S HUKSAN M IDDLE S CHOOL 7 TH E DITION Join Art Club! N OVEMBER 15, 2012 What’s Happening Around School? Reviews: TV Show, Movie, Computer Game Deer Hunting in 2012 Two Comics this week and Games C OUGAR P RIDE B REAKFAST Each month students are nominated by staff members for Cougar Pride. Cougar Pride is an opportunity to honor students for either exceptional effort or significant improvement. Students are chosen based on accom- plishment in the areas of PRIDE (Peace, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence). Any staff member can nominate a student and the student and his/her family is invited to the breakfast celebration held in the library. The staff member presents the certificate to the student and their family. M ARK Y OUR C ALENDAR • Tuesday, Nov 20 TURKEY TROT! • Wednesday, Nov 21, 12:15 Early Release for early start to Thanksgiving holiday break • Thursday, Nov 22, NO SCHOOL for Thanksgiving holiday break • Friday, Nov 23, NO SCHOOL for Thanksgiving holiday break • Thursday, Nov 29, 7:00pm Fall Orchestra Concert in the cafeteria/stage NEW GRADING SYSTEM It’s Mid-term time and progress reports have arrived. Have you noticed that you do not receive A, B, C, D, or F’s anymore? Well, now all elementary and middle schools in Bellingham are doing Standards Based Grading and are giving 1,2,3,4s instead of the traditional A-F grades based on percentages. If you’re wondering why they are changing the system Mrs. Larson said, “The district school board is changing it because it’s a more accurate way to communicate to parents and students if you’re meeting standards or not.” While everyone agrees that it is a different system from what we did last year, opinions about the way grades are reported are on both sides of the fence. Ms. Janis says, “I can access information on my students much faster now. Also I can’t go in and make changes to the way I grade as easily as before.” Mrs. Wilson says, “I was already grading using the Standards Based system so it wasn’t a huge change for me. What’s different is how we report those grades to par- Turkey Trot By Audrey & Kaeli ents and students. It’s going to take some time before we are accustomed to it.” Seventh grader Iris said, “I personally don’t like it because on some assignments a 4 is not an option, but it is okay because I know what I need to work on.” Another seventh grader, Hannah said, “Nothing is good about it! I get worse grades now!” Some parents say that they dislike it because it is confusing and we don’t get overall grades. Other parents like it because they can see where their child needs help. So, as it seems most students don’t like the new system; it seems most teachers like it; and parents are split right down the middle. Whether you like it or not the school board thinks it’s an easier way to communicate to parents. Nanowrimo in 6th Grade Mrs. Kish-Kirman and Mrs. Clawson’s Language Arts classes are doing a writing program called Nanowrimo. Nanowrimo is during National November writing month. It is where students set a goal of how many words will be in their story, and then they write a novel. If students meet their goals, then they will get a free published copy of their book! “We do Nanowrimo because it fits well with our spring board short story unit,” said 6th grade Language Arts teacher Mrs. Kish-Kirkman. Students goals vary some students are 5,000 words and some are 30,000 words! Students write about Join Art Club! and getting to know each other (Mix It Up), in November the focus is being healthy. “The Turkey Trot is a way for all Shuksan students to work on being healthy.” Mr. Jordan said. Students who get 1st-10th place in the Turkey Trot win prizes. First place winners receive a turkey in every grade, and 2nd-10th get ribbons. There will be a drawing between top 10 winners in every grade to also win a turkey this year. The fastest girl and While the focus of September was reboy in the whole school will get their sponsibility, October was tolerance Are you artistic and want a fun way to show your talent? Then Mrs. Heywood’s Art Club is for you! There’s no fee; just stop by and pick up a permission form. The first meeting was today, Thursday, in room 101 before school, but it’s not too late to join. It’s open to all grades but space is limited. When asked what projects they will be doing, Mrs. Heywood said, “It depends on what donations we can collect, but I am hoping we can start by making Art Club t-shirts.” Possible donation materials include wood, beads, wire, and any thing else you can spare. Why would a person want names engraved in a trophy that has past winners names from the past 56 years. novel published! to join Art Club? Mrs. Heywood said, “It’s more self-directed; kids