Issue 2 December - Pembroke Pines Charter Schools > Home

The Official Student Newspaper of Pembroke Pines Charter School - Central Campus
Volume II- December 2009
Co-Editors: Melissa Sullivan & Taylor Trammell
Carnivores
By: Anesia Saunders & Sasha Smith
Vegetarians
VS.
By: Kimberly Garcia & Melissa Sullivan
There is the impossible debate
reproduce. An average chicken lays 260 eggs
Vegetarians are people who take time to make valuable
Meat factories around the world are strongly contributing to
between vegetarians and meat eaters about,
per year! Chickens can live up to 15 years
choices while considering consequences that will affect not only us,
global warming. A study done by the United Nations proved
well, meat eating. There are many reasons
long. Living that long and producing all
but the world. We consider the treatment of animals, the environment,
that the meat industry produces more greenhouse gases then all
to defend meat eating and we would like to
those eggs, we’d eventually become
and personal health. As vegetarians we choose to incorporate our
SUVs, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world combined! If
state them.
overpopulated by the chickens. An average
morals in the lifestyle we live. We carry the strength needed to make
every American skipped one meal of chicken per week and used
Morality
commercial chicken lives for about a year
a significant change. Therefore, vegetarianism is ultimately the way
vegetarian foods instead, the carbon dioxide savings would be
Our ancestors lived on being
and a half. This way our environment is not
to a better lifestyle.
the same as taking more than one half-million cars off the United
carnivorous creatures and that’s what we
crowded by chickens, our meat eating of
Morality
State’s roads. Instead, people choose to eat meat. An average
were essentially taught. They used their
chickens provides balance. That’s just one
Living on a vegetarian diet easily saves 100 or more
American meat-eater is responsible for 1.5 tons more carbon
minds to learn to hunt and feed on animals.
of the animals that meat eaters eat, and help
animals per year. You are probably wondering why you should care.
dioxide than a vegetarian. Producing just ONE calorie of meat
We are on top of a so called “food chain.”
with providing
Well, animals are being treated gruesomely and heartlessly in factories
protein requires more than ten times as much fossil fuel input
Each animal has an advantage towards its
environment.
around the world. The factory farming system we have today is unjust
than it takes to produce one calorie of plant protein. This also
Health
in its approach toward animals. It believes in going with the cheapest
releases more than ten times the amount of greenhouse gases.
dinosaurs were still alive, being more
Animal foods contain high-
route to bring in larger quantities of animals to kill, and eventually
Another factor that is hurting our environment is the short supply
dominate creatures, for their massive size
quality, or complete, protein, which means
feed us. This carelessness is forcing animals to be crammed into cages
of water. It takes 300 gallons of water per day to produce food
advantage they’d probably be on top of us
they supply all the amino acids your body
and sheds that have capacities much larger than regulations allow.
for a vegetarian. But, it takes more than 4,000 gallons of water
prey, our intelligent mind is ours. Suppose
a balance to the
and they’d be able to eat us. A bird eats a
per day to create food for a meat eater. About 80% of farmland
bug, a bug eats a plant, and the plant got
and water in the United States is used to raise animals. Not only
energy from the sun. The circle of life makes
is this hurting us but it is hurting other plants, animals, and
this possible. If animals cannot question how
bodies of water. To produce these large farmlands, huge acres
they live, then they have no deep worth or
of forests are being cleared to create grazing lands and crops of
rights. However, humans can make the
grain to feed them. The sewage produced by farm animals is
choice and that should be enough of a reason
usually dumped into lakes and streams, contaminating them. If
for us to be moral beings eating meats. Most
you care about this planet then take a step towards reducing
vegetarians, became vegetarians after being
your carbon footprint by eliminating meat from your life.
Health
initial meat eaters, wouldn’t they be wrong
If animal cruelty and lessening your carbon
as well?
