Newspaperqtr12013

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THE SCORPION TIMESQuarter 1, 2013 Issue No. 7

Desert Sands Middle School

The Syrian Conflict By: Ulises Castillo, Hawks

Some students are worried about the recent discussions of the war that might occur with Syria because of the chemical weapons that they have. “The downside would be that Syria could decide to use the chemical weapons on us,” said Blake Avenetti.

If they decide to use their chemical weapons in war the results could be disastrous.

Jesus Ordaz said, “one thing that would be bad about this war, as with all wars, is the death of our soldiers,”.

“They are a threat because they are using chemical weapons and could basically bomb anyone at any moment,” Blake adds.

“Obama says we have to go to war with Syria because they are a big threat to themselves and everyone around them,” Alexandra Dominguez said.

We always have to consider the safety of ourselves and others.“This war, if it happens, could end up pretty bad, but if we do not do anything it could end even worse, so in all I think it is important that we go to war with them,” Jesus concludes.

Preventing and Preparing for School ShootingsBy: Jasmin Nunez, Gila Monsters Over the years the numbers of school shootings have increased, because of that schools have been more prepared for them and they have also figured out ways to prevent them. One way they are preventing them is by “putting more resource officers on campuses throughout the country,” said Officer Wilson. “Schools prepare themselves more and teachers are more aware of any uprising problems,” mentions Mr. Nelson. At Desert Sands Middle School we practice lockdowns. ‘’Students at Desert Sands have the choice to go to the Silent Witness program, they have the choice to talk to Officer Wilson, or a teacher if necessary,’’ said Ms. Vincent.The Silent Witness Protection program is confidential. ‘’Chances of a school shootings happening are slim, it is like trying to win the lottery,’’ mentions Officer Wilson. School shootings are being taken seriously and are being prevented.

Students Beating Cancer By: Alejandra Paez Flores, Gila Monsters Millions of kids die every day which is caused by cancer. There are lots of different types of cancer all over the world, cancer is a disease that attacks the human body that could lead you to every thing for example die.

“I would feel scared and sad because it is just hard to beat cancer,” said Brasilia Villanueva.

A lot of people with cancer feel that way but they never give up.

“If people made fun of me I would feel mad because like people say, don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” said Esmeralda Enriques.

People do not understand that just because you have cancer you could be different. For example some people lose your hair but that doesn't mean that you're different.

If today you feel bored you could help someone with cancer, I am pretty sure you will feel better, you could help them by donating your hair, giving out toys, etc.

“I would donate my hair to someone with cancer,” said Brasilia.

If you would like to do this there is a teacher in Desert Sands Middle School that could give more information.

A lot of people do that and that is a very good idea.

“I would have cancer i would feel different because people will treat me different,” said Alexis Moya.

A lot of people with cancer have a hard time but they never give up and keep trying to beat it until its over.

Global Warming and Climate ChangeBy: Angelica Ramirez-Leon, Roadrunner Global warming and climate change is a major issue today and because of this we are losing a wide variety of plants and animals. “Be careful about how you are treating the environment and the things you are doing, ” said Ms.Tharp. The things we are doing are causing global warming and climate change. Some of the cause of global warming and climate change are man made. “Lots of animals, different natural environments, and different natural resources,’’ said Mrs.Robbins. We are gonna lose our animals, different natural environments, and different natural resources if we don’t slow down global warming. “We will encounter a lo of life and loss of things we were raised with,” said Mrs. Robbins. Many things we were raised with will be gone, because of our actions with not taking care of our environment. “Everybody should be worried about global warming and climate change,” said Ms. Roberts. Everyone should be worried about global warming and climate change because it is an awful thing and it can affect the future by taking away things we raised with and things we need we need to act now to create a better place for everyone.

World Concerns Section

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2013-2014 Student Council Plan By: Sandra Casas, Hawk Team Student Council is trying to make the 2013-2014 school year at Desert Sands Middle School a successful and fun year by planning great activities. There is one question many students will have, will there be as many activities as last year since we have a new principal?

Kimberly M. said, “I think there will be fewer activities because we are barely getting used to our new principal and she is not used to us having that many activities.”

