February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

Study Reveals Majority of Students Prioritize Grades Over Learning

Grades Above All

The

VOiCE
portant. If I really want to learn more about a topic, I can learn it on my own. Similarly, another students reasoning is that the material doesnt matter; half of the stuff we learn has no impact on our life. However, we are mandated to learn rial. Understanding of the material would help in the long run. Others said that actually learning the material would also help raise their grades and would lead to a lower likelihood of forgetting the information soon after taking the test. The data seems to suggest that since the majority of students try hard in school but still view learning as secondary to good grades, it is the educational system that caused this shift in mentality. Whether or not this is a failure of the school system is not clear.The school system should be primarily about learning, said a student. A lot of people see getting good grades as the most important thing, which means that the school is not successful. Another student disagreed and said that even though school is about learning, wanting to get a good grade is just going to make you try harder and end up learning more, so the motivation continuted on page 3

have learnt, they see your grades. One can learn and memorize but t may come as no surprise not actually retain. Another said that grades are a key concern he cared most about grades because for many students. Ever since the whole point of high school is to the eighteenth century, grades get into college, so if you dont get have been used at schools to quan- into college, whats the point? tify the academic achievement of students. The goal of grading was essentially to see how much they learned. However, over the last oneand-a-half centuries, grades have transformed from a measurement into the primary goal for many students worldwide. According to a survey conducted last month of 98 Kushner students, 84% felt that getting good grades was more imOther students dont prioriportant than actually learning the tize learning because they feel that material (margin of error of 7.7%). The reasons why students they are disinterested in the topic at feel this way vary. Many said that hand, and that the information will their desire to get into a good col- not help them later in life. One stulege was the main reason they dent explained, Although I want to valued grades more highly than learn for the sake of learning and learning. One student said that the knowledge, at the end of the day, colleges dont see how much you getting good grades is more imBy Jacob Stein

(this material, so) the only thing that matters is the grade. While the majority feels that grades are more important than learning, a number of students disagree. The short term goal would be to get a good grade on the test, one student said. But ultimately I would want to know the mate-

inside
Humans of Kushner
Varsity Basketball Team Anchorman 2 Movie Review

page 2

page 8

page 5

Humans of Kushner

News
What are some of your hobbies outside of school? Well obviously I love to read and write. I love playing tennis. I am a very happy person during March Madness and I like football. Who do you have winning the NCAA Tournament this year? It still is kind of early but Villanova is doing pretty well this year so I am defiGet to know what your English professor nitely excited but they are not going to wants as far as writing is concerned be- win. Everyone always goes with Duke cause English teachers are very different. and all the same ones so I am looking When you take expository writing class for a little team that is going to breaktry to please the professor because other- out. I am still not sure yet. I have to do wise your grade will suffer. Try to enjoy my research. some of the subjects you are taking because it may be your last time exploring What do you think students will find literature, since the rest of time in college most surprising about you? will be spent towards your major. I dated a Heisman trophy winner who played for Penn State (Joey CappelAs a religious Christian, what is it like letti). I guess that is pretty cool. to teach at a religious Jewish school? I did teach at a public school for most If you were not a teacher what would of my career and what really brought you be doing? me here was a part time job because the Most likely a doctor. My brother was a public school system only had full time doctor and my father just did not have jobs and I was not interested in that. I am the money for both of us so he said an Orthodox Christian, actually an Ital- that wasnt the career for a woman so I ian Catholic which I find very similar to went into education. Because of this, I Judaism. There are three things that are pushed both of my kids into medicine. important to us: God, family and food, so I feel like I fit in here. What is your favorite book? I have to say a top three: Scarlet Letter, Did you attend Christian schools as a Great Gatsby and I know this sounds student? If so, compare your experi- odd, but I also really enjoyed Brave ence to a students experience at Kush- New World. ner. I went to a Christian grade school, high Any interesting travels? school and college. It is not that different I love Italy. Every opportunity I get, I to tell you the truth because we prayed want to go back to Italy. I find it fascimultiple times a day just like you do. I nating. I do intend to visit Israel within learned the information about the Bible, the next three years because I cannot just like you do. I was expected to do stand people talking about certain good service just like your mitzvot. I ba- places that I have not been to, so I want sically was expected to wear my religion to go. on my sleeve just like at Kushner.

