A message from our principal: We will meet June 9

The following message was sent from East Middle School Principal Mr. Bud Sexson to faculty and staff today. He asked that the information be shared with students:

SAVE THIS DATE PLEASE - JUNE 9TH 2 - 4 PM


This is the time we will meet with all of our students who can make it to the east and west bowling alleys. I have reserved both the alleys on 4th and the one on Rangeline for the purpose of meeting up with the kids and having some type of closure of the school year. I intend to hand out grade cards, yearbooks and the contents of their lockers during this time. It would be wonderful of you could plan to be there. We have been through a lot and we need to get together with these guys and let them laugh and play and smile again. The 7th and 8th grades will meet at the 4th street alley and the sixth at the east one. See you then.

Joplin teachers search for students after tornado

 

Joplin Globe provides video footage of East Middle School after tornado

State Department of Education starts tornado relief program for Joplin students

From a State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education news release:


“Missouri kids helping Missouri kids” is the theme of a statewide relief effort launched today by state education officials. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is inviting school personnel and students to quickly raise funds to aid the students in Joplin Public Schools who are severely affected by the tornado disaster.

Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro visited the Joplin area on Tuesday to extend support and assistance to officials at the Joplin Public Schools. Despite the gravity of the long-term recovery situation, the immediate safety and well-being of their students are the top priorities.

Local school officials said the greatest need is cash donations to provide assistance to their students.

“I cannot even tell you how much we need that,” said Kim Vann, communications director for Joplin Public Schools. The school district has a total enrollment of nearly 8,000 students, and nearly half of its student body lives in the affected area.

With money raised through the “Kids for Kids—Missouri Kids Helping Missouri Kids” fundraising campaign, Joplin school officials can facilitate the appropriate use of funds for their students’ needs, such as clothing, shoes, blankets, pillows and other personal items.

In January 2010, the Department organized a similar campaign that provided over 40,000 hygiene kits to kids in Haiti following a devastating earthquake.

“Now, it is time to help school kids in Joplin,” said Nicastro of the present humanitarian effort, which is much simpler and more direct. “If every student would donate $1, just imagine the amount of relief our nearly one million students across the state could provide.”

There is a great deal of interest within the educational community in helping Joplin, Nicastro said. She sent a message to school administrators late Tuesday afternoon encouraging their participation in this urgent relief effort. Many schools are still in session for a few more days. Others school officials may contact their patrons encouraging an organized or a direct way for students to lend support.

Monetary donations can be made directly to the school district. A special fund has been set up for tornado relief. Schools or families can make checks payable to Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund and mail to the attention of Kim Vann, Joplin Public Schools, North Middle School, 102 N. Gray Ave., Joplin, Mo. 64801.

For more information, visit dese.mo.gov or Joplin Public Schools’ website at http://joplin.schoolfusion.us/.

Superintendent Huff: Tornado-damaged East will open on time

The auditorium, gymnasium, and commons area were destroyed by Sunday's tornado, but when Aug. 17 rolls around, just 84 days from now, East Middle School will be open for business.


During an ongoing press conference at North Middle School, Superintendent C. J. Huff said, "Our class rooms are sound. Our intentions are to have East ready to go."

Huff said engineers are on the EMS campus today making sure the biulding is structurally sound.

Any East sixth and seventh graders who were displaced will be able to return to East in August.

Tornado ends school year for Most Inspirational Teacher

“She’s racist.”

I blinked twice and reread the beginning paragraph of a two-page paper one of my eighth grade students had written about the teacher across the hall from me.

That word did not describe the Andrea Thomas I know, my colleague and friend for the past four years.

Eighth grade reading teachers have a short shelf life at the school where I teach. The first one I taught beside, eight years ago, a tiny young woman with the look and voice of a teenager, became the first teacher at the school to have the embarrassment of having students throw furniture out of her second story window.

I didn’t expect anything different when Andrea took the job. She, too, looked like she would have fit in easily with a high school class. That was where the resemblance ended. Of all of the young teachers I have worked with over the past dozen years, I have never met one who was so prepared to be in a classroom.

She knew what she wanted to accomplish and constructed a plan that would enable her to achieve that goal. I was designated her mentor for that first year, but it would be no understatement to say that I learned far more from her than she did from me.

