Fuel up to play 60
By: Nathan Santos
The Fuel Up to play 60 club offers many fun and athletic activities. Some activities include kayaking, snowshoeing, and flag football, just to name a few. The group also goes on field trips and taste test healthy foods. The awesome teacher running this club is Mrs.Leslie. Some of her favorite upcoming events for this club are The Coyote Run, taste testing, jog-a-thon, and based on the new Star Wars movie; a Star Wars theme Capture the Flag. Stay tuned for information on these upcoming events!
One of the most recent Fuel Up to Play 60 events was the Zombie Run. It was a great way to kick of the school year and perfect for Halloween. The point of the Zombie Run was to get 60 minutes of exercise while having tons of fun. The object of the game was for the runners to get as many stamps as they could without getting their health flags stolen by the Zombies. The runners would run around the soccer field for 60 minutes going from station to station collecting stamps, but if the Zombies stole even one of the runners health flags, the runners could either choose to earn their flag back by doing ten jumping jacks, sit ups, or push ups, or just leave their flag on the ground and keep going. The three people with the most stamps would be able to win a winner's sash. It was a spooktastic and thrilling way to get some great exercise while having fun! Be sure to join the next Fuel Up event! |
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First Pep Rally of the Year
Allison Wnuk and Paige Zajack
The first pep rally of the year was very exciting, but there were some surprises too! Like how the teachers danced to Uptown Funk and then Watch Me Whip! And all of the kids were very shocked about how the teachers knew how to dance to the song. After that, each grade's winning group from the Teacher Trivia came up to compete against each other. Some of the questions Mr. Gray asked us were very surprising! Can you believe Mr. Smith is related to two presidents and Mrs. Davies was Prom Queen?! |
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Behind the Scenes OF WKMS- Your SCHOOL TV STUDIO
By Anna Saunders
aCADEMY STUDENTS HEAD TO ct hUMANe sOCIETY
Maia Ericson and Jezabeth Santic
On October 9th The Academy of Biomedical Sciences went on a field trip to the Connecticut Humane Society. We saw behind the scenes process of how the society runs and which is really special because most people don’t get to see this amazing place, and here you'll get to hear about it.
Our tour guide was Kerry Garofano who did such a great job. We are all thankful for how hard people work to take care of all kinds of pets. Kerry was explaining about how sick animals, such as dogs and or cats, are separated in a different room because their sickness may be contagious. We saw the surgery room where different pets are taken in for medical check up or a surgery. There were so many puppies, cats, and dogs! We weren’t allowed to touch any of the pets just in case they bite. It was very hard for most of us! But luckily we were able to feed some treats to the dogs. They were really happy and excited to see new people. They had many different kinds of animals such as cats, dogs, bunnies even birds. They care for all these animals for any of the reasons of being put into the shelter. For example: If the animal was sick, or needs treatment of some sort, they were a stray, the previous pet owners couldn’t take care of them and there are others too. On our tour we managed to see the room with a bunch of donations people have given. We were really glad that the pets have resources to thrive in the shelter. The people working the society were very thankful for some of the donations our school brought too. There are cool secret ways for anyone that works at the shelter to know where to go and what to wear in that specific room. They know because of the color of the piece of paper in front of the room and specifically what that color associates with the clothing to wear in the room. For the animals that are ready for adopt there are these flyers that showed what kind traits the animal have and what kind of family it would be good for, like an active family, a family with kids, or a family with an elderly family member. And we got to see the name of the animal and got to see what they are like. Through the whole tour we learned the way the Humane Society runs and what is feels like to be there for a day and how busy it can get. We learned that there is a lot complexity to having a job there, it’s not only about having cute pets where you work, but trying to get as many animals into safe new homes so everyone can be happy. And who knows, maybe you will join the wonderful group that is helping all the animals they can, I know I will consider it. |
drama updateby paige ZajackFor all of you who don't know, this year's musical is "Shrek." The auditions were held November 10th through November 17th. If you are interested in being a part of the Stage Crew, stay tuned! Most likely, in December, Stage Crew will begin! See Mrs. Kuca if you have any questions. Also, there will be a teacher cast preforming this year! Every three years the teachers preform the play, along with the regular cast. We are super excited to put on this year's Drama Production at MKMS!!!
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Grade 7 Goes to Plymouth!
