Williamstown High SchoolOctober 2016 Issue

Just because you forgot to get a costume doesn’t mean you can’t look amazing for Halloween. Last minute doesn’t have to be boring. We’ve come up with these super easy last minute do-it-yourself costumes that are sure to impress. Ditch those eyeliner cat whiskers for some of these cool DIY costume ideas!

Tacky TouristThis costume is probably the easiest of them all. Take or buy a Hawaiian shirt, strap on a fanny pack, put on some cool sunglasses and BAM! you’re a tacky tourist! This costume is funny and quick if you’re invited to a last minute party or if you just don’t want to waste any money.

SkeletonGot any old shirts lying around? Cut up a black t-shirt and layer it over a plain white one to get a super quick skeleton outfit. To add to it, get some black eyeliner and paint on a skull to really complete the look. Tutorials on-line are the best way to perfect the technique. MimeThis next costume uses items you probably have in your house. Grab and black and white striped shirt, some red lipstick, and a black hat and you’re instantly trans-formed into a mime. Learn how to stay in an invisible box and you’ve got yourself a fun party trick as well! This costume shouldn’t cost you anything and it’s super cute. Stranger ThingsWant a group costume? This year gather up some friends and go back in time to the 80s. A Stranger Things group cos-

tume will be the talk of the party and would make a

great Instagram post. Starting with Eleven, find a pink dress or a long pink shirt and a blond wig. For extra detail add a fake nose bleed and a box of Eggo Waffles. Any police costume, or tan shirt will be perfect for Sheriff Jim Hopper. The monster is a little tricky, but get creative with some cardboard cutouts and spray paint and have the scariest costume of the year.

Finally, we couldn’t forget to include Barb. A patterned, puffy button down, a curly orange wig, and some big glasses

and you’ll do justice. If you want you can even wear a patterned shirt and some Christmas lights and try and talk to Will!

Last Minute DIY Halloween Costumes by Kyle Latimer

2 Surviving College Applications3 Clubs

4 WHS Celebs/Books5 Music6 Fashion/Comic Strip

7 Fall Play8 Horoscopes Students of the Month

INSIDE

CLASSROOM news

How to Survive the COLLEGE APPLICATION Process... Without Losing Your Mind by Grace Chen and Louisa Waife

For those of you seniors applying early decision to any colleges or universities, this article might be a bit late considering the deadline is November 1st. However, for everyone else applying regular deci-sion, here’s a breakdown of the college applications to make the whole thing a bit easier and less stressful.

Step 1: Select your SchoolsYes, schools. Unless you’re planning on doing the STARS program at RCGC (more on that in a later article), applying to multiple schools is probably a good idea, considering that rejection is a possibility. College applicants usually divide their schools into three categories: safety, match, and reach. Safety schools are the ones you’ll definitely get into, match schools are the one’s that you’ll proba-bly get into, and reach schools, well... are a reach.

Don’t know where to start? You’re not the only one. Collegeboard has a convenient college search available on bigfuture.com that is very helpful. Sift through the mess of flyers and letters that colleges have been bombarding your mailbox with. Sign up for a few of the college meetings held at our school (just log into Naviance!). When you have time outside of school, take the time to visit some colleges.

Step 2: Complete the Common App Most colleges accept applications through the Common Application (avail-able on commonapp.org). Just sign up and begin your journey! Be wary of the required personal essay; the Common App caps you at 650 words (which is kind of a good thing to be honest).

Step 3: Secure RecommendationsMost schools require at least 2 rec-ommendations: 1 from your guidance counselor and 1 from a teacher that liked you. Before asking for a recom-mendation, fill out your brag sheet on Naviance. Be wary of Naviance, because if you take longer than an hour it doesn’t save. I experienced the pain of filling the entire brag sheet out and it not saving firsthand, so make sure you periodically save it. Remember that once you submit your brag sheet, you cannot go back and edit.

Step 4: Take the SATs (again)Hopefully this won’t be your first time. The last time for us seniors to take the SATs is November 2nd, you can still sign up (with a late fee) on Collegeboard.

Step 5: Apply for Financial AidFill out FAFSA. FAFSA refers to financial aid for colleges, and this application can help you find a way to pay for college. The FAFSA is a FREE form. There are handful of websites that try and charge you to fill it out. Don’t get scammed.

Step 6: Wait for things to happenYou did all of your work, so now what? Wait for the response letters. Some may be acceptance letters, and other rejection letters. Don’t be upset if one school does not want to take you. You may end up enjoying where you go, or possibly transfer to that dream school in the future.

