yonkers public schools june 8, 2018 tiger talk...armaan khan, joseph kocaj, anjali maldonado,...

8th Grade Student Jaden Halevi Represents Kahlil Gibran at Annual Oratorical Contest

On Wednesday, May 23, Jaden Halevi competed against 20+ other middle school students from around Yonkers in the annual Oratorical Contest at Yonkers Middle/High School. The contest challenges students to deliver Abraham Lincoln's iconic "Gettysburg Address", and to demonstrate excellence in the following categories: presentation, accuracy, and style. Jaden prepared in the time leading up to the event by... (continued on pg. 6)

Gibran students inducted into the NEHS & NJHS! (5) ________________

Letter from the Editor:

Gender Roles in society & schools

(pg. 4) ________________

Volleyball & Softball seasons

heat up at Gibran! (pg. 6)

KAHLIL GIBRAN CORNER

Lessons from our school’s namesake! (pg. 5)

1PRINCIPAL'S

MESSAGE Principal White shares an end-of-year message! (7)

2GRADE LEVEL

FEATURES Fifth Grade Poll

Results! (2/3)

3

YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS JUNE 8, 2018

Tiger Talk Kahlil Gibran School’s Official School Newspaper

5th Grade Poll Results: The fifth grade students collaborated to come up with survey topics for each grade level. They then went to each class and conducted the surveys and evaluated the data. The results are as follows:

Kindergarten

Question: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate 18

Mint Chocolate Chip 8

Vanilla 8

Birthday Cake 6

Strawberry 4

First Grade

Question: What is your favorite thing to do at the beach?

Eat ice cream 21

Collect Seashells 14

Build a sandcastle 6

Surf 6

Play football in the water 3

Second Grade

Question: What is your favorite summer activity?

Go on vacation with your family 27

Go to the waterpark 11

Play sports 8

Go to the beach 6

Hang out with friends 2

Go to the pool 1

Third Grade

Question: What different foods would you like to see served in the cafeteria?

Ice cream 35

Fruit salad 5

Cheeseburger 2

Lemonade 2

Fried chicken 1

Fourth Grade

Question: What is your favorite way to cool off?

Ice cream 4

Cold beverage 3

Go to the pool 34

Go into the AC 3

Go to the waterpark 3

Fifth grade

Question: What is your favorite thing to do at the waterpark?

Go on the waterslide 34

Swim 11

Play catch 6

What was your favorite thing about the 2017-18 school year?

Our fifth graders wondered about this so they became roving reporters. They interviewed students from different classes and asked that question. Here are some of their responses.

Lamar Alsaidi said, “We have fun and parties.” K-Mangan

Georeliz Nunez expressed, “We made learning fun like playing Sparkle, the map game or doing projects!"

TIGER TALK - KAHLIL GIBRAN SCHOOL JUNE 8, 2018 - PAGE 2

Keziah Thompson responded, “My favorite thing about 2nd grade was when we ate KFC.” 2P

Andre Santos told us, “Doing math and art are my favorite things.” 3Sa

Allison Calbert said, “My favorite thing was Fun Friday.” 1T

Braydon Giordano responded, “Playing sports like track was my favorite thing.” 2C

Sofia Dereaux said, “I like to learn about science.” KMan

Jayden Gilsenan told us, “Doing art and coloring are my favorites.” 3Sa

Teyo Kio Amieyofori said, “Our trip to the Liberty Science Center.” 1K

Emily Yassa said, “I like free time.” KMar

Zyara Carver told us, “Meeting Mrs. Ackerman and art are my favorites.” 5A

Gemma Wilder said, “My favorite part was the birthday parties.” 1T

Ella Callaghan responded, “We celebrate our birthdays in class.” KMan

Gianna Gjonaj told us, “Mrs Shaggura’s chart with hearts and whoever had the most won a pizza party was my favorite.” 3Sh

Mehek Khan said, “We had parties.” 2Perez

Yael Torres said, “Playing Dodgeball is great.” 5A

Kaylee said, “We have snack time in class.” KMan

Arianna Nonis told us, “I like doing free time.” KMar

Pierce Coffey told us, “Playing dodgeball was my favorite thing.” 5F

Brianna Miley said, “Art and Ms. Castellani are my favorite things.” 2C

Conor Corr said, ”Fun Friday, gym, playing baseball and art are my favorites.” 3Sa

Joseph Rodriguez responded, “I liked playing with my friends outside on the lower field.” 1K