Journalist tRAiNING at Hartford Courant/Fox61
By Allison Wnuk
At the end of October Anna Saunders and I got to go to Hartford Courant because of our involvement in Newspaper Club and interest in journalism. At Hartford Courant they taught Anna and I about how to edit and how to use IMOVIE on IPADS. They also taught us how to do a news report, focusing on how to interview people. What was also a real treat was that two news anchors who just got off the air came and talked to us about how they do the news. We got our pictures taken with them and we also had a chance to ask them some questions like whether it is really glamorous to be on the News with people doing your hair and makeup. But they said it’s not. Really they pick out what they want to wear, but they can’t wear white or obviously green! They said it was not glamorous at all and the hours they get up are really surprising! They get up at about 2-3 AM! That’s about the time when my teenage sister goes to bed! We had the chance to interview other people in our group! I interviewed someone about a penguin that shed it’s feathers too early! One of the questions was “Has Yellow Pink (name of the penguin) been rejected by any of the other penguins because of his suit?” Yes, that was an actual question… After we learned about editing and interviewing they took us on a tour of the Fox 61 news and also the Hartford Courant. We got to see one of the first printing presses. We visited the areas where reporters work on the newspaper and where it is printed. Overall it was a great trip, and Anna and I had fun! |
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Grade 6 "How I can change the world in 5 Min" CHallenge Projects
The 5 minute challenge was a project for 6th graders in Mrs.Tyler's and Mr.Schuman's third through seventh period class. Check out these great student projects!
Tech Help Section
Chrometastic!
By Anna Saunders
“Ladies, have a Chrometastic Day!” -Mrs. Laccone : )
Newsflash!!! In case you haven’t heard (and you probably have) Martin Kellogg has gone Chrome! In other words, the entire school has gotten cool looking laptops called Chromebooks with fancy cases and operating on google apps. This means that students get computer access from home and can “share” documents so they can work in groups from long distance. However, All these programs can be a little confusing at first- especially because we have been using Microsoft in years past.
Newsflash!!! In case you haven’t heard (and you probably have) Martin Kellogg has gone Chrome! In other words, the entire school has gotten cool looking laptops called Chromebooks with fancy cases and operating on google apps. This means that students get computer access from home and can “share” documents so they can work in groups from long distance. However, All these programs can be a little confusing at first- especially because we have been using Microsoft in years past.
Google DocsThe Google equivalent to Microsoft Word. You can type essays, paragraphs, stories, and pretty much anything else with this. Unlike Word, it is online, free, and can be
shared across devices. In this, you can use the real time collaborative editing feature, allowing you to edit your group’s project in class at the same time as your friend who’s on vacation. Another improvement is the Research feature, located in the tools tab in the top left corner of the screen. This is a search feature that pops up on the side of your screen as you work and gives you search results. You can even add a link to your project or cite the source in MLA formatting. You may remember what a pain it was to get the right picture in the right place in a Word document, but in Google Docs, inserting and editing pictures is a breeze! Access the photo selection feature from Insert>Image. Then you can find a picture from drive, the internet, by URL, or google photos. I realize that many of you may be die hard Microsoft fans, and if you are, then you can import Word documents, PowerPoints, and Excel into drive and even edit them from there! Sorry, Microsoft; Google wins this battle. |
GOOGLE SLIDESThe Google equivalent to PowerPoint. Easily remembered because it creates SLIDEshows, Google Slides is a quick and simple way to get your presentation done. A HUGE advantage over PowerPoint is that like all Google Apps, your work can be shared and edited by multiple people at the same time. This feature is ideal for group projects, especially in Slides. Slides is mostly different because of the setup. You may be missing the options and organizational features that Microsoft offers, but some say that with fewer options for formatting, the overall design is simpler and neater. Besides, if there is a feature you need that slides doesn’t have, you can get it as an add on. You may have heard the horror stories about students writing entire essays and losing them because they forgot to save their work. Thanks to the miracle of technology, you no longer have to save your work every 2 seconds!! Every single edit to your project is saved in google drive instantly. Years of typing and saving and typing and saving… really, it’s about time!!!
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GOOGLE SHEETSThe google equivalent to Microsoft Excel. It isn't as detailed as Docs and Slides yet, but everything you need from Excel is there. Google's main purpose in creating Sheets would probably be to attract more customers and to try and level themselves with Microsoft. It's a bit of a work in progress in the "comparing to Microsoft programs" category, but Google sheets is still being edited, and still more features are being added. Besides, people rarely use the more complicated features daily. The graphing, line additions, and charts are the most common uses, and Google Sheets is completely capable of all of them. Yet again, its main advantage is the real time collaborative editing. There are other features such as easily changing information and design on a graph, and another benefit of all google programs is the seamless mobile editing. You can start on a chromebook, then go to a library computer, and finish typing on a cell phone with Google Drive Apps.
