By CHRISTINA OCHOA
Staff Writer
Halloween has always been a holiday filled with mystery, magic and superstition. The Celts were the ones who invented Halloween. Celts believed that on the night before the New Year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.
On Oct. 31, the Celts celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture.
By A.D. 43 the Romans conquered the Celts and kept the traditions the Celts had but added their thoughts. The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. In A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.
The superstitions of Halloween are that we avoid crossing paths with black cats, afraid that they might bring us bad luck. This idea has its roots in the middle Ages, when many people believed that witches avoided detection by turning themselves into cats. This superstition may have come from the ancient Egyptians, who believed that triangles were sacred; it also may have something to do with the fact that walking under a leaning ladder tends to be fairly unsafe.
People mainly forget what Halloween was mainly about, it was about the future instead of the past and the living instead of the dead. Halloween to a lot of little kids is mainly a day were you go around house to house getting candy while, parents try to keep them safe by checking every piece of candy to make sure their was no poison or anything bad in it, it is also many traditional activities that include bonfires, costume parties, visiting "haunted houses" and carving jack-o-lanterns. The activity is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and due to increased American cultural influence in recent years, imported through exposure to US television and other media, trick-or-treating has started to occur among children in many parts of Europe, and in the Saudi Aramco camps of Dhahran, Akaria compounds and Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Leadership group includes East teachers
By VALERIE ROYER
Staff Writer
Have you heard of the teacher committee called A.L.L.?
Well if you haven’t it stands for Advanced Leadership Legacy and involves teachers all through the Joplin School District.
At East, the A.L.L members are Mr. Ron Mitchell, Mr. Randy Turner, Ms. Lara Stamper, Ms. Joyce Hale, Ms. Clara Ervin, Ms. Brandi Davis, and Ms. Areke Worku. What do they do during A.L.L. meetings? It is almost like a student council for teachers. The meetings are held once a month at Joplin High School. The purpose of the meetings is so make sure every building is on the same page, so one school doesn’t fall behind. The group also comes up with new ideas for our schools.
Staff Writer
Have you heard of the teacher committee called A.L.L.?
Well if you haven’t it stands for Advanced Leadership Legacy and involves teachers all through the Joplin School District.
At East, the A.L.L members are Mr. Ron Mitchell, Mr. Randy Turner, Ms. Lara Stamper, Ms. Joyce Hale, Ms. Clara Ervin, Ms. Brandi Davis, and Ms. Areke Worku. What do they do during A.L.L. meetings? It is almost like a student council for teachers. The meetings are held once a month at Joplin High School. The purpose of the meetings is so make sure every building is on the same page, so one school doesn’t fall behind. The group also comes up with new ideas for our schools.
Hat Day is Friday
By PRESTON CARPENTER
Staff Writer
Friday October 15, its Crazy Hat Day.
On this day everybody is invited to wear any hat they choose, as long as its school appropriate. Masks, hoodies, and other items worn on the head that aren’t considered a hat will not be allowed.
One of our journalists will come around and take pictures of your hats, so smile for the camera and come see your pictures, here at The East Middle School Journalism Website.
Staff Writer
Friday October 15, its Crazy Hat Day.
On this day everybody is invited to wear any hat they choose, as long as its school appropriate. Masks, hoodies, and other items worn on the head that aren’t considered a hat will not be allowed.
One of our journalists will come around and take pictures of your hats, so smile for the camera and come see your pictures, here at The East Middle School Journalism Website.
East Band matches on Saturday
By VALERIE ROYER
Staff Writer
The East Middle School is playing in the Carthage Maple Leaf Parade 9 a.m. Saturday. The parade starts on the west side of the square, heads south down Grand Ave., turns east on Centennial, and ends at the Carthage Middle School.
To look at the route more closely visit http://www.carthagechamber.com/mapleleafparaderoute.html
Staff Writer
The East Middle School is playing in the Carthage Maple Leaf Parade 9 a.m. Saturday. The parade starts on the west side of the square, heads south down Grand Ave., turns east on Centennial, and ends at the Carthage Middle School.
To look at the route more closely visit http://www.carthagechamber.com/mapleleafparaderoute.html
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Technology Class Enjoying Their Projects
By:STESHA HIEBERT and
CAYLEY HARDISON
Staff Writters
Mr. William Hedrick’s technology class is engulfed in projects, including mousetrap cars, water rockets, and washer games.
“They enjoy the hands-on projects. They also enjoy working with the tools.” Mr. Hedrick said.
