Front Page - Jericho Middle School

Winter 2012-2013
Jericho Middle School, Jericho, New York
Issue 1
At The Hands of Sandy by Sophie D.
Power lines are strewn across sidewalks. Trees are uprooted and laying atop cars and houses. Entire
lives have fallen apart. Hurricane Sandy has devastated thousands. After one of the largest, most destructive
storms on record--Sandy--hit, many are still left without power or even homes. Some are suffering even greater
losses, such as loved ones.
Only four have died on Long Island, thirty-seven in total on New York. Hurricane Sandy has left more
than 4.5 million families without electricity. Candle-lit dinners and extra blankets will have to suffice for some,
while others, including me, spend their time without power with family or friends.
The city of Long Beach has been without running water or sanitary services since October 28th. Raw
sewage is filling hundreds of thousands of sinks and toilets. A rampaging fire reduced more than 100 houses to
ash in Breezy Point, Queens. Explosions and downed power lines left the lower part of Manhattan and 90 percent of Long Island in the dark. The New York City subway system — a lifeline for millions — was paralyzed
by flooded tunnels and was expect to remain silent for days. Sandy has caused devastation all along the coastline.
Though many people have already started recovering, there are still people without power! Can you
believe it? They’re not completely hopeless, though. People are quickly regaining energy.
As you probably heard, we are currently “adopting” the Oceanside school, which means that we will
be raising money and personally supporting them. It was one of the many establishments destroyed by Sandy.
Although this storm has caused lots of despair, the ray of hope shining through the clouds is the support we give one another. We can all work around this obstacle with the help of our community.
Hurricane Sandy: Her Affects on the People
by Adrienne P. A.
On October 29, 2012, disaster struck. Hurricane Sandy affected New York and New Jersey, leaving
serious aftermath. Sandy had winds up to 90 mph. With a width of over 1000 miles, Sandy left over 100 people
dead, including men, women, pets, and little children. Hurricane Sandy swept up boardwalks, homes, people,
water slides, and cars in NJ. I n NYC, Battery Park was underwater for a few hours. The city was heavily
flooded. Oceanside had homes and cars swept away and wrecked.
The hurricane left more than 6 million people without power ranging from 1- 20 days. The damage
was so bad that President Obama declared both New York and New Jersey in state of emergency.
This horrible event caused millions of people to suffer losses of homes, friends, and family. Together
we will grieve together and work hard to restore our beautiful homes. We should be thankful that we are here
now, and grieve for the people who are no longer alive.
Winter 2012-2013
News
Issue 1
Newtown Shooting by Rehan H.
On December 14, 2012, a horrible shooting occurred in Newtown, Connecticut. 20 year old Adam
Lanza stormed his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 25 people plus himself. This was a
tragic day for everyone in America. Since the massacre, some people in government have called for tighter
gun laws. This was a very, very tragic situation for everybody.
Sandy Hook Students Go Back To School
by Alisha L.
On January 3, 2013 the students at Sandy Hook Elementary School resumed their classes. At 8:30 in
the morning the buses started to arrive at Chalk Hill School. The roads leading to the entrance of the school
were lined with balloons, ribbons, welcoming posters, and dozens of police cars. Sandy Hook recalled retired
principal Donna Page to step back into her position as head of the Sandy Hook School. She encouraged parents to accompany their children on the first day of school. The kids were nervous at first but they soon fell
into their regular routine. There may be some bumps in the road before the school gets back to a regular routine. The prayers of the nation are with the families of these children. Good Luck!
Fall 2011
Winter
2012-2013
Student
StudentNews
News
Issue 1
The Fiddler on the Roof Review by Jonah K.
In December, the Jericho Middle School performed the musical The
Fiddler on the Roof. The play is about a Jewish family in the town Anatevka, in
Russia. The family has three daughters and no sons. There is a matchmaker in
the town who tries to match up young people for marriage, but the girls and
boys start to get married because they love each other. Later in the play, the
Jewish family is forced to flee the town because of racism.
