THE DEFINITIVE Vol.3, Issue 2 KIPP Infinity Charter School – New York, NY December 2009

Page 7

No Christmas tree in Lincoln Center this year!

Page 4 & 5 Check out how other countries

celebrate their holiday traditions.

CHECK OUT WHAT’S INSIDE THE DEFINITIVE

Page 8

Have some fun with some holiday riddles!

Page 3

Just when you thought you knew everything about Mr.

Brunzell.

From Worst to First BY SIRAH SOW No one thought that they could pull it off. They started off the season with three straight losses. Two of the most valuable players from last year’s team were barred from playing. The quarterback was only a sixth grader. On Saturday, November 21st, all of that didn’t seem to matter much as the KIPP Infinity Flag Football Team, coached by Mr. Griffith and Big Brother L, defeated Opportunity Charter School in the championship round with a final score of 65-50. KIPP Infinity literally went from worst place to first place over the course of the season. According to Coach Griffith, some key players throughout the season were Peter Clark (2014), Cesar Quintanilla (2014), Elvin Perez (2016), and Christopher Ramos (2015). Perez, the sixth grade quarterback, was the surprise underdog of the season. Leading a team as a sixth grader must have been a lot of weight to carry on his shoulders, but the upperclassmen soon learned to respect his plays and his attitude on the field. “It felt weird because, to my knowledge, I was the only sixth grade quarterback this school has ever had. At first it was uncomfortable, but the team helped me to become a leader,” said Perez. Perez believed that a large part of the team’s successes was due to the coaches’ enthusiasm. Mr. Griffith and Big Brother L not only cheered on their team, but they also used a bit of sarcasm to get the team ready for the game. Clark recalled one Saturday game, the day after Halloween, in which Mr. Griffith dressed up as a Union soldier from the Civil War. While Clark thought Mr. Griffith’s antics were “embarrassing,” Clark also believed that Mr. Griffith really motivated the team to play their best, even when some games didn’t translate into a win for the team. Clark, who was named one of the MVPs of the championship game, caught two interceptions. The opposing team, he noticed, was significantly bigger in size than KIPP Infinity’s. Perez also admitted that he thought that Opportunity Charter School had the advantage; Perez even predicted at the beginning of the game that KIPP Infinity was going to lose. Then, he said, “Peter and Cesar started catching interceptions, jumping higher, and playing better – better than all the games we ever played the entire season.” Things just came together that day, it seems. Cesar Quintanilla said, “Basically, we were able to execute the plays correctly. Also, over the course of the season, Elvin learned how to pass the ball well.” “I’m looking forward to next year’s season, and I hope to be the quarterback again,” said Perez.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM!

We’re #1: KIPP Infinity’s Flag Football Team poses with its championship trophy. –Photo by Gerard Griffith

Former NFL player from the New York Giants, Tiki Barber, poses with KIPP Infinity’s Flag Football Team. Fabian Quintanilla (center) holds the football that Tiki signed for the team.

–Photo by Gerard Griffith

Page 2 The Definitive – December 2009 news

Annual Rockefeller Center

Christmas tree Lit Up BY SAMANTHA REYES

The big Christmas tree located in Rockefeller center has been put

up and lit. The lights shined on December 2, 2009 at 8:55pm. This annual

tree is very amazing. The tree is usually 75-90 ft high (23 to 27 meters).

This has been a New York City tradition since 1931.

