(Photo courtesy facebook.com)

By Charlotte Hanks – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law’s Key Club is putting in the work to make sure everyone can have a good holiday season.

The club was limited last year because of COVID, but this year they are spending time working with several different organizations. Every year, the Key Club partners with the Salvation Army and they have been spending the weekends following Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas outside of the Stop & Shop on Bridgeport Avenue ringing the bells and collecting donations. 

“I am really looking forward to what we have planned for this holiday season as we are doing so many of my favorite things, especially Salvation Army,” said junior Key Club president Caroline Doyle. “I think that we will be successful this year.”

The Key Club is also working on partnering again with Toys For Tots. Toys for Tots provides toys for underprivileged children.

There is also a Toys for Tots Literacy Program to give disadvantaged children the opportunity to be successful academically. This program caters those children with books and other educational supplies to supplement their ability to read and communicate successfully.

Doyle is excited to take part in this annual program.

“I have lots of confidence in the great group of members and officers we have this year and I know we can reach any goal we set,” Doyle said.

(Photo by Isabella Gecaj)

By Isabella Gecaj – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law recently revealed the annual Giving Tree in the front lobby, where students can grab an ‘ornament’ from the tree to get a gift for a child in need. 

Every year the National Honor Society club gets a list of children in need and a list of items they would like for the holidays. Students who want to help those children can grab a card from the tree, buy the item, and give the item to the front office along with the card. 

“Many of the gift requests are for basic necessities, like clothing, shoes and warm outerwear,” National Honor Society advisor Ms. Turcotte said. “NHS members put together the cards, set up the tree and help me to collect and organize the unwrapped gifts.” 

The club collaborated with clinicians at Bridges to sponsor this year’s tree. They always try to give five gifts on each child’s personal wishlist, every year.

“I think that the Giving Tree is a great way to help support those who need help giving their family a Christmas to remember,” junior Katie Servas said. “It’s also a great way to bring a community like Law together to perform selfless acts of kindness.”

For students who heavily participate in the Law community like Servas, this is one of the major events they can help out with. 

“I have been volunteering ever since I was around the age of eight with simple triathlons and beach cleanups,” Servas said. “I think giving back to our community is a great way to help others and encourage others to do the same.”

This is simply one event students of Law can help with in the community. The school gives a wide variety of volunteer opportunities they can partake in.

“I think the Giving Tree is a great tradition because it brings the law community together by spreading holiday cheer,” senior NHS member Nihitha Kothapalli said.

The Giving Tree is not only a way to help these children, but spread a smile on their face. 

“The Giving Tree brings the Law community together because we are doing something for others in our community and outside of our community,” Servas said. “It helps us realize that doing something for others gives one a feeling of fulfillment and cheer.”

The Giving Tree is a learning opportunity for students, and helps teach them that the holidays are just as much about giving gifts as they are about receiving them. It has inspired some students to find more ways to give during the holiday season.

“I think the Giving Tree is great as it is, though it could possibly be changed to help out more people in need, perhaps making it easier to put a card on or letting adults put cards in as well,” sophomore Bailey Seaburg said.

Students are happy to be a part of the process and look forward to buying their gifts. Some have already planned what they are going to do.

“My person is a little girl asking for dolls and I’m excited to go to the store and pick out some toys for her and help make her Christmas brighter,” junior Marisa Laviano said. 

(Photo by Katie Servas)

By Madelyn Baranowsky – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law High School hosted its first pep rally in almost two years on November 23 on the football field as a part of the annual spirit week and a half before Thanksgiving. 

Student-athletes were dismissed from their classes at 12:30 p.m. and walked down to the stadium. The pep rally started off with each of the fall sport teams walking one by one across the field to a song of their choice.  

After the teams sat down, the pep rally activities began. There was a field goal kicking contest, tug-of-war, Law cheers,  and performances by both the band and choir.

“I participated in the field goal kicking contest and everyone was so nice cheering each other on before kicking the football,” junior Elly van Waveren said.  “I love how everyone gets really involved during these games and becomes competitive trying to cheer on the people from their grade to win and represent their class.”

The pep rally wouldn’t have been as great as it was if it weren’t for the members and student leaders involved in the planning.