February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

The Voice Staff

Jonathan Pedoeem, Editor-in-Chief in your life? David Esterlit, Assistant EdiI met Pope Paul. I kissed his ring in tor-in-Chief Italy. He was one of my all time idols. Dalya Dickstein, Senior Editor He was a great pope and it was a wonderful experience. News Eytan Shamsian, Editor Jacob Stein Dalya Dickstein Jordan Shanskhalil Jakey Ostrove Ilan Slonim Opinion Shep Gerszberg Estee Wagner Ariella Shua Natani Bondar Jacob Mendelson Elisheva Feldman Reviews Eitan Scher, Editor Gabriel Zuckerman Yonatan Raskin Joey Kirsch Sports Jerry Miller, Editor Josh Perlman, Editor Joe Berger Effie Auman Gabe Maron Jonah Bash Greg Artman Humor Alex Akman, Editor Miki Kestler Joe Amster Jesse Zucker Caryn Kaplan Statistics Shaul Hafner Avery Bell Greg Artman Layout Jacob Stein, Editor Sammy Cherna Ben Wagner Koby Stadtmauer Zach Caplan Art and Graphics Yael Rabin, Editor Alex Silver, Editor Maya Silver, Editor Lindsey Blenden Avery Bell Estee Wagner Sydney Stroulowitz Ron Sroor Zach Caplan

Interviewed By Eytan Shamsian How did you end up teaching here? Initially I came because it was an opportunity for an afternoon position, a part time job, and I already had a commitment in the morning. Thats what brought me here and the rest is history. How long have you been teaching here? Over 13 years. What changes have you seen in the school from the time you began working at Kushner? Obviously at first it was very different. When I first came, general studies was only in the afternoon and I started going in the middle school and then we became an official middle school with a principal. Then I taught full time and the curriculum was integrated, not split into morning Judaic classes and afternoon general studies classes. As years went by I picked up a class in the high school and eventually became full time. As far as the changes, I think we have grown academically. I also think the continuity of principals has definitely benefited. I also think Rabbi Rubin is a sounding board and stellar example of academic excellence. What college did you attend? I went to Villanova University

What is your best advice for students What is the most exciting experience and their English classes in college?

Special to The Voice: Middle School Student of Iraqi Heritage Shares History of Jews in Iraq
By Joseph Cohen JKHA 14 I was born into a family of duel heritage, both Sephardi and Ashkenazi. As an Ashkefard I was always interested in my heritage. It was easy to find historical facts and documents about my Ashkenazi background but when it came to my Sephardi background there was only the stories of my grandparents. The recent release to the National Archives Museum of a trove of documents and books recovered by the US Army from a wet basement at the Iraqi intelligence headquarter, as well as the recent passing of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, have invigorated my search into my Iraqi heritage. The Iraqi Jewish community existed for over 2,500 years and enjoyed a harmonious coexistence with their neighbors. For many centuries relative peace and tolerance allowed the Iraqi Jewish community to flourish. Some of the greatest minds in Jewish thinking came from the Iraqi community. They include but are not limited to: Joseph Hayyim ben Eliahu Mazal-Tov, known as the Ben Ish Chai (18341909) and Rabbi Abba Arika (175-247 AD) also known as Rab. Further the Iraqi Jewish community produced some of the most influential Jewish writings that are the keystone to our faith, such as the Babylonian Talmud. This rich history and harmonious existence began to unravel after the independence of Iraq from British rule in 1932. There were over 200,000 Jews residing in Bagdad in 1932, which accounted for one-sixth of the population. By the early 1950s the Jewish population in Iraq had dwindled to a few hundred.

Heritage Remembered

This history of the Iraqi Jewish community has lead me to write this article and Rabbi Pearlberg, Advisor I hope to share with you over the next few months the discoveries that I learn about my Heritage and the Iraqi Jewish Community.

February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

Opinion
Save Our S.E.E.D
me might be interesting to another student. Every student enjoys different types of speakers, and this is a good thing. It shows that we have a wide and diverse student body. But the truth of the matter is, the students have no say in whom the school brings in to enrich our education. The students are the ones who are supposed to learn from these people and while some speak on pertinent issues, others are just flat out boring to everyone. But I cant just criticize the school, can I? I have to suggest a way to improve. So here it is: Ask us. Its that simple. At the beginning of the year the school should poll the students on what types of speakers they want. Whether it be a speaker on politics, Israel, health, science, or any other of

