THE DEFINITIVE

Vol.3, Issue 2 KIPP Infinity Charter School – New York, NY December 2009

From Worst to First

BY SIRAH SOW

No one thought that they could pull it off. They

started off the season with three straight losses. Two of the
most valuable players from last year’s team were barred from
playing. The quarterback was only a sixth grader.
On Saturday, November 21st, all of that didn’t seem to
matter much as the KIPP Infinity Flag Football Team,
coached by Mr. Griffith and Big Brother L, defeated
Opportunity Charter School in the championship round with a
final score of 65-50. KIPP Infinity literally went from worst
place to first place over the course of the season.
According to Coach Griffith, some key players
throughout the season were Peter Clark (2014), Cesar
Quintanilla (2014), Elvin Perez (2016), and Christopher
Ramos (2015).
Perez, the sixth grade quarterback, was the surprise
underdog of the season. Leading a team as a sixth grader
must have been a lot of weight to carry on his shoulders, but
the upperclassmen soon learned to respect his plays and his
attitude on the field. We’re #1: KIPP Infinity’s Flag Football Team poses with its championship trophy.
“It felt weird because, to my knowledge, I was the –Photo by Gerard Griffith
only sixth grade quarterback this school has ever had. At first
it was uncomfortable, but the team helped me to become a
leader,” said Perez.
Perez believed that a large part of the team’s successes
was due to the coaches’ enthusiasm. Mr. Griffith and Big
Brother L not only cheered on their team, but they also used a
bit of sarcasm to get the team ready for the game.
Clark recalled one Saturday game, the day after
Halloween, in which Mr. Griffith dressed up as a Union
soldier from the Civil War. While Clark thought Mr.
Griffith’s antics were “embarrassing,” Clark also believed that
Mr. Griffith really motivated the team to play their best, even
when some games didn’t translate into a win for the team.
Clark, who was named one of the MVPs of the
championship game, caught two interceptions. The opposing
team, he noticed, was significantly bigger in size than KIPP
Infinity’s.
Perez also admitted that he thought that Opportunity
Charter School had the advantage; Perez even predicted at the
beginning of the game that KIPP Infinity was going to lose.
Then, he said, “Peter and Cesar started catching interceptions,
jumping higher, and playing better – better than all the games
we ever played the entire season.” Things just came together Former NFL player from the New York Giants, Tiki Barber, poses with KIPP Infinity’s Flag
Football Team. Fabian Quintanilla (center) holds the football that Tiki signed for the team.
that day, it seems.
–Photo by Gerard Griffith
Cesar Quintanilla said, “Basically, we were able to
execute the plays correctly. Also, over the course of the
season, Elvin learned how to pass the ball well.”
“I’m looking forward to next year’s season, and I hope
to be the quarterback again,” said Perez.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FLAG FOOTBALL

TEAM!

CHECK OUT WHAT’S INSIDE THE DEFINITIVE

Page 3 Page 4 & 5 Page 7 Page 8

Just when you thought you Check out how other countries No Christmas tree in Lincoln Have some fun with some
knew everything about Mr. celebrate their holiday Center this year! holiday riddles!
Brunzell. traditions.
Page 2 The Definitive – December 2009 news

Annual Rockefeller Center

Christmas tree Lit Up
BY SAMANTHA REYES

The big Christmas tree located in Rockefeller center has been put
up and lit. The lights shined on December 2, 2009 at 8:55pm. This annual
tree is very amazing. The tree is usually 75-90 ft high (23 to 27 meters).
This has been a New York City tradition since 1931.
Last year, the tree was originally from Hamilton, New Jersey. The
tree has been usually a Norway spruce. The exact height of the tree this
year is 76 feet tall. The first tree was erected by construction workers, but
not as tall as it is today. The trees over the last 7 years have had about
30,000 lights, and about 5 miles of wiring. The Swarovski star (the tree
top star’s name) was first put up in 2004. It was 9.5ft in diameter and
weighed 550 pounds! The creator of the star was a German artist named
The Tree at Rockefeller Center before the lighting ceremony.
Michael Hammers. Hammers, this year, has designed his own star -Photo by Samantha Reyes
lighting production. This magnificent tree will be put down the week
after New Year’s Day and recycled for many kinds of uses. In 2007, the
“giving tree” was taken down and was used to furnish lumber for Habitat
for Humanity house construction. This is a remarkable tree that shines all
over Rockefeller Center. Check it out! Take the F, V, B, or D train to 47-
50 Streets, Rockefeller Center.

