Click “Read More” to view the artwork done by Ms. Beckenhauer’s classes!
Somerset Classes Go Virtual
November 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
By Matthew BonacheaChief of Web Design
Ninth-grader Melanie Bustamante paints a nice picture of the library, otherwise known as the computer lab, stating “the library is extremely relaxing, [because] we get to listen to classical music.” Other students such as sophomore Andy Beltran say the the library is “loud and uncomfortable.”
Ms. Prieto, who taught Introduction to Computers and other computer classes last year, is the supervisor for the library. After supervising more than 100 students in a single class, Ms. Prieto said she “typically feels outnumbered” but has an “incomparable feeling by teaching our students independence and self-control.”
“It’s an advantage for students to work independently and take online classes,” said Ms. Damonte, Ms. Prieto’s assistant. There are, however, some challenges with more than 100 students in the library every period.
“The fact that there are so many students in one place at one time can be troublesome. But we try to teach [them] cooperation so they can work together independently,” she said.
Junior Samantha Millage, who takes Advanced Reading online, does not enjoy taking an online class in the lab.
“[This is] absolutely ridiculous because we go to school to be taught by a teacher,” she said. Ms. Harvey says that you do learn because “everything is there for you.”
Students from other classes such as HOPE, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Introduction to Computers share the same opinions.
According to ninth-graders Amanda Gordon and Laura Gomez, taking HOPE online makes things difficult. In this class they can’t go outside like in a traditional course to complete physical activities.
Sophomore Lauren Persaud also said she feels the same way about her AP Biology class. “It’s not teaching you because there is no teacher,” she said.
On these virtual classes, students are asked take quizzes and research assignments. Additionally, students can make up work. For example, if you get a bad grade on your assignment, you can redo the assignment and try for a better grade.
Students can also contact their teachers if they have problems in regards to academics. Ninth-grader Alexandra Ysme said “communication is hard with teachers.” When a group of students were asked to comment on the communications between them and their teachers, nearly all responded with the same answer: Teachers sometimes take days to respond to e-mails and phone calls.
Ms. Ridal, who teaches Web Design online, said that all virtual school teachers have office hours, but Somerset’s virtual teachers also teach traditional classes during the school day.
In response to Ms. Ridal’s statement, Mr. Montero affirms that “in-school virtual classes, as well as Somerset Virtual Academy, were created to innovate education and to keep up with the futuristic educational practices. Also, they were made for classes that don’t have enough demand, or classes that would be pointless to schedule. If a class is only going to have five kids, it would be smarter to place them in a virtual class.”
Students are required to take a virtual class before they graduate by a state law that was passed in June of 2011, according to Ms.Estomba-Goss, current high school guidance counselor.
Hispanic Heritage Month
November 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Katrina Fernandez and Nyska Dumornay
Journalism Class Reporters
Each year Americans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. During this celebration people get to understand and celebrate Hispanic cultures and histories. This started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage week but was expanded to Hispanic Heritage Month by former president Ronald Regan in 1988. For some cultures, they celebrate their holidays during the same time such as Independence Day on Sept. 15 for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
If you want to learn more about Hispanic heritage, why don’t you join the National Spanish Honor Society? They created the club because they want students to know the importance of Hispanics and establish connections between their cultural values and those of other countries in order to generate a unified environment. The sponsors are Ms. Medina and Ms.Ortiz and they meet every other Tuesday from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
“ Hispanic heritage month means to me all the Hispanics joined together as a group celebrating our language, culture, and history,” said Ms. Medina, who helped organize the events this year.
The pep rally celebrates students’ heritage with singing, dancing, drama acts, and cultural clothing. The middle school students had a dance competition, and the eighth-graders won.
Students in the Spanish class made posters on a Hispanic country and brought food from that culture. Teachers were invited to have lunch with them and celebrate the culmination of the Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I feel that Hispanic Heritage Month should be celebrated worldwide because they made positive contributions to history and influence us to learn more about their culture,” said sixth-grader Lindsey Emery.
New Guidance Counselor, Mr. Mireles
November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
By Nicole Lage
Journalism Class Reporter
Mr. Mireles has transitioned from being a teacher to being a counselor and is temporally taking over Mrs. Estomba’s job just until Mrs. Bermudez gets back from finishing her master’s degree.
He said said he chose to be teacher because he loves children. He loves to help kids in their life. What he loves about counseling is that he gets to help kids out. Mr. Mireles says that he felt he had something to offer kids and that he had gone threw things that he can help other kids with. “You kids make me feel young!“ he said.