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Google Drive Apps
All Google programs are now mobile! Although there is no longer a mobile, (accessible by cellphone) website for Drive programs, Docs, Slides, and Sheets are now on the App Store! (Yes, it’s exciting, I know.) But seriously: the new apps are great and perfect for typing up projects while traveling. All edits made on a computer are visible on your phone, and all edits made in the apps are accessible by computer. Now you can organize photos, files, and projects with drag and drop organization.
Techsperts
So now everyone has Chromebooks… but not everyone knows how to use them. And now that the school store area has been updated and made into an area for a new store and new tech help area, the Techsperts are here to help! Techsperts are technology wizards who use their powers to help students and teachers in need. Coming soon to the Media Center Hallway! See Mrs. Baylock if you enjoy technology, are responsible, and like working with people to join.
All Google programs are now mobile! Although there is no longer a mobile, (accessible by cellphone) website for Drive programs, Docs, Slides, and Sheets are now on the App Store! (Yes, it’s exciting, I know.) But seriously: the new apps are great and perfect for typing up projects while traveling. All edits made on a computer are visible on your phone, and all edits made in the apps are accessible by computer. Now you can organize photos, files, and projects with drag and drop organization.
Techsperts
So now everyone has Chromebooks… but not everyone knows how to use them. And now that the school store area has been updated and made into an area for a new store and new tech help area, the Techsperts are here to help! Techsperts are technology wizards who use their powers to help students and teachers in need. Coming soon to the Media Center Hallway! See Mrs. Baylock if you enjoy technology, are responsible, and like working with people to join.
MK TO Participate in
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FEATURED TEACHER: Ms. Tyler
By: Allison Wnuk
- Give us a fun fact about yourself! I graduated from UConn with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree and became a graphic artist for 8 years.
- How long have you been a science teacher? This is my 21st year - started in 8th-grade...moved to 5th-grade...then 6th-grade….then 8th-grade again….then back to 6th-grade.
- What is your favorite topic to teach for Science? That is a tough question because I love all branches of science. If I had to choose one, I think Astronomy would be ideal to teach all the time because scientists are always exploring space and learning more about it each day. It is wild to realize how the universe came from a primordial atom.
- Favorite movie? I love too many movies, but I do enjoy the Mission Impossible movies.
- Favorite book? I love too many books. I’m into mysteries.
- Who is your favorite meteorologist and why? I enjoy listening to Bob Maxon on NBC and Mark Dixon on CBS. They are wonderful, intelligent meteorologists that will take the time to explain why we are experiencing certain weather.
- If you could change anything about the curriculum from last year, what would it be and why? I would change the order of the curriculum. I think it is important to start the year off understanding the Scientific Inquiry Method since that is how scientists work. After that, students should have a grasp on Matter because that is the essence of all sciences. To understand that all matter is made up of molecules which are made up of certain atoms which are made up of subatomic particles will a give you insight to all Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Earth Sciences.
- If you had ONE superpower what would it be and why? To go back in time. I would love to be with my children again when they were only two years old or to go back in time to enjoy the beautiful, warm weather when winter hits.
- If you had 1 million dollars what would you do with it? I would keep some of it and travel around the world. I want to experience other cultures and meet people. I would save some of it for emergencies. I would donate some of it for those that truly could use the money. The rest would go to organizations for science research.
- Any pets? I have one cat - Benji. He is a rescue cat from the Humane Society.
Boo Bash: 2015By: Kyrah Michaud
The Boo Bash was a big hit and lots of fun! There was a hula-hoop contest, musical chairs, basketball, and freeze dancing. Snacks and drinks were available and everyone was wearing an awesome costume. Some of the costumes included nurses, clowns, poodle skirts, vampires, and more! Thank you to the Student Council, Mrs. Siano, and all who helped make the 2015 Boo Bash a success! Enjoy the pictures! |
Young Producers Program OPEN TO Grade 8 StudentsBy Mrs. Baylock
In grades 7 and 8, students learn the art of video production. Why? Well, video is only the most sought after content on the Internet. 100 million internet users watch online video each day. So there is a need to understand what makes a good video, and how one can go about creating an informative, quality video.