“I think its important to have these activities so students can get excited to come to school and be like there is an activity today we should go and try our hardest so we can join the activity,” said Kimberly M. This is why the Student Council activities is so important.

If you have any suggestions of the activities Student Council should consider, talk to one of the Student Council Members or talk to Mr. Halverson, because he is the one in charge of Student Council. Many students are looking forward to having a fun and experienced year here at DSMS and by joining in Student Council activities you can do that!

Make Your Own ClubBy: Vanessa Aragon, Gila Monsters

Every year, after school, kids stay to participate in activities. The students that do not go, would wish they had more clubs to choose from. There are not enough and not everyone is into sports, schools have to make more activities to get kids interested

“Kids need motivation to enjoy and to actually like coming to school,” said Jocelinne Torres.

“I really think it would be a great idea if we had a math club, Ms. Jacobs has been wanting to start one for a while, but most importantly we should have a video game club, I know a lot of kids that would love it!” said Ms. Gillen.

If we get more kids to get excited, more of them will come to school happily, and would not miss out on school. “Kids need to have choices, they don’t want a regular activity, they need more excitement”, said Jocelinne Torres. It would be really cool if we could have a dance, cooking, or art club,” said Melissa Payan. When kids have more options kids are more likely to pick one that interests them. In order to accomplish this, we need to have fundraisers to get money and buy what is necessary to join, and to establish it we also need a location to actually have the club. Most importantly, we need to interest kids into joining, and create extra activities they will enjoy. To get kids more anxious about coming to school, we need to make it fun and thrilling by offering after school clubs.

Brother’s Grimm: Out of OrderBy Elizabeth Hernandez, Gila Monsters Ms. Gillen and the Drama Club will be putting on a play called, Brother’s Grimm: Out of Order, in the cafeteria on September 25 at 4:00 PM and September 26 at 6:00 PM, they are doing this for fun and to entertain others.

“It is a comedy that’s fun, enjoyable, and something you can really get into, ” said Minka Bower.

It’s a short, sweet play that appeals to people of all ages.

They practice Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, after school in the cafeteria, on stage.

“They practice over and over until they get the scene right,” said Ms.Gillen. “It’s exciting and there is a contagious enthusiasm to keep my spirits up, so it never gets boring, ” said Vanessa Urbina. “The characters in the play have very distinctive personalities, ” said Minka. Some characters are in a relationship, some are shy, and some are neurotic and want everything perfect. “We get props by asking the students and teachers for donations and we buy whatever is still needed ourselves,” said Ms. Gillen,the Drama Club has many props behind stage already and only very interesting costumes are what is left to get. the people who were interested in building the set built it went to the cafeteria, helped build it and finished ahead of schedule, so it is now ready to practice scenes with.

“We hope to do more plays in the future,” said Ms. Gillen.

Wake Up ClubBy: Samantha Adame, Hawks In Wake Up Club, Officer Wilson takes the Wake Up student members to a community project every Saturday in the morning because we have to help out the community. We go to these projects to help out the community and we work hard. “It is fun and I can learn from right to wrong and help the community to be a better place,” said Samantha Flores. Wake Up helps you to learn responsibility. Officer Wilson encourages kids to join Wake Up. “Kids will end up learning to develop pride for their community,” said Officer Wilson. Wake Up is important because you are helping your community and the people around you by working together. “I want to help our community to make it a better place, so everyone thinks its a positive place to be and keep coming,” said Samantha Flores. Monica Rivera said, “We have to make our community a better place for everyone around us.”

2013 Wake Up ClubPhoto by Yearbook Staff

Student Clubs

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YearbookBy: Latena Soto, Gila Monsters

This year at Desert Sands Middle School, we will be having a yearbook it is currently being sold in the Library for $25 until the beginning of December.

Yearbook is a club that students were able to join in the beginning of the year it they wanted to.

In yearbook club we do things to advertise the yearbook and take pictures of yearbook. We also take pictures of volleyball, soccer, drama, teams, classes and other clubs.

Mrs. Jancoski said, “I hope the students go to take pictures of all the sport teams, educational teams such as Hawks, Gila Monster, and that kind of thing and I'm hoping we can have student life and pictures of everyone else.”

Roberta Collins said, “Yearbook is important because it lets people see things that our school does.”