Most students who have had Mr. Mireles say they love him as a teacher and they also talk about how awesome he is.
“Mr. Mireles is one of the most amazing teachers that I have ever had. He touched my life in a way that no other teacher has,” said eighth-grader Matthew Bonachea.
He said his secret is to just love your job and to teach not what you find interesting but what the kids find interesting.
Mr. Mireles misses being a teacher and misses seeing kids every single day. The most challenging things he thought while being a teacher was doing things that the administration required. He didn’t really like it because it would stop him from teaching.
He taught Civics and Career Planning last year and has also taught African-American History, Law Studies, and U.S. History.
Before becoming a teacher, he worked down the street in Taco Bell for a few years. When he was studying to become a youth pastor, he went to college for 5 years, 1 year in Virgina in Liberty University 2 years in Miami-Dade College and 2 more years at Florida International University.
While talking to different kids every day, Mr. Mireles said he has gone threw every emotion you can think of, but he is an understandable person. If you ever need to go talk to Mr. Mireles, his office is in the main office upstairs, the last door to the right.
As a guidance counselor it depends on how many kids Mr. Mireles sees every day. If one day he has a lot of work and he is presenting something he may not even see kids for the whole day. If he is going to be in his office for most of the day he may see about 15 students.
Craving Chinese? Go to Dragon Gate!
November 10, 2011 By 1 Comment
By Matthew Bonachea
Chief of Web Design
The taste of crisp, warm thin noodles, the sound of Chinese music playing in the background mixed with the sounds of people talking about their day, people coming over and filling up glasses with cold water. This is the everyday dinner service of Dragon Gate: Authentic Chinese Restaurant located on the southwest corner of Hiatus Road and Pines Boulevard.
As you walk in you are greeted by seeing fish flapping their tails happily in the water. To your right, you can see some of the ornate dishware that this restaurant has for sale.
After speaking with the host/hostess, he/she happily walks you to your table. Before I could blink, I had someone coming over to fill my glass with water. Moments later, our waitress came over to the table.
I ordered the wonton soup for $2.25. My family and I love Chinese food, and this one for sure, is the best wonton soup I have ever had. There was a perfect balance of salt in the soup.
For my entree I ordered 6 BBQ Ribs for $9.15. The rest of my family ordered Chicken with Deluxe Vegetables, $9.50, Sweet and Sour Pork, $10.25, and Chicken Lo Mein, $9.15.
Something that I really liked is when my Grandma ordered her Chicken with Deluxe Vegetables and asked for no MSG, the waitress said, “I’m sorry but that dish only comes with MSG.” My grandma was so happy that she didn’t just say OK and walk away, so this way she knows to go light on other high MSG foods.
When our entrees arrived one of the first things I realized was that my ribs needed more sauce. Even though it was my fault to not ask for more sauce on my ribs, I still feel that the amount that was on there was a little low. Besides that, the meat was amazingly cooked with a perfect tenderness to the meat.
The rest of the table summed up their meals with words like “Amazing.” and “Fantastic.” The only thing is that my Grandma said that her Chicken with Deluxe Vegetables could have used more of the white sauce.
So what do I say about this restaurant, well based on the fact we have ordered in from Dragon Gate twice already, it was really good. I would say 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The atmosphere was well kept, unlike many other Chinese restaurants. The food was amazing, and the staff was friendly and informed.
So if you get the craving for some Chinese food, go to Dragon Gate: Authentic Chinese Restaurant.
We Have Peer Counseling at Somerset!?
November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
By Sara Brown
Journalism Class Reporter
Peer Counseling is a new class at Somerset Academy taught by Ms. Milagros Lopez during fifth period. The purpose of the class is to train the students on what to do so that eventually in high school they can become peer counselors.
Peer counseling is limited to seventh and eighth grades. Most of the students in this class are specially selected, but some of them switched into the class at the beginning of the year. Qualities of leadership and how influential these students are in the lives of their peers determined whether they were selected by administrators to be in the class.
Ms. Lopez is highly qualified for the position as the teacher of peer counseling because she has a minor in psychology. In addition possesses the ability to empathize with students and to help them with problems; therefore setting a good example for her students. When asked whether or not Ms. Lopez was the right teacher for the job eighth-grader Matthew Bonachea replied, “Ms. Lopez has the right attitude. She has the will to help others more than most teachers do and I feel she really wants to make a difference in student’s lives.”
