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Teen volunteers are participating in a Kaiser study that could accelerate the COVID-19 vaccines potential use in young people. (Dreamstine/TNS)
Vaccines available for ages 5-11, booster shots accessible
December 21, 2021
After working in several key positions within the school district, Mike Burke moves into the superintendent role. “When you are entrusted with enormous responsibilities such as a $4 billion dollar budget or running the tenth largest school district in the nation, you have to earn the trust of the school board and community and fully answer any questions they may have,” Burke said. Photo courtesy of Mike Burke
Burke taps into permanent superintendent role
December 21, 2021
In the past, restroom vandalism becomes a trend with negative consequences. “I love social media because it can unite people and be helpful, but people need to use their own logic and brains to know 0020what is right and wrong,” Misty Connelly said. The trend started with a TikTok user’s video, which led other users to steal items such as soap dispensers, towels, and even sinks.
Social media platform creates controversy
December 21, 2021
Practicing for the Geometry FSA, Carter Dytko, eighth grade communications major, refreshes his skills on supplementary and complementary angles. “The FSA is very outdated. Whenever I take it, I don’t feel like I learn anything. Its just a big wall that I complete at the end of the year,” Dytko said.
Florida DOE plans to change state testing
December 21, 2021
Advanced orchestra travels to New York City during spring break to perform at Carnegie Hall, sightsee
April 8, 2016
Florida Virtual School (FLVS), helps to improve students education. “[ I like] the freedom of it, and the fact that you don’t have to be with a teacher. You could do the math yourself which makes it more independent,” Milo Stamp, eighth grade communications major said.
FLVS expands students horizons
December 21, 2021
The novel They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera inspires projects made for the monthly book assignment. “I would recommend ‘They Both Die At The End’ because it has a really interesting concept, and the choices made by the author were pulled off well,” Regan McGinnis, eighth grade visual arts major said.
Monthly reading leads to benefits
December 21, 2021
A play-by-play profile: Tyler Backus, sports reporter
A play-by-play profile: Tyler Backus, sports reporter
February 24, 2016
Eighth grader George Zhou snags rank in top 25 chess players of United States
Eighth grader George Zhou snags rank in top 25 chess players of United States
January 7, 2016
Bak student gets role in “Finding Neverland” on Broadway
Bak student gets role in “Finding Neverland” on Broadway
October 12, 2015
Preparing for the Mixed Music Concert, Yurem Martinez-Munoz and Graham Randolph, eighth grade band majors, wait for directions from the conductor. “Weve been preparing for our Combined Music Dept. concert since Oct. 11,” Nancy Beebe said
Music majors perform mixed music concert
December 21, 2021
Bak’s Course Recovery coordinator, Michelle DeSilva, observes and helps students in Course Recovery every week. “I am in charge of all the students in it. I monitor all of the students’ progress, payroll for staff who work in the program, do attendance for the students, and more,” DeSilva said.
Course Recovery offers opportunities to improve grades
December 21, 2021
Practicing for an upcoming concert, Christian Degnan plays using a band mask.“It was annoying how we could not have as many people at our past concerts due to Covid, but I’m glad that now we are back to full capacity,” Christian Degnan, eighth grade band major said.
COVID-19 takes toll on band students
December 21, 2021
Eighth grade theater major Sofia Dow performs her solo in “A Chorus Line”. “When I first stepped out onto the stage I was nervous, but when I started dancing I relaxed and realized how amazing it was to be dancing in front of 300 people,” Dow said. The musical “A Chorus Line” was about being a professional actor and singer, and auditioning for a chorus line.
Artsgiving returns to celebrate arts
December 21, 2021
Visual majors showcase work, celebrate success every nine weeks
April 14, 2016
Fast fashion crucially harmful to Earth
Fast fashion crucially harmful to Earth
December 21, 2021
Schools have been reportedly beset by bathroom vandalism amid urging from TikTok users devious lick challenges. (Dreamstime/TNS)
Devious lick trend promotes criminal behavior in schools
December 21, 2021
Students can overcome homework-induced stress
December 21, 2021
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks after coming in second place at his Iowa caucus night gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. (Dennis Van Tine/Abaca Press/TNS)
2016 Presidential Election: Most important of our time
March 3, 2016
Arts education just as important as academic subjects
February 24, 2016
Young, aspiring dancers uses dance for self-expression
January 20, 2022
