Everyone knows that Martin Luther King Jr. fought for a world where everyone should be judged by their character, regardless of the color of their skin. His efforts were rewarded with a national holiday in which we have off school so we can remember his words. He wanted the different races to be able to come together, instead of continuously separating themselves like under the Jim Crow laws. However, just like in the Jim Crow days, schools are still segregated.

One big discrepancy is the racial separation between city and suburban schools. According to the data of the US Department of Education, African American students make up 75% of high poverty schools, and Caucasian students make up only 6%. In low poverty schools, African American students make up a remarkably low 5%, while Caucasian students are 5 times more likely to attend a low poverty school than high. According to data reports posted on Urban.org, “Poor, segregated schools are a symptom of a broader array of racial equity issues that flow from neighborhood segregation and housing discrimination, legal barriers to school desegregation…” Is this what Martin Luther King dreamed of?
Finding a solution to ensure students of all races have the same educational opportunities would honor his legacy but is a very complex issue.

One way this problem can be solved would be for next generation schools focus on recruiting a more diverse student population. Furthermore, suburban teachers may not have the experience of working with students in poverty, so a multicultural training would benefit all educators, not limiting them to the experiences with the students they have taught so far.

Dr. King’s vision was to unite the races and move beyond color lines.  While we’ve made some progress in the country, there is still a problem with segregation in urban schools.  We as the next generation are responsible for developing a solution and moving toward truly realizing Dr. King’s vision

​Tyjhan June

Rochester City School District held their annual School Expo to help parents and students decide which middle and high school they wanted to attend in the fall of 2017. Every year the RCSD brings different high schools from the RCSD to MCC’s Damon Campus such as Wilson, Vanguard, Douglas, and of course East. Each school has representatives like coaches, administrator, and teachers to give information that will help students and parents make the decision easier.
 
Expos are important to help give information about programs that the school has to offer, which sports are available to students and what is expected of the students. The expo also included different programs and extracurricular activities that students could join outside of school. For example the RCSD Show Choir is something that students could join if they love to sing and perform. It’s open to all students in the RCSD grades 8-12, and it attracts students from all different city schools.
 
Expos give answers to anyone who has questions about schools they are thinking about attending and it helps people find out where is the right fit. The deadline for 7th and 9th graders selecting their school of choice is February 3rd, and the deadline for Kindergarten in March 3rd, so don’t wait!  Also, if parents missed the Expo they can find more information on the RCSD website at www.rcsdk12.org. 

​Alicia Willie

The election season is over and we -the people- have elected a new president. We all know the divisiveness that was going on during our election process but that is politics and it is not the first time it happened. Our job as Americans is to respect the democratic process and the transitions to a new administration.
 
We have to give the upcoming president a chance to prove to the American people that he can do a good job. For those who are scared of the statements made by the president-elect- don’t be. He is an inexperienced politician, and we have to remember that he is a businessman not a politician which is why he is making broad statements. Many believe his concerns are the same as the people’s. He wants a country that is working at its full potential and so do we. Once again, let's give president-elect Trump a chance and don't forget that his success is our success and we should be bathing him in prayer so that WE can accomplish our goals as a united country.
 
Remember, if you have concerns, you can write to your representatives so that they give a voice to your concerns.  You can contact the office of Representative Louise Slaughter, Senator Charles Schumer, or Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to voice your concerns.  Find complete contact information and finding other representatives in your district, visit www.whoismyrepresentative.com.

​Hanzell Carrillo

Regents Exams will take place here at East High School from Tuesday, January 24th through Friday, January 27th. There are 11 different exams. Students should take these exams very seriously because they determine many things in our future and count towards our graduation. ‘’These exams are one of the things that stand for who you are outside of the school’’ said Mr. Meade, our exam coordinator. These January exams are also “giving students a second chance,” said Senior Saranne Kaufman, who is retaking U.S. History in order to graduate.
 
Students who are taking any of the exams might be experiencing mixed emotions, but there are important things you could do to prepare and ease the stress.  You should keep in mind to be here on time and keep your motivation. Also remember to ‘’have a good night's sleep and a good breakfast,’’ suggested Mr. Meade. Remember to be confident in yourself and give the best of your ability. 

Wilnelly Rodriguez 

It’s the New Year so we’re leaving 2016 behind, and starting anew with 2017! If 2016 did not go as well as you hoped, then 2017 can be your year. New Year’s resolutions can be an important part of improving your life.
 
When you choose a goal for the year do your best to stick with it and achieve it. Your New Year’s resolution can be anything. Some common examples are: exercising more, doing your homework on time, no skipping class, passing a regents in January to graduate, or maybe in June if you’re not a senior. Create a study group, because the people in your group can keep you on track.  If the group you hang out with influenced you to skip class, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your peer group.
 
Noah, an 11th grader at East made a New Year’s Resolution.  “I want to get honor roll, because it proves that I am working hard, for myself, and shows that I am working in school, and not slacking off.” Resolutions such as this are easy to achieve if you don’t slack and do as you’re to do. If outside situations happen that is understandable, but don’t forget the goal.
 
Persevere and anything can be completed. With the goals don’t just put everything into it, slowly ease into it so that it becomes easier, not harder. It’s hard to stick with a goal, and finish it, but with enough hope it can be done.  Don’t allow anything get in the way of that goal.  Make a plan.  Yes sometimes it’s hard to keep up, but don’t give up.

