Dear Students:

A Letter from Nia Ruth (5/23/13)
     Ever wonder why students are so apathetic? Maybe it’s because we lack interest in a topic, or we don’t know how to feel about it, or we’re just so busy making it through school ourselves to be engaged in helping others. We have all problems, things we want to fix, concerns and ideas, but when each of us tries to make something happen, there aren’t many people around to back it up. For change to happen, there needs to be many supportive peers to back up a plan; there shouldn’t only be a few.
     Is it possible to change apathetic individuals? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe we should make our ideas more exciting and make the perks known. We could start small with a group of friends and let the ideas and enthusiasm spread. Maybe we can each take a little time every week to help someone else with their goals, and ask for help with our own. 
     We can all admit this school isn’t like the schools we see on TV--we don’t have study hall periods, our lunch isn’t the best, we don’t have many rallies to show our school’s spirit. That’s even more reason we need to come together and work for change. Being apathetic all the time will not work out for us in the future. When pursuing your career in a field, there may be things you have no interest in doing, but you have to do them, because it’s your job and it’s to help those around you. The ideas students have are to help us. As a senior, I would tell the underclassmen to get active, tell people your ideas. If you feel strongly, take what you believe in and follow it through. You may surprised; others may join and things can change for the better.

Advice Column

Dear Jordan,
One of my friends is always placing me in situations which make me feel we shouldn’t be friends. For example, she has never read my book, but always has something negative to say about it. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Ann Author

Dear Ann,
You should confront your friend about the way she makes you feel. If her negative comments are not of use to the editing process and improvement of your book then disregard them. Critics will be critics, but a friend who downgrades your work without having read your work is not a true friend. Let her know that you will gladly take her feedback soon after she sits down and reads your book. If your friend is a true friend she will understand why you feel this way and she will stop the criticizing. She may even read your book. If not then just rely on editors for real feedback and other friends for real support. 
Best,
Jordan

Modern Feminism

By Annie Sigg (5/15/13)
     Feminism has become jaded in America. The loud ideas of short-cropped hair, violent intentions and male hatred slogans have become overwhelmingly mis-informative. This fad of women’s right’s started with suffrage and has escalated to bias of all sorts. Stereotypes plaster the walls of society with false truths, put there by ignorant prophets of mediocrity. So when I hear hurtful things about feminism, I feel threatened as a woman and a human. We all deserve to be respected and listened to for our opinions and thoughts.
     Rachel Kauder Nalebuff, author of  “My Little Red Book” came in to speak with our Coop Publishing House class about an upcoming book she’s writing about feminist utopias. The idea of a feminist utopia is something I’d never heard of before, a wonderful prospect that finally allowed dreamers to dream. I attached myself to the essay and submission-consideration-process right away, but it never felt like work. I was just letting myself think on paper.
     I’d like to encourage all of you out there to overcome gender stratification. Gender is only limiting by self-worth and identification. This falls into feminism because feminism covers gender rights and being a human. I’d like to think that feminism can reinvent itself through modern literature and awareness efforts. I fully support feminism and it’s efforts to defy stereotypes.

A.S.P.I.R.E to Great Things

By Annie Sigg
     I’ve been thinking a lot about the unfortunate lately, ever since reading a recent article on Yahoo News about  260,000 children in Somalia dying of famine. People worldwide are suffering from a plethora of extremities that go unnoticed in our everyday lives. 
    Unnoticed means uncared for; if we turn a blind eye to the growing epidemic of pain in our society, we shrink our value. A good friend of mine has a sister who’s been in a wheelchair for most of her life; she was born deformed, deaf, mute, and autistic. Seeing her do a project involving her sister’s reaction to music got me thinking about people with disabilities and how they overcome the everyday struggle for normalcy. 
     A program that came to my attention is A.S.P.I.R.E., a community that provides services for people with developmental disabilities. Youth advocates go around to nearby schools and answer questions about living with physical disabilities. I think the most enlightening part of A.S.P.I.R.E. is the fact that people with debilitating disabilities are humble enough to show themselves to other people with pride, being themselves. This shows that it’s okay to be different and that society should accept everyone. 
     Differences make us who we are. I was really touched by A.S.P.I.R.E. and hope to find more evidence of it’s societal footprint. How inspiring! To learn more, follow this link:
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/whatsnormal_index.html