Over the course of the next four years, I had the privilege of watching her thrive as one of those teachers who goes the extra step for her students, no matter what their race or social status.

This was a woman who put her stock in her God, her family, and her students. By no stretch of the word could she be labeled a racist.

So I kept reading. It did not take long for the student, an African American girl, to get to the point.” She initially considered Andrea to be racist, but it wasn’t the teacher who was the problem.

The problem, she wrote, was not with the teacher. “I was the one who needed to grow up.”

The student changed her attitude and work habits and reading became her favorite class. “Mrs. Thomas wanted to make sure I didn’t fail,” the girl wrote.

“That is why Mrs. Thomas should be named the Most Inspirational Teacher at East Middle School.”

Each year, my eighth graders write a paper declaring their choice for Most Inspirational Teacher. The students vote on the winning paper, not their favorite teacher, but for the essay, the one that does the best job of extolling the virtues of a teacher who has made a difference.

And for this young woman, that teacher was Andrea Thomas.

That award would have been presented a week from this Friday, June 3, on our last day of school. Mrs. Thomas would have received a certificate and a copy of the winning essay.

The auditorium in which that ceremony was to take place is no longer standing. The winning essay, which was on the desk in my classroom, may no longer exist,, and if it does, it is highly unlikely it is in a presentable condition. From what I have been told, my room and Mrs. Thomas’ room were hit the hardest by the tornado that caused extensive damage to the building, which had only been standing for two years.

In the grand scheme of things, an essay and a certificate do not mean much, especially compared to the horrible devastation that Joplin has suffered from the tornado that tore the heart out of the city and has cost at least 116 people their lives and countless others their homes and property.

But it would have been nice for Andrea Thomas to have been named the Most Inspirational Teacher…on her last day at East Middle School.

It would have marked the perfect ending for a frustrating year for Andrea, who reluctantly came to her decision after she realized her long, exhausting hours of work before and after school were taking away from her time for family and church.

Andrea has bigger problems to worry about. She and her husband lost their home to the deadly tornado, but even that never caused her to waver in her faith.

After the tornado hit Sunday night, she did not ask her Facebook friends to pray for her, “Please continue to pray for our city,” she wrote. As for her and her husband, she brushed off their new homeless state. They can stay with family. “Our needs are being met.”

With so many suffering, I can’t help but think I am being selfish, but it would have been great to have taught alongside Andrea Thomas for nine more days and for her students to have another two weeks with this young teacher with the tough exterior and the marshmallow heart.

It would have been nice to have had a chance to say goodbye.

Jason Weaver named East Middle School assistant principal

By CAMERON BALL
Staff Writer

It has been announced that Mr. Jarrett Cook's replacement as vice-principal at East Middle School is going to be Mr. Jason Weaver.

Mr. Weaver has been a seventh grade social studies teacher at East/South for the last nine years, and he's moving up in the school to become Mr. Sexton's aide, replacing Mr. Cook, who is the new principal at Jefferson Elementary. 
Mr.Cook had been assistant principal at East Middle School for the past three years.


Mr. Weaver was selected following interviews Friday, May 13. The panel that interviewed the assistant principal candidates included Mr. Sexson and EMS teachers Mr. Michael Wallace and Mrs. Lisa Simmons.
Last week, Mr. Sexson perfectly described our new assistant principal  when he told EMS Roundabout the qualities he wanted from the person who was hired.

"He must be caring, a good communicator with the kids and must be able to do a good job of having fun with students and educating them at the same time," Mr. Sexson said.

(Photo: Mr. Jason Weaver and his wife, Stephanie)

Orchestra concert set for tonight

By JESSICA CRABB
Staff Writer

The EMS Orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Kylee Tripoli,  will mix newer and older music when it performs at 7 p.m. tonight in the school auditorium.

The orchestra will play nine songs- "California Dreaming," "Dance Scenario," "Stairway to Heaven," (featuring an Anna Tillman solo) "Bad Romance," "All Star, "Tangerine Rag," "You'll Be in My Heart," "Ships of Ireland," and "Russian Sailors Dance," with the last song being played by the eighth graders, Anna Tillman, first violin; Jessica Crabb, sccond violin; Alyvia Warstler, viola; and Alex Guenzel, cello.

The orchestra will perform at an assembly today during seventh hour.

