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High Schools the Flu

🍀 Irish Students Welcome New Staff 🍀

Ursuline has welcomed a number of new faculty members for the 2017-18 school year.

Irish Times staff members interviewed Mrs. Perse, Mrs. Calko, and Mrs. Carosella for the first issue of the year. On behalf of all Ursuline students, the Irish Times welcomes all new staff members!

Mrs. Katy Perse is Ursuline’s new health and physical education teacher for the 2017-18 school year. She taught physical education at Gilmour Academy, a Catholic school in Cleveland,

November 2017

-Vy Hoang

for thirteen years prior to coming to Ursuline. After graduating from Boardman High School, she majored in exercise science at the University of Mount Union. In addition to teaching, she enjoys learning healthy ways to cope with stress, such as yoga and meditation, and sharing those methods with her students. Furthermore, outside of being a mother of four children, her favorite hobby is exercising. So far, this school year, her favorite parts of Ursuline have been the emphasis on Catholic values and the school spirit, including our rivalry with Mooney. As a parting note, she offered her life motto that she recommends everyone follows, “Find what makes you happy!”

Mrs. Sheila Calko will be teaching American History during the 2017-18 school year. She is a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, and studied at Youngstown State University for a Bachelor’s in secondary education and Columbia University for a Master’s in teaching of social studies. Before coming to Ursuline, she taught law, American history, economics, and government at the New York City Department of Education’s School for Human Rights and Valley Christian School in Youngstown. Her favorite part of the American History curriculum at Ursuline is the Progressive Era and Civil Rights Era.

She originally came to Ursuline because she wanted to be part of our long, proud traditions, especially of academic excellence. She added, “I’m also Catholic, so it’s a great fit for me personally.” After teaching for one quarter, she said her favorite part of Ursuline has been the wonderful staff, students, and sense of community. When not teaching, she likes to garden, cook, bake, and spend time with her family outside; she and her husband have three children, a senior boy in high school, a six-year-old boy, and a four-year-old boy. When asked for advice for students, she encouraged everyone to find their passion in life and to always strive to do their best. She added a famous quote by Nelson Mandela, “There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Mrs. Michelle Carosella is Ursuline’s new assistant principal for curriculum and instruction for the 2017-18 school year. She attended Magnificat High School in Cleveland, majored in education at the University of Toledo, and earned her master’s in education at John

Carroll University. At Solon High School, she taught special education for seven years, English for two years, third grade for ten years, and media for three years. She was also the curriculum director at the Diocese of Youngstown for two years. Her favorite part of her current job is the people she is around every day, the students and staff of Ursuline. She loves how helpful and kind they are to not only her, but each other. In her free time, Mrs. Carosella loves exploring the Poland Woods, in addition to skiing, kayaking, reading, and spending time with her family. She concluded by offering some advice to Ursuline students in the form of her favorite quote, by St. Angela Merici, “Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you.” -Alex Stoneman

Sports ~ Ursuline Irish Volleyball ~

The Ursuline Irish girls’ volleyball team “killed” their 2017 season. Instructed by returning coach Bryan Maynard, the varsity squad finished their season with a record of 8 wins and 12 loses. The team consisted of Paige Brockway (‘19), Adri Parella (‘19), Destiny Goodnight (‘19), Jenna O’Hara (‘19), Kaitlyn Goss (‘18), Kayla Fitzgerald (‘19), Mariah Cruz (‘20), Maris Barbato (‘21), Tara Williams (‘18), Emma Ericson (‘20), and Juliana Kratzer (‘18).

The JV team finished their season with a record of 13 wins and 7 loses. The members of the JV team for the 2017 season were Chloe Weinell(‘20), Macy Ross(‘20), Quinn Barton(‘20), Mya Caggiano(‘20), Emma Thornton(‘20), Maci Humphreys(‘20), Jules Rivera(‘20), Katie Cigolle(‘20), Audrey Kali(‘21), Olivia Pavlak(‘21), Julia Nutter(‘21), and Kelsey Kovacs(‘21). After the loss of Coach Gallagher last year, Coach Bryan Maynard returned to his position as head coach for the JV team as well. He was assisted by Coach Keona Martinez during the first half of the season. Coach Martinez played volleyball for nine years, three of which were for Mount Union University. Congratulations to the volleyball team for a successful season!