The planning process began with an approval from district administration. Once Law principal Mr. Darcy got the pep rally approved, it had to be planned so that it was COVID-19 safe while still being fun for everyone.  

Due to these safety concerns, the planners had to think of fun activities that students could participate in outside.   

“We knew we had to do the pep rally outside, so we needed to make sure that we had some activities planned that we can do on the football field,” Senior Class Co-Advisor Ms. Russell said.

Despite the weather, students and staff alike had a fun time at the pep rally.

“I enjoyed the entire school coming together for the first time since I’ve been at Law,” Darcy said.  “It was great to see the entire student body at a shared event and experience all could enjoy.”

The activities such as the tug-of-war and the field goal kicking contest were among the favorites of the students.

“My favorite part of the pep rally was definitely the field goal-kicking competition,” senior Jaden Wywoda said. 

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By Ella Franzman – Staff Reporter

In the week and a half leading up to Thanksgiving, Jonathan Law students participated in Spirit Week to get hyped up for the annual Powder Puff and Thanksgiving football games, along with a long awaited pep rally. 

The themes for Spirit Week and half this year were: Pajama, Jersey/Fan Gear, Twin, Anything But a Backpack, Color Wars, Lawnation Donation, Black Out and Law Gear. 

“We asked around with our friends and a bunch of the senior class about different ideas for the different days,” senior Makenna Sharpe said. “We got a bunch of ideas and we just picked out 8 based on past popularity, regulations and ideas that we thought would have the most participation.”

The pep rally this year was a bit different than in the past. This year it was hosted on the football field. There were a few activities, including a tug of war game between different grades, and a field goal kicking competition. 

“It is a way for everyone to show their school spirit and feel like they are involved in the community,” Senior Class Co-Advisor Ms. Russell said. “I feel like the vibe is a little happier when we have spirit week, we get to see everyone’s creative side and it is a way for students to connect with each other.”

The four senior judges (Sharpe, Aidan King, Maia Schwing and Jackson Warters), along with Russell, put together the themes for this Spirit Week. 

“My favorite day was anything but a backpack day, it was very unique and allowed for lots of creativity,” King said. 

Russell and the senior class are planning another Spirit Week leading up to midterms. 

“I also really enjoyed the pep rally, with it being my senior year, I was really pushing to have a pep rally,” Schwing said. “They’ve always been super fun and a great way to ramp up school spirit.”

The goal of Spirit Week is to bring the school together and increase pride, energy, and school spirit through fun activities. 

“For future spirit weeks I would love to see new themes just like anything but a backpack day,” King said. “I love the days that allow students to be very creative.”

(Photo by Sydney Simpson)

By Sydney Simpson – Editor-in-Chief 

The new school year has brought about many changes to the Jonathan Law community, including a new principal, Mr. Darcy, who commenced his new role on October 18.

In his short time at Law, Darcy has already made a positive impact on the Law community.  He has facilitated a COVID-friendly Homecoming dance for the student body, and has employed new rules and policies to help get Law back to pre-COVID procedures. 

“You can all expect that I’m someone who will work with all students to make sure you’re supported in every way,” said Darcy. “I also hope to continue planning fun events, like Homecoming, which is also something I want student input on.”

One of the most recent changes is a new attendance policy that went into effect on November 9. The policy includes consequences for repeated tardiness, including 10 and 20-minute detentions with a teacher and after-school detentions assigned by Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini.

“The new tardy to class policy is something that I hope will bring some common practices back to our school along with teaching students basic time management skills,” Darcy said. “We are trying to balance bringing back some basic procedures along with being fair to students.”

Another new policy employed helps to regulate the hallways in the morning before school hours start. Students who arrive before 7:10 a.m. must wait in either the auditorium or the cafeteria until that time to prevent wandering. 

A pass system was also re-instituted which requires students to have a pass to leave a classroom or study hall. 

“After a year and a half of focusing on just being in school, I think it’s important that we return to the way we used to track attendance and used to hold students accountable for their behavior during the school day,” English teacher Mr. Kulenych said. “These changes will help each day run smoothly and will provide some structure that we sort of lost during the pandemic.”

Students around the school have so far responded positively to the new policies and to Darcy’s leadership skills. 

