By MARY JEAN MILLER
Room 210 Staff Writer
Freshmen. In high school. To the 8th graders, this is a big step. But there are some who like to go higher than just the title of Freshman.
Some of these people are Sara Buck, Taylor Camden, Emylee Brown, Candace McGillvray, and Mary Jean Miller. These are the names of the new freshman cheerleaders at Joplin High School. Out of 25 girls, only 16 made it. Congratulations to the new Freshman Cheerleading Squad!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
High school debaters, improv team perform at assembly
By RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
Members of the Joplin High School debate team came to South Middle School March 25 to show eighth graders what debate was all about. Debate isn’t just all about arguing a case; you can also do some improvisations and other things, too. This class is all about getting students able to be comfortable and speak well in front of other people.
Former South Middle School students who performed were: junior Skye Smith, and sophomores Tiana Clemons, Melody Ketron, and Roni Leonard.
Eighth grader goes to jail
(One South Middle School student spent part of his spring break in jail, but things were not as bad as they sound. Bret Gibson's father is is law enforcement and took his son to work with him one day during the break. One of their stops was the Jasper County Jail.)
By BRET GIBSON
For spring break, instead of hanging out with my friends like other kids would, I went to jail.
Now I may have to failed to mention, it was with my dad. I asked him if I could go to work with him on Friday. He agreed, so we went to the Jasper County Sheriff's office. He took me on the tour.
First, we went to central control. That's where one guy controls everything in the jail. Next, we went to the tower. That is where you can see all of the cells and watch the prisoners. There are A to F pods. Each pod is broken into a split level with each level holding 10 cells, two levels per pod.
A pod is for your basic prisoners who have to do their time at county. B Pod is for women in jail.
C Pod and D Pod are for the same as A Pod. E Pod is for the child molesters and F Pod is for the murderers.
After we took the tour, we went to McDonald's for lunch.
Molly Baker wins Best in School in Joplin Chamber of Commerce Essay Contest
Eighth grader Molly Baker won top honors among South Middle School student during the annual Joplin Chamber of Commerce Essay Contest. Awards were presented during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at Memorial Hall.
Miss Baker's essay, on the topic "Joplin is a cool place now, and in the future, Joplin will..." was judged best among more than 200 entries from SMS students. Her essay is printed below:
By MOLLY BAKER
Joplin is a cool place now, and in the future, Joplin will be amazing.
Consider all the technology at the present time. Now imagine how much more things there will be and how much better they will be. Soon, we will be in cars that fly and we will be living in the sky.
Walk down Main Street and be amazed. You will see the friendly trolley strolling down the lane. Look at the beautiful parks and entertain yourself at the mall or any place in Joplin.
Today, Joplin is a blast and an amazing experience. Picture how much more it will be 25 years from now. We are proud to be citizens of this amazing city- Joplin.
Groundbreaking held for new South Middle School
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new South Middle School building were held Thursday morning. Room 210 News will have a story on it next week.
From the Joplin Globe:
South Middle School Principal Ron Mitchell said the school’s current sixth-graders are excited about having more elbow room.
“The seventh- and eighth-graders are upset they won’t be able to go,” he said. “But in a few months, we’ll have classrooms where we won’t bump into each other.”
Four classrooms at South now have 700 square feet each; the rest have 500 square feet, Mitchell said. The new building will have 900-square-foot classrooms, modern science and library rooms, a 700-seat auditorium and an expanded gymnasium.
The 127,500-square-foot school is part of a $57.3 million middle-school campaign authorized by voters in a bond issue last April.
R.E. Smith Construction Co. was awarded the construction contract on March 11. The company submitted the low bid of $18,140,000.
From the Joplin Globe:
South Middle School Principal Ron Mitchell said the school’s current sixth-graders are excited about having more elbow room.
“The seventh- and eighth-graders are upset they won’t be able to go,” he said. “But in a few months, we’ll have classrooms where we won’t bump into each other.”
Four classrooms at South now have 700 square feet each; the rest have 500 square feet, Mitchell said. The new building will have 900-square-foot classrooms, modern science and library rooms, a 700-seat auditorium and an expanded gymnasium.
The 127,500-square-foot school is part of a $57.3 million middle-school campaign authorized by voters in a bond issue last April.
R.E. Smith Construction Co. was awarded the construction contract on March 11. The company submitted the low bid of $18,140,000.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Amie Howard takes second in Elks Lodge Essay Contest
(Eighth grade Amie Howard took second place in the annual Joplin Elks Lodge Essay Contest. She will receive a $50 savings bond. This year's topic was "What is an American?")
By AMIE HOWARD
Sometimes when I close my eyes and think about America, I can see Betsy Ross, just a young woman, sewing your first American flag, pricking her delicate fingers every now and then. I see an old man with his right hand placed over his heart, tears trickling down his cheeks as he looks up at the flag, remembering how he fought so we could keep it and remembering his dear friends who died in the process. I see two astronauts, solemnly placing our flag on the moon. These people are true Americans.
Americans should be the kind of people whom other people would risk their lives to be with, just so they can call themselves Americans. But in my modern day American life, I do not see these things in people my age.
On Mondays, when we say the Pledge of Allegiance, most students mumble the compelling, inspirational words written long ago. Some kids don't say it at all, just because they don't feel like it. When I see these kids doing this, I want to ask them, "Don't you know what these words mean?" I am not afraid to show pride in being an American. Most people would die to call themselves Americans.
Another thing that is contributing to loss of pride in our country is that we don't say the Pledge of Allegiance every day. Why would anyone oppose giving just that small amount of time for something that expresses what it means to be an American?
Trapped in ISS
By KENZY PIERCE
(Kenzy Pierce kept a journal of her time in in-school suspension.
JAN. 17, 2008
I am in ISS and I'm already scored. I've never been in this much trouble to be down here for five days. It's cold, it's smelly, and there's barely any light. They tape this blue plastic over the lights- I think it's to make it look gloomy. You have walls all around you- to your left, right, and one in front of you. They call it a "cubicle."
They make you copy this paper of all the rules. "No talking allowed," "Raise your hand before you speak," this, that, and the other. All you do down there is work, work, work. I get to get out sixth hour and sixth hour only! Then I have to come straight back.
When you are assigned ISS, and you're able to leave the room, you do what you've got to do, then come back. It's like a prison down here- the school is now the jailhouse, the room is your prison section, and your cubicle is your cell.
Well, the bell just rang and I have four more days, so I will write again tomorrow.
Jan. 18, 2008
Here I am again in my cell. It seems colder than yesterday. I have realized we only have three bathroom breaks a day, our lunch is served in our cell. The food is all right but I haven't eaten lunch today, nor yesterday and I don't plan to until my days are up. You are probably wondering, "Wow, what did she do?" Well, a lot of people already know, so I don't have a problem with telling you.
Well, this boy doesn't know when to shut his mouth, I got tired of it, so I hit him. Gosh, did I feel good and boy, was I happy! I kind of regret it seeing as I got five days of ISS; he got three days OSS (out of school suspension).
***
Bored...I've done all my work, I don't have a book, so I'm sitting on my butt...which I cannot feel because that's what happens you sit on your butt basically. Seven hours straight. I cannot with until sixth hour...it's freedom...for one hour...not even that. I'm about to go so until I come back...
Jan. 22, 2008
Today was kind of fun. Markell is in here and we were laughing away. That was the most fun we've had in here. At lunch, I stole Kaleb's fries, and Markell bought me chocolate. There isn't really anything going on today. It's just a normal day. Tomorrow will be more interesting, I'm sure.
Jan. 23, 2008
"Just one more day, just one more day," I kept telling myself. Hopefully, today will go by pretty quick and so will tomorrow. I don't understand how I can't get out early tomorrow or something if I don't have any work for two days. I mean, come on. I've had good behavior, I've finished all my work, I don't normally talk. Gosh, that should be a rule: If you have good behavior, finished work, and don't talk a lot, you get out early."
But today there are like 10 students down here. I'm so tired, I want to fall asleep, but can't- the prison guard catches everything. Every now and then, I'll catch myself falling asleep and jerk back up again. I'm so stoked; I'm getting out tomorrow!
A quick word of advice: DON'T GET ISS. It sucks terribly. It's only 8:26 a.m.. I have a long way to go. I'll probably try to sleep today seeing as I have no work. So I'll write when something new happens.
Jan. 24, 2008
Nothing new happened so far. Today is my last day!
It's fifth hour and I'm getting out sixth hour and seventh hour. Yesterday, five people got thrown out of ISS. They used foul language to the teacher. There's this guy down here, we have talked every day we've been down here. Today's his last day, also. I won't be able to say goodbye to him, but at least I got a number!
Jail has actually not been too bad. It's pretty good, not as bad as people think. Yeah, it's colder than any other jail, but it's pretty quiet and gives you good thinking time. I have about an hour to go until I get out...I'm dying.
It's pretty funny...everyone's attitudes. When you talk to them, they are all funny and nice, but when the guard talks to them, all of a sudden they are the total opposite...rude and snobby.
Well, I am almost out of room to write, and my time's almost up and in a few moments I will be free, so you have my cold, long story of how ISS (also known as prison) went.
Until next time...NOT!
Friday, March 14, 2008
South eighth grader receives letter from civil rights pioneer
One of the highlights of this year's third quarter civil rights research project in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts class was when Raycee Thompson received a letter from Carl Holmes, one of the attorneys who helped conduct the research that helped the NAACP present the winning case in the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling.
Raycee wrote a letter to Carl Holmes, whom she had met briefly two years ago at an event in South Dakota.
"I received a reply letter from Carl Holmes. He was one of the attorneys who helped to do research for the Brown v. Board of Education case. The sad thing is he has bladder cancer, but he still decided to reply.
"In the letter, he answered my questions over the case. He told me that he researched the question, "Is the 14th Amendment being obstructed by school segregation?" He did the research because he felt it was the right thing to do and by doing the research he was treated differently; with more respect from his friends. He said initially he did have some doubts about winning the case, but he knew it would workout. The one thing I thought was the most important from this letter is the lesson Mr. Holmes thought teens should know:
"The roadblocks of hate and injustice can be set aside by serious study, hard work, and unflagging determination."
The content of the letter is printed below:
Dear Raycee:
We got your letter and unfortunately, Carl Holmes is in the hospital right now. He has bladder cancer. I took your letter to him and he dictated the following answers:
1. Did you believe the case had a chance of winning with a white Supreme Court making the decision?
Initially, I did not.
2. What kind of information did you research for the NAACP?
What evidence is there that the Congress which enacted, and the state legislators which ratified the 14th Amendment, understood or did not understand, contemplated or did not contemplate, that it would eventually abolish segregation in the public schools. This question, propounded by the Supreme Court, is the one that I worked on the summer of 1953.
3. When schools first began to desegregate, did you have any second thoughts?
No, because it was the beginning of change, even though I knew there would be problems.
4. Did people treat you differently because you volunteered to help research information for the case?
Yes. My friends thought it was a good thing to do, and in time as the significance of the decision achieved national attention, they were proud of my efforts.