Mr. Cook hired as Jefferson Elementary principal; interviews for new assistant principal scheduled for Friday

 By CAMERON BALL
Staff Writer

Mr. Jarrett Cook, who has been assistant principal at East Middle School for the past three years, is leaving to become principal at Jefferson Elementary.  

Interviews with candidates for the assistant principal job are scheduled to take place Friday, May 13.

Principal Mr. Bud Sexson told EMS Roundabout his expectations for the new assistant principal are pretty standard.

"He must be caring, a good communicator with the kids and must be able to do a good job of having fun with students and educating them at the same time."



Teachers will play a role in choosing Mr. Cook's replacement. Mr. Sexson said eighth grade science teacher Mr. Michael Wallace and sixth grade social studies teacher Mrs. Lisa Simmons will help him and district officials with the job interviews.

Band concert scheduled for Monday

By CAMERON BALL
Staff Writer

The East Middle School Band, under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Moore, will present its spring concert  6:30 p.m. Monday, May 16, in the school auditorium.

Band members are listed below:

Justin Armstrong, Julia Ayala, Cameron Bailey, Dakoda Ballard, Tanner Bartholomew, Whitney Bass, Adrianna Bland, Evan Blue, Alonzo Byers, Reed Campbell, Elizabeth Carney, Harry Carpenter, Darin Clark, Trevor Conrad, Zach Consier, Mckinsey Cottle, Shana Cover, Ethan Crider, Ailan Eldred, Sevrin Eldred, Zack Figueroa, Delshaun Garth, Alex Garton, Chris Geier, Anthony Grubb, Tess Harmon, Amy Hembree, Dalton Hill, Tristen Howell, Hannah Huffman, Kayla Johnson, Cannon Jones, Blake Lewis, Maddie Martin, Christian Owens, Ashton Parker, Toku Platt, Devin Puckett, Austin Reynolds, Tyauna Robinson, Valerie Royer, Jennifer Schulze, Alexis Shields, Jakob Simrell, Austen Still, Steven Townsend, Tyler Viles, Erica Ward, Alec Welch, Hannah West, Adam White, Jimmy Willerton, Denton Williams

Searching for Mrs. Frencken

By VALERIE ROYER and
WHITNEY BASS
Staff Writers

Eighth grade reporters Whitney Bass and Valerie Royer's spirits were shot down by the discouraging words of two anonoious teachers. Whith the simple question "Do you know where Mr. Frencken is?" our spirits were crushed.

Crushed by the smashing words, "She's in her room and you shouldn't bother her! She obviously doesn't want you to talk to her if the lights are off and the door is locked." (Or she could simply be somewhere else.) Those words sunk into our hearts like a stone in a pond.

The interview will just have to wait. Where could Ms. Frencken be?

(Interview to be completed at a later date)

Quiz Bowl to compete in Battle of the Brains

By JONAH ELLMAN
Staff Writer


    During the five competitions that the Quiz Bowl team participated in, they were against kids their same age, fire against fire.

    But on May 19, we’ll see how they perform against adults!  Yes, finally, Quiz Bowl might actually be outnumbered!

    This competition will be held at East, so anybody can come to this brawl.  This will consist of seven different teams, three of which have already had Quiz Bowl experience.  6th, 7th, and 8th graders will all be separated to different teams, while the other four teams have Alumni Quiz Bowl members (high-schoolers that joined Quiz Bowl in middle school), parents, business partners (those of which help sponsor the school), and teachers from East.

    Several rounds will be run, pairing different groups of two teams, until all but one team is eliminated. 

    The winning team will be given the Nobel East Prize, a trophy meant for a winner.

EMS Student Council announced for 2011-2012

The following students have been elected to the East Middle School Student Council for the 2011-2012 school year:

 Eighth Grade- Jennifer Nguyen, Tyler Viles, Shelby Welton, Amy Koch, Ethan Holz, Megan Hickey, Cara Marshall, Jimmy Willerton

Seventh Grade- Taylor Robinson, Ashlynn Griffberg, Amy Walser, Kendra Sparrow, Lydia Routledge, Annie Le, Bridget Ingham

EMS students offer President Obama opinions on standardized testing

After hearing President Barack Obama tell those attending a town hall meeting that he thought students are taking too many standardized tests, students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication classes wrote letters to the president telling them how they felt about the topic.