The subjects that peer counselors are able to discuss with students are somewhat limited. For example, if a student wants to discuss things like abuse and suicide the student must be referred to adult school counselors. The students counsel on a case by case basis which means they cannot just counsel anybody they want. The purpose of these counselors are to help their peers by providing someone to listen to their less serious problems, most importantly someone that is in their age group if they don’t feel as comfortable talking to a guidance counselor.
The class the activities consist of things that help the students to discover themselves, to grow in leadership, and to train in peer counseling. For example they sponsor character traits. The posters all over the school about responsibility, the character trait for the month of October, is an example of their handiwork. They also have group discussions in which they first write about a topic and then they discuss what they wrote with their classmates. “The class shares a special bond and everyone is very comfortable with one another” said peer counseling student Nicky Macias.
The students in peer counseling are very happy with the class .Although it replaces physical education for some of the students in the class they agree that having the opportunity to be in peer counseling is well worth the sacrifice. “Peer counseling opens up a new world to me and to my peers in the class. It helps us to embark on a new learning path,” Matthew Bonachea said.
Meet New Somerset Science Teacher, Ms. Casablanca
November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
By Kayla Cueto
Journalism Class Reporter
New Somerset Panther tea
cher Alysha Casablanca describes herself as an energetic person. If Ms. Casablanca was compared to an animal she said she would be a “dolphin because they are playful, smarter than they look and they love the water.”
She takes that energy to the classroom by using interactive games and having a fun environment when she teaches Earth and Space Science, Biology,and Anatomy and Physiology to high school students. She plays the Animal Cell Game with her biology students.
“It is a fun way to review and learn about the functions and parts of an animal cell. I got a lot of positive responses about the game from my students and they were very competitive while playing,” explained Ms.Casablanca.
“The animal cell game was a crossword puzzle competition between two teams on each side of the room. The game helped me understand the animal cell better,” said Thalia Garcia a student Ms. Casablanca. Ms. Casblanca is teaching biology students about the history of a cell and how microscopes aid in the history of biology.
But school is not all fun and games for Ms.Casablanca. Some challenges she faces are classroom management, time managing, lesson plans, and meeting all the needs of her diverse learners.
“My favorite grade to teach is the 11th- and 12th-graders. I feel like it’s more of a responsibility to lead them to the right direction. I get to leave a last impression before they go to collage and start setting goals for their careers,” said Ms. Casablanca.
A quote Ms. Casablanca used when she was in high school was “fail to plan, plan to fail.”
“It made me realize you have to have good organization skills and time management in order to accomplish goals that may seem far from reach,” Ms.Casablanca said.
What got her interested in biology was that she was a pre-med student at Barry University. Ms. Casablanca also enjoys dissecting small insects and amphibians with her students in that subject.
Ms. Casablanca was introduced to Somerset Academy when she came across the school while researching job openings on the computer. She has been teaching for three years.
“I enjoy the family setting, support from employees, parent interaction, diversity, and the safeness and organization of this school,” Ms. Casablanca said.
“She is a outgoing, nice, funny, and talkative person,” said Thalia Garcia. “She let’s us talk and she gives alot of examples about the subject”. Ms. Mercier is another new panther here at Somerset.“ She is a very nice person and I think she is going to end up being great teacher at Somerset,” explained Ms. Mercier who teaches physical science, marine science, and earth science.
When Ms. Casablanca is not in school she said she “loves going to the movies, doing outdoor water activities, dancing to spanish music, and styling outfits for her friends”. Her favorite color is turquiose, and she enjoys eating asian food.
“ I like listening to the song “L.O.V.E.” by Frank Sinatra and watching the movie ‘The Color Purple,’” said Ms.Casablanca. Ms.Casablanca is from Brooklyn, New York and her background is Puertorican. She is excited about the new school year, and she insists on any students that seek advice to see her. “My main focus is for my students to succeed in and out of the classroom,” said Ms.Casablanca.
Mr. Fields Makes Math Fun
November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
By Ashton Bryan
Journalism Class Reporter
Journalism Class Reporter
New Somerset math teacher Mr.Fields says he is a “fun, loving teacher” and loves teaching kids.