In a biblical stance, in the bible
footprint didn’t sell you then maybe improving your health will.
vs. scientology it states, “Everything that
It is proven that vegetarians live 6 to 10 years longer than the
lives and moves will be food for you. Just as
average meat eater. Some people may tell you that because we
I gave you the green plants, I now give you
are kids it isn’t healthy to live this lifestyle, but that is a common
misleading statement. Studies show that kids on a plant based
everything. But you must not eat meat that
has its lifeblood still in it.” (Genesis 9:3-4)
needs to build the protein used to support
Due to an unfathomable amount of space, animals are known to die
Meaning, we may eat meat that is dead.
body functions. Besides the vitality of
quickly by getting crushed by one another.
diet have higher IQ’s than their classmates, grow taller, have
reduced rate of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Obesity has
Vegetarians are often upset
protein, meat also supplies varying amounts
If animals aren’t dying because of cramped areas, then
increased over the years and many people struggle to fight it.
because of the inconsiderate killing of the
of other key nutrients, including iron, zinc,
usually they are dying from the large quantity of drugs fattening them
Vegetarians, on the other hand, have a lower average body mass
animals for our benefit. Animals, dying
magnesium, vitamin E, and B vitamins.
at alarming rates. These drugs cause animals to have unnatural weights
than non-vegetarians. Scientists have found that vegetarians have
whether it be nicely or cruelly done, they die.
Other than the delicious taste of red meats
that soon cripple them. Chickens lose feeling in both of their legs and
stronger immune systems than most meat eaters. Therefore,
This may seem harsh or unkind, but death is
with specific proportions, they can
soon cannot support their own weight. Once these animals are large
vegetarians have reduced rates of obesity, coronary heart disease,
unavoidable.
contribute nutrients that help you maintain
enough, they are forcefully thrown onto trucks that will transfer them
type two diabetes, diet-related cancers, constipation, strokes,
good health and prevent and fight off
to slaughterhouses. While on this journey to their death, they are being
and gall stones. Meats are high in saturated fats, which cause
States of America, we have the choice to have
diseases. Meat is a nutrient-dense source of
put through the harshest weather conditions. Cows, pigs, and chickens
higher blood cholesterol. Not only are we catching sicknesses
our own rights. We have the right to speak
iron and zinc, these are minerals that many
withstand weeks of snow storms, rain, and 100 degree weather. While
from what meats naturally have, but we are also becoming sick
our mind and the right to our own decisions
Americans have trouble getting. About half
traveling, dozens of animals die of heat strokes and even frostbite.
because of what they are eating. Cows, pigs, and chickens are
as American citizens. There’s nothing wrong
the iron in beef is heme iron, a highly usable
But, they are never removed from the area where living animals are
herbivores. But, nowadays that isn’t the case. Their diet is being
with making the choice to eat meat. Either
form,of iron found only in animal products.
kept. As workers unload animals at slaughterhouses, they often find
tampered with; they are not only eating grass and small plants
way if we eat them or not they will, in time,
Although, people sometimes abuse meat
that they are stuck to each other or the truck from the cold. The ones
but they are forced to eat other animal carcasses. Their bodies
die. Just because we kill them doesn’t make
eating, it has many health benefits when
that have survived this intense battlefield soon have their throats slit
cannot digest other animals, so poisons and diseases in the
us brutal or uncivilized.
actively eating the right amounts.
while being fully conscious. Although workers are forced to give the
carcasses are retained in their bodies. By eating these animals,
In brief, there’s more to meat
animals an anesthetic, many times it doesn’t do anything. Even after
diseases are traveling from them to us. Eating meat is definitely
The world we live in includes an
eaters than just eating meat without remorse.
all of this intense pain, many are alive as they continue through with
not worth putting your health in jeopardy.
invisible food chain. Inevitably, humans are
We have moral reasoning. It also has ways
the slaughtering process. Take a stand against cruelty to animals and
We all have common values, wouldn’t you agree?
on top not for our size, but for our
to benefit our environment; as well as health
make a conscious decision to join the fight against this fraudulent
Most of us want to fix the environmental crisis before it’s too
advantageous minds. Most vegetarians state
benefits to us humans individually. We meat
reality.
late. When it comes to our health, we go to extremes to maintain
Being that we live in the United
Environment
the case of animals being in pain, are an
eaters are not ashamed and believe in what
Environment
unfortunate event. Unlike humans animals
we eat.