The students selected the following 21 letters to be sent to the president:

Julia Ayala, Dakoda Ballard, Alec Welch, Jaxon Santiel, Alex Capehart, Evan Blue, Alex Nguyen, Zhenjia Yuan, Mari Santillan, Trevor Conrad, Bethany Martin, Alyvia Warstler, Ronnie Herron, Melissa Danner, Taylor Corp, Paige Earl, Trace Neidholdt, Duane Carpenter, Denton Williams, Tess Harmon, and Rylee Hartwell

Talent show applications available

Applications for the annual East Middle School Talent Show are available in the office.

They must be returned not later than Friday, April 29. A copy of all lyrics must accompany the applications.

The talent show will be held the last day of school.

Student Council elected for 2011-2012 school year

East Middle School and ninth grade Student Council members were elected last week.

For ninth grade- Jessica Crabb, Paige Earl, Rylee Hartwell

For eighth grade- Jennifer Nguyen, Tyler Viles, Shelby Welton, Amy Koch, Ethan Holz, Megan Hickey, Cara Marshall, Jimmy Willerton

For seventh grade- Taylor Robinson, Ashlynn Griffberg, Amy Walser, Kendra Sparrow, Lydia Routledge, Annie Le, Bridget Ingham

MAP testing concludes today

The annual MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) tests conclude today with eighth graders taking science exams.

Sixth and seventh graders, who do not take the science test, finished last week, when testing was held Tuesday, Wedndesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Quiz Bowl ends most successful year ever in Academic Challenge

The East Middle School Quiz Bowl team ended the traveling Academic Challenge competition earlier this month, with Team 2 tying for third place with a 6-3 record and Team One finishing 5-4.

The last competition was in the humanities, following earlier competitions in math, social studies, science, and communication arts.

Team 2, led by Captain Evan Blue and Tess Harper, finished in fourth place out of 10 teams for the entire year. During the humanities competition at Carl Junction, Harmon answered 20 questions correctly, with Blue answering 19.

Team 1 was led by Captain Rylee Hartwell, who answered 19 questions correctly.

The teams will be involved in a Quiz Bowl Spectacular May 19, which will feature teams consisting of sixth graders, seventh graders, eighth graders, parents, faculty members, and high school students who were involved in Quiz Bowl when they were in middle school.

East Middle School Band receives 1 rating at festival

The East Middle School band under the direction of Nicholas Moore, received a 1 rating at the Nevada High School Music Festival Saturday.

An interview with Mrs. Linda Weaver, Golden Eagle winner

In the accompanying video, seventh grade reading teacher Mrs. Linda Weaver, one of two Golden Eagle winners, (the other was Ms. Lara Stamper) is interviewed by Bonnie Ardrey and Annie Suskey:

Are You Smarter than a Map Tester continues

More candid shots from Alexis Gifford and Annie Suskey at the third annual Are You Smarter than a Map Tester at East Middle School:

Live blogging Are You Smarter than a Map Tester

 By ALEXIS GIFFORD and
ANNIE SUSKEY

East Middle School Roundabout co-editor Alexis Gifford and staff writer Annie Suskey will be providing live coverage tonight during the third annual Are You Smarter Than a MAP Tester.

The meal has finished and students are playing games. Parents are meeting in the library and will be taking the type of tests our students will be taking beginning April 12.

Faculty awards Golden Eagles to Mrs Weaver, Ms. Stamper

Two veteran East Middle School teachers, seventh grade reading instructor Mrs. Linda Weaver and drama and science teacher Ms. Lara Stamper were named 2011 recipients of the prestigious Golden Eagle awards this week.

The honor, which is presented to two teachers each year, is voted on by the entire faculty.

Annual Book Fair is a success

Assembly promotes Are You Smarter Than a MAP tester

By JESSICA CRABB
Staff Photographer
East Middle School students were treated to all kinds of spaghetti during an assembly Monday to promote tonight's Are You Smarter than a Map Tester activity.

Mrs. Linda Weaver, Mrs. Clara Ervin and Mr Jarrett Cook entertained the assembly with a skit.

Coverage from Are You Smarter than a Map Tester will be posted later on East Middle School Roundabout.

East Middle School Site Council formed

The first meeting of the newly-formed East Middle School Site Council was held Thursday night in the library.