Now, Martin Kellogg and John Wallace are teaming up to encourage 8th grade students to show off their skills with video through the Young Producers Program. Within each cycle of 8th grade Video Production class, students explore several types of short videos. These can range from how-to videos, to public service announcements, to mini documentaries and more. Students practice with green screens, cameras, microphones, tripods and lighting. Then they choose their own creative direction, write a script or storyboard and the video production begins. The Young Producers Program allows students to submit their videos from the various categories a nominees for the Kellace Awards (think Oscars and Emmy awards). Video nominees from each category will be shown on the big screen at a location to be decided in May or June 2016. A panel of judges will analyze the videos, provide feedback and announce the big winners on awards night. Awards night will be a fun filled red carpet event. Students from both middle schools will come together to share their hard work. Prizes and special honors will be awarded. ALL grade 8 students are encouraged to participate. More than one entry may be submitted and entries can also be created outside of technology class, in other classes, or with peer outside of class. So, 8th graders....find your inner producer and start planning your next production! For more detailed information, please visit the Young Producers online page. |
An interview with Mr. Corriveau: MK's Resource Officer
By Paige Zajack
1. What made you want to become a corrections officer?
I initially went to school for criminal justice and always wanted to become a police officer. I was hired with a police department in 2000, and promoted to a supervisory position with my last job in the same week. It was a difficult decision to make, but in my heart I knew I made the right choice.
2. What’s your favorite part about working at MKMS? I enjoy working and interacting with all the kids and staff. Everyone is positive and it's pleasure to be working here. I worked in a prison for 21 years and was surrounded daily by negativity….so, it’s a breath of fresh air to be at MKMS!
3. Favorite food? Oh boy, easy question…..PIZZA!
4. What do you like to do when you're not working? I have a plethora of hobbies and activities. I enjoy spending time with my kids and wife, fishing and hunting, cooking, attending sporting events. I also am actively involved in the Newington Little League and I assist with coaching my son's baseball team and my daughter's softball team.
5. Have you had any other jobs in the past? I recently retired from the State Of Connecticut after 21 years there. Prior to that, I was enlisted in the United States Army. In college, I was a Loss Prevention officer for a large supermarket chain.
6. Favorite TV show/ movie? I'm really not a “reality” show kind of person. When I do get a chance to watch television, I tend to watch some sort of sporting event, sometimes 2 at a time.
7. What’s the hardest part about being a security officer in school? It's really not difficult, compared to what I've done in the past. I would say the most difficult issue would be not being somewhere when Im needed. I cover 3 schools in Newington, so it is hard to be at all 3 all the time. I'm considered a floater between the schools.
8. Name three things you can’t live without? I cannot live without my family...they are my number 1 goal. Another would be our friends. I know friends come and go, but our circle of friends now are the best. And last I'd have to say is a healthy and active lifestyle. I am definitely known for not sitting still for long. I'm always on the go.
9. Any pets? YES! We have a 2 year old “RedBone Coonhound” named Bentley. He is named after my favorite car.
10. Favorite sport/ sports team? I am a huge sports fan and enjoy many different sports. My favorite college football team is UCONN...Go HUSKIES! My favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees. My favorite football team is the Miami Dolphins. But my favorite sport is hockey, and love to follow my Montreal Canadians.
1. What made you want to become a corrections officer?
I initially went to school for criminal justice and always wanted to become a police officer. I was hired with a police department in 2000, and promoted to a supervisory position with my last job in the same week. It was a difficult decision to make, but in my heart I knew I made the right choice.
2. What’s your favorite part about working at MKMS? I enjoy working and interacting with all the kids and staff. Everyone is positive and it's pleasure to be working here. I worked in a prison for 21 years and was surrounded daily by negativity….so, it’s a breath of fresh air to be at MKMS!
3. Favorite food? Oh boy, easy question…..PIZZA!
4. What do you like to do when you're not working? I have a plethora of hobbies and activities. I enjoy spending time with my kids and wife, fishing and hunting, cooking, attending sporting events. I also am actively involved in the Newington Little League and I assist with coaching my son's baseball team and my daughter's softball team.
5. Have you had any other jobs in the past? I recently retired from the State Of Connecticut after 21 years there. Prior to that, I was enlisted in the United States Army. In college, I was a Loss Prevention officer for a large supermarket chain.
6. Favorite TV show/ movie? I'm really not a “reality” show kind of person. When I do get a chance to watch television, I tend to watch some sort of sporting event, sometimes 2 at a time.
7. What’s the hardest part about being a security officer in school? It's really not difficult, compared to what I've done in the past. I would say the most difficult issue would be not being somewhere when Im needed. I cover 3 schools in Newington, so it is hard to be at all 3 all the time. I'm considered a floater between the schools.
