Author: Providence Public Schools

The Review February, 2010

An Unwanted Change, by Ellen Pham
The academic year, 2009-2010, is surely a different one at Classical. The Providence School Department decided to change many aspects of the school system which Classical belongs to. One of the most notable changes is the class schedule.
The usual rotating schedule that Classical has relied on for the past fifteen years has recently been changed to a regular schedule. In the previous years, classes were rotated on a known basis. On the first day the rotating schedule passed through a sequence of classes. Then, on the next day, each class period moved into the time slot of the one before it. As a result the second period class became the first, the third became the second, etc. The rotating schedule continued until the first period became the last period.
It is rumored that the administration was tired of having to clarify what the schedule was for every single day in the one hundred eighty days of school. So for uniformity, it was thought best to have all of the Providence public schools have the exact same schedule. In a way this new schedule does avoid much confusion, especially for the incoming freshmen.
However, students and teachers feel hostility toward this new schedule The regular schedule creates a boring, habitual, and repetitious agenda for the entire school to abide by. In fact, the regular schedule is detested by some students, especially since they know the exact time of the day when they will be in their least favorite classes. In addition, some teachers have become accustomed to knowing and expecting when their least cooperative classes are to occur. Moreover, it is unfortunate to know that everyone has to wake up every school day to go to the same first period class and end in the unchanged last class period.
It is also discomforting for the last class to be in the last time slot of the day, a time when students and teachers are tired.
Lunches have also become a controversial issue, especially for those who have the last lunch period. Unfortunately, this is one of the disadvantages of the regular schedule.
If the Providence School Department should ask for the opinions of the public schools about the regular schedule, it would find that most people want to return to the rotating schedule for more interesting and exciting school days.
However, returning to rotation does not seem to be on the horizon for next year. Maybe, everyone will have to endure the regular schedule. Perhaps, some students will come to like the regular schedule as much as they enjoyed the rotating one.
After-School Activities
Classical is a busy place after 2;50 P.M. On Mondays and Wednesdays tutoring is available in English, math, and foreign languages. On Tuesdays and Thursdays academic help is provided in math, social studies, science, and the junior research project.
On Thursdays Mr. Lial sponsors the step dancers, the chess club, and the drummers. Also, on Thursdays Mrs. Klus meets with the Brotherhood. On Mondays and Thursdays Ms. B trains the chorus.
These are a few activities that make Classical hum in the afternoon.

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Anthony Medal Essay -Second Place Girl’s Winner– Daniela Stephen
Immediately following World War II, the United States became involved in the Cold War; the rising international tension left the Americans at home in an uneasy over-paranoid frenzy. As the Red scare took over the government, thousands of people found themselves being questioned and even penalized for alleged Communist affiliations. The combination of fear of attack from outside and Communist activity inside had much of the general population in a perpetually cautious state; anyone that so much as voiced dissension against the government was in jeopardy of being questioned, fired, fined, or even jailed. Thus, with the turn of the 1950’s also came a blatantly increasing conformity sweeping the nation, as the consumer, material-based economy helped create a view of what the “ideal American life” was like. This was the beginning of the age of silence, when Americans were afraid not only to voice political opinions, but also to appear different. Although that was half a century ago, our society has still retained remnants of this plague of silence, which, if not addressed, can inhibit progress, It also prevents us from saying what must be said to bring about the change our society and its people need.
It has been said that a person who sees a crime and does not report it is just as guilty as the actual offender. This principle is taught in schools and widely accepted in our society. Why, then, do people remain silent, when they know something should be said? Why are people afraid to say how they really feel? Why did the vast majority of the nation get swept up into a cookie –cutter American look and lifestyle? One word can answer this: fear. Fear prevents so much from happening, whether in a person’s personal decisions, in social interactions, or virtually any other aspect of life. In this case, silence is propelled by fear of what others will say or think. What will happen to me if I speak up in defense of someone being bullied? What will people think of me if I dress or act differently? What if people made fun of me for having this opinion?
These questions run through everyone’s mind, reflecting another force behind silence: self-preoccupation. People are afraid to speak out, whether in someone’s defense, against government policy, or merely about their own opinions, because we care too much about ourselves. Instead of supporting someone who is being bullied, we first think of the repercussions for ourselves. This combination of fear and self-interest is the underlying cause for the silence pervading the different facets of our society. We think about the effects of speaking out for ourselves, but how does it affect the people around us and our society?
The answer to this is obvious: many times silence has negative effects. A student being bullied will face the same fate repeatedly until someone speaks out about it. Unquestioned government policy will continue unchanged until someone calls out its flaws. These are more obvious, immediate consequences of silence. Sometimes, however, the effects are more deep-rooted and subtle. Hunter S. Thompson, iconoclastic journalist and author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, was noted for claiming “America is raising a generation of dancers”; or in other words an uninformed, conformed entity of people afraid to step out of line or be irregular. This statement was made on reflecting on the cultural and political conformity sweeping the nation. While there may not appear to be drastic negative consequences of the 1950’s conformity, the long term effects have been no less negative. Parents of this era raised their own children in the same mindset, producing generation after generation of mute Americans. This pattern was interrupted by the youth Beatnik-Hippie movement, but these people, unafraid to speak out against the Vietnam War and the rampant materialism, were labeled “radicals’ and social degenerates, berated and insulted, for merely doing what a couple decades of Americans would not. The truth was that they were so afraid of speaking out, they convinced themselves that it was wrong. Moreover, they educated further generations that it was immoral. Thus, we were left with a society of people with unspoken opinions, convincing themselves to be more concerned about one’s self than the events and people around. Thus, now we have celebrities more concerned with their own money than with doing or saying anything to fight world hunger or disease in under-privileged countries, as well as an entire nation of people continually fe