Saranne Kaufman 

The second semester is almost over and for senior this is a very critical and stressful time.  Not only are there midterms and Regents exams, but colleges are approaching their deadlines. Many colleges have even ended their deadlines. Some colleges don't have a deadline, so some scholars think “well I’ll just got a community college” which is not bad but is it the best choice for you?  Are you going to miss opportunities because you didn’t make a deadline?
 
There are a lot of questions you should ask yourself as a senior. The first question you should ask yourself is “Do I have all my college essays and applications done?” If you don't is it because you are having trouble getting to a computer or can't figure out the college website?  You can get help from the College Prep Center. The second question is “Are you keeping up with your school assignments?” If not, is it because of a job? If so you should really change your work schedule to balance your schoolwork and work life, even if that means working only weekends. For a senior you should be studying 4 hours a night. 
 
Last but not least you should ask yourself, “Do I really want to go to college?” If you don't want to go to college there are other options like trade school, military, army, marines and multiple other options. Maybe you're not ready for college right after school and you want to focus on work. These options are perfectly fine but you have to think if it's the right choice for you and have a plan. By the end of the third marking period you should have a plan for yourself for after you graduate. 

D'Brina Pitts

There will be a FAFSA event here at East High School on Sunday, January 29th, from 1-3pm. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA helps make college education possible for every dedicated mind. FAFSA is very helpful because it helps students all around the country get money for college.
 
Students may wonder if it is necessary to apply for financial aid and the answer is yes, because having this help for college allows students to focus on learning instead of worrying about money. If you don’t apply to FAFSA it might be very difficult to pay for college.
 
Seniors, including those who are graduating this summer, should submit their FAFSA application as soon as possible so that they can get a good package that is right for them.  It is an important step to start off with a good year of college by getting all the paperwork necessary so that you are all set with the stressful process.
 
For help with your FAFSA or to get more information, attend the FAFSA event or see your counselor.

​Melissa Caso

Spring baseball season is right around the corner and Coach Street and Coach Crandall feel it is never too soon to start warming up. Early morning indoor practices started in late November to prepare the team to get an early start for the upcoming season.

Last year East baseball team ended the 2016 season with a 20-3 record while making it all the way to sectionals. The East Eagles will be starting their new season without six of their all-star seniors from last year and will need to find some new outfielders. The coaches are taking steps to improve their program so they are as good as or better than last year.

New indoor practices are being offered to the team this season. Each Wednesday morning practice is offered from 6:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. in the upper gym for all JV/Varsity players. There are benefits of the early morning practices for each player. Coach Street states, “Well, there are no other sports that we could interfere with that early. Also, their arms will be fresh by the time the season gets here.”

There are also benefits specifically for pitchers and catchers.  “The hopes are for the majority of pitchers and catchers to show up and mainly work on location and speed because of the new rule they put up for high school pitch counts,” states Street.  The new rule Coach Street is referring to is a proposal by the New York State public high school association to implement a mandatory limit on the number of pitches a baseball player can throw within a certain time limit.

Getting up so early can be difficult for players and coaches, but Coach Street is motivated by “knowing how important it is not only for the coaches but for the players. It's a motivation for the players to come to practice knowing that we could make it to another sectional championship.”
The team is always looking for new talent. If baseball is one of yours reach out to Coach Crandall or Coach Street for more information.

John Segarra

Finishing up high school, some of you might be turning 18. This means so many different things! You get to apply for your driver’s license, and vote for your first time, among other privileges.  But some newly found privileges aren't as good as they seem to be. One trip to the corner store or gas station and you are bombarded with tobacco. Different products like cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigs, and vaporizers. You can now buy them, but why would you?
 
The decision is up to you. But remember, cigarettes and other tobacco-related products are basically designed to kill you, due to the fact there are no actual health benefits and they are full of toxic substances. The risks of smoking completely outweigh any possible positives. Cancer, throat and lung damage, gum disease, and heart disease are among the consequences of tobacco use. Also, you stink. Hate to say it but smokers reek. Anyone who smokes can be found by the distinct smoky odor around your clothes.
 
Smoking marijuana is another temptation among teens, even though it’s definitely not an 18-year-old privilege. The devil's lettuce, kush, chronic, it comes in many names and many forms. It makes you high and smells like skunk. But before you go and spark up that blunt, think about is it even worth it. At our age, many different studies have shown that smoking marijuana can decrease grey matter in your brain. This damages sensory and muscle control. Also, smoking anything isn't good for your lungs. It also happens to be completely illegal.
 
Now remember, you are legally grown up now, so the choice is yours. Are you going to do what’s best for your health or are you going to suffer the consequences?

​Henry Davis

Here at East High School, some students have gotten used to skipping their classes. And it has become a huge problem, not just for the students but also for the teachers and staff members around the schools. Many students come to school so they’re marked present for the day, but rarely attend certain classes, so there are whole subjects they’re missing out on.
 
There are many reasons why kids skip class.  East High secretary Ms. Turner sees a lot of kids in the office.  She said “some kids skip class just to go hang out with their friends. Others go to class just to be put in the attendance at present and then leave.”  She goes on to say, “Some kids have trouble learning and get frustrated so they end up walking away. Others don't like the way the teacher teaches.”
 
There are many places where kids go when they’re skipping, such as the hallways, auditorium, the halls near the Student Support Center or the stair well. Even if a student doesn’t like a particular class or a certain teacher, they’re hurting themselves by not going and learning what they need to graduate. 
 
SSO’s have been doing hall sweeps every period in an effort to try to make sure each and every student is in class on time. Students are even getting ISS for repeated skipping.  Hall sweeps have been successful lately so hopefully kids starts to notice that their education matters and they should take it more seriously

Mariangely Cotto