Unfortunately, one of the greatest challenges we face
The answer is in front of you. Vegetarianism is a new door that
today is global warming. It might sound strange, but one of the most
has just opened for you. It will not only benefit you, but it will
effective ways to help save our planet is by becoming vegetarian.
help make a drastic change in this world.
can not control the amount or the time they
it. But why avoid the simple solution to all of these problems?
2
Macy Jarvis
Destini Hall
This year for our newspaper, J.O.P came out with something new! J.O.P. is now making a column called “Spotlight
On.” Each issue of the newspaper, we are recognizing two students who have accomplished or overcome something
“outside” of school. We have no problem doing one every issue, so if you know anyone in our middle school who
has accomplished or overcome something, please tell Mr. Markowitz. You could be our next spotlight!
This issue, our spotlight is on 8th grader, Macy Jarvis, and 6th grader, Destini Hall.
By: Koine Iwasaki
13 year old, Macy Jarvis has
a great start on her future career.
She was born in Richmond, Virginia
on February 29, 1996. Macy always
had a passion for designing, and she
loves fashion!
During the summer, Macy
and her mom went to the mall and
stopped by Rack Room Shoes. She
noticed that they were having a
contest. The contest was called
“Name that Shoe” and the company
wanted to create a new line of shoes
and wanted a name to start the line
with. She took the form and entered
in a name with two things she loves.
The name was “Cupcake Couture.”
Her favorite brand is “Juicy
Couture” and her family loves to
bake. When they entered the form,
she didn’t expect to win. But when
By: Koine Iwasaki
11 year old, Destini Hall has a
very wide future ahead of her. She
was born on December 11, 1997 in
Miami, Florida. She grew up with
an older sister who was a dancer for
many years, but now Destini is the
only dancer in her family. “Dance is
my passion and what I do,” says
Destini. She started dancing when
she was 3 years old, and started
competing when she was 6. She
currently dances at “Dance Attack”
and dances about 3 hours per week.
During her dance life, she has
accomplished many things. About
two months ago, she had gone to a
dance convention for the weekend
in Miami called “JUMP.” There
were a lot of kids who came from
other states to go to this convention.
They were taught by famous dance
instructors such as Bobby Newberry,
who has taught the Pussycat Dolls
for there hit single “When I Grow
Up,” and Eminem with his single
“Just Loose It.” Other instructors
like Mandy Moore from the TV
shows “So You Think You Can
Dance,” and Doug Cauldwel who
was in “Austin Powers” and many
different TV shows. During the
Macy Jarvis
she got a text message saying she’d
won, she was very surprised!
“Cupcake Couture” had beat out
more than 2,000 other entries around
the world. She was startled! She
couldn’t believe that she had won out
of the whole U.S. Macy received a
$1,000 college scholarship and gets
free shoes for a year from the
company. A couple of days later, she
and her mother flew to Charlotte,
North Carolina, for a photo shoot
with other children. They spent
several days shooting at a school and
riding in a Hummer for the
company’s back-to-school promotion
campaign. The shoes are on sale
across the country, and the
promotional photos show Macy and
her products. While the back-toschool promotion is short-term, the
Cupcake Couture brand will be
around as a long-term product
with new designs in the future. She
now has her own website:
www.cupcakecouture.com.
Macy has always wanted
to be fashion designer. When she
was younger, she used to always
dress up dolls with the latest
fasion. She always has her folder
with her designs in it and adds more
and more when she has designed
something else. Macy loves what
she does and her family and friends
are so proud of her. Watch out,
because Macy Jarvis will be the
next top fashion designer in the
world!
