RHO ETA SIGMA The Student Newspaper of Rahway High School

Volume 3, Number 1 September 2015

Rho Eta Sigma

Editor-in-Chief

Kai Whitfield

Managing Editor

Deja Butler

Sports Editors

Dayana C. Alvarez

and Courtney Clarke

Faculty Advisor

Mr. Brighouse

RHS Commences 2015-2016 School Year

By Qamar Smith

Rahway High School’s 2015-2016 school year is off to an excellent start and we have a whole year ahead

of us to keep up the enthusiasm. The freshman class is getting comfortable in its new school, while the sopho-

mores and juniors continue on their paths to success. Meanwhile, the senior class is looking forward to its final

year of high school and on moving forward on its way to graduation.

This year in Rahway we have a number of new teachers joining RHS. Our new educators include: Mr.

Panov—Strings; Ms. Turon—Art; Mr. Santner—Special Education; Ms. Harper—Chemisty; Capt. Parch-

man—JROTC; Mr.Cullough—Industrial Arts; Mr. Celoski—Social Studies; Ms. Staub—Social Studies; and

Ms. Cofone—Trinitas Counseling. Additionally, we have a new superintendent for the Rahway Public

Schools—Dr. Patricia Camp. We wish to welcome all of our new school members and hope that Rahway High

School quickly feels like home.

Students, let’s make this year the best one yet and continue to strive for greatness in everything we do. The

2015- 2016 school year can be the best year we have ever witnessed in Rahway. Work hard and keep striving

towards excellence. Welcome back and let’s all have a great year.

Law Professor Offers Words of

Inspiration to RHS

By Kai Whitfield

On September 2, faculty members of the Rahway Public Schools were

treated to a special presentation by Professor Paula Franzese, a law profes-

sor at Seton Hall Law School. Professor Franzese is Mr. Farinella’s former

law school professor, and she spoke to teachers and administrators at Mr.

Farinella’s invitation. She brought a powerful message of inspiration and

hope, emphasizing the indispensable role of the educator and the ways in

which teachers had impacted her own life in positive ways.

Professor Franzese is the Peter W. Rodino Professor of Law at Seton

Hall Law School and specializes in property law and government ethics.

She has handled many cases involving discrimination, affordable housing,

and homeowners’ rights. She receive her undergraduate degree from Bar-

nard College and her law degree from Columbia. She is also an author. In

2014, she published a book for college students entitled A Short and Happy

Guide to Being a College Student: A Daily Companion for School, Work,

and Life.

During her visit, Professor Franzese spoke movingly about the teachers

who had influenced her own life, telling a story about her first-grade teacher

who she believed had been one of her greatest educational influences.

Thinking about her teacher many years later, she quoted the American writ-

er Henry James, telling those in attendance, “A teacher affects eternity.”

Professor Franzese also emphasized the importance of her family, espe-

cially her mother and father and the role they played in encouraging her and

supporting her. She made a point of noting that her parents were

Continued on page two

Mr. Farinella with his former law school professor, Paula

Franzese, who spoke to the district’s faculty at the opening

of the school year.

Welcome Back, RHS. Have a Great Year!

2

Law Professor Continued from page one

immigrants from Naples who were very hardworking and were

constant sources of love and words of wisdom. From her par-

ents, she said, she learned many important things about living a

good life, including the idea that one should have courage and

hope in the face of despair and that one should be a champion of

the underdog. “I was put here,” she said, “in this time and place

to make a difference.”

Professor Franzese referenced her book several times during

her talk and mentioned something she called the Five Guide-

posts, five principles she believes one can live by in school,

work, and life. These principles include: remembering who you

are and where you come from, remembering you are never

alone, remembering the power of your words, remembering to be

of service to others, and remembering to answer the question of

who you think you are. She recalled the advice of her late father

who, in trying to teach her about the power of creating one’s

own identity, said, “Never let the world decide what you call

yourself.”

Throughout her visit, Professor Franzese served as a terrific

inspiration to teachers and all of those working in the field of

education. Her former student, Mr. Farinella, summed up her

visit well, saying, “I was absolutely thrilled that Professor

Franzese was able to take time from her busy schedule to join us

at RHS. She lives what she believes. She believes in the power

and influence that teachers have on the world. I believe that Pro-

fessor Franzese is one of the most influential and positive role

models that I have ever met.”

Ms. Maller posing with a group of Israeli soldiers. She met them at a rest

stop during her summer trip to Israel.

Q & A with Ms. Maller

about Trip to Israel

By Deja Butler

Over the summer, Ms. Maller visited Israel. Rho Eta Sigma sat down with her to ask about her time there, why she went, and what Israel means

to her.

Q: Why did you decide to go to Israel?

