Nikhil to Soon Sing Goodbye to Schutz

Out to Take Over the World, One Song at a Time
By Farah Kashwa

We have all seen him around campus and we have all heard him sing his heart out during our school concerts. Nikhil Krishnan is always shy but if there is one thing he is not shy about it is performing and spreading his music across to a wider audience.
Nikhil was in a very different school before Schutz, a school that was “very strict and disciplined”, and they even had “to wear uniforms”. Therefore, coming to Schutz was a big change since Schutz has a no-uniform policy. Nikhil explained that “Schutz really does shape and prepare a person for his/her future.”
Nikhil really enjoys doing anything involving music in his free time. After finishing his homework and studies, of course, Nikhil can be caught playing the piano, listening to great musicians such as his idol, John Lennon, or even following in the footsteps of great musicians by making his own music.
He is a person that likes to live in the present and lives one moment at a time. As for what he will be doing 10 years from now, Nikhil can not tell. “Future to me is just like the other side of a wall, I can’t see it unless time allows me to” he explains his concept on the future.
Ten years from now Nikhil might not know what he will be doing but at least for the next four years he has it planned out. He has decided to attend the University of Alberta in Canada, but he is still awaiting the decision from his top choice university, National University of Singapore.
“I don’t have a role model, but I do have a hero: a musician named Bob Dylan” explains Nikhil, “his stuff was realistic, about tough lives you run into and how tough and hard this world is. I learnt a lot of lessons from his stories and I was able to relate to him much more than I ever did with anyone else.”
Music does not play the most important role in Nikhil’s life; his parents do. His parents affect each and every decision he makes and it turns out that most of the times they are right!
We all speak of what a great musician Nikhil will grow up to be and sometimes joke about how he will win Indian Idol. But for Nikhil, his musical career is still very much unknown. “No parent is crazy about their child’s musical dream. There is a high chance that it fails. However, I would still like to strive for it because I just love it and it is a good way to reach people”. If he does not go professional, then perhaps Nikhil will continue playing and making music as his favorite hobby and hopefully continue to grow as an artist. “So, yes. I would want to record for Columbia Records, my dream label, but that’s just a dream. Turning it into a reality is another talk. But hopefully it happens.”
In a few days, Nikhil will sign off as one of the most talented students we have known, but before he does, he would like to leave some motivating last words and advice to upcoming classes: “Just try your best at being yourself because everybody will want you to be just like them. We are all born to run, so do what you like and do something that can serve this world and its people, and make the most out of it.” Before Nikhil is permanently dismissed, he would like to thank a few people who made his stay here a little better, “Also thanks to everyone I came across here, especially Kelly and Mr. Collins who understood me when nobody here was able to.”

New York City’s Next Fashionista

Ingy Bids Farewell to the Place She once Called HomeBy Aya Kordy

Ingy Fahmy entered the gates of Schutz as a timid ECP-Half student, and, after spending a few years at the German School in Alexandria, she returned to Schutz in the third grade. At Schutz, Ingy embarked on a journey that led her to choose Regents American College in London, where she will major in Public Relations. This, however, will not be the end of her career. Bizoo, as she is commonly known, plans on earning a post-graduate degree in Interior Design and pursuing her dream of becoming an interior designer by opening her own firm and expanding it from Alexandria to Europe and New York City.
Even though she seems to have it all planned out, she can not see or imagine herself 10 years from now. She hopes she will be “happy and satisfied” with the life she will be leading with her family. Ingy believes Schutz has taught her everything she needs to know to prepare for the next stage of her life, adding, “I’ll be closing the door on my high school days confident that Schutz transformed me from a young naïve girl into a young woman with countless opportunities ahead of her.” Nonetheless, she considers her weakness to be her “extremely emotional and over-sensitive feelings towards things and matters,” and this can sometimes hinder her ability to judge or make certain decisions. Many people tend to think of Bizoo as a shy person. She agrees that she is to a certain extent. She quotes her friends saying, “People who don’t know you think you are quiet, people who know you wish you were.” Still, almost everyone who knows her realizes that she is “stubborn and emotional,” and that food plays a major role in her life. She is commonly referred to as Schutz’s princess for her blond hair and her rather elevated sense of style, being voted by students as most stylish for three consecutive years.
Ingy has left a strong mark on Schutz, but she believes that Schutz has left a much stronger mark on her. Her gratitude “comes down to a simple thank you,” even though she knows that it will never be enough. She hopes that she could one day return all that Schutz has offered her by making Schutz proud of her accomplishments. To Ingy leaves the following message to Schutz, “I will forever be indebted to you. I spent some of the best days of my life on your grounds and they will never be replaced. I cherish and love you with all my heart.” Looking back at her memories at Schutz, she finds it hard to pinpoint only one that she will always cherish. She will miss “the laughs shared in Miss Samiha’s classroom, the tears shed in graduations, and the atmosphere of the students sitting together and being in a classroom where so many things happen.”
Her last words of wisdom to the junior class are, “Do not be in a hurry to graduate. Trust me, when it keeps coming closer, all you would want to do is pause time and rewind it back to when you were a freshman, and start it all over again. Put yourself out there and experience every moment.” As Ingy bids farewell to Schutz and prepares for her adult life in London, she would like to thank her parents for shaping her into a confident young woman ready to take off into the real world. With that being said, I am confident that Ingy will face the world with great ambition and desire, startling us with all her future achievements in order to make Schutz delighted to have graduated such a thriving individual.

Still in Bloom

Kurt Cobain Was the Last One to Have an Impact
By Nikhil Krishnan

If you are driving in the city of Aberdeen in the state of Washington, you are likely to see a sign that reads “Welcome to Aberdeen – Come as You Are”. The sign refers to the 1991 song Come As You Are by Nirvana, intending to pay a tribute to the city’s son, the leadsman of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain. Cobain was probably the last acclaimed rock persona we have seen till now. Cobain’s prominent music, coupled with his ideals and heartbreaking life and death, has led to a massive cult following of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain was born on February 20, 1967 at Aberdeen, Washington. Cobain showed an early interest in music when he first heard The Beatles’ classic Hey Jude and tried playing it on piano at the age of 4. His life soon turned upside down when his parents separated. He was treated as an outcast and was often severely bullied throughout his years at school. He soon dropped out of his high school two weeks prior to his graduation and was subsequently banished from his house by his mother. He would then live on streets or sneak into his friends’ houses to sleep.
Cobain was an ultimate music fan which was evident from the New York Times Bestseller Journals, a collection of journal entries by Cobain. He had an eclectic musical taste that ranged from 19th Century Blues music, 60s rock of The Beatles to Punk-Rock and Heavy Metal of The Sex Pistols and Black Sabbath. He also appreciated the then contemporary alternative rock bands such as REM and The Pixies in the late 1980s. He made several greatest albums’ lists which included Punk Rock, Folk and even Rap albums. His exploration of diverse genre sounds influenced him to find the ultimate sound for his band. His idol was John Lennon of The Beatles with whom he shared his political and social ideals.
Cobain met Kris Noveselic, who became his best friend and the bassist of his band Nirvana. The band played Grunge, a subgenre of Alternative Rock that was only known to Seattle. Following their locally successful debut album Bleach (1989), Nirvana replaced their previous drummer with Dave Grohl and received their breakthrough ticket by releasing the highly influential classic album, Nevermind in 1991. Nevermind consistently ranks as one of the greatest albums of all time, and popularized Alternative Rock and Grunge in the mainstream music. Nevermind spanned big hits such as Come As You Are, In Bloom, Lithium, and of course the classic teenage anthem, Smells Like Teen Spirit. Nevermind catapulted Nirvana into international stardom with Cobain being labeled as the spokesman of his generation. His lyrics infused his Buddhist-like ideals about freedom and peace with teenage desolation. He was, however, very uncomfortable with the fact that he was being misinterpreted and soon became extremely depressed. Nirvana went on to release In Utero (1993) which was noted for being different from Nevermind.
Kurt Cobain gradually got disgusted by the material world that surrounded him. He realized he could not change people’s minds and affect the world ethically with his music. He soon turned suicidal and shot himself on April 5, 1994. Since then, Nirvana has sold over 30 million records and made many milestones. Kurt Cobain has always been viewed as a revered person who tried changing the world but became a target of the world instead.