Last year, the tree was originally from Hamilton, New Jersey. The

tree has been usually a Norway spruce. The exact height of the tree this

year is 76 feet tall. The first tree was erected by construction workers, but

not as tall as it is today. The trees over the last 7 years have had about

30,000 lights, and about 5 miles of wiring. The Swarovski star (the tree

top star’s name) was first put up in 2004. It was 9.5ft in diameter and

weighed 550 pounds! The creator of the star was a German artist named

Michael Hammers. Hammers, this year, has designed his own star

lighting production. This magnificent tree will be put down the week

after New Year’s Day and recycled for many kinds of uses. In 2007, the

“giving tree” was taken down and was used to furnish lumber for Habitat

for Humanity house construction. This is a remarkable tree that shines all

over Rockefeller Center. Check it out! Take the F, V, B, or D train to 47-

50 Streets, Rockefeller Center.

Lincoln Center Tree Left

Down for Christmas

BY SAMANTHA REYES

The second famous Christmas tree located in Lincoln Center on

66th

Street hasn’t been put up this year due to construction. This is the

second year it hasn’t been up, and it actually won’t shine until 2011. In

the past years, about 10,000 people went to Lincoln Center to see the

great tree. The construction is for the Josie Robertson Plaza where

construction workers have been replacing the surface where the tree used

to be.

In 2008, the Lincoln Center Business Improvement District (BID)

provided a tree on Dante Square that was about have the size of the

original Lincoln Center tree and was lit the Monday after Thanksgiving.

This tree may not be put up for a while, but when it does come back, I

can guarantee you that people will again see it shine throughout Lincoln

Center.

The Lincoln Center Tree before the construction project. The tree (above) was

surrounded by thousands of people. It shined throughout the entire month of

December. Lincoln Center is located on 66th

Street and Broadway.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE… HERE COMES THE DOG? Mrs. McCaffrey, KIPP Infinity’s

5th

grade reading teacher, and her husband, Patrick, were getting ready for the ring exchange. Petey,

Mrs. McCaffrey’s dog, was the ring bearer and carried the rings in a purple pillow that was made

by Mrs. McCaffrey’s mom. (Petey showed up late because he had jumped in the lake before the

wedding started!)

-Photo by Theresa and Patrick McCaffrey

The Tree at Rockefeller Center before the lighting ceremony.

-Photo by Samantha Reyes

BABY KIPPster NEWS!

Ms. Rosario just learned that she’s going to be having a

baby boy!

Mr. and Mrs. Heuisler are pleased to announce that they

will be welcoming their first baby in June 2010!

Congratulations!

-THE DEFINITIVE STAFF

Favorite color: Red Favorite board game: Clue Favorite actor: Justin Theroux Favorite actress: Cate Blanchett Favorite cities to visit: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and in August 2009, Orlando Favorite fashion designers: For entertainment, Alexander McQueen, Narciso Rodriguez; for myself‐ Ben Sherman and Dr. Martin 

Q: What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done? A: The Class of 2014 knows that when I was in 5th grade, I was in a Christmas show at my school and my pants ripped and fell down.

FEATURES The Definitive – DECEMBER 2009 Page 3

Spotlight question: Is there a particular gift that you’re hoping to get for the holidays?

INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ANGELY UREÑA AND EMANIE CRUZ

Britney Delacruz Class of 2014

“For Christmas I would want an iPod

Touch because it is a touch-screen. I can get on the internet and text people the way

I like it… without a keyboard.”

Angeline Alvarez Class of 2015

“I wish for money for Christmas because I

would be able to go shopping with my fiends. I can also can also go Christmas

shopping and buy things for me, my friends and family. ”

Naya Rogers Class of 2016

“I wish for a Blackberry Bold, so I can

call all of my friends when I want to, text, and use the internet when I get home from

school.”

Chris Washington Class of 2017

“For Christmas I would want a Tony Hawk ride for Christmas because I

could see myself riding the skate board. I really want to ride that skateboard.”

Emilia Tineo Class of 2017

“For Christmas I would want a

sidekick 09 because I can text and talk to my friends any time I want without

a phone in my ear.”

Rafael Capellan Class of 2016

“I wish for a million dollars because with the money I will be able to buy a PSP and with the leftover money, I will be able to

but whatever I want.”

Justin Philippe Class of 2015

“I wish for a PSP for Christmas because I

can play a lot of fun games, I have also heard that the new PSP is easier to use, making it easier for to play games and

listening to music.”

Fabio Rivera Class of 2014

“The coolest think out is DJ Hero. Once I saw the commercial with Jay-Z and Slim Shady, I knew that it was exactly what I wanted. I want to turn tables, too; I don’t

want to use the controller.”