Nikki Burton said, “The most important topic in the yearbook is what goes on in the classrooms, cafeteria, sports and during lunch.”

Roberta Collins stated, “We should have yearbook every year because it brings good memories at DSMS and people will be able to look back to when they were young.”

DSMS should have a yearbook every year. What are you looking forward to in the yearbook?

Scorpions on the run By: Juan Ramirez, Gila Monsters Cross country runners at Desert Sands Middle school have practice every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday every week. We run at a lot of different parks from Cortez Park, La Pradera, Western Valley, Santa Maria, Granada, Grand Canal Linear Park and the Finals Trevor Brown. Cross country is a sport in our school and we run to be athletic.

Our coach Mrs. McCoy stated, “To me, in this sport, you need to be determined and disciplined, breathing, stamina, and seeing how hard you can push yourself and your team.”

Gabriel Gonzales said, “You need to be able to run a lot and practice breathing and how you conserve your energy.”

Mrs. McCoy said, “I want to get our team to the finals.”

One of our runners Alejandra Paez Flores said, “For me, I stretch a lot before our meets and jog through most of it, the race, and sprint the last of it to the finish.”

The team practices out in the sixth grade field and in our gym.

We are only twenty strong and we plan on winning this years finals but only seven of our best can go to the finals. We are the underdogs of all the other sport teams on campus,and we plan on winning this year.

New Game By: Annette Rios, Gila Monsters During the Spring, Desert Sands Middle School students do not get to play lacrosse out on the field because there’s no money, equipment, and perhaps no one knows about lacrosse. “Lacrosse is very similar to soccer,” said Ms. Barrett.

“Since there is a lot of running in lacrosse, maybe soccer players might play,” said Ms.Barrett. When playing lacrosse there is a lot of running and a lot of cradling the ball, just like soccer players; they have to take care

of the ball.“You will learn how to be focused, and learn how to have good sportsmanship,” said Ms.Barrett. You will learn good sportsmanship by not cheating, by complementing the team, not making fun of the players.“It will help students be in shape,” said Ms. Ekland.Lacrosse is a form of cardio and it will improve your arm strength.The type of fundraisers we should have to get a lacrosse team. “We can do like a dunk tank a dunk teachers,” said Ms. Barrett.“Sell tie-dye t-shirts,” said Ms.Yancy.“If students knew about it, they would have fun,” said Ms. Barrett. If students knew lacrosse and knew how to play it and how fun it is, they would play it.

A sneak preview of the cover of the 2013-2014 yearbook.

Student Clubs/Sports

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Students Want a Touchdown!By: Gisselle Garcia, Gila Monsters Students at Desert Sands Middle School would like, if we had football every year for another choice of sports with the help of V.A.C. (Valley Athletic Conference). The reason Desert Sands does not have football is because of the lights. By this we need approval from the city and the district.

Mrs. Yancy said, “we don’t have football because the lights might bother the schools neighbors. We will need money because football is very expensive since we need to pay for all of the uniform and equipment. “We will get money by having fundraisers,” said Dania Mendez. If we were to have a football team “I think Mrs. Yancy would be a good coach for the schools football team,” said Dezare Grandi.

Dania Mendez disagrees she say’s “I think Mr. Gonzalez is a good coach because he enjoys football and would be very supportive.”Football here at Desert Sands would be a great idea and we should really try it out!

Boys and Girls Soccer: What is the difference?By: Lydiana Tavizon, Hawks During the fall students from Desert Sands play for sport teams to represent their school, in boys and girls soccer they practice hard to make it in the playoffs and to defeat Estrella, but they practice differently.

Boy’s soccer team take on other schools By: Phillip Crabtree, Roadrunners The boys soccer team at Desert Sands Middle School prepare for games with a strategy to defeat the other teams, by running a lot and by trying there hardest on their ball skills like shooting, dribbling , and passing the ball. “Play as a team, don’t be a sore loser and have fun while you play,” said Angel Salazar. One way the boys play as a team is by passing the ball to each other in different ways. “We are on a winning streak with no losses,” said Ruben Oliguin. They have beaten Madison, Estrella, and Castro so far. “They all know each other and are good friends and treat each other like family,” said Angel Salazar. If they did something that was good they say support them with cheers, and give them high fives. “I have been playing soccer since I was little,” said Alvaro Garcia. He has been playing a lot, so he’s well experienced and he can show other people things that other people on the team don’t know how to do. They are going to dominate this season due to their team work.