The accidents have been so few and far between that Mr. Hedrick can joke about them.
“Some minor cuts, but nothing serious. Everyone still has all of their fingers, all nine of them…” he said with a smile
CAYLEY HARDISON
Staff Writters
Mr. William Hedrick’s technology class is engulfed in projects, including mousetrap cars, water rockets, and washer games.
“They enjoy the hands-on projects. They also enjoy working with the tools.” Mr. Hedrick said.
The accidents have been so few and far between that Mr. Hedrick can joke about them.
“Some minor cuts, but nothing serious. Everyone still has all of their fingers, all nine of them…” he said with a smile
Monday, September 28, 2009
Shower to be held for Weavers
EMS staff will hold a baby shower for seventh grade history teacher Mr. Jason Weaver and his wife Stephanie 3:45 p.m. today in the library.
EMS Band takes first place at MSSU Homecoming Parade
The East Middle School Band, under the direction of Nicholas Moore, took first place in the Medium Sized Middle School Band category at the annual Missouri Southern State University Homecoming Parade Saturday.
More information will be provided later.
More information will be provided later.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Middle school choirs to perform Oct. 15 at JHS
By CAYLEY HARDISON and
STESHA HIEBERT
Staff Writers
The Joplin High School vocal department has invited all of the 8th graders from North, South, and East Middle Schools to perform with their choirs on October 15. The choir will sing two songs with the high school and two songs from the fall concert. Mrs. Julie Yonkers, East Middle School choir director, replied: “We will be singing two individual songs and two songs with the high school. The two songs that we will be singing with the high school are ‘Battle Hem of the Republic’ and ‘Like An Eagle.’ We haven’t ever started the songs we are singing with the high school, but we’re getting there on the individual songs.”
STESHA HIEBERT
Staff Writers
The Joplin High School vocal department has invited all of the 8th graders from North, South, and East Middle Schools to perform with their choirs on October 15. The choir will sing two songs with the high school and two songs from the fall concert. Mrs. Julie Yonkers, East Middle School choir director, replied: “We will be singing two individual songs and two songs with the high school. The two songs that we will be singing with the high school are ‘Battle Hem of the Republic’ and ‘Like An Eagle.’ We haven’t ever started the songs we are singing with the high school, but we’re getting there on the individual songs.”
Teachers, students share views on Acuity testing
By CHRISTINA OCHOA
Staff Writer
Acuity
East Middle School students took the first Acuity test of the 2009-2010 school year Sept. 17.
Acuity is a test that helps students prepare for the MAP test. East Middle School students have to take Acuity once a month until the MAP test comes along, and then they take it once after the MAP test is already over with.
Ms. Lara Stamper, science and drama teacher, said, “ If Acuity is done right, it could be a tool to test students’ knowledge. The reason we take Acuity is because we’re trying to improve instruction of our students and Acuity can help us find specific areas that need improvement.” She thinks that too many Acuity tests can have a negative effect and can take away from instructional time with students. She is also unaware of any research proving this will help any of the students doing the Acuity, but hopes that Acuity people have looked up if it was useful to any kids.”
Jennifer Wallace, sixth grade block teacher thinks “It feels like Acuity takes too much instructional time.“
Aleah Speller, sixth grader, said, “They’re boring.”
Mrs. Linda Weaver, seventh grade reading teacher, thinks Acuity “gives students extra practice to see what the process is like for taking the MAP test” and gives valuable information for the teachers to use to assess in what areas students need additional lessons.”
Mrs. Angela Mense, seventh grade communication art teacher, says it can be a useful resource “if you use it as a teaching tool in the classroom.” She also says, “You can’t just administer the test and forget about it; you have to decide what needs to be emphasized in the classroom.”
Ms. Julie Yonkers, vocal music teacher, said, “It’s necessary to know what the students know and don’t know.”
Corrina Rodgers, seventh grader, thinks Acuity is fun and prepares you for the MAP Test. “It lets us practice what we’ve been doing. “
Eighth grader Brooklyn Vickers doesn’t really like Acuity testing, but she likes the reason the school does Acuity. “we have to take Acuity because teachers need to know exactly what they need to teach their students.”
Staff Writer
Acuity
East Middle School students took the first Acuity test of the 2009-2010 school year Sept. 17.
Acuity is a test that helps students prepare for the MAP test. East Middle School students have to take Acuity once a month until the MAP test comes along, and then they take it once after the MAP test is already over with.