A: I wanted to see family, and I hadn’t been there in two years. I

missed it.

Q: How was the overall exper ience for you?

A: It was wonderful. Those in the media exaggerate the situation.

It’s not as dangerous as people think.

Q: What would you say was your favor ite par t of the tr ip?

A: I went there to visit family, and we went to an indoor amusement

park. What impressed me was that people of different religions—even

non-religious people—were all in one place having a good time. News

reporting usually shows everyone against each other because of beliefs,

when in fact it’s the opposite. I also met teachers and students there and

discussed the topics we each teach in our schools.

Q: What would you say, overall, is the impor tance of Israel and its

meaning to you?

A: I have been for tunate to have traveled to many countr ies of the

world, but I always seem to go back to Israel like a magnet. For me, go-

ing to Israel is always a spiritual experience that is unparalleled anywhere

else in the world. It is important to see living history and to connect with

my personal history. I have family in Israel and have been able to recon-

nect with them on each visit. I also met with students and teachers who

also teach the Shoah—the word for Holocaust that is used in Israel. I use

the experiences of my visits to show my classes how people can survive

and thrive.

Volino-Reinoso Named

Teacher Leader for Science

By Courtney Clarke and Ashley Kuc

Rahway High School’s very own vice principal, Ms. Volino-

Reinoso, has been selected to participate in the Next Generation

Science Standards (NGSS) Teacher Leaders Program.

The program, supported by the Rider University Science Edu-

cation and Literacy Center, Raritan Valley Community College

Science Education Institute, and Princeton University Teacher

Preparation Program is an initiative designed to promote New

Jersey’s new science standards and assist the state’s 600 districts

in implementing those standards.

Ms. Volino-Reinoso taught middle school science in Rahway

for 17 years prior to her appointment as vice principal at the high

school. She also served for 15 years as a peer teacher facilitator

in the Merck Institute of Science Education (MISE). Ms. Volino-

Reinoso called her appointment to the teacher leaders program

“a great honor that is very exciting for me.”

She noted that she was initially one of five educators selected

for the program that eventually expanded to include 21 individu-

als. It is an opportunity, she said, that affords her the chance to

meet educators from all over the state. “The next generation sci-

ence program is an opportunity for teachers to learn to teach a

new curriculum through different processes of teaching,” she

said.

One of the aspects of teaching science that Ms. Volino-

Reinoso highlighted in particular and that relates to the new

standards was the issue of inquiry in science. She actually con-

ducted a workshop called "Asking Questions” that emphasized

methods to encourage students to ask questions and methods to

use questions to expand student thinking.

Of the program, Ms. Volino-Reinoso concluded, “The NGSS

emphasizes the process and style of teaching ‘good’ science

more than mere content. The workshops give teachers practical

examples and practice working with different ways to teach.”

Ms. Volino-Reinoso was recently named a teacher leader as part of

the Next Generation Science Standards Teacher Leaders Program.

3

Fall Sports

Varsity Football

By Keymaan Coleman and Justin Lacefield

This year’s team is led by senior captain Edriece Patterson, a four-

year starter and full scholarship recruit. Zahir Wilder is the team’s junior

captain and quarterback. A.J. Smith, a two-year starter, had a terrific

summer before an ankle injury put his season on hold. New head coach

Brian Russo noted that this is a major loss for the team and that “Smith

deserves to be mentioned for his outstanding character and commitment

to the team.”

Additionally, Coach Russo highlighted a number of other key play-

ers, including Marquis Muschett and Vincent Rogers, both tough and

dependable up front on both sides of the ball, and Qadreek Strickland

and Justin Lacefield, who bring intensity to the secondary at all times.

Overall, Coach Russo emphasized his goal to “help these young stu-

dent athletes mature, fight through adversity, and continue the respected

tradition of Rahway football.” He mentioned that even with only three

seniors on the team this year, the future looks bright and the team contin-

ues to work hard and cultivate a culture of discipline and effort.

Members of the varsity football team. These student athletes are truly

multi-talented. In addition to the football team, each is also a member of

the journalism class and works on the school newspaper.

Boys Varsity Soccer

By Juan Machado, Luis Muller, and Takshat Patel

We have another exciting soccer season upon us with Coach Kev-

in O’Callahan and Assistant Coach Louis Romeo. We had the oppor-

tunity to sit down with Coach Romeo and get his thoughts on the sea-

son.

Q: What are your season predictions?

A: We have a team that has worked hard since the middle of Au-

gust. We’ve worked hard enough to win the games we’re capable of

winning.

Q: Who’s your biggest competition this year?

A: Summit, Plainfield, and Linden. We play schools bigger than

us. We need to come out with the wins and, importantly, do it with no

injuries. Unscathed.