As the holiday season approaches, shoppers scramble to find gifts. “I think it’s time to find what’s important to your family and celebrate that,” Owens said.
Shoppers face holiday gift shortage
December 21, 2021
After being diagnosed, Zachary Lumelski adjusts to a new lifestyle.“Sometimes when I have to get my insulin I do things at different times,” Lumelski said.
Sixth grade student spreads awareness for diabetes
December 21, 2021
In his backyard, Glen Barefoot finalizes the tiki by painting on a wood appearance. This sculpture was designed for a hotel in Sarasota. Barefoot said, “I find the environment a little more positive than I would find in a regular gallery environment.”
Visual art teachers work side job together
December 21, 2021
Jackson Greenspan performs in the play “Willy Wonka”. “My dream when I was a kid was to win a golden ticket, now every show I get to open one,” Greenspan said.
Former Bak student goes on tour
December 21, 2021
Virtual reality creates a visual environment through the use of specialized headsets. These headsets were used in healthcare to treat patients. According to medical-news.net, 3-D goggles provide sensory feedback to help the user learn from experiences in the virtual world.
Virtual reality
December 21, 2021
The cancelation of Youtube Rewind leads to mixed opinions revolving around why it was cancelled. According to Engadget blog, Youtube became too large for Rewind and a revival would not have much of an impact. Photo by Kya Small-Brush
Youtube cancels end of year rewind videos
December 21, 2021
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, participates in a press conference at the Kennedy Space Center on May 27, 2020 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images/TNS)
First all civilian space mission launches into space
December 21, 2021
Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen testifies during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing entitled Protecting Kids Online: Testimony from a Facebook Whistleblower on Capitol Hill Oct 5, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM/TNS)
Whistleblowers accuse Facebook of wrongdoing
December 21, 2021
Goodbye toy helicopters, hello…drones: New futuristic drone races steadily increase popularity throughout world
Goodbye toy helicopters, hello…drones: New futuristic drone races steadily increase popularity throughout world
April 12, 2016
Originally meant to be on her fourth album, Taylor Swift adds songs to her album Red (Taylor’s Version). Red was one of Swift’s most successful albums and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2013 Grammy Awards. Photo courtesy of wallpaperaccess.com
Taylor Swift releases new album featuring rerecorded songs
December 21, 2021
From left, Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet in the film “Dune.” (Warner Bros. Entertainment/TNS)
‘Dune’ takes throne to original
December 21, 2021
Peppermint Mocha
Starbucks winter flavors bring in holiday season
December 21, 2021
Daniel Craig as James Bond in No Time to Die. (Nicola Dove/Danjaq LLC/MGM/TNS)
‘No Time to Die’ wraps up Daniel Craig’s run as 007
December 21, 2021
Popular YouTubers pique students’ interest
April 14, 2016
Playing against Jupiter Middle School on Nov. 17, Ryan Connelly, number 11, returns ball defensively. “I believe we could [have] communicated more,” Connelly, middle blocker, said. “We can overcome [nervousness with] positive reinforcements.” They lost against Jupiter 24-26 and 22-25 but won in two sets 25-4 and 15-4 against Watkins Middle School on Dec. 2.
Girls volleyball team struggles, succeeds in season
December 21, 2021
Using his knight to a key tactical square, Brejesh Chakrabarti attacks Kossove’s queen. “Analyzing my opponent’s openings in online chess databases is the main way I learn to win,” Chakrabarti said
Chess, Reading Club returns
December 21, 2021
Dumping paper into the school recycling bin, eighth grade theater major Karina Brown helps the school become more environmentally conscious. Bejarano said, “We collect paper and cardboard, and then we also are doing a cleanup of the grounds.”
Green team helps clean up Bak
December 21, 2021
After the victory, the team continues to work hard during practices and games to learn beneficial skills. “The goal is to have the team play the best that they can while learning good sportsmanship and the rules of the game,” Coach William Pinto said.
Boys soccer starts season with win, hopeful for season
December 21, 2021
Students play LinguiSHTIKs for Academic Games. My favorite thing about Academic Games is competitions with my friends. Sreethan Enjem, eighth grade communications major said.
Bak’s Academic Games dominates season
December 21, 2021
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
Teen volunteers are participating in a Kaiser study that could accelerate the COVID-19 vaccines potential use in young people. (Dreamstine/TNS)
Vaccines available for ages 5-11, booster shots accessible
Cassie Glomann, Arts & Academics Editor • December 21, 2021