Lincoln Center Tree Left

Down for Christmas
BY SAMANTHA REYES

The second famous Christmas tree located in Lincoln Center on

66th Street hasn’t been put up this year due to construction. This is the
second year it hasn’t been up, and it actually won’t shine until 2011. In
the past years, about 10,000 people went to Lincoln Center to see the
great tree. The construction is for the Josie Robertson Plaza where
construction workers have been replacing the surface where the tree used
to be.
In 2008, the Lincoln Center Business Improvement District (BID)
provided a tree on Dante Square that was about have the size of the
original Lincoln Center tree and was lit the Monday after Thanksgiving.
This tree may not be put up for a while, but when it does come back, I The Lincoln Center Tree before the construction project. The tree (above) was
can guarantee you that people will again see it shine throughout Lincoln surrounded by thousands of people. It shined throughout the entire month of
December. Lincoln Center is located on 66th Street and Broadway.
Center.

BABY KIPPster NEWS!

Ms. Rosario just learned that she’s going to be having a
baby boy!

Mr. and Mrs. Heuisler are pleased to announce that they

will be welcoming their first baby in June 2010!

Congratulations!

-THE DEFINITIVE STAFF

-Photo by Theresa and Patrick McCaffrey

HERE COMES THE BRIDE… HERE COMES THE DOG? Mrs. McCaffrey, KIPP Infinity’s
5th grade reading teacher, and her husband, Patrick, were getting ready for the ring exchange. Petey,
Mrs. McCaffrey’s dog, was the ring bearer and carried the rings in a purple pillow that was made
by Mrs. McCaffrey’s mom. (Petey showed up late because he had jumped in the lake before the
wedding started!)
FEATURES The Definitive – DECEMBER 2009 Page 3

Teacher Profile: Mr. Thomas Brunzell

Every issue, the journalism staff will be talking one-on-one with a KIPP Infinity teacher and asking him or her some crazy, cool questions!
Just when you thought you knew everything about Mr. Brunzell… -BY LOURDES DELGADO AND ORLANDO GARCIA
Q: What is your Q: Where does the Q: How would Q: Favorite T.V. 
zodiac sign?
A: Western – name Brunzell come you describe shows?  A: Project 
Sagittarius; Eastern – from? 2009 in one Runway, Fringe, 
Tiger
A: I was adopted when word? and tennis. 
Q: What’s the most  I was a baby. Brunzell A ASTOUNDING
played song on your 
iPod?  comes from my Q: What’s your Q: Is there anything
A:  The Smiths – look it  adopted family and it’s favorite restaurant you regret?
up!  from Sweden. in New York? A: I regret when my
time is wasted with
Q: Do you have any A: Balthazar in
Q: What do you bad movies.
brothers or sisters? Soho, New York.
do outside of
KIPP? A: Yes, I’m the oldest; my
A: I go to sister is 32 and my Q: What time do you Q: What is the most
concerts and brother is 30. go to sleep? embarrassing thing
watch movies. I A: I go to sleep at you’ve ever done?
actually go to Favorite color: Red  10pm. A: The Class of
Favorite board game: Clue 
Q: What’s your 2014 knows that
Favorite actor: Justin  Q: What is your favorite
Theroux 
when I was in 5th
middle name? type of music? grade, I was in a
Favorite actress: Cate 
A: Duc A: I like a lot of music: Christmas show at
Blanchett 
(pronounced like Favorite cities to visit:  punk music from my school and my
Duke). Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and  England, Goth music as pants ripped and fell
in August 2009, Orlando  a teen, and modern down.
Q: What is YOUR Favorite fashion designers:  classical music from the
FAVORITE For entertainment,  1950s
DESSERT?
Alexander McQueen, Narciso  Q: What is your
Rodriguez; for myself‐ Ben  Q: What was the last
A: My favorite Sherman and Dr. Martin  good movie you saw? favorite word?
is strawberry A: Star Trek by J.J A: Resiliency
shortcake and Abrams
every time my
Q: If you could be  Mr. Thomas Brunzell, Dean of
something for a day, what 
friends bakes Students @ KIPP Infinity
would it be?  
me one. Q: What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve
A: I would be the driver of 
ever done?
a water taxi between St.  A: The Class of 2014 knows that when I was in
Q: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Q- What is your Thomas and St. John.  5th grade, I was in a Christmas show at my
A: I have gone swimming with sharks and manta rays.
ethnicity? school and my pants ripped and fell down.
A- Vietnamese