Destini Hall
weekend, they had auditions to be
VIP guests, and get scholarships.
Destini did the audition, and made
it to be a VIP guest. But the next
day, there was another audition for
the VIP guests, to see who will be
the one and only VIP winner and
the Runner-Ups. Destini and the
other auditioners who had to
audition again had to improvise to
without music! Improvisation in
dance is unchoreographed
movement in which a dancer
expresses themselves to any given
piece of music. Out of hundreds of
kids, Destini was able to become
the VIP Runner-Up! She is able to
go to any other JUMP conventions
for free, go to the JUMP nationals,
and many others. But she didn’t just
get awarded for being a VIP RunnerUp, she also got a class scholarship
from one of the choreographers
Bobby Newberry. She had won a lot
of awards and definitely represented
her studio!
Last summer she went to a
national competition called “ADA.”
After dancing all their group dances,
they had an awards ceremony.
During the awards, Destini’s
group dances had very good
scores. She and her dance partners
represented their studio very well.
Destini then got called on stage
for the award “Dancer of The
Year” with one of her solos she
competed with! She was able to
compete with all the dancers who
got “Dancer of The Year” in the
nation. Everyone was proud of
her.
Going to a competition in
Hollywood, Destini didn’t win,
but she was a runner-up. Destini
said “It was such a great
experience to watch and compete
with all of those talented dancers.”
She was very thankful to everyone
who had helped her, especially her
teachers Cookie Ramos, and John
Culbertson. They have taught her
to become the best dancer she can
be.
In Destini’s spare time, she
likes to hang out with her friends,
but of course, whenever she has a
chance, she dances. Dancing is
what makes her happy and her
dream is to become a professional
dancer and dance on Broadway.
There is no doubt that she will be
able to accomplish that. Keep
following your dreams!
3
Trading Places
Herald Trip
By: Tajhae Cole
Every morning we as students wake up
wanted to quit, I couldn’t go on any more!
and drag ourselves across our room, trying to get
Especially since it was my first class, and I was
ready for the upcoming six hours of school.
actually learning while teaching. Thank
Constantly we think to ourselves, “Do I have to
goodness, the everlasting hour finally came to
go to school?” Eventually we manage to shuffle
an end, I was relieved. Mr. Masterpalo reminded
to our first period. Blinded by our normal busy
me I had three more classes left, and that was
schedules we often do not acknowledge who is
when I knew it was going to be a really long
standing in front of us… TEACHERS. Some see
day.
our educators as just an adult in the room or just
the person that stands in front of a classroom who
In fourth period I was more relaxed.
talks and talks, and magically lessons are
I had a lot of my close friends in class that hour.
programmed into our brains. It wasn’t until Mr.
Experimentally, I tried a new teaching strategy
Markowitz allowed me to be Mr. Masterpalo for a
and I liked it. During that period I actually taught
day that I began to realize that being a teacher is
the students well but I knew there was room for
much harder than it seems.
improvement. I still wanted to drop the ball and
Newspaper Staff
By: Tyson Hartwell
leave, but I couldn’t. At this point in time, I
Mr. Masterpalo is an American History
realized that having an occupation as a teacher
teacher, but he also teaches Research and Law. I
is very hard work. Students just don’t
had a feeling it would be fun, even though I
understand. Honestly, after only two periods I
predicted it was going to be a challenge to teach
started to look at teachers differently.
history, I knew it would be possible for me to do
it. It had to be done, and it was imperative that I
enjoy doing it.
Fifth and sixth periods were okay, I
chose another teaching strategy where I had the
students get involved. I still dreaded the job,
The day before, I was pumped! I was
but I had no choice but to go on. I had the will
so excited to see all my friends in “my” class, and
power, but not much confidence. I carefully
I finally got the chance to boss them around. All I
went through the curriculum and taught what I
could think about was telling students to be quiet,
had to. I even rewarded those who participated
while actually teaching a lesson. Energized, I
with candy. Secretly, I was trying to bribe them.