Ms. Lara Stamper, science and drama teacher, said, “ If Acuity is done right, it could be a tool to test students’ knowledge. The reason we take Acuity is because we’re trying to improve instruction of our students and Acuity can help us find specific areas that need improvement.” She thinks that too many Acuity tests can have a negative effect and can take away from instructional time with students. She is also unaware of any research proving this will help any of the students doing the Acuity, but hopes that Acuity people have looked up if it was useful to any kids.”
Jennifer Wallace, sixth grade block teacher thinks “It feels like Acuity takes too much instructional time.“
Aleah Speller, sixth grader, said, “They’re boring.”
Mrs. Linda Weaver, seventh grade reading teacher, thinks Acuity “gives students extra practice to see what the process is like for taking the MAP test” and gives valuable information for the teachers to use to assess in what areas students need additional lessons.”
Mrs. Angela Mense, seventh grade communication art teacher, says it can be a useful resource “if you use it as a teaching tool in the classroom.” She also says, “You can’t just administer the test and forget about it; you have to decide what needs to be emphasized in the classroom.”
Ms. Julie Yonkers, vocal music teacher, said, “It’s necessary to know what the students know and don’t know.”
Corrina Rodgers, seventh grader, thinks Acuity is fun and prepares you for the MAP Test. “It lets us practice what we’ve been doing. “
Eighth grader Brooklyn Vickers doesn’t really like Acuity testing, but she likes the reason the school does Acuity. “we have to take Acuity because teachers need to know exactly what they need to teach their students.”
First East Middle School pep rally held
The first East Middle School pep rally was held today in the gymnasium.
The football and volleyball team members were recognized.
(Vidoes by Cayley Hardison)
The football and volleyball team members were recognized.
(Vidoes by Cayley Hardison)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Former South student may be kidnap victim
A former South Middle School student may be the victim of a kidnapping, according to a news release issued by the Joplin Police Department:
Joplin police are concerned about the well-being of a 15-year-old female.
The Joplin Police Department received a call from a concerned father today advising them that he had received a text from his daughter stating that she had been kidnapped and was being held in the trunk of a car headed to Springfield.
After following leads with the cell provider and talking to witnesses it is believed that Shelby L. Shumaker, age 15, may be in the company of her boyfriend. She is described as a white female being 5’ 06” tall and 122 lbs. Shumaker has light brown hair, green eyes and fair complexion. She has a pierced nose and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray hoody.
Shumaker may be with her boyfriend, Christopher A King, age 19. He is described as a white male, 6’ 01” tall and 175 lbs.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident should call the Joplin Police Department at (417) 623-3131.
(BULLETIN: Shelby Shumaker was found and she was safe. There was no kidnapping.)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Household items needed for Mrs. Kathy Weaver's class
By AMARA PENDERGRAFT
Staff Writer
What are some of the common items you have in your kitchen?
You probably have a stove, a dishwasher, sink, and a fridge, right? Mrs. Kathy Weaver, a Functional Skills teacher, doesn’t have any of these things to use in her class that she needs. You can help her, believe it or not. She needs pans, pots, a refrigerator, etc. She has a concession stand filled with delectable goodies you can buy. The concession stand is open from the time school ends 3:30 to 7 p.m. during games at the school. They have everything from nachos to laffy taffy. The concession stand is right in the cafeteria next to he entryway door.
Staff Writer
What are some of the common items you have in your kitchen?
You probably have a stove, a dishwasher, sink, and a fridge, right? Mrs. Kathy Weaver, a Functional Skills teacher, doesn’t have any of these things to use in her class that she needs. You can help her, believe it or not. She needs pans, pots, a refrigerator, etc. She has a concession stand filled with delectable goodies you can buy. The concession stand is open from the time school ends 3:30 to 7 p.m. during games at the school. They have everything from nachos to laffy taffy. The concession stand is right in the cafeteria next to he entryway door.
Seventh graders start season with wins over Neosho
By LUKE RANDOLPH
Staff Writer
The East Middle School Eagles seventh grade started out their season by thumping the Neosho Wildcats last night. The B and A team both had thoroughly successful games against the Wildcats.
The B team triumphed with a stunning 22-0 win in the first game. Dakota Mavis scored two touchdowns down the middle while Trenton Jarret proceeded increase the constant edge that the Eagles had. Dustin Freeman and Anthony Grubb delivered a quarterback sandwich to Neosho’s team in the end to score for the defense. The player of the game was Johnny Maturino, who lead the B team in rushing, first downs, lead blocks, and rock solid defenses.