8. Name three things you can’t live without? I cannot live without my family...they are my number 1 goal. Another would be our friends. I know friends come and go, but our circle of friends now are the best. And last I'd have to say is a healthy and active lifestyle. I am definitely known for not sitting still for long. I'm always on the go.
9. Any pets? YES! We have a 2 year old “RedBone Coonhound” named Bentley. He is named after my favorite car.
10. Favorite sport/ sports team? I am a huge sports fan and enjoy many different sports. My favorite college football team is UCONN...Go HUSKIES! My favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees. My favorite football team is the Miami Dolphins. But my favorite sport is hockey, and love to follow my Montreal Canadians.
Tasty Fall Treats!
Do you need some sweet treats for the holidays? Well, here are some great cupcake recipes to try in the kitchen!
By: Michaela Feldblum
Oreo Cupcake with Oreo Buttercream Frosting DIRECTIONS
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Churro Cupcake With a Cream Cheese Cinnamon Frosting
DIRECTIONS
Ingredients 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
Frosting
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Donut Cupcake
DIRECTIONS
Ingredients
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 24 minit (1 3/4 inch) muffin pan cups. Combine sugar and cinnamon in small bowl.
- Mix cake mix, water, oil and eggs according to package directions, stir nutmeg into batter. Fill prepared muffing cups two-thirds full.
- Bake about 12 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted into centers come out clean.
- Remove cupcakes from pans. Roll warm cupcakes in sugar mixture until completely coated.
- Save any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture from this recipe to sprinkle on toast or pancakes.
- To make the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, or the bowl of a standing mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until just combined then stir in the vanilla and oil. Sprinkle 1/3 of the flour mixture over the butter mixture and gently stir in until barely combined. Add half of the milk, mixing until just combined. Repeat these steps with the remaining flour mixture and milk, ending with the flour. Do not over mix.
- Fill each cupcake tin with 2 tablespoons of batter, or until the cupcake tin is filled half way. Bake the cupcakes for 14 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with one or two crumbs clinging to it. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting: Cream the butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl. Add the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition. Stir in the cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Then stir in the vanilla. Beat the mixture well, until light and fluffy.
- Pipe onto cupcakes, sprinkle with a little cinnamon sugar and top with a drizzle of Dulce De Leche if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1(18 1/4 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1⁄8 cup water
- 1⁄2cup vegetable oil
- 3eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
CRAFTY?
Try making Pom Pom Pine Cones!
By Paige Zajack
What you need:
Step 1: Clean out your pinecones. (use a damp paper towel) You can also buy fake pine cones at a craft store. Next, start heating up your hot glue gun. Step 2: Place your pom-poms in the crevices of the pinecone, and start glueing them on. Only use a dab of glue for each pom-pom for a nice clean look. Step 3: Grab your string/ pipe cleaner and either glue or tie it to the top of the pine cone. Wait for all glue to dry before hanging up. Happy crafting! |
Writers' block
“Beeeeep! Beeeeep! Beeeeeeeeep!,” my alarm clock wakes me up with a startle. “Ugh”, I moan as I press the snooze button for the 3rd time in a row. Today is my first day at Willow Tree Middle School, which I am so not excited for. Last week, I moved to here, Seattle Washington from my home back in Newington, CT. My Dad lugged me, my two younger sisters, my older brother, and my Mom into Seattle the second he found out about his new job. Nobody, not even my mother wanted to move and after many complaints from my siblings and I, we still wound up here.
“Are you out of bed, Summer? We might be late if you don’t hurry up!” when I hear my mother’s frustrated call from the kitchen, I jump out of bed, and hurry to get dressed, since it’s 7:15, and we leave at 7:45. I barely eat my breakfast, because I’m so nervous about my first day. “You think you have it so hard,” my brother, Winter says to me as he sees my sad, mopey face. “I have to go to high-school,” he whines. “So, I can still be nervous. Spring and Autumn have it easy. I wish I could be in 4th grade like them,” I complain to Winter. As you can tell, my crazy parents named us all after seasons,which I hate because our last name is Season. Who names someone after a season when Season is in their name? I know, it’s both weird and confusing at the same time.