Q: What does coaching this team mean to you?

A: I’m coaching because I played here at RHS. That’s what I call

coming “full circle.” I started playing here and now I coach here. It

means a lot to me.

Girls JV Soccer

By Isabel Elliott

Coach Ana Dias sent us a brief update on

the girls junior varsity soccer team. She not-

ed that team captains were recently selected

and they are Isabel Elliott and Raquel Sosa.

The start of the team’s season has just be-

gun. Coach Dias said that she and her play-

ers are looking forward to having a great

season.

Rho Eta Sigma will definitely check back

with Coach Dias as the season progresses.

Girls Volleyball

By Axton Cederquist

Coach Lashelle Bunion told us that she has a very talented and athletic team this

year, and she is looking forward to a successful season.

Some specific statistics she provided include: senior libero Maya James earned

player of the match on September 10 after totaling 12 digs along with just three errors

and four service points against the Linden Tigers. In the match against Union on Sep-

tember 11, junior defensive specialist/libero Gabrielle Fils-Aime earned player of the

match after totaling 12 digs along with just four errors and six service points. Gabrielle

made a huge sacrifice for her team playing as an outside hitter and had two kills

against the Union Farmers. On September 16, senior libero Maya James earned player

of the match after totaling 22 digs along with just six errors against the Kent Place

Dragons. On September 17, junior setter Zamina Abdullahi earned player of the match

after totaling nine assists, eight digs, three aces, and five service points against Eliza-

beth.

Boys JV Soccer

By Isabel Elliott

Boys junior varsity soccer coach Thom-

as Crowell sat down with us to update us

on the status of his team and season so far.

He said, “So far it’s been a good sea-

son. The guys are playing hard every

game. We play a tough schedule with

teams like Summit and Plainfield coming

up. With some work on our ball skills I

think we have a good chance at a winning

season. Right now we have two wins, one

loss, and one tie. (as of 9/20) We’re look-

ing forward to the rest of the season.”

4

Fall Sports

Girls Varsity Soccer

By Chelsea Ramirez

Girls varsity soccer begins another strong season under the direction of longtime coach Mario Kawczyn-

ski. Coach K gave us a quick update on the team so far

and shared some of his thoughts on what to anticipate

for the 2015 season.

Coach K told us, “The varsity girls soccer team has

worked very hard in pre-season, going undefeated dur-

ing the summer in both 7 vs. 7 tournaments. The team

has won four of five scrimmages and is currently 2-0-1

in regular season play. (as of 9/20) We are in a stronger

division this year so each match will be a tough battle.”

Students of the Month

September/October

Michael Akakpo Grade 12

Julie Tanzillo Grade 12

Cesar Ferreyra Grade 11

Anna Marie Belfon Grade 11

Elijah Smith Miller Grade 10

Summer Pryor-Green Grade 10

Aaron Mejia Grade 9

Katherine Garcia Grade 9

Girls Tennis

By Deja Butler

This year’s girls tennis team is under new direction,

as guidance counselor Colleen Mannix takes over as

head coach.

Coach Mannix told us, “The tennis team is off to a

great start. Though we lost our first three matches, the

team has improved tremendously from our first practice

back in August. All of our players are beginners and

should be incredibly proud of how far they have come

in such a short time. In our Roselle match we looked

very competitive, taking two sets into a tie break. As

the new tennis team coach I feel privileged to work with

a group of young ladies who are both dedicated and pos-

itive. I look forward to seeing the team improve over

the next few weeks.”

Girls Tennis Team 2015:

First Singles and Co-Captain—Shalese Liburd

Second Singles and Co-Captain—Cynthia Perez

Third Singles—Anna Belfon

First Doubles—Sephora Delice and Vashae Stevens

Second Doubles—Esther Collin and Jalisa Middleton

Additional players—Olivia Baez, Chevoyne Greene

Ms. Colleen Mannix. Ms. Mannix, RHS guidance

counselor, is the new girls tennis coach.

Cross Country

By Aja Alexander

Cross Country begins another exciting year with Coach

Leon Bunion at the helm.

Coach Bunion has high expectations for this year's cross

country team. Three solid veterans lead the way: Corey

McGhie, Odrigue Joseph, and Rodrigue Joseph, who provide

a strong presence in the lead pack. Coach Bunion expects a

breakout season from newcomer Jared Mascarinas and sen-

iors Lenworth Wilson and Tyler Denman. He noted that this

is probably one of the hardest working groups he has ever

coached and he believes that his athletes are definitely com-

mitted to having a successful season. “The work they've put

in since the summer is commendable and I expect a great

return on their investment,” he said. “All the guys are hard-

working and I expect them to make history.”

Members of RHS’s 2015 cross country team.