By Shep Gersberg

Suggestions For a More Successful S.E.E.D Program

S.E.E.D is the program we have every Thursday to enrich our education. But does it truly do that? Every week, the school brings in a different speaker, and while some of them are quite good, in my humble opinion a majority of them are either boring or seem to be saying the same thing. At one point last year we had four different IDF soldiers come to speak to us four weeks in a row. I understand that the IDF is important and that we have to learn about them. I also feel that each of these speakers was interesting in his own way. However do we really need four speakers in a row from the same place, doing the same thing, with largely the same experiences? Now, I cant sit here all day and tell you that we shouldnt have S.E.E.D, because frankly some weeks I enjoy it a lot. But, in the end, the types of speakers that the school brings in can improve. There is, however, another side to the story. I dont represent the whole school. What is tedious for

the many subjects that the students want to hear. This is the only way to allow the S.E.E.D. Program to truly enrich the students. Students will no longer want to ditch S.E.E.D and the program as a whole will become more interactive for the students. Another way to improve S.E.E.D. would be to have it take place after lunch, instead of just before lunch. This idea is nothing new. It has been mentioned in many articles previously but it is really a major thing and the overall experience of S.E.E.D. would be much better if we all werent waiting to get out of there and get to lunch. Overall, the S.E.E.D. program has a lot of potential but the lack of student involvement in the selection of the programing and its unfortunate timing really bring down the overall experience. At its core, the S.E.E.D. program is meant to enrich the students education. Its even in the programs name! Why cant students actually be involved in their own education?

doesnt matter so much. When asked whether or not a students desire to get into a good college mandates putting all focus into grades, Rabbi Kirsch, a teacher and guidance counselor at

Grades Above All (cont.)

RKYHS, responded, I think [the notion that colleges only care about grades] is overblown. He continued to explain how as a guidance counselor, he always tells students that grades are just one piece of

a college portfolio. Its grades, its ommendations. your extracurricular activities, its For now, at least, most stuyour leadership potential, and its dents still need some convincing. your character. Grades are not everything. You can be a straight-A student and not get the best of rec-

Opinion
Block Scheduling

February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

By Ariella Shua

Is Kushners Scheduling Less Than Perfect?

5:07. A time that all of us are familiar with. A time that we all wait for, four days a week and those last ten minutes of tenth period always take the longest. And then, finally, it is 5:07, and the bell rings, and we are FREE! until 8:03 the next morning. 8:03 A.M. until 5:07 P.M. For those of you that are curious, that is precisely 9 hours and 4 minutes that we are required to be in school, four days a week. But for nearly all of us, the school day begins earlier and ends later than that. I consider myself one of the lucky ones- I live in Livingston, about 12 minutes away from school. I wake up around 7 in the morning every day, and I get home at 5:50 on a normal day. Of course, about half the students here have serious commutes on a bus at 6:30, off the bus at 6:30. I dont get how they do it. And just imagine if there is a lot of traffic, or a practice that ends at 7:30. Some kids dont get home until 8 or 9 oclock. And then they have homework and tests to study for. The amount of time doing school related activities is a lot more than 9 hours. For some it can be closer to 11 or 12. Thats a pretty long time. I doubt Im the only one who finds it a bit crazy. After all, we all want more sleep time. Yeshiva-wise, the length of our day doesnt seem so bad. Most

Yeshiva high schools end their day around our time, and some end it even later, at 5:30. So our day doesnt seem so long, compared to Jewish schools. But the public schools well, our day is significantly longer than theirs. Livingston High School, for example, ends at 2:45. That is over two hours earlier than our day ends! It may not sound like a lot, but two hours can be a huge amount of time, especially on a school day. So how do they do it? Well, Livingston High School uses a block schedule. That

is, they have about 8 classes. But unlike at Kushner, where we go to every class every day (except Fridays), LHS only has a couple of classes a day. Then the next day, they go to different classes, and the next day, they go to some of the classes from the first day, and some from the day before. Basically, it keeps them from having every class every day. And it helps with the students work load too-they usually have more than one night to do their homework. Best of all, it cuts down on the actual length of the day. Of course, there is the

drawback of maybe not learning as much because one only has a class three times a week instead of five. But if the students have more time to prepare for tests and complete assignments, perhaps the overall work and understanding of materials is better. Personally, I think that Kushner should try having a block schedule. We can have seven classes a day, and switch the schedule around so that we have each class three or four times a week. That way, we will have more time to complete homework for ten different classes, without stressing about it all for the next day. And the other positive is that we could get out earlier, which leaves more time in the day for us. Remember how I said that some Yeshivas end their day at 5:30? Well, Kushner used to end at 5:30 too. But the students were not happy about it, and a deal was made: they gave up their locker breaks and the day was ended earlier. And so it became 5:07. If it was possible in the past to modify the length of the school day and shorten it, why cant it be possible now? We have adapted to a SEED schedule. We have adapted to a Rosh Chodesh schedule. Weve even adapted to a Rosh Chodesh SEED schedule. I see no reason why we cant adapt to a block schedule too.