Before I know it, I’m in the backseat of my mom’s car, feeling sorry for myself. Who’s excited about going to a new school in the middle of the year, losing all your best friends, and moving into a strange town? Not this girl. For some reason my sisters always seemed okay with moving, until the day came when we actually moved. I guess it’s because they have each other, like a built-in best friend. Having a twin would be awesome, life would be way more fun. I’d never be alone, I’d always have someone by my side, alomost like a sidekick. Maybe triplets would be even better…………….
“Summer, look,” Winter says to me, waking me from my daydream. “We’re here,” he says, giving me a I hope your going to have an awful day look. My brother’s just mean like that sometimes.
The front courtyard of the school welcomes me as I approach kids laughing and talking. The school looks huge on the outside, just glancing at it worries me. All the kids seem to have friends and almost everyone is talking to someone. One girl reminds me of my friend Kaylee back in Newington. They both have long, wavy brown hair and hazel eyes. Kaylee and I look nothing alike. I have straight, long red hair, freckles,and big blue eyes.This girl has a purple streak in her hair, something that Kaylee would never dare to do. The girl seems alone, like she has no one to talk to. My first instinct is to make friends with her.
“Hi, I’m Summer,” I greet the girl as I walk over to her. She looks at me, a big smile on her face. “I’m Callie,” she says. “Aren’t you the new girl?” “Yeah, that’s me. Aren’t you in seventh grade, too?” “Yep, I’ll show you around,” Callie beams. “Follow me!”
“Wow,” I say, surprised as I walk into my new school. Willow Tree Middle School is a lot better than I expected. As I walk down the halls, I see the classroom doors are all decorated with glitter, duct tape, and colorful paper. Almost all of the walls are painted, each portrait different than the other. The whole school is filled with lots of color. Maybe this whole moving thing wasn’t as bad as I thought.
“Brrrrrrinnnnggg,” suddenly the bell rings, leading a swarm of kids burst open the doors and hurry to their classes. Callie gestures me to the office, my first stop of the day. “I’ll see you later!” she waves to me once we reach our destination.
Before I know it, I have my class schedule and I’m walking to my homeroom class. The office lady’s made sure I knew were all my classes are, so I’m good to go. On my way to homeroom, I notice a purple journal stranded in the hallway. It looks brand new, so I pick it up to see if there’s any writing in it. I flip through the pages. Nope, no words, not even a scribble. I decide to keep it as my own and write down all my thoughts into it.
The rest of the day goes smoothly, and it turns out Willow Tree isn’t that bad. I found out that Callie has 2 classes with me. She’s the only friend I’ve made so far, but I’m sure I’ll make more as I become more used to the new school. All my teachers are so nice too. My favorite teacher is my homeroom teacher, Mr. Hudson. He didn’t embarrass me by making me introduce myself to the class, like all my other teachers did. Mr. Hudson was funny, too. He told jokes to anyone who looked sad.
Once I get home, I decide to get started on my homework. As hard as it might be, I still need to finish it. I’m done with my math, social studies and science homework when I remember something. I grab my backpack and pull out the purple notebook I found this morning. I’ll just take a small break to write down some things in my journal, I assure myself. I open up the journal to the first page, and think of what to write down about today. While I’m reflecting my day, I suddenly get an idea. Every day, I’ll write the wishes I think of during the day. I quickly write my first entry:
Before I can realize, it’s already time for bed. I’ve eaten dinner, gone to basketball practice, and I did my homework. It’s 9:15 right now, and I’m so tired. My day was stressful but it got better as I struggled through it. Soon, I climb into bed and fall asleep, excited for tomorrow.
I open my eyes to find myself in a strange but familiar place in the morning. “Summer!,” I suddenly hear my mom’s voice call out to me. “You need to get ready for school!” She says, patting me on the back before she leaves the room. That’s weird, mom never wakes me up anymore. I look around. I’m in my old room back in Seattle. The mint-green colored walls of my cozy room surround me. I’m in the top bunk of my bunk bed, climbing down the latter. Is this a dream? Once I get down from the ladder, I glance at myself in the mirror. I see my reflection as my mouth opens wide. This can’t be possible. I SHRUNK! I look like I’m in fourth grade with my brown-red hair flowing down to my waist and I’m about six inches shorter. Suddenly, I see my mother walk into the room again. Wow! she looks a lot younger! I can’t help but ask my mom one question. “Mom, what’s the date today?” I ask my mom, my voice sounding a lot higher than the 7th-grade-me sounds like. “It’s May 8th, 2013, why?” My mom answers me back. “Uhhh….no reason,” I say trying to sound casual. I might as well deal with the fact that I traveled through time and get on with my day.