Teacher Profile: Mr. Thomas Brunzell Every issue, the journalism staff will be talking one-on-one with a KIPP Infinity teacher and asking him or her some crazy, cool questions!

Just when you thought you knew everything about Mr. Brunzell… -BY LOURDES DELGADO AND ORLANDO GARCIA

Q: How would you describe 2009 in one word? A ASTOUNDING

Q: Favorite T.V. shows?  A: Project Runway, Fringe, and tennis. 

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in New York? A: Balthazar in Soho, New York.

Q: Is there anything you regret? A: I regret when my time is wasted with bad movies.

Q: Where does the name Brunzell come from? A: I was adopted when I was a baby. Brunzell comes from my adopted family and it’s from Sweden.

Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? A: Yes, I’m the oldest; my sister is 32 and my brother is 30.

Q: What time do you go to sleep? A: I go to sleep at 10pm.

Q: What is your favorite type of music? A: I like a lot of music: punk music from England, Goth music as a teen, and modern classical music from the 1950s

Q: What is your zodiac sign? A: Western – Sagittarius; Eastern – Tiger

Q: What’s the most played song on your iPod? A:  The Smiths – look it up! 

Q: What do you do outside of KIPP? A: I go to concerts and watch movies. I actually go to

Q: What’s your middle name? A: Duc (pronounced like Duke).

Q: What is YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT? A: My favorite is strawberry shortcake and every time my friends bakes me one.

Q: What was the last good movie you saw? A: Star Trek by J.J Abrams Q: If you could be 

something for a day, what would it be?  A: I would be the driver of a water taxi between St. Thomas and St. John. 

Mr. Thomas Brunzell, Dean of Students @ KIPP Infinity

Q: What is your favorite word? A: Resiliency

Q: What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done? A: The Class of 2014 knows that when I was in 5th grade, I was in a Christmas show at my school and my pants ripped and fell down.

Q- What is your ethnicity? A- Vietnamese

Q: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done? A: I have gone swimming with sharks and manta rays.

Page 6 The Definitive – December 2009 EDITORIAL

The Tech Beat:

The 7 Must-Haves for Christmas

BY WILSON GUZMAN

1) iPod Touch 3rd

Generation – 8GB: $199, 32GB: $299, 64GB:

$399. iPod touches are all the rage with their new commercials

with people playing soccer, Tiger Woods golf, and air hockey.

It is a fun device to have on the go.

2) iPod Nano 5th

Generation – 8GB: $149, 16GB: $179. The

iPod Nano is great for a teen on the go. It has a built-in video

camera, and a radio player. If you’re big on fitness, you’d love

this device. It has a built-in pedometer, and with Nike+ iPod

support, you can track your calories burnt and your heart rate.

3) PSP Go gaming console: $249. It is Sony’s brand new device

that came out on October 1st; the PSP features a whopping

16GB of internal space. You can fit 4,000 songs on the PSP and

still be able to play games such as Little Big Planet for PSP and

still have space to save the game.

4) XBOX 360 gaming console: $199. The XBOX 360 is a great

system to play games on. It has great games that we all know

such as Halo and Grand Theft Auto (for mature players only). It

has a wide variety of games so you won’t get tired. But, no one

gets tired of the XBOX.

5) PS3 Slim gaming console: $299. This is my personal

favorite. It has the best graphics in my opinion and the best

selection of games. It has a personal touch to it. With its low,

low price of $299, it is a great choice for hardcore gamers on a

low budget.

6) Nintendo Wii: $199. This is the most affordable gaming

console on this list. It is the most family-friendly game system

on the market. If you hook up the Wii to the Internet through the

Wi-Fi connection, you can experience so much through this

device. If you have a Game-cube, you can play their games

right on the device, with the Game-cube controller, of course.

7) Nintendo DSi: $169. This is Nintendo’s newest device. It has

two cameras for extra fun, an Internet Channel built in, and a

music player. It is a computer built right in, minus a DVD

player. It can still play the older DS games, so compatibility is

no problem.