All Quiet on Schutz’s

Our Sen’10rs and 8th Graders Headed to Different Directions
By Hanna El-Amrawi

If there was one thing that our whole school can agree on, it is that the upper school campus seemed empty the beginning of the month of May. Am I right or not? Was it not a lot quieter on campus? It sure did seem that way. With the 8th graders off to hike Mount Sinai and the seniors off to Barcelona, it sure did seem a lot emptier on campus.
The 8th graders, who were chaperoned by the Spurlocks, left to climb the world’s famous Mount Sinai from May 14th to May 16th. They had a great time bonding with their classmates and getting ready for High School.
The seniors had another trip in mind. They headed off to Barcelona from May 16th to 18th! The twelfth graders were chaperoned by Mr. Robert Blankinship and Kelly Sullivain. It was a great way for the class of 2010 to reconnect and cherish some great memories before heading moving each in theri separate directions. Yaseen Moussa, a senior, felt that, “This was the best trip that I have ever been on, and I will never forget the friendship between all of us”. Barcelona, Spain 2010, was definitely a trip to remember.

Entertainment Corner

Movie Madness
By Farah Kashwa


The Ladies Are Back
Director Michael King decides to revive the ladies of Sex and the City and form a sequel, Sex and the City 2, which is sure to be another box office hit. In the sequel, the women are reunited together and share new adventures of both romance and friendship in an unforgettable journey to many places around the world. Once again they teach us the meaning of the high-society life of a socialite in New York City. So be prepared to get carried away.

Forever Finding True Love
Through forests, dragons, and evil kings, we have all found a place in our hearts for the green ogre, Shrek. Even though Shrek is bored in the beginning of the new movie, Shrek Forever After, the movie will not leave viewers bored after they discover what Shrek has done. Shrek has made a deal with the devil, Rumpelstiltskin, in order to make him feel like a real ogre again. What did Shrek’s wish get him in the end? Remember to be careful what you wish for, it might come true!

Time is Precious
Based on a video game, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, has been turned into a movie starring heartthrob Jake Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal is a prince who teams up with a princess to stop an evil ruler from unleashing a sandstorm that can destroy the whole world. After being tricked to unleash the sands of time himself, the princess and he go on a mission to find the only thing that can save his kingdom and reverse his own fatal mistake, the Dagger of Time.

Opposites Attract
Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher team up for a romantic comedy and what a dream team! Kutcher plays a spy who is used to the European life of flashy sports cars and flashy women. But when he meets Heigl, a computer tech geek who is recovering from a bad break up, he falls in love with her. He then decides that he wants to give up his high-style life for becoming a family man. However, after three years of a happily-ever-after life, the couple learns that Kutcher’s character is the target for a multi-million dollar hit. Now, the ordinary couple is on the run for their lives. Can they both survive the professional hit men while also managing their in-laws? Watching Killers is the only way to find out!

The Talented Pianist

Gregory N. Leet Shares His Schutz Memories
By Hanna El-Amrawi

Gregory N. Leet, the Head of the Music Department, is one of those people who have been able to stay on campus for as long as we can remember. During the seventeen years of working at Schutz, Greg has never managed to call in sick! What an immuned man! I wonder what his secret cure is.
From a young age, Greg had a deep passion for music. He was the musical one in the family and he often preferred to stay home playing the piano, instead of hanging out with his friends.
Greg was born in Albany, New York, but grew up in Massachusetts. He later enrolled in the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Oberlin College in Ohio where he earned a degree in both Piano Performance and French Literature. After great determination and effort, Greg managed to get his graduate degree from Columbia University in New York City in Historical Musicology where he completed his M.A and Ph.D. After fulfilling his dream of attending one of the top universities in the United States, Greg decided to come back to Egypt. “Since there are no universities teaching music programs in Alexandria, I am fortunate enough to find a music teaching experience at Schutz “, stated Greg.
When asked what Greg’s most memorable moment is, he replied with, “It is difficult to pin down one most memorable moment at Schutz. But perhaps it can be any moment where it is clear that the students and I are engaged in the process of really making music”.
Lately Greg has been able to collaborate with various Schutz teachers in professional music activities and performances. Greg is pleased to have worked on the musical Bye Bye Birdie with Mr. Bob Medina. He states that, “The combination of music and drama, to me, is one of the greatest genres of art and when presented well, can give lasting, wonderful and valuable memories to the audiences and participants”. Greg has also been working with Ms. Nona Petrosyan, a trained opera singer from Armenia, who also speaks Russian. Ms. Nona Petrosyan and Greg have given numerous recitals during this past year. Last April, they gave a recital at the Russian Cultural Center in Alexandria. “It is particularly nice for me to accompany the Armenian sons, as I had never done that before. It reminded me of my days as a vocalist in New York City”, explained Greg.
We are glad Greg has decided to continue his stay with us at Schutz! We are so pleased to have such a talented musician on our Schutz staff.

Farewell to the Walshes

Yet Another Couple Has Decided to Leave
By Hanna El-Amrawi

The amount of teachers leaving by the end of this year is a surprise for everyone on campus. However, nothing is more shocking than the resignation of Mr. Walsh, the Upper School Principal, and his wife Ms. Jane Walsh, the Head Librarian. It was completely unexpected to have this couple resign after only being in Schutz for two years. Mr. Walsh explains that the couple was planning on staying for a third year, but then half way through the year many aspects changed their mind.
There are many burning questions on Schutz students’ minds, most importantly why this couple decided to leave. When asked this specific question, Mr. Walsh replied with, “ It is hard to answer this question, really it isn’t any one thing, it is just that I am not sure Schutz and I are a match, personally and culturally. He later added that he feels that his family is better off somewhere else, and that Schutz is better with someone else’s ideas and plans.
While Mr. Walsh feels like he has not made “a lot of changes in Schutz”, I bet every Schutz student can agree with me that, Mr. Walsh has brought about a dramatic transformation to the place. To name a few, a change in the quality of the canteen food, a ban on food delivery, the addition of the Falcon block, and a reinforcement of the absence policy.
Mr. Walsh started off his career studying Economics at Brown University in Rhode Island, where he met Ms. Jane Walsh. He was successful at juggling between school work, the wrestling team and the American football team at Brown University. However, with a major in Economics, he soon became more interested in Secondary Education. He began to pursue his career as a teacher in a public school in Rhode Island. Later on, he moved to Maine to work in a private school. While working in Maine for 18 years, the couple’s close friends got a job offer at the Cairo American College. A year after, the Walshes decided to go visit their friends and they “absolutely fell in love with Egypt”. “In a week we saw the Pyramids, sailed on a felukah, and dove the Red sea! Great place!”, explained Mr. Walsh. Upon leaving, the couple felt that Egypt was the right place for them. After a couple of work experiences at several different schools in the Middle East and Africa, it was time for the Walshes to enter the Schutz family!
Having worked in many different schools, Mr. Walsh feels that Schutz is different. “It has a lot of people that stay for a long time, whereas the other school, I worked at were more international”, he explains.
Having decided to put their teaching job on a hold, the couple has decided to possibly return to Maine, where the rest of the family will be waiting. The couple explained that, in their sixteen years of teaching abroad, they have really missed out on a lot of family events. Mr. Walsh adds that it is time for the couple to take a break, maybe a year off, but if the right job swings their way, then they will definitely give it a try.
Mr. and Ms. Walsh you will definitely be missed by the Schutz a family. We wish you a successful future!

