As citizens of New York City, you might be wondering why people were Occupying Wall Street in Zuccotti Park, and how this could affect me now and in the future? With the help of Miss M. – one of our resident student teachers-- The Vine landed an exclusive and candid interview with one of the coordinators of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. The following is a transcript of that interview: What is your name and what role do you play in the Occupy Wall Street movement? -My name is Kobi Skolnick and I am working, for the most part, with three working groups: public relations, facilitation and movement building. Can you define for us what the movement represents and why did you get involved? -OWS is a people-powered movement. It represents the awakening of people who decided to say NO MORE and take action. We want to put the light on social and economic injustices. We are fighting back against the corrosive power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process. There is no real democracy when most of people in government do

Occupy Wall Street: An Insider’s Perspective by Kadeem Dontfraid

Marta Valle High School Newsletter

The Vine NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 VOLUME 2,

Inside this issue: 

Feature 1

In the News 2

Poetry Corner 2

Dear The Vine, 3

In the News 3

Fashion 4

Horoscopes/Fun Facts 4

Tamika Matheson, Acting Superintendent Sumita Kaufhold, Network Leader Mimi Fortunato, Principal Afifa Khanam, Assistant Principal Joseph Springer. Assistant Principal

not listen to the people and only to people with money. Politicians receive millions of dollars for elections campaigns from corporations and at the same time the average person cannot have his or her voice fully heard. We aim to empower people to take meaningful action to shape our future. I’m personally involved because of my values and principles that I hold with care; such as fairness, equality and moral obligations to be on the side of the people when power has been taken from them. For me it is struggle for the soul of humanity. What caused the movement to start now and not one, two or three years ago? -A few reasons: It does take time to organize well and of course the uprisings in Middle East inspired us to act. In addition, as hundreds of thousands of families lost their houses and banks and the government didn’t do much to help, this created outrage that fueled the need to say enough is enough. In particular, the fact that banks received money [from the government] when they needed it [from our taxes], but when a family desires to stay in their home, suddenly there is not enough money to save their house. What is the message of the movement? -Humans should be before profit, money out of politics. End the wars, environment before money, affordable education to everyone and in general life before money! What are some of the common goals/sentiments that keep all participants of the movement united? -The above and the way our process works. Everyone has a voice as we use horizontal, autonomous, leaderless, modified-consensus-based systems so everyone can contribute in different ways. This helps people to recognize that they are part of a community. As a result, it gives us time to listen and reflect interests and needs before choosing strategies or solutions. In addition, there is a space to transform judgment into awareness and understanding before coming to conclusion on what someone else just said. Moreover, by being attentive to others, and ourselves each participant in the movement can take the lead in creating a dynamic learning community. We are consciously co-creating a learning community through this process and people love to be part of it! Why should young people get involved? -Simply put, because it is your future and the future of your families and our beautiful planet.

What would bring an end to the movement? Is there an end to the movement? -There is no end to this social movement because there is a need to have an active civil society that makes sure that democracy, equality and human rights are respected. We need to engage in order to create the world we want to live in. It is like air and food. It’s part of daily life and without it, human lives cannot thrive fully. How can young people like myself get involved (outside of the protests downtown)? -As a movement, we advocate for all voices to be heard and understood as we aim to create a culture of shared power and inclusion. Young people are the most important voices because it is their future! We hope that young people would contribute to unleash their passion to create a more desirable future. What can you do? -Get informed, speak up and connect with others. Find your own creative expression and wisdom to let your voice be heard. Where can young people go to gain information about the causes of the movement and its upcoming marches/protests? -[Check out] Nycga.net and

occupywallst.org

The rate of runaway children has been growing rapidly across America. Children who run away from home are typically fueled by an overload of depression, anxiety, and a sense of loneliness and deep alienation from anyone or anything. According to the “National Center for Missing and Exploited Children”, kids who runaway frequently have been abused at home. Four out of every ten runaway children leave home at least three times. There is a difference between episodic runaways and chronic runaways. When the child runs away after something has happened, it can be viewed as episodic running away. It's also not something they use to gain power. Rather, they might be trying to avoid some consequence, humiliation or embarrassment. Chronic runaway children are kids who threaten to