5.How did the segregated schools affect you when you were younger and in school?
Not at all. I went to schools in New York City where there was no segregation by law.
6. Why did you volunteer to do research for the NAACP?
Because I felt it was the right thing to do at the time- I had just graduated from law school.
7.Recently, Sen. Ernie Chambers from Omaha, Nebraska, suggested that the schools be segregated again. How did it feel to hear an important African-American leader make such a suggestion?
I was greatly disheartened and I totally disagree with San. Chambers.
8. What do you feel is the most important lesson today's youth can learn from your generation's struggle?
The roadblocks of hate and injustice can be set aside by serious study, hard work and unflagging determination.
9. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you, Raycee, for your lovely letter and may you succeed in all future endeavors.
South eighth grader reports on Disney World trip
(Note from Mr. Turner: I thought I had put this story on the website a few months ago, but just discovered it never made it. My apologies to Mary Jean Miller.)
By MARY JEAN MILLER
Room 210 Staff Writer
We’ve all been to, seen, or heard about Disney World, right? Well, on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, my family and I took a family vacation to Disney World for a week. I would like to share my experiences with the readers of the room 210 news blog.
Day 1 (Wednesday 31, 2007)
Happy Halloween everyone! Today was the day we went to our first park of Disney World!
Our first park was MGM Studios. We passed a huge Christmas tree at the entrance, and we were soon on our way down the central street of MGM. We took a right turn and found ourselves looking down the street that would take my family and me to the Rockin’ Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith; beyond that being the Hollywood Tower Hotel, Home to the Tower of Terror! I rode the Tower of Terror 4 times, and for skeptics, yeah, it was that good. We all rode the Rockin’ Rollercoaster 3 times. Not as good as the Tower (I may be just a little biased there…. TOWER OF TERROR ROCKS!!!! …. ya know, just a little biased) and it rattled your brains a little, but still completely amazing (you really get to go through a doughnut…. seriously).
My family and I really wanted to see 3 shows. 1st, we saw the Indiana Jones show. We saw how they make all the films, and we even got to see how scenes were shot. Right after that, we saw Lights, Motors, Action! which was a lot like the Indiana Jones show, but instead of a person or people in a scene, Lights, Motors, Action! is an awesome car chase brought overseas from the Disney World in Paris, France! It was a whole bunch of cars, motorcycles, jet skis, and props/ramping fun and action. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
We had time between the motor show and the next show, so we went on a back lot tour. We got to see how film makers produced an “out-of-control” flash flood in a canyon, but it was all carefully planned and controlled so nobody got hurt.
After the back lot tour, it was time to go see the third show called Sounds Dangerous. The main character, Drew Carey, is an undercover cop who has to bust a smuggling dude called Lefty Malone. I didn’t like it that much, but if you like listening to things without seeing them, you’ll love this show.
My family and I then went over to a Star Wars simulator ride called Star Tours. You get to travel through space like you see in Star Wars while on a trip to Endor. It was LOADS of fun!
At the end of the day, we got to see the firework show called Fantasmic. Mickey is having a dream, and Disney villains soon invade! You watch as Mickey fights Jafar the snake, and then Maleficent the dragon from Sleeping Beauty. You will love this pyrotechnic, water shooting, fireworks show.
It was GREAT!
Day 2 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)
We’re going to Sea World!
When we got to Sea World (had to take a taxi….better than a bus) I was sure my little brother, Preston, was going to go completely wild. He wants to be a marine biologist, so he’s really interested in sea creatures….especially sea lions. The main square wasn’t open yet, but we were able to look at some of the gift shops. When Sea World opened, we headed over to the sea lion enclosure. Before we go any farther, you should know that Sea World and Disney don’t capture animals in the wild. All the animals you see were rescued and they can’t fend for themselves, or were born in captivity.
Now....back to the sea lions. They were so playful! They chased each other, sunned themselves, and goofed around a lot. You could even feed them. 1 of the sea lions had cataracts, so it couldn’t see the food. You had to wave a fish in front of its face (leaning carefully over the rail to do so). It would open its mouth, find the direction the fish was, and wait. You had to toss the fish into its mouth or at least toss the fish to where the fish hit the mouth so it could catch the fish. Otherwise, because this sea lion can’t see, it won’t get the fish. Preston and I found this out when we fed the sea lions.
After that, we went and rode the newest attraction at Sea World. With 7 (yes, 7) inversions (when you go upside down), the Kraken is an incredible rollercoaster that will push your nerves to the limit. This rollercoaster features high speeds, high height, loop-de-loops, corkscrews, huge hills, and more! Preston and I rode it 3 times whereas my parents only rode The Kraken once. Talk about dizzy!
We saw 3 shows in this theme park as well. The 1st show was a show full of dolphins, whales, gymnasts, and stunts. The 2nd show had 2 sea lions, a walrus, and an otter, co-working with a man and woman. All of them were trying to take over an island called Pirate Island. This show was a hilarious comedy full of laughter and fun (they had a mime entertain the audience before the show, and he was really funny when he imitated people finding seats). Last but certainly not least, we saw the Shamu show. All the killer whales are of the same family (pod), so Shamu is their last name. The killer whales splashed the audience, waved to everybody, flipped, dove, and amazed the crowed over and over again. We also rode a flight simulator that simulated a helicopter ride to an Arctic Base that was so real, when everyone saw the screen and ride move to doge avalanches, rocks, and even the sea after a ledge broke off, everybody screamed because everything was so close and real-like. We even went “underwater” in the simulator. After we got off the ride, it opened into a mini-area where we saw real walruses, polar bears, and very playful beluga whales. All in the Arctic! It was kind of cold, though. We even got to see a bunch of penguins and cousins of the penguins at a walk called Penguin Encounter. They were all so beautiful and cute. Sea World was great!
Day 3 (Friday Nov. 2, 2007
Magic Kingdom….here we come!
Caught a bus to Magic Kingdom this morning. After we got inside the park, we caught a train to Frontier Land. The first ride we rode was Splash Mountain. My mom and I got in the 2nd seat so we wouldn’t get too wet. Of course, we ended up getting off the ride pretty wet. Go figure. To dry off, We all headed over to Big Thunder Mountain. My dad and I rode it before my mom and brother, but the coaster was pretty mild. My mom and I were a little drier when we got off, though.
After we rode Big Thunder, we went next door into Adventure Land. The 1st ride we rode was Pirates of the Caribbean. It was great! We spent a half hour shopping after the ride, though. There was sooooo much pirate stuff! We saw a show called The Tiki Room, and it was okay. Then we went on a little boat ride through a bunch of different rivers and learned a little about each one. When that was done, we saw a tutorial given by Captain Jack Sparrow. My brother even got to swordfight him. The actor was just like the real Jack. It was awesome!! After dueling with Jack, we headed over to get a Dole whip. It’s really great tasting pineapple ice cream. Then we went and rode the Haunted Mansion over in Liberty Square. It was really sweet.
We headed over to Tomorrow Land and rode Space Mountain (2 times), the Space Orbiter, and the new Buzz Lightyear ride (it wasn’t little kiddish at all). We went to Fantasy Land and rode Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (the spinning cups) and Snow White’s Scary Adventures. They were cool (but the Tea Party made me feel kinda sick because I get motion sick when I spin around a lot). We headed to Main Street, did a little shopping, lift the park, ran like the wind to catch a monorail, went to Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and had a great time at a luau. That was fun.
Day 4 Saturday Nov. 3, 2007
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!
My family and I went to Animal Kingdom today. But before we did, we slept in, had a nice breakfast (usually, we skip it all together), and decided today would be an easy day. When we caught a bus to Animal Kingdom, we were standing by a really nice family, so we had a great time on the bus ride. When we got to the park, we immedeatly headed over to Expedition Everest, Animal’s newest ride. We ended up riding it 3 times.
After Everest, we went on a jungle walk to see jungle animals like komodo dragons and tigers and exotic birds. Then we went to Dino Land, where we rode Primeval Whirl and Dinosaur (based on the movie).
We took a break to have lunch, and then went to a show about the Lion King. Right after the Lion King show, we saw It’s Tough to be a Bug in the base of the Tree of Life. It was extremely real (Don’t take little kids). To end our day at the park, where else to go than the Kahli River Rapids. My dad, my brother and I rode it 4 times and came off cold and soaking wet.
We came back to the hotel and swam in our heated pool run by the hotel, then went and ate dinner and had popcorn.
Day 5 Sunday Nov. 4, 2007
Big giant ball for a symbol….must be Epcot!
Today, my family and I went to Epcot. There were 3 main rides we wanted to ride. They were:
1: Soarin’~ you get to fly high above the golden state of California in a simulated hang-glider ride. It’s incredible. I have no words to describe it except that it’s so realistic and you don’t even know that Soarin’ is a ride.
2: Mission Space~ you may have heard of this one. The original had to be toned down and a “Less-intense” ride was created because people were having heart attacks on it. It was great. I first rode the Green Team because the Orange Team is a giant centrifuge, and don’t forget that I get motion sick if I see people spinning or I’m spinning and can’t focus on anything. I got bored on the Green Team, so I decided to wing it and try the Orange Team. I LOVED IT!!!! It was so awesome. Disney did a great job.
3: Test Track~ enter this building and get transported to a car testing lab. The first time, we all got to the boarding area and the cars broke down. We came back later and finally got to ride it, and it was great. You went over bumpy road, almost crash into a wall, go through extreme heat, cold, and a corrosive chamber, then take a lap or 2 around the outside of the building before coming back to unload. All of this is done in a convertible type test car.
After rides, there’s the World Showcase. Visit countries all over the world without ever leaving Florida. My favorite was Japan, where I got a silk Screen. At 9:00, Epcot’s fireworks show, Illuminations, began. It was spectacular. Completely amazing. Towards the end, a rotating globe came out (all of this was done over a lagoon), opened up, and revealed a giant torch.
It. Was. Great!
Day 6 Last day Monday, Nov. 5, 2007
Time to park hop!
Today we started in Magic Kingdom and redid rides we got to do and didn’t get to ride. We came back to the hotel to drop off some packages, then caught a bus to MGM Studios. I rode the Tower of Terror 4 more times with my father for a total of 8 times this whole trip. I rode Star Tours and the Rockin’ Rollercoaster one more time and went primal on a gigantic turkey leg. We had some dessert at the hotel, and finally got to stop standing on our feet.
My family and I had a great time on our trip to Disney World. I hope that everyone who reads this journal will get to experience some of the fun I had. Who knows? It may help you map your next trip to Walt Disney World!
By MARY JEAN MILLER
Room 210 Staff Writer
We’ve all been to, seen, or heard about Disney World, right? Well, on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, my family and I took a family vacation to Disney World for a week. I would like to share my experiences with the readers of the room 210 news blog.
Day 1 (Wednesday 31, 2007)
Happy Halloween everyone! Today was the day we went to our first park of Disney World!
