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i-Ready: Thoughts and Opinions
If you have heard the news, there is controversy surrounding the program we use during ELA or ELA WINs. Several sources have exposed how I-Ready is stealing student data. In addition to this rumor, many parents and students feel that I-Ready provides no actual growth in academic abilities. Parents are also concerned about their child’s screen time and how it affects their kids. A group of eight graders from iPrep Academy also feel the same way about the platform and that it


🌸 Spring activities 🌱
Spring has finally arrived! And besides the allergies, bees, and unpredictable weather, it’s one of my favorite seasons. So here are some spring activities you can do! Picnic Gather some of your friends and hit your favorite park bench! Picnics are the classic spring activity, and now that it’s getting warmer out watermelon is a must! Pack your favorite snacks and take a day trip to Cunningham Park. Meet up with some friends, lay a blanket down and enjoy a beautiful day at a


Women's History Month
It's March, which means it's Women's History Month. This month is used to commemorate and honor women who have impacted the world with their inventions. Without them, we would have not made progress, so we must thank them. History was paved by some icons such as Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. Let's celebrate women's rights now Marie Curie Not only is our school named after but Marie Curie also founded 2 elements on the periodic table. Her findings are impactful,


Why I Stopped Using ChatGPT (And How You Can Too)
Recently, I extracted my data from ChatGPT and deleted my account to search for other AI providers. You may be wondering why I would do this, ChatGPT was one of the first popular AI LLMs (Large Language Model), and I was one of their first 3% of customers. ChatGPT was always known for pushing the envelope of AI technologies, but (at least in my opinion) not anymore. ChatGPT was known for being the first widely-used LLM, reaching 1 million users within 5 days after its releas


The Girl Scouts of Marie Curie 158.
In the past, Marie Curie held many Girl Scout troops. However, there are currently two troops at the school. The troop that Chiara and I are currently in (4564) consists of 8th graders, most of whom attend this school, but some go to other schools. The other troop consists of 7th graders. Both of these troops have known each other since kindergarten, and have been together since then. To open every meeting, the Girl Scouts recite this promise: The Girl Scout Promise: On


Who Is Punch the Monkey?
Punch the Monkey. An online sensation. But who really is he? Punch the monkey was born July 2025. He is currently 7 months old. He is located in the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. He was abandoned July 26th, 2026 by his mother due to the lack of maternal care. On February 19th 2026, a group of older monkeys started to attack Punch. Once Punch escaped, he went to his stuffed animal for comfort. The video of Punch getting attacked resurfaced and people weren't happy. Some people


Black History Month: Recognizing the Past, Shaping the Future
Every morning in February, Marie Curie 158 begins the day by learning about influential figures in African American history. These morning meeting slides introduce us to people whose courage, creativity, and determination have helped shape the world we live in today. From groundbreaking artists to fearless activists and pioneering astronauts, each person reminds us that one individual can make a powerful difference. Some of the inspiring figures we’ve explored include Alma Th


What Happened So Far This Month In Theatre?
It’s the month of January and a lot has happened this month on and off Broadway. But what are some of the most important events that happened this month? Closings There have been many closings, like one of the most iconic Broadway shows, Beetlejuice , closed on January 3rd after its 13 week run, Waiting For Godot recently closed on January 4th and Queen Of Versailles , starring one of the most influential Broadway stars: Kristen Chenoweth closed on January 4th. Not to men


What Makes The Perfect Job?
A job is an important part of a person's life. It is the way you make money to pay for your rent and bills. Many jobs require difficult labor and pay high. Others are easy and fun, but can pay low. With so many options, it's hard to decide what job fits you best. In this article, we will discuss what can be the best job for people depending on their position in life. The perfect job has to have three main conditions: Good working conditions Decent or high pay Not boring and
What is going on in the school?