The Schutz Sphinx that Guards Schutz Traditions

Through the Eyes of the Man Who Has Seen It All
By Ingy Fahmy

Coming from an Italian school in Alexandria, Massimo Laterza attended Schutz as a student from 1972 to 1980. As a Schutz graduate, Massimo attended the American University in Cairo (AUC) to major in Political Science and minor in Middle Eastern Studies. He then continued his graduate studies in many prestigious schools and acquired various degrees, such as: London School Of Economics, Michigan State University, and the University of Bath. Massimo decided that all the skills he learned would best be applied to the place he considered to be his home for practically his entire life.
Hence, he returned to the Schutz community in 1987 and has been a part of it ever since. Massimo knows every little aspect of Schutz inside out. First being a student, then moving to becoming a faculty member holding various positions including, working as a teacher, dean of students, test center supervisor, college admission counselor, EMAC/ISAC coordinator, and HS principal.
Looking back at the different stages of Schutz’s history through Massimo’s eyes and experience, he recognizes two distinctive time frames. Firstly during his early years at Schutz as a faculty member, Massimo describes the school as being more informal than it is now. He explains, “Now the school has many more committees, more paper work, and more formalities. Then it was a more casual and laidback atmosphere; which sometimes I tend to miss”. Secondly 15 years ago, he claims that the school was different because it was more international and had a vast diversity in its student population. “It had a different flavor”, as Massimo explains, and he hopes that the school does get more international students because then you have the capability of doing so many more things.
When asked about next year’s huge faculty turnover, Massimo admits he is a little concerned because while the school is used to the change of teachers, next year in particular there is going to be a lot of turnover. It is not an easy obstacle to tackle because when new people come, it takes a lot of time and effort to orient, train, and bring them up to speed on the school’s system and expectations.
While Massimo might put on a front of being extremely sociable, he considers himself to be more introverted than extraverted. He enjoys his privacy and being alone for hours and even days without having any outside communication with the world.
Massimo looks to Karl Popper, a philosopher of science who lived in the 20th century, as one of his leading role models because his thinking is an aspect that Massimo values a lot. He was one of the most influential people on Massimo’s reasoning and thinking. As a student, Massimo reminisces on his “discovery” of books and reading when he first came to Schutz. He explains that, at his old school, reading for the sake of reading was not encouraged and that the first time he saw a library was during his first year at Schutz.
What the future holds for Massimo and his goals lie in the fact that he is a passionate learner who loves to learn and study more. The pursuit of knowledge is his most important goal. When asked if he had anything else to add, Massimo says, “I will miss Kelly. And students, you do not always realize the opportunities you are afforded at Schutz and you should always take advantage of the school’s educational resources.”

A Wonderful Tradition that Lives On

Schutz Honor Societies Welcome Its New Inductees
By Nikhil Krishnan

An important traditional event held every year, the NHS/NJHS Induction Ceremony was held on May 24, 2010 in the auditorium to recognize and welcome the new inductees in the Schutz Honor Societies (SHS). This year, six students became part of the Schutz Honor Societies. Christian Atallah, Mena Alla Bedran, Hana Kira and Farida Sabry were inducted in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) chapter of Schutz while Sarah El Sebakhy and Nada Zaher were inducted in the National Honor Society (NHS) chapter of Schutz.
The event commenced with Arnab Chaudhuri, the current Schutz Honor Societies President, giving an introductory speech that described the ideals and qualities that SHS students abide with. The ceremony then proceeded with the current SHS members lighting the five candles that represent the five characteristics that lead the Schutz Honor Societies: Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Character and Service. Each new inductee was then called upon to choose one of the characteristics that he/she associated most with and provide a brief speech on how it represented him/her.
The new inductees finally took the pledge of allegiance for the SHS before Arnab and were provided with a membership badge and card by their parents in order to officially be recognized as members of the Schutz Honor Societies. After the ceremony in the auditorium, everyone raced to the delicious annual ceremony cake and refreshments served by the Schutz kitchen staff outside of the auditorium. The ceremony was truly a success as every individual present at the event, whether he or she was a student, teacher or a parent, smiled energetically and felt proud. “I thought it was a lovely evening. The current members did a beautiful job with the ceremony. After I heard the speeches given by the new inductees, I am sure that Schutz will have a great group next year,” stated Kelly Marie Sullivan, the SHS Advisor.

Every Student’s Dream

The “No-Homework” Policy Influence is Spreading
By Farah Kashwa

Imagine going home and having more time to spend with your family; more time to spend reading your favorite novel; more time to play your favorite sport. Or imagine that you are on vacation and you do not have to leave the beach to go work on an essay or practice from your 15-page math practice questions. Wouldn’t that just be the dream vacation?
Almost every student has had a moment in his/her life where they wished for a no-homework policy. Well, their wish may come true after all. Several schools around the United States and abroad as well, have already implemented this policy and have found it to be very helpful for the students.
Toronto’s public school system is taking it step by step, and they have implemented a policy that prevents teachers from giving students homework before a long break.
Other schools in the United States have taken a much bigger step concerning the no-homework policy. At the Brooklyn Free School, for example, students do not have homework or tests. They are allowed to do whatever they want whenever they want. Teachers also encourage students to pursue their dreams whether it is to become a fashion designer, a singer, or the next Bill Gates. A typical day at the Brooklyn Free School would be students playing chess, watching a movie, or reading a book. Free schools, which were popular decades ago, operate on the belief that kids are naturally curious and learn best when they want to learn about something. They go by the thought that every student is responsible for their education.
A “No-Homework” policy sounds like a really unrealistic goal for Schutz but even though the thought will most likely be dismissed by the administration, the policy may not be harmful to students. Students can practice math problems while they are in math class and students can read their assigned novels together in class. That will benefit them by giving them the chance to discuss any problems with their teachers and get their explanations.
Straight A-students at this school have stated that in order to have a perfect academic record, they had to give up a social life and even give up time with their family. School should not indirectly demand for such big sacrifices from students in order for them to be successful later on. A no-homework policy can benefit the student in more ways than one, and not just academically.

Obituary

Daniel Speas (1955-2010)
By Aya Kordy

Daniel Speas, member of the Schutz American School Board of Trustees, passed away in the United States last month, at the age of fifty five after suffering from cancer. He arrived to Alexandria on the 14th of September 1994, helped Schutz for three years including two years as Head of the Technology Committee, a sub-committee of Facilities Committee and served as a Board member for two terms. He gave invaluable insight on networking and technology. “He had no direct connection to Schutz (no kids at the school), but he loved it. Serving on the Board gave him great pleasure, and he loved the people he got to know and appreciated how they treated him”, affirmed Tarek Fahmy, Vice-President of the Board. It is with great sorrow that Schutz’s family lost such a remarkable person, one that helped the school in so many indescribable ways. Schutz bids farewell to one of its esteemed Board members.