Tajhae Cole, Mr. Masterpalo & Melissa Sullivan
picked out my best professional outfit. Though I
Towards the end of the day I had
wanted to dress like Mr. Masterpalo, I decided
fun. I would have to say my favorite part of
that I would dress more like Mrs. Speciale, or Mrs.
that day, was when I gave Mr. Masterpalo’s
Rowe. Before bed, I studied a power point Mr.
sixth period class a quiz to see if they were
Masterpalo had provided me with three days prior.
paying attention and not fooling around. Also
I couldn’t wait until the next morning.
on that quiz the last question was “Why is Ms.
Cole your favorite teacher?” I had some
Dressed and ready, I entered school.
interesting and fake answers. But it was
Extremely enthusiastic about teaching, I was very
entertaining to grade those quizzes. My other
jittery at my desk during first hour. Finally, my
favorite part of that day was when I had the
teacher let me go after S.S.R., and I raced to Mr.
privilege to bang Mr. Masterpalo’s gavel on
Masterpalo’s class. Even though I didn’t have the
desks. It was amusing to see the students’
chance to instruct his research and law classes, I
reaction, but now I know what I look like when
was ready for his third period. The third hour class
Mr. Masterpalo does it himself.
came rolling in, and it was time to teach “my”
class. All the excitement and enthusiasm I had
Though the day was long and
before, drained from inside of me and I froze. I
demanding, I would do it all over again, but
had no idea what to do next. It was madness in
next time with more preparation. Now that I
my mind. Many blank eyes stared back at me and
am aware of the job that teachers have to do
more panic struck. Then I took a moment to think.
daily, I see my educators in a whole new light.
I decided to go with a substitute approach, by
Nowadays, all my teachers have my undivided
introducing myself and then state the plan for the
attention in class. And I strongly suggest that
hour. “Hi I’m Ms. Cole, and I will be your teacher
you give them the same, because we love our
today…”.That went well, but now for the lesson.
teachers…right?
That was the hard part. I thought I did horrible! I
This year the J.O.P.
Newspaper Staff took their annual
field trip to South Florida’s most
popular newspaper, The Miami
Herald. We got to meet the
managing editor of the paper Dave
Wilson who took the staff on a tour
of the place. We got to see many
cool things that not all of the other
tours got to see since Mr.
Markowitz, our teacher, knows Mr.
Wilson.
After that, we went to the
plate room that is lit by a yellow light
so it won’t damage the metal plates
that are made there. They make each
plate on a big machine. The plates
are made so that they can just copy
it onto paper on the front page in the
enormous four story machines that
produce the newspaper print. The
best part is that we got to see one of
the plates being made on one of the
machines.
On the first part of our trip
we went into the ad room where all
the people who try to sell ads for
the newspaper so they can continue
to make newspapers. We learned
that a lot of people like to advertise
in the paper from big businesses like
Macy’s, to small owned businesses
such as a local pizza parlor. We also
learned that most of the money the
newspaper makes comes from the
advertisements that are sold into be
put in the paper.
Once we were done looking
at how the plates are made, we got
to see the large press that actually
print the papers. They go up into
these big machines that do
something different on each level.
Did I mention, this machine is about
four stories tall? On the first level,
the paper is put into the machine, the
next level the black ink is printed
onto the page, on the third level the
color is put onto the pages that
require color and finally on the
fourth level the papers are taken out
and ready to be distributed.
Our next stop was in the
news room where we got to sit in
on an editor’s meeting and listen to
them discuss what stories and
pictures were going to be the
headlines and minor stories for the
next issue of the paper. Mr. Wilson
also gave us a handout of what the
main stories were going to be and a
short summary of them. Once that
was over he showed us the editor
offices in the newsroom and the nice
views of Biscayne Bay that they
had. 8th grader Tionna Salmon said,
“My favorite part of the trip was the
great view we saw out of the office
window.”