COVID-19 has been affecting the lives of many everyday for over a year, but the United States is slowly coming back together. “[Some benefits...

After working in several key positions within the school district, Mike Burke moves into the superintendent role. “When you are entrusted with enormous responsibilities such as a $4 billion dollar budget or running the tenth largest school district in the nation, you have to earn the trust of the school board and community and fully answer any questions they may have,” Burke said. Photo courtesy of Mike Burke
Burke taps into permanent superintendent role
Ashwin Kishor, Photo Editor • December 21, 2021
In the past, restroom vandalism becomes a trend with negative consequences. “I love social media because it can unite people and be helpful, but people need to use their own logic and brains to know 0020what is right and wrong,” Misty Connelly said. The trend started with a TikTok user’s video, which led other users to steal items such as soap dispensers, towels, and even sinks.
Social media platform creates controversy
Ben Seelig, Copy Editor • December 21, 2021
Practicing for the Geometry FSA, Carter Dytko, eighth grade communications major, refreshes his skills on supplementary and complementary angles. “The FSA is very outdated. Whenever I take it, I don’t feel like I learn anything. Its just a big wall that I complete at the end of the year,” Dytko said.
Florida DOE plans to change state testing
Enan Khan, Copy Editor • December 21, 2021
Features
Young, aspiring dancers uses dance for self-expression
Monica Chirolde, Guest Journalist • January 20, 2022

As the lights in one of the dance rooms at Bak Middle School of the Arts dimmed, the music began to play. Sixth grade dance major Ari Shakerdge...

View All
Arts & Academics
Preparing for the Mixed Music Concert, Yurem Martinez-Munoz and Graham Randolph, eighth grade band majors, wait for directions from the conductor. “Weve been preparing for our Combined Music Dept. concert since Oct. 11,” Nancy Beebe said
Music majors perform mixed music concert
Mabruk Alam, Technology Editor • December 21, 2021
Bak’s Course Recovery coordinator, Michelle DeSilva, observes and helps students in Course Recovery every week. “I am in charge of all the students in it. I monitor all of the students’ progress, payroll for staff who work in the program, do attendance for the students, and more,” DeSilva said.
Course Recovery offers opportunities to improve grades
Gabby Cohen, Sports and Clubs Editor • December 21, 2021
Practicing for an upcoming concert, Christian Degnan plays using a band mask.“It was annoying how we could not have as many people at our past concerts due to Covid, but I’m glad that now we are back to full capacity,” Christian Degnan, eighth grade band major said.
COVID-19 takes toll on band students
Mikayla Lipson, Sports and Clubs Editor • December 21, 2021
Eighth grade theater major Sofia Dow performs her solo in “A Chorus Line”. “When I first stepped out onto the stage I was nervous, but when I started dancing I relaxed and realized how amazing it was to be dancing in front of 300 people,” Dow said. The musical “A Chorus Line” was about being a professional actor and singer, and auditioning for a chorus line.
Artsgiving returns to celebrate arts
Lillian Howells, Business Manager • December 21, 2021
Technology
Virtual reality creates a visual environment through the use of specialized headsets. These headsets were used in healthcare to treat patients. According to medical-news.net, 3-D goggles provide sensory feedback to help the user learn from experiences in the virtual world.
Virtual reality
Liliana Kirby, Arts and Academics Editor • December 21, 2021

Virtual reality was the use of computer modeling to create a three-dimensional visual environment and was mostly used for entertainment purposes. ...

