Switching to Salads

by Lauren

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During my first week of school I came across a very big problem. Many students often buy lunch from the cafeteria. The options for lunch are very limited, and in my opinion mostly consist of fried food and pizza; there are very few healthy options for students. The lunch line does serve limited salads, but they come prepared and with dressing already on top of them.  That poses a problem for today’s more conscientious eaters.

At the lunch tables you often see many kids eating off the a la carte food line, which contains fries, fried onion rings, chicken nuggets, fried mozzarella sticks, and many more unhealthy items. I fear that soon the “freshman fifteen” will make its way to the high school.

New Jersey has done very well on the health front, and I would hate for it to slow now. If a salad bar were put in, I am most definitely sure the students of RFH would take advantage of it.

This salad bar would be very easy for RFH to obtain. All they need is to take a tiny section of the cafeteria line and put in a couple boxes that would hold the ingredients for a salad.  The cafeteria could even include chicken to go along with these salads being sold. This way a salad bar also appeals to less health-concious consumers.

Including this option would not only help the health of the students and the teachers, but it would also help set a strong, positive example for the rest of the schools in New Jersey. According to njspotlight.com, when a local New Jersey middle school put in a salad bar, the principal was pleasantly surprised by the amount of children that preferred the fruits and vegetables being served over the processed food.    This is one more reason to support putting a salad bar in the school.

All schools should teach their students the facts and effects healthy and unhealthy eating does to your body and overall health. Today, America contains about 38 million obese people.  Since 2000, the obesity rate in America is up 30.5% according to heathland.com.  Now, even though New Jersey has the ninth smallest obesity rate in the U.S., the state needs to continue to teach the youth of America how to eat right with a balanced diet.  Most people today do not even know about the food pyramid or the fact that the food pyramid was revised in 2005.

the “new” food pyramid

Today’s food pyramid no longer looks like a pyramid, but a plate. On this plate sections are divided into the proper food proportions. Half of the plate is for fruits and veggies, and the other half is used for grains and protein foods, like poultry. Outside of the plate is a marked spot for dairy as well. Choosemyplate.com is a special website dedicated to educating its readers about what they need for daily nutrition. The website even includes an index of all the foods and the proportions needed to receive the recommended daily nutrition in each category.  Bringing in a salad bar would help students achieve their fruit and vegetable needs.

There is no reason why RFH should not continue to promote a healthy eating style in school.   It has been proven that over the years, if a student eats right he or she will do better in school.  All the arguments against a salad bar can’t possibly compare to the positive if one were put into daily use.  Because so many people in the world today have weight and health issues, we have a chance to help stop child obesity and promote good health. Many schools are now putting the student’s health as a main priority and giving them what they need. I feel that the school should listen to the people and students to create a more unified school, invested in the future and their health.

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Image from: http://www.choosemyplate.gov

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Student Contributions

Student Contributors

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Stranger

by Nicole Della Porta

Hello, I am a stranger
Please take my advice
I want to help, I truly do,
to help you live your life.
Smile just a little bit,
Keep that chin up high,
Life is too short to waste,
and soon you’re going to die.
 

Hello stranger, it’s me, myself
Stranger, it is I!
Your first mistake in reasoning,
is telling me I’ll die.
I’m breathing, thinking, speaking words,
and to me all you say is a lie.
I’m sorry, stranger, I really am
but I didn’t ask for advice.

 
My friend, why do you speak as such?
All I say is truth!
You need help desperately,
and your attitude is proof.
Live today as if it’s your last,
Go out and take a chance.
Why not love everything around yourself?
Hold pride in your current stance
Be happy, loving, care free
I’m telling you– it’s the way
Be thankful for every word I speak,
Go on and seize the day!

 
Stranger, this is quite enough,
I do not wish to do as you say.
For every moment that I am alive,
you can trust that I’m seizing away.
I cannot bring myself to act like you,
telling others how to live.
For every head that is skipped, perspectives are different,
leaving your advice in no room to give.
I understand your good intention,
it was a kind one at heart,
but stranger, it’s time I live my life,
stranger it’s time we part.

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Feast
by Melissa Cooper

In the heart of Rumson,
The corner of Bingham and Ridge,
The RFH bell tower rings,
Alerting the kids.
 