Advice Column
lete the app so you will not even be tempted to play and you can get on with your life. Best of luck, Dear 7-On Call, I am exhausted! I have been going to bed at like three in the morning and 7-on call I have to wake up at six-thirty to make the bus. I think it is because of this little addiction I have... No big deal, but Ive been playing Candy Crush nonstop! I have already gotten my phone taken away four times this week Dear 7-On Call, during school! Ive gotten a detention because of it! I can barely even enjoy Break is coming up. Thats supposed to be a good thing, right?! Not with a simple family dinner without pulling out my phone and playing! exams me! I am forced to go on a long road trip with my whole family! Imagine, are coming up too and Im afraid I wont be able to concentrate on my our car filled with a million siblings who cant stop screaming and crying and laughing. And a whole week of it! How can I make it bearable? studies. Thanks, It has gotten way out of hand! Cant Handle the Noise Xoxo, (X-treme) Candy-Crusher Dear Cant Handle the Noise, Two words for you: positive attitude. That may sound cheesy, but it is the Dear (X-treme) Candy-Crusher, As a fellow Candy-Crusher I am able to relate to you. Fortunately, I have truth. If you go into vacation thinking you will have a terrible time become up with ways to cure this disease. One way is to set aside time in cause of your siblings, then you will. Try to ignore them, its your vacation, your day where you can relax and play Candy Crush or any another game enjoy it! If your positive attitude starts deflating, sit tight, download some to your liking. Something to keep in mind and look forward to throughout movies, put on headphones and try to ignore them. the day, like a half an hour before you go to sleep or on the bus. If that Best of luck, doesnt work you can put your phone on time-out: stop carrying it around, 7-on call or bringing it everywhere with you. The break in playing will calm down your addiction. Worst case solution, if all others dont work, is to just deBy Elisheva Feldman

February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

Anchorman 2
The Legend Continues

Reviews
By Joey Kirsch
I have talked about endings before, and I will again. In my opinion, they are the most important part of a series whole run. They impact the audiences perception of the show, and how they remember it. Even if the beginning is amazing, if the show trails off at the end, the audience will just remember it for that part. I can think of numerous shows whose fans remember them sourly because they werent ended well. Except for the very last episode, this is the opposite of what happened with Misfits. Misfits was about a group of delinquents doing community service. One day, a crazy, huge storm hit and gave people superpowers. The show was amazing for the first three seasons, but when Nathan (portrayed by Robert Sheehan) left, it started going downhill. Steadily, other characters left and had to be replaced. Over the course of Season Four, we met the new gang: short, talkative, awkward, Finn (Nathan McMullen), with the power of telekinesis; scary yet loved Jess (Karla Crome), with the power of x-ray vision; self centered Alex, the attractive barman (Matt Stokoe); and Abbey Smith (Natasha OKeeffe), who does not remember a single thing that happened before the storm. However, something was missing and it seemed like Misfits was done for. In Season 5 the writers and new actors finally caught their stride. It starts off with Alex being placed on community service, henceforth officially joining the gang of misfits. After having an emergency lung transplant he gains the power to extract other peoples powers from them, allowing people to break free of their supernatural abilities. This power helps him become more selfless and helpful than he ever was before. The new gang bond in their own ways, and although not being as good as the original, the two groups are different enough that it is very hard to compare them. The gangs powways. Paul Rudd stars as the ladykiller Brian Fantana, who serves as the news teams field reporter. David Koechner plays Champ Kind, the teams chauvinistic sports reporter who is particularly fond of Ron. Steve Carell is Brick Tamland, the teams bumbling, idiot of a weatherman. Supposedly possessing an I.Q of 48 [the boys are towards the guy]. All of them eventually agree to join Ron in the journey to New York, and make it a fantastic one. The plot is not a very heavy one, typically just serving as a way to funnel one joke to another. It still manages to keep the viewer interested and curious as to what can happen next. Anchorman 2 as a whole feels much more like a satire of the news broadcasting industry, while not being as quite quotable as the first. The movie has cameos galore with callbacks to the first film and many, many more. I have no intention on spoiling them, but the news anchor fight scene that occurs in the first movie has a sequel appearance in Anchorman 2, and it manages to top it in every way. Rons lighthouse retreat is evocative of the retreat Ferrells Ricky Bobby takes in Talladega Nights, and serves as a nice change of pace from the rest of the film.