He then took us into the
conference room where he told us
about how the newspaper is
compiled and how they pick each
story and where it will be placed.
He also told us that each reporter
has about ten hours to write each
story whereas our class has about
three weeks to write one.
He then took us to a room
with a huge contraption in it from
back before the four story machine
was made. Its height was like that of
two average sized men. It had type
writer like keys on it and when you
typed print came out on the paper at
the top. Also on the walls there were
headlines from historical events in
the United States such as the end of
the Vietnam War and the J.F.K.
assassination.
Sadly, when that was over
we had to leave. Everyone was sad
that it was time to go, but we had to.
Every year the J.O.P. staff is lucky
enough to take this trip. So, if you
like to write and think journalism is
an interesting career choice, consider
joining the J.O.P. staff next year.
4
What Are You Thankful For?
By: Raven Veitch
you.’’ Many people
would say the same thing
but not everyone. But,
everyone has something
to be thankful for.
everyday and being able
to walk, talk, and live,
having a family to go to
every night and day, or
having a job that pays the
bills. More things people
The smallest things could be thankful for are
in life could make you having food to eat and
happy. When you are good health.
thankful for something it
should have some value
to you. There are so many
things in this world that
you could be thankful for,
like everyday things such
as going to school and
J.O.P. asked 7th having a roof over your
grader Briana Cousins head.
what she is thankful for,
Some other things
‘’I am thankful for friends
and family because people are thankful for
they’re always there for are waking up each and
Most people have
something that they are
thankful for. It could be
having friends, having
parents, or just being able
to live and experience
life. If you ask me I would
say that I’m thankful for
my home, my Mom, Dad
and life. The reason I am
thankful for life is
because
people
sometimes abuse life by
doing bad things and
causing trouble.
We have so many
things in this world to be
thankful
for
and
sometimes We don’t even
realize it, we act like we
don’t even care. But life
wouldn’t be the same
without giving thanks.
Thanksgiving Dinner
By: Brittni Garcia
Thanksgiving. When you
incredible apple pie, with its cinnamon
hear that word, you picture the
juicy taste and its crunchy apples on the
“Perfect Thanksgiving.” The turkey
inside. Just the scent of its amazing
cooked to just the right color with
apple aroma will make you your taste
natural juicy flavors. White mashed
buds dance like a ballerina and jump
potatoes that are nice and hot with
for joy awaiting the apple pie’s arrival.
melted butter mixed in, and for an
extra touch, a little bit of pepper on
Pumpkin pie, a favorite to
top. There are also sweet green peas
most, is quite delectable. With it’s sweet
which some people like to mix in their
creamy taste. And to add a little more
mashed potatoes.
oomph to it, you can top it off with the
fluffy white cool whip used for most
And don’t forget corn. The
anything.
yellow squares filled with succulent
juices just waiting for a bite so it can
Naturally, you can not have the
squirt out and have an astonishing
perfect Thanksgiving image without the
explosion of taste taking over your
guests; the party. Your guests will come
tongue. Of course, there is also the
by the dozens, wearing long flowing
skirts, nice cute tops; nice black pants
image of Thanksgiving ever happened,
and a good festive top. Of course, with
she replied, “Not really.”
your guests they will bring extra food;
family secret recipes just waiting for
8 th grader Andres Machado
told us that his picture perfect
a bite!
Thanksgiving was to be surrounded by
The tables will be set outside
with a nice orange, red, yellow or
his entire family, but this has never
happened either.
brown tarp over it along with plates,
cups, napkins and forks all set and
ready for someone to sit down and
Everyone usually has an
image about how they want their
Thanksgiving to go. But in reality, it
start eating.
actually takes a turn for the worst, in
This is usually the picture
most cases.
perfect image of Thanksgiving, but
J.O.P. went around and asked some
students on what they thought their
picture-perfect thanksgiving was.