This musical had a wonderful array of songs and dances, like
“Tradition,” “Sunrise/Sunset,” and “Anatevka”. The cast had wonderful voices
and it sounded like they were from Broadway!
PlayInterview by Miles R.
I recently interviewed 7th grader, Jacky L.,
the lead of the school play Fiddler on the Roof. This is
what he had to say.
Interviewer: Why are you in the play every year?
Jacky L.: Because I love acting. It is my first love.
Interviewer: Do you like singing?
Jacky L.: No, I don’t just like singing…I absolutely
love it!
Interviewer: I heard you were the lead for the last play. Is this true?
Jacky L.: Yes. I played the role of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
Interviewer:What role in the story does Tevye have?
Jacky L: Tevye is the father of five daughters, and he is very poor. He must face the fact that his daughters
eventually have to go away and get married. In the end, Tevye, and everyone else in his village, are forced to
relocate.
Interviewer: Now what is the next play going to be about?
Jacky L.: The next play is going to be a comedy about a talk show, where the host interviews characters from
your favorite fairytales such as Cinderella and Jiminy Cricket. That’s all we can tell you folks!
Diversity Day
By Alia H. & Mahina S.
"Common Threads: Connecting Our Community
Through Commonalities and Differences" was the theme for
this year’s Diversity Day, held on February 12th in the JMS
auditorium. Students performed various acts to represent their
culture or shared something about themselves through music,
song or dance.
The show was a big success thanks to Ms. Waters,
the director, and Ms. Liptak, who controlled the lights and
music for the show. 8th grader, Tamar B., was the MC and
host. At the end of the show, Ms. Waters presented the principal from Oceanside Middle School with more than $2,000 in
donations to go towards helping Oceanside with the damage
done by Hurricane Sandy.
Yes, He Did It Again! By Alisha L.
For the second year in a row 8th grader, Feng Kai X., has won
Jericho Middle School’s Geography Bee! This is an incredible accomplishment! We want to wish Feng Kai the best as he goes on to represent JMS
in the New York State Geography Bee! Feng Kai is pictured with Mr.
Sundberg, Ms. Cantwell, and Mr. Gately.
Read It Forward By Abdullah M.
Before the December break some lucky students received gift bags with books in them from one of
our teachers or staff members who wanted to share their love of reading with us, and I was lucky to be one of
those students who got a book. Some books shared included: The Hobbit, The Secret Garden, The Hunger
Games, Star Girl, Amulet, and The Bronze Bow, to name a few. If you received a book you had to decide if you
liked that book. If you liked the book then after you finish reading it you have to sign the inside cover and then
you must pass it on to another student. At the end of the year all the students who participate will come together
for a celebration. This is the Read It Forward program. Have you had a book passed to you yet?
An Interview with Mr. Pollitt by Mahina S.
I sat down with Mr. Pollitt in late October for an in depth interview. The reason for my interview was
my great love of modern classical music. I wanted to learn more about the individual who is running the music
department here at the Jericho School District.
Here are his answers to my questions.
1. How many instruments can you play and what are they?
I play the trombone, phonium, flute, clarinet, oboe, sax, and
mainly the trumpet!
2. Who was it that got you interested in music when you were
a kid?
The people who got me interested in music were my junior
high school band director- Bob Roberts, my college band
director- Bill Green, and a jazz trumpet player-Clark Terry.
3. Did you have a musical idol when you were growing up?
I always had a musical idol growing up. Mostly, I idolized Clark Terry and
Leonard Bernstein.
4. What is the best part of your job here at Jericho and how long have you worked here?
I love my students and the fantastic staff that I am around everyday. I have worked
at Jericho for 31 years.
5. What college did you attend?
I attended Buena Vista University and earned my masters degree at Drake University,
Mississippi University, and Columbia University.
6. Were you musically involved in your college?
I was always musically involved in my college.