An Enjoyable Dark Comedy

Misfits Series 5

By Eitan Scher
The first Anchorman is one of the most beloved comedies of the past ten years. Its clever, funny and extremely well acted. While originally a modest box office success, in the almost ten years since its release, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy has managed to become somewhat of a phenomenon. It successfully helped jump-start the careers of many actors who are now household names in the comedy genre. Ron Burgundy and company return in Anchorman 2, and I think it is safe to say that indeed The Legend Continues. In Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, viewers are introduced to anchorman Ron Burgundy, who along with his team headlines a local new program in San Diego. Played by Will Ferrell, Burgundy is loved by all. After facing competition from a rival female anchorwoman named Veronica Corningstone, the two eventually end up uniting as one cohesive broadcasting unit, and end up doing the news together on a network news program. Enter Anchorman 2. Ron and Veronica are happily married and successfully doing the news together. Suddenly, Mack Tannen (played by Harrison Ford in a cameo role), the most famous anchor in New York announces that he is retiring and would like to promote Veronica to lead anchor. Unfortunately, Ron Burgundy is not in his plans, and is fired. Devastated, Ron leaves his wife and son to return to San Diego. Once there, his struggles continue, until he is approached by an agent to work for GNN (Global News Network). This faux, CNNesque channel hopes to be the first twenty-four hour news network and wanted Ron Burgundy on board. Reluctantly, Ron agrees, and rallies the band back together. In the years since Ron and Veronica joined the network news scene, Rons crew had gone separate

ers isnt as big of a focus as the storylines, but mostly each member of the group had one of some sort. At first, it looked like Joseph Gilgun would not be able to fill in the huge shoes left by Sheehan, but by this season, it turned out that the doubters were wrong. Gilgun is amazing as two totally unique aspects of the same character, Rudy. At first, he was just another moderately funny character, but by the end of the show, you could see the real depth and feelings of his two characters and how they connect and play off of one another. I really felt like there were actually two different people there the whole time. Gilgun easily switches from mindset to mindset so quickly while being different and similar with both characters at the same time. Unfortunately, the climax of the last episode did not do it for me at all and detracted from the otherwise incredible last season. While obviously not spoiling anything, I felt it was a little bit too far-fetched and childish compared to a lot of the character development shown in this season, and honestly I believe it did not do the show, especially the final season, justice. Although unbelieveable in parts (it is a supernatural sci-fi show after all) it ended well. I would definitely recommend this show if you want a quick 5 season binge-watch (the whole series is available for free on hulu).

The Good: Laugh out loud fun-

ny, the characters in Judd Apatows sequel grab onto you and never let you go.

The Good:

The Bad:

The movie often feels somewhat disjointed at times, the plot that is there is simple and frankly, not very good.

After thinking that this season would be terrible because of the direction of Season Four, it really exceeded my expectations in every way.

The Bad: Some of the storylines

The Bottom Line:

Anchorman 2 is one of the funniest films in years, and everyone should enjoy it.

are a bit out there, including the climax of the last episode, which really lowered my rating for this one.

The Bottom Line: I definitely

would recommend this show to anyone who likes a good dark comedy or sci-fi show.

Reviews
Great Soccer Game, a Joy to Play

FIFA 14

An Action-Packed Story

Quarantine: The Loners

February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

By Jordan Shanskalil The series FIFA is released annually and for many years has been among the best sports games in the world. FIFA 14 has not disappointed and has made a number of improvements from previous games. The gameplay is fluid, and more realistic in comparison to its competitors. FIFA 14, just like previous FIFAs, is the soccer game that everyone (even if you dont like soccer) will have a good time playing. Even though FIFA 14 hasnt made drastic changes to the established FIFA formula, the small changes go a long way. The first thing a player will recognize is that the players within the game feel much more like real athletes. The dribbling and the way the momentum changes feel great. This improvement on realism makes FIFA even more believable and really adds to the experience. EA Canada has significantly improved the shooting in this iteration. They have added a system called pure shot (and real ball physics) that makes the act of shooting the ball have many possible variations (like outside of the foot shots) and makes the ball act more like it would in a real match. Another way they have improved the gameplay is that in order to do skill moves, all you have to use is the right analog stick. This is so much easier than FIFA 13 where you would have to also hold the left trigger while using the right stick. EA Canada also significantly improved the AI (artificial intelligence, aka the computer)so the players on your team which you arent controlling make good runs at the right times. The Ultimate Team mode in FIFA has been a trademark for the series in recent years. Players can build a team and gain chemistry by making connections with players of the same club, nation, or league. Using the team that you created, you can try to work your way up through various divisions, from division 10 to division 1. Along the way you will get coins to improve on the team you built. If you dont want to play divisions, you also have the option to play single matches or tournaments. All the customization options and room for creativity makes Ultimate Team an extremely