Our first park was MGM Studios. We passed a huge Christmas tree at the entrance, and we were soon on our way down the central street of MGM. We took a right turn and found ourselves looking down the street that would take my family and me to the Rockin’ Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith; beyond that being the Hollywood Tower Hotel, Home to the Tower of Terror! I rode the Tower of Terror 4 times, and for skeptics, yeah, it was that good. We all rode the Rockin’ Rollercoaster 3 times. Not as good as the Tower (I may be just a little biased there…. TOWER OF TERROR ROCKS!!!! …. ya know, just a little biased) and it rattled your brains a little, but still completely amazing (you really get to go through a doughnut…. seriously).
My family and I really wanted to see 3 shows. 1st, we saw the Indiana Jones show. We saw how they make all the films, and we even got to see how scenes were shot. Right after that, we saw Lights, Motors, Action! which was a lot like the Indiana Jones show, but instead of a person or people in a scene, Lights, Motors, Action! is an awesome car chase brought overseas from the Disney World in Paris, France! It was a whole bunch of cars, motorcycles, jet skis, and props/ramping fun and action. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
We had time between the motor show and the next show, so we went on a back lot tour. We got to see how film makers produced an “out-of-control” flash flood in a canyon, but it was all carefully planned and controlled so nobody got hurt.
After the back lot tour, it was time to go see the third show called Sounds Dangerous. The main character, Drew Carey, is an undercover cop who has to bust a smuggling dude called Lefty Malone. I didn’t like it that much, but if you like listening to things without seeing them, you’ll love this show.
My family and I then went over to a Star Wars simulator ride called Star Tours. You get to travel through space like you see in Star Wars while on a trip to Endor. It was LOADS of fun!
At the end of the day, we got to see the firework show called Fantasmic. Mickey is having a dream, and Disney villains soon invade! You watch as Mickey fights Jafar the snake, and then Maleficent the dragon from Sleeping Beauty. You will love this pyrotechnic, water shooting, fireworks show.
It was GREAT!
Day 2 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)
We’re going to Sea World!
When we got to Sea World (had to take a taxi….better than a bus) I was sure my little brother, Preston, was going to go completely wild. He wants to be a marine biologist, so he’s really interested in sea creatures….especially sea lions. The main square wasn’t open yet, but we were able to look at some of the gift shops. When Sea World opened, we headed over to the sea lion enclosure. Before we go any farther, you should know that Sea World and Disney don’t capture animals in the wild. All the animals you see were rescued and they can’t fend for themselves, or were born in captivity.
Now....back to the sea lions. They were so playful! They chased each other, sunned themselves, and goofed around a lot. You could even feed them. 1 of the sea lions had cataracts, so it couldn’t see the food. You had to wave a fish in front of its face (leaning carefully over the rail to do so). It would open its mouth, find the direction the fish was, and wait. You had to toss the fish into its mouth or at least toss the fish to where the fish hit the mouth so it could catch the fish. Otherwise, because this sea lion can’t see, it won’t get the fish. Preston and I found this out when we fed the sea lions.
After that, we went and rode the newest attraction at Sea World. With 7 (yes, 7) inversions (when you go upside down), the Kraken is an incredible rollercoaster that will push your nerves to the limit. This rollercoaster features high speeds, high height, loop-de-loops, corkscrews, huge hills, and more! Preston and I rode it 3 times whereas my parents only rode The Kraken once. Talk about dizzy!
We saw 3 shows in this theme park as well. The 1st show was a show full of dolphins, whales, gymnasts, and stunts. The 2nd show had 2 sea lions, a walrus, and an otter, co-working with a man and woman. All of them were trying to take over an island called Pirate Island. This show was a hilarious comedy full of laughter and fun (they had a mime entertain the audience before the show, and he was really funny when he imitated people finding seats). Last but certainly not least, we saw the Shamu show. All the killer whales are of the same family (pod), so Shamu is their last name. The killer whales splashed the audience, waved to everybody, flipped, dove, and amazed the crowed over and over again. We also rode a flight simulator that simulated a helicopter ride to an Arctic Base that was so real, when everyone saw the screen and ride move to doge avalanches, rocks, and even the sea after a ledge broke off, everybody screamed because everything was so close and real-like. We even went “underwater” in the simulator. After we got off the ride, it opened into a mini-area where we saw real walruses, polar bears, and very playful beluga whales. All in the Arctic! It was kind of cold, though. We even got to see a bunch of penguins and cousins of the penguins at a walk called Penguin Encounter. They were all so beautiful and cute. Sea World was great!
Day 3 (Friday Nov. 2, 2007
Magic Kingdom….here we come!
Caught a bus to Magic Kingdom this morning. After we got inside the park, we caught a train to Frontier Land. The first ride we rode was Splash Mountain. My mom and I got in the 2nd seat so we wouldn’t get too wet. Of course, we ended up getting off the ride pretty wet. Go figure. To dry off, We all headed over to Big Thunder Mountain. My dad and I rode it before my mom and brother, but the coaster was pretty mild. My mom and I were a little drier when we got off, though.
After we rode Big Thunder, we went next door into Adventure Land. The 1st ride we rode was Pirates of the Caribbean. It was great! We spent a half hour shopping after the ride, though. There was sooooo much pirate stuff! We saw a show called The Tiki Room, and it was okay. Then we went on a little boat ride through a bunch of different rivers and learned a little about each one. When that was done, we saw a tutorial given by Captain Jack Sparrow. My brother even got to swordfight him. The actor was just like the real Jack. It was awesome!! After dueling with Jack, we headed over to get a Dole whip. It’s really great tasting pineapple ice cream. Then we went and rode the Haunted Mansion over in Liberty Square. It was really sweet.
We headed over to Tomorrow Land and rode Space Mountain (2 times), the Space Orbiter, and the new Buzz Lightyear ride (it wasn’t little kiddish at all). We went to Fantasy Land and rode Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (the spinning cups) and Snow White’s Scary Adventures. They were cool (but the Tea Party made me feel kinda sick because I get motion sick when I spin around a lot). We headed to Main Street, did a little shopping, lift the park, ran like the wind to catch a monorail, went to Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and had a great time at a luau. That was fun.
Day 4 Saturday Nov. 3, 2007
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!
My family and I went to Animal Kingdom today. But before we did, we slept in, had a nice breakfast (usually, we skip it all together), and decided today would be an easy day. When we caught a bus to Animal Kingdom, we were standing by a really nice family, so we had a great time on the bus ride. When we got to the park, we immedeatly headed over to Expedition Everest, Animal’s newest ride. We ended up riding it 3 times.
After Everest, we went on a jungle walk to see jungle animals like komodo dragons and tigers and exotic birds. Then we went to Dino Land, where we rode Primeval Whirl and Dinosaur (based on the movie).
We took a break to have lunch, and then went to a show about the Lion King. Right after the Lion King show, we saw It’s Tough to be a Bug in the base of the Tree of Life. It was extremely real (Don’t take little kids). To end our day at the park, where else to go than the Kahli River Rapids. My dad, my brother and I rode it 4 times and came off cold and soaking wet.
We came back to the hotel and swam in our heated pool run by the hotel, then went and ate dinner and had popcorn.
Day 5 Sunday Nov. 4, 2007
Big giant ball for a symbol….must be Epcot!
Today, my family and I went to Epcot. There were 3 main rides we wanted to ride. They were:
1: Soarin’~ you get to fly high above the golden state of California in a simulated hang-glider ride. It’s incredible. I have no words to describe it except that it’s so realistic and you don’t even know that Soarin’ is a ride.
2: Mission Space~ you may have heard of this one. The original had to be toned down and a “Less-intense” ride was created because people were having heart attacks on it. It was great. I first rode the Green Team because the Orange Team is a giant centrifuge, and don’t forget that I get motion sick if I see people spinning or I’m spinning and can’t focus on anything. I got bored on the Green Team, so I decided to wing it and try the Orange Team. I LOVED IT!!!! It was so awesome. Disney did a great job.
3: Test Track~ enter this building and get transported to a car testing lab. The first time, we all got to the boarding area and the cars broke down. We came back later and finally got to ride it, and it was great. You went over bumpy road, almost crash into a wall, go through extreme heat, cold, and a corrosive chamber, then take a lap or 2 around the outside of the building before coming back to unload. All of this is done in a convertible type test car.
After rides, there’s the World Showcase. Visit countries all over the world without ever leaving Florida. My favorite was Japan, where I got a silk Screen. At 9:00, Epcot’s fireworks show, Illuminations, began. It was spectacular. Completely amazing. Towards the end, a rotating globe came out (all of this was done over a lagoon), opened up, and revealed a giant torch.
It. Was. Great!
Day 6 Last day Monday, Nov. 5, 2007
Time to park hop!
Today we started in Magic Kingdom and redid rides we got to do and didn’t get to ride. We came back to the hotel to drop off some packages, then caught a bus to MGM Studios. I rode the Tower of Terror 4 more times with my father for a total of 8 times this whole trip. I rode Star Tours and the Rockin’ Rollercoaster one more time and went primal on a gigantic turkey leg. We had some dessert at the hotel, and finally got to stop standing on our feet.
My family and I had a great time on our trip to Disney World. I hope that everyone who reads this journal will get to experience some of the fun I had. Who knows? It may help you map your next trip to Walt Disney World!
Mitchell, Gates, Reddell are top eighth grade poets
Tori Mitchell, Christina Gates, and Sabra Reddell have been named winners in the annual South Middle School Eighth Grade Poetry Contest.
Their poems will be published in Teacher Select: Anthology of Eighth Grade Poetry, a national book. The poems were chosen by a faculty committee from a field of 30 poems, according to Mr. Randy Turner, eighth grade communication arts teacher. The poems are printed below:
BROKEN WINGS
by CHRISTINA GATES
Can’t you see her broken wings,
How she wants to fly?
As she plummets to the ground,
Don’t you want to cry?
Can’t you see her will to try,
The look in her brown eyes,
The sadness you can see in her,
As you look toward the blue green
sky
Can’t you see her shattered hopes,
Her dreams gone with the tide?
When you look upon her face,
Can you tell she has recently cried?
Can’t you hold her in your arms,
And say that it’s OK?
Won’t you wipe away her tears,
Or have you nothing to say?
Can’t you hold on to her hand
And chase her fears away?
Or are you just another face,
That brings pain each passing day?
Won’t you carry her in your arms,
When she cannot stand?
Or will you just stand there and watch,
As she falls into the sand?
Can’t you see her broken wings,
How she wants to fly?
As she plummets to the ground,
Don’t you want to cry?
SCREAM
By TORI MITCHELL
I’m ugly: I’m fourteen.
The girls at my school
Make me want to scream.
They whisper things in
each other’s ears
as if I can’t even hear
She’s ugly, she’s fat,
She’s such a whore
Their words,
so hard to ignore
My name doesn’t matter:
I’m fourteen
the girls at my school
make me want to scream
When I go home at night,
it’s always just another fight.
I hate you. I want you to die.
I go to my room, I just cry.
Night goes by
to bring another day.
Taunting things
Are all they say
She’s ugly, she’s fat,
She’s such a whore
They seem to know
I can’t ignore.
I want to be something: I’m fourteen.
The girls at my school
Make me want to scream.