But hey! Isn’t that also a
Thanksgiving tradition? To try and have
the picture perfect Thanksgiving, but it
just never happens. However, at least
grader Camille Perez
you have food, and that is the point of
answered, “My perfect Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving; being surrounded by
would have to be surrounded by my
family and friends and being thankful
family and eating loads of mashed
for having a shelter, a family, and of
potatoes.” We also asked her if this
course, Thanksgiving food.
7
th
5
Losing the Meaning of Christmas
By: Soraya Lopez
Holiday Cheer Laid Off
The
definition
of
“recession”, is a turn down in
business or economic activity. This
doesn’t seem like much to panic
about. However, looking at our
current recession in a broader view,
you can see that it is no walk in the
park. Recession, when referring to
the country’s economy, is described
as a time when supply is low, prices
are high, and jobs are few and harder
to find. Layoffs are certain, poverty
is pending and luxuries are a thing
of the past, something the middle
class sees very little of. So now you
might be thinking, is it possible to
have a Merry Christmas, or holiday
season, with a word like “recession”
floating through the air?
Christmas is a time where
we should be sharing holly, jolly,
laughter and feasting on frosting with
friends and relatives. How will we
be able to survive this somewhat
“drought” called a recession during
our soon to come holiday season?
J.O.P. interviewed 8 th grader,
Michael Fernandez, who said, “Kids
up a Santa Claus ornament representing the
when you think of that one simple word?
happiness and generosity we feel during the
Do you think of giving, or receiving, family,
month of December. After that, you hang on
or presents? Most people today only think
your holly leaf, representing immortality. It
of getting presents. That doesn’t mean all
represents the crown of thorns worn by our
people think that way though. J.O.P.
savior. The red berries represent the blood
interviewed associate, Joel Newman, what
Jesus shed. Under the tree we receive a gift to
he thinks the meaning of Christmas is and
remind us God so loved the world he gave his
he said, “The meaning of Christmas is to
only begotten son. On the tree you hang candy
share with others that don’t really have as
canes to represent the shepherds’ staff, which
much as you do so I go to homeless shelters
help bring back lost sheep, this symbolizes
and help other people who don’t have as
our brothers’ keeper. The angel at the top of
much as me. It’s also the time to spend time
the tree symbolizes the angels that gathered
with your family, so I share myself with both
for the birth of our savior. Finally, you have a
my parents who aren’t really that tight.”
bell which helps gather the sheep together;
this stands for guidance and return.
What Joel does is very kind, but
do the students at PPCMS truly know the
Christmas really lost its meaning but how
meaning of Christmas? J.O.P. interviewed
come things like Hanukah and Kwanzaa have
aren’t going to have the same
amount of presents they had last
year. Parents are getting laid off and
less money is being made. This
Christmas will be a big change.” So
how are kids going to cope with this
new financial state? 8 th grader,
Katelyn Louis, said, “I know that
this recession is hard and I
understand that I won’t be getting
most of the presents that I want. It
doesn’t really matter to me because
I don’t want to be selfish. My
parents have had it hard this whole
year; one day won’t be so bad for
me.”
many students, but all said the meaning of
not lost the meaning as much as Christmas.
Christmas was the food, presents,
The meaning of Hanukah is that the lit candles
happiness, spending time with family,
remind us of peoples search for freedom and
Christ, giving and receiving.
rights to live their Jewish lives. They represent
This statement from
Katelyn made me realize that it’s
true. Not having enough money is
surely going to affect kids, but what
about adults? “I want my child to
be happy, I’ll do anything I can to
make them have a decent
Christmas,” stated my mom. Doing
everything she can for my mom,
means trying to make my Christmas
as possible.
promise. Then, you have the candle lit
Well there are so many reasons why
during Christmas symbolizing that Christ
we celebrate even though you should not look
is the light of the world, and when we see
at one reason to be better than the other; these
the light we are reminded of he who
are a few examples of how we lost the meaning
replaced the darkness with light. Next, you
of Christmas and we should try to bring it back
put up your wreath standing for the never
though out our families and friends.
