Informer March 2013 Issue - Woodlynde School

Science teacheralso cuts hair ...Page 3For photos, videos, and news,check out: woodlynde.org/informerGet all the latest updates: Like“Woodlynde Informer” on Facebook.Two Scoopstakes Woodlyndeby storm...Page 4Woodlynde School’s Award-Winning Student NewspaperIssue 5March 21, 2013Cut Loose!Photo by Patrick Torphy, Editor-in-ChiefThe cast put their best foot forward during the production of Footloose, including (from left to right) Mattie Sweet, SamanthaGoodman, Evan Guinessy, Noorie Weinberg and Haley Van Schaick. The Upper School’s first musical in at least 10 yearswas a smashing success. A review and additional photos are on pages 4 and 5.School to InstituteMore Safety MeasuresExpect more fire drillsnext year. Also underconsideration are higherquality security camerasand the “Run, Fight,Hide” method.By Patrick TorphyEditor-in-ChiefAfter the Sandy Hook ElementarySchool tragedy, in which a total of 28 peopledied in December 2012, the number of massshootings last year rose to a staggering 16.This included two of the deadliest in U.S.history, according to The Nation.As a new generation blooms, a threat likemass shootings that was once unthinkable —particularly at schools — is now consideredreality.Dean of Students Mr. Shank offers aninteresting portrait regarding Woodlynde toillustrate this shift in threats towardschools: “When this building was built, thething they were worried about was the Russiansbombing us; that’s why the cafeteria isa bomb shelter ... people didn’t go intoschools and shoot people.”While school massacres shouldn’t beviewed as a common occurrence — after all,being at school is still safer even than beingat home — they also shouldn’t be thought ofas a complete impossibility.That is why, in the wake of these tragedies,Woodlynde has reassessed its safetypolicies in the event that there is an armedand dangerous intruder.“YOU’RE GOINGTO HAVE CASUALTIES”Mr. Shank has sobering words for whathe considers the result of an armed intruderat Woodlynde.“If you have an intruder, you’re going tohave casualties,” he said. “[If] somebodywants to come in here and play shoot ‘em up,there’s going to be some adults and kids thatare dead.“Our goal is how do we reduce that numberand keep it at a dozen, as opposed to 70.As crazy as that sounds, that’s the reality ofthe situation.”Prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown,CT, Woodlynde implemented the I.D. /keyless entry system, the Alert Now system,indoor and outdoor security cameras, and anew fire and alarm system. In addition, theschool installed new doors that comply withcode, developed a crisis plan, placed schoolrecords in fire safe cabinets, and providedemergency training for staff.After Sandy Hook, Woodlynde’s SafetySee SAFETY on page 3CheerleaderLoves to “Fly”Senior Morgan Cabagets thrown 15 feet in theair. To her, the risk is wellworth it.By Alex RobertsStaff WriterMorgan Caba walked into the venue,hands sweating and trembling, the chantingof a thousand people filling the stands. Assoon as her All-Star Cheerleading teammateslifted her up in the air by her feet, the nerveswent away.Then they threw her 15 feet in the air,her body flipping once on the waydown.The risk of injury is high: IfMorgan is dropped, she couldend up with a concussion, oreven break her neck or back.And, in fact, Morgan has beenhurt and sustained a concussionfrom falling on severaloccasions.But this time, in the blink of an eye,she was back in the arms of her teammatesand safely on the ground.Despite the many demands andrisks of injury, Morgan loves All-StarCheerleading for the competitions,See CHEER on page 6Morgan Cabahas sufferednumerousinjuries whilecheering.Photoprovided byMorganCaba.