Attention Seniors and a few 7th Graders, Read all about the Regents!
Regents is the final exam of the school year, and there is a lot about the Regents that non-8th graders don’t know. There are Regents preparations and mock tests that count for our school grades. Regents Preparation and Review: The school has a full schedule of Regents preparation that starts during May and ends in June. This is from Monday - Saturday after school from 2:30 to 4pm (Saturday is 9-12pm). The Regents preparation classes are Algebra, US History, Foreign Language


Arts in Spring!
Spring is usually associated with flowers blooming, snow melting, and warmer weather. But, here at 158, for many students and staff, Spring is full of events and concerts for the Band, Chorus classes, and the Theater Club! So, let’s go into a deep dive of the things to come as of April 17th, 2026! Music in the Parks In the morning of May 8th, 2026, 8th Grade Band and select Chorus students and their teachers will set off on a bus ride to Allentown, Pennsylvania and Dorney Pa


Senior Information when you are in 8th Grade!
8th Grade is an exciting year with many activities such as Senior Prom, Six Flags, and the Yearbook Picnic. 8th Graders have three assemblies where Ms. Biondo talks about every senior event. These activities will only happen at the end of the year. To attend all senior activities, you must have a satisfactory conduct record, satisfactory attendance record, and have cleared all accounts. Senior Day or Yearbook Picnic: It would be the day after prom which is the second week F


So Being Chinese Is Now A Trend?
“So I woke up today and found out that I’m now Chinese”, “I have self diagnosed myself as Chinese" or “You have met me in a very Chinese time in my life” is what we’ve been seeing on our for you page recently. “Chinamaxxing” has recently begun to trend online where western people take customs and aesthetics from Chinese culture. For example, they drink hot water or congee and say that they’re now “Chinese”. It seems like a harmless trend but it’s so much more. What’s so prob


Robotics!
Everyone knows about the MS158 Robotics Club, with 18 people picked at the start of the year! All through September, we’ve been working on our project: “ Unearthed ”, discovering what archaeologists do and the problems that they face. Using Lego robots, we devised a solution, using AI technology and feedback from professionals. After months of research, we devised a solution to our problem: poor photography and lack of intercommunication. Our solution was improving imaging w


Unknown Holidays
Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, you think you’d know it all. But there are some peculiar holidays that nobody knows about- mostly because it’s ridiculous why they exist! National Watermelon Day Apparently, August 3rd is the day to eat lots of watermelon. This holiday is a fun summer celebration to honor the popular, refreshing summer fruit that is roughly 92% water, offering relief from high temperatures . It promotes consumption of this hydrating, nutrient-rich treat th


Desserts from Around The World - 4: Japan
Japan: Dorayaki Japan has always been known for its futuristic technology and unique culture, making it a staple choice for vacations and visiting. The country has a long history of customs and traditions, along with another famous part of their legacy: food. Japan’s cuisine, especially its desserts, has a lot of recognition across the world. One of these confections can be found all over Asia, being a staple of Japan’s history: Dorayaki. History Dorayaki’s origin starts in t


Let's Celebrate Lunar New Year M.S. 158
Lunar New Year is almost here, and we’re ready to celebrate! Lunar New Year, one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in many Asian cultures, marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar. It’s a time for renewal, family reunions, and honoring our ancestors. This year, the holiday falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and signifies the beginning of a new cycle of luck, prosperity, and growth. Every Lunar New Year the Asian community embraces the belief that a


Dreaming of an Art High School? Start Here!
Do you love to draw, paint, design, or create? Are you thinking about applying to NYC art high schools like LaGuardia High School or Frank Sinatra High School? Or maybe you just want a fun, creative space to express yourself after school? Well, then, The Art Club is the place for you! The Art Club is open to students of all grade levels and skill levels from beginners to advanced artists. Whether you’re serious about building a strong, competitive portfolio or just want to e


All My Love
Prologue My heart fluttered and cracked all at once when he pulled me into a tight embrace. I let him as I sank into his arms, trying to remember his touch, his voice- But he pulled away too soon. Caleb’s warm brown eyes searched mine, matching their care and equal worry. “I have to go.” “I’ll miss you.” My voice cracked. His gaze flicked away. “I know... I’ll miss you too.” Seeing that my expression didn’t change, he spoke again in an effort to condole
Student Opinion