Child's Play or Gender Discrimination

By Erin O’Malley (3/6/13)
      There are very few individuals who can honestly say they have never heard of fairy tales like Cinderella or Snow White. But even those who have somehow managed to sidestep the commercialized and artificial American culture experience the widespread harmful effects of modern fairy tale. 
     Walk by any toy aisle in a store and you’re bound to be visually assaulted by blinding pink and sparkling images of princess toys. Most think nothing of it, and why should they? Our society has grown so accustomed to that ideal that it has become an expectation--a cultural norm--rather than something to be questioned.
     But what if for just one day all of these ingrained images were stripped away? Imagine how society could be if figures such as Merida from Brave were encouraged for little kids, rather than the docile Cinderella, who is unable to stand up for herself. What would happen then to the expectations set forward for girls?
     Instead of encouraging weakness and dependence in females by tolerating the time-old discrimination based on gender, there are ways to alter our culture and ultimately make further progress toward true equality.
     The problem is that fairy tales are introduced at such a young and impressionable age. Girls especially take these characters for role models without thinking twice, because it’s what is set out before them. They have no way of knowing the subtle manipulation that is taking place, in most cases permanently altering their thought processes through their view of the world and themselves.
     As Americans, we pride ourselves on the notion that all are treated as equals; why then do women still only make 77 cents for every dollar that a male does? The first step in closing this and every other achievement gap is changing the perception of self-worth that we give women when they are still just young girls. 

An Alumni Look at Society, Food & Health

By Creative Writing Alumni Jess DiLieto (2/1/13)
     The eating habits of others is such a giant issue in today’s media. If people on our TV screens aren't trying to teach us healthy lessons about eating or the high risks obesity, they're expressing concern about the dangers of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia in young people. Over the course of the past two years, I’ve been a bit obsessed about my own weight, illnesses that are associated with weight, and weight acceptance groups such as The BBW (Big Beautiful Women) community.
     What really geared me up to write this article was a comment from a friend. As I was eating a bag of Chex Mix, he abruptly said; “It’s so beautiful to see Jess eat.”  When I asked him to explain himself, he answered by saying that he thinks that I’m so thin that gaining a bit more weight would improve my looks. This bothers me for a couple of reasons. First, it reminded me that at the end of my Sophomore year, my Aunt, Mother, and Grandmother all told me I was getting too chunky and that I should lose weight. I felt like a huge attractive potato at my cousin’s wedding dinner that year. So, for my New Years Resolution I decided to start exercising and eating better. Since then, my extra pounds have fallen off quickly. When my new figure finally got noticed I was asked by family members if I was--in crude terms--“scarf and barfing.” I wasn't. I’ve also been asked if I was a vegetarian because I look ill. All of these comments are upsetting to me, because my size used to be unacceptable for being too big and now my size is upsetting others because I'm too thin. 
     This personal experience opened my mind up to how you can never please anybody. Views of what’s right and what’s wrong are so distorted. No matter what you choose to be, it’s almost always going to get frowned upon by others. There’s so much stress on how to live a healthier, better lifestyle, but the media forgets to mention that even if you do what’s supposed to be 'right’ you will still be judged for it. 

     The Obesity levels in America have been said to be reaching a crisis point--which I believe , but at some point don’t you think all this health talk could be having a negative effect? Isn’t it a possibility that we are sort of brainwashing today’s youth to be afraid of food? Nobody ever explains that having fat is good; fats are important to our body. You cannot live without it. And starving ourselves of carbs can cause damage to our bodies and make us tired. It’s okay to eat a potato! It’s okay to enjoy a pasta dinner! Carbs provide energy.

     I honestly believe a lot of the current health talk can encourage unhealthy food habits. It can trigger illnesses like Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia. 
      And, as for the taboo weight communities I’ve stumbled upon? The most well known one is BBW. I must say I support those lovely ladies. They stick up for their rights just like everybody else. They put fat shamers to rest and teach us all that being larger than average doesn’t take away from a person's beauty, intelligence, or talents. BBW have been associated with women’s rights. 