2

CLUBS what's goin on?Think you've got what it takes to be in Newspaper Club? We are

always looking for creative people with new ideas and talents. If

you're looking for a great club to join this year, consider Newspaper

Club! Talk to Ms. Ferranto or Mr. Longo if you're interested!

REQUIREMENTS: · Be creative and want to show your talent

· Have ideas to help, educate and to entertain our school

· Be able to work as a team: Have your own opinions and voice them

BENEFITS:· Get involved with the school

· Showcase your artistic talents

· Get a taste for journalism and writing

· Learn how to write for a target audience

· Learn how to be a reporter and how to interview

· Be in a club that will look good on applications

· Help those who are going into a writing field

· Build up points for prizes (gift cards, food, etc.)

Positions available

immediately.

Join today!

It's never to late to join a club or activity. Clubs are always welcoming new members. Check out all of the offerings below and listen for meeting schedules and events on the morning announcements.

Academic Banquet - Ms. ZimmermanAcademic Breakfast/Student of the Month -Mrs. Czbas/Ms. NolenAfrican-American Cultural Society - Mr. ReddenAsian Club - Mrs. Carpenter/Mr. RueBand - Mr. FantazziChess Club - Mr. JengehinoChoir - Mrs. BotbylColor Guard *Computer Club - Mr. WeikelDance Club - Mrs. ShoemakerD.E.C.A. Club - Mrs. LaPalomentoDrama Club - Ms. KrapevkaEngineering Academy Club - Mr. KurczeskiFellowship of Christian Athletes - Mr. FischerFilm Club *Foreign Language Club - Ms. QuinonesFriends of OTP - Ms. ZentzFuture Teachers of America - Mrs. Boyce/Mrs. Ferraro

Guitar Club - Mr. LongoHealth Careers Club - Ms. GrahamInteract Club - Ms. MullenIrish Culture Club - Mrs. Laxton/Mrs. SpitalieriItalian-American Club - Mr. DiCristofaroJournalism/Photography Club - Mr. DeAngelisLGBT+ Alliance Club - Ms. Peterson/Ms. DuskeeMock Trial Club - Mrs. Angelozzi-Gazo/Mr. SpamanNational Honor Society - Mr. LaPalomentoNewspaper Club - Ms. Ferranto/Mr. LongoPeer Mediation - Mrs. Gaudio/Mr. KellyPoetry Club - Mr. BelluscioR.E.B.E.L. Club - Mr. LaPalomentoRenaissance Program - Mrs. GaudioR.O.C.K. Club - Mrs. AlfaranoS.A.D.D. Club - Mrs. GaudioS.A.L.S.A. Club - Mrs. Illa-Rojas/Ms. Lopez-MayaS.A.V.E. Club - Mrs. DavisScience Club - Mrs. Davis

Spanish National Honor Society *Stage Crew - Mr. Meeks/Mr. MatrangaSteppers with Style *Student Council - Mr. ZaneStudent Athletic Training Club - - Ms. Ickenroth/Mr. LeeS.U.R.E. Club - Mrs. Carpenter/Mrs. GaudioTechnology Student Association - Mr. KurczeskiTri - M Music Honor Society * TV Club - Mr. MeeksVariety Show - Mr. ZaneVarsity Club - Ms. Dilmore/Ms. Peterson Williamstown High School Gospel Choir * Yearbook Club - Ms. FerrantoClass of 2017 - Ms. Borucki/Mrs. SladeClass of 2018 - Mr. Carullo/Mrs. CarulloClass of 2019 - Mr. Redden/Ms. ZimmermanClass of 2020 - Mr. Carl/Mr. Fau

3

by Stephanie Boateng and Kyle Latimer

REAL-LIFE SUPERGIRLJunior, Natalie Donisi is a real-life supergirl. She is currently featured in two plays; "Twelfth Night," here at the high school (November 3rd- 5th at 7pm), and "Mary Poppins" at the Grand Theatre on Main Street (December 8th-10th at 7pm).

Natalie is no stranger to the stage. She has been dancing for 13 years and performing in shows since she was in 5th grade. Natalie also teaches a dance class to special needs kids. When she’s not on stage, you could find her at Dairy Fresh, where she works, or fulfilling her executive positions as Vice President of the Class of 2018 and Secretary of the Drama Club. Natalie participated in DECA for the first time last year and with the help of her partner, Lindsey Sowers, they made it all the way to Nationals in Nash-ville, Tennessee. This year she will continue with DECA and there is no doubt that she will blow the judges away once again. She does all of this and still is able to maintain the #2 spot in her class rankings. We know what you’re thinking: why can’t we all be a Natalie Donisi?

