Student Voices and Opinions

Starting from Sunday night, February 22 into Monday, February 23, 2026, a snow blizzard struck multiple places, causing NYC public schools to be closed with no remote learning. This snow storm caused worldwide closures including travel bans, power outages, and closed schools. This blizzard was very unexpected and had caused an abrupt change in many schedules. The storm created 2 feet of snow in many areas with some areas reaching 2.5+ feet. The last snow day before Monday, Fe

Clubs and sports play an important role in the student experience at MVB by giving students opportunities beyond the classroom. Many students choose to participate in activities that match their interests, whether they enjoy athletics, creativity, leadership, or teamwork. These programs help make school more engaging and enjoyable for students. Being involved also allows students to feel more connected to the school community. Participating in clubs and sports at MVB helps st

With examinations coming up, last-minute study sessions, and a huge heap of work, it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos and drift away from things that matter most. Managing the time for selfcare isn’t easy, but it definitely is possible. While studying, it’s important to keep these tips in mind. Stop procrastinating. While this feels harder than it seems, it’s time to suck it up because it’ll definitely save you in the long run. Procrastination breeds unaccountability

Due to the pandemic, social media skyrocketed in popularity, specifically among the youth. With the internet becoming a necessity and a part of daily life for most during this time, the social media usage surged approximately 50% more than it did in circa 2010s. But how does this expansion of social media use affect how we perceive? With the internet becoming more normalized as the years go by, more people are using it as a tool of comfort. With many types of content to choos

Racism in school is completely unreasonable and unethical. School is a place of self growth and self discovery, but how is that possible when everyone is telling who you're supposed to be based on your race. The unoriginal names down the hall, the weird nicknames that you don't understand or the “funny” jokes that you hear everyone laugh at. As a school, as a community, as people, we shouldn't make close-minded comments on a topic we don't understand ourselves. In Newark Scho

As of the 2025 school year, Martin Van Buren had started a phone ban. They ordered students to lock their phones in a "Yondr pouch.” Many students were very upset about this because they could not use their phone during school hours. In my opinion I think that the phone ban is not necessary because students need their phone. This is because in case of an emergency, they would need to contact someone. A phone would be very useful during those times. Although, I consider that

AI is a computer system that mimics human intelligence to learn, solve problems, and make decisions. Loads of people use it on a daily basis without knowing the dangers of it. Many students turn to AI when they don’t know how to solve something, or if they’re too lazy to even try. I think that this is a huge problem because not only is it holding students from their true potential, it is also very harmful to the environment. AI uses massive energy and water consumption that

Being on the soccer team made me want to discipline myself and train better to be the best. It was a good experience for me, and even though I sometimes wanted to give up, I still had fun. This was my first year as a soccer player, and I played midfielder, which meant I had to stay active during games. One of the hardest parts for me was passing the ball and kicking to my teammates, especially during fast plays, but it pushed me to focus more and improve. Even though some gam

On Friday December 5th, Martin Van Buren hosted its annual Homecoming dance. If students were interested they could also run for homecoming queen or king. Everyone was so excited and talked about it for days. When the day finally came everyone flooded the gym ready to dance. The event started at 5:30 p.m. and ended around 8:00 p.m. Arriving in the gym t we saw drinks, snacks, beautiful decorations, and the DJ booth. We all danced, interacted, and overall had a great time. T

Gratitude and appreciation is a wonderful trait adults encourage from a young age. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it raises the question: how does one remain grateful in the midst of hardship? Both adolescents and early adults can struggle to answer this question, because it tests one’s wisdom and faith to see the light after an arduous and windy path. That journey isn’t easy when life throws curve balls at you, beats you down, and you’re in dire need of refuge. It

When coming to the school I was interested in joining the cheer team. I was kind of nervous but my friend influenced me to join because she was on the team. My mind was hesitant because I was nervous. When the week of tryouts came I encouraged myself to go to tryouts. During tryouts I was still a bit nervous. Being around many girls wasn’t new to me because I used to be on an Allstar cheerleading team, but I haven’t been around many girls in a while. We had to learn a dance i

Artificial intelligence has rapidly been growing within the past few years and has seen immense changes from when it first arose. Since before the pandemic artificial intelligence was known but not to the extent it is now. Opening social media platforms like X or Instagram you are bound to be shown by there algorithms a video created by AI and you may not even know. Priorly social media was filled with unique imagery which showcased creators creativity and uniqueness. However

Every October, people around the world come together to raise awareness for breast cancer. This month is dedicated to educating communities, supporting those fighting the disease, and honoring the survivors who inspire others with their strength. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, and early detection plays a major role in saving lives. That’s why spreading awareness is so important—reminding people to get regular checkups, know the signs, and support research ef

On Thursday, September 4th, the New York statewide phone ban went into effect, including Martin Van Buren. Most people were furious hearing that this ban was effective but is it really that bad? Well some students from the school said it helped them make new friends and meet new people. While on the other hand some said it made them just sleep and zone out in every class. The day started with children getting their pouches with a ticket. This ticket gave them free ice cream.