-Quinn Barton

Student Life ~ Top 5 Freshman Do’s and Don’ts ~

Congratulations, freshmen! You have just finished the first quarter of your high school experience. You may still be overwhelmed, but do not fear; the upperclassmen of The Irish Times staff are here to help.

DO:

1. Study and work hard this quarter 2. Show your Irish spirit 3. Try new clubs and activities 4. Make friends with people in all different

grades 5. Wear comfortable, trip-free shoes

DON’T:

1. Stress out about your first quarter grades 2. Roll your skirt (or if you do, roll in, not

out) 3. Spend all of high school watching

sitcoms 4. Walk on the left side of the stairs 5. Turn any work in late

~ Freshman Feedback ~ Adjusting to a new environment can be very difficult, so the transition from grade school to high

school was certainly a shock for many of the freshmen this year. As a class, we’ve been introduced to a new building, a number of new people, and a challenging curriculum. Personally, I never thought I would feel comfortable here or be able to manage my classes. However, as the weeks continue, I have grown happier and happier at Ursuline. Here’s what some of my classmates have to say about their experience.

“I think the hardest thing so far has been taking Mrs. Raab’s tests! They are extremely difficult, especially for the honors class. I spent more than four hours studying for the last test. I am looking forward to the basketball and baseball seasons. Up to now, Ursuline has been a very nice place to go to school with students that are kind to everyone.” -Ian Barton

“As a person that was going to go to Mooney, I was very nervous on my first day. I worried about who I would sit with at lunch, or if I would have any friends. However, Ursuline welcomed me with open arms. I love it here. From their amazing fries to the actually fun teachers, they make coming to school not so bad. The football games and sign painting are the best. Everyone is nice to everyone. They truly make me feel at home.” -Isabella Davis

-Megan B.

~ What helps YOU study? ~

We all know that studying can be stressful, and with the amount of information we are expected to learn, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Now is the time to turn grades around, and with these effective study tips, you are sure to get the grade you’re striving for.

● Manage Your Time Cramming the night before or studying for a test in the morning will just make you stressed and probably leave you disappointed with your results. By managing your time, you’ll have enough time to learn the information and get the grade you want.

● Find A Place to Study Whether you like to study by yourself or in study rooms, finding a good place to concentrate can help a lot with your studies. It is also recommended to change your location every hour so you don’t draw blank while being tested on the material.

● Use ‘Self-Control’ Self-Control is a free application you can download onto your computer to help you focus on the task at hand. The application allows you to type in any website that may distract you while studying, such as Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, and block them for a set amount of time. Self-Control is really helpful, especially to the people who procrastinate or use their time inefficiently.

● Rewrite Your Notes Rewriting your notes has many benefits. Not only are you reviewing your notes actively, but you are also keeping yourself organized. You can discard unrelated information and also find out if you missed something.

● Make Practice Tests Practice tests allow you to see the material you are studying in the way it will be set up on your actual tests. When you’re finished you can check them and study what you need the most help with. Another way to do this is with notecards.

● Take Breaks Breaks are probably everyone’s favorite part of studying. It is recommended to take breaks every hour, or when you finish a certain subject. You can also quiz yourself after your break to be sure you’re understanding what you just reviewed.

When you put in the effort and use the tips above, you can always get a good grade. Try different

things and find out what works best for you! -Augusta Fox

Features ~ Learn about International

high schools~ This episode: JAPAN

Everyone who loves Manga (like Mr. Nalepa) would know that Japan is an admirable nation. The “land of rising sun” is best known for its high-tech innovations, fine cuisine, and proper manners. Japan is proud to have the world’s best-educated population in the world, championing zero illiteracy. Do you ever wonder what is the secret behind Japan’s cultural advancement? The answer is their well-established education system. Today, we will discuss a number of interesting facts about high school in Japan.