SKIN UNDERTONES
First of all, let's talk about what is a skin undertone: A skin undertone is the hidden color beneath the surface of your skin. There are four. Knowing your undertone can help you pick out the perfect clothes, makeup, and hair colors that go with your natural skin coloring. In this article, we will explore how you figure out your undertone and what colors you should have with that will match your unique style. First step, look at your vein. If your vein is green, you have


My Review of The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee
Recently, I saw the off-Broadway revival of the 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at the New World Stages and I thought it was great. The show was interactive, had no fourth wall, and was a lot of fun. The actors were amazing and knew exactly how to give the audience a good laugh. An aspect that I really enjoyed was having audience members sign up to become part of the spelling bee and come onstage to participate in the show. The show features reputable actors like Kevin McHale


Time to get those ZZZZZZZZZ's
Some people find sleeping to be their favorite thing to do, while others might barely get enough sleep daily. Sleeping is crucial for the body to grow, repair, and improve brain function. The recommended sleep time is 9-11 for school aged children (ages 6-13), and 8-10 for teens (ages 14-17). If you don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to grogginess, inattentiveness, and slower reaction time. If you’re in school, the quality of their school performance may drop by leading to


What Happened In August?: Inspired By The Taylor Swift Love Triangle
I sat in my bed, aimlessly scrolling on my phone. Every post, every video, everyone has someone. But me? I have no one. I’m not sure if I should be upset though. I often distance myself from others. I’m a homeschooled girl, Augustine. I don’t have many friends. I noticed that online everyone is getting ready for prom. The girls showing off the sequin dress. The guys wanting to flex their suits. It's almost as if they all wanted to bother me. Sitting alone in my bed during Pr


When Safety Failed: A Brown University Student’s Account Of The December 13 Shooting
It was 4:05 p.m., December 13, 2025, at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, when the first shots rang out at the Barus and Holley Engineering building. Two people were killed, and nine were injured. At 4:22, the notification was sent out to all the students and faculty: “ BrownUAlert: 1st, Urgent: There's an active shooter near Barus & Holley Engineering. Lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice. Remember: RUN, if you are in the affected locat


The Cast of High School Musical!
We all know our amazing ARTS teachers, Ms. Allen and Ms. Carlucci, have been in charge of producing our yearly theatre shows! This year, it's High School Musical Jr. ! For background information, the play is about a girl named Gabriella Montez, who had just moved to East High. She met Troy, the captain of the basketball team, at a New Year’s party by singing karaoke together, and the two have only gotten closer ever since! has a passion for singing, and forms a close bond wit


Who is to Blame for the Longest Government Shutdown in US History?
In October of 2025, the US federal government was unavailable to the public for a record amount of times. In fact, this past has been extended to be the “largest government shutdown in history.” And who is the blame for it? Well, we have two sides: the Republicans and the Democrats. And both have had a strong impact on this shutdown. Both sides have been involved with this historical event. So between both sides, which one has more responsibility for the government shutdo


Powerpoint or Canva?
Earlier this week, I had a disagreement with my classmate about whether Powerpoint or Canva is better. I decided to settle this by asking 20 people in our school to choose one. Here’s what I found: The preferences for PowerPoint versus Canva are split, with students often favoring Canva for its ease of use and modern designs. Some favored Powerpoint for its advanced features and offline reliability. This is my poll with the results. 🗳️ Poll: Canva or Powerpoint? Poll Results


F.A.A Flight Reductions
During the longest Government Shutdown in United States history, hundreds of flights were cancelled as the shutdown of said government leaves air traffic controllers working without pay. Disruptions at major airports at this time seem to be limited. This cancellation comes at the worst timing as we are approaching Thanksgiving, one of the busiest times for travel in the United States. Many travel executives have been expecting this year's holiday season to break records. Acc


