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Studying for the language arts FSA for the final time, Milo Stamp, eighth grade communications major, taps into his expansive vocabulary to find the best answer to a high level comprehension question. “I’m happy this is the last time [I’m taking it]. It’s such a repetitive test,” Stamp said.
Students, teachers give opinions on FSA
May 4, 2022
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson testifies on the third day of her Senate nomination hearings to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS)
New Supreme Court Justice inspires Bak students
May 4, 2022
Rushing in after the regular line, kids in the a la carte line get to choose between items like chips and cookies. Jacob Quartel said, “A lot of people were losing their place in line during the first semester. Now, everything is more efficient.”
New line system in place at lunch
May 2, 2022
A clown rushes after students with a chainsaw after they exit the haunted house. “I liked the Chiller,” Elizabeth Boxold said. “Seeing all of the different costumes was one of the best parts of it for me.”
‘Winter Chiller’ returns after two years
April 1, 2022
Posters promoting “My Words, Your Feelings” line the hallways to help students recognize the campaign’s importance. “I do believe as we continue to promote it, we will continue to see advancement. We must continue to work,” Pamela Jackson, school counselor said.
My Words, Your Feelings helps students understand power of words
March 30, 2022
Spending time with her friends, Finleigh Townsend makes the most of the time she has left with them for this school year. “I’m going to miss all of my friends that I have made at Bak, and I will miss performing with all of them,” Townsend, eighth grade dance major, said.
Eighth grade students move on to high school
May 4, 2022
In her math class, Violet Nixon prepares for the statewide testing. “I’ve been preparing for the math FSA this whole week. I have been taking little assessments on each benchmark that we’ve done,” Nixon said.
Teachers help students prepare for FSA testing
May 4, 2022
Raising the trumpet to his lips, Mathew Harper practices his solo for the final band performance. Harper said, “I stress out when I have thoughts while playing, so I try to keep thinking to a minimum.”
Local trumpeter competes in NTC
May 4, 2022
A total of 106 students and staff were surveyed for this poll. Graphic by Cassie Glomann and Mabruk Alam
Spring break allows students to adjourn from school work
March 25, 2022
As students board the N44 bus, the winning bus poster from the high school division shows the benefits of an alcohol free life, depicted in a rainforest adventure. “You don’t need alcohol, drugs, vapes, or any substance to live a happy and enjoyable life,” Skylar Gaffney, seventh grade bus poster competitor said. Photo by Ashwin Kishor
Students advocate for change from substance abuse with Bus Poster Contest
March 25, 2022
Playing the witch in “Into the Woods”, Danielle Yodowitz finishes the song. Yodowitz said, “I feel I did great and I had lots of fun performing.”
Eighth grade theater students perform last musical
May 4, 2022
Using her journalism skills, Lila Goldin wins a journalism award. “I’m grateful for all of the opportunities. I’ve been able to have, and to be a part of the journalism community,” Goldin said.
Student wins Aspiring Journalist Award
May 4, 2022
Music majors end year off with final performances
May 4, 2022
As Legend Vasquez dissects the frog, he screams in disgust when seeing the frog’s intestines. “While I was doing the dissection, I was extremely grossed out, but it was still interesting to learn about,” Vasquez said.
Students participate in bullfrog dissection
May 4, 2022
Teaching her class, social studies teacher, Michelle DeSilva, incorporates a variety of learning styles to engage her students. “Offering different activities makes sure that each child has a chance to learn in their own unique way,” DeSilva said.
Bak nominates three teachers for Dwyer Awards
April 1, 2022
An auto reply email notifies Ashwin Kishor, eighth grade communications major, that his email to his student interview contact is blocked. Photo by Lillian Howells
Peer to peer email communication has benefits
May 2, 2022
Bak contributes to students’ growth
May 2, 2022
Students should not perpetuate stereotypes
April 26, 2022
Students need access to lockers at school
April 26, 2022
San Diego-based Lytx is using artificial intelligence to detect distracted driving from cell phones and other behaviors in commercial fleets.(Tobias Arhelger/Dreamstime/TNS)
Overdependence on technology creates problems for users
April 26, 2022
Taking notes, Marton Papp writes down details about the Norse civilization. “We copy down information about each topic, while Mrs. Barefoot informs us about other facts,” Papp said.
Elective class focuses on mythology
May 4, 2022
In honor of her exemplary photo, Maya Koppada, eighth grade visual arts major, wins first place in the Zoe Loren Photography Contest. “I became interested in photography in sixth grade when my mom bought me a camera, and I’ve liked [photography] ever since,” Koppada said.
Visual majors place in Zoe Loren Photography Contest
May 4, 2022
Science teacher Jean Hogan comes to an end with a classroom lab. “The kids are hardworking and appreciate the work that the teachers do,” Hogan said.
Teachers say final goodbye to Bak
May 2, 2022
A digital card created by Derrick Martin for his mother. “I create a card for my mom that shows certain memories from throughout the year,” Martin said.
Mother’s Day appreciates moms nationwide
May 2, 2022
For Cantor, singing and communications allows her to use her creativity. “It’s taught me so many lessons and ways to solve problems,” Cantor said.
Carly Cantor performs in communications while competing in singing competitions
March 30, 2022
Passengers and staff walk over a set of “Pavegen” tiles at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The tiles function by converting kinetic energy from human footsteps into electricity.
Pavegen steps into future of energy
May 4, 2022
Chambara, or swordplay, is one of the returning games in “Nintendo Switch Sports.” (Nintendo of America/TNS)
Nintendo releases new sports game
May 4, 2022
An AFP journalist views a video on January 25, 2019, manipulated with artificial intelligence to potentially deceive viewers, or "deepfake" at his desk in Washington, D.C. (Alexandra Robinson/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)
Deepfakes wreak havoc in news
May 4, 2022
Shown here is Wordle #278, where the word CHEST is the solution. Many “Wordle” enthusiasts compared the game to the widely popular word game Scrabble. “You don’t have to download apps or wait for ads in Wordle,” Gavin Murray, eighth grade communications major said.
Wordle goes viral on internet
March 28, 2022
With the aid of a hook, researchers at Harvard University examine the prosthesis of the bionic fish in hope to better understand the human heart. “The results highlight the role of feedback mechanisms in muscular pumps such as the heart,” Kit Parker, senior author, according to Harvard University said. Photo by Michael Rosnach, Keel Yong Lee, Sung-Jin Park, and Kit Parker. Used with permission from Leah Burrows.
Bionic fish proves artificial heart is possible
March 25, 2022
“Stranger Things” backstage the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (Mark Boster/ Los Angeles Times/TNS)
High expectations for summer releases
May 4, 2022
From left, Jessica Williams, Callum Turner, Fiona Glascott, Dan Fogler, Jude Law and Eddie Redmanye in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” (Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS)
‘Fantastic Beasts’ sequel soars to great heights
May 4, 2022
From left, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.” (Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America/TNS)
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ levels up the action
May 4, 2022
Vanilla Blue Sky acai bowl from Jamba Juice
Delicious summer food brightens our break
May 4, 2022
Spring Food Review
March 25, 2022
Attempting to roll a pair of sixes, Chase Bauer, sixth grade theater major, plays “HeroClix” in the media center. “It’s [Geek Games] about students teaching and playing with other students,” Zane Hurley said.
Geek Games provides haven for students
May 4, 2022
The track and field team members run around the track to prepare for upcoming competitions. “The constant running is a big challenge because it can become difficult to keep running after a while,” Carl J. Gibbons II, eighth grade shot put event said.
Track, field team sprints into new season
May 4, 2022
Spiking the ball, Gavin Chandler jumps to win the point. “We are a new team, and since most of our players are inexperienced, we are forming a bond that many teams have had for the past few years. It encourages us to work harder during practice,” Chandler said.
Boys’ volleyball begins season with win
May 4, 2022
Derrick Martin (right, #28) poses with his team, the Florida Fury, inside FLA Live Arena. The team was invited to watch the Panthers play as a group. “My favorite goal-scorer is Jonathan Huberdeau [of the Panthers]. He is at the peak of his career right now and is easily one of the best, if not the best, players in the NHL,” Martin said.
Communications student shows off talent for hockey
May 2, 2022
Reciting the NJHS pledge, inductees become official members of the club. “I’m thrilled to be a part of a club that focuses on helping others,” Brenna Epstein said.
NJHS recognizes new, leaving members
May 2, 2022
The student news site of Bak Middle School of the Arts