March 21, 2013New Science Teacher Also Cuts HairThe Informer Page 3By Alex RobertsStaff WriterIf you need a haircut, Mr. Prontnicki is the man tosee. Though he has no formal training, the Middle andUpper School Science teacher has been cutting hairsince he was 14."I wanted to change my look; my brother gave me aMohawk in seventh grade. When he wouldn't cut myhair [into a Mohawk again], I decided to cut it myself,”the unofficial barber said with a laugh.When Mr. Prontnicki was in college, he would cuthis friends’ hair several times a week for $5 per cut.However, now he only trims for friends and family,at no charge.The new teacher estimates he has performed about300 to 400 haircuts, including Woodlynde communitymembers. "Not too many people know, but they'reshocked [when they find out]. I was a little nervous tocut their hair because it's a personal connection."When math teacher Mr. Sweeney discovered Mr.Prontnicki’s skill, his immediate reaction was: "Sweet.Free haircuts."Mr. Sweeney isn't the only person at Woodlyndewho has gotten a new look from Mr. Prontnicki. Englishteacher Mr. Koch and Writing teacher Mr. Gelmanhave both received haircuts. Mr. Prontnicki eventouched up freshman Jack Perme's hair.Senior Mattie Sweet jokingly asked, “Does he doeyebrows? I really need to get mine waxed.”Senior Maisey Thompson teased, “I never wouldhave never known he cut hair based on his [buzz cut].”Mr. Prontnicki said cutting hair is "a part of art.”He enjoys “changing and shaping something ... [and]also the connection to the other person and helpingthem."Photo by Patrick Torphy, Editor in ChiefMr. Prontnicki gives a thorough haircut to mathteacher Mr. Sweeney.Students Are Repulsed by Roaches at SchoolThe insects are drawn to food,so students should clean uptheir snacks and keep meals inthe cafeteria.By Cassia EnrightMagazine & Opinion EditorSome students have been complaining and are ratherdisgusted by some concerning bug sightings. Cockroacheshave been spotted in a variety of places, from classroomsto locker rooms to the cafeteria.What some people might not know is how commonand frequent this nuisance is.“There are cockroaches in every public building youcome across. Every hotel, every school, office building,”Dean of Students Mr. Shank said matter of factly.Despite that, the school continues to try to take careof the issue. “We have an exterminator that comes totreat the school ... once a month,” Mr. Shank explained.Even though that sounds like it should be enough toeliminate the problem, it clearly is not.“I have seen cockroaches in the boys’ locker room afew times, and it was awful! They were crawling in theshowers,” said freshman Brad White, to which freshmanJack Stinson added, “They are icky and gross.”They have been found in other places, such as thegirls’ locker room and bathroom, along with the All-Purpose Room during play practices. English teacherMrs. Byrne’s room in the morning seems to have facedthe worst over the years.“[English teacher Mr. Kupersmith and I] used tokeep a can of roach spray in here because we would seemaybe one a week!” she said.Luckily, there is something that students can do tokeep the cockroaches away during the day and reducethe chance of seeing them.Cleaning up snacks that you eat in class and keepingall other food in the cafeteria will help discourageroaches from traveling to other parts of the building.“When people take food into classrooms, the lockerrooms, and [and various other] places is why you willfind [the cockroaches] there,” Mr. Shank said.Following these tips will likely help the problem. Infact, Mr. Kupersmith has been following a strict “nofood zone” in his class.“Bugs need food, and shelter from weather, just asmuch as we do. With the complimentary continentalbreakfasts we leave them, Woodlynde was a greatroach motel to stay in.”Mr. Kupersmith has gone above the call of dutyto aid the school in reducing the amount and, as areminder, haseven createdsigns hangingin his roomwhich featurea large creepycrawly bug,which someoneaptly namedGregor.