Interviewer: What inspires you to do so much inside and outside of school? Natalie: I like to keep busy and I have fun with everything that I do. If I didn’t have fun in all of my other activities, I definitely would not be doing this much.

Interviewer: What are your favorite activities that you do? Natalie: Well, I love Drama because that’s where I really started everything, DECA is a whole new experience that showed me what I wanted to do in the future, and I love working on Senate stuff because our class is so unified and its cool seeing everyone work together.

Interviewer: How do you keep organized and sane? Natalie: I don’t. I take things day by day because when I try to plan too far ahead, in advance, I stress myself out more.

Interviewer: Where do you want to go after high school? Natalie: I plan to go to a four year college and double major or major and minor in business and theatre. Then I want to get my MBA, probably with a marketing concentration.

whs celebs

4

ENTERTAINMENTbooks

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is about sixteen-year-old Jacob Portman as he struggles to understand his grandfather’s past. Jacob’s grandfather had been telling him fantastical stories of his time in a children’s home, during World War 2, since Jacob was seven-years-old. Grandpa Portman, as Jacob called him, would tell tales of levitating girls and invisible boys that resided in the children’s home. While Jacob

wholeheartedly believes these stories when he is a young child, the stories seem to be too implausible as he grows older. However, after the death of his grandfather, Jacob feels that he must go to the island that the children’s home was located on to find answers about what happened during his grandfa-ther’s time in the children’s home, for Jacob’s sanity, and possibly his safety.

One of my favorite things about this novel was the photography laced in with the story. Whenever a “peculiar child” is intro-duced, a photograph of them will follow shortly after. One of my favorite things about this was that all of the photos were real, and not edited at all. Ransom Riggs just found all of the images used in the novel and made a story out of them. I also enjoyed the way the story was written. The whole narrative flowed well and the mysterious elements about Grandpa Portman’s past were intriguing and unpredictable. However, many of the characters could be quite irritating or were pointless, specifically almost everyone Jacob meets before getting to the island. Many of his family members are insuffer-able, as they are written as nothing but rich and snooty. Overall, the novel is worth reading. It is well written, intriguing and the photographs make the story seem more realistic, in a strange way.

by Abigail Twiford

by Stephanie Boateng

NEW MUSIC TO LISTEN TO

ALBUMS:22, A Million – Bon Iver

A Seat at the Table – Solange

Oh My My – One Republic

Day Breaks – Norah Jones

Green Day – Revolution Radio

Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight – Travis Scott

Sit Still Look Pretty – Daya

Illuminate – Shawn Mendes

TRACKS:"24k Magic" – Bruno Mars

"The Greatest" – Sia ft. Kendrick Lamar

"This Town" – Niall Horan

"Thick of It" – Mary J. Blige

"Caroline" – Amine

"Trust Nobody" – Cashmere Cat ft. Selena Gomez & Tory Lanez

"Cool Girl" – Tove Lo

ALBUMS TO LOOK

OUT FOR:Starboy – The Weeknd

Joanne – Lady Gaga

Lady Wood – Tove Lo

Two Vines – Empire of the Sun

Here – Alicia Keys

by Natalie Doggett

SCHOOLING WITH SOLANGE: A SEAT AT THE TABLE REVIEW

On September 30, 2016, Solange Knowles graced the digital world with her newest project, A Seat at the Table. A Seat at the Table emulates Knowles’ self-affirmation and pride of her blackness in the face of adversity.

The title, for one, is a denotation to black history. “The table” is representative of the dinner tables which black people (slaves, housemaids, and free citizens alike) were denied seating of in white households during times of slavery and legal segregation. Solange extends an offering at a self-created “table” to marginal-ized, specifically black people, to seat themselves at and relinquish in communion.

The minimalist visual album features twenty-one tracks, including interludes of short interviews, all of which individually contribute to Knowles’ larger perspective on the current state of black politics. There is a unique juxtaposition that is consistent throughout the tracks: the musicality and tone of Knowles’ voice are hushed and soulful, though the lyrics’ underlying messages address radical issues such as police brutality, the bodily autonomy of the black woman, and the stimulations of racial segregation and discrimination.

There are two songs on the album in particular that I have yet to stop replaying: “Don’t Touch My Hair” and “Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)”.

“Don’t Touch My Hair” confronts the harmful subliminal messages that select black women internalize in response to being asked by randoms to touch their hair (in the catchiest, smoothest way possible). Borderline addresses the necessity of self-love and care in times of despair.

music

5

6

== Comic Strip ==HALLOWEEN by Raven Castiglione

ENTERTAINMENTfashion

DENIMThe fall season brings with it colder air and a need for change in wardrobe. The American classic, denim, is the best choice to add warmth and style to your look, and this season, it gets an update. Denim doesn’t have to be just a boring pair of Levis. Flared, embroidered, or patched, denim can be enhanced and custom-ized to your style. One of the biggest trends in the past few seasons has been the renewal of 70s fashion.