Mina Bakovic said, “Making dream catchers in art was my favorite.” 5A

Daniel Polanco-DeLosSantos told us, “My favorite part was gym.” 1T

Kamal Abuali expressed, “Playing a lot of dodgeball was the best.” 5F

Daniel Jacob said, “I like playing at gym and recess.” KMar

Lamees Aljamal expressed, “My favorite was our dinosaur project.” 3Sh

Exau Eulogio told us, “Playing gym was my favorite.” 2C

Chloe Moreno said, “I liked celebrating Thanksgiving and eating KFC with my classmates.” 1K

Tasneem Nofal said, "We got to do our dream house.” 3Sh

Theodore Argyris told us, “Learning everything was my favorite.” 2P

Saad Khan expressed, “I like doing work and playing at recess and gym.” KMar

Kaitlyn Vazquez said, “We had competitions.” 3Sa

Alexi Vega told us, “I liked having a pizza party.” 1K

Josslyn Garcia said, "The learning experience was fun.” 5F

Juan Garcia responded, “We made thank you notes.” 3Sh

Ava Yacovone expressed, “My favorite thing was making new friends and meeting Ms. Castellani.” 2C

Xavier Otero said, “Making new friends was my favorite thing.” 2P

Elyssa Bailey responded, ”My favorite part was going on the Circle Line.” 5A

TIGER TALK - KAHLIL GIBRAN SCHOOL JUNE 8, 2018 - PAGE 3

A Letter from the Student Editor: By Mia Fraitag

How Can You Make a Difference?

Let's think about sports, education, and professions. How have they changed over the years? The story behind the change I intend to point out is: who's doing these things. The answer is: women. Women have finally taken their rightful place in society, but there is still more work to do.

Let's begin with how things used to be in earlier forms of America. In the 1800's, women were usually at home doing all of the house work while the men did all the "important" work such as farming, working in factories, and fighting in war. Women would do the cooking, cleaning, and watching over the kids. As an exception, before the 1800's, during the battle of Monmouth in 1778, a 24-year-old woman named Molly Pitcher, helped load cannons on the battlefield after her husband had fallen. During the American Revolution, women would usually cook and care for the soldiers.

Moving on to the early 1900's, women became even more involved in politics. Women's suffrage became a major topic. On August 18th, 1920, the 19th amendment was passed. After that, women were granted new jobs such as teaching, becoming

doctors, and working as domestic servants. One of the most famous women's rights activists was Susan B. Anthony. She, along with other women, helped gain women the rights that they have today. During the mid 1900's, the most popular job for women was working as a secretary. There was also a poster made during the mid 1900's that became one of the most popular posters during world war II. It featured a strong woman named "Rosie The Riveter" flexing her muscles, with the subtitle "We Can Do It!". This became a symbol of women's strength that is still popular today. (see below)

Then we reach the 1980's to the present. Things have changed drastically. Women have their own sports leagues, and in some cases, play on the same teams that males do! Women have also become equally educated, giving them new opportunities that were never thought of by earlier generations. Women are still changing the world one generation at a time - but there is more work to do! Do what you can, every day, to work toward equality for all!

TIGER TALK - KAHLIL GIBRAN SCHOOL JUNE 8, 2018- PAGE 4

Kahlil Gibran Corner: Each issue, we here at Tiger Talk would like to challenge students to think in the way that our school’s namesake, Kahlil Gibran, did. Gibran is known for his thoughtful teachings that can help people to improve their daily lives by changing their perspective on the things they experience.

In the quote above, Gibran seems to be trying to communicate the importance in experiencing and appreciating all the beauty that nature has to offer. As we prepare to depart from school for the summer, this idea can help us to be sure to get the most out of our time for the next two months. While the temptation to stay indoors and be pampered by air conditioning and technology may be strong for many, the true reward of a long and hard year of work is the ability to spend time with our friends and loved ones and to get outside and experience our world. Visit parks, play outdoors, take walks with friends, and try to live by Gibran's words: feel the grass at your feet and the wind in your hair!

National Honor Societies:

We are excited to offer the opportunity to students at Kahlil Gibran School to be inducted into our chapter of both The National Elementary Honor Society and The National Junior Honor Society! The NEHS and NJHS are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding elementary and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NEHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

To be considered for the NEHS, students must: 1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 2. Demonstrate exceptional responsibility. 3. Demonstrate a dedication to service. 4. Exhibit leadership qualities.

To be considered for the NJHS, students must: 1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 92% out of 100% 2. Demonstrate exceptional behavior and self-control.

No student who is suspended or otherwise given a serious disciplinary action may be considered.