The Wildcats received yet another disappointing defeat when the EMS A team blasted them away with a final score of 20-6. The score at the halftime was a threatening 0-0; however player of the game, Adam Norsworthy, darted down the side of the field for an 80 yard touchdown in the third quarter. He then scored an amazing interception return. The team leader Jack West showed great speed when he scored a fantastic touchdown of his own.
Staff Writer
The East Middle School Eagles seventh grade started out their season by thumping the Neosho Wildcats last night. The B and A team both had thoroughly successful games against the Wildcats.
The B team triumphed with a stunning 22-0 win in the first game. Dakota Mavis scored two touchdowns down the middle while Trenton Jarret proceeded increase the constant edge that the Eagles had. Dustin Freeman and Anthony Grubb delivered a quarterback sandwich to Neosho’s team in the end to score for the defense. The player of the game was Johnny Maturino, who lead the B team in rushing, first downs, lead blocks, and rock solid defenses.
The Wildcats received yet another disappointing defeat when the EMS A team blasted them away with a final score of 20-6. The score at the halftime was a threatening 0-0; however player of the game, Adam Norsworthy, darted down the side of the field for an 80 yard touchdown in the third quarter. He then scored an amazing interception return. The team leader Jack West showed great speed when he scored a fantastic touchdown of his own.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
EMS volleyball teams fall to North in opener
Photos by AMBER SWAGER and KILEY MAY
Staff Photographers
The seventh grade girls B team was the only East Middle School team to win in the season opener against North Middle School Thursday night.
The visitors defeated the 8th grade A and B teams and the seventh grade A team. The matches were the first to be played in the new East Middle School gymnasium.
The eighth grade A game was highlighted by serving sprees by Chanci McGowen in both game. In the first game, which was won by North 25-17, East was down 16-12, after a sideout, McGowen tied the game with three serve points, including a pair of aces.
She did even better in the second game, which was won by North 25-14. North scored the first eight points and led 12-3, when a sideout put McGowen on the line. She served seven points, including four aces to narrow the gap to one.
The eighth grade B team lost 25-5, 25-21.
Members of the eighth grade volleyball team are: Meagan Camden, Daya Davenport, Abby Dial, Celeste Graves, Brittnie Hunter, Kelsey Johnson, Chanci McGowen, Emily Merritt, Brittany Patterson, Salena Perez, Kymbre Resler, Mikaylea Richey, Mackenzie Shamblin, Kristen Tyler, Hunter Winkle, and Adison Wright.
Seventh grade team members are: Whitney Bass, Hailey Benge, Chelsea Burton, Reed Campbell, Lynsey Fichtner, Tess Harmon, Emily Hart, Karin Hoffman, Hannah Huffman, Madelynn Martin, Tori Merriam, Miranda Murphy, Sheridan Ruch, Maricela Santillan, Maddison Stripling, Alyvia Warstler
Volleyball team starts tonight
The East Middle School volleyball team will play its first-ever match in a half hour. The team schedule is printed below:
Thursday, September 10, 2009 North Vs. 7th & 8th A/B Home
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Carthage Vs 7th & 8th A/B Home
Thursday, September 17, 2009 College Hts. 7th & 8th A/B Home
Monday, September 21, 2009 Webb City 7th& 8th A/B Home
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Carl Junction 7th & 8th A/B Carl Junction
Thursday, September 24, 2009 McDonald Co 7th & 8th A/B McDonald Co
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Joplin Tournament 7thA Home
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Mac Co. Tournament 8thA Home
Monday September 28, 2009 South 7th & 8th A/B Home
Thursday, October 1, 2009 Neosho 7th & 8thA/B Neosho
Saturday, October 3, 2009 Joplin Tournament 8thA Home
Monday, October 5, 2009 Nevada 7th & 8th A/B Nevada
October 12&13, 2009 Tri-Co. Tournament 7th Home
October 12&13, 2009 Tri-Co. Tournament 8th McDonald Co.