The Council, which features a combination of parents, school employees and East's Bright Futures business partners, will be involved in a number of activities including tutoring, mentoring, helping with school activities, and providing leadership, fundraising, speakers, and anything else that will help improve the education and lives of the children who attend East Middle School

The meeting, which was attended by more than 50 people, began with an introduction by principal Mr. Bud Sexson, and included a brainstorming session, in which ideas to help get the Site Council off to a successful start were shared.

The Site Council will meet the first Monday that school is in session each month.

Encore classes discuss censorship

Each week, Encore classes at East Middle School discuss a different issue as part of the Word Generation program. This week, the issue was book banning and censorship In the accompanying video, students in Coach Kasey Pliler's eighth grade class debate the topic, ranging into areas such as the dress code, enlarging the topic to things that adults will not let children do. (Video by Jessica Crabb)

EMS Roundabout interview: Rylee Hartwell and the East Middle School Dispatch

In this interview, East Middle School Roundabout Staff Writer/Photographer Jessica Crabb interviews eighth grader Rylee Hartwell about the school newspaper he started, the East Middle School Dispatch:

Mrs. Simmons' class does reports on foreign countries

By JORDAN JENSEN
Staff Writer

Mrs. Lisa Simmons'sixth grade social studies class is taking a trip around the world today, through the courtesy of the internet.

The students have been in the computer lab for the past couple of days, doing research and reports on foreign countries.

Beast comes out on top in second annual Dodgeball Tournament

The Beast from East clawed its way to the top during the second annual East Middle School Dodgeball Tournament Feb. 18.

Beast, Laffy Taffy Crew, Ghetto Smurfs,and Pretty Girl Swag were the top four teams and will compete in the citywide tournament in May.

)From left, Jace Braker, Zac Figueroa, Jamie Rhoades, Delshaun Garth, Tamerik Branham, and Corey Ball)

Now playing in Mrs. Weaver's classroom: The Outsiders

By ALEXIS GIFFORD
Staff Writer
A fond tradition at East Middle School, and before that at the old South Middle School, continued today as students in Mrs. Linda Weaver's seventh grade reading class celebrated their reading of S. E. Hinton's classic, The Outsiders.

The students read the book, which is set in the 1950s and dress like one of the characters. A group picture of students in all of Mrs. Weaver's classes who participated today will be posted later at the East Middle School Roundabout.

(Photo: Mrs. Weaver's second hour class)

Spelling bee rescheduled

The sixth grade spelling bee, postponed due to weather, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 22, after school.

Parents can pick up their children at 4;15.

For more information, see Mrs. Nina English.

Tryouts held for Disney's "The Aristocats"

Tryouts for the first East Middle School musical production, "Disney's The Aristocats" were held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after being postponed for two weeks due to weather conditions.

East Middle School Roundabout will print the cast list when it is available.

Neugebauer explains end-of-course exams

Tryouts for Disney's "The Aristocats" begin today

By VALERIE ROYER

Editor

Tryouts for the first East Middle School musical, "Disney's The Aristocats" begin today after school in the auditorium and will be held each day this week.

Seventh grade boys basketball sweeps Seneca

The seventh grade boys basketball teams defeated Seneca Tuesday night.

The B team won 59-10, led by Donovan Graham with 10 points, followed by Keenan Robinson 8, Dante Figueroa 8, and Justin Armstrong 6.

The A team rolled to a 51-25 victory led by Zach Hall with 17 points and Natal Bay with 13.

The team will conclude its season at home next Tuesday night.

Auditions for "Aristocats' scheduled

Auditions for the East Middle School production of the musical "Disney's The Aristocats" will be held after school (3:45 to 5 p.m.) Monday, January 31, through Friday, February 4, in the auditorium.

The EMS Roundabout interview with director Ms. Lara Stamper will be featured soon on this website.

Dodgeball tournament set for Feb. 18

The second annual East Middle School Dodgeball Tournament is set for Friday, Feb. 18, in the gymnasium.

Six people make up a team. The cost is just $30 per team or $5 per individual to play. The top four teams advance to the finals.

Those interested should contact Coach Kasey Pliler.

Eighth Grade A team beats Seneca 42-35

Antuan Jackson led a balanced scoring attack with 10 points as the East Middle School eighth grade basketball team defeated Seneca 42-35 Tuesday night.

