January 2012

Biology, chemistry, physics. Sound familiar? The latter are possible science classes that one could take at Marshall. But just over the summer, a new alternative was made available by one of our very own physics teachers, Ms. Janet Kahn. Enter the Pulsar Search Collaboratory! This group of students represents Marshall in the national PSC, which consists of a multitude of high schools. To enter the group, students must pass two tests where they score data charts on how close it resembles a pulsar. After they pass, they are allowed to access data from the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia.

Renovations and a rising student population turned Lunch & Learn into an outdated system. Though Lunch & Learn became impractical due to the current conditions of the school, the administration still wanted to encourage students to take time during the school day to get additional help or ahead on school work, resulting in the creation of the Learn period. Learn is a concept that all Statesmen had to adjust to, and as the year progresses, its benefits and flaws are manifesting themselves.

A melange of sweetened milk and super-dark coffee, Thai coffee is a tasty afternoon pick-me-up. Thai Pilin offers a great version just down the road from Starbucks, near DSW. The drink is smooth and refreshing. The sweetness of the drink makes it a treat on its own. It is reminiscent of Starbucks bottled frappuchinos, although with a more clear and pure taste. For those who are less fond of the coffee flavor, Thai tea is also available. Don’t be intimidated by the sit-down tables; the to-go counter will make a coffee in only a minute or two.

I’d like to thank you for highlighting the efforts of the GSA to spread tolerance in your last issue. Discrimination by sexuality or gender is still a very real thing in American society and seeing the youth band together to fight discrimination is a very inspiring thing to witness. The “Hate Free Zone” posters and teacher agreements are a very good idea and perhaps your article could keep students on more of a lookout for them so they know to leave the hateful language at the door.

The cyber security team is one of the two Fairfax County high school teams left in the Cyberpatriot tournament.

The team has won two out of four rounds in the Airforce Association sponsored tournament, which consists of four rounds of tests for cyber security teams in high schools nationwide.

“There were a thousand high schools in this competition, now they’re down to the top 25,” academy administrator Jeff McFarland said.

Every team has its battles: the practices, the injuries and the daily juggle to balance school with sports. But unlike other sports teams, the indoor track team must overcome challenges unique to the season.

As one of the handful of winter sports available at Marshall, indoor track is handicapped by winter break early in the season. While it is possible for the team to plan around the break, the real issue is much more sporadic. Indoor track is the only winter sport to practice outside and is at the full mercy of the weather.

Teaching dating safety at an early age can provide young people the information and tools they need to build a healthy relationship. After all, early relationships play a pivotal role in teens’ lives and are important to developing the capacity for long-term, committed relationships in adulthood. The quality of adolescent romantic relationships can have long-lasting effects on self-esteem and shape personal values regarding romance, intimate relationships and sexuality.

Though substitute teacher Barry Finkelstein calls himself “an open book,” his colorful past, which has had a great influence on him, has only recently been revealed.

According to Finkelstein, his personality and style of teaching are the products of his life in the military and his work for the federal government.

Finkelstein spent 36 years in the government: five in active duty and in the Navy, 27 with the Internal Revenue Service and four with the Department of Justice. His first tour with the U.S. Navy was as a line officer aboard a cruiser in Vietnam.

Surveillance systems will soon be installed in the cafeteria after the FCPS School Board approved their use in FCPS high schools on Dec. 16.

“It is a good practice for the safety and security of the staff,” principal Jay Pearson said. “For students waiting for rides, there would be a level of security and documentation.”