The fabulous feast has begun,
One million pounds of food,

Has put all these Bulldawgs

In a very good mood.
 
All the important people
Gather their trays
And like a herd of cattle
Make their way through the 2.50 maze.
 
Like a scene out of 1984,
This feast seems unreal,
The clank! Clank! Of trays,
Held by large boys with 10 meals.
 
And after polishing off these 10,
Excuse me- 11,
Every RFH student knows,
November brings cafeteria heaven.

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I wonder if it all is true
by Anonymous

I wonder if it all is true
If all my experiences have taught me this creation
If my dreams are worth taking time to pursue
I scramble around looking for my inspiration
Scanning the faces who to trust and that my trust is my core
Never knowing that right in front of me stands my motivation
Wondering what I should be working for
If a life is a life when moving too fast
Wondering if there’s something I’m missing, something more
Is every second a second past?
Will the clock stop for a moment I knew?
Will this moment ever last?
All my moments whether old or new
I wonder if it all is true

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Carpe Diem

by Anonymous

How do you live your life you ask?
I say treat every day like it is your last
Go in the lane that’s fast
And never look back
Although life has its ups and downs
Smile don’t frown
If it kicks you down
You get up
Live it up
Never say enough is enough
Strive to be the best person you can
To be the best man you can
The past is the past and cannot be changed
No one can be blamed
It is what it is
We all make mistakes as kids
That’s how we mature and become adults
Life’s a dance so do the waltz
Remember it’s not your fault
Live everyday like you won’t wake up tomorrow
Life is in the moment forget about tomorrow

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An Open Letter to the Fourth Marking Period

by Caleigh Farragher

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Dear Fourth Marking Period,

I know you may think that students like you, because you  are the final part of the year. But you are sadly mistaken. In fact, you are actually the bane of my existence.  And it’s not just me.  No one likes you.

Somehow, for some reason, teachers like to use you as an excuse to us lots of projects to cram in, and teach the hardest chapters. And then you just sit there, moving slowly, and taunt us; the weather is finally getting nice so no one actually wants to be in school, let alone do a project for every subject.

And not only do you move slowly, 4th marking period, but you have put on a little weight.  There seems to be 50 more school days than there are during any other marking period.  All through the other marking periods there were at least four breaks each month, and professional days.  But, obviously being that it is almost summer, we do not need breaks.  So, fourth marking period, you are two months of school without a break.  Thanks to you, 4th marking period, I have simply begun to stop caring.

Throughout the fourth marking period the sun is finally shining after the 60 inches of snow and subzero temperatures we have experienced this winter.  While the teachers are pointlessly lecturing on how we need to focus during the fourth marking period, one can only dream of summer which is only a few short weeks away.  Since we are not allowed to open the windows we are stuck inside stuffy classrooms; which I believe makes our short attention spans even shorter.

You are the final stretch of the school year, and without you we would not be looking for summer. But, maybe you could be a little short, a little less work, and then maybe, just maybe, people would actually like you…

Sincerely and most regrettably,

Fried

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RFH Hosts Another Successful Blood Drive

by  Elsa Stoff

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One hundred three people donated blood at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School during the Health Club’s annual Blood Drive on February 1.  Students, teachers, faculty members, and many members of the RFH community participated, aiding in the event’s success.

When asked about the event’s success, Mrs. Nill, the health’s club advisor, said, “I am happy that our students were so enthusiastic about helping others and donating.”

RFH’s blood drive was especially important because there is typically a shortage during the winter months.  Typically, there are very few blood drives during the winter, , rendering many blood banks almost empty.  The blood donated within the RFH community goes to the Central Jersey Blood Bank, and the organization was extremely grateful for RFH’s donation.  In fact, coordinators were happy to come to the school despite potentially hazardous weather conditions.  When Mrs. Nill offered to cancel the blood drive because of the predicted snow, the Blood Bank requested to proceed because of its blood shortage.

Participant Jen Maloney, sophomore, said, “I knew that by donating I’d be able to save three lives.  Anytime I can save someone’s life, it seems like a worthwhile opportunity to me.”