can do whatever they want as long as it’s with the same materials.” Seventh grader Claire said, “My experience with Art Club was great! It was really fun and I got to meet new people. I’m looking forward to joining again!” Art club is a great way to improve your art skills and just have fun. Student making a mask at Art Club last year. Guess that Teacher • • • • • • Mrs. Brown prepares to run the Turkey Trot. anything they want. If you are interested in writing a novel see Mrs. Kish-Kirkman or Mrs. Clawson for more information on how to get your By Nayomi By: Hannah & Rainbow Monkey Hot cocoa. Blankets. Turkeys. The Turkey Trot is on its way! The Turkey Trot is a long-standing tradition in Shuksan and has been going on for 56 years! It’s coming on Tuesday, November 20th during your elective period. The Turkey Trot is a running race (some kids walk) between your same grade and gender and follows a course around the whole school. By Anna I was born in Richland, WA and spent most of my childhood in Auborn, WA and Valencia, Venezuela. I’m married with two children I enjoy running, skiing, reading and boating. Favorite movie: Sixteen Candles. Favorite Book: The Book Thief. Little know fact: I have Swan’s Neck Deformity. Who am I? ART and ENTERTAINMENT TV Show Review: The Big Bang Theory By: Ben Boom, bang, flash. The Big Bang is thought to be an enormous explosion that happened 14 billion years ago. A smaller explosion reached the world when The Big Bang Theory premiered its first episode on September 24th, 2007. The Big Bang Theory is a sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady about five main characters living in Pasadena, CA and the crazy things that happen in their everyday lives. One of the characters is Leonard Hofstader. He and Sheldon Cooper are roommates, friends, and physicists that go to the California Institute of Technology. Two other characters are Howard Wolowitz and Rajesh Koothrappali and are Leonard and Sheldon’s equally geeky and socially awkward friends who also work at the University. Howard is an aerospace engineer and Raj is an astrophysicist. And Penny, Leonard and Sheldon’s friend from across the hall, is a waitress working at the Cheesecake Factory. In the six seasons since the first episode, the five of them have had some weird adventures. Such as, Sheldon’s World of Warcraft account being hacked so he called the police, or when Howard went into space. Seventh grader Bailey said, “It’s Movie Review: Madagascar Wanted By Anonymous GET READY TO WIG OUT!!! DreamWorks has done it again; they’ve made another Madagascar movie (out this past summer). If you’ve watched the previous Madagascar movies and liked them, then you’ll love Madagascar 3. Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer) and Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) are on the move again. They’ve made it from the Central Park Zoo to Madagascar to Africa and finally end 3: Computer Game Review: Slenderman really funny! It’s one of my favorite shows! I watch it every night it’s on!” And with Leonard’s struggles to keep up with Sheldon’s roommate agreement, it’s always fun to see what happens next. Alex said, “It’s a great show that keeps you watching over and over again.” You can watch it on TBS on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights and at 8:00 on CBS on Thursday. You should check it out! Europe’s By Claire You are walking through the woods searching for eight notes. But you take a wrong turn- Oh No! Slenderman is standing behind you. The sound of your heartbeat grows faster and the screen goes fuzzy. You try to turn, but you can’t see anything. Trees whip by you as you try to run, but it’s too late. Slenderman has killed you! Slenderman is a computer game based on a myth. According to the myth, a tall, faceless man in a black suit is attempting to take the lives of innocent people before they die a tragic death. The point of the game is to scare the player! Horror games are similar to horror movies in the way that they entertain using fear. A lot of people find it fun to be scared (and I would have to agree) because of the thrill of it. Most Sketch in 3D up in Europe. Now they’ve I rate this movie 5 out 5 stars caused some trouble and have because it’s funny and heartbecome Europe’s most warming. wanted. The fame-loving King Julien and the take-charge penguins, come along for the ride. The whole crew joins the circus to escape Captain Dubois of animal control. In the circus they meet new friends and encourage one another when there are hardships to overcome. Watch DreamWorks’ Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most wanted on Blu-Ray and DVD. But the game isn’t popular with everyone. “The game is