ICE, ICE EVERYWHERE
By SABRA REDDELL
Ice, ice, everywhere
Take each step with precious care
Limbs break off like popsicle sticks
But take the toll of 10,000 bricks.
I see creatures walking so slow.
This lets me know
It’s going to be a deadly snow.
Their poems will be published in Teacher Select: Anthology of Eighth Grade Poetry, a national book. The poems were chosen by a faculty committee from a field of 30 poems, according to Mr. Randy Turner, eighth grade communication arts teacher. The poems are printed below:
BROKEN WINGS
by CHRISTINA GATES
Can’t you see her broken wings,
How she wants to fly?
As she plummets to the ground,
Don’t you want to cry?
Can’t you see her will to try,
The look in her brown eyes,
The sadness you can see in her,
As you look toward the blue green
sky
Can’t you see her shattered hopes,
Her dreams gone with the tide?
When you look upon her face,
Can you tell she has recently cried?
Can’t you hold her in your arms,
And say that it’s OK?
Won’t you wipe away her tears,
Or have you nothing to say?
Can’t you hold on to her hand
And chase her fears away?
Or are you just another face,
That brings pain each passing day?
Won’t you carry her in your arms,
When she cannot stand?
Or will you just stand there and watch,
As she falls into the sand?
Can’t you see her broken wings,
How she wants to fly?
As she plummets to the ground,
Don’t you want to cry?
SCREAM
By TORI MITCHELL
I’m ugly: I’m fourteen.
The girls at my school
Make me want to scream.
They whisper things in
each other’s ears
as if I can’t even hear
She’s ugly, she’s fat,
She’s such a whore
Their words,
so hard to ignore
My name doesn’t matter:
I’m fourteen
the girls at my school
make me want to scream
When I go home at night,
it’s always just another fight.
I hate you. I want you to die.
I go to my room, I just cry.
Night goes by
to bring another day.
Taunting things
Are all they say
She’s ugly, she’s fat,
She’s such a whore
They seem to know
I can’t ignore.
I want to be something: I’m fourteen.
The girls at my school
Make me want to scream.
ICE, ICE EVERYWHERE
By SABRA REDDELL
Ice, ice, everywhere
Take each step with precious care
Limbs break off like popsicle sticks
But take the toll of 10,000 bricks.
I see creatures walking so slow.
This lets me know
It’s going to be a deadly snow.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
South Middle School's Asia'h performs on American Idol
Following are a few comments from other websites and blogs about tonight's performance by Joplin's Asia'h Epperson on American Idol. Asia'h attended South Middle School from 2000 to 2003:
Idol Chatter on Austin 360- Asia’h delivers the first fashion head-scratcher of the night. Are those footie pajamas she’s wearing? Eek. An interesting take on a song that’s familiar to most, but it just didn’t work for us. She needed more energy — more something — to stand out from a surprisingly talented pack. Randy: “It was a tall order for you to take on but, you know, that’s the reason that we got you here. … You showed and proved tonight that you deserve to be here.” Our grade: C+
Michael Giltz, Huffington Post- She set the standard for the night with a competent, at best, version of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)." (Boy, the Eighties loved using parantheses in song titles, didn't they?) Asia'h had a cute outfit, continuing this season's very positive trend of the contestants dressing their age in a fun, sexy, but not slutty manner. The lower register is definitely easier for her and she sounded rough on the high notes early on. But this is one of the easier Whitney songs to tackle and it's right in her comfort range. Which makes it all the more notable that she was only ok at best. "I'll take second-rate Whitney" ain't exactly fighting words, Asia'h.
Entertainment Weekly- Second-rate Whitney. That's what Simon called her performance of I Wanna Dance With Somebody, which Randy couldn't help but mention he recorded with the Mistress of Crack back in the 1980s. I thought she sounded okay, but Randy and Paula were gushing over it. Still, good enough for the Top 12.
Rocky Mountain News- Asia'h Epperson, 19, kicked things off with I Wanna Dance with Somebody. She's no Whitney Houston (well, at least no pre-Bobby Brown Whitney), but she brought her own bubblegum sensibility. She had fun.
Blend Television- She was a roller skating extra in a movie (was it Goldmember?) and she slammed into something. She sings “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” She is so focused on getting down the stairs of the set that her first notes are really shaky, and not every note is hitting 100%. I think her voice is a little too smoky for this song, and by the end of it, she’s not strong enough to have a big finish. Randy admits he recorded the song with Whitney, and he thought it was hot, Paula thinks she pulled off and nailed it, and Simon is not is as enthusiastic, and that she’s a second rate impersonator. It was not even close to being her best performance, but it should be enough for her to avoid the cut.
Roanoke Times- Asia'H Epperson came out with a bang singing Whitney's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." At first I was nervous because anyone who tries to tackle Whitney, especially a fast song, usually fails. But Asia'H hit the nail on the head and it's mostly because of the emotion behind her voice.
Mom said she was one of the best she's heard sing a Whitney song. Simon compared her to a second-rate Whitney, to which Asia'H said she'd take that anyday.
Nancy Sluder, Asheville Citizen-Times- Coming down the stairs, Asia’s starts the show with the upbeat “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” It was ok, but once again, I think she picked a song that was too big for her voice, just as she did last week. Also, she added nothing new to the original, which, when you don’t change up Whitney Houston, you get compared to Whitney Houston. It wasn’t that her performance was bad, it just wasn’t anything special for me. 7 out of 10.
TMZ- The best performance was Asia'h Epperson, who sang "I Want to Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston.
Reality Check, Baltimore Sun- Asia'h Epperson says her most embarrassing moment (that's the question of the week) was being an extra on a movie about roller skating and totally falling in front of everyone. On stage, she sings Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." The song really suits her voice, and she's having a good time, but she's definitely not doing anything new with it. Randy Jackson says he recorded that song with the great Whitney Houston and that even though it was a tall order for her to take on that song, "It was hot." Paula Abdul says she wondered whether she could pull it off, and, "You nailed it." Simon Cowell says he isn't quite as enthusiastic and that "at best it was second-rate Whitney Houston." But, with Ryan's prodding, Simon says he thinks it was good enough to get her through to next week.
New South will be bigger and better
By TARYN PARKER
Room 210 Staff Writer
As we know we are going to have three Joplin Middle Schools built. We are going to have a new South, East, and North.
"March 3, there was a bid on how much it cost to build the new South," South Middle School Principal Ron Mitchell said.
"The estimate was seventeen million dollars, maybe a little lower." There will be 235 parking spots for the new South building, Mr. Mitchell said.
"For 600 kids to go to a school that was built a long time ago, it's good that we will get to have new bigger rooms like that cafeteria. It will be five times bigger at the new South.
"We won't have to share a gymnasium and auditorium like we have to do now."
Plans are uncertain for what will be done with the old South Middle School building, Mr. Mitchell said. There may be a Regional Professional Development Center for teachers from all over Joplin and some teachers from cities close to Joplin."
The new South Middle School will hold 700 students, Mr. Mitchell said. He explained some of the differences students will see at the new school.
"We will have a baseball field for P.E. Since we have a small cafeteria we have three lunches, but at the new South, we will only have two lunches because about 300 kids will be able to fit in the cafeteria." Autistic centers will be in all 3 new schools.
The new building will also have a safety precaution that is not in place at the current South Middle School.
"Sixty-one total cameras will be in the new South, everywhere except the bathrooms and locker rooms."
Another change will be the addition of extra faculty. "Since the new South will be bigger," Mr. Mitchell said, "it is going to need new teachers for the second floor."
South will be bigger and better once it is built because everything in it will be new!
Room 210 Staff Writer
As we know we are going to have three Joplin Middle Schools built. We are going to have a new South, East, and North.
"March 3, there was a bid on how much it cost to build the new South," South Middle School Principal Ron Mitchell said.
"The estimate was seventeen million dollars, maybe a little lower." There will be 235 parking spots for the new South building, Mr. Mitchell said.
"For 600 kids to go to a school that was built a long time ago, it's good that we will get to have new bigger rooms like that cafeteria. It will be five times bigger at the new South.
"We won't have to share a gymnasium and auditorium like we have to do now."
Plans are uncertain for what will be done with the old South Middle School building, Mr. Mitchell said. There may be a Regional Professional Development Center for teachers from all over Joplin and some teachers from cities close to Joplin."
The new South Middle School will hold 700 students, Mr. Mitchell said. He explained some of the differences students will see at the new school.
"We will have a baseball field for P.E. Since we have a small cafeteria we have three lunches, but at the new South, we will only have two lunches because about 300 kids will be able to fit in the cafeteria." Autistic centers will be in all 3 new schools.
The new building will also have a safety precaution that is not in place at the current South Middle School.
"Sixty-one total cameras will be in the new South, everywhere except the bathrooms and locker rooms."
Another change will be the addition of extra faculty. "Since the new South will be bigger," Mr. Mitchell said, "it is going to need new teachers for the second floor."
South will be bigger and better once it is built because everything in it will be new!
Fourth Hour class shines at state Project Citizen competition
By RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
Mr. Rocky Biggers' eighth grade history classes all worked on Project Citizen, but only one class was able to go to Jefferson City to compete with other schools around the state Monday.
Project Citizen is where the class takes a problem that it would like to solve and researches it. Then it looks at all of its options of how it can solve the problem and picks the one it believes works best and then creates a policy to implement it. Lastly, the class comes up with an action plan on how to get the policy implemented.
On March 3rd at 5:15 a.m., Mr. Biggers' fourth hour class began its journey to Jefferson City for Project Citizen. It was a long trip, but once we got their it was definitely worth it.
At about 11 a.m., we presented our suicide prevention project for Project Citizen to the judges. After that, we ate lunch and then went back to listen to the awards ceremony. Mr. Biggers' fourth hour class was presented with an Excellent award. Once the ceremony was over, we were able to get a tour of the Capital Building. Once our long day was over, we headed home at about 3 pm.
This was a learning experience that many of us will always remember with precise detail. Our class is even going to try and carry on with this program since it is doable, which would be great to change something in our school that could possibly save a life. I'm really just glad that Mr. Biggers gave us the opportunity to work on Project Citizen.
(Note: The class is hoping to take its suicide prevention program before the Joplin R-8 Board of Education.)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
South Middle School's Asia'h rocks American Idol
By TARYN PARKER
Room 210 Staff Writer
Asia'h Epperson went to South Middle School during her sixth through eighth grade years. Now she is on one of the most watched shows in America, which is American Idol! Asia'h’s audition song in Atlanta was “How Do I Live?” by Leann Rimes, a tribute to her father because he passed away two days before her audition. Hollywood week, Asia'h sang “I'm Going Down”. When it was down to the top 12 girls, Asia'h sang “Piece Of My Heart” by Janis Joplin. After she sang her song, Randy Jackson (American Idol judge) said, “I love that you brought a little you to it and a little Janis Joplin to it. You did your thing to it, I was impressed”. Paula Abdul (American Idol judge) said, “You had fun up there. You could tell you had some really good moments”. Simon Cowell (American Idol judge) said, “For me it was my favorite of the night. You let go. You’re fun, you’re likable, you’ve got a good voice, you’re not taking yourself too seriously. That is what it is all about”.
