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By Ava Aschettino
The 2020-2021 school year was one full of loss, isolation, and uncertainty. Calling this year unique would be an understatement. Yet, despite the hardships, the OBEN community persevered through one of the most difficult school years to date. The community adapted, becoming more flexible and resilient in the classroom. While there were limitations to how students could attend school and in what capacity they could participate in activities, the OBEN community collaborated to overcome these obstacles. Through livestreams, social distancing measures, mask requirements, and crowd limitations, students were able to carry on as close to ‘normal’ as possible. Was it perfect? Far from it. But these efforts restored a sense of normalcy to the quintessential OBHS experience. Let's take a look back at some of the highlights of the 2020-2021 school year to see just how OBHS adapted to the pandemic.
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By Grace Barrios
As life starts to feel normal again, everyone has one thing on their minds: travel. But what are the rules? Where can you go? What are the restrictions? Everyone is trying to navigate and research what travel plans are possible this summer for a much needed vacation. Travel bans are being lifted along with safety protocols about quarantining, which makes traveling easier. However, various states and countries are maintaining guidelines that people are encouraged to follow for public health and safety. Specifically in New York, asymptomatic travellers coming into New York from another state, country or U.S. territory are no longer required to take a test or quarantine. However, the CDC still recommends that non-fully vaccinated people quarantine after travel. By Shannon Walsh
Clothes are a form of expression, style, and creativity. The United States is a country where a wide population are fortunate enough to afford new clothes. However, as we purchase our own clothes, it is important to consider the environmental impact fast fashion has on our planet. Fast fashion is the term used to describe clothes that are mass-produced at low costs and made to fit the newest trends. We must learn about more environmentally friendly ways to purchase clothes. The fashion industry is leaving a lasting impact on the environment. Fast fashion is quickly developing due to its cheap manufacturing paired with seasonal rollout rates. The negative impact of fast fashion is becoming irreversible. The factories that manufacture the clothes produce textile waste and toxic chemicals throughout the process of making and packaging the clothes. By Ava Aschettino
Move over, coffee! Matcha is taking the world by storm, becoming the trendier, healthier start to your day. Coffee enthusiasts across the map are dropping their cappuccinos and making the switch over to matcha for its distinguished taste and health benefits. But what exactly is matcha? Matcha is a powdered Japanese green tea that is not only unique in taste, but rocks a distinguished shade of green. The Washington Post defines matcha as green tea leaves crushed into a fine, electric green powder. The powder is then whisked into warm or hot water, and it dissolves into a frothy drink. According to Healthline.com, Matcha contains the nutrients from the entire green tea leaf (coming from the Camellia sinensis plant), which results in a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than what is typically found in regular green tea. Is Standardized Testing Gone for Good? COVID-19’s Impact on the College Application Process4/20/2021 By Jackson Troxler
I know, I know. The pandemic is a major topic of discussion over the past several months, and most of us are exhausted from discussing it. However, there are certain effects of the Coronavirus that will impact students even after the pandemic ends. COVID-19 has forever affected the college application process, which was already stressful. While there are temporary changes, such as meeting with admissions representatives over Zoom calls instead of in person, there are other aspects that may be more permanent. One of the main concerns relating to this issue is standardized tests. By Amelia Hahn
Finding yourself with too much free time and don’t know how to spend it? There are an endless number of things that you can do to keep yourself occupied during this pandemic! Although it may not sound like much fun, why not get a head start on “spring cleaning”? Organizing your closet will not only make your parents happy, but you’ll feel productive too! If you find clothing that no longer fits you, load it into a box or storage bin, and the next time you see your friends, give them a chance to look through it. This will be sure to put a smile on your friends’ faces, as it gives them the opportunity to use clothes that you no longer need. If your friends have no need for the items, you can donate them to charity. By Kevin Biggiani
Bambi? We would all love to see Bambi again…but not on our car windshield or caught in our fence. What has long been someone else’s problem has now become ours. These rather timid, cute, yet majestic animals, deer, are steadily migrating from Eastern Long Island to Nassau County. First they were sighted in more wooded North Shore communities such as Oyster Bay Cove, Cold Spring Harbor, Laurel Hollow and Locust Valley, but now they are being spotted more western and southern inland in Nassau County towns such as Syosset, Muttontown, Westbury, Bethpage, Levittown and Massapequa. By Beryl Rosenberg
1. Bryant Park Shops Beginning around Halloween and lasting until March 7, 2021, the Bryant Park Holiday Shops are perfect for finding unique holiday gifts from NYC. From ornaments, to jewelry, to edible treats, it’s easy to spend the day exploring the shops (and food!) at Bryant Park. Visitors will be able to explore the shops safely, too, as COVID-19 safety precautions are in full effect. According to the park’s website, “The Holiday Shops have a reconfigured layout with fewer shops to allow for more spacious walkways.” 2. Winter Village Also at Bryant Park, the Winter Village is home to different Winter activities for all ages. Ice skating is the most popular in Bryant Park, where New Yorkers and tourists alike can enjoy the 17,000 square foot rink in the center of the shops. This year, fewer people will be allowed to skate at once, and all visitors must wear a mask for the duration of their time on the rink. By Shannon Walsh
While getting a dog can be an exciting process, it is important to know what you are getting yourself into. A dog’s habits, health issues, behaviors, and size are just a few traits that are important to consider when thinking of getting a dog. All dogs should be loved and brought into a safe home, which is why it is necessary to make sure your home is the right fit for the dog. By Sammie Cohen
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a few months were spent in lockdown. A number of individuals could not travel or see friends or family, and the world was in a state of isolation. Everyone, bored inside their homes, wanted to visit their loved ones. As cases are once again rising in the United States, there is a possibility of another lockdown occurring in certain states or counties. In the event that there is another lockdown, here are some ways to stay connected with those you love during this time. |
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