7. Does anyone else in your family play an instrument?
My wife plays the trombone and sings alto, my daughter plays violin, sax, flute, and
sings soprano, and my son is an All-State euphonium player.
8. What do you dislike most about your job?
I do not like to tell students that they can’t do something.
9. Do you have a goal or dream that you want to accomplish in this field?
Every single day I wake up and I have more and more goals and I love to bring the
best music education to my students.
10.What is your favorite instrument to play out of all of them?
It is not an instrument, I love to arrange and compose music, and I love musical
composition.
I found Mr. Pollitt very interactive and full of life when he talks about his musical background. He is a very
talented musician and I enjoyed speaking with him.
Winter 2012-2013
Editorials
Issue 1
It was thought that the Mayans said the world was going to end 12-21-12. But apparently it
didn’t, so when it does these are some possibilities:
Nuclear war
Zombies apocalypse
A meteor hitting earth
The closest star to us explodes
Our sun explodes
Drought
People stop making coupons
China owns the U.S.
Alien attack
Dinosaurs come back
Bugs evolve
Black hole
If I had to choose, I would go with Back hole, it sounds like a great way to go! What would
you choose?
Thanksgiving by Angelina L.
Because of Hurricane Sandy this year
Thanksgiving is quite dear
We’re all in a rush
Before it rains slush
Farmers are putting out turkeys
For the people who are looking
Kids running around smirking
Once they found their turkey they yelled out “let’s
start cooking!”
Time to make the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and
more
Say goodbye to the turkey because it shall never
again soar
People coming from far and wide
The cooks pass around with food gleaming with
pride!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Fall 2012
Entertainment News
Books, TV, Movies & Video Games:
Brohoof By Sophie D. & Taylor B.
Issue 1
My Little Pony, My Little Pony, ahhahhahhahh!
Do you know this song? You should by now. Because
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has taken the world
by storm.
Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack,
Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. These six ponies
have changed the lives of mankind forEVVERRR! No,
really. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has changed
the world for the better. The show is based on the characters listed above.
There have also been stories told by people in the army that the show has made their lives happier.
The army men have also painted the ponies’ cutie marks on their jackets. Cutie marks are the little symbols
on the ponies’ flanks (butts). But they don’t just magically appear, the ponies have to find their special talents in order to earn these special symbols.
The show is centered around the life of an educated, talented, and rich unicorn named Twilight
Sparkle, who is an antisocial bookworm, so, her mentor, the Princess, sends her to a small village called
Ponyville to make friends. The show is mainly about their adventures with her friends as their relationships
blossom and they grow closer together. It is a heartwarming and humorous show that will bring you and
your friends closer together.
The Internet has taken a liking to the show too and has manipulated it into many forms. There is a
place where pegasisters and bronies can join and sell, talk, trade, and discuss the show. This is called
“BroNY con” Terms such as brohoof and join the herd are popularly used among fans. Everywhere, in
every school, you will find people who like the show. Try watching the show yourself. Those 22 minutes
will be worthwhile.
Vocabulary references:
forevEEERR! : Pinkie Pie says this several times in Green isn’t Your Color.
cutie marks: explained above.
brohoof: Basically a fist bump.
join the herd: Bronies say this to new lovers of the show, or Bronies.
pegasister: Girl lovers of the show (some girls prefer Brony).
brony: a person who likes My Little Pony.
Breaking Dawn Part 2
By Misbah Y. & Priyanka M.
On November 16 2012, Breaking Dawn Part 2
made its appearance on the big screen for the first time.
Directed by Bill Condon and produced by Wyck Godfrey,
Karen Rosenfelt and Stephenie Meyer, this movie starts
with Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert
Pattinson) in the forest. Edward tries to teach Bella that
attacking humans is wrong and attacking other animals is
ok. Edward wants to teach her this because everyone is
scared about meeting her baby, Renesmee (Mackenzie
Foy). Finally, before meeting Renesmee, she runs into Jacob (Taylor Lautner) and Bella is excited to meet her
daughter. Jacob had kept an eye on Renesmee from the day she was born. Aro (Michael Sheen), part of the evil
vampires, assume that Renesmee is mortal. Who will survive? Who will die? You’ve got to watch the movie to
find out the rest.