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fight world hunger and disease in underprivileged countries, as well as an entire nation of people continually feedimg money into their pockets unquestioningly. Thus, we allow our president to immerse us in a war we absolutely did not want to be in, while simultaneously smirking at protesters. Even though we do not want to admit it, we ourselves are guilty of silence, and its effects still remain in our society.
As a nation we have made much progress. We have a black president for the first time, and our youth-directed MTV educates and speaks out against Aids. Our youth are embracing an individualism bolstered by diversity like never before. This would not be possible if the silence had not been broken by the civil rights movements or by individuals in their own lives. Nadezinda Mandelstam was right in her statement: “I decided it is better to scream. Silence is the real crime against humanity. Silence in any sort, whether in witnessing someone being bullied, refusing to branch out from uninformed expectations of society, questioning government policy, or raising awareness about Aids, prevents change. The only way to bring about the change we want (or need) is to make as much noise as possible.
From the Desk of the Athletic Director, Robert J. Palazzo, C.A.A.
The Purple once again has had great fall and winter seasons. The Classical Girls’ Field Hockey team stole the show this fall, battling through the playoffs to a state championship final. Classical finished runner up to an outstanding Wheeler team.
The Classical’ Boys’ Cross Country team had a banner year, winning a city championship and finishing as one of the top teams in its class and sportsmanship team of the year.
The Classical Girls’ Tennis team was class champs and sportsmanship team of the year, voted by its peers. In my opinion sportsmanship awards are the highest honor a team can be awarded. They speak for the very definition of what the team can be awarded for.
The Classical Boys and Girls Soccer teams were awarded National Soccer Coaches’ awards for academic excellence with the teams GPA’s of 3.5. This is the fourth time that the girls’ team received this award. For the boys’ soccer team, it is the first time.
The Classical Girls’ Volleyball team continues to prove that it is a permanent member of Division I. This fall the girls’ volleyball made the playoffs to the quarter finals. These girl volleyball players were city champions and sportsmanship team of the year, voted by their peers.
The winter season has been equally as exciting. The Classical Girls’ and Boys’ Track teams continue to be very competitive. The girls finished 500 in dual meet competition and were in the top half of their division.
The boys’ track team had one of the best seasons in the school’s history. The boys’ track team finished undefeated, winning the Metropolitan Division 8-0. These boys then went on to win the Class C state championship and were crowned city champions.
The Classical Boys’ and Girls’ Swim teams enjoyed another successful season. The boys finished second in the dual meet and third in the Division II state championship. The girls finished third in their dual meet and fourth place overall at the Division II state championship.
Classical Boys’ Basketball team is on its way back to the playoffs to defend the Division II back to back state championships.

Swimming, by Colin Bomster
Swimming is the most exciting sport at Classical. Even though the team has been in existence for only a few years, it has grown quickly. The first year it started with only nine boys. But this year we have triple that number. We have been able to dominate most of the teams we swam against, losing only twice. At the division meet, Classical came in third place. Despite not winning the division meet, we had many swimmers place at the top of the events.
Soccer, by Raul Villarreal
Soccer is the most exciting sport at Classical. As a member of the soccer team, I loved to compete against Central because it is our greatest rival. Classical’s biggest moment this season occurred on senior night when Classical faced Central. Classical could either win and be in the playoffs or end the soccer season with a loss on the home field. The game went back and forth, but Classical ended the game as the better team, earning a spot in the playoffs. The soccer team was so proud to defeat Central in its last home game.
Track, by Max Molina
Track is the most exciting sport at Classical. As a member of the Classical track team, I know what dedication and hard work can do. After three years of practicing long-distance running, I can now run a mile in under five minutes. Of course, I am not the only person that can do this. In addition track is very diverse since it has different events, such as distance, sprinting, jumping , and throwing.
Volleyball, by Vannoreth Chheng
Volleyball is the best sport played at Classical. Our team previously had won nearly al l of the games that it played. The next season, which starts in March, should be outstanding. In the division, Classical’s volleyball has one of the strongest defenses, which is the key to victory. However, the most important aspect that leads to victory is the ability to work together. Although Classical volleyball is in only the second division, the team could beat any opponent.
Baseball, by Kevin Llerena
Baseball is the best organized sport available at Classical. As a baseball player, I enjoy this sport because of its long reliance on teamwork and sportsmanship among all the players. Baseball is also a very exciting sport, since the players never know when someone will produce a game-winning hit. Occasionally, some player will pull an amazing play to bring the team one step closer to victory. Moreover, baseball builds the players into better physiques because of all the running and throwing. This is why baseball is the best organized sport.
Field Hockey, by Lydia Rojas
The best sport at Classical is field hockey. Lacrosse comes very close, but the intensity I, as a goalie, feel in field hockey is far superior. I enjoy being a goalie because I can see the entire field and help defense be aware of the other team’s positioning, I love making saves in the goal because they make me proud. I play the position of a goalie because there is less running, and I am last defense. There is a great adrenaline rush that I get during field hockey games.
Basketball, by Gregory Holt
At Classical , basketball is the best sport. As a member of this team I represent my school every time I put on my jersey. This team has won back to back state championships and possibly a third one at the end of this season. The home games always have enthusiastic fans. At the away-games the team represents the school.
Swimming, by Jackson Boerner
Swimming is the best sport. My favorite event is the 100 yard butterfly because of its difficulty. I am sad to leave this sport, which is such a delight to me.
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