fun mode. There are also co-op seasons where you can play with your friends online against other players, within the same division set up as Ultimate Team. Another main mode is the Career, which is where you can be a player for an already existing team or even a manager. On the PS3 and Xbox 360, the graphics are just like previous years and are nothing too special. They have done 3-D head scans for some of the more well-known players to make their faces look real, and it is a large improvement. The game is prone to some glitches, such as hands clipping through other bodies, and bodies clipping through the net; occasionally my player has even flown across the field. I had the opportunity to play the PS4 version for a brief amount of time, and there appeared a huge improvement from current-gen. The graphics are logically much better; the crowds and stadiums look lifelike, and even the way the ball rolls when dribbling is a large improvement. Even though EA cant make such drastic changes to FIFA, this years improvements make it really fun to play and show that they are not content with just releasing the same game with updated rosters, even on the older Xbox 360 and PS3. I would recommend FIFA 14 to anyone who has any interest in a good, competitive sports game.

By Yonatan Raskin What would you do if you were trapped in your high school with 2,000 other students, limited supplies and a disease that makes you deadly to adults? David Thorpe must find the answers to these questions if he wants to survive in Quarantine: The Loners by Lex Thomas. It was just an ordinary first day at school when there was an explosion trapping everyone inside his high school. When David tries to help his teacher who was hit by debris, his teacher hacks up his lungs and dies. Now David and his younger brother Will must survive while coexisting with other factions in the school; factions made out of friends who help each other survive, but who will attack any outsiders who threaten them. Unfortunately, David and Will find themselves on the outskirts of all of the big factions and are now Scraps, the unpopular few who have no one else. After a freak accident, David kills a member of the strongest and most dominant faction, Varsity. Now David finds himself at the end of a school-wide manhunt, where if David is found, he will be killed. Quarantine was an extremely entertaining and well written read. As the book continued, it made me feel like I was in the story myself. The characters are introduced one by one, gradually developing the plot and making it feel much more realistic. It allowed me to really get a feel for the characters and the situations they were in.

The Good:

The Good: Its a great soccer game with a nice

variety in modes and is a joy to play.

Has a well thought out storyline, well developed characters and is exciting and action packed until the very end.

The Bad:

The glitches. Ive seen some really weird ones like Ronal going into the grass and moving around like a crab

The Bad: Some short parts in the story were

boring at times.

The Bottom Line: If you want an action

The Bottom Line: FIFA 14 proves that we do

not have to worry just getting the same repackaged game every year like many other sports games are known to do, and shows that it can only get better from here.

packed story of an everyday teen thrust into a world full of aggression and hostility, I highly recommend reading Quarantine: The Loners by Lex Thomas.

February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

Is One Basketball Too Much to Ask For?

New Gym Policy Aims to Prevent Lost Basketballs
By Joe Berger In past years, the high school gym was always open to students during lunch time and free periods. Any student with free time was allowed to play basketball with friends. Now, the gym is still open to everyone, but there are never any basketballs to use. Instead, there is a much more tedious process required in order to get a basketball. The gym teachers have implemented a system in which a student must hand in a cell phone as collateral before being allowed to use a basketball. But that is not all. A student must also answer a question of the day. This can be anything from name three vitamins found in grapes to what muscles are used to perform fifteen pushups? When asked why this system was put in place, gym teacher Mr. Neuhof responded, Weve been losing equipment and it costs the school money. This system helps ensure that students are responsible to return the balls. Some students agree with this system, as Alec Rabinowitz 16 stated, Its a smart idea because now the school doesnt have to worry about losing basketballs. Others agree while to find the answers to, which limits the amount of time students can play basketball. This issue is particularly apparent for kids that do not own smartphones, as they cannot even look up the answers. Even Alec Rabinowitz 16, who stated that the cell phone system was smart, thinks that the question aspect of this process is overdone. On a separate note, it is said that this system is necessary because our school has no health curriculum. However, though there is no curriculum, there is a health elective for eleventh and twelfth graders. Additionally, most of the questions do not enrich the students knowledge about health at all and ask for trivial, useless facts. If the gym teachers are so worried about our health, maybe they should let the students actually play basketball. At least in regard to the equipment, this system has been effective, as Mr. Neuhof confirmed We have not lost one ball this year. However, based on students reactions, the system is far too strict, and students are only frustrated and discouraged from using the gym to exercise.