“Drills that pertain to kicking, dribbling, and passing,” from the girls’ soccer coach, Mr. Enders. For the girls’ soccer they do a series of drills that help them get better for the next game. “We work on passing skills and shooting skills, also dribbling,” stated from boys’ soccer coach Mr. Flores. During the boys’ practices, they use the entire hour to focus on each and every skill.

“My players’ dads, players themselves, and from my own research .” said Mr.Enders on the topic of how they get the practices down.

Some of the drills aren’t just coming straight from their head they research it from various sources.

The boys’ captain for the soccer team, Glademir Mendoza, goes on YouTube to search drills for his team to practice.

For both boys’ and girls’ practices the intensity level is raised high.

“My mentality is to practice them as much as their willing to,” stated Mr.Enders.

The boys’ and girls’ soccer both do not waste their time at practices; the boys and girls use the entire hour to practice. At the end, the practice for both boys and girls would hopefully be enough to win playoffs and against Estrella.

Name not on the list?By: Bianca Bastidas Beltran, Roadrunner On Friday, August 16th, many 8th grade girls tried out for the volleyball team for Desert Sands Middle School in the gym, unfortunately not a lot of them made it since their name was not on the list.

“I was confused because I made the first cut but not the second,” said Liliana B. and Abigail B.

They shouldn’t get too confident if they make the first cut, they should practice for the second cut, when it gets tougher.

“Bianca, Iveth, Illusion, Raquel, and Emmanuela made the team,” Abigail B., Carmen A., and Liliana B. said, “It’s maybe because they were confident and tried their best.”

Next time, when they are nervous about tryouts they should just imagine the good things, that can help them think positively.

The friends of Abigail, Liliana, and Carmen that tried out said, “They’re good so it doesn’t really matter if they made the team.”

It’s good that they support their friends, they should keep practicing on their volleyball skills.Remember that if you truly love volleyball you should keep practicing for next year’s tryouts.

The 2013 DSMS Boys Soccer Team.

Student Sports

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Expectations for the VipersBy: Justin Chavez, Gila Monsters On August 7, 2013 the new 7th graders at Desert Sands Middle School, on the Vipers team got to hear the new expectations for their team. Some expectations are new for them because there are two new teachers on the Viper team. “The expectations did not change, there the same from last year, we only need to be more strict.” said, Mrs. Rose. Being strict is important because some kids do not behave if the teachers are nice to them, because the teachers wants the best for them. “I expect my students to follow the expectations inside the classroom and outside the classroom.” said, Ms. Sullivan. Following the expectations everywhere in school is showing that you are respectful. “We change the expectations as the needs rise,” said Mrs. Rose. Changing the expectations as the needs rise is good because you could see which expectations work and the expectations that do not work. “The new team leader of the Vipers team is Mrs. Rose.”said, Ms. Sullivan. Mrs. Rose is going to be the best leader for the Vipers team. The expectations are not hard to understand for the Vipers team. You only need to behave. And do not let the expectations to change because of your behavior.

Fear of High SchoolBy: Mariela Medina, Hawks Next year, all 8th graders will be saying goodbye to this campus and saying hello to another campus. All my classmates and friends have a different perspective on what high school will be like. High school classes are more challenging because they expect more out of you and from your teachers that are preparing you for college. “I am scared that the classes will be too difficult and will not pass,” Alexa Toledo said. They say high school is a new beginning and a whole new concept. “I am looking forward to high school because its a new beginning and people say high school years are always the best,” said Citlalli Sanchez. Most of the students attending Desert Sands Middle School will be going to either Maryvale or Trevor G. Browne, since those are the schools in the area. “Almost all of my friends will be attending a different school as is me,” Alexa Toledo said. “I will miss all of my friends, i’ve been with them for four years, they are like my family,” said Alexa Toledo. High schools look at your junior high grades to place you in classes based on your learning level. “My goal for this year is to get straight A’s because high schools check our past grades,” Citlalli said. People have mixed feelings about high school. “I am excited to go to high school, but scared at the same time,” said Alexandra Dominguez.

