INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NEWSPAPER? SEE MRS. DE VITO IN 325A!

Katelynn Barwick Mary Ann Claiborne-O’Loughlin Samuel Dorielan Emma Heilich

Ka’Rynn Hill Connor MacKay Kevin Martin Roksana Najar Prince Nesbitt-Hall Brianna Orellana Victoria Ramos DaSilva Juliette Rhinow Caitlyn Sorber Amani Stacker Melissa Winey

Advisor: Mrs. De Vito

Upcoming Important Dates at

Rahway Academy

2/15 Presidents Day—No School

2/17 Cyber Safety Presentations

2/25 Black History Month Celebration 6:30-8:30pm

2/26 Student Black History Month Celebration

3/22 Family Math and Science Night 6:30-8:30pm

3/24 UC Teen Arts Festival

3/25-4/3 Spring Break

4/5 Gang Awareness Presentations

4/15-4/17 Academy’s Production The Lion King Jr.

4/20 Rahway Public Schools’ “Celebration of the Arts”

Cyber Safety

Rahway Academy students participated in a

Cyber Safety presentation given by Detective

Nick Veltre from the Union County Prosecutor’s

Office on February 17. Students learned about

how to be safe when using the Internet and con-

sequences for making unwise cyber choices.

Community, this month is a time that we, as a country, celebrate the

magnificent contributions that African Americans have made to this

nation, as well as to the world. It is on this platform that I encourage

you to commit a portion of your day to share important historical

facts, inventions, and other outstanding contributions by African

Americans. Rahway Academy will make certain that our children will

have experiences this month that will be reflective of such.

Our staff will host its Annual African American Celebration on Febru-

ary 25, 2016. We encourage all community members to come and

celebrate with our children. There is no cost and I am sure you will

not be disappointed, as our children are working hard to put on an

excellent presentation. The event will be held in the auditorium with

a prompt start time of 6:30pm and ending at 8:00pm. We look for-

ward to your support. Additionally, Lonnie Allgood, a former NFL

football player, will be delivering a short but powerful speech to help

all children remain focused on being successful.

In closing, I would like to leave you with a quote from our country’s

first African American President: “It took a lot of blood, sweat, and

tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today

we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave

our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today.” -

Barack Obama

Alan Johnson, Principal

The Academy Times

Staff From the Principal’s Pen

R A H W A Y 7 T H A N D 8 T H G R A D E A C A D E M Y

The Academy Times February 2016 Volume 4 Issue 3

Black History Month:

Because of Them, We Can

By: Mary Ann Claiborne-O’Loughlin

Rahway Academy celebrates Black History Month. This year we are doing a walking tour

of African American accomplishments, contributions, and victories. The celebration will

take place Thursday evening, February 25 in the Rahway Academy Auditorium. Presen-

tations by the Jazz

B a n d , Dance Club,

and Gospel Chorus will

kick off the show. Ex NFL

player, Lon- nie Allgood,

will also be speaking at

the assem- bly. After the

a s s e m b l y , A c a d e m y

s t u d e n t s will be partic-

ipating in a walking tour.

S t u d e n t guides will

walk members of the community through the building to view exhibits displaying Black

History Month artifacts throughout the building. Students will be positioned at each ex-

hibit discussing the hard work and projects our students completed. There will be anoth-

er presentation during the day for students on February 26.

Backstage at The Lion King Jr.

By: Mary Ann Claiborne-O’Loughlin

Working behind the scenes at The Lion King, Jr. is

fun. Everyone is enthusiastic to work on putting

together the production. There is a lot that goes on

behind the scenes to put together a play, not just

the actors that you see on stage. There are many

helping hands behind the scenes.

I work on sound. I need to make sure that the right

songs are being played. I need to pay attention and

know the cues for the change in music. Others work

on lighting, make-up, costumes, and stage crew,

which paints the sets and moves props around dur-

ing the performance. Tech week is when everything

all comes together! We look forward to seeing every-

one in the audience in April!