“While we have not had Mr. Darcy as our principal for long, I respect that he is trying to better our school community and be his own individual,” senior Moira Staples said. “I admire that he is not simply trying to ‘people please’ and is rather putting in a genuine effort to better our school.”

Staff members are also in agreement that Darcy has made a positive impact on the Law community so far. 

“Mr. Darcy has been an awesome addition to our school community,” Kulenych said. “It was clear from his first day that he cares about kids and will do everything he can to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Ragaini said he appreciates how Darcy has sought feedback from all members of the Law community.

“It has been great working with Mr. Darcy,” Ragaini said. “He has taken the time to speak with many of the teachers and students to discuss any questions or concerns that they had.”

While Darcy has already done great things for our school community, there are still many issues that students hope to see addressed. For example, the parking lot in the morning has proved a common source of stress for many kids. 

“It takes a ridiculous amount of time to even turn into the parking lot in the morning and even longer to leave after school,” said Staples. “This issue needs to be addressed and rectified.”

Students hope that this issue, along with others, will be fixed soon, and Darcy has so far been very attentive and receptive to all student voices. 

“I have truly loved the honest feedback that I’ve received from students,” said Darcy. “This is your school and I’m here to listen, learn, and support all of you.”

(Photo courtesy Mr. Ragaini)

By Ava Korkmaz – Sports Editor

Jonathan Law’s Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini and history teacher Mr. Zuraw helped to put together an Advisory activity for Veterans Day on November 11.

Since veterans could not come to to Law this year, students were given a virtual lesson about Veterans Day. Students completed a choice board that included links to podcasts and videos about Veterans Day, links to virtual field trips, information on PTSD awareness, and links to explore Veterans Day through a historical lens. 

Students used Padlet, Kami, Google Earth, and other apps to share their feelings with classmates. Special messages about Veterans Day from Law student Johnny Vaccino and Milford’s Poet Laureate, Joann Glass, were also included for students to explore.

Ragiani said the activity was a success.

“I usually judge the advisory activities by the feedback I get from teachers and students,” Ragaini said. “Students shared thoughtful and genuine reflections with me from the choice board options.”

Zuraw was impressed by the student responses he saw from the choice board.

“I think the students really took the time to reflect on what Veterans Day means to them and put a lot of thought and effort into their creations,” Zuraw said.

(Photo courtesy @LawGirlsXC)

By Kaitlyn Goldberg – News Editor

Jonathan Law’s Homecoming dance was a rousing success. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Homecoming outside in a tent with heaters this year and over 200 students attended. Homecoming brought a sense of normalcy back to school that had been missing the past couple of years.

“In my opinion, I thought Homecoming was awesome,” Principal Mr. Darcy said. “Students have been through so much the past two years and to just see you all have fun and be kids was great to see.”

Homecoming was a fun experience for all, but especially for the seniors who were excited to have a normal event at the school.

“Other than having to go to Homecoming because I helped organize it and checked students in, I went because it was my last,” senior Sophie Maselli said. ”I knew I would regret not going to my last homecoming, and encouraged my friends and everyone in my grade to go because of this, I wanted to attend one last school event with all grades before I graduated.”

While Homecoming was not in its usual setting, that did not stop students from still having a good time. 

“My favorite part of Homecoming was definitely dancing with my friends and taking funny photos with them,” sophomore Kiley Sherman said. 

The dance exceeded students’ expectations of what a Homecoming would be.  

“It exceeded my expectations, and I had a great time,” sophomore Will Luxeder said.  

Overall, Homecoming was a success and students all had a great time.  

“It was super fun, and I’m glad I went,” sophomore Isabella Gecaj said.

By Katie Servas – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law Music Department is stepping off on the left foot.

On Thursday, October 28, the Jonathan Law Band, Choir, and Orchestra had their Welcome Back to Music Night. It was their first concert since the COVID-19 pandemic started which led to a large crowd in the football stands.

The concert was held on the football field and highlighted the growth in the music department over the past few months.

The Choir sang: “Better is One Day,” “Three South African Songs,” and “Ise Oluwa,” while the Advanced Vocal Ensemble (AVE) sang “Sound of Silence” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”

These songs were sung not only in English but in two other languages. This led to great diversity between the music selection of the night.