(schedule complied by Christina Ochoa and Cayley Hardison)
Thursday, September 10, 2009 North Vs. 7th & 8th A/B Home
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Carthage Vs 7th & 8th A/B Home
Thursday, September 17, 2009 College Hts. 7th & 8th A/B Home
Monday, September 21, 2009 Webb City 7th& 8th A/B Home
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Carl Junction 7th & 8th A/B Carl Junction
Thursday, September 24, 2009 McDonald Co 7th & 8th A/B McDonald Co
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Joplin Tournament 7thA Home
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Mac Co. Tournament 8thA Home
Monday September 28, 2009 South 7th & 8th A/B Home
Thursday, October 1, 2009 Neosho 7th & 8thA/B Neosho
Saturday, October 3, 2009 Joplin Tournament 8thA Home
Monday, October 5, 2009 Nevada 7th & 8th A/B Nevada
October 12&13, 2009 Tri-Co. Tournament 7th Home
October 12&13, 2009 Tri-Co. Tournament 8th McDonald Co.
(schedule complied by Christina Ochoa and Cayley Hardison)
Mr. Biggers: The New School Is GREAT!
By PRESTON CARPENTER and BROOKLYN VICKERS
Staff Writers
He likes the old clocks. He doesn’t like digital.
Since there is more space it is easy to walk around.
They are putting down Mile Signs like at the mall!
He likes the location of East Middle School. It will be good with the trees.
Also, he likes the parking lot.
He doesn’t miss the stairs, too many injuries.
He thinks that it will take a while to get used to the bell schedule.
In all Mr. Rocky Biggers is very sure that the new school will help the students. He says it is better since everything is new and bright. Now as much kids see the others that they hate.
“I love the roundabout. Roundabouts help control the flow. Without the lights, it’s easier. Once we get used to using it, it will be able encourage others.”
Mr. Biggers also adds that teachers are trying to increase school spirit. They are hoping to make rallying songs for the students to cheer.
He also says that since we are the first school to open and have a head start we should be proud of it.
Staff Writers
He likes the old clocks. He doesn’t like digital.
Since there is more space it is easy to walk around.
They are putting down Mile Signs like at the mall!
He likes the location of East Middle School. It will be good with the trees.
Also, he likes the parking lot.
He doesn’t miss the stairs, too many injuries.
He thinks that it will take a while to get used to the bell schedule.
In all Mr. Rocky Biggers is very sure that the new school will help the students. He says it is better since everything is new and bright. Now as much kids see the others that they hate.
“I love the roundabout. Roundabouts help control the flow. Without the lights, it’s easier. Once we get used to using it, it will be able encourage others.”
Mr. Biggers also adds that teachers are trying to increase school spirit. They are hoping to make rallying songs for the students to cheer.
He also says that since we are the first school to open and have a head start we should be proud of it.
Student Council Elections Approaching
By AMBER SWAGER and DREW COX
Staff Writers
Mr. Rocky Biggers has been teaching student council for around 9 years. This will be his first year at East Middle School, and his first year at a different middle school. “This year’s election will be quite a tussle” he said. “7th graders and 8th graders from all the three middle schools are battling for a spot in student council.” Mr. Biggers wants “enthusiastic and hard workers,” especially when it comes down to recycling. Getting more involved is one big factor we’re doing at East Middle School,” states Mr. Biggers.
Staff Writers
Mr. Rocky Biggers has been teaching student council for around 9 years. This will be his first year at East Middle School, and his first year at a different middle school. “This year’s election will be quite a tussle” he said. “7th graders and 8th graders from all the three middle schools are battling for a spot in student council.” Mr. Biggers wants “enthusiastic and hard workers,” especially when it comes down to recycling. Getting more involved is one big factor we’re doing at East Middle School,” states Mr. Biggers.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
First day was also busy after school
Activity at the new East Middle School did not stop when the 3:30 p.m. bell rang.
Members of show choir, the football team, and others were still in the commons area or in the auditorium until around 5 p.m.
East Middle School opens
Classes began Wednesday at the new East Middle School. The day opened with TA, followed by a short assembly, featuring Mr. Rocky Biggers and Ms. Lara Stamper doing a version of the classic Abbott and Costello routine "Who's on First?", along with cheers from the East Middle School cheerleaders.
During the remainder of the day regular classes were held, even though each class spent about 20 minutes in the auditorium going over the rules with Assistant Principal Mr. Jarrett Cook.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Possible changes for ZAP program discussed
Nothing is set in stone, but changes may be in the offing for the ZAP (Zeros Aren't Permitted) program at East Middle School.
Eighth grade math teacher Mr. Brian Neugebauer presented a proposal at a meeting this afternoon in the EMS conference room. More information will be available at a later date.
Eighth grade math teacher Mr. Brian Neugebauer presented a proposal at a meeting this afternoon in the EMS conference room. More information will be available at a later date.
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