History of Valentine’s Day

By: Victoria Ramos DaSilva

Each year on February 14th,

people exchange cards, candy,

gifts, and flowers with their sig-

nificant others. This national

day of love called Valentine’s

Day is celebrated around the

world. Most cultures celebrate

in similar ways on February 14th.

However, in Brazil, Valentine’s

Day, or Dia dos Namorados, is

celebrated on June 12th.

In France, a custom known as

"drawing for love" once oc-

curred. Unmarried individuals

would go into houses facing

each other and begin calling out

across from one window to an-

other, pairing off with the cho-

sen partner. If the young man

failed to be enthralled with his

Valentine, he would desert her.

As a result, a bonfire would be

lit later where the ladies could

burn images of the ungrateful

sweetheart and express their

anger verbally. This ritual was

eventually abandoned and the

French government handed-

down a decree officially banning

the custom. Elegant French

greeting cards known as cartes

d'amities, which contained ten-

der messages, were given not

totally as a Valentine, but chiefly

as a result of a fashion which

was popular in England.

Valentine's Day is very popular

in the U.S. It is the sweetest day

where we express our love and

gratitude for sweethearts,

friends, and relatives.

P a g e 2 T h e A c a d e m y T i m e s

Experiencing Stomp By: Amani Stacker

Most would say that Stomp is different and unique. The

cast of eight members used a variety of objects such as

Zippo lighters, shopping carts, basketballs, push

brooms, wooden poles, hammer handles, garbage cans,

inner tubes, match boxes and even a kitchen sink to

make incredible and breathtaking music with everyday

objects. A total of 40 orchestra and band members

made it to New Brunswick’s State Theatre January 8th.

I personally thought the performance was amazing and

breathtaking. What amazed me the most was the

strength of the performers. It was approximately an

hour and 45 minutes long, while I can't even do one

push-up. However, the time seemed to go by so fast and

I loved every minute of it. After eating and getting com-

plimented by Rahway’s good behavior at McDonald’s we

then drove back to the Academy where we then talked

about our experience. Some said that they couldn’t wait

to go to Shoprite to redo the scene with the shopping

carts. But besides the jokes said, most loved and appre-

ciated the experience.

Students Discover Math Counts

By: Roksana Najar

Do you love math? Do you want to challenge your

friends in a competition? Then Math Counts is

just the right place for you! Math Counts is run by

Ms. Aponte in Room 201. Even if you are not the

best at math, you can always join. We test the

skills that you have and you can have fun with

your friends while learning. Ever heard of a triath-

lon? This is exactly that but for your brain. Here in

Math Counts, we take math to a whole new level!

We take your prior knowledge and turn it into

useful life skills. What are you waiting for? Join

Math Counts today and have a mathematical

blast with your friends and Ms. Aponte in room

201!

Sports Spotlight

P a g e 7

V o l u m e 4 , i s s u e 3

By: Emma Heilich

The boys’ basketball team has won six times and lost

once so far. They have had two home games where they

won one and lost the second. They are working very hard

in practice and they are striving for more wins. All of the

players on the team are focused on teamwork to win their

games. Seventh grader, Kristian Rogers, said, “I enjoy

playing on the team. We all work well together and have a

good time." Eighth grader, Brayden Pierre-Louis, said, “I

have a great time playing for the basketball team. This

season has been fun!” The team hopes to have a great

rest of their season together.

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball By: Brianna Orellana

Here at Rahway Academy, we have a girls’ basketball team.

This team is run by Coach Spiess. Eleven girls make up the

team. Five are seventh graders and six are eighth graders.

These girls have practice on a regular basis, every day after

school. Practices start off by the girls shooting hoops as

they await further instructions. They do multiple sets of

stretches and then they run around the court for two

minutes. Games are on Wednesdays and Fridays. As of

right now the record for the season is 4-5. The last game of

the season is unknown, but we are all crossing our fingers

that they end off strong! We are very proud of all the girls

that put their hard work and effort into each game. Congrat-

ulations on a great season!