Everyone has a different opinion on high school, some are terrified and some are anxious but we are all looking forward to it.

Our First Memorable Dance Dania Mendez, Gila Monster On Friday September 6, 2013 the first dance was held at Desert Sands Middle School in the cafeteria. The students went to the dance to have fun, and just hang out with friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. “I think kids should go to the dance, because it is a great way to take a break from all their hard work at school,” said Gisselle Garcia. “Going to the dance is also better than being stuck bored at home,” said Rachel Carranza. In fact going to the dance is a splendid way to spend your usual Friday. Esmeralda Martinez said,”I go to the dance because it is a fun experience.”

The dance is fun because the music is always entertaining, snacks are good, and friends are awesome. Gisselle said, ”I like to dance most of the group dances, such as the Cupid Shuffle, and the Cha-Cha Slide.”

Electric Slide, Wobble, Gangnam Style, and other group dances are fun to do with friends as well. Gisselle also said, ”Many kids go to the dance because they enjoy having fun, and dancing with friends.” Dances should be enjoyable for all kids at DSMS.

Students concerning non-uniform By: Sherry Trujillo,Roadrunner Desert Sands Middle School students are now wondering about dress code and about our uniforms because some students want to wear non-uniform. Students would like to wear non-uniform everyday of the week. Stephanie Cazares has said “No to uniforms, because we can not express our self or our personality.” We all look the same because we all wear uniforms. “Kids with non-uniform, go crazy, they don’t cooperate and without uniforms,” Leslie Tejada said. Kids act worse when there are free dress days because they don’t care about learning because students think they could do what they want without uniforms. “Kids would probably wear things they like if we did not have a uniform rule,” said Stephanie Cazares. The kids at DSMS want non-uniform rules to change before the next school year whether that be more free dress days or a different type of uniform, something needs to be done.

Student Concerns

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Batman Vs. Green Arrow-Fight of the CenturyBy: Ivan Gutierrez, Gila Monsters Batman is the alter ego of the billionaire Bruce Wayne from DC Comics and DC Universe, Green arrow is the alter ego of Oliver Queen, who is also from DC universe, both of these characters are superheroes but who is the big cheese? Anthony Garrett said, “Batman has a superior advantage against Green Arrow.”

Batman has armor that deflects arrows. Batman also is trained in all forms of hand to hand combat. Batman would also be better in Star City where he can blend in at night. Anthony Garrett said “Green Arrow can not really blend in endless he is in a forest”

They both make their own weapons. Green Arrow only has his arrows, while batman has his batarangs, disruptor (this can disable projectile weapons), ect.

Jasmin Nunez said, “One of his best weapons is his Batmobile.” It is armed with a variety of weapons. Green Arrow only has arrows but he does have trick arrows. He has explosive, tracking and. ect.

Dania Mendez said, “His batarangs are most well known.”

Batman is an orphan. His parents were killed right in front of him. After that his butler Alfred took care of him. Green Arrow idolized Robin hood has a child, one day on a safari trip his parents were mauled by lions. He was a good archer but was still not into killing. Batman will definitely win with his skill and lines of weaponry. Green Arrow will not have a chance even if he has a struck of luck.

One Direction Movie PremiereBy: Sarely Hernandez, Hawk On Friday, August 30th the One Direction movie was released and most fans were crazy for the movie to come out at the theaters because they love One Direction. ‘‘I would not change anything, Morgane did a good job with the boys,’’ said Yareli. ‘’One direction parents were proud of them,’’ said Yareli. Most people cry or get emotional when they see movies, not all the time, only if the movie really touches you. “Lots of people were screaming, crying, and yelling,’’ said Yareli.

The reason Yareli went to see the one direction movie is because she likes the band.

“It was a very emotional movie,’’ said Yareli.

Also, imagine yourself going on tour constantly like One Direction. “It must be hard to be on tour,’’ said Yareli. I think people are looking forward to see what One Direction will do next.

Apple Vs MicrosoftBy: Jesus Sanchez, Gila Monsters Apple and Microsoft are two of the biggest companies in the USA, but who is better? “Bill Gates back in the day, he got bet that he wasn’t going to make an operating system, that is how it started for him. Then Steve Jobs saw his opportunity to start a competition,” said Vern Rhoads. He did make an operating system [Xbox] for example.

