There are usually 20-30 people that attend
held on Tuesdays during Patriots' free adviso- the chit chats which will all continue to have
ry period where they can talk and play games different themes—"the crazier the better," ac-
with their counselors and peers. So far there cording to Mr. Flowers.
have been 11 Chit Chats, with more to come. Ms. Evans said, “We plan to keep doing
In the "Bring Your Pet to Zoom" Chit- the Chit Chats on select Tuesdays during
Chat, Patriots showed off their four legged Mr. Amos takes a big bite into a peanut butter the Homeroom periods. We hope to see
friends to the counselors and students. In sandwich with Doritos in it. Screenshot: Arik Kraft you there!”February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 12
Mr. Iannucci raises awareness volunteer to work at the
shelter and clean the ken-
about the pitbull breed and nels out, walk the dogs,
their value as household pets. and to donate dog items
like food, toys, beds and
By CONNER PETOYAN blankets. “Even though
it is a small organization,
Every year in Spain, people gather to cel- Angel City Pit Bulls is ea-
ebrate the “running of the bulls.” This year, ger to reach new heights
Mr. Iannucci will be sticking closer to home for pit bulls,” Mr. Ian-
as he goes on a different type of run—not with nucci says. “My goal for
a bunch of bulls chasing after him but for a each marathon is to do-
different breed of bulls—pit bulls to be exact. nate $1,000. Angel City
Mr. Iannucci will be running the L.A. Pit Bulls has a goal of
Half Marathon Charity Challenge on May 23 $150,000. There are over
to raise funds for Angel City Pit Bulls, a char- 90 runners for the mara-
ity that he and his wife have been involved thon so far.”
with for the last five years. Mr. Iannucci has been
The charity was founded in 2010 to ad- working hard in advance
dress the overpopulation and high euthanasia of the event. “I am excit-
rate of pitbull terrier dogs in L.A. shelters. ed,” he says. “It is on May
People can support ACPB to foster dogs, 23, and until then, I will
train my heart out for the
amazing breed. I run ear-
ly in the morning around
4:30 to prepare. I am
building my mileage ev-
ery week. Sundays are my
long runs. Currently, I am
running 8 miles and work-
ing to get 10 shortly.” He
has run the half marathon
for the last three years and
his best time is 2:26:32.
The cause that Re- “Who wants a treat?” Mr. Iannucci keeps his dogs in suspense.
vere’s principal is run-
ning to support is very dear to his family’s provide them with a safe, warm, loving home
heart. “We have had dogs our whole life,” while ACPB finds them their forever home
he began. “About five years ago, one of our has added so much to our family,” he says.
dogs passed away from “Unfortunately back in
cancer. At the same time, Those interested in donating the 1980s, pit bulls were
our son found a pit bull can visit: demonized by popular
puppy while he was away culture. If you were to
at college. We offered to https://donate.angelcitypits. study the history of these
take him in. When we ar- org/fundraiser/3088013 dogs you would learn that
rived at his college, he had they are the dog of Ameri-
given the puppy to a res- ca. They moved west with
cue which convinced us to take another pit the pioneers and were widely accepted and
bull. That began our involvement and love owned. And it has only been in the last 40
of this amazing breed of dog. Most dogs that years that they were seen as a threat to hu-
are identified as pit bulls are actually mixed mans,” Mr. Iannucci says.
breed dogs. All our Pit Bulls are 3-4 mixed “This year has been very challenging for
breeds in,” he explained. everyone, but bringing in dogs who need our
“My family and I have been involved love allowed us to channel positive energy to
with ACPB for four years. Nathaniel, our animals who need our support, making things
first foster, ended up becoming a permanent less dark. Please help me give Angel City Pit
member of our family. My wife and I are cur- Bulls the means they need to continue their
Mr. Iannucci runs the rently fostering two puppies through ACPB. mission of love. Please give what you can,
2020 L.A. Marathon. Being able to bring dogs into our home and since no donation is ever too big or too small.February 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 13
Flying during the pandemic? One Town Crier writer reports that it really isn’t that plane easy.
By GRANT COELEN hardly any people in the security line. Before gate, and made sure to sit three seats away
quarantine, I never saw anyone wearing from other people in the waiting area. My
Dreaming of hitting the slopes this masks at the airport, even though airports mom grabbed a hand sanitizer from her
spring break? Longing to meet your newborn are a hotspot for spreading viruses. Now, purse and sprayed it on our hands before
cousin in Colorado? With the ongoing with COVID-19 around, people are required boarding the plane.
COVID-19 pandemic, many families have to wear masks inside the airport and on the People were crammed together on the
been wondering if and when it will be safe plane at all times, except when they are eat- gangway. Once aboard, a flight attendant
to travel again. Everyone is missing their ing or drinking. However, that provides a big greeted me and offered me a wipe. I took
family members that live across the country opportunity for this coronavirus to escape. it and sat down in my assigned seat. I
and are craving a change of scenery. There When we flew to San Francisco, signs noticed that many people didn’t take the
are many factors to take into consideration outside LAX made it clear that there was wipes that they were offered, which was
when making this tough travel decision. no entry without a mask. My dad was super pretty strange considering we are in the
In the first week of November, I traveled stressed that we were arriving at the airport middle of a pandemic. I wiped down my
with my mom and my brother, Finn, to San only an hour before our flight was sched- surroundings and everything I would
Francisco to celebrate my aunt’s 50th birth- uled to take off. However, once we stepped eventually touch so I could get rid of any
day with my cousins. Two weeks later, my inside, it became clear that it would be germs that may have set up camp on those
mom and brother, Finn, flew to Phoenix. The smooth sailing (or should I say flying) ahead. surfaces from earlier flights.