Wednesday was the ladies turn to sing for the judges and for America. It was down to the top ten contestants. Asia'h Epperson was one of the top ten contestants. Asia'h sang, “All By Myself” and was contestant number ten. Randy Jackson said, “I know you've been sick in all week and it was a difficult song with the highest degree of difficulty. Paula said, “You did have some problems on the low parts but the ending is what counts”. Simon had to say, “ It is one of the diva songs and you got to be incredible to sing that song. You almost pulled it off. I think the song it too big for you”.
Here are some facts about Asia'h Epperson. Asia'h is 19 years old and was born and raised in Joplin Missouri. She has two brothers, Stratton and Donovan. Stratton is 22 years old and Donovan is a Senior at Webb City High School. Asia’h attended Joplin Schools through ninth grade. She finished high school in Atlanta where she lived with her father. She attends Villa Heights Christian Church and did plays and musical things. When she was around 9 or 10 Asia’h and her incredible young voice saved the Church Christmas program when all the other main characters came down with the flu the day of the program. Something America doesn't know about Asia'h is that she was a cheerleader for several years. She loved doing it, making up some moves and getting into it. There are large groups on Facebook that support Asia'h.
Asia'h auditioned in Atlanta where her father and some of her friends lived. Asia'h’s mom and grandmother went to Los Angeles last week to visit her. They got to meet the three judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Simon had huge bodyguards around him everywhere he went. Asia'h’s grandmother said that the American Idol people were hard on the contestants and the work they do is not easy. They are expected to do things when first asked. They rehearse everyday. Her grandmother said that Asia'h has matured and is having the time of her life. She also said to be aware that you only see what the show producers want you to see. Asia'h wants to be the next American Idol. Good Luck Asia'h!
Eagle Time coming to South Middle School
By RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
The teachers at South Middle School and Mr. Ron Mitchell, principal, have noticed that there are a lot of kids not doing well in school. So the teachers and Mr. Mitchell have decided to create a guided study hall time beginning on the first day of 4th quarter.
Monday will be the normal T.A., Tuesday-Thursday will be a guided study hall, and Friday will be a read day like normal. Students with good grades will just read or work on other homework on Tuesday-Thursday. Students with lower grades will work on their missing work and if they need extra help then they will go to the class in which they need help in.
Tuesdays are Eagle Time for the sixth graders, Wednesday is Eagle Time for the seventh graders, and Thursdays are Eagle Time for the eighth graders. Eagle Time is where students with good grades are able to go play in the gym and auditorium or go to a classroom designated for reading. At mid-quarter, the teachers will evaluate the students' grades and if they improved then they will be able to go to Eagle Time and work on other work. This system also works the other way, if a students grade isn't passing anymore then the student will have to work on their missing work to get their grade up.
The teachers and Mr. Mitchell have decided to create this guided study time to help cut down on ZAPs and ASDs, as well as get grades up. This program will be implemented in the new school. They will even have more time for this guided study hall since the cafeteria will be bigger. And there will be no need for a third lunch period, Mr. Mitchell said.
"We just want to help students get their grades up and help them succeed."
Room 210 Editor
The teachers at South Middle School and Mr. Ron Mitchell, principal, have noticed that there are a lot of kids not doing well in school. So the teachers and Mr. Mitchell have decided to create a guided study hall time beginning on the first day of 4th quarter.
Monday will be the normal T.A., Tuesday-Thursday will be a guided study hall, and Friday will be a read day like normal. Students with good grades will just read or work on other homework on Tuesday-Thursday. Students with lower grades will work on their missing work and if they need extra help then they will go to the class in which they need help in.
Tuesdays are Eagle Time for the sixth graders, Wednesday is Eagle Time for the seventh graders, and Thursdays are Eagle Time for the eighth graders. Eagle Time is where students with good grades are able to go play in the gym and auditorium or go to a classroom designated for reading. At mid-quarter, the teachers will evaluate the students' grades and if they improved then they will be able to go to Eagle Time and work on other work. This system also works the other way, if a students grade isn't passing anymore then the student will have to work on their missing work to get their grade up.
The teachers and Mr. Mitchell have decided to create this guided study time to help cut down on ZAPs and ASDs, as well as get grades up. This program will be implemented in the new school. They will even have more time for this guided study hall since the cafeteria will be bigger. And there will be no need for a third lunch period, Mr. Mitchell said.
"We just want to help students get their grades up and help them succeed."
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Former SMS student Asia'h Epperson shines on American Idol
Former South Middle School student Asiah Epperson (2000 to 2003) performed on American Idol tonight. The following passage comes from The Turner Report, the blog written by SMS eighth grade communications arts teacher Mr. Randy Turner. Mr. Turner liveblogged the program:
Asia'h Epperson told more than 30 million people just now that she loved her time as a middle school cheerleader, saying "Go Eagles, and did a Joplin Eagles cheer, which should raise the roof at the Joplin American Idol watch party.
Asia'h is performing Eric Carmen's "All By Myself," which I have to admit I have never liked, and it does not appear to be her best performance and she has missed a couple of notes, but she is putting on a show at the end and getting the crowd back into it. And her arrangement of the song is different and powerful. What an ending! She nailed it!
Now for the judges:
Randy Jackson said that Asia'h has been sick. "You did a really good job with it."
Paula Abdul said, "It was great, but the ending is where it counts on this song. You brought it home."
Simon Cowell said, "You have to be one heck of a singer to pull it off and you didn't. You almost got away with it, but the song was too big for you."
The voters are not going to see it that way. Besides, it has been a weak night. Asia'h will be back next week.
Teen suicide project headed for state
Mr. Rocky Biggers' fourth hour social studies class is headed to Jefferson City Monday, March 3, to participate in the annual Project Citizen competition.
The students earned the trip with their work on a plan for a teen suicide prevention program. All of Mr. Biggers' classes submitted plans for public service projects, which were judged by Mrs. Karensue Hensley, guidance counselor, and Mr. Randy Turner, communication arts teacher.
Students scheduled to go to Jefferson City are:
Tozia Burris, Cecil Cornish, Natasha Coursey, Breanne Diles, Zachary Dorris, Chance Ewing, Shawn Fronce, Devyn Hale, Levina Hayzlett, Erica Hinojosa, Icesus Holland, Amie Howard, Tori Mitchell, Katie Phelps, Mariah Sanders, Adam Schilling, Adrienne Self, Adam Snearly, Brett Stearnes, Raycee Thompson.
The students earned the trip with their work on a plan for a teen suicide prevention program. All of Mr. Biggers' classes submitted plans for public service projects, which were judged by Mrs. Karensue Hensley, guidance counselor, and Mr. Randy Turner, communication arts teacher.
Students scheduled to go to Jefferson City are:
Tozia Burris, Cecil Cornish, Natasha Coursey, Breanne Diles, Zachary Dorris, Chance Ewing, Shawn Fronce, Devyn Hale, Levina Hayzlett, Erica Hinojosa, Icesus Holland, Amie Howard, Tori Mitchell, Katie Phelps, Mariah Sanders, Adam Schilling, Adrienne Self, Adam Snearly, Brett Stearnes, Raycee Thompson.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Communication arts students study civil rights
By SARAH KESSLER
Room 210 Editor
Every year, Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts students are required to do a project on the Civil Rights Movement. Students are required to write a 1,000 word essay, give an oral presentation, and create a multimedia project on their topic. Some of the student's favorite topics include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the murder of Emmett Till, the 1964 Mississippi murders, and the Brown vs. Board of Education case.
When Mr. Turner was asked why he chooses to have his students research the Civil Rights movements every year, he promptly answered, "We always have our project on the Civil Rights because it's so important in American History."
This project also opens the students eyes to some of America's not-so-glamorous history. Most students were amazed at how badly people used to, and still do, treat each other. This research project has even made some students ashamed of what has happened in the country that is said to be the "land of the free."
Even though this project takes place every year in South Middle School's eighth grade communication arts class, this year students are adding some new twists. This year, eighth graders will be talking to sixth grade classrooms about their topics. This has never been done in previous years, and students are very excited to share their hard work. Posters that have been made on the Civil Rights are also being hung up in the school's hallways. Some of the student's papers are being posted on www.room210civilrights.blogspot.com so for more information, check it out!
Room 210 Editor
Every year, Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts students are required to do a project on the Civil Rights Movement. Students are required to write a 1,000 word essay, give an oral presentation, and create a multimedia project on their topic. Some of the student's favorite topics include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the murder of Emmett Till, the 1964 Mississippi murders, and the Brown vs. Board of Education case.
When Mr. Turner was asked why he chooses to have his students research the Civil Rights movements every year, he promptly answered, "We always have our project on the Civil Rights because it's so important in American History."
This project also opens the students eyes to some of America's not-so-glamorous history. Most students were amazed at how badly people used to, and still do, treat each other. This research project has even made some students ashamed of what has happened in the country that is said to be the "land of the free."
Even though this project takes place every year in South Middle School's eighth grade communication arts class, this year students are adding some new twists. This year, eighth graders will be talking to sixth grade classrooms about their topics. This has never been done in previous years, and students are very excited to share their hard work. Posters that have been made on the Civil Rights are also being hung up in the school's hallways. Some of the student's papers are being posted on www.room210civilrights.blogspot.com so for more information, check it out!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Former SMS student in top 20 of American Idol
Asia' Epperson, a student at South Middle School from 2000 to 2003, has made the top 20 in the American Idol competition, seen locally 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Fox 14.
The following item is taken from Mr. Turner's liveblogging of the event on his blog, The Turner Report:
It's time for Asia'h Epperson. "I'm 19, I'm from Joplin, MO, and I work as a waitress," she said, opening her interview.
A few of the highlights of her past performances, including her heartbreaking performance in Atlanta, were featured. "I'm living his dream," she said, referring to her father, who died in an accident shortly after Asia'h learned about her audition.
She is singing Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart." Her stage presence and performance are outstanding, though I am betting she is going to get grilled by at least one of the judges.
The crowd appears to love it and Miss Epperson was definitely enjoying herself.
Judge Randy Jackson said, "You did your thing with (the song). I was impressed."
Judge Paula Abdul added, "You had some fun up there. You had some really good moments
The judge all of the contestants fear, sharp-tongued Simon Cowell, added, "To me, it was my favorite song of the night. It was fun, you are likable and you have a good voice. I liked it.
That comment clearly bowled over the Joplin teenager. "I was waiting to hear that," she said.
Host Ryan Sechrest asked Miss Epperson how she has been able to keep it together with all she has been through and continue to show the type of bubbly personality she has shown onstage.
"It's just me," she answered.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mitchell, Gates, Reddell win poetry contest
Christina Gates, Tori Mitchell, and Cady Reddell, have been named winners in the fifth annual South Middle School Eighth Grade Poetry Contest.
The three will have their works published in a national book, "Teacher Select: Anthology of Eighth Grade Poetry.'
Miss Gates had two poems in 10 finalists. Others making the finals were Merisha Alderman, Jamie Walters, Amanda Uselton, Sarah Stephens, Katie Kemmery, and Raycee Thompson.