Demolishment of Senior Year

Is Senior Year Just a Big Festivity and a Waste of Time?
By Ingy Fahmy

When senior year rolls, most students around the globe just want to relax and enjoy what remains of the rest of their high school career. After working hard for three years, taking tests, completing projects, and preparing for college admission. Starting December, senioritis starts kicking in, and seniors start leading a different high school experience than the rest of their years at high school.
By the time the final year of your high school career comes around, a lot of the students are one step ahead of the game with enough credits to graduate that they no longer take their school work seriously. Many seniors decide to opt for different things that might please them in ways school work will not, such as: having work experience before heading off to college, studying subjects that will be taught in college, or simply taking the year off and making the most memories possible of what is left of their time in high school.
The reason senior year is associated with slacking off and the infamous disease of “senioritis” is because many colleges in the United States and colleges that integrate the American system stop looking at students’ grades once they start their final year of schooling. It has been said that the most crucial year of a student’s high school career happens to be junior year; that is the most year colleges look at as a reference to your ability as a student. As a result, students tend to do their best during their junior year and then take senior year as a vacation and give themselves a break from all the hard work they put up in previous years.
Al Church, the principal of AMES Charter School in Salt Lake City, said, “Educators have worried about it for probably 40 years – what to do with 12th grade?” Some concerned individuals, such as Church, have suggested many different ways to tackle this endless obstacle. One of the more noticeable methods included the proposal of eliminating senior year altogether and it could save up to $60 million in some states. Another option would be to get a jumpstart on college credits; students in the 11th and 12th grades could start attending classes in colleges where they would receive college credits and in return save up to $3,000 in college tuition. Finally, eight American states are launching a pilot program where they will allow students as early as during their sophomore year to graduate and attend college.
“Let’s go to a system where if you finish early you can go and if you need more time you can stay”, said Daniel Domenech, the executive director of the American Association of School Administrators. But the dilemma or the risk of sending a student off to college before their completion of senior year is one that is debatable because students need to reach a certain emotional and maturity levels before starting their first year in college. That final year of high school is as essential as any other year. It might not hold the academic gravitas as any other year, but it is certainly a vital step and transition into moving to a different educational environment. Seniors and teenagers in general will always find a way to relax, enjoy, and not work, so if senior year is demolished then who knows, the disease might be renamed to being “junioritis” or even “sophomoritis”. The game is endless.

A Sensational Comeback to Schutz’s Theatre

The Bye Bye Birdie Production Was a Stunning Success
By Aya Kordy

Obnoxious voices can be heard around campus, hollering, “We love you Conrad”, the voices belong to the Schutz Drama/Music students who recently put on a successful production of the hit play Bye Bye Birdie.
The setting is the late 1950’s, when teenagers from across the United States were going crazy for the gorgeous rock star, Conrad Birdie (Dikran Alexanian). However, his manager Albert Peterson (Antarah Leet), will soon go into debt after staking his financial future on Conrad’s success. He is under even more stress when his secretary Rosie (Aya Kordy), becomes increasingly frustrated with the time and money Albert is losing on his project with Conrad. The play takes a dramatic turn when Conrad receives a draft notice warning him that soon he will have to join the military. Albert attempts to hold a farewell party for Conrad, and his plan is that Conrad must kiss one lucky girl chosen at random.
They will appear on the Ed Sullivan Show before he leaves for the army. Kim MacAfee (Tonya Drummond), from Sweet Apple, Ohio, is the chosen lucky girl to be kissed. More problems unfold when her boyfriend, Hugo Peabody (Marwan Zahran) arrives on the scene, and feelings of jealousy arise.
Meanwhile, Rosie reaches a boiling point and becomes fed-up with the insulting treatment she receives from Albert’s mother. Eventually, things take a turn for the better. Kim and Hugo resolve their problems alone, while Albert sends Conrad off to New York with his mother. He then surprises Rosie by retiring the music business and gets a job in Pumpkin Falls Iowa. The plot is both exciting and funny involving many dramatic situations.
Tickets for the Thursday show were quickly sold out leaving only a limited number of seats for the Friday show. Over two hundred people attended this must-see performance, “I loved the merge between the light comedy and the drama, the overall mood that was set with the music and the singing certainly awed me”, stated Yassin El Naggar, a 9th grade student. People agreed that it was certainly a sensational comeback to Schutz’s theatre, with the remarkable co-operation of Bob Medina, the play director and Upper School art/drama teacher with Gregory Leet, the music director and K-12 music teacher.

Schutz Officially Dismisses the Class of 2010

The Beginning of the Rest of Their Lives
By Ingy Fahmy

On numerous occasions, you would find the seniors sitting by the front porch reminiscing about all the crazy things the previous classes did and how those times used to be marked as the “golden days” of Schutz. But what this year’s senior class seems to be oblivious to is the fact that its members will be talked about in the same spirit of the “golden days” memories that prior graduates shared before.
I will not exaggerate about how this class gets along all the time and how it is always “rainbows and butterflies” with them. Each class member is distinctive and unique in a way that is not comparable to any other. Even though differences exist in every class, this class had the chance to grow together and to put their discrepancies aside to aid in each other’s own growth.
As they get ready to close the door on their high school days, the graduates realize that commencement is often referred to as the end of a long journey; however, they understand that it only defines the beginning of the rest of their lives.
In the coming months, the seniors will have to face new realities, including leaving the comfort and familiarity of their own homes to establish and create their own new ones from scratch. Graduation carries around a constant feeling of bitter-sweetness; you want to be done, but at the same you do not want it to be over.
The Class of 2010 will soon be officially relieved from their educational duties at Schutz American School. Nevertheless, each member in this class was empowered with the tools to thrive academically, which will aid them in thecoming stages of their lives as they mature in the years to come. The graduates will soon become freshmen in universities such as the American University in Cairo, Berkeley College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Copenhagen University, Regents American College London, University of Alberta, Gardner Webb, Purdue University, and Vellore Institute of Technology.
The Schutz community wishes the departing seniors heart-felt congratulations and nothing but the best of luck and success in the beginning of the rest of their lives. The graduates hope they have left a mark on Schutz and its current students as Schutz has forever left a stamp on their lives.

Lost! Nicki Minaj! If Found, Please Return to Schutz

Shereen Elkhazendar the Nicki Minaj in the Making
By Hanna El-Amrawi

When it is quiet on the Schutz campus and you do not feel that sudden burst of energy, you know someone is missing. When you do not hear Lil’ Wayne’s latest song blaring in the background, again you know someone is missing. When you walk through the campus, and you do not smell that Victoria Secret lotion, you immediately wonder where she is? How is the campus just so normal? Is Shereen Elkhazendar sick today?
Ever since Shereen moved to Schutz in August 2005, Schutz was never the same. Shereen moved to this “uptight and judgmental school”, from Ramapol Middle School in Mahwah, New Jersey. Once entering the big bronze Schutz gates, this Punky-styled girl felt like something was wrong. “Daddy it is one year and I am going back home”, stated Shereen. However, as she learned to open up to her classmates and got acquainted with the Egyptian culture, she truly fell in love with Schutz and Egypt. In fact that planned year was now moved to five years as she will be completing High School from Schutz American School.

Shereen will be graduating from Schutz as a unique and confident woman, who will pave her way to be the next leading anesthesiologist. I know what you are thinking, a scientist! How boring? Well, Shereen is not like any other boring scientist. Along with getting her degree in science, she will also pursue a career in singing. “I hope to be the next Nicki Minaj”. Since I am not as big of a rapper fan as Shereen is, I had no idea who Nicki was. “Nicki Minaj is Lil’ Wayne’s project, he is making her a star!”. Lil ‘Wayne is Shereen’s role model. “Dude! He worked his way from the bottom to the top with no help at all. Now look at him! He is the best rapper alive”, explained Shereen. In fact she loves Lil’wayne so much that she is planning on visiting him this spring break! Who knows, maybe he will be able to discover her, just like Nicki.