“The recentrenovations toour buildinghave turnedout to offer anoticeably improveddeterrent, butour multi-leggedneighbors are persistent,“he said.Photo by Mattie SweetTake that! HousekeeperJackie Smith, with the bugspray used against the roaches.School Focuses on Heightening SecuritySAFETY from page 1and Emergency Committee convened to reassess theschool’s emergency plans.Additional fire and other safety drills are alreadyplanned for next year, along with more than a dozenother changes. Some of those include researchingtechnology to allow cell phone use in cafeterias(currently there is limited to nonexistent servicethere), develop a plan for after school event safetyand security, and replacing the lobby doors.In addition, the school is considering the followingnew measures: Testing the security alarm system more frequently Implementing a “Run, Fight, Hide” method Eliminating dead spots by installing an interconnectedclock/phone/intercom system Providing the local police department with all keystaff members’ cell numbers Replacing old doors Installing higher definition security camerasSome of these new initiatives were suggested byPete Mango of Signal 88 Security in Octara, PA, whois a consultant Woodlynde hired for less than $500 toassess the campus’ safety in a variety of emergencyscenarios, said Head of School Dr. Fulco.According to the official audit obtained by TheInformer, “[Woodlynde’s] physical structure and thesite’s footprint creates [sic] several challenges in developinga security program ... There are over 20access points, multiple ground floor and accessiblebelow grade windows.”But the assessment also praises Woodlynde foradapting the building to the best of its abilities. “Thestaff has done a remarkable job in upgrading security,including adding video cameras as the budgetpermits, and changing classroom doors with astronger door, less glass and a better lock-set.”When asked how they felt about Woodlynde’ssecurity, several students said the school is safeenough already and additional measures are unnecessary.“Because it's so small, we know everyone that'ssupposed to be here and everyone that's not,” sophomoreDan Cervone explained. “I feel pretty safe nowso there's no need to go farther.""I think Woodlynde is safe because they have thecameras ... and every door is locked,” added sophomoreLiza Bohm.Senior Christen McCreavy is glad the schoolplans to take additional measures.“I feel that it’s good that the school is making improvementsto make sure that everyone is safe. I feelthat everyone should be able to be protected at alltimes. I know by making these improvements, we canprevent a bad situation from happening.”One issue that the school plans on fixing are thedead-spots that exist within the building where P.A.announcements cannot be heard. Areas like bathrooms,offices, locker rooms, and the kitchen have nospeakers to deliver announcements. In the event of anemergency, directions would not be heard by everyonein the building. This should be fixed by next schoolyear.“RUN, FIGHT, HIDE”Mr. Mango, the security consultant, is a proponentof a strategy called “Run, Fight, Hide”. Instead oflocking down and hiding, potential victims try to runout of the building, or fight the intruder and only hideif necessary. Mr. Mango feels that hunkering downleaves people more vulnerable to a gunman, as opposedto running away.If the school were to adopt this method, which it isconsidering, it would have to be drilled. Mr. Shank isconcerned that the “Run, Fight, Hide” method lacksorganization and would cause total chaos, but heplans to ask Mr. Mango how that would work onWoodlynde’s campus.Dan and Liza oppose this method for what theyfeel is its over-the-top intensity. They favor the currentlockdown drills.IDsThe first action taken at Woodlynde after SandyHook was a crackdown of I.D.’s, which is still being observed.This vexes many students, including Dan and Liza,who both feel the cards, and the new strict enforcement ofthem, are “stupid.” If a student is seen without their I.D.,they are supposed to be assigned a detention.Mr. Shank believes that by enforcing the I.D. rule, fewerdoors will be propped open and the school will becomeless porous, because students won’t cut corners to get inside.“ ... I believe by virtue of cracking down on the I.D.cards, it puts it more in the forefront of the students’ mindthat this really is an issue,” he said.PLANS FOR NEXT YEARDr. Fulco says the Sandy Hook tragedy is the mainreason he has decided to put an extra focus on safety.“I’ve been thinking a lot and spending a lot of time,whether it be lying awake at night or on a treadmill in themorning, or driving to work ... Sandy Hook has gotten meto really think and reflect on what we’re doing here ... onall things safety and security.”While the school has not yet decided on many specificplans, Mr. Shank was able to foreshadow one definitivechange for next year: “[As a result of Sandy Hook], we will,next year, be drilling students and staff and training waymore than we ever have in the past.”Photo by Maya Holloway, PhotographerBecause of fire codes, the school cannot put locks on thelanguage room doors in the small cafeteria. Some are concernedthat they cannot properly lock down in an emergency.