A Guide to Braces
Did you get braces recently and don’t know how to take care of them or not sure what food to eat and what you shouldn't eat? Well, if that’s the case, then this article is here to help you! Keeping your teeth clean is an absolute must, especially when you have braces. In order to keep your teeth and braces clean, you will need: 1 string floss/water floss (water floss is highly recommended) 1 toothbrush with a soft brush (do NOT use toothbrushes with a hard brush because the
Arts and School Extracurricular Activities


Katseye - The Rising Popstar Sensations
Sophia, Megan, Manon, Daniela, Yoonchae, and Lara; they’re the six members of the global girl group Katseye, the creators of some of the biggest hits of this year. Revolutionizing the world by storm with songs like Gnarly, Gabriela, Internet Girl, Touch and even the hit GAP ad “Better in Denim”. You May Know Them From: Sophia : Appeared on the Filipino Family Feud alongside her family in 2022 Lara : Appeared in an ad for Michelle Obama’s Global Group Alliance in 2018 Megan :


Forever, Forever
I’m sure there must be PLENTY of music lovers in our school. From K-Pop to rock music, we all have our various music tastes. And I’m here to talk about mine! Everyone has heard about Harry Styles; record breaking music artist, former One Direction member, and one of the most popular singers of our generation. Whoever is also a fan of Harry knows about how he went on a hiatus after his “Love on Tour” in July 2023. Fans all over the world have been wondering and hoping that thi


From Local Stages To The Broadway Spotlight: Samantha Pauly’s Road To Broadway
On February 13, 2020, Samantha Pauly made her (kind of unofficial) Broadway debut as Katherine Howard in Six the Musical . Now, Samantha Pauly stars as Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby: A New Musical on Broadway. But how did her theatre career start? disclaimer I had no official interview with her but I got this information from past interviews she’s done Most people have the typical “I’ve been doing it for most of my life story” but not for Sam. Samantha started theatre


A Review of Hell's Kitchen: The Musical By Alicia Keys
Last month, I went to see Hell’s Kitchen: The Musical , and honestly, it was amazing! From the very first moment, the music and energy of the show grabbed me and didn’t let go. The songs were written by Alicia Keys and all of them sounded incredible. During the show, I kept tapping my feet and even finding myself wanting to sing along (quietly, of course). The performers were incredible. When I went, I didn’t see the original characters, but I did see: Lulu Oro Hamlett , who


The Mysterious Case Of Bouba And Kiki
There are two possible names for either of these shapes; Bouba and Kiki. Both shapes have to have different names, so which one is which if there is no definite correct answer? Well about 88% of people will say that the yellow shape is Kiki, and the orange shape is Bouba. This was made clear because I asked every person in the newspaper, and 29 people said so. The Bouba and Kiki question is one of the most famous questions in linguistics, and has been around since 1929. Almo


The Lost Life of Casandra
Run. That was my first instinct. Run as far away and as fast as you can. The house was cold. No one was there. I took my sister, my little brother, and a bag filled with things we needed and ran out the door. I sprinted so fast, until stopping felt like defeat. Like I let the house win. The ever scary house. Forever haunting. It seemed like I ran for hours. I stopped in the middle of nowhere to feed my little brother. A truck came up to us. Then stopped. Asked if we needed h


BEST LAUFEY SONGS
Laufey is a wonderful singer who blends jazz, classical, and pop music into her songs. She started to rise to fame with viral songs such as “Street by Street”, “Let You Break My Heart Again”, and “From The Start”. In this article I will tell you my top nine Laufey songs (not put in any particular order) and the meanings behind them. 1.Too Little, Too Late - This song is about regret and lost love. In this song Laufey is singing from a man’s perspective about how he regrets n


The Blue Sun Space Resort Part 1
Sol 1 - 07.23.72 I woke up with a jolt of energy. It still seemed dark out. My parents were still sleeping, but their alarm would wake them up soon. My clock read “6:30 AM”. It seems that I woke up earlier than my alarm. That's new. I got up out of my bed like a bolt of electricity. I was waiting for this day to come forever. I walked up to our hotel balcony and opened the door breathing in the salty Cape Canaveral Air. My parents, my younger sister, and I had only arrived a