The RFH blood drive has undergone many positive changes throughout the years.  The blood drive has grown steadily; last year, ninety-seven people gave blood, compared to the one-hundred three people this year.  Also, this was the first year that sixteen-year-olds were allowed to participate.  The additional age group helped increase the numbers, and many sophomores participated for the first time this year.

Another benefit of the blood drive is the scholarship involved in the process.  At the end of the school year, a scholarship is given to a senior who demonstrated dedication to the blood drive throughout his or her high school career.  A one hundred dollar scholarship is given to the school just for hosting the event, and additional money is added with every unit of blood donated. So, anyone who did not participate in the actual blood drive located at RFH can help with this cause by going to the Central Jersey Blood Bank and giving blood in the school’s name.

Mrs. Nill explained that one of her main goals for the blood drive is to educate RFH students about the importance of donating blood as a means of giving back to your community.  In her mind, the blood drive transcends the immediate cause; the current need for blood.  Students gain knowledge by participating, and they learn that giving blood in high school helps to create donors for life.

Mrs. Nill commented, “I feel it is important for the drive to be held at school so that students can experience the process in familiar surroundings and then maybe venture out to blood banks in the future to continue to donate on a regular basis.”

There will always be lives to be saved, and RFH’s blood drive has helped create a generation that will sustain the ill and injured in the community.

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Hallway Happenings

by Mike Schutsky

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Close to Home: Social Justice Club

by Caleigh Farragher

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Every day children our age, and oftentimes younger, wake up to nothing. They do not have enough food to eat, clean clothes to wear, or in some cases a school to go to.  While this may paint a bleak picture, it is unfortunately all too familiar for many in communities across the country.  Many people think that the less fortunate only exist in faraway third world countries.  However, it is prevalent everywhere, even within Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Two Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School students, Abby Cooner (junior) and Gianna Maita (senior) have realized the poverty and troubles in our area, and want to expose it and put a stop to it.  Cooner and Maita started the Social Justice Club here at RFH to raise awareness and encourage students to do their part to combat various pressing issues in the area.

Social Justice is needed everywhere; perhaps even your own backyard...

Co-advised by Ms. Burke, Mr. Beatty, and Mrs. Deremiah, the Social Justice club has lofty goals that they work hard to achieve.  Twice each month, this club meets and devotes its time to the discussion of a certain community issue.  First they discuss the topic, and then at a subsequent meeting will create a plan of action.  Their plan is then put into action at community and global levels.   Some of the topics that have been discussed and will be discussed are; hunger, poverty, woman’s rights, free trade, and environmental issues.

The club is recently posted red stop signs throughout the school that display facts about poverty in the area.   Coined the STOP campaign (Social Justice Takes On Poverty), Cooner and Maita wish to promote this type of community awareness because many students at RFH do not realize how lucky they are, or that these issues hit closer to home than they think.

“We want students to not only be aware of the magnitude of the poverty, but also to see that it affects people right by us,” Cooner commented.

The club began as an idea derived from Cooner and Maita’s camping experience at Justiceworx.  Maita first attended this summer camp and had a life-changing experience at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.  She said that after this work she “really wanted to start something.”  Gianna decided to return to Justiceworx, and brought Cooner along with her.   Maita warned Cooner that after having an experience like this that she would want to do something, too.

“Rumson and Fair Haven are sort of anomalies in New Jersey; not all high schoolers are quite as lucky as we are, with a good education in a safe environment. Not all of them even have enough food or a place to live, never mind any education at all. We want to make sure that the rest of RFH is as aware of that as we are,” commented Maita.

Cooner and Maita also hope that this club will affect its members in the long run.  Gianna said, “When members of Social Justice Club grow up and become people with college educations or jobs to support their families or both, they will still be aware of what they discussed in Social Justice Club.”

These two students and the club hope to positively impact people’s lives and make a difference; don’t you?

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Pictures:

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What’s Up With That?! Cameras at RFH

by Nick Lenczyk

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Have you ever felt like you were being watched?  That inexplicable feeling that someone is monitoring your every move as you scurry from class to class throughout the day?

Anyone there?