Sports
Mr. Neuhof has stated that he feels this is necessary because it gives students an opportunity to accumulate facts about health, given that there is no health curriculum. Additionally, it teaches students that they must work for what they want. Although parts of this statement may be valid, the overwhelming majority of students believe otherwise. Most students view this process as tedious, rather than helpful. According to Josh Degen 15, Almost everyone forgets the fact that they were supposed to learn. Also, some of the questions take a

that something should be done to retain equipment, but argue that a cell phone may not be best item to take, as Josh Degen 15 explained, Sometimes students need to have their cell phone (to answer a text or something of that nature) on them which can make the system unfair to students. Despite this disagreement regarding cell phones, the main source of controversy has been the question of the day. Students almost never know the answers to the questions, and are forced to spend their free time looking up the answers.

Hockey Injuries Worries Many

Violent Sports Place in Yeshiva League is Questioned
By Effie Auman Is hockey too violent for yeshiva league sports? Over the past few months there have been many injuries occurring at both home and away games. This would not be such a big deal had the injuries been minor. However, two of the injuries sustained so far have been concussions. Although a concussion does not seem to be a severe injury, in reality it can be much more harmful than a broken leg in the long run. A broken leg will heal, and one can see if there are any weaknesses. With head injuries, on the other hand, the damage cannot always be seen and may appear even years later. Louis Reiz 15, after sustaining a concussion from a hit at the game against RTMA reported, My head felt like it was in a cloudy state of mind, I couldnt pay attention and I had headaches all day. Louis also missed about a week of school. If that does not sound more serious says, All helmets have an expiration date. The problem is that better helmets are much more costly than the helmets that the majority of the players have. A potential solution would be if the school subsidized the additional cost of better helmets. Rabbi Kirsch commented, I would back the idea of the school providing subsidies. Another solution would be to have better trained referees. Some of the referees do not know the rules of the game. They often fail to make appropriate calls, which results in many unnecessary violations such as checking other players into the boards, which can cause injuries. The league needs to define a set of rules and teach all coaches and refs, added Coach Reiz. While hockey is a violent, physical sport, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of injuries. The question is, will the league be more proactive than it was last year?

than a broken leg to you, you should probably try some concussion testing yourself. What could be done to lessen if not eliminate the number of concussions and other injuries in hockey? One recommendation is to get better helmets. When asked if a better helmet would have prevented

his concussion, Eli Schwartz 14 responded that It might have made it less than it was, but it definitely would not have prevented it 100 percent. Of course, a less severe concussion is obviously still preferable to a serious one. Many players use their siblings old helmets. This is not a safe practice. As Coach Reiz

Varsity Basketball Makes Playoffs

First Time in Eight Years
By Josh Degen and Greg Artman After a long eight-year absence, the Kushner Cobras varsity basketball team, coached by Jan Sandusky, David Ptalis 08, and Corey Sandusky, returned to the playoffs. Despite what could have been a disappointing 6-8 record, the season seems to be a success. The Cobras were able to stay within a few points of Ramaz, TABC, Frisch and many other Yeshiva League powerhouses. Coach Jan Sandusky said that the team played very well considering that they are in the more talented and competitive division. If we were in the Brooklyn division we could have had at least 2 or 3 more wins, he insisted. But we arent, so the kids were really forced to play up to the competition. Rabbi Kirsch brought back coach Sandusky. I had all the confidence in the world in Jan. This brings back so many great memories and how appropriate it is that coach Jan was the last coach to do this and now he does it again. Rabbi Kirsch emphasized how this is a special point in our schools history. This couldnt have happened to a nicer bunch of kids who are great both on and off the court. When asked about how it felt to be apart of the first RKYHS varsity basketball team to make the playoffs in a long eight years, Daniel Gottlieb 14 responded, Feels rewarding. We expected to make it so it isnt a surprise but its still nice to see the hard work pay off. Jamie Rubin 15 said that the Varsity Basketball squads keys to success were Hard work, camaraderie, and determination. As-