“It has been such an inspiration to watch our students continue to show their commitment and dedication to making this ensemble a valuable and meaningful place to learn and connect through music,” Choir Director Ms. Jones said. “It is so wonderful to have ALL of our students back in person so we have the ability to perform in a more authentic way.”

Jones has relished the opportunity to grow and strengthen the Choir with the help of her managers and choir board. She enjoyed the overwhelming feeling of preparation leading up to the emotional success of their first live performance.

The current COVID-19 restrictions, having to separate the ensemble into multiple classes created a contrasting case, leading to the construction of a new method of practice.

“Our ensemble had a few combined rehearsals during common times so we can improve as a whole, but a lot of the work that was put in was done separately in our individual classes,” junior Choir Manager Kalli Kinsman said. “I am especially impressed with our freshmen and other new members who were able to turn what would be a stressful day and make it an amazing and memorable experience.”

After the completion of the Choir’s setlist, many reflected on the success of the entire night.

The Band and Orchestra also performed set list’s of their own including the football halftime show.

“The Band and Orchestra have been incredibly perseverant,” Band Director Mr. Pelaggi said. “They have gone through some of the most strict COVID-19 restrictions and still continued to grow and improve.”

The Band played four show tunes: “Hey Baby,” “Blinding Lights,” “Hey Look Ma I Made It,” and “Industry Baby.”

The football halftime show granted the Marching Band the ability to perform, prior to the concert. They have been polishing each piece to perfection for upcoming football games and annual Thanksgiving football game.

“It was very exciting to perform for the first time after such a long break,” junior Michaela Bergami said. “I’m looking forward to playing more with the Band and teaching some of the newer members more traditions and shifting gears into the concert season once the football season is over.”

Many of the returning members have been educating the newest members on the traditions and culture that has been pasted down for many years.

This sense of community has caused many to continue to utilize their maximum effort into every song and performance they are included in.

Once the Band has their final football performance, they will be learning many concert-style tunes to execute during a concert in the upcoming months along with the Choir and Orchestra.

The Orchestra played two stylistically contrasting pieces during the concert: “G Force” and “Lullaby to the Moon.”

These pieces demonstrated the soft and tense sides of the string instruments and these pieces were chosen to advance their techniques and model the diverse composition of the composer’s piece.

 “It was amazing to be able to go out and play for everyone and be able to bond as an orchestra, and as a music department,” junior Elizabeth Westergard said. “Having all of our parents out to be able to see us play after a long time of working has helped with sharpening our skills.” 

The camaraderie of the music department has fabricated the family-like atmosphere that encourages underclassmen to join while pulling large audiences to watch multiple performances.

“We are going to dive into some fundamentals for the next few months to catch up on some lost instructional time.” said Band Director Dave Pelaggi. “Then we are going to start working on some concert pieces and even some combined ensemble pieces. Stay tuned!”

All of the departments will be planning to hold a concert in April, which is subject to change. They will be rehearsing new tunes to perform and unveil the continuous progression of the ensembles during the upcoming months.

(Photo courtesy @JLHSAthletics)

By Maya Rosado – Staff Reporter 

Jonathan Law junior diver Olivia Coddington has concluded her regular season with impressive new accomplishments.  

The team went 7-8 during the regular season after defeating crosstown rival Foran High School on October 27 and are now preparing for states. 

It will be Coddington’s first time going to states and she is very excited about her improvement over this past season. 

“I don’t have a specific goal for states but I do hope I perform well and have a good score in the end,” said Coddington. 

Coddington is not just a diver; she often swims in a few events as well. She has made a huge impact on the team with the positive energy and talent she brings everyday.

“Liv brings a ton of energy to the team, she’s a hard worker and leads by example in practice,” coach Mr. Lui said. “This year we were fortunate enough to have two freshmen, Paige Kantor and Charlotte Rascoll join the dive team. Liv has done a great job being a positive role model for the underclassmen.”

The team has become like a second family to Coddington with the new friends and fun it brings daily.

“I think my favorite part about this season was how much the team bonded with each other,” Coddington said. “We were always hyped up and having a good time every meet and practice which is great.”