I scramble through my drawers as I try to find something to wear. Ugh, everything is so pink and sparkly, I don’t think I knew about the color black when I was in fourth grade. I finally get over the pink clothes, and get changed. Soon, it dawns on me that I can’t change anything about today, or else when I get back to 2015, something might be different. I might be in a whole different house in a whole different country that CT. I might have a bunch of friends or no friends. What did I get myself into? What do I remember about May 8th in fourth grade? I recap my whole fourth grade year as I eat my breakfast and brush my teeth.
Soon, I’m on the bus when it hits me. May 8th was Kaylee’s first day at my old elementary school! It was the first day we became friends! I can’t blow this up, Kaylee was my first best friend. Who knows where I’ll end up if Kaylee and I don’t become friends?! I have my work cut out for myself!
Find out what happens next in issue 2 of the 2015-16 Kellogg Kurrent!
“Are you out of bed, Summer? We might be late if you don’t hurry up!” when I hear my mother’s frustrated call from the kitchen, I jump out of bed, and hurry to get dressed, since it’s 7:15, and we leave at 7:45. I barely eat my breakfast, because I’m so nervous about my first day. “You think you have it so hard,” my brother, Winter says to me as he sees my sad, mopey face. “I have to go to high-school,” he whines. “So, I can still be nervous. Spring and Autumn have it easy. I wish I could be in 4th grade like them,” I complain to Winter. As you can tell, my crazy parents named us all after seasons,which I hate because our last name is Season. Who names someone after a season when Season is in their name? I know, it’s both weird and confusing at the same time.
Before I know it, I’m in the backseat of my mom’s car, feeling sorry for myself. Who’s excited about going to a new school in the middle of the year, losing all your best friends, and moving into a strange town? Not this girl. For some reason my sisters always seemed okay with moving, until the day came when we actually moved. I guess it’s because they have each other, like a built-in best friend. Having a twin would be awesome, life would be way more fun. I’d never be alone, I’d always have someone by my side, alomost like a sidekick. Maybe triplets would be even better…………….
“Summer, look,” Winter says to me, waking me from my daydream. “We’re here,” he says, giving me a I hope your going to have an awful day look. My brother’s just mean like that sometimes.
The front courtyard of the school welcomes me as I approach kids laughing and talking. The school looks huge on the outside, just glancing at it worries me. All the kids seem to have friends and almost everyone is talking to someone. One girl reminds me of my friend Kaylee back in Newington. They both have long, wavy brown hair and hazel eyes. Kaylee and I look nothing alike. I have straight, long red hair, freckles,and big blue eyes.This girl has a purple streak in her hair, something that Kaylee would never dare to do. The girl seems alone, like she has no one to talk to. My first instinct is to make friends with her.
“Hi, I’m Summer,” I greet the girl as I walk over to her. She looks at me, a big smile on her face. “I’m Callie,” she says. “Aren’t you the new girl?” “Yeah, that’s me. Aren’t you in seventh grade, too?” “Yep, I’ll show you around,” Callie beams. “Follow me!”
“Wow,” I say, surprised as I walk into my new school. Willow Tree Middle School is a lot better than I expected. As I walk down the halls, I see the classroom doors are all decorated with glitter, duct tape, and colorful paper. Almost all of the walls are painted, each portrait different than the other. The whole school is filled with lots of color. Maybe this whole moving thing wasn’t as bad as I thought.
“Brrrrrrinnnnggg,” suddenly the bell rings, leading a swarm of kids burst open the doors and hurry to their classes. Callie gestures me to the office, my first stop of the day. “I’ll see you later!” she waves to me once we reach our destination.
Before I know it, I have my class schedule and I’m walking to my homeroom class. The office lady’s made sure I knew were all my classes are, so I’m good to go. On my way to homeroom, I notice a purple journal stranded in the hallway. It looks brand new, so I pick it up to see if there’s any writing in it. I flip through the pages. Nope, no words, not even a scribble. I decide to keep it as my own and write down all my thoughts into it.
The rest of the day goes smoothly, and it turns out Willow Tree isn’t that bad. I found out that Callie has 2 classes with me. She’s the only friend I’ve made so far, but I’m sure I’ll make more as I become more used to the new school. All my teachers are so nice too. My favorite teacher is my homeroom teacher, Mr. Hudson. He didn’t embarrass me by making me introduce myself to the class, like all my other teachers did. Mr. Hudson was funny, too. He told jokes to anyone who looked sad.