“The thing that makes them different is that Apple is a closed source

and Microsoft is an opened source,” said Vern.

Apple is too constricted because it will pop up saying give your information or give that.

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were computer people back in the day.

There is a movie about them talking about how they like computers.

“Apple is better because its more expensive,” said Angel.

Apple is expensive because the iPhone cost at least $200 when it came out.

So which one would you choose?

Student Opinions

Mexican Food Flavor Greatness By: Edward Nuñez, Hawks Kids, students, and adults all eat at Filiberto’s Restaurant during the weekends and weekdays because they like to enjoy Mexican food by buying and eating delicious meals. “A man with mexican roots that enjoys mexican food created Filiberto’s,” said Erick Barron, Hawks. A man who wanted to bring mexican food into America created Filiberto’s. “The best time to eat there is a special occasion, and also when you are craving great food,” said Humberto Hernandez, Hawks. “The prices are not expensive nor cheap, they are just average,” said Yarelli Contreras, Hawks. Some of the prices at Filiberto’s are $5 or less. “The prices are cheap and convenient,” said Erick Barron, Hawks. One of their locations is a restaurant which is located on 67th Ave and Indian School. Kids convince parents by telling them that it “shows their culture,” said Yarelli Contreras, Hawks. People think the food is delicious because it has good flavor, spices, and it brings Mexico into the family. Filiberto’s Restaurant is very tasty and enjoyable!

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Free dress days at schoolBy: Brasilia Villanueva, Gila Monsters Students at Desert Sands Middle School like having free dress down days more than once a month because that way they can show more their personality and what they like. “I think we should have more free dress down days,” said Alejandra Paez. “I think we should not wear inappropriate clothes for school because school is to learn, not a party,” said Alexis Moya. Actually, we should not wear inappropriate clothes, like no spaghetti straps, but we should have more free dress downs days. Alexis said, “I think uniform is better because its less money and do not have to spend time choosing your clothes for the next day.” It is better having uniform than spending a lot of money on just a shirt because you can buy two uniform shirts with the money you can spend on just one shirt.

“If we were to have free dress downs more than once a month, I would pay,” said Alejandra. Most of the students would like to pay once a month if we had free dress downs. Alejandra said, “If we had free dress down days almost every week I would not pay, but if we had it once a month I would not pay.” As a fact, students at school say that it’s just a waste of money. A Lot of people want to express themselves by having more free dress downs days to show their personality and express themselves.

All About Field TripsBy: Karla Urioste, Hawks Field trips, every school has them but some schools more than others. Students and teachers are allowed to go on school field trips. The field trips take place anywhere, but mainly somewhere academic and these field trips can occur any day. There are many reasons why to go on a field trip, also we have to use the school bus as transportation to get there. “The school has always been going on school field trips,” said Dr. Ikeler. “God knows how long,” said Ms.Cartwright. Field trips have been a part of this school for a while now. “Due to money and academic time away from school, we only get about two or three field trips a year,” said Ms. Cartwright. Money and time away from school causes us to have fewer field trips because the school doesn't make as much money to go on field trips every month or so and the time away from it affects us students in a big way. “It can take anywhere from hours to months, planning field trip,” said Dr. Ikeler. It all depends what type of field trips we go to and where it is, but overall, planning a field trip takes time. Field trips include commitment and time, but is really fun and enjoyable because we get to be away from school with our friends for a few hours.

Photo from the Photo Booth at the first school dance were students were allowed to have free dress down.

Agreements on Fun FridayBy: Renee Martinez, Roadrunners

The students want to have more fun on Fridays, like in the past where we were able to be outside with a D.J. We should do this every Friday but there needs to be some guidelines.

“Everyone should be involved, but the students that are in trouble should have a consequence,” Mrs. Fisher said.

In order to go to the fun friday students will have to be well-behaved.

“The students who deserve it should go,” Jasmin Nunez said.

There would also be fun activities, not just dealing with discipline situations.

“If there were a D.J. playing, it would be called a dance,” Mrs. Fisher said.

Fun Friday could be different than just a D.J. since that is a dance, perhaps we could have different activities.

