The Weekly Hoplite May 10, 2016 Volume I, Issue 3

New Principal Coming to School New MS/US Head Zoe Mendelsohn Our new MS/US Head, John Binnert, loves kayaking and hanging out with his two young kids. He sounds like a pretty great guy! We at the Hoplite wanted to know more, so I asked our new principal some questions about himself and his plans for the school so we can get to know him a little better before the start of the next school year. Will you be adding any new activities or changes to the clubs in middle school? I certainly can't guarantee any changes at this point, but I do firmly believe in the value of clubs, co­curricular, and extracurricular activities for enabling students to pursue a passion (or explore potential passions). If there is sufficient interest, it can be done. What is your favorite hobby or pastime? My favorite hobby is hiking with my family. I also enjoy creating and building things with my almost­6­year­old daughter, Lucy. I enjoy sports and exercise in general as well ­­ especially baseball, cycling, and kayaking. Why did you want to come to the Academy, and what did you like the most when you visited? Nearly 10 years ago, I visited central Pennsylvania for the first time to meet

New middle school head, John Binnert, his wife, Francine; daughter Lucy (5); and son, Elliot (11 months). the people who would become my in­laws. That's how I first found out about the Academy, and I've followed its trajectory since. I firmly believe in the value of an independent school education and the power of individualized education on the student, family, and eventually society. My values are well­aligned with the Academy. My favorite experience when I visited the Academy was the student assembly. There is a lot of positive energy in the community, and I am very excited to become a part of it! How long have you been teaching? I have been in education for 10 years, having taught math across all grade levels, several levels of science and technology, pre­TOK, and even physical education. I have also taught at the university level, and have been teaching teachers for about seven years.

What would you do to improve the school? This is a fantastic question; one that I will never stop asking. That said, at this time I don't have any answers. I see the Academy as an exceptional school, and effective positive changes are rarely sudden/dramatic. What made you start teaching? Before making the decision to go into education, I was working four part­time jobs to put myself through college: a line cook at a noodle restaurant, an ambulance delivery driver, an after­school YMCA counselor for elementary school students, and an engineering technician for the Department of Defense. I was also an engineering major in college. Excepting the ambulance deliveries, I was successful at all of these jobs and in my studies; but the only thing I was doing that felt like it was truly meant for me to be doing was the YMCA work. I enjoyed working with young people, and had recently discovered that I was naturally talented at explaining challenging concepts to others. I decided to transfer my engineering coursework into math/science education, and though I have worked for a Silicon Valley company and done other side projects, my passion has remained in education ever since I made that decision.

Did You Know? Abby Whitley Did you know that Google can make blind people see again? Just last week the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved the Cyborg Eye. The Cyborg Eye is powered by the movement of your eye. Dr. Mark S. Humayun, the creator of the Cyborg Eye, says “It is possible that the person who is having the treatment done will never have to wear glasses or contacts again.” Additionally, it would be possible to see objects without a microscope or a telescope! You could take pictures and videos with your eyes. Also your eye could connect to a nearby wireless device! This eye can cure problems like presbyopia, an age­related condition in which people’s eyes stiffen, or other eye problems.However, there are many pros there are cons too. One con is when they finish they will not be able to perceive color. Another concern is privacy. If your Cyborg Eyes were processing data then hackers and the police could track your movement. Fig. 1. Google Lens Capsule. Cyborg Eye.

