Spartan Voices
"Your inside look at Spartan Life"
The Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. For many cultures this day symbolizes many different things. One culture specifically that treasures this day is the Native Americans. More specifically, in New York it is the Iroquois. The Iroquois have many different traditions that they use to celebrate the day they call the Midwinter Ceremony. This ceremony is used to celebrate the new year, restore balance and harmony, give thanks, and promote healing within the community. They usually start with the Thanksgiving Address. They give thanks to many people and things including the people of their tribes, the earth, plants and animals, and the sun, moon, and stars. They do this to put themselves equal to the world, nature, and the people in it. Dreams are also a very important part of the ceremony Together as a community they share their dreams so that they can interpret them, and if possible, even try and put them into action. They also would perform many different songs and dances to honor their community and the creator. This ceremony is meant to resolidify the community and their connection to the world around them, celebrating life and nature.
On December 1, the girls from The Savvy Club took a trip to see Wicked: For Good in the cinema. It was a great way to start December, and the group arrived with plenty of excitement. They settled into a full row of seats, creating a lively atmosphere before the previews had even begun. Throughout the film, the girls reacted to the music, the dramatic moments, and the storyline with clear enthusiasm. Several moments throughout the film provoked reactions that showed just how engaged they were with the characters and their journeys. After the movie, they gathered in the lobby to talk about the scenes and lines that stood out to them. The trip helped strengthen their sense of community and made the day feel especially memorable. The club is already discussing ideas for upcoming events!!!
Q. Name/Subject and grade level you teach.
A. Mrs. Bernas teaches health and the electives: peer leadership and life and death.
Q. How did you decide to become a teacher?
A. She knew from a young age I wanted to become a teacher. My first job was as a gymnastic coach, and I loved helping people learn. Summers off are good too.
Q. What’s your background: Collage, education, etc.
A. She went to Brockport for her undergraduate in health, then she went to Roberts Wesleyan University then finished health education there. She then taught at Brockport and Spencerport before Gates.
Q. Family: Siblings, kids, spouse, etc.
A. Her husband is a football coach at Pittsford and a gym teacher there too. She has four kids and two bulldogs, Rocky and Billy.
Q. What’s your favorite place or way to spend a weekend?
A. Seeing her kids play sports, seeing them play makes her happy. And if it’s summer being near her pool in the sun.
Q. Favorite food and drink
A. Gnocchis an Italian pasta and coffee
Q. Favorite Hobby
A. Pickleball and gardening
Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai
Genre: Autobiography/Memoir
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai is a very inspiring and genuine story about discovering identity and finding your own voice in a world that often tries to define you. In her memoir, Malala reflects on her experiences growing up in Pakistan, her experiences with the mounting restrictions and violence faced by girls and women, and the process through which she learned to speak up for what she believes in. The events she lived through are only part of what makes this book impactful; the main source of its power comes from her willingness and vulnerability in sharing her fears, hopes, and determination.
Malala’s writing style keeps her narrative engaging for readers of many backgrounds and makes her experiences relatable. Through her thoughtful reflections, she shows how her family, community, and culture influenced her life and decisions, and how she has used education to give back to her home country. The book also conveys the message that activism starts with the smallest actions, like being curious, not accepting injustice, or simply encouraging others. Although her story mentions mature themes, Malala’s writing is still accessible and uplifting for readers of many ages. By the end of the narrative, readers understand her personal journey more deeply and feel encouraged to reflect on themselves and the power they have to make a difference.
Last Friday night, seniors in the Portfolio class enjoyed an inspiring evening out in Rochester’s vibrant art community, thanks to their teacher, Mrs. McAtee, who organized the outing. The group began the night with a class dinner before heading to Anderson Alley art studios for an immersive night of exploration.
During the monthly open-studio event, artists welcomed visitors into their workspaces, offering snacks, refreshments, and the chance to browse and purchase original artwork. Students had the unique opportunity to talk with local artists, ask questions about their processes, and experience the creative energy of a working art studio environment.
It was a wonderful evening filled with discovery and connection, and many students left in awe of the talent and artistic culture that Rochester has to offer.
The Yorker Club took a trip to the Eastman Museum where they learned about photography and film. They toured George Eastman’s mansion, explored old cameras, and learnt about who he was as a person. There were dozens of gingerbread houses displayed all over the museum for the guests to see. The gingerbread houses were very creative and were up for auction. There were also lots of different holiday decorations like Diwali, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, and more. The mansion was so incredibly breathtaking and very modern. We had such a beautiful time with everyone! Thank you, Mrs. Schrader and Mrs. Train!
Q: “What holiday are most important to you and your family in December?”
A: “Christmas is the most important holiday for me and my family in December.”
Q: “How do you usually celebrate this holiday?”
A: “I usually celebrate Christmas by going to church a couple of days before Christmas and celebrating New Years eve by eating and giving and receiving gifts.”
Q: “Are there any special food or dishes you enjoy during your celebration?”
A: “Yes, we eat Venezuelan Christmas traditional food like ayacas, and some sweets.”
Q: “Do you have any traditions that have been passed down through your family?”
A: “Yes, when I was little, I always had someone in my family dress up as Santa and give us our presents.”
Q: “Has your way of celebrating changed over the years? If so, how?”
A: “Yes, my way of celebrating has changed over the years because most of my family lives in my Venezuela, so I celebrate with a couple of people in my family and often friends, now we also play games and do karaoke.”
Q: “What holiday are most important to you and you family in December?”
A: “The holiday that’s most important to me and my family is Kwanzaa, which starts the day after Christmas, December 26th.”
Q: “How do you usually celebrate your fav holiday?”
A: “On Kwanzaa morning, my family and I meet in our living room at a scheduled time to discuss the 7 principles of Kwanzaa, which includes unity, self-determination, responsibility, purpose, creativity, faith, and cooperative economics. Then as we listen to cultural music, my father shares his gratitude of me and my siblings’ accomplishments. At the end, everyone gets to open their gifts, which is my favorite part. Typically, you celebrate Kwanzaa from December 26th through January 1st, being a 7-day holiday, but for the past years my family has only celebrated it on the first day.”
Q: “Are there any special foods or dishes you enjoy during your celebrations?”
A: “Every dish at my celebration delights me, I personally love my mom’s seafood, such as shrimp and crab legs, also her flavored rice with lamb and kale greens always hits.”
Q: “Do you have any traditions that have been passed down through your family?”
A: “No, but I plan on taking what I know from my Kwanzaa celebration experience and passing that down to my future family.”
Q: “Has your way of celebrating changed over the years? If so, how?”
A: “I felt as I have aged, I became more conscious and opened to learning about my identity. I changed my way of celebrating over the years by spending my afternoon solely researching about the roots of African American cultural. Honestly, this difference manifested the confidence in myself and the pride in my ancestry.”
Q: What holidays are most important to you and your family?
A: Hanukkah, but we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.
Q: How do you usually celebrate your favorite holiday?
A: For Christmas, we decorate a REAL tree, decorate, etc. For Chanukah (Hanukkah), we light a menorah at sundown for 8 days, make traditional foods, and open a gift each day.
Q: Are there any special foods or dishes you enjoy during your celebrations?
A: Brisket, Matzoh ball soul, and potato latkes.
Q: Do you have any traditions that have been passed down through your family?
A: Each night of Chanukah we give/receive a gift, but each gift is connected, and the last night is when the “big” gift is given. For example, a record each night/record player at the end.
Q: Has your way of celebrating changed over the years? If so, how?
A: If anything, I’ve become more traditional as I grow older. The idea that I’m passing an ancient tradition down to my son is important to me!