Delano Winston Fields is from Kingston, Jamaica, and has been teaching since he was 19 years old. He counts tutoring while attending Florida Atlantic University. He said he became a teacher “coincidentally.” When he was a teacher’s aide, they asked him if he wanted to teach is own class he said yes, he loved being the center of attention, everyone listening to him. Mr. Fields taught at four different schools Math Unlimited and HolyChild Hood in Jamaica and Everglade’s high school and Palm Cove Elementary in Pembroke Pines. He says he is “loving Somerset Academy.”
He doesn’t have children of his own, but “It would be kind of hard to have children and be a teacher.” Sis favorite subject is not math, but biology.
The hardest part of his job is “keeping students on task,” and his favorite thing about teaching is when he sees his students understand their “awe” moment. He creates a fun, funny and comfortable environment for his students, and he tries to incorporate their interests such as fashion and music — things that are relevant.
“He creates a fun and active environment, I have learned so much and it is only the beginning of he year,” said eighth-grader Yasmeen Faine.
Technology In Education
November 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
By Camila Rivera and Brianna Murphy
Journalism Class Reporters
Tenth-grader Andrew Beltran uses the school’s computers every day for Cognitive Tutor. He says that he uses it at school because it helps him focus on what he’s learning in math. Beltran is one of 1,700 students in the school that use computers for work each day.
The school’s computer supervisor Ms. Prieto said, “Technology is fascinating. It allows me to reach out to students from afar, in one word ‘Innovative.’” Ms. Prieto said she thinks even though she loves technology there are also a few issues.
She said the computers or netbooks are outdated and their wireless lags. “It is critically important for the wireless connection to be stable and robust enough to support what our teachers/students/staff want to do in the classroom,” she says.
IT specialists Fabian Hernandez and Jeff Garcia said that sometimes the Internet goes down and that’s another problem with our school’s computers.
There are many purposes for the technology we use ever yday, for example many people use it for typing, cognitive tutor, research, online courses,and even checking grades.
You might think it is easier writing it down on paper but if you use the computers for projects or research it’s easier to get the information and then write it down.
We may need more technology, but with more technology comes more responsibility. Jeff Garcia and Fabian Hernandez said that “it’s a great idea to buy more technology because its more up to date.”
Mrs. Prieto thinks that “technology represents a major commitment in time and money. Buying new technology because you need the time and the money, for it is such an important step.
Club News
November 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
By Adrian Cadavid
Journalism Class Reporter
SAFE
If you are tired of seeing kids bullied, join the SAFE club. SAFE stands for Student Advocating For Equality. SAFE club was created by two students who were trying to find a difference. SAFE was known as the GSA or Gay-Straight Alliance.
“Everyone, even the coolest kid in school, at some point in their life feel that they don’t fit in,” Mr. Mireles said. If you are interested in joining, the club meets up every two weeks on Fridays in room 100 in building B.
Newspaper Club
The goal of Newspaper Club is to express the opinions of everyone as a whole, said Ms. Ridal, the club’s sponsor. “Students need a voice and this club shows that specific voice,” Ms. Ridal said. “All students are welcome,” eighth-grader Matthew Bonachea said. The club meets at 2:30 after school every Thursday in 319, Mr. Ricard’s room.
ONE Club
ONE Club is an organization that fights extreme poverty & preventable diseases, particularly in Africa. The club raises public awareness, promotes effective policies, and runs programs that are saving lives. “Sponsors of the club are extremely proud of board members,” said Claudia Papadopolo, the club’s sponsor. “The kids are wonderful & the members are awesome.” The club meets in room 410 or 411 in building F every other Monday.
Film Makers Club
The Film Makers Club, also known as film club, is for students who have a passion for film making. “There is a film club because I wanted to open film in Somerset. I wanted to open the beauty of it,” says Albert Tong, the president of the club.
In film club, they throw out ideas and they make them come to life. The club enters video contests to help Somerset as a whole. The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday in room 312. For more information, contact Coach Parker, the club’s sponsor.
Chess Club
The Chess Club is where students meet regularly to play chess. “I think it is a wonderful idea and feel that there are a lot of benefits for students who learn how to play chess, however, it was really an idea created by a core group of students. I don’t even know how to play chess very well myself. I am just facilitating their grand plan. Their dedication and interest is what propels me,” said Ms. Sakay, the club’s sponsor.
The group gathers weekly in the Media Center to play chess. The first 15 minutes is used to review “club business” and the rest of the time is used to participate in chess matches against one another. We plan on securing an experienced chess coach, participating in some local tournaments, and possibly hosting a tournament on campus. The Chess Club meets from 2:45 to 3:45 every Wednesday in the Media Center.
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