United States of Bacon By Miles R.
It was only a matter of time before there was a show dedicated to bacon. One
of the newest shows on the air is the “United States of Bacon”. The series follows a
California chef named Todd Fisher for 12 episodes. Todd Fisher travels around
America searching for the tastiest bacon dishes. In the first episode, Fisher samples a
chunky peanut butter and bacon cheeseburger, checks out a daily bacon happy hour,
eats a garbage platter with five kinds of meat, and then has some bacon-wrapped
meatloaf and bacon cheddar apple pie. The second episode brings even more bacon
with a deep-dish pizza and a triple-decker BLT. If you like looking at bacon, smelling
bacon, and eating bacon then this is the show for you. Enjoy!
Scribblenauts Unlimited for the Nintendo
3DS and Wii U By Lauren Koenig
I own the game “Scribblenauts Unlimited” (the Wii U version). It’s a lot of fun. The game is centered
around two siblings, Maxwell and Lily (you can add more siblings as the game goes on). One day, their parents
give them 2 magic gifts. Lily receives a magic globe that lets you go anywhere in the world, and Maxwell receives a magic notebook. To use it, all he has to do is write any word in the notebook, and POOF! The word
would come to life!
One day, Maxwell and Lily are walking near their older brother Edwin’s farm. On the way, they meet
a hungry old man. Maxwell makes him a rotten apple, and he eats it. After noticing the trick, the old man puts a
curse on Lily that slowly starts turning her to stone! Later, at Edwin’s farm, Edwin tells the twins about
Starites, magical star-like items that appear when you make people happy. Maxwell decides to go on an adventure to get as many Starites as possible to break the curse, and so, our story begins! You can help Maxwell get
Starites by making items to help others, each with different problems. Picture this: A man’s house is on fire and
his children are trapped on the roof! You can make a “COLOSSAL PUDDLE” to put out the fire, and
“WINGS” to help you get the kids off of the burning building. You can also make many video game characters, such as “YOSHI,” “LINK,” “ZELDA,” “MARIO,” and the list goes on. Also, if you help any of Maxwell’s other siblings, you can use them as your avatar! Try and find all 39! Remember, in this game, you can
imagine everything, explore anything.
Sonic Generations the Video Game by Afshin S.
In the game, the story is that Sonic goes through 1990s through
2011 and there are two Sonics and two Tails and two Dr. Eggmans, one
from the past and one from the present. In Sonic and Classic Sonic you
need to collect all of the chaos emeralds. To collect the emeralds you need
to clear missions. You have to do what the character tells you. You then
get a key to go onto the next level. The game is fun because of the new
characters and the old Sonic comes back in 2011.
The systems for Sonic Generations are Xbox 360, Play Station 3, PC, and 3ds.
Winter 2012-2013
Club News
Issue 1
Club News by Alisha L. & Afshin S.
Jayhawk Newspaper Club
The Jayhawk Newspaper Club meets once a week on Thursdays in room 206 throughout the year to
help create an online newspaper for students, faculty and anyone who wants to read about what happens in our
school, our neighborhood and even the world! Our advisors, Ms. Judge and Ms. O’Brien, bring lots of tasty
drinks and snacks to keep you going as you write articles, interview people, review the latest movies or books,
and just think of ideas to report on. You don’t have to be an A+ English student because you get lots of help
with editing! If you like to take photos or draw cartoons you are welcome to join too!
Scrabble Club
This club meets every Thursday at 2:05 to 3:05. Enjoy playing a game of Scrabble with Ms. Aubrey,
in room 112. Good luck trying to beat Ms. Aubrey! Also, come and enjoy some snacks!