Coddington competed in the SCC girls 11-dive on October 20 and placed 13th with a score of 267.05. All four of Law’s divers placed in the Top 15: Makenna Sharpe took 1st, Emma Nelly was 5th, Coddington was 13th, and Paige Kantor was 15th. 

“Liv was an extremely reliable diver for us this season by consistently scoring points for the team each meet,” Lui said. “Liv had a fantastic performance against Lauralton Hall this season and scored a season high of 163.75 to qualify for state championships, she also placed 13th at SCCs which is an amazing accomplishment.”

Coddington is also a member of the Jonathan Law gymnastics team. Many gymnasts were also divers so she decided to take on the challenge. 

“Diving has made the transition into my gymnastics season very easy, especially with most of the girls staying together for both seasons so friendships were already there,” Coddington said.

(Photo courtesy aaronschool.org)

By Olivia Hudak – Staff Reporter

Law’s Natural Helpers Club continues to spread positivity and kindness around the community. 

The Natural Helpers participate in events to help spread awareness or to help support a cause. Recently they hosted Start With Hello Week, in conjunction with the Sandy Hook Promise, appearing on Eagle Eye News with a motivational message each day and handing out green bracelets for suicide awareness.

This year, Natural Helpers is finally able to get back to going in person, which was put on hold last year due to COVID-19. 

“This year the club is back to being in person, which is very rewarding,” senior club member Alexa Darak said. “We have all been coming up with ideas to help out more around the school and to make everyone feel included.”

When spreading positivity and kindness there is a rewarding feeling that comes with it. Club members are able to see people’s moods and confidence change from simply saying “hello” or giving them a compliment.

“It is a very rewarding opportunity to help others,” club member Aislinn Burns said. “It’s so nice to know that you either brighten someone’s day or make a positive impact on their life”.

Darak said there is a rewarding feeling that comes with joining Natural Helpers. She said people don’t realize how impactful the feeling is when you make someone’s day a little brighter!

“Going up to someone and just simply saying ‘Hello’ can create a friendship that you never had before,” Darak said. “Helping others also helps yourself because now you both have that friend that you didn’t have before.”

Natural Helpers has noticeably helped the Law community whether it be through kindness or people simply going out of their way to help one another. 

“I wanted to be able to spread some of the inclusive messages as well as help make our school a better place,” club member Aislinn Burns said. “Others should definitely join the club because it is a great way to meet new people, and it’s also a great way to make a positive impact on our school and our community as a whole”.

Natural Helpers has done many impactful things and will continue to do so. If students like to make people’s days and spread kindness, Natural Helpers is for them.

(Photo by Lana Hanania)

By Lana Hanania – Staff Reporter 

Class elections were held at Jonathan Law on Friday, October 1, and for the Class of 2024, Talia Salanto and Hailey Russo tied for class president. 

Class office is an opportunity for students to get involved and make a difference in the school. Students are able to participate in decorating or planning events and create new events for the school calendar.

“This upcoming year, I am most excited to plan spirit week and try to create new events for the school,” Salanto said. “I am hoping to try to make this upcoming year as normal as possible.”

Due to COVID-19, Law was not able to have many school events last year. The Class of 2024 officers are hoping to change that and to increase school spirit. 

“I ran for vice president because I can help fix problems that other students want resolved,” sophomore Vice President Caden Simpson said. 

If students have questions or concerns, they can contact the class officers.

“Being secretary I will be responsible for taking notes at all meetings and reporting those notes to the council,” sophomore Secretary Samantha Chy said. 

Getting engaged with the school is an upward progression of responsibility. 

“I decided to be senator to be involved with the school and as senator I am responsible for asking questions and listening,” sophomore Senator Helen Chizmazia said. 

Being class officers will help these students learn leadership and learn how to work with a team. 

“I wanted to become prescient is because freshman year we didn’t have much,” sophomore  president Russo said. “We didn’t get any dances or as some people would say the real high school experience, so I am hoping I can change that.”

Overall, the members of the Student Council at Law are all very excited for this upcoming year. Officers are excited to plan events and make law Lawmazing again. 

(Photo courtesy kleinisd.net)

By Reilly Hungerford – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law Multicultural Club is back for the 2021-2022 school year.