run away. They are using it for power. This not only gives them power over themselves, but power over their parents and their families as well. Unfortunately, there are no real hard-and-fast signs that indicate that a child is about to run away. Things like secretive behavior, the hoarding of money, and things of value disappearing around the house may indicate that the child is planning to run away from home. If you have a friend who has run away and is looking for help call 1-800-RUNAWAY. Call if you are a teacher looking for information to pass along to your students about alternatives to running from home. Sources:

National Runaway Switchboard (http://www.1800runaway.org/)

www.runawaychild.com

Chase the sun before it sets: Alas, there is no time to rest.

Raze your mind of any doubts. Purge yourself of all regrets.

Even though you seek reprieve, Don’t believe time’s guaranteed.

Instill the thought into your mind, to Enjoy each moment of your life.

Mark my words and you will see, the day is there For you to seize

-Jeffrey Tineo 12th grader

Bailar… She reaches the sky from her toes Flexed muscles and strained joints

A shield for her love A marionette, a dove

Sway… Shadow of a swan

Upon stages with poise Poofs and puffs

Like cops and cuffs Prance…

Equanimity like light Drifting beyond skies

Bloody cuticles, broken nails She reaches the sky, afloat like sails

-Mecca Holden 12th grader

Page 2 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Information Courtesy of Dil Ruba

The Vine’s Poetry Corner

Runaway Children researched by Dil Ruba

Child Find of America Missing/Runaway Children: 1-800-1-AM-LOST (800-426-5678) National Center for Operation Lookout Missing Youth: 1-800-782-SEEK (800-782-7335) National Runaway Teen Runaways/Parents of Switchboard (NRS) Runaways: 1-800-621-4000 National Youth Crisis Hotline Home: 1-800-442-HOPE (800-442-4673)

Dear The Vine, I hate school. It’s mad work but I don’t want to fail. Any advice for people with horrible cutting habits? -This Dude Dear This Dude, How everything goes is all based on your willpower. Just start coming to school more and more a little at a time. Baby steps. Sincerely, The Vine Dear The Vine, I’m getting a tattoo and I don’t know where to get it on my body. It also has to be well hidden or semi-hidden. Any ideas? -Bebedoc Dear Bebedoc, Obviously, not your arms, hands, fingers, legs, face, and neck. Don’t get it on your back because then. Everyone

will see it but you. All that’s left is upper thighs, stomach, chest, and if you want ,the upper part of your arms, if you’re fine wearing sleeves. Sincerely, The Vine

Dear The Vine, What are some good headphones for me? -Bopper. Dear Bopper, I don’t know since there’s not enough info. Google is my best friend. How about you? Sincerely, The Vine

Dear The Vine,

been raped are depression, isolation, cutting yourself, and flashbacks. Sometimes you might get nightmares and feel tense. If this happens, teens should try to stop it by getting help. They should be brought to the hospital or go to a teacher, counselor or social worker. If a friend comes to you and says she was raped, Molly said to tell her, 'It's not your fault.' It is important to be safe. You

Understanding Teen Rape By Annu Frazier, Gregory Peralta, Geani Liranzo

Students need to understand teen rape in order to prevent it. Also, it might be something someone is going through. Therefore, students should learn about it to know how to get help if they ever need it. Molly Bingham, social worker and RAPP Coordinator, came into our class, Ms. Singleton's & Ms. M's English class, to help us learn more about rape because we were reading Speak. It is a book about a high school girl who gets raped and the problems she has after it. We learned that rape isn't about sex, it's about one person having power and control over another person. There is a difference between rape and date rape. Date rape happens when the victim knows the person. According to Molly, '96% of rapes are committed by people you know.' Rape can even happen between people you are in a relationship or married. Signs and symptoms of teens that have

Page 3 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Courtesy of Google Images