The Eagles led by only two points, 14-12, at the end of the first quarter, but increased the advantage to 20-13 at halftime, and 32-24 after three quarters.

Others scoring for East were Jace Braker 8, Tamerik Branham 7, DeVaughn Simmons 7, Delshaun Garth 6, and Cameron Ball and Cory Ball with two points apiece.

Final scoring given for East 8th Grade B win

Final scoring for the eighth grade B game for Joplin East was

Jacob Crane 18
Zac Figueroa 13
Tyler Parker 6
Cory Ball 5
Cameron Ball 4
Harrison Marshall 2

Final score in eighth grade B game- 48-13

The eighth grade B team just polished off Seneca 48-13. We will have complete scoring for the game in a few moments.

Seventh grade up 45-6 after three quarters

The seventh grade has pulled out to a 39-point lead, 45-6, after three quarters.

Eighth grade is up 33-9.

Sariya Jones is standing in front of me

Sariya Jones is standing in front of me. She just moved.

Eighth grade leads 29-6 at halftime

Eighth grade leads 29-6 at halftime. Third quarter will start will start in another minute and a half.

Seventh grade leads 37-6 at halfitme

The seventh grade team has taken a 37-6 lead at halftime over Seneca. Vidoes of the game will be posted soon.

Eighth grade leads 17-2

East has taken a 17-2 lead at the end of the first quarter and started the second quarter with a bang, scoring the first three points.

The B games are starting

The team is in the final huddle before tipoff of the eighth grade B game with Seneca.

Starters for East are Jacob Crane, Tyler Parker, Ethan Crider, Zac Figueroa, and Cory Ball.

A free throw gives Seneca the initial lead 1-0. Cory Ball gave East its first lead with a two pointer. After a defensive rebond, Figueroa hit a two-pointer, followed by a steal and layup by Figueroa.
East leads 6-1.

Live blogging begins for East-Seneca basketball game

The EMS Journalism Club is live-blogging tonight's boys basketball games with Seneca. The B game will begin in about 10 minutes.

We will have live stories, updates, videos, and photos, as well as interviews and stories about some non-basketball stories that are happening at East.

Pep rally held for winter sports

By ALEXIS GIFFORD,  JORDAN JENSEN,
and JESSICA CRABB
EMS Roundabout Staff

Athletes who participated in the boys basketball, girls basketball, and wrestling programs were honored during a pep rally seventh hour Friday.

After an introduction from Principal Mr. Bud Sexson, the program featured performances by the seventh grade cheerleaders, eighth grade cheerleaders, and flag squad.

The pep rally concluded with the traditional awarding of the spirit stick. Those cheering the loudest and receiving the spirit stick were the eighth graders.

Photos will be posted shortly.

Guitar Club formed at East

By ALEXIS GIFFORD and VALERIE ROYER
Staff Writers

A Guitar Club has been formed this year at East Middle School. Members meet every Wednesday after school. Mr. Nick Moore, band teacher, sponsors the club.

Eighth grader performs with All America cheer team

 By RILEY INGRAM

(East Middle School eighth grade cheerleader Riley Ingram took her sport to an entirely different level over the Thanksgiving break, performing with the All American Cheer Squad at Houston, Texas.)

My trip to Houston, Texas, on Thanksgiving was made possible in June when I was at a UCA cheer camp with my school team. We learned a dance and a cheer and if we did them well, we could try out for All American Cheerleader. A lot of people tried out, but only six could make it.

Six people tried out at a time. Five students from South and I made it. In September, we had a pancake feed to raise money. We made $200 each. Three of us, Hailey Radcliff, Abby Vanormin and I ended up going. We stayed at the J. W. Marriott in Houston and ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner together.

We drove up on Monday. On Tuesday, Hailey and I went to Galveston, Texas, to the beach and swam in the ocean. On Wednesday, all of the All American Cheerleaders got to to go to the NASA Space Center.

On our way, we rode in buses with motorcycle policemen stopping traffic so we could get through. They were always with us whenever we went somewhere.

When we reached NASA, there was all kinds of neat stuff and half of the time a camera guy was following Hailey and me around the exhibits.

After that, they took us to the Galleria Mall and we had cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory and shopped for a while.

That night, we went to a Texas hoedown to eat and dance, then we practiced marching.