TOP 8 FACTS ABOUT JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL

1. Dress Code: Every school in Japan, both public and private, from kindergarten to high school, has its own dress code. Typically, students are not allowed to wear makeup, jewelry, or nail polish. They believe that a homogeneous student body will create the best educational environment. Do not feel bad yet, though, girls can still doll themselves up with different kinds of socks!

2. No Janitors: Schools in Japan do not spend money hiring janitors. Instead, students, teachers, staffs, and even principals roll up their sleeves and clean every single part of the school, including toilets. Not only does this save school funds, but it also teaches everybody to be responsible for their current or future workplace.

3. No Substitutes: If the teacher is absent, students are expected to keep silent and do their own work. No substitute is needed to keep the class in order.

4. Lunch time!: In Japan, both students and teachers eat in the classroom. Furthermore, they are not allowed to choose their meal. Instead, each person is given exact same meal that is nicely prepared by the lunch staff. Japanese believe that the chef must put a lot of effort and love into making the meals, in order to avoid wasting as much as they can.

5. Sports: Just like football is in America, baseball is very popular in Japan. However, unlike United States students, in addition to after-school practice, Japanese baseball players are required to attend early morning practices too.

6. Extracurricular Clubs: There are also numerous clubs in Japanese high schools. It is mandatory for students to join at least one club. It might sound inconvenient, but it is the best way to include every student. School administrators want to make sure that nobody is left out at school.

7. Greetings: Greetings are an essential part of Japanese etiquette. They believe that it is the way to express respect and politeness to others. Before and after every classes, instead of praying, they stand and bow to greet their teachers.

8. No shoes!: Students are asked to take off their shoes and wear uniform slippers in school. This is another one of the ways they ensure equality in the educational environment. Furthermore, wearing slippers will limit the dirt on the floor, which helps keep classrooms clean!

-Valerie Huynh

~ How NOT to catch the flu ~

Dear Irish Times readers,

Our first article of this year's paper will cover flu season etiquette, letting you know the most important facts about catching the flu and what you can do to not get sick.

The CDC has the three most commonly recommended steps to protect yourself from influenza. First, most medical professionals will tell you to go get your flu vaccine. This is the most important step; these vaccines should be scheduled annually for everyone 6 months or older. It is best to be vaccinated by the end of October. Studies have shown that the vaccination can reduce illnesses such as slight pain in muscle concentrated areas, coughing, chills, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and many more symptoms. This will put a stop to unnecessary medical visits, missed school or work, and even potential hospitalization.

The second step is taking actions that can stop the spread of germs. This can be avoiding close contact with sick people, washing your hands with soap and water, covering your nose and mouth, or even cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated. A study for The Healthy Workplace Project by Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona found that implementing the program’s “wash, wipe, sanitize” protocol in the workplace reduces the probability of catching the flu or common cold by 80%. It can also reduce the number of surfaces contaminated by viruses by 62%. When soap is not available, using instant hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol can help.

The last step would be to take flu antiviral drugs, but only if they are prescribed by a medical professional. If you unfortunately catch the flu, you can treat it by taking antiviral drugs. However, antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics because they cannot be bought over-the-counter. Taking antiviral drugs can prevent serious flu complications if you are a person who has chronic health diseases such as diabetes, asthma, or heart diseases.

Other home actions that can be taken to avoid the flu include fresh garlic, sleep, germ barriers, and taking Vitamin D. Germs grow and multiply in places known as 'hot spots' that can be warded off by eating fresh garlic. This product can be added to soups, salads, or other common foods. Some people eat the whole clove of garlic raw, which is an option as well. Catching up on sleep has been proven to help you stay healthy as well. Furthermore, the Huffington Post recommends making yourself a DIY germ barrier. You can do this by taking a Q-tip and applying some petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostril.