     There’s also a much darker side to weight pride. There are many blogs that are Pro-Anorexia. These sites are run by people suffering from an eating disorder. This is quite frightening--It actually terrifies me. Basically, these sites encourage peoples' illnesses. They explain how you can lose weight without your parents knowing and the best ways to do it. They discuss the quickest ways of losing weight and worse! I found a site in which a 5' 6" high school student was looking for a weight loss partner. She wanted to weigh 110 pounds. I saw that a girl had answered her request. 
     We shouldn’t just focus on one manifestation of eating disorders. Yes, obesity is taking over, but also we should keep an eye on the opposite weight problem. It should be explained that having fat isn’t bad,that indulging in some junk food once in a while won’t kill you and that it’s normal when our body’s weight shifts pounds periodically. And remember this, sometimes it’s not what you’re eating. It’s what’s eating you. 

Sing It Loud

Weekly Column by Sarah Farquharson
Dear Occupants of the Girls Bathroom,
     Please keep it clean. I understand Mother Nature comes whether you like it or not, but be aware of the other girls who use this bathroom. They DO NOT want to see your feminine products displayed all over the floor. As for using the commodes, clean up after yourselves! Treat this school like it’s your house. I know if you left the toilet seat wet, your mama would have a cow. As for the soap, be courteous to your peers. Leave some for us. It is really hard to walk out of the stall and expect to be all freshy fresh, and see that the soap is gone. As for the sink, okay ladies, you know better. I do not want to see your tracks, red hair extensions, broken acrylic nails, remnants of the dead strands that forgot to fall out on your pillow, and your boo hoo tissues all over the sink. I need to wash my hands! I don’t want to touch what has been on your body or contains fluids from it. There is a lovely grey garbage can that is wide enough for your jump shot located right next to the door. Also, I hate to see paper towels on the floor two feet away from the garbage can.
     As for the men’s room, I’ve heard tales of it actually being clean! Come on now ladies, class it up. We can’t have the boys' room looking better than ours. 
     Listen, I’m not trying to attack anyone; I just want girls to laugh at the ridiculousness of our bathroom being a mess. It is really a simple thing to keep it clean. A true young lady with class never leaves the bathroom looking like trash.

Lockers for Freshmen

By Rebecca Copperthite
     Carrying heavy books around all day can become a reason students don’t enjoy school. At the time of this writing, many freshmen have received their lockers while others have to lug two or three textbooks around school every day. Having no locker has resulted in back or shoulder pain, breaking of bags, and so forth which is aggravating students and their parents.
     Climbing to the fourth floor as soon as the 7:25 bell rings is a struggle already and having to carry an eight-pound history book doesn’t make it any easier. As the need for knowledge is increasing, so are the sizes of textbooks, making it even more difficult for students to carry two textbooks a day that average at least five pounds each.
     Most students don’t have to worry about this, but some freshmen do. High school is a huge transition for us with having to enter a school knowing almost no one, and worrying about teachers and classes. After dealing with the huge setback with schedules, we  are still worrying about lockers almost a month and a half into school.

Communication 101

By Rebecca Copperthite
     The key to success comes from communication, which is not going to happen without proper grammar. Without good communication, human lifestyles would be unstable.
     Using proper grammar affects the way others perceive you and it affects how you are evaluated. Whether you’re texting, writing someone a handwritten letter, or even talking on the phone, proper grammar is important. You will be taken more seriously or understood better if you use proper grammar. From experience, I know that no one—especially in this generation—enjoys being misunderstood or being corrected, and without the correct use of grammar, that is what happens. Using appropriate English signals that you are well educated, and that you respect yourself and the people you are communicating with.
     Having good communication skills can show up verbally or nonverbally (i.e. listening to someone instead of speaking). Communication has to do with being able to state what you want, need, your feelings, or even what you expect other people to do. Without telephones, radios, television, and computers most people would be handicapped, and that’s how we as humans would be as non-communicators. So appreciate and use proper grammar; communication is the key to good relationships and can help you in any situation.