As many have noticed over the past two years, cameras have been popping up around the school building.  During the summer of 2009, our friendly security guard Big Lou was gone and new cameras resided in his place.  Just recently in October 2010, four new cameras have been added, three in the lunch room and one by the senior stairs and lobby.

Whether or not anybody is actually watching the everyday occurances through these cameras remains a mystery.  Many have suspected that they are not hooked up to anything and are merely present to act as a deterrant.   Others say there are monitors in the principal’s office, where people either sit and watch or don’t.  And we may never know.

Well, even if no one is watching, I can’t help but feel a little creeped out.  These cameras are, in a sense, an invasion of privacy.  An invasion with no real purpose, as the cameras couldn’t stop anyone, anyway.   They are more of a way to catch people after the fact, not during it.

Next time you see a camera put up in this high school, buy an invisible cape like Harry Potter because that’s the only way you’re going to get any privacy these days.  Till next time, “be safe RFH!”

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Pictures:

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RFH Embarks on Quarterlies a Little Wiser

by Brooke Wheaton

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Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School attendees experienced a dramatic change last year in student assessment.  Midterm and final exams were changed into quarterlies, doubling the number of exams per academic year.  This decision and action were determined by Middle State’s self studies in order for students to achieve higher marks.

New Jersey’s Middle State process is used to assess individual students and provide feedback for grade increases.  Middle States in New Jersey include schools that use midterms and finals, quarterlies, and some schools that do not utilize either; however, many colleges look for schools that provide these tests.

Don't let quarterlies get you down!

Many RFH students believe quarterlies are beneficial and easier because they require students to remember less information. On the other hand, some think quarterlies are detrimental because they mean more tests and additional pressure.  However, the jury is still out; data and statistics are being collected that will show the resulting outcome regarding the transition from midterms and finals to quarterlies.

Mrs. Handerhan, Principal of RFH, revealed that grade averages on quarterlies have been about the same when compared to the previous years of midterms and finals.  She is optimistic for the upcoming quarterly exams and schedule, as the 2010-2011 begins the new and possibly improved quarterly schedule.

Mrs. Handerhan’s main goal as principal is to create and maintain a safe and educational high school. She feels that the switch to quarterlies will help students to achieve the latter.  Many schools of New Jersey use the method of midterms and finals because those student bodies are different. Rumson Fair Haven has been looking towards the quarterly method for the High School since 2007.  This switch was announced during a faculty meeting in May 2009. The Board of Education contributed to making this decision. Professional development demonstrated that quarterlies would be the best for the RFH student body.

While there has been a local push for change, many schools near Rumson still use midterms and finals. Kate Cronin, a sophomore student from Red Bank Regional High School, studies for midterms and finals. Cronin does below average on midterm exams when compared to tests throughout the year, because there is more information to study for.

“I prefer quarterlies because the material is still relevant and new, which gives us more of a chance to remember the information,” Cronin admits.  On the other hand, she does not think quarterlies would improve her grades because she would be required to take more tests on the same material.

Zach Beacher, a sophomore at RFH, enjoys quarterlies. He recalls quarterlies having less information to study for. Beacher thinks the tests are similar to midterms because they still act as an overall assessment of skills and knowledge, but finds them easier to study for.

“This makes it a lot less nerve-wracking,” Beacher commented.  Giving tests after each quarter also work to improve his grade and helps him understand what is being taught.

Middle State professionals continue to attempt to determine which method is most fitting.  Quarterlies benefit or work as a disadvantage to schools depending on the student body. Fortunately, Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School has been one of the top public schools in New Jersey.  Until the statistics tell us for sure, quarterlies are here to stay.  So make sure you study!

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Image from:  http://cowcatcher.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/frustrated-student.jpg

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What’s Up With That?: Planners as Passes?

by Mike Schutsky

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Mr. Russell, may I use the bathroom?” I asked one day during my junior year.

One of the hardest places to get to at RFH...

Mr. Russell replied, “sure, but let me just sign your planner.”

“My planner?   Look, Mr. Russell, I know that you are a RFH legend, but I really don’t want your autograph.”

Much to Mr. Russell’s displeasure, he explained to me that, first and foremost, I didn’t deserve his autograph.  And, secondly, that there was a new school rule that stated planners would also be used for bathroom passes. When he told me this I started to laugh. Is RFH that cheap that they can’t afford to print out little pieces of paper that say BATHROOM on them?