“The D.J. would be playing music, student council would sell food etc.,” Ivan Gutierrez said.

Fun Friday is for those who participate appropriately in school and it is an opportunity to have fun!

Student Opinions/Notifications

A Note from Mrs. McCoy:Phoenix Union High School District is hosting its 2nd Annual High School Night on Thursday, October 24th from 5:30-7:00at Atkinson Middle School. This is open to all 8th grade students. If you have any questions please ask Mrs. McCoy.

Lateral Thinking Contest!Ms. Jacobs is doing her famous lateral thinking contest and is providing it campus-wide this year! That's right, grades 6, 7, and 8 are all invited to come by Ms. Jacobs' room, room 46, to join in the Lateral Thinking Contest! Come by before or after school to pick up a submission slip and answer the question. You are allowed one yes or no question per student to discover the answer. Be open-minding, creative, and flexible in your thinking! The first drawing will be October 25th @ 8:30 a.m. The first prize is an appropriate prize of the students choice! So, how do YOU think?

Poor ImpersonationAn actress is hired to impersonate an heiress who has died. The actress looks very much like the heiress. Her acting is superb. She watches videos of the women and works tirelessly in front of a mirror to develop an excellent imitation of the woman's appearance, mannerisms, and voice. Yet she is soon exposed as an impostor. Why?

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Sudoko Puzzle

Puzzles and Cartoons8

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Poems by Ms. Krokowski’s 8th Grade Hawk Reading Class

We have been studying and analyzing poetry in order to distinguish between the topic and theme. Our goal was to recognize the message/moral the author conveys to the reader.

BATTLE SCARSBy: Anthony VielmaDearly beloved, I know that you are struggling, And I know that it is hard for you, I want you to know that I do notice Whether or not you want me to, When you forget to cover your arms, I see your battle scars

I see that you have been strong, But I do know for how long, I see you've been doing fine, And I see how often you divert your eyes from mine,

I see the way your soul shines, And the way you wear your smile long and proud, Each and every day, Although on the inside, You're rotting away, But do not fear, my dear, Your ending is far from here

I will live to see you live, To see you heal, To see you peal away at the shell, The shell that you've been hiding in for so long, That only lets you smile for so long, Because once you're home, You're all alone

Alone so that your mind, Your mind which harms you so,It leaves you only yourself to find And this quest is far too difficult to complete on your own, But you refuse to let your wounds be sewnAnd you lie alone, both happy and sad, And you wonder why you're so mad, You wonder why it hasn't gotten better

But, just know, my little fighter, That you're not alone, And I do notice, Whether or not you want me to, When you forget to cover your arms, I see your battle scars.

Different WorldBy: Haley AvenettiIn the human world I was known As a monsterKnown forCorrupting mindsAnd changing thoughts

ThoughIn the land of demons and monstersJust meWas an angel of God

FriendshipBy: Denise Lopez FigueroaSalty hot tears down my red warm cheeksMy eyes are like faucets that have sprung a leak

A bundle of warm heat surrounds meYet wet tears cloud my vision so I can’t seeI hear sounds I can’t decipherMy wailing stops and my sobs get quieterMy dark world just became brighterI see blotches some are lower, some higher

I clear my crusty eyes and peekI spot beautiful faces, so unique

Worry is sketched on their facesThey are all around me, there are no spaces

I am a bud kept in my shellAll the faces here know this a bit too wellThey are my water and sunlightAlso the dirt that makes me blossom I’m the eye, they are my petalsI am the Olympian, they are my medalsThey are my friends-No familyThey make me jump dance and twirl so happily

I crack a smile full of gleeI let them know I’m as happy as can beThey hug me as tight as they canWe buy sweets, ice cream, and many soda cans

We stick together like fingers on a handOur friendship is strong and will never bend

My Song is of Life by Julissa PalafoxLife givesLife takesLife is harshLife is great

This is life

My life is great lots of things have lifeMy dog has lifeMy fish has life no more

This is life

Life is great But also shortAnd after life comes death

This is life

Life is great But not as great as love Love some say Is magic in the air

But be warnedLove is loveAnd when it breaks You mostly cry and hate your life

And so this is life

YouBy: Raytona Yazze

Thank you for giving up your heart to me and trusting

Me with yours

Thank you for walking beside me

And for wanting me at your side.