Welcome Freshmen

By Alicia Avitabile
     Adjusting to a new schedule with new teachers and unfamiliar classmates is a stupendous way to start
your year as long as you keep your spirits up and your disadvantages down.
     Co-op is here to support our dreams and if we put our best effort into our work, the future can hold a great amount of happiness and success for us. The shape of the world we live in is structured by how we choose to create it. Let's create a safe and educational environment together.  
    Co-op is no ordinary school. It is located in downtown New Haven and we are blessed because we have surroundings that encourage us to embrace our art and who we are. 
Yes, students walk the hallways like people do at any other school, but when Co-op students walk the halls, we carry dignity, pride, and confidence as we think about where we want to end up. Although this attitude applies to upperclassmen, it isn’t too early for freshmen and to think about why they’re here and who they want to become as opposed to who they are at this moment.

To Each Grade

By Tiranee Blocker
      The year is starting off stressful as many of us find that our schedules are inaccurate or incomplete. Many students are complaining, however Co-op's faculty members are doing their best. This week, schedules will be reviewed, revised, and remade anew. Here are some thoughts for students at different grade levels:
      FRESHMEN: Welcome to Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School. I hope you meet new friends, enjoy your teachers, and take pleasure in your art and academic classes. The building, as well as the people, are all new to you, but you will get used to it all, I promise. In addition to you having to find your way around the new school, schedules are also distorted and undetermined. You should know that not every year at Co-op is like this. We are in the middle of changing the school system and a few minor difficulties have evolved. Very soon though, will your schedules be in order and you can further your education as well benefit from your freshman year in High School. I wish you all the best and apologize for the disorganization. Welcome Home!
      SOPHOMORE: Congratulations on the accomplishment of completing your first year of high school. How does it feel not to be a freshman anymore? Many of you in the class of 2015 are very knowledgeable. Many of your are in honors and AP classes. Well done. These classes signify that your freshman year was an overall success and you strived to push yourself into becoming a well educated scholar. Do not end this type of work ethic. Continue to do well in your classes and look forward to taking the CAPT this year. Sophomore year is mainly about the CAPT test. Do your best and pay attention in your classes. Failure to successfully complete a section in the CAPT will result in you needing to retake the portion you failed. Do your best the first time around to avoid any repetitions. Good luck sophomores!
     JUNIORS: You are now upperclassmen! This year you will complete your college essay, college research, begin thinking about next year’s Capstone Project, prom for those of you who are attending this year, and of course the intimidating, yet oh so important SATs. Some of you will take the SAT more than once; either because you got a low grade and need to enhance it, or you got a good grade but want it to be higher. However many times you take the SAT, colleges take the highest grade, which is great. The SAT retakes may be held in various schools and cities, for a price. SAT tests range from $45-60. Colleges look at both the SAT scores and junior and senior year grades. From this point forward there is no playing around; get yourself together and handle your business because college is just around the corner.  Junior year begins, and it is no joke. Make this year count!
      SENIORS: You’ve made it this far! Not only is this your last year here at Co-op, but it’s the most frustrating, vigorous, happiest, yet saddening year to come. Colleges will be chosen and acceptance letters will be sent home. This is exciting, yet terrifying. For some, family will no longer be with you next year, neither will the friends you’ve met throughout high school. Many will be going to various places, with different majors, and altogether starting a new life. Depending upon what you do this year in your academics, your journey to success begins now. You guys are the eldest and your actions are viewed not only by the lowerclassmen but also those who admire you. Make sure to stay on good terms with your teachers this year; good recommendations will be needed for your applications. Just because this is your last year, do not get senioritis too early. The year has just begun, but will come to an end before you know it. Before long it will be May, and you will be saying your last goodbyes. Make this year count, do not slow down now!