Ever since graduation has been coming near, Shereen can not get the fact across her mind that she will be leaving, and that this time it is not her choice anymore. “I am going to miss the people in Schutz so much!”, added Shereen. One specific memory that Shereen will never be able to forget is EMAC Varsity Volleyball 2009. “It was by far my most memorable moment at Schutz, I will never be able to forget the smiles on all our faces when the guys scored the final point!”. Shereen feels that Schutz has changed and shaped her into the person she is today. However, there is one person in particular who Shereen feels has been able to set her on the right track. “Kelly Sullivan has been able to influence my past and my future. She has set my mind on the right track, and for that I would like to thank her”, explained Shereen.

With graduation nearing in, Shereen’s advice to the upcoming seniors is “Senior year is once in a lifetime! So enjoy it”. Well Shereen we are glad that you have decided to graduate from Schutz, and I am sure that one day we will hear you on the radio.

Possibly, the Next, Next Oprah Winfry

Aya Kordy Departs with the Tools to Achieve her own Desires
By Ingy Fahmy

Five years ago, Aya Kordy had no intention of attending Schutz American School let alone graduate from it. She used to be enrolled in the British School of Alexandria, and she was preparing to attend the Arab Academy. Nonetheless, here we are five years down the line, where Aya will be graduating from Schutz and very grateful that her father pushed and insisted that she continue her schooling career here. Aya’s classmates have no doubt that she is destined to reach incredible places with her undeniable talents. Being voted the school’s loudest female, most likely to make it to Hollywood, and the most energetic individual are all small determinants to what adds up to create Aya’s personality. At any given day, you can walk through the front porch to see and hear Aya putting on a performance of some sort whether she does it intentionally or not; you will be guaranteed a scene that will very much entertain you.

Aya is an individual who does not necessarily know what she wants but there is no doubt that when she does figure out what she does want, she will get it. To emphasize on that point, she does not like to think about the future and what it holds for her; Aya likes to concentrate at what is considered to be “the here and the now”. Aya has not yet decided as to where she will be attending college. In her mind, her options are either a certain college in London or the American University in Cairo where she plans to earn a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. When asked where she sees her self ten years down the line, she replied, “I have no idea. I still haven’t even decided where I am going for college. It is bad enough that I know I am leaving home and my school. I tend to stop myself from thinking that much into the future”.

As a young adult still trying to realize what she wants from her life, Aya harbors the element of not resting till she gets what she has in her mind. She almost never gives up and is always out there. She keeps pushing and pushing until what she desires is obtained. However, Aya might come off as a very strong-hearted individual; but actually, she is the most sensitive person you can meet. She may act strong in front of a person, but on the inside so many emotions and thoughts are going on. Add to that, if any one utters a single bad or offensive word about wither her family or her friends there is no doubt that she will defend them and do what is necessary to protect their name. By nature, Aya is a very protective and helpful human being; she tends to abide by the saying “The world is my country, its citizens are my brethren, and to do well is my religion”.

Nearly closing the book on her days at Schutz, Aya is aware that her name will no longer appear on the enrollment list, consequently, she stresses that Schutz will always be a part of her life. Aya reminisces on the countless moments she lived through at Schutz some of which include: the Romeo and Juliet play, the Ronny and Julie production, the canteen boycott, the Fashion Show, and definitely her presentation to Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, the Egyptian First Lady. Aya cannot bear the thought of walking away from the sense of family that dominates the school and is not present in many institutions she has previously attended. However, Aya expresses that she is somehow glad to be leaving Schutz at this time because, “I feel that many Schutz traditions have changed and what is left of that tradition is now changing”.

Through her five years at Schutz, Aya walks away from it all with a very prominent life lesson and that is to constantly ask “WHY?” She further explains herself by quoting to me, “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why. And Schutz taught me WHY”. Before officially ending her days here she wanted to lend the current juniors and the rest of the classes a piece of advice that she came to realize, “Someone once told me that I have to choose what I want to loose, for I cannot have everything. So know what you are willing to give up because there will always be those who will not allow you to have everything”.

Exiting the school with the diploma she earned with all her effort and motivation is what will keep Aya striving for a better future for herself. Aya has learned to open herself to endless opportunities and never limit herself to one option. With that in mind, I am sure that Aya will go out to the world and surprise us all with her future doings and Schutz will be proud to have harbored such a successful individual.

A Ray of Light

Ray Charles Was Always the Genius
By Nikhil Krishnan

There have been many musical giants who have been labeled as geniuses. However, only one individual was directly nicknamed as ‘the genius’: Ray Charles. Ray Charles’ unique rhythm and blues (R&B) music, an eclectic fixture of gospel, jazz, soul, blues, country and rock n’ roll broke into the mainstream music for the first time in the late 1950s. By the 1960s, Ray Charles was reputed as a national treasure. Charles’ story is not only about outlawed music breaking into mainstream popularity, but also a story about how a blind, African-American man overcomes his obstacles and works up to his dream.

Ray Charles Robinson was born on September 23, 1930 and raised in a poor black community in Albany, Georgia. By the time he was five years old, he began to lose his eye sight which eventually left him completely blind by the age of seven. He lost his whole family that consisted of his parents and a brother by the age of 15. Ray Charles attended Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine, Florida where he showed an early interest in music. He was extensively taught classical music at the school, which he would later incorporate in his piano playing.
Charles did not return to school and instead played the piano with several jazz groups and on his own at gigs in clubs and theatres. Just like many African Americans in the U.S. during 1940s and 1950s, he too was facing severe prejudice and discrimination. He struggled to make it on his own as a solo artist and also got addicted to heroin, which exacerbated his state and will. He was soon discovered by Atlantic Records manager Ahmet Ertegun and was signed to the record label as a solo artist.

Ray Charles released a few moderately successful singles with Atlantic Records. It was not until he released his song I Got a Woman that he came to receive some notice. I Got a Woman and other following releases were considered controversial and sacrilegious because they were mixing Christian gospel music and blues, a less-respected art form due to its lyrics. Nevertheless, Ray Charles had an original Rhythm and Blues sound that people grew to love. In 1959, Ray Charles released his greatest single of all time, What I’d Say, which went on to become a rock n’ roll standard and paved way for many other rock n’ roll artists such as Little Richard and Elvis Presley to perform.

In the 1960s, Ray Charles produced some fine and well-received studio albums such as Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, The Genius Hits the Road, Genius + Soul = Jazz where he increasingly experimented with jazz and country sounds. He had several No.1 hits including Georgia on My Mind and Hit the Road Jack. He was well known for being outstandingly original. He was much respected as a singer who genuinely demonstrated the whole feeling and mood of the music he played with his voice.

Ray Charles garnered number of honors including Grammys, Kennedy Center Honors etc. He passed away in 2004 just a week before the academy award winning film based on him, Ray was released. Ray Charles continues to influence a generation of musicians and average people to achieve what they want.

The 82nd Academy Awards

Kathryn Bigelow: The 1st First Woman in Oscar History to Win the Directing Award

By Aya Kordy


The Academy Awards, best known as the Oscars, are awards that are exhibited annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to distinguish the professionals in the film industry. The Academy awards are the oldest award ceremonies in the media; hence, it is one of the most prominent award ceremonies in the world.