Six!: The Musical
Six The Musical is an historical musical in the style of a pop concert about Henry the VIII's 6 wives. It took the world by storm and has multiple locations including Broadway, the West End, and tours in Australia, the USA and UK, Japan, and internationally. The musical consists of 6 women: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr. Every single queen is inspired by different singers and their styles. Catherine of Ar
Student and Teacher Spotlight


Different Personality
While not scientifically proven, studies suggest that eye color is linked to personality traits because the genes forming our irises are linked to those that form our frontal lobes. Research indicates that eye pigmentation can influence behavior, pain tolerance, and how others perceive us, connecting certain colors to specific personality types. Common Personality Associations by Eye Color Brown/Dark Eyes: Perceived as natural leaders, reliable, confident, and trust


Stuyvesant - What You Need To Know
Stuyvesant High School is one of, if not the most prestigious high school in New York. Every year, around 30,000 students enter the Specialized High Schools Admission Tests (SHSAT) in hopes of receiving a high enough score. This school has a reputation for pushing their students to the limit, giving them as many opportunities to succeed later in life as possible. Luckily, there are ways to easily succeed and get accepted at Stuyvesant, more than most people think. Admission


All About Coraline Novel And Movie
Coraline by Neil Gaiman is a dark fantasy novella (a short novel) about a young bored girl who is curious. Coraline discovers a secret door to a seemingly better parallel world, only to find it's a trap set by the malevolent "Other Mother" who wants to keep her by sewing buttons into her eyes. Coraline must use her bravery to rescue her real parents and the souls of other trapped children, facing terrifying creatures and a world much darker and complex than the popular film o


Tips for Creating Story Ideas!
Writing stories is incredibly fun but the most difficult part is trying to come up with an idea in the first place. Here are some tips that can hopefully help you come up with story ideas! #1 Work with a friend! It can be hard to come up with ideas on your own, so talking with a friend or two can be extremely helpful. Talking with your friend(s) over the phone or in person can generate topics from natural conversation, take inspiration from random topics or gossip that can b


China: Tangyuan
China has some of the most influential histories and cultures from around the world, being the main center country of Asia. Many famous traditions from China are still performed today, with one of the most prominent being Lunar New Year, taking place in February rather than the start of the Gregorian Calendar. During Lunar New Year, relatives come together to celebrate with one another, practicing cultures and eating heartwarming foods. A major part of Chinese New Year food a


Naia, The First American
More than 12,000 years ago, a young girl died. Archaeologist James Chatters found her bones in a cave on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Scientists named her “Naia.” She was a teenager from the Ice Age, about 15 to 17 years old when she died. Studying Naia’s skeleton has taught us a lot about life in the early Americas. Her bones show that she probably walked everywhere and didn’t carry much with her. She also went through hard times with her health and nutrition, which left mark


Cultural Diversity at MS 158
Marie Curie Middle School 158 is a very diverse school with students from many different cultures and backgrounds. When you walk through the halls, you can see students from all around the world. This instance makes our school a special and interesting place to learn and grow. Each student and staff member brings something unique to the school, making each day different and exciting. There is an old saying "You learn something new everyday" and at MS 158 we can learn from the


WinterFest 2025
What is Winterfest? Winterfest is a month-long celebration in school of the holiday, school spirit, and a friendly school-wide competition. There's commonly a new challenge each day, so paying attention to MS 158’s #morningmeeting every day is crucial to finding out directions for each daily challenge. The homeroom with the most points by grade at the end of Winterfest wins a cookies and cocoa party. The amount of points a homeroom earns is by percentage of the class particip


New Teacher Spotlight: An Interview with Ms. Andreou
This year, MS 158 welcomed a new math teacher—and soccer coach—to our school community: Ms. Andreou. This past soccer season was one of the most successful seasons in a long time. I sat down with her to learn more about her experience so far, her coaching philosophy, and the exciting growth of our soccer team. A Warm Welcome to MS 158 When asked about her first months at the school, Ms. Andreou shared that her experience has been “really good—everyone is really nice.” Sh
Fun & Games