Freshman Year: Tips

By Taylor Mansfield
     Senior year is the year when students prepare to apply to colleges and gather their SAT scores and college essays. Simply put, this is the year that prepares us to be adults and face challenges in real society. As I enter my final year of high school, many students are beginning their first. As a freshman new to a school, not only do you have to worry about your classes and think about building relationships with teachers, but you also have to walk through the halls feeling like the most disliked class of people in school, not necessarily for any reason at all. The “code” for most upperclassmen in high school is to single out the freshman class and cause them even more stress than they’ve already got. I'd like to break this pattern and instead, offer you a number of tips that will help the you survive your first year of high school.
1. Stay focused. Everybody in high school has to start off as a freshman sometime. We’ve all been there. We all remember that uneasy feeling in the pit of our stomachs as we slowly took each step down the hallway. Don’t let the atmosphere bother you. Block everything out and just remember that everybody has been in your shoes.
2. Bond with your teachers. Fortunately, over my last three years of high school, I’ve had the advantage of growing a positive relationship with a number of teachers, most of whom are writing my recommendations for college. It’s important to build a good bond with at least two teachers so you can positively connect with two adults in the building who can help you in the long run.
3. Take all opportunities. One important thing colleges appreciate is extra activities, both inside and outside of school. Don’t be afraid to join after school programs that are being offered here, or involving yourself in community work around your neighborhood. The more activities that speak to who you are on your resume, the better.

A Fresh Start

By Taisha Lopez
      As you know, the new school year always starts off fresh and strong. As a Senior I was thrilled to re-enter school with a new mind set and excitement about my last year after learning and achieving so much during the past three years.
      As my year starts, I also have to prepare myself for my new future which means applying to college and getting ready for the real world. Walking into the school every morning gives me my motivation because of the different faces and atmosphere. For me, Co-op is not only a way to get to know others and receive my education, but I feel good calling it home. It’s a place where I spend most of my day and I have learned to open up and change my views here.  
     There were some surprises to cope with, like the new Powerschool system that is making students and teachers go berserk. It's harsh doing work for a class I don't belong in, especially when I don’t understand the subject. But as, we know, the administrators are trying their best.
     Getting back into the groove is always hard after a long summer. It takes some time to get back into the daily school year routine. Here are some things you can do to help: keep yourself organized and busy, and always ask for the help you may need. I struggled last year, but this year I know how to advocate for myself. Good Luck students, with all the fun, adventures, and fresh start of 2012-2013.  

Just One Day Out of a Billion

By Melba Flores
     A day at Co-op is a day worth showing up for. While other schools are focused on marine biology or community engagement, like Sound and New Haven Academy, Co-op is focused on art. Here, you find out more about yourself, about people, and about the art you've chosen. Making art is a way to engage our potential and to see the world in a different way. As the year goes by, you realize that each art is connected to other school subjects, making it easier to appreciate those subjects. This helps you get through the long school year, believe it or not.
     Co-op feels like a second home. Two of the best things are the students and teachers. The majority of teachers have at least one appealing trait about them, from making historical jokes to using sarcasm to explain a math concept. The diverse personalities within the teacher population helps. You may love them, talking to them after class ends just to hear what they say. 
      Sure, some teachers will make you want to stare at the clock until the point that you are enemies with time. But, depending on what kind of person you are, you can easily find people you can talk to and feel comfortable with. For example, it’s common to see a person waving hi from across the hall. The people here are open and friendly; you just have to find them.
      The best part of the day, though, is when your art comes around the corner, waiting to take your ideas and form them into beauty. As Oscar Wilde once said, “The artist is the creator of beautiful things.” Art is a goddess, changing from a bodiless melody to a book of hidden meanings. This goddess lives in each of us, waiting for that ember to spark, and it is her job to ignite the flame. We have our individual styles, passions, and talents, but that doesn’t mean that we, the student artists, are each doing something different from the next department. We are all creating art, practicing the basics and exploring the universe of artistic possibilities. Whether you’re in music, dance, visual arts, theater, or creative writing, all of us are doing something that we love, and are willing to do for 90 minutes or more daily. Our art is our muse, our influence, and has become part of us.  She waits for you in her corner. She kidnaps you into wonderland and has you begging for more than the tour. Luckily, we return to her with an open heart, and sync into harmonious work pace. Art is a good way to end, start, or transition your day at school.
      Starting this year is no different from starting another. You have the same curiosities: who are my teachers, what classes do I have, how are my friends, and other questions that can pop up. If you’re nervous or shy, you’re definitely not alone. The first days, or even the first couple of weeks feel awkward, but soon you’ll feel at home.  Sooner or later, you’ll know the rhythm of your schedule. Just be yourself and you will survive.