Each year, a host is chosen by The Academy to conduct the Oscars night, many have hosted the ceremony like Conrad Nigel, Bob Hope, Robert Montgomery, Rosalind Russell, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres, Hugh Jackman and finally Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. However, Bop Hope is in the lead having hosted 18 Academy Awards.

When Titanic was released in 1997 and accumulated a grand total of $1,843,201,268 worldwide it became the highest-grossing film in history, and remained so for twelve years. Until Avatar, a movie written and directed by James Cameron, surpassed it in 2010 with a grand total of $2,667,881,000. Despite Avatar’s world record, it did not win Best Picture or Best Director; instead they were both granted to Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron’s ex-wife and competitor, for The Hurt Locker. Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman in Oscar history to win the directing award. It was a big night for The Hurt Locker, a war-epic drama that blew away audiences worldwide, with nine nominations and six Academy Awards.

For Best Actor, Jeff Bridges won for his phenomenal performance in Crazy Heart. He plays a washed-up musician, obsessed with alcohol, who turns his life around after finding love. Bridges was competing against Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner, and George Clooney. For Best Actress, Sandra Bullock won for her heroine role in The Blind Side, inspired from a true story. Sandra honored her mother and all the mothers in the world who raise their children and children who aren’t theirs. Sandra Bullock was up against Carey Mulligan, Helen Mirren, Gabourey Sidibe, and the phenomenon Meryl Streep.

The awards were as follows;
Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
Actor is a supporting role: Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds)
Actress in a supporting role: Mo’Nique (Precious)
Animated Feature Film: Up
Art Direction: Avatar
Cinematography: Avatar
Film Editing: The Hurt Locker
Make Up: Star Trek
Music (Original Score): Up
Music (Original Song): Crazy Heart
Sound Editing: The Hurt Locker
Visual Effects: Avatar
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Precious
Writing (Original Screenplay): The Hurt Locker

Did You Know That...

By Aya Kordy

…Some birds bark instead of sing?

… There are about 2700 languages spoken in the world?

… An elephant can be pregnant for up to two years?

… Elvis had a twin brother named Jesse Garon, who died at birth,
which is why Elvis' middle name was spelled Aron; in honor of his brother?

Entertainment Corner

Movie Madness
By Farah Kashwa

New Rules
Zoe, played by Jennifer Lopez, had it all planned: to become married with children before 30. However, her plan does not work out the way she hoped it would. When she realizes time is quickly passing by, she decides to resort to a plan B and goes to the sperm bank. The same day she leaves the sperm bank, she meets Stan, her Mr. Perfect and there are fireworks between them. After dating for a while, Zoe is convinced that she found “the one”. During her relationship, she finds out that she is in fact pregnant. Although she is happy, she decides to tell him that she is having a baby. But will Stan break her heart or step-up to the plate? A romance-comedy that is warm and light-hearted, The Backup Plan is a movie for everyone.

The Return of the Superhero
After the world witnessed his world-altering technology, Iron Man is back with the sequel, Iron Man 2! This time, things get more challenging when there is another person out there who decides to build his own Iron Man suit. However, this new suit is not used for good and it is up to the original and beloved Iron Man to step in and save the world. While fighting his worst villains, he also has to fight the American government. After Iron Man is being exposed as Tony Stark, the government demands to have his suit and all other inventions of his. With Iron Man having several strong opponents and many battles to fight, will he crush them?


The Cat is out of the Bag
Death at a Funeral was originally a British movie, but when it came to America, it was double the fun. The American re-make of the hit British hit movie features a great ensemble cast: Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, Martin Lawrence, and James Marsden. When the family is notified that their father has passed away, they come together for the funeral but bring a lot of baggage with them. Dirty laundry is aired when the family reunion takes place and the cat is let out of the bag too many times. Along with hilarious moments and a juicy forgotten past, this movie is a must-see.


The Losers Fight Back
The Losers, believe it or not, are a smart and unbeatable CIA special tactic force. While on a search and destroy mission in the jungles of Bolivia, they find themselves being set up by an unknown man named Max. With Max thinking that The Losers are gone for good, the group decides to come up with a revenge plan. While planning their big plan, they meet a beautiful and mysterious operative named Aisha who offers to help them find Max but also has an agenda of her own. The Losers finally put their plan into attack mode and try to stop Max from the high-tech global war he is determined on starting.

Lil Wayne: CONVICTED AND IMPRISONED!

Keep Your Head Up, Weezy
By Ingy Fahmy

The worldwide famous rapper, Lil Wayne, made his final appearance on Monday, March 8, 2010 as a free man before he entered the courthouse where he will be imprisoned for a minimum of eight months, depending on his behavior. As he entered the courthouse in Manhattan, hundreds of fans were lined up to get a last glimpse of Lil Wayne, aka Weezy, before they jail the legendary rapper.

In October of 2010, Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., pleaded guilty of attempted possession of a weapon in connection with a gun that was found on his tour bus in 2007. After initially pleading not guilty, prosecutors were able to negotiate a one-year sentence for Weezy in exchange for him pleading guilty. He will be incarcerated at Rikers Island in New York City. During his last court hearing, Wayne chose not to speak.

Lil Wayne was initially meant to start his sentence on March 2, 2010, but it was postponed twice in the past month. It was postponed the first time so he could undergo dental surgery and delayed a second time after due to a fire that broke out in the courthouse where he was meant to be handed his final sentencing.

Eight months or one-year might seem like a pretty minimal amount to be sentenced. However, that is a long time in today’s 24/7 pop culture news cycle. That being said, Lil Wayne and his team have been extremely busy during the days leading up to his imprisonment. He informed MTV that he had shot seven new music videos in addition to the nine new ones he made a few weeks before. It is even rumored that he has new songs stashed up in a vault somewhere. That is a lot of material that he strategically put aside to keep his fans busy during the coming year.

Wayne told Rolling Stone Magazine: “I look at things as ‘Everything is meant to be.’ I know it is an experience that I need to have if God is putting me through it.” Lil Wayne is still a major culture phenomenon by any measure regardless of the fact that he will spend the rest of 2010 behind bars. Going to Rikers Island is definitely not the best career move; it does, however, set the stage nicely for a 2011 comeback narrative that will undoubtedly take the whole world by storm.

Arrival: 1993….. Departure: 2010

The Last Pharaoh Bids Schutz Farewell

By Aya Kordy

“I want them to be confident in themselves, and do what they love. I want them to always be thinking, question what they learn, and most importantly I want them to keep in touch.” A message delivered for the students and to the students by Kelly Sullivan.

After earning her degree from California and teaching there for a few years, the young goal- oriented girl took off and taught in Brazil then in Madrid. Half way through her journey, she received a phone call from Schutz’s former headmaster Larry Pattie, offering her a job in a small yet unique school in north of Egypt. Overwhelmed with the gesture and with Egypt’s inimitable history, she blindsided accepted the job offer to Schutz American School.

In 1998, 5 years after her arrival to Schutz, Kelly went back to America. She received her Masters Degree in teaching secondary school, and flew back to Schutz in 2000 with the urge of teaching in the place she once called “home.” She has not lived outside Schutz’s doors since then. Nevertheless, after almost two decades of living and teaching in Schutz, Kelly whole heartedly believes that it is time for her to move on.

Her passion and desire for Egypt is what made her stay for all these years; the welcoming hearts and the comfort she once felt is the reason behind her spending almost twenty years of her life behind Schutz’s walls. "My students, no question are the main reason why my years at Schutz have been great”, added Kelly. However, it all comes to an end right here. For the first time in her life, Kelly bought a place for herself. After the end of the school year, she will be flying to Nevada where part of her family lives and where her new home now is. She has to go furnish it and actually see it for she only saw pictures. Nonetheless, she has not yet decided if she will permanently live and teach there. Where she is going to teach next year is still unknown to everyone including Kelly.