During my freshman and sophomore years, there weren’t any problems with teachers making their own passes. Some teachers, like Mr. Barbiere, got creative with their passes. He gave us swords and other giant objects to carry up and down the halls, mostly to make us feel awkward. Other teachers would make nice passes and laminate them. I even like to think that some teachers enjoyed making these passes as a way to express their creative side or embarrass us in the hallways.

 

Please don't place your planner on top of the urinal...it's just gross.

My other issue with these multipurpose booklets is its lack of sanitation. When you think about it, it is really gross that the pad that you write on every day and let sit on your desk or kitchen counter  has also spent a considerable amount of time in a stall or on top of a urinal. I imagine that the masterminds behind this one got together late at night in a dark, sinister room with a single hanging lightbulb and thought of a way to make the grossest bathroom passes of all time. When they finally came up with the idea, they all probably joined in unison with an evil MUHAHAHAHA.

And then there’s always the horror stories.  You know, those unfortunate accidents that can leave your planner/pass teeming with bacteria that you can’t even pronounce or hope to identify under a microscope.  Luckily, this has never happened to me, and hopefully never will. Picture it: some poor soul has accidently dropped his or her pass in an interesting and unfortunate place in the bathroom. Not even all the foam Purell in the lunch room can clean that planner. If this has happened to someone, it will ruin their organizational life forever and probably “taint” their view on homework as well.

Lastly, teachers are smart people, but not when it comes to signing planners. Some teachers get into it and sign it like we are asking them to engrave their name in the history of our planners. Other teachers just sign wherever they feel like it. I have had teachers sign over my calculus homework, and others who write in such small handwriting that it’s like an un-fun version of Where’s Waldo.

Excuse me, Donald-I mean, Mr. Duck-could I use the restroom?

When it comes down to it, using planners as bathroom passes is disgusting. I don’t want to write down my daily assignments in a cesspool of bathroom germs. I also don’t want my pass to look like the autograph book I took to Disney World to have Donald the Duck sign in the mid 90’s. The point of the matter is that RFH can spend a few extra bucks to buy normal bathroom passes. Just look at the student parking lot. We have the money; we just need to spend it wisely.

Low Attendance at School Dances: Why?

by Peter Lyden

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The 2010 Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School Homecoming Dance went on without a hitch this year, following the night of the football victory over Holmdel High School.   The theme of the dance was the Jersey Shore, based upon the popular MTV series of the same name.   Decorations transformed the gym into the boardwalk and beach, giving the night a summery, carefree feel.  The DJ was lively and offered a wide variety of music to choose from.  There were also numerous activities in the cafeteria, such as a bean bag and frisbee toss, henna tattoos, and bracelet making. There was also a raffle for two gift baskets, including a 3-month membership to the Atlantic Club Fitness Center in Red Bank and Manasquan.

If Deb and Napoleon can have a good time, so can you!

However, despite the excitement that usually surrounds high school homecoming, the dance had one of the smallest attendances in recent history.  While those who attended seemed to have a good time, the question on everyone’s mind was, “Why is attendance so low?”

There is some speculation surrounding this unfortunate reality.  The first may be the belief that only freshmen attend the dance, discouraging many upperclassmen from attending.  Secondly,  people may have been concerned about the school policies in effect regarding behavioral problems.

However, we have the power to change all that.  Who cares, for instance, if freshmen and seniors attend the same dance?  No one says you have to dance with them, or even talk to them for that matter!  And, even if you did, freshmen may be short, but they’re not that bad.  And seniors may seem scary, but it’s not like they eat babies.  So as a reason for not attending a dance, it’s pretty weak.

Dances are a big part of school spirit, homecoming dances especially.  It’s the foundation of what keeps the school community together. There is a serious lack of school spirit if nobody shows up. School spirit increases if a lot of people participate. So one evening,  just get yourself out of the house and come on down to spend some time at a school dance. I mean, really, what else do you have to do?  You never know what you’ll miss out on….

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Images: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/extramustard/images/napoleon.prom.jpg

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