The winning poems will be published later on Room 210 News.
The three will have their works published in a national book, "Teacher Select: Anthology of Eighth Grade Poetry.'
Miss Gates had two poems in 10 finalists. Others making the finals were Merisha Alderman, Jamie Walters, Amanda Uselton, Sarah Stephens, Katie Kemmery, and Raycee Thompson.
The winning poems will be published later on Room 210 News.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Show must go on for SMS Band
By SARAH KESSLER
Room 210 Editor
After two failed attempts, South Middle School's holiday band concert has finally taken place on February 7. It may be a little late for a Christmas concert, but Mr. Reed Barnes was determined to show his band students off. The previous concerts were cancelled do to winter weather.
The beginning band started the concert by playing a familiar Christmas carol, Jingle Bells. It ended its performance by playing two songs entitled Sawmill Creek, and Eagle Crest March. Then the Concert Band was led on stage by Mr. Barnes. This band, consisting of seventh and eighth graders, played three songs. The first, On Holiday, is a fast paced Christmas song. The concert was concluded by two intense pieces, The Forge of Vulcan, and Rites of Tamburo. Even though the concert was rescheduled two times, the SMS band proved that the show must go on.
(Photos by Raycee Thompson, Room 210 Editor)
Seventh grade honor students take Lazer City by storm
Honor students who took the trip were:
Torri Ackerson, John Alumbaugh, Dalton Anderson, Jodi Anderson, Mallory Augustosky, Victoria Baker, Sierra Bartholomew, Abigail Bass, Austin Boyd, Lisa Bromley, Casey Burkhart, Austin Burns, Hannah Cady, Joseph Capehart, Ronald Darby, Shaney Delzell, Danielle Doerr, Karissa Dowell, Caroline Dutton, Preston Eafrati, Wesley Estes, Judith Fausto, Caleb Garton, Danielle Gideon, Kelsey Gould, Dalton Hackworth, Olivia Hampton, Hannah Hare, Christopher Harpole, Shanice Hazley, Elisabeth Heimberg, Alex Hill, Esteban Hinojosa, Kevin Justus, Brandon Laub, Nicholas Laub, Kylie Lewsader, Tianna McCarthy, Hunter Mills, Damon Monasco, Alexander Musgrave, Mackenzie Owen, Hailey Oxford, Spencer Peterson, Devin Plessman, Stefon Rich, Thomas Richins, Alexandra Ritter, Gabriel Sachetta, Krystal Schulze, Bryson Sexton, Victoria Thompson, Emma Thornberry, Theodora Voutiritsas, Elaina Warren, Ethan Warstler, Andrew Welch, Ashley Wescoat, Allison White, Storm Whittington, Emilee Woods, Alexis Woods, Emily Yarbrough
Sixth grade honor students rewarded
Sixth grade honor students were recently rewarded with a trip to Lazer City recently. Students who took the trip were:
Tiffanie Allender, Desirae Anaya, Mason Atwood, Forrest Bernard, Trinity Bennett, Keenen Beverlin, Kennyan Beverlin, Alex Bryant, Brendyn Burns, Meagan Camden, Preston Carpenter, Easton Carver, Kasen Chew, India Coleman, Heather Copeland, Drew Cox, Leigh Craig, Gavin DePaul, Shelbie DeWitt, Abigail Dial, Aaron Dunaway, Katelyn Earl, Bain Edens, Jordyn Gaines, Johnathon Gibson, Oswaldo Gomez, Kenny Gonzales, Kaci Gowen, Kyle Gradwahl, Oswaldo Gomez, Kenny Gonzales, Kaci Gowen, Kyle Gradwahl, Khaled Graham, Lane Grims, Bailey Hale, Chase Hall, Erica Handy, Aleecia Hardin, Cayley Hardison, Haleigh Hawkins, December Hedge, Sarah Heimberg, Chandlar Hendrix, Stesha Hiebert, Wesley Hooks, Courtney Huggins, Brittnie Hunter, Colton Johnson, Janessa Jones, Keaton Jones, Spencer Layne, Lauren Leibee, Joanna Lopez, Amanda Marvin, Chanci McGowen, Nick McKay, Bethany Meehl, Emily Merritt, Robert Metsker, Preston Miller, Jacie Mitchell, Micheal Munalem, Hayden Ottendorf, Alexandra Oviedo, Austin Oxford, Taryn Parker, Hailee Peek, Amara Pendergraft, Micheal Peterson, Alivia Plassman
Also, Malachai Poling, Stormi Potts, Gannon Purdy, Cole Putney, Kahla Quinn, Luke Randolph, David Reed, Kymbre Resler, Kenneth Ricketson, Austin Romano, Shania Saylor, Amanda Schilling, Kenya Schmidt, Kinsey Sexton, MacKenzie Shamblin, Marissa Shofner, Scott Simmons, Erika Smith, Eric Spicer, Devon Stahl, Matthew Stevens, Shaffer Stevens, Christian Still, Alexander Tanner, Stephen Tatum, Ashley Taylor, Cheyenne Thomason, Kristen Tyler, Zachary VanLoon, Michael VanSlyke, Brooklyn Vickers, Nicole Walker, Trevor Walker, Lesley Wallace, Megan Walls, Rebekah Walters, Robert Walters, Jonah Ward, Justice Ward, Alexia Westfall, Martianna Westfall, Caleb Willis, Hunter Winkle
Stauffer qualifies for state swim meet
Joplin High School senior Ali Stauffer, a former South Middle School student, qualified for the state swim meet during a quadrangular meet Jan. 29 at Missouri Southern State University.
She qualified in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2 minutes, 8.56 seconds and she won the 100 butterfly with a time of 1:12.55.
She qualified in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2 minutes, 8.56 seconds and she won the 100 butterfly with a time of 1:12.55.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Anorexia is topic for winning sixth grade essay
By INDIA COLEMAN
(Note: The following essay took first place in the South Midde School Sixth Grade Essay Contest.)
Anorexia is the biggest problem facing today's youth. Anorexia is where you stop eating or after you eat, you make yourself throw it up. They do this because they think they are fat> Half the time they are too skinny to begin with.
I know from experience. Last year, I tried to starve myself.
I lost a lot of weight. I go to a psychologist now so I'm better, but not much. I still almost have to force myself to eat. I'm still not crazy about the way I look.
Anorexia can lead to many horrible things. It can lead to a deep depression, death, or even suicide. Thankfully, I only suffer from depression, but it feels awful. I feel like I'm always in a bad mood. I get made fun of a lot, too.
Barbie has something to do with this. They make her so perfect. All girls think all women should look like her. Girls as young as four years old have problems.
I believe anorexia is the biggest problem facing youth. We can't let it keep happening. More children are dying. They need our help. Make them eat! They do not want to be so thin it's deadly.
(Note: The following essay took first place in the South Midde School Sixth Grade Essay Contest.)
Anorexia is the biggest problem facing today's youth. Anorexia is where you stop eating or after you eat, you make yourself throw it up. They do this because they think they are fat> Half the time they are too skinny to begin with.
I know from experience. Last year, I tried to starve myself.
I lost a lot of weight. I go to a psychologist now so I'm better, but not much. I still almost have to force myself to eat. I'm still not crazy about the way I look.
Anorexia can lead to many horrible things. It can lead to a deep depression, death, or even suicide. Thankfully, I only suffer from depression, but it feels awful. I feel like I'm always in a bad mood. I get made fun of a lot, too.
Barbie has something to do with this. They make her so perfect. All girls think all women should look like her. Girls as young as four years old have problems.
I believe anorexia is the biggest problem facing youth. We can't let it keep happening. More children are dying. They need our help. Make them eat! They do not want to be so thin it's deadly.
India Coleman wins first Sixth Grade Essay Contest
India Coleman won the $10 first prize in the first South Middle School Essay Contest.
Others in the top 10 and the amounts they won were:
2. Emily Merritt $5, 3. Kahla Quinn $3, 4. Shelbie DeWitt $2, 5. Alex Bryant $1, 6. Kristen Tyler $1, 7. Stesha Hiebert $1, 8. Jawni Lemmons $1, 9. Kenya Schmidt $1, 10. Trece Tinder $1
The topic for this year's contest was "What is the biggest problem facing today's youth?" The contest was judged by top students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes.
Others in the top 10 and the amounts they won were:
2. Emily Merritt $5, 3. Kahla Quinn $3, 4. Shelbie DeWitt $2, 5. Alex Bryant $1, 6. Kristen Tyler $1, 7. Stesha Hiebert $1, 8. Jawni Lemmons $1, 9. Kenya Schmidt $1, 10. Trece Tinder $1
The topic for this year's contest was "What is the biggest problem facing today's youth?" The contest was judged by top students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Water fountains shut down due to boil order
By ALEX KANGETHE
Room 210 Staff Writer
Starting on Saturday January 12, a boil order was issued for Joplin, including South Middle School.
On the first day of school after the boil order, the Missouri American Water Company donated water bottles to the schools in the Joplin district, because it was primarily the company's fault.
On the second and third day, it was Wal-Mart who donated the water.
The reason for the boil order was that the rain caused a flood and mud that clogged up the company's system.
The students reported no problems. Surprisingly with 600 kids, there were no spills,” Principal Ron Mitchell said.
Room 210 Staff Writer
Starting on Saturday January 12, a boil order was issued for Joplin, including South Middle School.
On the first day of school after the boil order, the Missouri American Water Company donated water bottles to the schools in the Joplin district, because it was primarily the company's fault.
On the second and third day, it was Wal-Mart who donated the water.
The reason for the boil order was that the rain caused a flood and mud that clogged up the company's system.
The students reported no problems. Surprisingly with 600 kids, there were no spills,” Principal Ron Mitchell said.
Eighth grade science fair is Feb. 28
By RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
The science fair is coming up again and it seems pointless right?
Well, it actually isn't. We have science fairs so we can learn the scientific method first hand. The scientific method consists of: Question/Problem, Hypothesis, Experimental Design, Data, and Conclusion. Practice makes perfect. Sometimes it can be hard to find a topic on which you can practice these steps. Mr. Turner has links for science fair ideas on www.room210.com if you need help.
The eighth grade science fair will be on Thursday Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. The judges usually expect more advanced topics from eighth graders. For example, Sarah Phillips will be testing what makes teeth decay faster, Coke or Pepsi? Adam Schilling will be testing which element to a plant is most important, soil, water, or sunlight? And Shalea Purdy will test the effects of iodine.
Room 210 Editor
The science fair is coming up again and it seems pointless right?
Well, it actually isn't. We have science fairs so we can learn the scientific method first hand. The scientific method consists of: Question/Problem, Hypothesis, Experimental Design, Data, and Conclusion. Practice makes perfect. Sometimes it can be hard to find a topic on which you can practice these steps. Mr. Turner has links for science fair ideas on www.room210.com if you need help.