Once I get home, I decide to get started on my homework. As hard as it might be, I still need to finish it. I’m done with my math, social studies and science homework when I remember something. I grab my backpack and pull out the purple notebook I found this morning. I’ll just take a small break to write down some things in my journal, I assure myself. I open up the journal to the first page, and think of what to write down about today. While I’m reflecting my day, I suddenly get an idea. Every day, I’ll write the wishes I think of during the day. I quickly write my first entry:
- I wish I was a fourth grader, so school would be easier
- I wish we didn’t move to Seattle
Before I can realize, it’s already time for bed. I’ve eaten dinner, gone to basketball practice, and I did my homework. It’s 9:15 right now, and I’m so tired. My day was stressful but it got better as I struggled through it. Soon, I climb into bed and fall asleep, excited for tomorrow.
I open my eyes to find myself in a strange but familiar place in the morning. “Summer!,” I suddenly hear my mom’s voice call out to me. “You need to get ready for school!” She says, patting me on the back before she leaves the room. That’s weird, mom never wakes me up anymore. I look around. I’m in my old room back in Seattle. The mint-green colored walls of my cozy room surround me. I’m in the top bunk of my bunk bed, climbing down the latter. Is this a dream? Once I get down from the ladder, I glance at myself in the mirror. I see my reflection as my mouth opens wide. This can’t be possible. I SHRUNK! I look like I’m in fourth grade with my brown-red hair flowing down to my waist and I’m about six inches shorter. Suddenly, I see my mother walk into the room again. Wow! she looks a lot younger! I can’t help but ask my mom one question. “Mom, what’s the date today?” I ask my mom, my voice sounding a lot higher than the 7th-grade-me sounds like. “It’s May 8th, 2013, why?” My mom answers me back. “Uhhh….no reason,” I say trying to sound casual. I might as well deal with the fact that I traveled through time and get on with my day.
I scramble through my drawers as I try to find something to wear. Ugh, everything is so pink and sparkly, I don’t think I knew about the color black when I was in fourth grade. I finally get over the pink clothes, and get changed. Soon, it dawns on me that I can’t change anything about today, or else when I get back to 2015, something might be different. I might be in a whole different house in a whole different country that CT. I might have a bunch of friends or no friends. What did I get myself into? What do I remember about May 8th in fourth grade? I recap my whole fourth grade year as I eat my breakfast and brush my teeth.
Soon, I’m on the bus when it hits me. May 8th was Kaylee’s first day at my old elementary school! It was the first day we became friends! I can’t blow this up, Kaylee was my first best friend. Who knows where I’ll end up if Kaylee and I don’t become friends?! I have my work cut out for myself!
Find out what happens next in issue 2 of the 2015-16 Kellogg Kurrent!
HOLIDAY SECTION
Pumpkin Carving Craze
Each Halloween, pumpkin carvings seem to get more and more intricate. We decided to see what kind of pumpkins the Kellogg community were carving. Thanks to everyone who submitted a photo of his/her great creation or your family creations!
The Newspaper Club Judges (including the teachers and students) have decided that Ianna Smith is the winner with her Halloween inspired pumpkin! Congratulations Ianna! Nice Carving! Thank you to EVERYONE who shared their great carving creations. We loved them all and hope our readers do too!
ThanksGIVING: So What DOES IT ALL MEAN?
This Storyboard was created by StoryboardThat.com. It is a great reminder of why we celebrate this day.
TECH TIP: Use Storyboard that for your own projects in school. Ask your teacher about getting an account or use the free version!
TECH TIP: Use Storyboard that for your own projects in school. Ask your teacher about getting an account or use the free version!
Give Thanks and Give Back
It is that time of year when we can all reflect on what we are thankful for and think about what we might do to help others. A great place to start is to help those who are in need in our own community of Newington. Newington's Food Bank is always looking for Community donations of money and nonperishable food items. This provides emergency assistance throughout the year. At Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah, the food bank provides holiday food, toys and gifts to low income residents to brighten their holidays. So think about what you can do to brighten the holiday for someone in our community. Giving back feels good!
STUDENTS AND STAFF: CALLING ALL HOLIDAY PHOTOS!
We would like to showcase all the wonderful ways that students and staff celebrate the holidays! Please send Mrs. Baylock your photos (along with your name and a brief description) to [email protected]. ANYTHING that brings the happiness of the holiday season alive can be part of our visual display! Decorating, special meals/baking, crafts, family fun, outdoor activities are all some ideas that make great photos....so get clicking....and don't forget to share! Your photo may appear in a special holiday video on WKMS-TV.
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