Spotlight question: Is there a particular gift that you’re hoping to get for the holidays?
INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ANGELY UREÑA AND EMANIE CRUZ

Britney Delacruz Angeline Alvarez Naya Rogers Chris Washington

Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017

“For Christmas I would want an iPod
Touch because it is a touch-screen. I can
get on the internet and text people the way
I like it… without a keyboard.”
“I wish for money for Christmas because I
would be able to go shopping with my
fiends. I can also can also go Christmas
shopping and buy things for me, my friends
and family. ”
“I wish for a Blackberry Bold, so I can “For Christmas I would want a Tony
call all of my friends when I want to, text, Hawk ride for Christmas because I
and use the internet when I get home from could see myself riding the skate board.
school.” I really want to ride that skateboard.”

Fabio Rivera Justin Philippe Rafael Capellan Emilia Tineo

Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017

“The coolest think out is DJ Hero. Once I
saw the commercial with Jay-Z and Slim
Shady, I knew that it was exactly what I
wanted. I want to turn tables, too; I don’t
want to use the controller.”
“I wish for a PSP for Christmas because I
can play a lot of fun games, I have also
heard that the new PSP is easier to use,
making it easier for to play games and
listening to music.”
“I wish for a million dollars because with “For Christmas I would want a
the money I will be able to buy a PSP and sidekick 09 because I can text and talk
with the leftover money, I will be able to to my friends any time I want without
but whatever I want.” a phone in my ear.”
Page 6 The Definitive – December 2009 EDITORIAL

The Tech Beat: Dear Tiffany D.

The 7 Must-Haves for Christmas
“Dear Tiffany D.” is KIPP Infinity’s
BY WILSON GUZMAN advice column. If you have a
question or a concern that’s on
1) iPod Touch 3rd Generation – 8GB: $199, 32GB: $299, 64GB: your mind, leave it to “Tiffany D.”
$399. iPod touches are all the rage with their new commercials to give you some helpful advice.
with people playing soccer, Tiger Woods golf, and air hockey. All letters will remain anonymous.
It is a fun device to have on the go. You may submit your letters to
Mr. Vea’s mailbox in the main
office (Ms. Ceron’s office).
2) iPod Nano 5th Generation – 8GB: $149, 16GB: $179. The
Have a nice day!
iPod Nano is great for a teen on the go. It has a built-in video
camera, and a radio player. If you’re big on fitness, you’d love
this device. It has a built-in pedometer, and with Nike+ iPod Dear Tiffany D.,
support, you can track your calories burnt and your heart rate. Sometimes when I get my paycheck, I get really upset because I
don’t get a good paycheck score. It ruins the rest of my day. How can I
3) PSP Go gaming console: $249. It is Sony’s brand new device keep myself from feeling this way?
that came out on October 1st; the PSP features a whopping
16GB of internal space. You can fit 4,000 songs on the PSP and Sincerely,
still be able to play games such as Little Big Planet for PSP and Bad Paycheck Day
still have space to save the game.
Dear Bad Paycheck Day,
4) XBOX 360 gaming console: $199. The XBOX 360 is a great Your bad paycheck is your fault; maybe you should talk to
system to play games on. It has great games that we all know your teachers about what it is that is getting you your deductions. If
such as Halo and Grand Theft Auto (for mature players only). It you know what you’re doing wrong and fix it, your paychecks will
has a wide variety of games so you won’t get tired. But, no one most likely get better. As for your bad days, you shouldn’t let the
gets tired of the XBOX. paychecks rule your emotions. Remember, the paycheck is just a
reflection of your actions; it shouldn’t control your entire life.
5) PS3 Slim gaming console: $299. This is my personal
favorite. It has the best graphics in my opinion and the best Sincerely,
selection of games. It has a personal touch to it. With its low, Tiffany D.
low price of $299, it is a great choice for hardcore gamers on a
low budget.
Dear Tiffany D.,
6) Nintendo Wii: $199. This is the most affordable gaming
I am an 8th grader and I need to decide which type of high school I
console on this list. It is the most family-friendly game system
would like to go to. Should I go to another public school, KIPP NYC
on the market. If you hook up the Wii to the Internet through the College Prep High school or a private school? Help me.
Wi-Fi connection, you can experience so much through this
device. If you have a Game-cube, you can play their games Sincerely,
right on the device, with the Game-cube controller, of course. Where Do I Go