Portfolio
The student news site of Bak Middle School of the Arts

Portfolio
News
Studying for the language arts FSA for the final time, Milo Stamp, eighth grade communications major, taps into his expansive vocabulary to find the best answer to a high level comprehension question. “I’m happy this is the last time [I’m taking it]. It’s such a repetitive test,” Stamp said.
Students, teachers give opinions on FSA
Enan Khan, Copy Editor • May 4, 2022

The Florida legislature had finally approved Governor Ron DeSantis’s bill to end common core testing. In simpler words, the Florida Standardized...

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson testifies on the third day of her Senate nomination hearings to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS)
New Supreme Court Justice inspires Bak students
Nicole Vasallo, Editor in Chief • May 4, 2022
Rushing in after the regular line, kids in the a la carte line get to choose between items like chips and cookies. Jacob Quartel said, “A lot of people were losing their place in line during the first semester. Now, everything is more efficient.”
New line system in place at lunch
Ben Seelig, Copy Editor • May 2, 2022
A clown rushes after students with a chainsaw after they exit the haunted house. “I liked the Chiller,” Elizabeth Boxold said. “Seeing all of the different costumes was one of the best parts of it for me.”
‘Winter Chiller’ returns after two years
Izzy Huntley, News Editor • April 1, 2022
Features
Taking notes, Marton Papp writes down details about the Norse civilization. “We copy down information about each topic, while Mrs. Barefoot informs us about other facts,” Papp said.
Elective class focuses on mythology
Gabby Cohen, Sports and Clubs Editor • May 4, 2022

The semester-long world mythology class, led by Dyan Barefoot, taught students about various ancient cultures, while they participated in hands-on...