The InformerMarch 21, 2013 Page 5Artist Spotlight: Kaelin WilcherJunior Shines in His FirstComedic Role in FootlooseStaff Writers Caroline Kothari and Liz Carney sat down with actor Kaelin Wilcher totalk about how his experience with Footloose compared to previous Upper School plays.How is the play compared to past years?"It's a lot of fun because it's a musical. The dancing and the music make it more fun ... alsothe [what happens] behind the scenes and [with] the audience.”What is your favorite part about the play?"The dancing, because I like dancing a lot. I do the shopping cart and maybe a little bit oftwerking.”What character are you in the play? How do you feel about this character?“I am Willard and this character is fun to play … I can be myself and have fun withthe audience.”Dodge This!Are you excited or nervous about the play?"I am nervous. It's in a week and we have a lot to do. A lot of people were not comfortablewith the lines and the dance moves, so we had to practice that a lot more.”Do you have any solos?"I have one solo. This is my first soloand I was nervous right when themusic started, but after I did my firstact, I stopped being nervous.”Sophomore Nick Spino prepares to attack during the annualStudent / Faculty Dodgeball Tournament. The teachers edgedout the students to win a day of relaxed dress.How is your experience with thisplay compared to past years?"It's been fun, I like it a lot. It's a bitharder because it's a musical. Thething that makes a musical harder issinging and dancing while the brightlights are shining down on you.”Why do you like participating intheater?"I like it because I get to do it with myfriends, such as Haley [VanSchaick], Tianna [Buck], and Evan[Guinessy].”How do you think the play went?“It went really, really well, becauseeveryone put their [full] effort into itand committed to it, which made it gobetter than we thought.”How did Kaelin do?“I think that Kaelin was hilarious anddid a fantastic job playing his firstcomedic role,” said lead actress HaleyVan Schaick.Photo by Mattie Sweet, Media EditorKaelin Wilcher played Willard, a comicreliefcowboy who becomes best friends withthe main character.Upper Schoolers later teamed up to battle against theteachers for fun. The faculty team got crushed.Photos by Julia Wolfe andMaya HollowayPhotographersRen McCormack(Evan Guinessy)philosophizeswith best friendWillard Hewitt(KaelinWilcher).Photos byPatrick Torphy,Editor-in-ChiefThe teachers employed a strategy of charging the line inorder to get to the dodge balls first.Bingo NightMattie Sweetdrew plenty oflaughs whileplaying burgerjoint ownerBetty Blast.Photo by Patrick Torphy, Editor in ChiefBingo! Sixth grader Eric Chud waits to have his cardchecked before heading to claim a prize at Bingo Night.Dozens of Woodlynde families had an enjoyable time atthe packed event.