As a final recap, three easy steps to take in order to prevent the flu are getting your vaccine, wash your hands, and sleeping at appropriate hours. Now that you know, tell your friends and family so that they can be flu-free too! Check in next time for another informational article about what's going in the medical world! -Vy Hoang

Entertainment ~ Netflix Show: Atypical ~

Netflix show Atypical explores the daily life of Sam Gardner, a 18 year old boy with high-functioning autism. The show follows Sam’s struggle to interact with unaccepting classmates, get a girlfriend, and connect with his family.

According to Autism Speaks, one third of people with autism are nonverbal and one third have an intellectual disability. Atypical does not acknowledge those who are nonverbal or experience more extreme symptoms. Sam is able to attend a normal high school, can speak, and has no intellectual disability. Sam Gardner only has a hard time reading social cues and takes everything people say literally. When he is under stress he will blurt out random pickup lines and will say whatever he feels regardless of other people’s feelings. To help understand others, he takes notes of their actions in attempt to fit in with his peers. When Sam tries to relate to others he connects it to a situation associated with Antarctica or penguins. Although the actor portrayed his character perfectly, the writers one skimmed the surface of all the effects of autism on a teen just trying to blend in.

The writers focus on exhibiting the effects of Sam’s behavior on those around him rather than how people affect Sam. Sam’s parents, sister, and girlfriend all go to extreme measures to make sure he feels safe and putting their needs aside. Elsa Gardner, Sam’s mom, is very dedicated to him and loses sight of herself because she is so involved in Sam’s life. Doug Gardner, Sam’s father, struggles to connect with and understand Sam. He never had the relationship with Sam that he wanted, but finally connected with him by supporting his decision to find a girlfriend. Casey is Sam’s younger sister who is always protecting him and others from the bullies of the school. She is often overlooked by her parents, like many siblings to kids like Sam. When Sam succeeds in finding a girlfriend, she is very patient with him. She makes an attempt to understanding his behaviors and truly loves him for all the reasons people view as abnormal. Each character reacts to Sam in a different way, the writers accurately depict how people with autism affect those around them. -Braiden Forsyth

~ Irish Bites ~ After finally taking a particularly difficult chemistry test, Quinn Barton, Claire MacDonald and I

wanted a place to eat and celebrate. We decided to check out The Kitchen Post in Struthers. The trendy spot attracts customers not only with their great food, but by their unique style of menus. They have a very limited menu that changes on a weekly basis with only four or five entrées and a desert, which eliminates the dread of not knowing what to order. During our visit, the menu was centered around tacos. There were catfish, pork, chicken, chorizo, lamb, and tater tot tacos, and Quinn, Claire and I decided to sample all of them. The different meat and fish tacos were very tasty and enjoyable. The most intriguing option, the tater tot taco, was unfortunately a letdown. While I had high expectations for the concoction complete with queso and bacon, it left me disappointed; there are just some things that should not be in a taco. Overall, the fun atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the delicious food made for a very pleasant dining experience. -Caroline Scharf

-Vy Hoang

Fightin’ Irish Fun!

-Cassie Vega

-Vy Hoang

-Vy Hoang

Fightin’ Irish Fun!

~Jokes~

- Why did the turkey cross the road twice?

o To prove he wasn’t a chicken! - What happened when the turkey got

into a fight? 🥊

o He got the stuffing knocked out of him!

- What sound does a limping turkey make?

o Wobble, wobble! - Why can’t you take a turkey to

church? o They use foul language!

~Pick Up Lines~

- The only thing sweeter than pumpkin pie is you, baby!

- You’re sweeter than a hot marshmallow on a candied yam!

- I checked the meat thermometer, and you’re officially one hot bird!

- Want to break the wishbone? o I’m wishing for a date with

you! - Good thing I wore oven mitts, because

you’re too hot to handle 🔥