Julia Toyer and Ella Idrovo finish first in the practice run! Girls on the Run ­­ so much fun! Jasleen Mann If you love running, then this is the article for you! Last Thursday, Girls on the Run (GOTR) had their practice 5k in the neighborhood behind the school. “The girls did an awesome job,” said Miss Bowman, who runs the program at HA. “All finished and most were under an hour!” Julia Toyer and Ella Idrovo were the first two finishers in about 30 minutes, 30 seconds. Their goal for the big race this Saturday is to be at 30 minutes or below. GOTR have been practicing every Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:00 to 4:30. The group meets in Miss Bowman’s classroom, then heads outside for their run. All of the girls will be running this Saturday at the Giant Center in Hershey and everyone is welcome. Just click on the link below to register. https://www.raceplanner.com/registrationinfo/event/2CE456VDE3LV3OZ

Thoroughly Modern Millie Emma Hathaway

Get ready to go back in time to the decade of frisky flappers, the Charleston, and the high energy of 1920s jazz! The Harrisburg Academy Middle School will be presenting Thoroughly Modern Millie on May 20th at 7 p.m. and 21th at 2 p.m., in the auditorium. The show takes place in New York City in 1922. It tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life at a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. The Middle School Chorus has been working hard getting ready to perform. The musical features Alexa Niles as Millie Dillmount, Ben Berger as Jimmy Smith, Katie Latta as Mrs. Meers, Kate Connelly as Miss Dorothy, and many others. The show promises to be a fantastic night of theatre so come and see it!

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International Night Julia Toyer Do you like trying new foods? Do like learning about different cultures? If you said “yes” then Harrisburg Academy’s International Night is the place for you! Here are some details.

International Night will be held on Friday, May 13th.

At 5:00 p.m., the International Café held in Louis Lehrman Gymnasium will feature delicious foods from around the world.

Starting at 6:00 p.m., there will be performances in the auditorium, including a performance by Mrs. Blatherwick’s Latin Club!

Mystery Student of the Week Emma Hathaway Her favorite food is Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta. Her favorite subject in school is Gym. An activity she does outside of school is dance. Her favorite color is teal. She does not own a pet. She is in 6th grade. If you think you know who it is contact Taryn Shover at shover.t@hbgacademy.org You could win a locker cleaning!

Mystery Teacher of the Week Emma Hathaway Her favorite ice cream flavor is tea berry. Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite restaurant is Koto. Her favorite subject in school was AP European History. Her favorite show is West Wing on Netflix. The book she is currently reading is Lincoln’s Sanctuary. Who Is This Teacher? Email me who you think it is at hathaway.e@hbgacademy.org You could win prizes! Last week’s Mystery Teacher was Mrs. Haywood! _____________________________ Academy Students Speak Taryn Shover “Academy Students Speak” is about the students opinion on the Academy. What are two things you like about the Academy? Student 1: Everyone in the school is really nice and considerate. Student 2: Gym class What are two things you would like to change about the Academy? Student 1: I would like to not wear a uniform. Student 2: I would like to extend the amount of recess time we get.

“Dear Penelope” is an advice column for middle school students. Please submit anonymous questions to the mailbox outside of Mrs. Haywood’s room. Dear Penelope, My friend is lying to a teacher but for a good reason, what do I do?! I have two opinions to this. First, you should not rat out your friend unless it is dangerous then you must tell a teacher. Second, you do not want to keep a secret from a teacher. So you should encourage your friend to tell the truth because honesty is the best policy! Dear Penelope, How do I make good friends? You can make good friends by being a good friend. Just be yourself and do not change who you are. The right friends will always find you! Dear Penelope, Why do people keep saying people like each other? This is a classic example of gossip. As we all know gossip isn’t a good thing. If you want the true answer of who likes who then ask the person privately.

Photos and Art The Middle School Dance last Friday night was a huge success! A shout out to Student Council, Miss Bowman, and DJ Josh Getz for making it a spectacular night!

Larry The Lego’s Secret Drawn By Joely Micek

Hot Day Drawn By: Joely Micek

Send us your Art Every week we will feature the artwork of Harrisburg Academy students. You can send your digital art to micek.j@hbgacademy.org or toyer.j@hbgacademy.org or you can drop off any art on paper at the mailbox outside of Mrs. Haywood’s room!

Editors: Joely Micek, Julia Toyer Writers: Emma Hathaway, Jasleen Mann, Zoe Mendelsohn, Taryn Shover Photographers: Joely Micek, Mrs. Haywood Advisor: Mrs. Haywood