3. Complete pre-designated volunteer hours to demonstrate their commitment to their community.

4. Exhibit leadership qualities in and out of the classroom.

Inductees into the NEHS are: Michael Guachun, Noella Flores, Ditlum Bajrami, Jonathan Lojano, Pierce Coffey, Tristan Cinguina, Alyssa Weeks, Michael Valez, Mina Bakovic, Karina Flores, Naydeen Alsaidi, Wilenny Raguillo, Tavajay Joseph, Nazahra Bano, Heidy Carpio, Justin Pijuan, Dennis Ortiz, Tyler Colon, Aethan Londo, Layla Sehili-Moran, Elysia Real, Elijah Clark, Ornan Pena-Castillo, Omar Abuali, Demetra Argyris, Mehreen Butt, Aaron Canlas, Rendon Gecaj, Gianna Grayson, Armaan Khan, Joseph Kocaj, Anjali Maldonado, Michael Musharbash, Felipe Person, Christina Richards, Nicolas Salzarulo, Kaela Sanchez, Lois Twieku and Jospeh Whelan. Congratulations!

Inductees into the NJHS are: Angelina Mathew, Tamil Naughton, Harry O'Keefe, Yasmine Aldasooky, Robert Coon, Joseph Di Martino, Jaden Halevi, Gabriel Haynes, Renee Jones, Alexander Marini and Ali Thabet. Congratulations!


Field Day 2018: The coming of Gibran's annual Field Day is always a sign that the school year is coming to a close, but a friendly reminder to get outside and interact with your friends while enjoying all that nature has to offer!

This year, Field Day was originally scheduled for Friday, May 18, but due to inclement weather (something we've experienced plenty of this school year!) the date had to be rescheduled to the following Friday, May 25.

That hiccup aside, Field Day went off without a hitch and was the celebration that we hope for it to be every year. Thanks to the PTA for hosting this event and making sure that all of our students, from Pre-K through 8 stayed hydrated and had a great time!

Volleyball and Softball: As we come to the end of another school year, Kahlil Gibran students continue to find success yet again in intramural sports! Thus far, Gibran student-athletes have performed at a phenomenal level: winning championships and exceeding the goals they set out for themselves in previous years.

Open to 7th and 8th grade students, our intramural sports offerings put students from our school up against their peers from across the other schools in the District in a variety of sports.

During the Spring, students participate in two programs: the intramural softball program and the new intramural volleyball program, too! The exciting new volleyball offering has brought more and more students to intramural sports and the team has thus far been met with great success! On Thursday, June 7, the girls' volleyball team participated in a tournament against teams from other Yonkers Public Schools at Roosevelt HS and they came out victorious, winning first place in the tournament! Furthermore, the softball team has been making strides of its own, this year being the first ever Gibran co-ed team, with several girls joining the boys this time around.

Mia Fraitag, Sarah Whelan, and Chandia Chansrisuriyawong all join the team and bring their skill to give Gibran the competitive edge.

Oratorical Contest:

(cont. from cover)... Jaden demonstrated, early on, an interest and dedication to preparing for the speech. Having gotten the memorization aspect of the job out of the way very early on, Jaden was able to focus on some of the more artful aspects of oration, and it showed. His delivery, informed by a deep understanding of the content of the speech, impressed the judges enough to earn him the fourth

place position in the middle-school division out of 21 contestants. He expertly spoke the 272-word, 10 sentence speech, pausing reflectively and placing emphasis on the aspects of the speech where it belonged.

Jaden did a fantastic job and made us all proud. Incoming 8th graders that are interested in representing our school at next year's contest should reach out to Mr. Di Monaco to express their interest!


A Message from the Principal: As I reflect on the past school year, I can't help but think, "Wow - what a great year!" I'm proud to say our learning community has truly demonstrated one of our school's mottos, which is "Collaborating for Success" through their involvement in school activities and community service. Projects such as the collection of money and non-perishables to help the victims of Puerto Rico & Florida due to the devastating hurricanes that affected them. Our school also collaborated by having a book drive to donate to shelters and food drives to help those in need.

Students, staff, and parents all came together and collaborated by raising money for Pancreatic Cancer patients, donating over $1,200! In addition, our learning community supported #YonkersStands by bringing together all students and staff to affirm school safety. Also, our upper grade students volunteered to read to the lower grade classes in an effort to help inspire our youngest learners and support another of our school's mottos: "Kids Who Read Succeed." We "Collaborated for Success" in intramural sports where our girls' basketball team came in 1st place for 2 consecutive years and the boys' team came in 2nd place. For the first time, Gibran established a Chess team, taking 3rd place in a city-wide tournament. Students "Collaborated for Success" in showing off their creativity. From across all grade levels students auditioned and pariciptated in our 5th

annual Talent Show, and we cannot forget the holiday and spring concerts, field trips, assembly programs, and more. Lastly, all of our students "Collaborated for Success" in academics. So many of our students demonstrated how hard work pays off by making the honor roll. Many of them achieved this distinction not just first marking period, but multiple!