The cancelation of Youtube Rewind leads to mixed opinions revolving around why it was cancelled. According to Engadget blog, Youtube became too large for Rewind and a revival would not have much of an impact. Photo by Kya Small-Brush
Youtube cancels end of year rewind videos
Mikayla Lipson, Sports and Clubs Editor • December 21, 2021
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, participates in a press conference at the Kennedy Space Center on May 27, 2020 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images/TNS)
First all civilian space mission launches into space
Kya Small-Brush, Photo Editor • December 21, 2021
View All
Student Life
Florida Virtual School (FLVS), helps to improve students education. “[ I like] the freedom of it, and the fact that you don’t have to be with a teacher. You could do the math yourself which makes it more independent,” Milo Stamp, eighth grade communications major said.
FLVS expands students horizons
Gabby Cohen and Malina Asnani, Sports and Clubs Editor and Features Editor • December 21, 2021

Florida Virtual School, (FLVS) was a program that allowed students to attend courses not offered at Bak and advanced students’ academic performance...

The novel They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera inspires projects made for the monthly book assignment. “I would recommend ‘They Both Die At The End’ because it has a really interesting concept, and the choices made by the author were pulled off well,” Regan McGinnis, eighth grade visual arts major said.
Monthly reading leads to benefits
Lila Goldin, Editor-in-Chief • December 21, 2021
A play-by-play profile: Tyler Backus, sports reporter
A play-by-play profile: Tyler Backus, sports reporter
Madaleine Rubin, Co-Editor In Chief • February 24, 2016
View All
Editorial/Op-Ed
Fast fashion crucially harmful to Earth
Fast fashion crucially harmful to Earth
Gabriella Escobar, Website/Entertainment Editor • December 21, 2021

There was a saying that “fashion fades, style is eternal.” But as style continued to grow, so did the effects that the industry brings along...

Schools have been reportedly beset by bathroom vandalism amid urging from TikTok users devious lick challenges. (Dreamstime/TNS)
Devious lick trend promotes criminal behavior in schools
Lillian Howells, Business Manager • December 21, 2021
Students can overcome homework-induced stress
December 21, 2021
View All
Sports & Clubs
Playing against Jupiter Middle School on Nov. 17, Ryan Connelly, number 11, returns ball defensively. “I believe we could [have] communicated more,” Connelly, middle blocker, said. “We can overcome [nervousness with] positive reinforcements.” They lost against Jupiter 24-26 and 22-25 but won in two sets 25-4 and 15-4 against Watkins Middle School on Dec. 2.
Girls volleyball team struggles, succeeds in season
Nicole Vasallo, Editor-in-Chief • December 21, 2021
Using his knight to a key tactical square, Brejesh Chakrabarti attacks Kossove’s queen. “Analyzing my opponent’s openings in online chess databases is the main way I learn to win,” Chakrabarti said
Chess, Reading Club returns
Enan Khan, Copy Editor • December 21, 2021
Dumping paper into the school recycling bin, eighth grade theater major Karina Brown helps the school become more environmentally conscious. Bejarano said, “We collect paper and cardboard, and then we also are doing a cleanup of the grounds.”
Green team helps clean up Bak
Ashwin Kishor, Photo Editor • December 21, 2021
After the victory, the team continues to work hard during practices and games to learn beneficial skills. “The goal is to have the team play the best that they can while learning good sportsmanship and the rules of the game,” Coach William Pinto said.
Boys soccer starts season with win, hopeful for season
Gabby Cohen, Sports and Clubs Editor • December 21, 2021
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