The iPod Touch 3rd Generation

Dear Tiffany D.

“Dear Tiffany D.” is KIPP Infinity’s

advice column. If you have a

question or a concern that’s on

your mind, leave it to “Tiffany D.”

to give you some helpful advice.

All letters will remain anonymous.

You may submit your letters to

Mr. Vea’s mailbox in the main

office (Ms. Ceron’s office).

Have a nice day!

Dear Tiffany D.,

Sometimes when I get my paycheck, I get really upset because I

don’t get a good paycheck score. It ruins the rest of my day. How can I

keep myself from feeling this way?

Sincerely,

Bad Paycheck Day

Dear Bad Paycheck Day,

Your bad paycheck is your fault; maybe you should talk to

your teachers about what it is that is getting you your deductions. If

you know what you’re doing wrong and fix it, your paychecks will

most likely get better. As for your bad days, you shouldn’t let the

paychecks rule your emotions. Remember, the paycheck is just a

reflection of your actions; it shouldn’t control your entire life.

Sincerely,

Tiffany D.

Dear Tiffany D.,

I am an 8th grader and I need to decide which type of high school I

would like to go to. Should I go to another public school, KIPP NYC

College Prep High school or a private school? Help me.

Sincerely,

Where Do I Go

Dear Where Do I Go,

I am also in the process of deciding where to go. I think you

should keep your options open and apply everywhere. KIPP College

Prep High School might be where people are pressuring you to go,

but private schools are really good, too. As for public school, not all

of them are bad. There are some really good ones such as Beacon,

CUNY, Stuyvesant, and more. So stay open-minded and do your best

to get into where you want to go. Follow your heart.

Sincerely,

Tiffany D.

Top Ten Songs of 2009

1. Taylor Swift: You Belong With Me

2. Jay Sean: Down

3. Iyaz: Replay

4. Lady Gaga: Poker Face

5. Black Eyed Peas: I Gotta Feeling

6. Kings of Leon: Use Somebody

7. Kelly Clarkson: My Life Would Suck Without You

8. Flo Rida: Right Round

9. Owl City: Fireflies

10. Jason Derulo: Whatcha Say

Source: www.billboard.com

1

3 4

2

bZ

Page 7 The Definitive – DECEMBER 2009 sports/entertainment

Back-to-Back Champions!

BY SAMANTHA REYES

On December 8, 2009, KIPP Infinity’s volleyball team did it again.

Ms.Stabrowski, the volleyball coach, held tryouts and chose 16 students from the 6th

,

7th, and 8th

grades. With only one day to practice, they had a game the next day.

They had games almost the entire week, won the majority, and rocked it. The

volleyball team had barely anytime to practice, but still managed through all games,

especially the final one.

The championship game took place at Democracy Prep Charter School. They

first had a make up the game against Harriet Tubman. KIPP won this game with a 2

out of 3 score. Then, the championships started against Democracy Prep. It was a

tough game. Democracy Prep won the first round, but with two rounds left, in the

end, the KIPP Infinity volleyball team took the gold. The volleyball team really

showed what a team and a family is all about. Some KIPPsters were interviewed

before the game (quotes are below):

The Volleyball Team

Jerick Alcantara (2015)

Angeline Alvarez (2015)

D’Asia Baldwin (2016)

Juaquin Bennett (2015)

Sulnerys Carmona (2015)

Daijah Daniels (2015)

Joel De Jesus (2016)

Abdul Diallo (2014)

Willis Feliz (2014)

Jacob Garcia (2016)

Argenis Marmol (2015)

Samaiyah Patrick (2015)

Samantha Reyes (2015)

Joshua Richardson (2015)

Fabio Rivera (2014)

Alexander Rosa (2014)

The volleyball team in their first game against Democracy Prep.

-Photo by Samantha Reyes

HUT! HUT! HIKE!