The eighth grade science fair will be on Thursday Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. The judges usually expect more advanced topics from eighth graders. For example, Sarah Phillips will be testing what makes teeth decay faster, Coke or Pepsi? Adam Schilling will be testing which element to a plant is most important, soil, water, or sunlight? And Shalea Purdy will test the effects of iodine.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Hale TA wins free throw contest
Story and Photo
by RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
Mrs. Joyce Hale's TA
took first place in the annual TA Free Throw Shooting Contest. Joselyn Irizarry is shown sinking a free throw while Aleena Gonzales waits to shoot for Mr. Brian Neugebauer's second place TA.
Each Freethrow was worth 1 point. Here are the winners:
6th Grade:
1st: Norris
2nd:Hedrick, Valenti, Wallace
7th Grade:
1st: Martin
2nd: Ryan, Worku, Daniels
8th Grade:
1st: Hale
2nd: Neugubauer
3rd: Turner
by RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
Mrs. Joyce Hale's TAtook first place in the annual TA Free Throw Shooting Contest. Joselyn Irizarry is shown sinking a free throw while Aleena Gonzales waits to shoot for Mr. Brian Neugebauer's second place TA.
Each Freethrow was worth 1 point. Here are the winners:
6th Grade:
1st: Norris
2nd:Hedrick, Valenti, Wallace
7th Grade:
1st: Martin
2nd: Ryan, Worku, Daniels
8th Grade:
1st: Hale
2nd: Neugubauer
3rd: Turner
Quiz Bowl finishes 5-4 at College Heights; Alumbaugh sets school record
Seventh grader Calvin Alumbaugh set a school record by answering 40 questions correctly at the South Middle School Quiz Bowl team finished 5-4 during the Math Academic Challenge at College Heights Christian School Monday.
South Team One, consisting of Alumbaugh, Sarah Kessler, Joey Capehart, and Mary Jean Miller defeated teams from Lamar, Monett, and Diamond. Miss Kessler answered eight questions correctly.
Team Two, consisting of Alex Kangethe, Matt Cruzan, Danielle Doerr, Nicol McDonald, and Elaina Warren finished 3-6. Kangethe correctly answered 10 questions.
For the season, South Team One has a record of 18 wins and nine losses. The next academic challenge, in history, is scheduled for February 18 at Lamar.
South Team One, consisting of Alumbaugh, Sarah Kessler, Joey Capehart, and Mary Jean Miller defeated teams from Lamar, Monett, and Diamond. Miss Kessler answered eight questions correctly.
Team Two, consisting of Alex Kangethe, Matt Cruzan, Danielle Doerr, Nicol McDonald, and Elaina Warren finished 3-6. Kangethe correctly answered 10 questions.
For the season, South Team One has a record of 18 wins and nine losses. The next academic challenge, in history, is scheduled for February 18 at Lamar.
Eighth graders win spirit stick during pep assembly
Photos by
RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
The eighth grade won the spirit stick during the winter sports pep assembly held Monday in the SMS auditorium.
The accomplishments of basketball players, wrestlers, and cheerleaders were recognized, and the seventh and eighth grade cheerleaders performed dance routines.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sixth grade science fair set for Feb. 25
By TARYN PARKER
Room 210 Staff Writer
The sixth grade science fair will be held Monday, Feb. 25, in the South Middle School cafeteria.
The purpose of the Science Fair, Ms. Lara Stamper, sixth grade science teacher, said, is to prepare kids for the M.A.P test, which has the performance event, that includes the Science Fair.
All of the science teachers judge the Science Fair. These teachers are: Ms. Stamper, Mr. Mike Wallace, Mr. Brent Thompson, and Mrs. Joyce Hale. The judges evaluate the Science Fair according to the rubric, which has guidelines for grading.
The top three who have the best projects get medals. Ms. Stamper says that Anh Nguyen, an eighth grader, had one of the most spectacular Science Fair projects when she was in sixth grade.
Room 210 Staff Writer
The sixth grade science fair will be held Monday, Feb. 25, in the South Middle School cafeteria.
The purpose of the Science Fair, Ms. Lara Stamper, sixth grade science teacher, said, is to prepare kids for the M.A.P test, which has the performance event, that includes the Science Fair.
All of the science teachers judge the Science Fair. These teachers are: Ms. Stamper, Mr. Mike Wallace, Mr. Brent Thompson, and Mrs. Joyce Hale. The judges evaluate the Science Fair according to the rubric, which has guidelines for grading.
The top three who have the best projects get medals. Ms. Stamper says that Anh Nguyen, an eighth grader, had one of the most spectacular Science Fair projects when she was in sixth grade.
Politics is important to students, too
By RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
Most of us think, "I'm just a teenager, I can't vote till I'm 18 so why should I care?"
Well, you should, because you need to inform yourselves and get into the habit of it. We also learn things at school that have to deal with voting that our parents should know. As well as the fact that we can influence our parents.
As you know there are two major parties Democrat and Republican and some are independent.
They all have different points of view on different topics. Just because you are Republican doesn't mean that you can't vote for a Democratic or Independent candidate. Being with a certain party just means you usually agree with their beliefs.
In the upcoming election the big educational issue is the No Child Left Behind act. It's a law that states that all the schools have to get students to score at a certain level or the schools don't get funding. It's a really great idea, but not every kid is going to be able to score in that range. Therefore some of the candidates for president want to get rid of it.
You may not be able to vote now, but it'll be important in future. Like Mr. Rocky Biggers, eighth grade social studies teacher, advised:
"Kids need to start watching or reading the news, because this election could end up affect their jobs in the future or their education."
Room 210 Editor
Most of us think, "I'm just a teenager, I can't vote till I'm 18 so why should I care?"
Well, you should, because you need to inform yourselves and get into the habit of it. We also learn things at school that have to deal with voting that our parents should know. As well as the fact that we can influence our parents.
As you know there are two major parties Democrat and Republican and some are independent.
They all have different points of view on different topics. Just because you are Republican doesn't mean that you can't vote for a Democratic or Independent candidate. Being with a certain party just means you usually agree with their beliefs.
In the upcoming election the big educational issue is the No Child Left Behind act. It's a law that states that all the schools have to get students to score at a certain level or the schools don't get funding. It's a really great idea, but not every kid is going to be able to score in that range. Therefore some of the candidates for president want to get rid of it.
You may not be able to vote now, but it'll be important in future. Like Mr. Rocky Biggers, eighth grade social studies teacher, advised:
"Kids need to start watching or reading the news, because this election could end up affect their jobs in the future or their education."
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Choir presents holiday concert
By RAYCEE THOMPSON
Room 210 Editor
The South Middle School Vocal Music Department, under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers, presented its annual holiday concert, "Merrily Sing Noel!" Tuesday in the auditorium. A performance was also given during an assembly Tuesday morning.
The program opened with the sixth grade choir performing six numbers, including solos by Kenya Schmidt and Amanda Schilling.
The Concert Choir performed eight songs, with solos by Sarah Painter, Tanner Crawford, Adam Schilling, Mariah Sanders, and Katie Uttley.
The Southern Belles, South's show choir, performed "A Jingle Bell Christmas."
Sixth Grade Cholr- Tiffanie Alexander, Joceline Bogarin, Keantavious Burns, Heather Copeland, Leigh Ann Craig, Laura Crews, Khristopher Dailey, Shelbie DeWitt, Abby Dial, Kenny Gonzalez, Summer Hall, Erica Handy, Cayley Hardison, Haleigh Hawkins, Sarah Heimberg, Wesley Hooks, Bradley Kennedy, Jawni Lemmons, Cassie Lloyd, Amanda Marvin, Shea Mazur, Emily Merritt, Austin Oxford, Hailee Peek, Amara Pendergraft, Salena Perez, Alivia Plassman, Kenneth Ricketson, Kortnie Roberts, Shaina Saylor, Amanda Schilling, Kenya Schmidt, Dominic Searle, Mackenzie Shamblin, Erika Smith, Shaffer Stevens, Alex Still, Stephen Tatum, Trece Tinder, Georgina Velazquez, Brook Vickers, Nicole Walker, Megan Walls, Rebekah Walters, Alexia Westfall, Marti Westfall, Olivia Wills, Rachelle Wilson.
Concert Choir- Torri Ackerson, Kayla Alexander-Norris, Jodi Anderson, Sierra Bartholomew, Kendra Bauersfield, Lindsey Beall, Haley Bowers, Madison Briggs, Charlee Brown, Clayton Brown, Lexi Brown, Ethan Bryan, Courtney Burns, Tozia Burris, Hannah Cady, Hollis Cady, Taylor Camden, Jordan Chambers, Marcus Clark, Cheslie Cook, Cecil Cornish, Tracie Cottrill, Tanner Crawford, Shaney Delzell, Felisha Derrick, Laila Douglas, Caroline Dutton, Shane Ellis, Calisha England, Tara Fleming, Jared Fuller, Christina Gates, Eleena Gonzales, Kelsey Gould, Jordan Hamilton, Allison Hankins, Taylor Harris, Erika Hinojosa, Rachelle Hughbank, Shelby Ingram, Anna Johnson, Carson Jones, Heather Jones, Kevin Justus, Katie Kemmery, Shani Knight, Tera Knight, Lauren Layne, Itzell Lopez, Elisha Mansour, Sarah Matthews, Dominique Michael, Tori Mitchell, Ghenessa Moore, Jade Moore, Holly O'Dell, Brianna Oxford, Sarah Painter, Bethani Patterson, Katie Phelps, Mackenzy Pierce, Kayla Pinkerton, Justice Pullam, Cady Reddell, Emma Rice, Barbara Rodriguez, Abby Sadler, Mariah Sanders, Adam Schilling, Krystal Schulze, Adrienne Self, Shelby Shumaker, Taylor Shutte, Mindy Sirichok, Candace Smith, C. D. Smith, Amanda Uselton, Brittany Utley, Katie Uttley, Hannah Ward, Storm Whittington, Nichole Yeoman.
Southern Belles- Jodi Anderson, Haley Bowers, Lexi Brown, Courtney Burns, Tozia Burris, Hannah Cady, Taylor Camden, Jordan Chambers, Shaney Delzell, Tara Fleming, Carson Jones, Tera Knight, Lauren Layne, Sarah Matthews, Tori Mitchell, Holly O'Dell, Sarah Painter, Mariah Sanders, Krystal Schulze.
(From top: Southern Belles, Sarah Painter performs solo, Tanner Crawford performs solo, Concert Choir, Sixth Grade Choir)
8th and 7th Grade Basketball Tryouts
Raycee Thompson Room 210 Editors
8th and 7th grade boy's basketball tryouts were wrapped up on the 5th of Dec. The basketball tryouts consisted of conditioning and teh coaches also took the students' grades into consideration. The 7th grade boy's basketball coach is Coach Wallace and the 8th grade boy's basketball coach is Coach Vieselmayer.
8th grade boy's basketball team: Nathan Cox, Beau Scroggins, Nathan Stripling, Nick McIntosh, Gareth Evans, Gill Randolph, Blake Putnam, Desean Triplett, Paden Lacey, Preston Ryser, Payton Pollock, Robert Braum, and Jeffrey Terry.