Scorpio—A temporary obstacle may appear this morning, but never fear . . . it is not long-lasting. You may be very pleased with the results of your quick thinking and hard work by the time this day has ended. Sagittarius—You have a gift for knowing just what people want and need at this time. There is a great feeling that comes with the ability to make successful and wise decisions and to use your skill to help others. Capricorn—It may be necessary to do some deep and penetrating analysis, particularly with a group or in relation to your situation. Others may come to you for help in understanding or psychoanalyzing their predicament. Aquarius—Everything is coming together to show you off at your finest in school today. You may be teaching or lecturing during the day. Pisces—Talking should be quite unconstrained to you now, as your mind will be quite clear and natural. Ideas could come flowing to you with ease. You find your taste

Aries— Your emotional orientation is toward taking care of business--you crave organization and practicality. You want to get things accomplished. Health and school goals take on greater importance now. Taurus—You should find this a good time, your efforts really pay off and things seem to run smoothly. Now you have the ability for sustained work in school that allows you to coordinate events and complete tasks like never before. Gemini— You might have lots of plans for the future. Ideas could come thick and fast. You might find it difficult to decide which ones are most workable. You should be especially inspired, innovative, and enthusiastic. Cancer—Financial knowledge and a practical turn of mind are qualities that take on greater importance in your life now. As a wheeler-dealer, you have a knack of knowing how to put people, ideas and things together successfully. Playing the role of the facilitator has its rewards. Leo—There could be some very important matters that require your attention and have you serving as a guide to someone younger or older than yourself. You may, at long last, figure out new ways to proceed with plans and decisions that affect your life. Virgo—You may find much of your energy being used on romance and creative pursuits. This is not a waste of time as whatever results happen will be beneficially used in school as well as in your personal life. Libra—Taking care of business could be one of your major themes today. Much of your emotional support and security comes from your friends, moral integrity and social involvement during this time.

Horoscopes edited by Dil Ruba

Marta Valle High School Newsletter

Contact us on the Web! askthevine@gmail.com

Marta Valle’s The Vine Staff: Dil Ruba, Managing Editor Jeffrey Tineo, Contributor Will Domenech, Contributor Tanashya Ebron, Contributor Ana Chan, Contributor Diana Fernandez, Contributor Darlissa Rodriguez, Contributor Mecca Holden, Contributor Kadeem Dontfraid, Annu Frazier, Gregory Peralta, Geani Liranzo, Contributors Mr. Tumbarello, Adviser

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Colors got bolder, furs went psychedelic and tuxedos walked the line between practicality and chic or whatever. We could all just do a MVHS shirt with a super cute cardigan which is always a plus. But girls, Fall 2011 is here, temperatures are dropping and so are waistlines. Capezio shoes, Toms, Espadrilles and crop tops are OUT! Think fabulosity, think fetch (*SENIORS - a high heel, satin shirt, A pearl or two and lots and lots of GOLD). Step away from the common designer and go Betsy Johnson, Jeffrey Campbell, Tory Burch, Christian Dior, and Steve Madden. Drop your Ray Bans and pick up Michael Kors. Boys, army fatigues are a total NO GO. Do the Khaki thing. A little corduroy wouldn’t hurt a bit, and a denim top goes a very long way. Without question, a Chuck Taylor completes the whole “look.” Steal the Doc Marten scene from the girls and go urban/Soho. Do your fashion homework.

It’s totally necessary. Be yourself, dress to define who YOU ARE not who you think people would like. At the end of it all, you’re wearing it. Remember, Fashion Fades … Style Is Eternal.

Fall Fashion Trend Report by Mecca Holden

Horoscopes courtesy of horoscopes.mydaily.com

1- Obama collects Spiderman comics 2- 40% of McDonalds profits come from Happy

Meals 3- Licking stamps is 1/10 of a calorie 4- The odds of being killed in a tornado is 1 in

2million 5- North Dakota is the only state in the us that has

never had an earthquake 6- The king of hearts is the only king without a

mustache

Fun Facts

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