BY JASON BRAVO

Homecoming (n.): An annual event held by a college, university, or high

school for visiting alumni. KIPP NYC celebrated its first Homecoming on

November 14, 2009. All high school students at the KIPP NYC met again, which

was led by a soccer game, a football game and the band playing a variety of songs.

This reunion was truly a moment for the students to spend some time together.

As the KIPP soccer team was ready to play, to their surprise, the other team

forfeited the game. Next up was the KIPP NYC football team, the Bulldogs, who

played against Cardozo High School from Queens. The Bulldogs lost against

Cardozo, 34-6. Though the Bulldogs lost, their team was proud of doing well with

only a couple of months of practice. The KIPP NYC football coach, Hugh Chen,

even said, “I was proud of the football team. Even though we lost, we played

better than what was expected. Though losing hurts, in the first quarter, the score

was very close.”

The quarterback, Nelkie Gonell, also said, “This was our first game ever

and I was proud. Mr. Chen said to learn from our own mistakes and to get better.

I’ll always remember that.”

Although KIPP NYC lost the football game, the audience didn’t lose their

team spirit, and neither did the cheerleaders or the KIPP NYC College Prep Band.

The KIPP NYC Bulldogs (left) played against Cardozo

High School (right).

The cheerleaders were awesome, waving their pom-poms in the air, and rooting on their team. They gave the Bulldogs the spirit to not give up.

Taisha Valentin, a former KIPP Infinity student, and now a member of the cheerleading squad, exclaimed, “The cheerleaders were very enthusiastic

to learn the routines even within one week.”

The band also showed what supporting your teammates meant. They proudly played to the songs, “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Empire State of

Mind.” This sensational experience was one that will remain in the minds and hearts of many KIPPsters.

D’Asia (2016):

“I am happy to be

on the team. It’s a

new sport for me.

The people on the

KIPP Infinity

volleyball team are

winners!”

Angeline (2015):

“It’s great. I have

played it before

and now I get to

practice again.

This is my first

sport at KIPP

Infinity.”

Juaquin (2015):

“It’s exciting and

it’s the first sport

I’ve ever been in.

I’m ready to beat

the other team. I’m

excited for the big

game.”

Willis (2014):

“This is terrific.

KIPP is going to

win the big

championship

game. WE’RE

GONNA WIN!”

-Photo by Jason Bravo

What to expect in our next issue – coming out in February 2010…

Valentine Grams

Nonfiction Winter Exhibition

Basketball Team

S

Page 8 the Definitive – December 2009 Holiday fun

CHRISTMAS RIDDLES! SEE IF YOU CAN

FIGURE THEM OUT!!

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?

FROSTED FLAKES

What do elves learn in school?

THE ELF-ABET

What kind of bird can write?

A PEN-GUIN

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa

Claus?

CLAUSTROPHOBIC

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, KIPP INFINITY!

WORD SCRAMBLE

Directions: Unscramble the following words to make holiday-related words.

1. DRREEENI __________________________

2. GTYHUAN___________________________

3. NEETRPS_____________________________

4. SMONRTAEN_________________________

5. ANSAT_______________________________

6. YCIHEMN____________________________

7. SMCRHITSA__________________________

8. KOSIOCE_____________________________

9. WSON________________________________

10. KHNAUHKA__________________________

11. MEDCEEBR__________________________

12. RECRSALO___________________________

13. TRSA________________________________

14. RROECLKLEEF_______________________

15. YMLIFA_____________________________

Cash

56%

Clothing

2%

Toys

1%

Electronics

33%

Trips

8%

Cash

Clothing

Toys

Electronics

Trips

The Definitive asked 175 students: Out

of the 5 gifts listed to the right, which

one would be the most ideal for you?

Win

ter brea

k is fro

m T

hu

rsda

y, D

ecem

ber 2

4th,

to S

un

da

y, J

an

ua

ry 3

rd. Sch

ool resu

mes o

n

Mo

nd

ay

, Jan

ua

ry 4

th.

Survey conducted by

Aaron George, Emanie

Cruz, and Anais Quintanilla

BY DEION JONES