On Thursday, we got up early in the morning and marched in the parade. It was really hot outside and we had to wear turtlenecks. When we performed for the first time, Hailey and I got to be on TV. We did the routine a couple more times then returned to the hotel. That night, we watched fireworks from our hotel windows.

The next morning, we ate breakfast and went home.

Choir Concert a success

 The East Middle School Concert Choir, Sixth Grade Choir and JEMS Show Choir put on an enjoyable program tonight in the auditorium.

The choirs, under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers, will entertain the student body during a seventh hour assembly Wednesday.

For information on choir members and the songs they performed, follow this link.

Cold Case Squad looks into civil rights era murders

Students in Mr. Randy Turner's guided study class have been combining work on non-ficiton reading with exploring the mysteries of the recent past.

The group, informally known as the Cold Case Squad, has been researching the history of the American civil rights movement, including numerous murders that took place during that era, and have been attempting to contact some of those who were involved in history.

Among others, the eighth graders have written to Myrlie Evers, widow of murdered civil rights leader Medgar Evers, Ruby Bridges, Julian Bond, Simeon Wright, the cousin of murder victim Emmett Till, and Bobby DeLaughter, the prosecutor who brought Medgar Evers' killer to justice. Though the guided study wraps up Thursday, these students will continue their work in Mr. Turner's communication arts classes during the third quarter during the annual Civil Rights project.

This is not the first time East Middle School students have contacted people involved in the civil rights movement, Mr. Turner said. "Last year, three of our students were able to get interviews. Taryn Parker and Adison Wright interviewed Rita Schwerner, the widow of a murdered civil rights worker, and Celeste Graves interviewed a member of the Little Rock Nine.

(Photo: Members of the Cold Case Squad shown are, from left: Alexis Gifford, Tess Harmon, Makaila Curnette, Nathan Howerton, Isaiah Whitehead, Roni Herron, and Valerie Royer. Now shown- Evan Blue, Julia Ayala, Melissa Lopez, Savanah Fields)

Drama Department stages "Ruby's Magical Christmas"

By ALEXIS GIFFORD
Staff Writer

The long hard work put in by students in the East Middle School Drama Department paid off Friday, December 10, as they performed the play "Ruby's Magical Christmas."

A matinee performance was held for the students, with an evening performance for parents.

 Sarina Shofner played the role of Ruby, the main protagonist in the play, who is the daughter of Dorothy, the well-known character who visited Oz. Shyann Long played Tori, Ruby’s little sister.

    The two sisters are living in the streets along with two other homeless people, one of them being our own Mr. Brian Neugebauer, who played the obviously intoxicated man who searches for the two little girls and was most definitely a crowd favorite with the students.

    One night, Ruby is looking through the trash and spots something shiny nearby- a lamp. She rubs the lamp and a genie appears, played by Avery Tanner, and says she will grant her one wish. But to earn this wish, she must tell the genie what the true meaning of Christmas spirit is. The genie sends her to Oz to discover what Christmas spirit really is.

    This play went very well, and the applause afterward seems to indicate the students thought so as well. If there is to be another play that will be directed by Ms. Cox in the future, most people will definitely look forward to it. Also, special thanks to Maricela Santillan for help with the make-up.

(Photos by Jordan Jensen) (Videos by Alexis Gifford)

Color Guard closes 2010 with party

 East Middle School's first-ever Color Guard squad celebrated the end of the first semester Thursday, December 8, with a Christmas party.

(Photos by Alexis Gifford)

"Ruby's Magical Christmas" set for Friday

The East Middle School drama presentation of "Ruby's Magical Christmas" will be held 6 p.m. Friday, December 10, in the auditorium. A matinee performance is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. for the student body. The production is under the direction of Ms. Cosetta Cox.

Cast members are listed below:

Sarina Shofner, Brian Neugebauer, Cierra Kosilla, Nick Shellenbarger, Hannah Huffman, Summer Jacobs, Miranda Murphy, Grace Roush, Kerry Stadler, Desiree Hawkins, Keithen Wolf, Sierra Schweitzer, Avery Tanner, Amy Koch, Donna Tomlinson, Cassandra Williams, Cole Burns, Valerie Royer, Anna McCann, Marcus Garrison, Andrew Keller, Jessica Crabb, Paige Earl, Grace Roush, Whitney Bass, Vesta Kangethe, Adam White, Madeline Fichtner, Kerry Stadler, Shyann Long.