7th grade boy's basketball team: Hunter Mills, Kaleb Owens, CD Smith, Stefon Rich, Michael Oyler, Nate Brummer, Caleb Garton, Gabe Scchetta, Chelslie Cook, Jordan Buxton, Dalton Anderson, Joey Ryser, Axel Vene, and Calvin Halumbaugh.
8th and 7th grade boy's basketball tryouts were wrapped up on the 5th of Dec. The basketball tryouts consisted of conditioning and teh coaches also took the students' grades into consideration. The 7th grade boy's basketball coach is Coach Wallace and the 8th grade boy's basketball coach is Coach Vieselmayer.
8th grade boy's basketball team: Nathan Cox, Beau Scroggins, Nathan Stripling, Nick McIntosh, Gareth Evans, Gill Randolph, Blake Putnam, Desean Triplett, Paden Lacey, Preston Ryser, Payton Pollock, Robert Braum, and Jeffrey Terry.
7th grade boy's basketball team: Hunter Mills, Kaleb Owens, CD Smith, Stefon Rich, Michael Oyler, Nate Brummer, Caleb Garton, Gabe Scchetta, Chelslie Cook, Jordan Buxton, Dalton Anderson, Joey Ryser, Axel Vene, and Calvin Halumbaugh.
The End Of Clubs
Raycee Thompson Room 210 Editor
The last club day was on the 29th of Nov. We would have club days every Fridays for a month. The reason we had the clubs all in one week at the end of the month was because the other schools did and Mr. Cook and thought it would be a good idea. As well as the fact that it would be easier for students and teachers to remember when it was club day.
Can you even imagine having to sort through nearly 600 names and make sure that the kids got what they wanted? Mr. Cookhad to do that. He actually went through all the names 3 or 4 times. Luckily he was willing to do that so we could have clubs.
The last club day was on the 29th of Nov. We would have club days every Fridays for a month. The reason we had the clubs all in one week at the end of the month was because the other schools did and Mr. Cook and thought it would be a good idea. As well as the fact that it would be easier for students and teachers to remember when it was club day.
Can you even imagine having to sort through nearly 600 names and make sure that the kids got what they wanted? Mr. Cookhad to do that. He actually went through all the names 3 or 4 times. Luckily he was willing to do that so we could have clubs.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Morning homework center starts
By SARAH KESSLER
Room 210 Editor
"We're trying to open up availability for students to come in and get extra help." This is what the counselor at South Middle School, Mrs. KarenSue Hensley, says about the new morning homework center.
This early session takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (this is when school starts) Tuesday- Friday. On Monday, homework center starts at 7:30 a.m. At the 7:30 meeting, sixth graders meet in room 108, seventh graders in room 205, and eighth graders in room 206.
Not only does this group meet in the morning, it also meets in the afternoon. Students can meet in room 109 Monday through Wednesday and Friday and in the the computer lab on Thursday. The afternoon session starts after school and ends at 4 p.m.
Room 210 Editor
"We're trying to open up availability for students to come in and get extra help." This is what the counselor at South Middle School, Mrs. KarenSue Hensley, says about the new morning homework center.
This early session takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (this is when school starts) Tuesday- Friday. On Monday, homework center starts at 7:30 a.m. At the 7:30 meeting, sixth graders meet in room 108, seventh graders in room 205, and eighth graders in room 206.
Not only does this group meet in the morning, it also meets in the afternoon. Students can meet in room 109 Monday through Wednesday and Friday and in the the computer lab on Thursday. The afternoon session starts after school and ends at 4 p.m.
Seventh grade super students take skate trip
Story and Photos
By ELAINA WARREN
Room 210 Staff Writer
On Nov. 28, the seventh grade students went on an honor roll field trip. They went to the mall food court to eat and then they went to the Webb City Skateland and skated for about two and a half hours.
Those who were eligible for the honor roll field trip were:
Seventh Grade- Torri Ackerson, John Alumbaugh, Dalton Anderson, Mallory Augustosky, Victoria Baker, Sierra Bartholomew, Abigail Bass, Austin Boyd, Lisa Bromley, Casey Burkhart, Austin Burns, Hannah Cody, Joshua Cochran, Ronald Darby, Aaron Daum, Danielle Doerr, Karissa Dowell, Caroline Dutton, Preston Eafrati, Judith Fausto, Danielle Gideon, Kelsey Gould, Olivia Hampton, Hannah Hare, Christopher Harpole, Taylor Harris, Shanice Hazley, Elisabeth Heimberg, Alex Hill, Esteban Hinojosa, Brittany Hudson, Anna Johnson, Kevin Justus, Brandon Laub, Nicholas Laub, Kylie Lewsader, Shyann Lutes, Tianna McCarthy, Dominique Michael, Hunter Mills, Damon Monasco, Alexander Musgrave, Hailey Oxford, Spencer Peterson, Devin Plassman, Blake Price, Thomas Richins, Alexandra Ritter, Gabriel Sachetta, Krystal Schulze, Bryan Sexton, Victoria Thompson, Theodora Voutiritsas, Elaina Warren, Ethan Warstler, Andrew Welch, Ashley Wescoat, Allison White, Storm Whittington, Emilee Wills, Alexis Woods, Emily Yarbrough
Photos:Ms.Mense goes crazy at the skating rink.
Allie has ten dollars.
The students train skate.
Soulja Boy
Chicken Dance
Cha Cha Slide
Eighth grade science students explore "butterfly effect"
By ALEX KANGETHE
Room 210 News Writer
On the walls, in the halls, they're everywhere. have you seen them?
They're the butterflies done by the class of Mr.Mike Wallace, eighth grade science teacher. IT was an assignment made to teach about natural selection and how if an animal has a better chance of surviving if it is more accustomed to its surroundings. such as the birds of the Galapagos Islands. on one island, there were birds with strong beaks to break through nuts which was the only food there. on another island there were birds with slim beaks that resemble tweezers that are used to catch insects. but while in Uganda, there are tuskless elephants. while their population is beginning to slowly increase, the tusk elephant population is beginning to slowly decrease because of the ivory in their tusks. so it all goes down to the way animals accommodate themselves to their environment with evolution.
Room 210 News Writer
On the walls, in the halls, they're everywhere. have you seen them?
They're the butterflies done by the class of Mr.Mike Wallace, eighth grade science teacher. IT was an assignment made to teach about natural selection and how if an animal has a better chance of surviving if it is more accustomed to its surroundings. such as the birds of the Galapagos Islands. on one island, there were birds with strong beaks to break through nuts which was the only food there. on another island there were birds with slim beaks that resemble tweezers that are used to catch insects. but while in Uganda, there are tuskless elephants. while their population is beginning to slowly increase, the tusk elephant population is beginning to slowly decrease because of the ivory in their tusks. so it all goes down to the way animals accommodate themselves to their environment with evolution.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thanksgiving in Russia
(Note: Miss Sheri Medlock, former eighth grade reading teacher at South, is in her first year of teaching in Russia and has agreed to provide us with weekly updates.)
You never really consider traditions until you are away from people who celebrate them. Of course Thanksgiving is an American holiday, but the truth of that never really dawned on me until Thursday last week. I got, prepared for my normal lessons, ate a hot dog, then went to work. I taught from 4 o'clock until almost 10. Then I called my family.
I spent the day Thanksgiving discussing traditions with my students. My students were curious about the food we eat on this day. They had tasted turkey and mashed potatoes, but most had never tried pumpkin pie, and few had heard of stuffing.
"So everyone has this dinner on Thanksgiving?" they asked me.
"Well, some families may change some of the dishes, but mostly, yes," I replied. "Aren't their Russian holidays with traditional food?"
They told me about a holiday that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. You can image, after five months of winter, this is a big deal. The holiday, which name I can't pronounce, dates back to pre-Christian days in Russia. Families build a doll of straw that symbolizes winter. They burn it in the streets. And what is the traditional food they eat? Pancakes. There's nothing quite as Russian as pancakes. They eat pancakes rolled up like burritos. Inside the pancakes they put everything from fruit and cream to mushrooms and meat.
I hear the Russian word for "pancake" a hundred times a day. "Bleen" sounds like a very obscene Russian curse word. They substitute this word the way Americans substitute the word "shoot" or "dang."
Oh, I need to finish planning my lessons. Bleen. I better go now.
Blessings,
Sheri Medlock
LAST WEEK
My first year at South Middle School I experienced the normal struggles of a new teacher. After teaching 3 years, I thought some of those struggles were behind me. However, I have discovered a new difficulty as a teacher. Can you imagine your entire class knowing a language you don't? It is a bit unrealistic to ask my students to speak in English the entire 2 hours of my class periods. However, when they aren't speaking English, I have no idea what is being said. I've had to learn Russian curse words fairly quickly.
I teach all ages and all levels of English proficiency. I have students that are adults who want to improve their English and children and teenagers whose parents are forcing them to take the class. On Saturdays I teach a class of 8-10 year olds. The class is meant to be "conversational English." In other words, I have to try to get them to talk for 80 minutes in English. However, this has been a little bit difficult. The first day of this class a girl walked in and I said, "How are you?" She replied, "Ten years old." Last weekend I asked the class, "What did you do last summer?" They replied, "Yes."
Sheri Medlock
SMS Quiz Bowl takes second in science meet
South Middle School Quiz Bowl Number one team took second place in a science competition at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Tuesday night and missed by one question forcing a playoff for first place.
Team One, consisting of eighth graders Sarah Kessler and Mary Jean Miller and seventh graders Calvin Alumbaugh, Joey Capeheart, and Elaina Warren, won seven matches and lost two, the best finish ever for a South team in the traveling academic challenge.
Alumbaugh correctly answered 30 questions and Capeheart eighth to lead South.
South's Number Two team, consisting of eighth graders Alex Kangethe, Amanda Jones, Nicol McDonald, Matt Cruzan and Andrew Ideker, and seventh grader Danielle Doerr won two games, with Kangethe correctly answering 15 questions.
In the overall competition, after the science meet and a communication arts meet at Carl Junction in October, South Team 1 is in third place out of nine teams, one half-point behind second place College Heights. The team that won both the communication arts and science competitions, Carl Junction 1, is in first place.
The next competition, math, will be held Monday, Jan. 28, at College Heights.
Team One, consisting of eighth graders Sarah Kessler and Mary Jean Miller and seventh graders Calvin Alumbaugh, Joey Capeheart, and Elaina Warren, won seven matches and lost two, the best finish ever for a South team in the traveling academic challenge.
Alumbaugh correctly answered 30 questions and Capeheart eighth to lead South.
South's Number Two team, consisting of eighth graders Alex Kangethe, Amanda Jones, Nicol McDonald, Matt Cruzan and Andrew Ideker, and seventh grader Danielle Doerr won two games, with Kangethe correctly answering 15 questions.
In the overall competition, after the science meet and a communication arts meet at Carl Junction in October, South Team 1 is in third place out of nine teams, one half-point behind second place College Heights. The team that won both the communication arts and science competitions, Carl Junction 1, is in first place.
The next competition, math, will be held Monday, Jan. 28, at College Heights.
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