two experiences were as different as night We were pleasantly surprised to see so few The plane took off and I was really
and day. people around. The security line looked like excited to explore San Francisco! The
Normally the LAX airport is insanely the hollow hallways of Paul Revere this man that sat behind me had a mask but
crowded, but due to the coronavirus restric- year. A security officer asked my mom to kept taking it off. Multiple flight atten-
tions in Los Angeles, the amount of people take off her mask to see if the photo on her dants went over to the man and asked him
traveling had greatly decreased. There were ID matched her face. We flew straight to the politely to put his mask back on. The man
did as he was asked, but then when the
flight attendants left, he just took the mask
right off again. This caused me and every-
body else on the plane anxiety, but since
the plane was already in the air, there was
nothing anybody could do about it. The
flight attendants even offered him a more
comfortable mask, but the man refused.
After an hour had flown by, we finally
landed. The captain instructed everyone
to not leave their seats until the people
in front of them had gotten their luggage
from the upper compartments and had
safely exited the plane. This made it way
less crowded when trying to deplane.
Thankfully, the mask-less man who sat
behind me got confronted by an airline
representative and banned from flying on
that airline. Just like in L.A., there were
very few people without masks, but my
mom, my brother and I made sure to avoid
them.
A week later, my brother and mom
took a trip to Arizona to visit a friend for
their birthday. My brother, sixth-grader
Finn Coelen, said, “I came into this trip
to Arizona feeling very comfortable after
flying to San Francisco. I thought that
there would be hardly any people in sight
at the Arizona airport, just like in San
Francisco and Los Angeles. I was shocked
to see that the Arizona airport was packedFebruary 19, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 14
by three flight attendants and a pilot eating was that in The States it’s six feet,
mask-less.” In my opinion, this sets a poor whereas in Europe it’s only three.”
example of safe behavior during the middle Sophia Aldana, also in seventh
of a pandemic. Restaurants that remain open grade, traveled to Mexico over win-
could at least limit diners to a back area that ter break. “To get to where we were
is properly distanced from other travelers. headed we had to go on two planes
Outside the Phoenix airport, travelers but we took lots of precaution. We
were on top of one another, as they waited in wore face masks and face shields
huge taxi and shuttle lines. Finn added that and sanitized our hands frequently.
this Arizona airport was just as bad for his We made sure we were negative for
return flight. “There really was no way to COVID by getting tested before and
socially distance once we made it to our ter- after our trip. (Thankfully we tested
minal before flying back home. There were negative both times). In the photo
no seats available to sit in,” Finn concluded. you can see that I am separated with
Based on my research and anecdotes from my family (I think they separated
multiple students at Paul Revere, I found out everyone on the plane by family or
that COVID-19 restrictions vary greatly by small groups). The airports seemed
state and country. This is key information to be taking extreme precaution
to investigate and take into consideration with passengers and everyone was
before plunging into pandemic travel. wearing masks. We went to Mexico
Seventh grader Ingrid Knap, who recently and stayed a few days in a cabin
returned from Norway, reported, “Everyone while still taking precaution and
was required to wear a mask at all times and wearing masks when around others.
maintain distance, but something interesting I enjoyed my winter break because
I was able to visit my family
and reconnect with family
members I hadn’t seen in
a long time while staying Seventh-grader
safe in this pandemic,” Sofia Sofia Aldana flew
remarked upon her return. to Mexico during
Eighth-grader Charlie winter break.
Speiser, who took a trip
to Hawaii, said, “Once in
Hawaii, we had to go through their Research has shown that virus transmission
COVID questionnaires and screeners. through airplanes is relatively low, although
Flying home was the same as getting it’s higher if you’re sitting close to an infect-
there, except for no questionnaires ed passenger.
or screeners at LAX when I landed, “For Delta, the middle-seat block isn’t
so Hawaii was definitely more strict about safety, but a way to give customers
about COVID than California.” Also, ‘peace of mind’ with a little more space
Hawaii requires a negative test upon onboard,” said Delta’s chief customer expe-
entry or a mandatory fourteen day rience officer to the L.A. Times. So far, flyers
quarantine upon arrival. have flocked to lower cost airlines with
With such varying levels of middle seats occupied, but Delta believes
COVID controls, it’s helpful know- that showing passengers that they care about
ing whether you’re headed to an their safety will pay off in the long run.
airport where COVID is bouncing What I learned from this travel experi-
around like it’s on a trampoline, or ence is that although I can control my own
one where it’s still finding its way to actions and take safety precautions, I can’t
the Big Leagues. control other people’s behaviors, which
This pandemic hasn’t just affected could potentially lead to someone getting
potential travelers, but also the severely sick.
airlines, who are competing to make If you travel, stay up to date and
more money than their rivals. Air- informed on the COVID situation where
lines are constantly trying to come you’re headed and where you’re coming
up with new ideas to attract people. from. Currently, the CDC (Center of Disease
For example, Delta has been closing Control) requires all passengers entering
off middle seats to make it more safe the U.S., including U.S. citizens, to present
for passengers to travel, and plans to a negative COVID test before entering this
continue this through April. How- country. Be prepared to see people without
ever, this is lowering the amount of masks or wearing them improperly, people in
Seventh-grader money they are earning because there large groups, people coughing and sneezing,
Ingrid Knap flew are fewer seats for people to buy, and know to stay away from those people.
to Norway over so they have to keep prices higher. Do your part and be smart!
the holidays.You can also read