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Arts & Academics
Playing the witch in “Into the Woods”, Danielle Yodowitz finishes the song. Yodowitz said, “I feel I did great and I had lots of fun performing.”
Eighth grade theater students perform last musical
Mikayla Lipson, Sports and Clubs Editor • May 4, 2022
Using her journalism skills, Lila Goldin wins a journalism award. “I’m grateful for all of the opportunities. I’ve been able to have, and to be a part of the journalism community,” Goldin said.
Student wins Aspiring Journalist Award
Malina Asnani, Features Editor • May 4, 2022
Music majors end year off with final performances
Mabruk Alam, Technology Editor • May 4, 2022
As Legend Vasquez dissects the frog, he screams in disgust when seeing the frog’s intestines. “While I was doing the dissection, I was extremely grossed out, but it was still interesting to learn about,” Vasquez said.
Students participate in bullfrog dissection
Maja Milovanovic, Features Editor • May 4, 2022
Technology
Passengers and staff walk over a set of “Pavegen” tiles at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The tiles function by converting kinetic energy from human footsteps into electricity.
Pavegen steps into future of energy
Ashwin Kishor, Photo Editor • May 4, 2022

The endless quest to find a clean energy source had gone through many supposed “solutions,” but British engineer Laurence Kemball-Cook revolutionized...

Chambara, or swordplay, is one of the returning games in “Nintendo Switch Sports.” (Nintendo of America/TNS)
Nintendo releases new sports game
Kya Small-Brush, Photo Editor • May 4, 2022
An AFP journalist views a video on January 25, 2019, manipulated with artificial intelligence to potentially deceive viewers, or "deepfake" at his desk in Washington, D.C. (Alexandra Robinson/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)
Deepfakes wreak havoc in news
Enan Khan, Copy Editor • May 4, 2022
View All
Student Life
Spending time with her friends, Finleigh Townsend makes the most of the time she has left with them for this school year. “I’m going to miss all of my friends that I have made at Bak, and I will miss performing with all of them,” Townsend, eighth grade dance major, said.
Eighth grade students move on to high school
Lila Goldin, Editor-In-Chief • May 4, 2022

As the end of the year approaches, eighth grade students prepared for their transition to high school. The high school acceptance process...

In her math class, Violet Nixon prepares for the statewide testing. “I’ve been preparing for the math FSA this whole week. I have been taking little assessments on each benchmark that we’ve done,” Nixon said.
Teachers help students prepare for FSA testing
Cassie Glomann, Arts and Academics Editor • May 4, 2022
Raising the trumpet to his lips, Mathew Harper practices his solo for the final band performance. Harper said, “I stress out when I have thoughts while playing, so I try to keep thinking to a minimum.”
Local trumpeter competes in NTC
Ben Seelig, Copy Editor • May 4, 2022
View All
Editorial/Op-Ed
An auto reply email notifies Ashwin Kishor, eighth grade communications major, that his email to his student interview contact is blocked. Photo by Lillian Howells
Peer to peer email communication has benefits
Lillian Howells, Advertising and Business Manager • May 2, 2022

Communication is essential to the success of any group project. Students have the ability to email their teachers through their school district...

Bak contributes to students' growth
Lila Goldin and Nicole Vasallo, Editors in Chief • May 2, 2022
Students should not perpetuate stereotypes
Sofia Soleil Zontini, Guest Columnist • April 26, 2022
View All
Sports & Clubs
Attempting to roll a pair of sixes, Chase Bauer, sixth grade theater major, plays “HeroClix” in the media center. “It’s [Geek Games] about students teaching and playing with other students,” Zane Hurley said.
Geek Games provides haven for students
Ashwin Kishor, Photo Editor • May 4, 2022
The track and field team members run around the track to prepare for upcoming competitions. “The constant running is a big challenge because it can become difficult to keep running after a while,” Carl J. Gibbons II, eighth grade shot put event said.
Track, field team sprints into new season
Liliana Kirby, Arts and Academics Editor • May 4, 2022
Spiking the ball, Gavin Chandler jumps to win the point. “We are a new team, and since most of our players are inexperienced, we are forming a bond that many teams have had for the past few years. It encourages us to work harder during practice,” Chandler said.
Boys’ volleyball begins season with win
Gabby Cohen, Sports & Clubs Editor • May 4, 2022
Derrick Martin (right, #28) poses with his team, the Florida Fury, inside FLA Live Arena. The team was invited to watch the Panthers play as a group. “My favorite goal-scorer is Jonathan Huberdeau [of the Panthers]. He is at the peak of his career right now and is easily one of the best, if not the best, players in the NHL,” Martin said.
Communications student shows off talent for hockey
Izzy Huntley, News Editor • May 2, 2022
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