7) Nintendo DSi: $169. This is Nintendo’s newest device. It has
two cameras for extra fun, an Internet Channel built in, and a
music player. It is a computer built right in, minus a DVD
player. It can still play the older DS games, so compatibility is
no problem.
Dear Where Do I Go,
I am also in the process of deciding where to go. I think you
should keep your options open and apply everywhere. KIPP College
Prep High School might be where people are pressuring you to go,
but private schools are really good, too. As for public school, not all
of them are bad. There are some really good ones such as Beacon,
CUNY, Stuyvesant, and more. So stay open-minded and do your best
to get into where you want to go. Follow your heart.

Sincerely,
Tiffany D.
The iPod Touch 3rd Generation

Top Ten Songs of 2009

1. Taylor Swift: You Belong With Me

2. Jay Sean: Down
3. Iyaz: Replay
4. Lady Gaga: Poker Face
1 2
5. Black Eyed Peas: I Gotta Feeling
6. Kings of Leon: Use Somebody
7. Kelly Clarkson: My Life Would Suck Without You
8. Flo Rida: Right Round
9. Owl City: Fireflies
10. Jason Derulo: Whatcha Say
Source: www.billboard.com 3 4
 Page 7 The Definitive – DECEMBER 2009 sports/entertainment

bZ
Back-to-Back Champions!
BY SAMANTHA REYES

On December 8, 2009, KIPP Infinity’s volleyball team did it again.

Ms.Stabrowski, the volleyball coach, held tryouts and chose 16 students from the 6th,
7th, and 8th grades. With only one day to practice, they had a game the next day.
They had games almost the entire week, won the majority, and rocked it. The
volleyball team had barely anytime to practice, but still managed through all games,
especially the final one.
The championship game took place at Democracy Prep Charter School. They
first had a make up the game against Harriet Tubman. KIPP won this game with a 2
out of 3 score. Then, the championships started against Democracy Prep. It was a
tough game. Democracy Prep won the first round, but with two rounds left, in the
end, the KIPP Infinity volleyball team took the gold. The volleyball team really
showed what a team and a family is all about. Some KIPPsters were interviewed The volleyball team in their first game against Democracy Prep.
before the game (quotes are below): -Photo by Samantha Reyes

Angeline (2015): The Volleyball Team D’Asia (2016):