5

By Kayla Carson Powell and Jasmine Kareem

Q: Where are you from?

A: Westfield, New Jersey.

Q: Where did you attend college?

A: I attended Providence College in Rhode Island

and went on to pursue a master’s degree in social

work at Rutgers University.

Q: How long have you been working in this field?

A: I have been working in the social work field

for the past four years and have enjoyed every mi-

nute of it.

Q: How do you like RHS so far?

A: I am truly enjoying my time here at RHS. It

has been an exciting new challenge for me. All of the

staff have been tremendously welcoming and sup-

portive.

Welcome to Our New Faculty

By Chelsea Ramirez and Skylar Wiedecker

Q: How long have you been here at RHS?

A: Four years total. However , this is my fir st year teaching on

my own. I had such a strong student teaching experience with Ms.

Tuohy that I almost feel as if it is my second year teaching!

Q: Where did you attend college?

A: I went to Kean University through the STEM program. In

2014, I received my bachelor’s degree in chemistry and my master’s

in teaching.

Q: What would you like students to know about you?

A: I want my classes to be challenging and interesting for stu-

dents. I never want to make my classes a boring experience. I love

dogs and chemistry.

Q: How did you transition from being a student teacher to be-

coming full-time with your own classroom?

A: When I was with Ms. Tuohy I tr ied to do everything I could

by myself so that I could take every learning experience and use it

in my student teaching.

Ms. Kristina Cofone—Trinitas Counseling Ms. Ashley Harper—Chemistry

Mr. William McCullough—Industrial Arts

By Remy Dorvilus and Antonio Santoni

Q: Where are you from?

A: Maryland until five-and-a-half-years-old and New Jer-

sey ever since.

Q: How do you like Rahway High School so far?

A: Very well.

Q: Where did you attend college?

A: NJIT—bachelor’s degree. NJCU—master’s degree in

education technology.

Q: Did you do anything else before becoming a teacher?

A: Yes. I was in the industry for 20+ years as a product

design engineer. I spent time in lighting product design and

application and medical products design.

Mr. Sergei Panov—Strings

By Deja Butler

Q: Where are you from?

A: I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. My family

came to the United States in 1997, when I was 12.

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: I went to Temple University in Philadelphia. Go

Owls.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: I have been playing violin since I was five and

teaching music since I was eighteen.

Q: How do you like RHS so far?

A: I like RHS and the entire distr ict very much. The

administration and teachers have a very positive attitude.

6

By Skylar Wiedecker

Q: How many years were you in the service?

A: 23 years.

Q: What inspired you to join the Marines?

A: The oppor tunity to travel and receive an edu-

cation. I’ve been to Japan Tokyo, Kuwait, Guam,

Russia, and many other places.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: 15 years.

Q: What’s something students should know about

you?

A: I hold students to the highest standard to help

them perform at a high level.

Q: What can students learn from you?

A: I want students to have an understanding of

excellence. I want students to learn a sense of disci-

pline.

Welcome to Our New Faculty

By Kayla Carson Powell and Jasmine Kareem

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m or iginally from Staten Island. My family moved to Bask-

ing Ridge in 1999 when I was one.

Q: What college did you attend?

A: I graduated from Kean University in 2014.

Q: Why did you decide to teach?

A: Teaching gives you the oppor tunity to make sure that kids

become good citizens. You never really know the impact you have

on a kid’s life.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I wanted to be star ting defensive tackle for the New York

Jets. The older I got the more I realized that I had a better chance at

becoming a math teacher.

Q: How do you like RHS so far?

A: I like it a lot. It’s nice to really be able to take the reins on

your own classes and teach the curriculum as you believe it should

be taught.

Captain Jerry Parchman—JROTC Mr. Steven Santner—Special Education

Ms. Lauren Staub—Social Studies

By Jelani Harris

Q: Where are you from?

A: Point Pleasant Beach.

Q: Where did you attend college?

A: Kean University.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: This is my fir st year .

Q: Did you always want to be a teacher?

A: In college I was or iginally a Fine Arts major .

Q: Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

A: My love of school and for helping others learn.

Q: How do you like RHS so far?

A: This has been a great exper ience thus far .

Ms. Katherine Turon—Art

By Trevor Heuser and James Petrillo

Q: Where are you from?

A: I grew up in Linden

Q: How did you end up as an ar t teacher .

A: My ar t teacher in high school inspired me to

pursue this career. Then I won an art competition that

made me think maybe I could do this for a living.

Q: How do you like RHS so far?

A: I love it. I was here last year as a r eplacement

teacher and was hired full-time this year. I think the

students are great.

Q: Is there anything interesting you would like us

to know?

A: I’m fluent in Polish. And I met my fiancé when

I was 14-years-old.