SADD
Students Against Destructive Decisions meets every Wednesday in the computer lab in the library, and
during Red Ribbon Week, every Wednesday and Thursday. Members are asked to help out with school events.
If you have artistic skills you would love this club! Ms. Verdino is the advisor.
Games Club
Come and enjoy playing different games while munching snacks and drinking a beverage! Mr. Kovoros is the advisor, and it meets every Thursday in Mr. Kovoros’ and Ms. Travis’ room right after school until
around 3ish.
Strength & Conditioning
In this club, you can work out under the guidance of Mr. Martinez and Mr. G., who will have you on a
treadmill, lifting weights, jumping rope, and whatever else you want to try! Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
right after school in the workout room on the first floor next to the dance studio!
Kung Fu Club
Mr. Pekor is the advisor and he will teach you Kung Fu moves if you come on Fridays at 2:10 to 3:10
outside the gym locker rooms.
Fall 2012
Problem Solvers
Issue 1
Dear Problem Solvers,
Recently I have been having a hard time getting along with my group of friends in school. They
have been complaining that I have been mean and unfriendly, but I really don’t understand why.
My friends like to stand and chat in the hallway in between classes. They talk at each other’s lockers or have conversations while walking to their classrooms. They call me over to join in the conversation or
ask me to walk along side them, but I am always worried about being late to class, so I don’t stop to talk.
Sometimes when I am rushing to get to my class on time, they try to get me to slow down to tell me something, but I’m afraid the bell is going to ring so I keep on going.
I don’t get it! I just want to get to class on time! I mean, I like to chat too, but why can’t we just
get to class quickly and save our conversation until our lunch period? How can they think that makes me
mean or unfriendly? I feel like my friends don’t understand the way I feel and it is affecting our friendship.
Please, help me quickly before things get even worse!
Signed,
Misunderstood
Dear Misunderstood,
We are so glad you wrote to us because it’s clear that you care about your friendships and you
want to retain them. It seems like this is a situation where miscommunication could be affecting everyone involved.
We’ve noticed that although some students stop to chat in the hallways, others continue walking
because they don’t want to be late for class. After all, it is difficult to get from one end of the building to
the other. Those rushing students often look nervous and impatient, thinking about their next class, and
not paying attention to others around them.
We think it’s possible that you might be in such a hurry, you end up rushing past your friends
without a friendly smile or saying “Hi.” Your friends might feel hurt, mistaking your worry for meanness or unfriendliness. We have some simple suggestions that we believe could help to solve this problem.
It takes just a moment to smile or look at your friends as you rush to class. You can be in a
hurry, but still acknowledge your friends and make eye contact with them. You can even let them know
that you can’t speak right now, but will catch up with them later, possibly at lunch.
When you’re at lunch, you can explain your problem to your friends – let them know that you
are interested in spending time talking, but you’re also worried you will be late to class. Suggest that
lunch is the perfect time for you to catch up and socialize. You can also try to plan to walk to class with
friends who are in the same class or walking in the same direction.
Stay relaxed and friendly when you talk to your friends. This is your time to turn things
around and make things better. And remember – keep smiling!
Sincerely,
The Problem Solvers
Fall 2012
Fun Page
Issue 1
Looney Tunes in JMS By Teja S.
Do you like The Looney Tunes??? As a blast to the past, a portion of JMS students recently took a poll on who their favorite Looney
Tunes characters are. The choices were between Bugs Bunny, Tweety
Bird, Sylvester the Cat, Daffy Duck, Taz, Porky Pig, Elmur Fud, and
Woody the Woodpecker. The outcome resulted in a tie of two very famous characters. Both of these cartoons came to 26 votes and unfortunately, the not so popular Elmur Fud came in last place with 2 votes. Here
are your results.
Bugs
Bunny
26
Tweety
Bird
26
Daffy
Duck
11
LOONEY TUNES!!!!!!!!!