“It’s great. I have “I am happy to be
played it before Jerick Alcantara (2015) on the team. It’s a
and now I get to Angeline Alvarez (2015) new sport for me.
practice again. D’Asia Baldwin (2016) The people on the
This is my first Juaquin Bennett (2015) KIPP Infinity
sport at KIPP Sulnerys Carmona (2015) volleyball team are
Infinity.” Daijah Daniels (2015) winners!”
Joel De Jesus (2016)
Abdul Diallo (2014)
Juaquin (2015): Willis Feliz (2014) Willis (2014):
“It’s exciting and Jacob Garcia (2016) “This is terrific.
it’s the first sport Argenis Marmol (2015) KIPP is going to
I’ve ever been in. Samaiyah Patrick (2015) win the big
I’m ready to beat Samantha Reyes (2015) championship
the other team. I’m Joshua Richardson (2015) game. WE’RE
excited for the big Fabio Rivera (2014) GONNA WIN!”
game.” Alexander Rosa (2014)

HUT! HUT! HIKE!

BY JASON BRAVO

Homecoming (n.): An annual event held by a college, university, or high

school for visiting alumni. KIPP NYC celebrated its first Homecoming on
November 14, 2009. All high school students at the KIPP NYC met again, which
was led by a soccer game, a football game and the band playing a variety of songs.
This reunion was truly a moment for the students to spend some time together.
As the KIPP soccer team was ready to play, to their surprise, the other team
forfeited the game. Next up was the KIPP NYC football team, the Bulldogs, who
played against Cardozo High School from Queens. The Bulldogs lost against
Cardozo, 34-6. Though the Bulldogs lost, their team was proud of doing well with
only a couple of months of practice. The KIPP NYC football coach, Hugh Chen,
even said, “I was proud of the football team. Even though we lost, we played
better than what was expected. Though losing hurts, in the first quarter, the score
was very close.”
The quarterback, Nelkie Gonell, also said, “This was our first game ever
and I was proud. Mr. Chen said to learn from our own mistakes and to get better.
-Photo by Jason Bravo I’ll always remember that.”
Although KIPP NYC lost the football game, the audience didn’t lose their
The KIPP NYC Bulldogs (left) played against Cardozo team spirit, and neither did the cheerleaders or the KIPP NYC College Prep Band.
High School (right).

The cheerleaders were awesome, waving their pom-poms in the air, and rooting on their team. They gave the Bulldogs the spirit to not give up.
Taisha Valentin, a former KIPP Infinity student, and now a member of the cheerleading squad, exclaimed, “The cheerleaders were very enthusiastic
to learn the routines even within one week.”
The band also showed what supporting your teammates meant. They proudly played to the songs, “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Empire State of
Mind.” This sensational experience was one that will remain in the minds and hearts of many KIPPsters.

What to expect in our next issue – coming out in February 2010…

Valentine Grams
Nonfiction Winter Exhibition
Basketball Team
Page 8 the Definitive – December 2009 Holiday fun

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, KIPP INFINITY!

CHRISTMAS RIDDLES! SEE IF YOU CAN
WORD SCRAMBLE FIGURE THEM OUT!!

Directions: Unscramble the following words to make holiday-related words.

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
1. DRREEENI __________________________ FROSTED FLAKES

2. GTYHUAN___________________________ What do elves learn in school?

THE ELF-ABET
3. NEETRPS_____________________________
What kind of bird can write?
4. SMONRTAEN_________________________ A PEN-GUIN

5. ANSAT_______________________________ What do you call people who are afraid of Santa

Claus?
6. YCIHEMN____________________________ CLAUSTROPHOBIC

7. SMCRHITSA__________________________
Cash
8. KOSIOCE_____________________________ The Definitive asked 175 students: Out Clothing
of the 5 gifts listed to the right, which Toys
9. WSON________________________________ one would be the most ideal for you? Electronics
Trips

10. KHNAUHKA__________________________ Clothing

2%
Toys
11. MEDCEEBR__________________________ 1%

12. RECRSALO___________________________ Electronics

33%
Cash
13. TRSA________________________________ 56%

14. RROECLKLEEF_______________________
Trips Survey conducted by
8% Aaron George, Emanie
15. YMLIFA_____________________________ Cruz, and Anais Quintanilla

Winter break is from Thursday, December 24th,

to Sunday, January 3rd. School resumes on
Monday, January 4th.

BY DEION JONES