pointless, because Slenderman comes out of nowhere, and you have no chance of survival,” said seventh grader Nina. Slenderman is scaring people everywhere. Seventh grader Summer said, “I’m afraid of Slenderman, because he doesn’t have a face, and people without faces remind me of death.” I would rate the game four out of five stars. There is something about Slenderman that is just so addicting! Try Slenderman if you dare! By Michael As a follow-up to my previous article on blender, I will now introduce you to Google Sketchup 8. Google Sketchup 8 is mainly for making 3D buildings for Google Earth (another program available at school). But you can also create 3D models for your own purposes or just for fun. To get to Google Sketchup 8, Go to all programs>Google Sketchup 8>Google Sketchup 8. Google Sketchup 8 is easy to use and any beginner will catch on easily with the simple tutorials. You just add squares, circles, and other geometric shapes then stretch them and combine them for an awesome looking model. Plus, it’s by Google! And Google is awesome. “It’s pretty fun once you get used to it,” said 7th grader Jakob. And he is right. Anybody can just play around and get it right away. Try Google Sketchup 8 today! (It rhymes…) A house That I “built”. And People outdo me again…* *See previous article “When blenders and humans unite” Sports & Leisure Deer Hunting 2012 Hunting is a great sport for all ages; even our ancestors hunted! In Washington State, people can hunt all sorts of animals: Big Game like Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Cougar, Mountain Goat, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcat, Coyote, Fox, Grouse, Raccoon, Rabbit & Hare, Wild Turkey; and Birds/ Waterfowl like Duck, Coot, Snipe, Geese, Brant, Band-tailed Pigeon, Dove, Mourning Dove, Swan, Forest Grouse, Sage & Sharp-tailed Grouse, Ptarmigan, Pheasant, California (Valley) Quail and Northern Bobwhite, Mountain Quail, and Partridge. There are three different seasons for hunting deer: Bow Season (there are two short times for this; one in September and then a late season starting late November), muzzle loader sea- Twitchy and Blossom by Trevor son (Starts mid-September for Early Season with a late season hunt in late November), and modern firearms season (Generally starts in mid-October, but this season varies slightly depending on the type of deer, i.e. Elk, mule deer, black tail or white tail deer). All hunters born after January 1, 1972 need to take the hunter education before you can get a license. You also need a game tag and that comes with your license. Classes are offered at a few places around time, but most happen just before hunting season. Most people don’t realize there are lots of rules to hunting. Some rules for modern firearms (modern firearms are rifles, shot guns and crossbows) are: You can only shoot a three-point or better buck; you can only shoot within certain hours; and you can only keep one deer. Seventh grader Ben said, “I like hunting because you get to be outdoors and you get to use a gun. I like modern firearms because you can get an animal easier. No, I don’t have my license because my dad has to find a course for me to earn my license.” If you are interested in hunting, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has all the information you would need. You can check it out at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/index.html By Alona and Caitriona Christmas is Coming! By: Fatal Toast Now I know what you’re thinking: Christmas is still a ways off! Well, to most people it is, but stores have already gone into “Christmas mode”. Chain stores like Target and Fred Meyer were in the holiday spirit before Halloween. Can you believe that!? When you go to big stores, there are already artificial Christmas trees on display. Commercials are full of snow and presents. And last, but not least, the sales are starting to roll in. At Wal-Mart, Layaway is already back. The coat sale is back at Old-Navy. Christmas tree decorations line the shelves. Thanksgiving is gone. No decorations for Thanksgiving. Just Christmas. “I think it’s stupid how early Christmas starts in stores,” says 7th grader Ben . “What happened to Thanksgiving?” Some people, on the opposite end of the spectrum, love how early Christmas starts. They are thrilled with the decorations and they love the Christmas music. Those are the people who put up their tree in early November and take it down in February. “Sure, I like how early Christmas starts in stores,” says 7th grader Dylan. “Christmas is way better than Halloween.” Which side of the spectrum are you on? Answer to Guess That Teacher: Can you find and circle 10 things that are different in these two pictures? Mrs. Allsop