Sports
sistant coach David Ptalis believes the team is truly unique and stated, I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that out kids have put into this season. The effort and enthusiasm they bring to each game and practice is infectious and they are all truly as close as brothers. This group has grown leaps and bounds as both players and young men, and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2006 is the ultimate culmination to the hard work we have put in this season. The Cobras had a chance to clinch a playoff spot on senior night against Heschel but ended up falling just short. On Saturday night, February 1st, the Cobras came into Deal, NJ to face Hillel knowing that their playoff hopes could die if they did not come out on top. Despite a few minor struggles on both ends of the court in the beginning of the first and third quarter, the Cobras played with intensity and for the most part controlled the game. They ended up defeating Hillel 52-39 while allowing everyone to get in the game. Almost nothing went wrong for the Cobras until late in the game when captain Jeremy Shechter 14 dove for a loose ball and broke his finger. Losing Schechter for the rest of the season was a huge blow to the team. Update: The Cobras fought hard against the SAR Hornets in the first round of the playoffs. They were neck-and-neck the whole game, only to loose by 2 points. Final score: 3432. By Jonah Bash

February 2014 Volume XVI, Issue IV

Are the New Sports Jerseys Worth It?

not, in fact, the result of a more serious basketball program, as was previously thought. The hockey team also got new jerseys. The players on the hockey team think that the new jerseys are great as well, but some doubt that they are truly worth the new, higher cost. When asked if the new jerseys are better than last year, hockey player Alec Rabinowitz answered with a blunt, Yes. However, he also remarked that the new jerseys are so expensive, and no one wants them because of that. I, as a member of the hockey team, believe that the jerseys are cool, but could have been a tiny bit cheaper. Rabbi Kirsch explained that this years jerseys are so expensive because they are top of the line jerseys. Last year, the team also acquired t-shirts, but Rabbi Kirsch explained that he was only able to get those t-shirts because last year the company messed up the jerseys, so it gave them to us for free. Are these jerseys worth the cost? People like David seem to think so. However, others, like Alec, disagree. There are multiple diverse opinions within the Kushner student body regarding these jerseys. Personally, I support the purchase of the new jerseys. I think that the nicer the jersey you wear, the more confident you are. In my opinion, the cost of these jerseys is worth the added confidence that accompanies them. Next time my team needs new jerseys, you will see me lobbying for nicer and better uniforms.

New Uniforms

This year, Kushner has gotten new jerseys for almost all of the sports teams, with new colors, original designs, and most importantly, higher prices. The question is, are these new jerseys worth the costs? The first new jerseys this year are the boys basketball jerseys. The players agree that the new jerseys were great, as David Lowinger 16 explains. I love the new jerseys. They are better than the last ones. I think the nicer jerseys show that our basketball program is getting stronger. However, when Rabbi Kirsch was asked why he decided to get new jerseys this year, he replied that the basketball team needed new jerseys because the current jerseys were not being made any more. I asked students Mordechai Weiss and Matthew Stadtmauer to design the new jerseys. It seems that the new jerseys were

Interview with Basketball Star, Mordechai Weiss

Interviewed By Greg Artman How important is basketball to you? Basketball for me is my whole life. I wake up basketball, go to sleep dreaming about basketball. To quote Ray Lewis; I wake up and all I know it grind. In what ways has Kushner facilitated your growth as a basketball player? Kushner has been great for me basketball-wise. Rabbi Kirsch allowing us to have some amazing tournaments, like Memphis, Boston and Hausdorff really allowed us to get exposure to other teams. And with our new head coach Jan Sandusky and our assistant coach David Ptalis Im learning a ton as a basketball player and growing as an individual and as a teammate. If were sitting here a year from now, what would you have liked to achieve from the past year in basAny advice for an aspiring player? ketball? What my coaches always told me, I hope to win Kushners first varsity that if being successful was easy basketball championship. I also hope than everyone would do it. For any that with all my hard work I can play aspiring player who wants to be for Yeshiva University. good you have to block out everyone and have tunnel vision. You cant let A lot of great athletes have a why, people knock you down, and tell you a reason for why they get up every that youre not that good or that you morning and put in the sweat and wont make it to where you want to hard work. what is your why? be. You have to have tunnel vision My why is that I hate being average, and always keep your eyes set on and I have too many people to prove your goal, and work hard and noth- wrong to slack off and not put in the ing will stop you from getting there work. Seeing my brother as a role model, I want to fill his shoes. as long as you put in the work. my work ethic up, I hope to play at Yeshiva University next year.

The Life of a Captain

How do you prioritize Basketball, School and Social life? Everyone that knows me knows that Basketball is my number one priority outside of family. On the weekend ends Im not hanging out with What are your plans for basketfriends Im in the gym putting up ball after Kushner? I know that I have to continue imshots and Lifting weights. proving on my game, both mentally and physically. And as long as I keep