Vocal concert set for Tuesday, December 14

The East Middle School Vocal Department concert, "Sing We Now of Christmas," will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, in the auditorium.

The program will begin with the Sixth Grade Choir singing "Sing We Now of Christmas," "A La Nanita Nana, with soloists Audrey Hampton and Alexandra Monasco, "Rise Up Shepherd," "Little Star," and "Please, Let it Snow."

The Concert Choir will perform "Sing Gloria, Sing Nowell!" "Silent and Still," "Glory to the Lambs" with soloists Amelia Street and Ethan Fannan; "Through Winter's Window, Angels Singin' Glory!' "O Holy Night with soloists Avery Tanner and Sariya Jones, "The Drum Carol," and "Eight Little Reindeer."

The JEMS Show Choir will finish the evening with "Santa Baby," featuring soloist Annie Strickling, and "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me."

Sixth Grade Choir- Cassi Anderson, Carly Ball, Lisa Boykin, Angel Capehart, Cheyenne Cavener, Razija Colic, Korbin Copher, Nichole Cox, Chayton Crout, Emmalea Dailey, Alley Genser, Audrey Hampton, Caeli Johnson, Vesta Kangethe, Makayla Keene, Mira Lee, Kateri Mace-Canterbury, Alex Monasco, Desirae Orlaski, Brooke Parker, Megain Ridenour, Lydia Routledge, Abigail Russell, Anthony Salcedo, Sierra Schweitzer, Cloey Smith, Kieanna Smith, Victoria Stehm, Alexandra Stelts, Michaela West, and Kaitlin Wilcox.

Concert Choir- Bonnie Ardrey, Maggie Baker, Connor Barnett, Leslie Behrle, Megan Belnap, Shania Blevins, Anna Blue, Jennifer Brewer, Chelcee Burton, Alex Capehart, Jade Carter, Deonna Cole, Michael Crippen, Makaila Curnette, Melissa Danner, Ethan Fannan, Mason Finnell, Alexis Gifford, Ashlie Green, Ace Grimm, Renae Gulley, Theressa Hailey, Aleah Hardee, Abbi Hendrix, Shana High, Ethan Holz, Destiny Horine, Kylie Howerton, Riley Ingram, Alize Iverson, Jordan Jensen, Sariya Jones, Aleaha Keene, Amy Koch, Janet Lopez, Ashley Mansour, Bethany Martin, Kailey Moser, Adrienne Myers, Alex Nguyen, Renee Oviedo, Cortnee Pippin, Kiah Poulson, Jillian Rentfro, Faith Reynolds, Megan Rowe, Nashya Shiwdin, Mecala Showalter, Annie Strickling, Miranda Sanders, Rickelle Stafford, Savannah Stewart, Amelia Street, Madison Stripling, Jamie Sullivan, Misha Tankersley, Avery Tanner, Autumn Tate, Kalli VanLoon, Karly Weber, Alyssa Wescoat, Azia Wheatley, Logan Whitehead, Ashten Whittington, and L. T. Wright.


JEMS- Maggie Baker, Anna Blue, Deonna Cole, Ashlie Green, Abbi Hendrix, Destiny Horine, Kylie Howerton, Riley Ingram, Alize Iverson, Bethany Martin, Kaley Moser, Adrienne Myers, Renee Oviedo, Kiah Poulson, Faith Reynolds, Annie Strickling, Miranda Sanders, Rickelle Stafford, Amelia Street, Avery Tanner, Alyssa Wescoat, Azia Wheatley, Logan Whitehead.

Ms. Kelly Musick is the accompanist.

The program is under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers.

Penny Wars begin

By KARLY WEBER
Staff Writer

East Middle School is certainly in the holiday spirit!

 EMS students use their competitive nature for good this holiday season in the penny wars. In front of the office are buckets for each grade. Students in each grade are encouraged to put pennies into their own jars. Each penny equals a point. Students are to put any silver coins or bills into the other grades’ buckets, which will take points away. The money will also be spent on a very good cause. The money taken away from the penny wars will be given to the student council.

During a school day, council members will go out and spend all the money on toys to give to children who have little or no money for Christmas presents this year. This is one instance where a competitive edge will go to a good cause.