“Alexandria is in my heart. Alexandria has my heart”, affirmed Kelly “I will never forget the Red Sea, Aswan, Luxor, Siwa, White Dessert, Nile Cruise, Lake Nasser, the cocktail party at Abu- Simbil, the hot air ride over the temples of Luxor, and scuba diving in the Red Sea.”

Kelly does not fully reveal the real reason behind her decision; however, she mentioned that she got used to Schutz’s tradition, and did not like too much change. Despite the dramatic change that Schutz underwent, Kelly emphasizes that there has always been one element of stability and that is Massimo Laterza, the dean of students. “He is my best friend”, stated Kelly.

Just like Egypt, Schutz has three main pyramids that are the essence and the base of its foundation. In Giza, they have Khufu, Khafre, and Mankaure. In Schutz, we have Kelly, Samiha, and Jackie. The Egyptian Pharaohs said their good byes, one after the other and moved on to their afterlife. Schutz’s teachers said their good byes, one after the other and its time to bid farewell to the last Pharaoh that ever lived in Schutz. Just like the Egyptian pharaohs departed their surroundings and left behind the pyramids that shaped the foundation of Egypt, Kelly will be departing but there is no doubt that she will be leaving her pyramid behind. We hope your life after Schutz is as luminous as it always has been. Schutz bids farewell to its unparalleled math teacher, Kelly Sullivan.

The Dare Devil

I love Schutz Because of the People
By Farah Kashwa

Nahla Hassan came to Schutz as a ninth grader not knowing what the school will be like and not knowing what to expect about the people there. However, as time went by, Nahla fell in love with the school, not because of its environment, but because of the people themselves. Even though she liked the students, she felt that the teachers did not have as much spirit as the students.

Whoever knows Nahla, knows that she is strong, independent, and confident. Even though Nahla has no role model, she is determined to someday serve as one for the younger generations. Even though her family gives her advice concerning her life, because of her being such an independent girl, they do not influence her decisions so much. Nahla makes her own choices and decisions in life and believes that a person cannot learn life’s great lessons unless they make mistakes and learn from them.

Even though school occupies a lot of her time, Nahla never fails to make some time to do her favorite things. She loves to draw during the weekdays when she has some free time. However, on the weekends, Nahla can be seen dancing the night away and shopping with her friends. Her favorite hobbies though, are sought during the summer since she can go tanning and travel to all the places she dreams of. One of Nahla’s favorite vacation destinations was Russia because she got to spend time with her family during the day, then go out with her cousins at night.

Also due to Nahla’s strong and independent personality, she wants to study abroad. When I asked Nahla where she wishes to study, she replied saying that her top choices are Parsons in New York City and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Although it is not her priority school, she might be attending the American University in Cairo (AUC). I am sure that Nahla will be successful no matter where she plans to study.

Over the years, we have known Nahla to be the daring and the adventurous one so when she graduates, people will feel the difference. She has always been the one to stir up the genius plans that defy authority. Nahla, I am sure people will miss your free and bold spirit on campus so do not change, wherever you end up going.

A New Tradition Begun At Schutz

Schutz’s Second Annual Science Fair Labeled a Success

By Nikhil Krishnan

Science education not only requires students to understand its theoretical aspects, but it also requires them to understand its practical use in real world applications. Science fair events at schools have always been a great opportunity for students to explore and apply the scientific method and concepts in their projects.

Following last year’s success with the science fair, the 2nd Annual Science Fair was held on March 18, 2010 at the covered court. Elementary students from 4th to 6th grades presented their projects based on varying scientific topics to an audience that included the staff, parents and upper school students.

This year’s science fair was especially noted for a great improvement in the quality of experiments and projects compared to that of last year’s science fair. “It was Ms. Lianne’s idea of having a science fair last year. We really didn’t know what to expect and the results were quite surprising. This year, the quality of the projects is a lot better since the 5th and 6th graders have already done this last year and know what to do,” said Mr. Mike Wavrin, the grade five teacher. He further believed that science fairs give students an opportunity to venture freely into the practical aspects of science and learn something on their own as opposed to being taught in a small, restricted classroom. Most parents and teachers genuinely enjoyed watching students use their scientific skills and put a lot of effort in their projects. “I am very impressed. Most of the kids have put a lot of effort. They are quite creative and parents also get to take part too,” said Mr. John Luke, the president of the Board of Trustees and a parent at Schutz.

Just as parents and teachers enjoyed watching the science fair, students also enjoyed working on their projects. Last year’s science fair’s winner, 5th grade student Jonathan Drew, expressed his delight at the event as follows, “It takes a lot of hard work, but at the same time it is fun. And yes, it’s rewarding.” This year, each grade level had two winners each. The overall winner for the fair was Jaida Abbas, in grade 4 for her project on fingerprints. Most students expressed the fact that they learned a lot and found themselves applying whatever they had learnt in their projects. “One of the great things about science fair is that the students learn the scientific method and apply it. They have also worked with their parents on their projects and put in a lot of effort,” said Ms. Debbie Bacon, the grade four teacher.

Infantasy- World of Magic and Wonderment

Infantasy Chooses Schutz to Celebrate Easter and Mother’s Day
By Aya Kordy

An Easter festival along with a late celebration of Mother’s Day was held on the 10th of April, at Schutz American School. It was organized by the Infantasy team with the help of Elisa Jackson, the Marketing and Communication Coordinator. Infantasy’s aim was to set a world of fun and magic for the children, and indeed that aim was reached.

Upon entrance, kids were divided into five age ranges and given colored pennies according to their age group. Activities were divided into zones; each activity had a colored flag (same color as the pennies) that indicated which age range could participate at the game. Each activity ran in rounds through out the festival. Each round was about 25 minutes long (depending on the activity) and the child who succeeded in the game was given a prize. A total of one hundred and forty prizes were distributed to all of the winners and their mothers. After five hours of magic and enchantment, all the games came to an end, giving time and space for the huge egg hunt to commence. Ten prizes were given to the top two from each age range. Subsequently after the hunt, the tombola was initiated allowing five mothers to prevail gifts from El Kady Brothers (jewelry), kitchen objects and tickets to the movies.

There were several booths at the festival like; McDonalds, Bupa (health insurance), Leo Club of Alexandria (charity/ social club with the intention of selling enjoyable items for the kids). Activities and workshops included, arts and crafts, balloons tied to the feet, liquid painting, computer animation, cones race, pin the tail, sand pool race, bags jump race, egg in spoon race, surprise box, fishing race, ground board game and musical chairs.

The day was certainly a blast. Mothers referred to it as “children’s heaven on earth”. The Infantasy association came to be as it is today as a result of four female friends wanting to fulfill a need for kids that they felt missing. The phrase Infantasy is derived from both infant and fantasy combined together. The Infantasy association highlighted that their choice of place was Schutz American School, for its well- recognized and acknowledged reputation in the city of Alexandria.