Bellbottoms are back in the form of the “mom jean” look. This style embraces our inner, mini-van driving, PTA leading, soccer mom aesthetic. We have seen these flare jeans in the most popular fast fashion clothing stores like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and H&M. WHS Junior Alexis Sherlock has been showing off her flares all season! We asked her a few questions on her style and her taste in fashion.

Interviewer: Where do you get inspiration for your outfits? Alexis: I live for the 90’s and the 70’s eras, so it’s those time periods that speak to me and I love everything about them.

Interviewer: Have you gotten any negative comments about your flare jeans? (they’re what we love!)

Alexis: Everyone questions why I wear them but I love for the bell bottoms so I don’t care what they say about them.

The clothes you wear are an extension of your personality. We love to see how others are styling their newest pieces and making their outfits unique.The renewal of past trends is a constant ongoing cycle in fashion and we are always excited to see what the next hottest trend will be. Until then, sport those flared jeans and channel your inner soccer mom.

by Grace Chen and Kyle Latimer

Above: Alexis wearing her favorite flare jeans.

by Raven Castiglione

12 7

Didn’t get your own copy of Smoke Signals? Get it on the school website!8

CAPRICORNDec. 22–Jan. 19You will face a very tough time this month in your professional life. Earnings

and prosperity will be phenomenal.

SAGITTARIUSNov. 23–Dec. 21This month is not your month for jobs. It will

also be difficult to make money. Widen your social circle and the rest will follow!

SCORPIOOct. 23–Nov. 22The time is auspicious for religious and spiritual development. Love will

be blissful. Make amends if you're at odds with anyone, complete your to-do list before taking on new projects, and focus more on your inner world than your outer reality.

LIBRASept. 23–Oct. 22You will have a busy ca-reer. All the obstructions

and challenges in your life are blown away. The world, at last, is your oyster.

VIRGOAug. 23–Sept. 22Your spiritual life will be influenced this month. Money will flow in from

unexpected quarters. You need to be emotionally stable in order to achieve your objectives and goals.

LEOJuly 23–Aug. 22Changes in business and career can be expected.

Earnings and accumulation of wealth will be slow. You're bubbling over with ideas and projects. Some of those bril-liant sparks could turn into pure gold. Don't dismiss your brainstorms as mere flights of fancy.

CANCERJune 21–July 22Career issues need to be set aside and domestic

concerns should be addressed fully this month. Take things at a slow and nur-turing pace. Do some decorating, start holiday plans with family, or just spend time with supportive people who don't need you to be "on" all the time.

GEMINIMay 21–June 20Your academic career and creativity will be influ-enced this month. You're

feeling feisty and flirtatious—and you're a live comedy act on two legs. Your heart is proudly on your sleeve now, so don't even bother trying to hide how you feel.

TAURUSApr. 21–May 20Job changes for you are positive this month. You need to start investing

right away if you want to make your future secure.

ARIESMar. 21–Apr. 20Career development for you depends on your social connections. Pay

off all your loans and save for the rainy day. It's time to reconsider your fiercely independent spirit, The next year is a golden era for teaming up with people whose ideas and skills complement yours.

PISCESFeb. 20–Mar. 20Narrow your focus. Personal ties and a new

attraction could consume you, and you could be processing some heavy-duty emotions. Maybe it's a project that absorbs your time. Whatever the case, don't forget about the rest of the world.

AQUARIUSJan. 20–Feb. 19You will feel religiously inclined this month. Money will not be a problem at all. You'll feel

like a free-spirit this month. Enjoy the time off.

NEWSPAPER STAFFStephanie BoatengRaven Castiglione

Grace ChenKelsey Dixon

Natalie DoggettMicah Jackson

Maya JonesKyle Latimer

Alex MoralesMegan Myles

Tatianna ToussaintAbigail Twiford

Rasaaq ShittuSydney UtseyLouisa Waife

Ms. Ferranto ~ Advisor/Designer • Mr. Longo ~ Advisor/Editor

horoscopesby Megan Myles

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

students monthof the

FRESHMANAaron Lewis

Alicia Weddington

SOPHOMORESTimothy McBride

Taylor Redner-Marshall

JUNIORSBlake EdwardsJessica Newell

SENIORSJake Chamberlin

Samantha MulloySeptember