Taz
Porky Pig Sylvester
the Cat
14
12
4
Woody Wood
Pecker
3
Elmur
Fud
2
Chuck Norris By Miles R.
Chuck Norris is like the being of the universe. He created all and pretty much rules
all. Here are some true Chuck Norris facts:
Chuck Norris is the nightmare in his own dreams.
Bears play dead when they are attacked by Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris found the stairway to heaven, but prefers the elevator.
The Titanic didn’t hit an iceberg, it hit chuck Norris.
Anything you can do Chuck Norris can do better.
Chuck Norris fought the law and won.
Someone once broke into Chuck Norris’ house and instead of stealing anything they gave Chuck Norris
everything they owned.
Chuck Norris killed the Dead Sea.
Santa writes to Chuck Norris about what he wants for Christmas.
When anyone asks, “Who’s your daddy?” the answer is always Chuck Norris.
When the boogie man goes to sleep he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
Winter Drink by Catherine S.
Do you like to curl up on the couch after a fun day in the snow?
What if you had a nice delicious cup of hot chocolate with you? Here is a
recipe that is easy and will keep you asking for more.
Yield: 6 cups
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
6 cups whole milk*
Enriched Chocolate Sauce, recipe follows
Whipped cream, optional
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate shavings or small pieces
*Note: this recipe can be made even more delicious by substituting 2 cups of cream and mixing it with 4 cups
milk.
Enriched Chocolate Sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/8 teaspoon grated orange zest
Directions
Heat the milk until it simmers and whisk it into the chocolate. Pour into individual cups and serve with
whipped cream, if desired. Top with chocolate shavings. In a medium saucepan over low heat, bring the
cream, sugar, cinnamon and butter to a rolling boil. Remove from the heat, add the chocolate and stir until
the chocolate melts. Add the orange zest before serving.
Fall 2012
Sports
Issue 1
Flying Around the Track By Alex D. & Azqa Q.
Approximately 20 7th and 8th graders have joined the Middle School
Co-Ed Track Team, coached by Mr. Klobus (High School Gym Teacher) and
Mr. Martinez (Middle School Gym Teacher). We have practice everyday
(Except on meet days) until 4:30 PM. After 15 minutes of stretching and agilities, we hit the track for a 2 mile run. Bad weather often finds us running
through the school hallways. Although tiring, running gives you a sense of selfconfidence and euphoria.
The track team not only runs, but also does many field events, such as
shot-put, long jump, hurdles, and high jump. The coaches teach us, so you don’t
have to be an expert to participate.
Have you ever thought about running track? If so, you should consider
joining the Jericho track team for 7th and 8th graders next year! We are looking
for long distance runners and sprinters. Race you later!
Super Bowl 47 By Rehan H.
The Super Bowl is a great American tradition, but this year’s game had a little twist. Brothers Jim and
John Harbaugh faced off as the coaches, with both of their teams going for the ultimate prize – The Vince
Lombardi Trophy (talk about sibling rivalry). John Harbaugh coached the Baltimore Ravens, while Jim Harbaugh coached the 49ers. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick tried hard to win his first Super Bowl, but Joe Flacco
was also going for his first Super Bowl, and he ultimately became the MVP of the game when the Ravens won.
VS.
8th Grade Volleyball Team By Hunter P. & Tyler B.
The Jericho 8th grade volleyball team has kicked of their season with two straight wins. With Mr. Herbert as their coach nothing is stopping them. First, the team played South Woods Middle School and won all
five games. Tyler B. made some beautiful passes and sets out on the court. Max C. had a great day serving on
the court. Next, the team played Clarke. Jericho beat Clarke four games to one. Blake S. had some great bumps
including the game winning serve. Our big man, Jason K., had a leading 7 blocks and 9 spikes.
The Jericho 8th Grade Volleyball Team has an hour and a half practice everyday after school. The
practices are tough and it helps them get into the greatest shape in order to succeed in their volleyball play.
Coach Herbert pushes them to be their best.