New Blood, New Ideas

The Thought behind the Citizenship Award Program
By Farah Kashwa

At the beginning of the year, Ms. Rovack introduced a new program at Schutz American School: the Citizenship Award program. At a sit down with Ms. Rovack, she expressed that she wants for everyone to come to school feeling comfortable and not intimidated. Ms. Rovack continued by saying that sometimes when someone is emotionally upset, they can miss school or even do badly on assignments which would hold them back. It would also prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Because not every country in the world is the same in terms of culture and living style, the program could be implemented differently depending on the country. “I would continue this in my future schools. The program’s core would be the same, but just implemented differently. The main goal would be to help people become better”, explained Ms. Rovack. Ms. Rovack also stressed that the role of a psychologist is different from the role of a counselor. In some big schools where she has worked, they had a psychologist and also a counselor. So sometimes her work plan for the year did not allow her to have such a program. But at an age when students face a lot of peer pressure, they need something that will help them become better people ethically.

Students should know that being a good and kind person is as important as being smart. People who have good morals and who are good and king help make the world we live in a better place. Since school is an academic based facility, good grades are celebrated so it is refreshing to have a program that shows another side of the students.

Ms. Rovack will change the awards the next month to stir things up. For next year, she plans on working to make advisory better. She is also very open to students’ feedback and comments about anything. She also welcomes all students for a talk.

Love amidst the World of Coat Hangers

Elanor Wren, New Baby On Board
By Hanna El-Amrawi

As of the next school year, over ten teachers have decided to leave our campus. With many new faces coming in, it just seems like Schutz will never be the same. However, two recognizable faces, that we will still be able to spot in the crowd, will be the Ortegas. The Ortegas are one of the few couples at Schutz who have decided to remain with us on campus. “We love the Schutz community, especially the teachers we work with” stated Mr. Ortega, the Kindergarten teacher. They love the Schutz community so much, that they want their new born baby girl, Elanor Wren Ortega, to be raised amidst the Schutz family.

The Ortegas moved to Schutz two years ago from sunny California. Mr. Ortega attended San Francisco State University for his undergraduate studies and then, did his masters in childhood learning at Bankstreet University in New York. When asked which state he liked more, he replied with; “My heart is always in California”. While Mr. Ortega was doing his undergraduate studies, he took a part-time job at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts, as a coat hanger. “It is the coolest job ever! You don’t do much work, just hang people’s coats, plus you get paid well!”, explained Mr. Ortega. Not only was this a fun job that paid well, but it was also where he met his true love, Mrs. Jill Ortega. Mrs. Jill, the current 2nd grade teacher, also happened to work as a coat hanger at the same museum. Since there was a lot of free time, the two were able to get to know each other very well. It was not surprising that within a few years the couple was happily married. “We never get sick of each other, we have been together for six years! And I just love her”, explained Mr. Ortega. After some work experience at several schools, the Ortegas got many interviews; one being to teach at Schutz American School. Mr. Ortega admits that the couple at first went into the interview as a joke; they just wanted to have an experience at being interviewed. “We had no plans whatsoever of moving to Africa or to the Middle East”, explained the couple. However, when they sat down with Matthew Farwell, the ex-principal, they just loved him! Within a few months they were all packed and ready to head to Alexandria. “We wanted Egypt to surprise us, we came having no expectations”, stated Mr. Ortega.

Having come with no expectations set, Schutz definitely blew their minds away. They feel proud that they part of the Schutz community. Once entering the classrooms, the Ortegas became attached to the children they taught. “I have been teaching early childhood for nine years, but the children I teach her at Schutz are different. They love to learn and I love to teach them” stated Mr. Ortega. For the past two years, Mr. Ortega has been teaching Kindergarten, but as of next year, he will be teaching the second graders. “I am ready to start something new”, he explained. Mrs. Jill will also be trying something new, as she will be staying at home and taking care of Elanor. “Jill and I not only love her, but we like her a lot”.

Well Mr. and Mrs. Ortaga, we are glad you decided to stay with us on campus! And we welcome Elanor Wren Curtleck with open arms into our Schutz family.

One, Two, Three, Let’s Dance

Our Schutz Dances are lacking support
By Hanna El-Amrawi

“One, Two, Three, Let’s Dance!” That seems to be the motto for most school dances. In most schools, as soon as hearts are pinned up, Christmas trees are decorated, or Easter eggs are found, students rush home in order to get themselves ready for their schools dances. The talk and the excitement of the upcoming school dance buzzes around for weeks before. Yet, in Schutz American School, everything is different.

It seems to me, that when grade levels are assigned to plan a school dance it is almost a drag. If there is no enthusiasm in planning the event, what makes you think students will want to come? Most of the students are not dedicated and are almost forced to attend the event. Because of the lack of spirit, other students just choose not to attend.

I have seen students walk right passed poster that are hung for their school dances, without even stopping for a second to take a glance at the time of the dance. I have seen organizing students beg the other students to come, but still with the same dreary expression on their face. So what exactly is the problem? Is it a cultural reason why students do not attend? Is it the lack of enthusiasm? Or do Schutz students simply have better things to do? School dances are supposed to be a way for students of all grade levels to get together in a carefree zone and just party all night long. It is supposed to be a way for students to socialize on campus. There are some people though that choose to attend, but once they step in the auditorium they realize that no one is dancing and instead everyone is sitting outside chatting. So what’s the point of a dance if no one will get their grove on?
So why don’t we try to put more excitement and seize the opportunity of school dances? I know that the Falcon dance is coming up soon! Is anyone ready to attend? Come on let's spread the word!

The Gigantic Turnover!

After This Year, Only Two Familiar Faces Remain
By Ingy Fahmy

At the start of next year, only two high school foreign-hire teachers will be present from this year’s teaching staff. The faculty turnover will be huge at the beginning of the upcoming academic year and it is questionable just how much change the Schutz community can handle at a time.

Living in Alexandria, or in Egypt, in general can be a huge adjustment to many individuals who are unfamiliar with Egyptian cultural styles. This unfamiliarity can be a cause for many teachers to decide to either break their contracts or leave right when the contract expires without wanting to renew it. These situations have happened in the past, particularly over the past four years or so. A lot of these individuals just cannot adjust well to cultures that are completely different from what they have been harbored in or accustomed to.

Another reason Schutz is suffering from such a huge turnover is as a consequence or results of experiencing staff retention in the past couple of years. In particular, two years ago, Schutz underwent a major change in the faculty teachers. The case at the time was that a few teachers broke their contracts and decided to leave either at the end of the school year, meaning their contract of two years would be disregarded, or even in the middle of the school year. Consequently, Schutz offers its teachers a two-year contract, which means that the new teachers who arrived two years ago completed their time and would like to move on to new places. Many of the teachers during this period were not content with the behavior and performance of the overall Upper School student body. Others were simply not satisfied with the city and its offering as well as the school as a whole.

Since then, there have been major improvements on the students’ behalf. Many assemblies and workshops held by various organization including the Schutz Honor Society, High School Student Council, and competitions organized by Schutz’s counselor, Ms. Rovack. However, it would be non-realistic to propose that Schutz students are exhibiting perfect behavior and achieving 100% in performance. Consequently, many of the teachers leaving this year did not mention that the reason for their departure had anything to do with students’ behavior.

Reasons for departure vary from one teacher to the next: some want to be constantly on the move, others are committed to family reasons, some dislike the culture of the country and the students, others are unsatisfied with the administration, some decide they want to retire, while others even settle on a different job field. Either way, the Schutz community suffers greatly from such changes happening all at once. I believe one way to escape this fate is to be sure of the new faculty teachers being hired. When potential teachers are being interviewed, they should be asked about any plans or their intentions of their post-two year contract. There should be a variance in the teachers hired based on the answer to the questions in this particular area. Schutz should no be destined to undergo a massive turnover every couple of years. Just because it started a few years back does not make it okay for the following years to be walking down the same path. We need faculty to go one-by-one, not all at once.