Page 6 The InformerMarch 21, 2013The InformerWoodlynde School445 Upper Gulph RoadStrafford, PA 19087The Informer welcomes feedbackand letters to the editor.Please send to:Informer@woodlynde.orgEditor-in-ChiefPatrick TorphyMedia EditorMattie SweetLayout EditorJeremy CooperOpinion &Magazine EditorCassia EnrightStaff WritersAlex RobertsHannah LipschutzTrevor BowesNick BraytonJoel CuretonNick SpinoNick ScaramuzzaChrista DeckmanSamantha GoodmanElizabeth CarneyVictoria HartzellAlec KravittMatt SavitzGiana CampbellRyan HarvieIsabel Tirado-BarrettPatrick NucciPhotographersJulia WolfeMaya HollowayBen WeismanBreana Daniel-SchnobrichAndrew RosenbergVideographersKelan ReillyJordan GregsonMichael McGroaryGraphic ArtistsChris MaguireMegan FlynnChief EnforcersBrandon AndersonChristian AcostaFaculty AdviserMr. GelmanAdviser-at-LargeMrs. ByrneCirculation AdviserMs. DeLibertyCheerleaderLoves to FlyCHEER from page 1meeting new people, and feeling likeshe’s a part of a team.“I do it because it’s fun. It’s excitingto do all the flips and stunts. I also likethe rush the sport gives me,” the seniorsaid.A YEAR-ROUND SPORTWhen people think of cheerleading,it conjures up images of high schoolfootball games and cheerleaders yellingout chants to get the crowd involved.And then there is All-Star Cheerleading,a year-round sport that requiresMorgan to commit nine hours aweek to an activity that risks injuries,and requires an immense amount ofdedication, effort, and level of fitness.“WAY MORE INTENSE”“It’s way more intense than highschool cheerleading,” Morgan said. “Itentails a lot of dedication, long hours,and constantly staying in shape. Mostpeople don’t find cheerleading a sport,which really annoys me because ittakes a lot more work than a lot of peoplethink.”Morgan, 17, has been on the All-Star squad for nine years, and she hasone of the toughest jobs on the team:she is one of the flyers. Flyers are constantlythrown 12 to 15 feet above theground, while also completing differentflips.Some people might think this isterrifying, but for Morgan it’s no bigdeal.“When I’m up in the air flying, Idon’t really think about anything. Ijust know to stay tight and keep lifting,”Morgan said.Morgan has cheered for three differentteams over nine years, most recentlywith the “South Jersey Storm”in N.J. for the past four years.Morgan started cheerleading whenshe was eight. Her little sister wantedto start cheerleading, so Morgan decidedto try it, as well. She ended up lovingthe sport and has been doing itever since.Morgan’s favorite parts aboutcheerleading are the competitions andtraveling around the nation to competeagainst different teams. This includes“Worlds” in Florida, where her teamchallenges other squads to see who isSpringtime at WoodlyndeBy HannahLipschutz,Cartoonistthe best in the country.“Competitions are very loud fromall the cheering and music,” Morgansaid, and they involve dozens ofteams, with hundreds of spectators.“They are fun when you go againstother teams in your divisions.”MANY INJURIESOver the years, Morgan has sufferedmany injuries, including a hurtknee and wrist, and a concussionfrom getting hit in the head. “I justplay through the pain because Iknow how much my team needs me.”Morgan wants to continue cheerleadingat High Point University inNorth Carolina, which she will beattending next fall.“I’m very excited to cheerlead atHigh Point,” she said. “It won’t be asintense in college. It will be nice tohave a break.”SeniorMorganCaba lovesperformingflips andstunts as anAll-StarCheerleader.Photoprovided byMorganCabaWhat’s the Word?Since it’s time for spring cleaning, if you could get rid ofsomething in your life, what would it be?Compiled by Hannah Lipschutz, Informer staff“Peeps! I can’tstand them!”~ Mr. Sadusky,Science teacher“I would get rid ofKyra Weaver, becauseI want to be the onlyKyra at WoodlyndeSchool.”~ Kyra Scott,freshman“I would get rid ofKyra Scott, because Iwant to be the onlyKyra at WoodlyndeSchool.”~ Kyra Weaver,freshman“I would get rid ofmy appendix andgallbladder … Oh,wait, A too late.”~ Luke Alonso,junior“My iPod, because allI ever do is listen toTwo Scoops onrepeat so I getnothing done.”~ Mr. Hoffman,Building Substitute“My uni-brow,because ithurts to get itwaxed.”~ Taylor Sforza,sophomore