The Multicultural Club that teaches students about different cultures. Over the years, the club has invited people to speak about China, Hong Kong, Nepal, Germany, and U.S. culture. 

The club is advised by English teacher Mr. Healy and the president is senior Berat Genc. The club meets every other Monday in Room 209. Their next meeting is on November 8.

“I’m endlessly fascinated with the world, so it stimulates my curiosity,” Genc said. “Plus I think it’s probably the most diverse club so I get to learn from so many different perspectives.”

The club is looking forward to many things this year.

“I’m looking forward to working with a new group of students this year and having some cool guest speakers,” Healy said.

Club members learn about many different aspects of each culture.

“We make presentations, try new foods, get guests to come over and have nice conversations with them, go to restaurants by the end of the year, and discuss about the differences between America and other countries,” Genc said.

The club is open and eager to learn about new cultures that they haven’t already discussed.

“It’s really nice to hear about other people’s cultures and traditions that are different from my own,” sophomore club member Gemard Guery said.

The club’s community is very accepting and welcoming.

“It is a really nice community and actually the community is what makes Multicultural Club more fun,” Genc said.

COVID-19 has taken a toll on this group and their plans in the last year.

“The biggest effect COVID had is not being able to share cultural foods, but hopefully we can get back to that soon,” Healy said.

(Photo courtesy stratton.com)

By Zack Sulkis – Staff Reporter 

The Jonathan Law Ski Club is starting preparations for hitting the slopes for the first time since early 2020. 

The club attracts many students with a love of skiing. Amateur or advanced, the club accepts all and has a lot to offer to its members.

“It’s an opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air during the winter and have some fun with your friends, it’s good exercise,” said Ms. Turcotte, the advisor of the Ski Club. “I love to ski so I’m guessing that anyone who loves to ski would want to join.” 

The club has multiple day trips and is working on seeing if they will get their overnight 4 day trip to Smugglers Notch, a ski resort in Vermont. Other Skiing locations include; Stratton, Okemo, and Mount Snow, all of which are located in Vermont. 

Students who participate in winter sports can also join the club. Some who participate in both claim that it is difficult to balance school work, sports, and the club but if you do it right you can still participate and have fun.

“It’s hard to balance school, sports, and being a member of the Ski Club because sometimes school projects or sport events will fall on days we have a club trip,” said senior Gary Schulte, a member of the wrestling team and the Ski Club in the winter. “This causes me to have to move my schedule around, or sometimes have to miss a club trip entirely, but I still try to participate in the club as much as I can.”

The policy the club has is students are required to make it to at least two Saturday day trips.  

The club is pretty popular amongst students and typically fills up all of the seats in the coach bus they take on their trips. 

“Im looking into joining the club since I enjoyed the one they had back in middle school that we had at West Shore,” said sophomore Helen Chizmazia. “I just have to make sure that I have the time for it in my schedule and that I can actually make it to the various trips.”

(Photo courtesy kirksville.us)

By Marisa Laviano – Staff Reporter

Lights! Camera! Action! Jonathan Law High School is starting a new Film Club.

Jonathan Law is starting a new Film Club for students who are interested in the different roles needed to create short films. These meetings will be held Thursdays after school in the Teaching and Learning Commons.

“Film Club is a club for actors, cinematographers, directors, screenwriters, editors, and more,” said senior Co-President Ayesha Rana. “Anyone who’s interested is always welcome to join!”

The Film Club will produce a few short films during their meetings over the course of the 2021-2022 academic school year. They may also be entering these films into film festivals.

“I started the Film Club at Jonathan Law and I’m very passionate about acting, especially through film and wanted to express my passion through this club and spread it with the other students at Law,” senior Co-President Brianna Safyre said.

Jonathan Law’s Film Club will help give members opportunities to use their skills and interests in ways they’ve never been able to before.

“I am joining the Film Club because I’ve always had an interest in film and media studies, but never really got the opportunity to explore that interest before high school,” sophomore member Gemard Guery said. “I want to explore it more and see what fun things I can do.”

Many members are very excited to combine their interests and work together to create films.

“I’m most excited about submitting to film festivals, it would be very cool to gain some exposure through an outside source,” junior member Shruti Simhadri said.