Thanks to our PTSA and their collaboration for donating games across all grade levels for indoor recess, and for all the hard work they do with fundraising, organizing book fairs, providing guest speakers, sponsoring Halloween and Spring dances, picture day, field day, and the 8th grade moving up trips, just to name a few.

This year, so many of our students have made new friends and discovered hidden talents: they have learned so much more about their character, something of which they should be proud. I am so proud of all the accomplishments from this past school year and we would never have been able to see these successes and accomplishments without the "Collaboration" of our dedicated staff, amazing PTSA/Parent Volunteers and outstanding students.

Congratulations to all for another successful school year at Kahlil Gibran! Thank you for your collaboration in making Kahlil Gibran such a great school. Have a safe, wonderful and fun summer!


8th Grade Trip: On Wednesday, May 30, our 8th grade students took their annual end-of-year trip. This year, the students went to Holiday Hill in Prospect, Connecticut, and had a blast. Students had the chance to spend the day playing a variety of organized games, walking the huge facility, and eating an unlimited amount of tasty treats. It was a great opportunity for them to spend a day with their friends and make memories that will last long past the time they'll go their separate ways in a few weeks' time!

Regents Exams: Our 8th grade students, many of whom have been diligently working all year in high-school level courses, will be taking the NYS Regents Exams that these courses culminate in this June. Mrs. Farrell has been working tirelessly to prepare virtually all students in the 8th grade to take the Living Environment Regents exam, while Mr. Galland has focused on grooming a select group of students that will sit for the challenging Integrated Algebra Regents exam. The exams are set for June 12 (Algebra) and June 13 (Living Environment). The stakes are high, as students who pass the exams with satisfactory grades will earn high school credits and enter high school in September 2018 with

courses already completed. This will open them up to a variety of different opportunities that they will truly appreciate as they progress through their academic careers. Good luck to all!

5th Grade Spelling Bee: We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and express our pride in the accomplishments of Josslyn Garcia and Yael Torres, two of our 5th grade students! After being identified as the two students that would represent our school in the annual District-wide

Spelling Bee, Josslyn and Yael went to Saunders Trades and Technical High School to compete in the event on Monday, June 4. Both students had a strong showing and made Gibran proud! We look forward to next year's 5th grade Spelling Bee and to seeing what great things lie in the future for Josslyn and Yael!


PTA Corner: To Our Gibran Family,

The PTA Executive Board would like to wish you all a wonderful, healthy and safe summer. As another school year comes to an end, we would like to thank Ms. White, Dr. Pocas, Jessy and Kelly, Our Custodial Staff, our amazing teachers and aides. Thank you! You guys are the best!

More importantly we want to thank the students and their parents for supporting the PTA. We are strong because of you. This year we were able to build on our success. We owe that to our great members. We have begun planning for next school year and count on your support to make things happen.

To our 8th grade students, we wish you the best as you embark on your new journey. Always know that Gibran is HOME. It is here where you meet your first real friends, where you were able to spread your wings, where your hearts and mind embraced classmates from different countries and faith. This graduating class is special for it is the first class to consistently have 40 students every marking period on honor roll since the third grade. It is the first class to help and create a student run talent show (thanks to Mr. Figueroa). It is also the class along with the help of this year 7th graders who won two basketball championships consecutively .This graduating class diversity has set the trend of how we should embrace, learn and respect each other. I will personally miss you all. Stay true to yourself. Dream big and work hard. Never give up.

Enjoy your summer,

Nidia Espaillat, Vice President Gibran PTA

Avoiding Summer Slip: The “Summer Slip” is a real phenomenon that has been studied extensively and must be considered. Students that attend a 10-month school program, enjoying a two-month break in the summer, often lose some of their valuable acquired knowledge over the course of these two months of academic absence. This puts students and teachers alike at a disadvantage upon returning to the classroom in September, where valuable academic time has to be used to remediate lost knowledge rather than digging into brand new, enriching material.

There are a variety of ways that this can be dealt with – and it is important to deal with it proactively rather than reactively.

There are many tools that can be used to negate the effects of two months off – ranging from a good, old-fashioned book to a host of enticing new digital platforms where students can explore knowledge from the comfort of their own homes. Some tools even allow students to collaborate with one another, creating an entirely new learning experience that may even extend beyond what a teacher is able to do in the classroom. Tools like Kahn Academy, Study Island, Edmodo, Duolingo and many more are available to students free-of-charge through District initiatives and should be taken advantage of by those who are able to. For more information, stop by room 20 to discuss with Mr. Di Monaco!


yonkers public schools june 8, 2018 tiger talk...armaan khan, joseph kocaj, anjali maldonado,...

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