Thank you for thinking of me

And for always staying on my mind.

Thank you for making me smile

And for smiling along with me.

Thank you for being who you really are

And for helping me find the real me….

Thank you for each day

And every night,

And for always loving me………

‘’I love you babe’’Student Poetry

10Student Poetry

The Pale Pass By: Thomas AdamsLife is a vicious circleHow it runs its courseTo crawl, to walk, to limpToo quick, too quick

Like a horse, vie, vieAlways running wildNo rest for the wickedThough this stallion is fleetSo quick, too quick

On and on, through toil and joyBarren fields and flowery meadowsBut the scenery changes quickSo fast, so quickToo fast, too quick

But the final stop is slowFilled with agony and quietSo slow, so slowThe horse is sore and paleToo slow, too slow

You’ve been through it all miserThrough meadows and fieldsBut this is the final destinationA Pale PassA Pass slow, so slow

SugarBy: Noemi Villalobos

How beautiful it is to see the rain,but I refused to go running into the puddles,

and play like everyone else in the rain.It is that I am made out of sugar,

and I can melt

I am sweet, clean and nice,so then it will be impossible for meto push anyone into the puddles

For I have to sparkle and stay cleanI remind myself I am made out of sugar,

and I can melt

Therefor I ask myself WHYWhy don’t I get out of my boxand run outside into the rain

for everyone else is outside in the rainIt’s just me in my small box left out

I suffer to stay clean away from puddles so I can shine

For everyone else outside full of sinsAgain I remind myself I am made out of sugar,

sweet, clean and full of sparkles

But then again I ask WHYwhy can’t I go out there to shine,

and show everyone who I amhave everyone see who I am

What a beauty I amJust as I am sensitive,

I can be hurt, I am made out of sugar,and I can melt

Yet, I am smart to know not to show my

weakness but be strong this is whyI tend to stay in my shelter then each day I am

more beautiful for I am made out of sugar,and I can melt if I step out into the rain

Mother Earth’s FutureBy: Erick BarronOh, how greedy humankind,We destroy homes all the time.Who created money though,This thing kills us very slow.

Our planet was in peace.So clean, so beautiful.Grass, leaves, many bees,Happiness all around.

Now its all a piece of junk,for those who have destroyed it.I don't care,as long as i have fun.

Litter, drive, polluteLet's kill all our fruit, Since i willBe dead "when this all happens."

Build buildings, towers, factories!20!40!50! stories,Make technology ,thats all that matters.I get the benefit,I don't care

Who cares of creatures homes?Burn the forests, take the land.Its mine, collect my money.

Buy cars, expensive things.Buy it all,Buy gasoline.Pollute the air,I don't care

Litter the ocean and the land,Its only one small piece,What can it do to our sand?

No more water, no more landNo more food, no more spaceno more.Innocent creatures are extinct,What fault did they grasp?

Air is toxic Gas has blocked it World of trash,Useless cash,We cant live.

Black, destruction.Nothing else,Mother earth can give.She is dead.Because of us.This what money causes.

LifeBy: Samantha FloresLive life like today's the lastDefend your future forget your pastHe gave you life to breath and walkLife is a door waiting to be unlock

Fear is not a choice Be brave and project your voice You're more capable than you thinkYou're life isn't written in ink

Go where your heart desires Go explore the world and inspireLove could last foreverAnd you will always stay together

Dreams are worth chasing forTo have that chance and open the doorHopes and dreams don't go to the floorYou're dreams aren't there to be a Decore

Do you ever wonder how life is like Going in circles like a wheel on a bikeThe world is precious and we are toWe have a duty for us to doIt's really important what we chooseWe might gain or we might looseFor life is like a game For you can not tameTime has no pastLots have been castSo live life like today's the lastFor all the days have been going fastTime is nearNo need to fear Because he's always there to cherish, love, protect ,and care

Life is hard like solid gold

PainBy Angel SeguraI'm a rock squished between the walls of pain and insanity. Shattered by the sound of darkness.I sit in my room all day and night waiting for someone to pull me out. I've been here for years yet no one saves me, here stuck between the walls of pain and insanity shattered by the sound of darkness.