Page 8Sports MonthlyMarch 21, 2013Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Report:Season Saved After an Influx of Girls Join TeamBy Nick SpinoStaff WriterA state of incredulity arose as the lingering questionof whether there would be a Girls’ Lacrosse team buzzedaround campus.Girls from Middle and Upper School were skeptical ifthey would have the chance to play lacrosse this upcomingspring, because there weren’t many players whowere fully committed to the team.However, numerous girls decided to join because theseason was threatened. And after weeks of indecision,Woodlynde retained the team this season. Practicesstarted last week.Head Coach Mrs. Crawford couldn't be more excited."I want every girl at Woodlynde to have the opportunityto play a sport that they enjoy," said CoachCrawford, who teaches kindergarten. "This lacrosseteam, with senior leadership, I think will do very well.”The team has at least 13 girls, which will providethe team with some depth and a bench, which theylacked last year.The team will be led by seniors Maisey Thompson,Noorie Weinberg, Haley Van Schaick, HannahLipschutz, and Kim Alphonso. Additional playersinclude juniors Olivia Calabro and Megan Doll;sophomores Michaela Trusk, Lesley Vizak, andJulia Wolfe; plus freshman Jenna Pavucek. Thesquad will also be joined by a couple of middle schoolgirls: eighth grader Caroline Stefan and seventhgrader Ali Martin."I would've definitely been disappointed if the seasonwas cancelled," said Michaela, who has been playinglacrosse since fourth grade. "I wouldn't have asport to play in the spring. I’d be bored out of mymind."Jenna said she’s excited that there’s a season, “butnervous because I never played before."She went on to add, "The team needed more players,so I thought I'd try it. I heard lacrosse is fun andI didn't want the season to be cancelled.”Boys’ Varsity LacrosseGirls’ Varsity LacrossePhotos by Julia Wolfe, PhotographerLeft photo: Freshman Rich Sposato is ready for his first season ofWoodlynde lacrosse. Sophomore Dan Cervone hones his lacrosse skills.Photos by Liza Bohm, Yearbook staffLeft photo: Junior Megan Doll scoops up the ball, with senior Haley Van Schaick in hot pursuit.Right photo: Sophomores Lesley Vizak and Julia Wolfe are ready for a great season.Athlete Spotlight: Emily BankShortstop Hit a “Technical” HRInformer Staff Writer Nick Scaramuzza sat down with junior Emily Bank to talk aboutsoftball, how she hit a “technical” home run and what it’s like playing for the varsity team.How long have you been playing softball for Woodlynde?“I've been playing since 5th grade, so this will be my 7th year.”What made you want to play softball?“I had been playing baseball ever since I was in kindergarten, so I knew the game. I alsolove being outside and having a good catch with someone.”What position do you play? Is that your favorite position in softball?“I play shortstop, and yes, it's my favorite position. I love playing shortstop because it'swhere a lot of the action happens.”What advice do you have for your team toimprove?“Always keep your eye on the ball, never duck theball because that's cheap, and have as much fun ashumanly possible.”Have you ever hit a home run in softball?“Last year when I was batting during a game, I hita double, but the outfielders made three errors,and by the time they got the ball back into thepitcher, I was at home plate. I like to call it a‘technical home run’.”What's one of your most funniest moments?“When I promised the team that if we won at leastone game, they could dump the Gatorade containerfilled with ice water on me... It was freezing!”What is your favorite moment in a softballgame, in general?“Oh, lord... I guess when there are two outs and areally good pitch is thrown to the batter and shehits a pop fly right to me. Easy out. Now we're upto bat. Everyone's happy.”When you're out in the field on defense, whatdo you think about to keep from gettingbored?“Well in games, I never get bored. However, if it'sduring practice and nothing's really happening,you will most likely find me drawing in the dirtwith a stick, singing and dancing, or complainingto Mrs. Meager about my day.”Teammate Victoria Hartzell says:"I really like having Emily Bank on the team, becauseshe is really good and she makes a reallygreat leader/captain."Photo by Maya HollowayEmily Bank has been playingsoftball for seven years.JuniorChrisLumsdenwatcheshis returnfly over thenet.TennisPhotos byElizaGriffin,YearbookStaffBoys’ Varsity TennisSeniorBrandonAndersonduring anintenseworkout atthe start ofpracticeThe tennis team, including freshman Colin Friel (center),gets ready to have practice.