Wrestling By: Caitlyn Sorber

Wrestling is a big thing at Rahway Academy. Everyone is buzz-

ing about it in the halls. The team finished up the season with a

record of 7-1. The only loss was to Union. Seventh grader, Cory

Boss, said, “I joined the wrestling team to improve my strength

and I am glad that I did! It adds an interesting element to my

Academy experience.” Coach O’Reilly said, “It was a good sea-

son. I am proud of the wrestlers who showed up and worked

hard this year. We need to continue to work hard in the spring

and summer so that we are ready for the transition into next

season and to high school for the 8th graders.”

P a g e 6 T h e A c a d e m y T i m e s

P a g e 3

V o l u m e 4 , i s s u e 3

By: Prince Nesbitt-Hall

The Winter Wonderland Dance was held in De-

cember in the Rahway Academy cafeteria. Some

students thought that the DJ was not as good as

other dances we have had. However, there was

a good energy at the dance. People were turned

up and having a great time. Refreshments were

served and the cafeteria was decorated for the

occasion. Rahway Academy dances are the best!

Winter Wonderland Dance

Valentine’s Day Dance

By: Juliette Rhinow

On Thursday, February 11, the Spanish Club held a

Valentine’s Day Dance in the Rahway Academy caf-

eteria. Pink and red hearts adorned the cafeteria

and refreshments were provided. Everyone had a

fun time and it will be remembered by everyone.

Students enjoyed great tunes being played and they

were able to dance the afternoon away with their

sweethearts and friends. Even staff got into the

dancing! It was a memorable dance which was en-

joyed by all!

Make Your Move with Chess Club

By: Connor MacKay

Chess Club meets every Friday after school in

room 212 or the Academy cafeteria with Mr.

Herson, the Chess Club advisor. We play chess

with each other and have fun with friends and

even make some new friends!

We each get a score card and every time you

win or lose, you accumulate points. Chess is a

game of logical thinking and strategy. Even if

you don’t know how to play, we can teach you!

Everyone from beginning to expert is welcome to

join us for a game! We hope to see you all there

to learn some fierce moves!

P a g e 4 T h e A c a d e m y T i m e s

V o l u m e 4 , i s s u e 3

P a g e 5

By: Samuel Dorielan

During the month of January, Rahway Academy’s 8th grade students participated in two days of

presentations by NJ Child Assault Prevention (NJCAP). They talked to us about abuse and sexual assault.

The students thought that it was very inspiring and asked some great questions. Students were taught

about the dangers of child pornography and physical and emotional abuse. They were also taught basic self

-defense moves to use if ever caught in a dangerous situation.

Students were taught that if they ever feel like they are being harmed in any way, they should tell a trusted

adult, including teachers and counselors at the Academy. Everyone in our building is always willing to listen

and to help out a student in need. Keeping students safe is the number one priority of our staff at Rahway

Academy.

Child Assault Prevention

Secret Society at the Academy

By: Melissa Winey

Emoji pillows. If you have been in the school cafeteria during the past month, you might have seen people

walk in and hand them off to a friend. This was the Secret Society. They wrote little conversation starters on

strips of paper and put them into two baskets. What is your favorite song and why? If you could have one

superpower what would it be and why? Some of the people they had chosen had never spoken to the oth-

er. Some went to the same elementary school and never said a word to each other.

The secret society is known for large publicity stunts. From decorating desks with post-it notes to driving a

motorized car down the halls, this group has pulled off entertaining stunts and I'm sure the students of the

Rahway 7th and 8th Grade Academy have something fun to look forward to this year. This reporter thinks

that we don't have much longer to wait!

Dance Club Takes the Stage

By: Ka’Rynn Hill

“1, 2, 3, 4...2, 2, 3, 4!” Watch out American Ballet

Theatre! Rahway’s dance ensemble is pointing

toes and spinning into an unbeatable experience

that any student can enjoy! Every Monday and

Tuesday from 3-4pm, both experienced and inex-

perienced peers meet under the instruction of Mrs.

Hill and co-adviser Mrs. De Freitas. During these

practices, students learn choreography as well as

how to choreograph dance pieces. Various types of

dance are done like ballet, contemporary, modern,

and a mix.

Look out for us at the Black History program as we

reflect as well as combine with other fine arts

clubs here at the Academy. Bold colorful entertain-

ment awaits you!