Room 620
Internal ~Alean~ I saw him and I swear my heart skipped a beat I swear. He looked so happy even though it was the first day of school. Like nothing concerned him. I would date him if he asked. ~Christian~ On the first day of school, when I walked into the classroom. This weird girl started to stare at me. I'll admit it, she was pretty but I don't think she would date me. ~Alean~ He bumped into me and I can promise you I have never felt so happy. This shirt is now my lucky shi


AN ODE TO MUSIC
Oh music, you spill like rain across my thoughts, soft thunder stitching silence into sound, you braid the air with threads that can’t be caught, and plant your echoes deep beneath the ground. Oh music, you are a shadow of a flame, that flickers bright inside a broken night, a whisper wearing colors without name, that teaches the dark how to remember light. Oh music, you are a river made of time, that bends through memories i cannot see, you carry every heartbeat, every rh


Short Story: The Journey of Manjeet Singh
Manjeet Singh was a very special boy who liked chicken curry. His mommy and daddy wanted him to be a neurosurgeon! He thought it was kind of stereotypical, but it was a part of his culture after all…so he packed his 1 pound fish into a suitcase. Along with his very very good math test score (99–but his daddy was mad.) He immigrated to America, but the security guard took out all of his pakoras and samosas. Therefore, he lost 30 pounds on the flight because he had nothing to


I Blame Society (Chapters 24 to 35)
(Chapter Twenty Four: Runaway) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The night swallowed them whole. Cold air burned Skye’s lungs as she ran, her fingers locked in Rowan’s. The sound of their shoes pounding against the pavement mixed with her heartbeat — fast, uneven, desperate. “Keep moving,” Rowan said, his voice low but sharp. “Don’t stop.” “I’m trying ,” she gasped, clutching her bag tighter against her chest. “Where are we even going?” “Someplace they won’t look,


The Last Seat
“Wait, what time is it?” Jayden's eyes flew open as sunlight spilled across his room. His heart began pounding before his feet even touched the floor. Today was the day of the senior trip to Adventure Kingdom Amusement Park. He jumped out of bed and got ready in a rush. From downstairs, his mom’s voice drifted up. “What do you want for breakfast?” she called. “Pancakes! Eggs and bacon!” he shouted back. The smell met him halfway down the stairs sweet syrup, buttery pancakes


Prepare for the 2026 World Cup!
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, only three months away. This tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format and will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Here are some more facts about what is set to become the biggest World Cup in history. The competition will be played across 16 host cities , stretching from Los Angeles in the west to New York/New Jersey in the east, offering fans a uniquely large geographical spread all around North A


All About Fencing Club
Fencing is a dynamic sport that combines athleticism, strategy and precision. Two athletes use swords to attack and defend against one another with the aim of striking their opponent in order to score points. The three disciplines of modern fencing are the foil, the epee, and the sabre (also known as saber). Each discipline uses a different kind of blade (which shares the same name) and has unique rules. That being said, MS.158 has gathered interest to form a fencing club. I


Stronger Together
I am strong I am caring and honest I carry determination in my heart I come from immagrants I admire Maya Angelou because she is strong I had to rise when everyone thought I was bossy Instead of ambitious or hard working It helped me to be aware of how the world around me is and how cruel it can be Does my happiness upset you Would you rather see tears in my eyes? Maybe your upset with yourself Or I caught you by surprise Do you wish to see me in a pool of blood Wellowing in


Tears of a Withered Flower
“Amusing little plans this person has…” -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------... Beep Beep. The soft beeps of the alarm clock woke me up pleasantly. I wake up to the sound of the fire roaring to life and the eggs sizzling like tiny sparks. I walk towards my wardrobe, and throw on some clothes. Pink top and White pants. “Perfect.” I whisper to myself. “Surely they're going to accept me now. Right?” “Marly, breakfast’s
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