By: Sasha Smith
The recession that is now
occurring has taken a new effect on
society. The economy today has gone
from bad to worse, and with
Christmas coming along it will
become even more of a struggle to
supply ourselves with accustomed
luxuries.
Christmas…..what comes to mind
All kids, students, teachers,
and parents should realize that the
Christmas spirit is all you need.
Altogether, Christmas shouldn’t
even be about getting gifts or getting
money, it should be about spending
the holidays with family and
spreading joy all over. So let’s not
worry about this recession making
our Christmas “less merry”.
all the struggles gone through. It’s the fight
From a Christian and Catholic
point of view the meaning of Christmas is
that you start off with a simple Christmas
tree with the pure green color that remains
green all year long, standing for the eternal
hope of humans. All the needles on the tree
for human rights, after hunger, sickness, and
cruelty placed on people to torture them.
Hanukkah is the holiday of “rededication.” It
brings us to work for the noble dream of
liberty, friendship, and peace among all people
of this world.
are pointing toward heaven, making a
symbolization of peoples’ thoughts turning
The meaning of Kwanzaa is the first
to heaven. Then, you put a star on top of
non-heroic African American holiday. People
your tree standing which is the sign of
gather to reinforce friendships between one
promises like god promised a savior for the
and other.
world. So the star is the success of his
ending true love. Then, on the tree you put
6
Holiday Traditions Around the World
By: Mollie Bayer
Every family has their own,
personal holiday tradition during
these brisk, winter months. Even
though here in Florida it may not get
cold enough to go sledding or build
a snowman, the spirit of the holiday
season is celebrated just as much,
through visiting the beach on a chilly
day, or just watching a traditional
movie like “Rudolph the Red Nosed
Reindeer” or “Frosty the Snowman.”
Since it doesn’t get cold
enough to do many of the original
holiday traditions or games, like
snow ball fights, some of the
traditions we have can seem pretty
strange. Just like the following
holiday tradition, which many
people are starting to celebrate more
and more each year.
Every Christmas eager little
children jump out of bed, hoping to
be the first to find the “Christmas
Pickle” a shiny green ornament
shaped like, of course, a pickle. The
ornament is hung on the tree on
Christmas Eve, and the first child
to find the pickle the next morning
gets an extra present from, Santa
Claus. No one knows for sure
where the tradition originated from,
but many people claim it originated
in Germany, during World War I,
when they had nothing better to
decorate their Christmas trees with
than pickles.
The Christmas Pickle is
not the only odd, holiday tradition.
Some people believe that Santa
Claus, a character who originated
from St. Nicholas, is lead around
the world by flying reindeer. It isn’t
known for sure why people believe
Santa’s sled is pulled by reindeer,
but many believe it originated from
the poem by Clement Clarke
Moore, which was written in 1823,
called “Twas the Night before
Christmas.”
Xmas Vacations
This year students are already asking this
grader Francisco Gomez. J.O.P. interviewed him and asked
question: Where are you going for your Christmas vacation?
him this question. How do you think the economy is; and
The answers vary from a lot of things; some people go to
he replied “I think that the economy is not really good
relative’s houses and some go to other states. Christmas
right now and because of that I had to cut back on some of
vacations often deal with families wanting to get closer and
the stuff that I usually get like games and music for my
people wanting to have a good time some where other than
Ipod.” So the recession not only affects the economy it
home. J.O.P. interviewed 7 grader Natalie Lugo and asked
affects small businesses and major ones. And most
her where she was going for her winter vacation and she
importantly it affects normal citizens too.
replied “I am going to Orlando for Christmas vacation
A recession has many side effects, the biggest
because I have a soccer tournament there.” Orlando is a
one of all is increase of unemployment and the effects that
great place in my opinion because they have Walt Disney
it will have on Christmas vacations are the following:
World there. Walt Disney consists of 4 parks Epcot which
People conserve their money, less travel plans, and less
the 6th graders are going to, Island Of Adventures which the
money for going across the country. People will conserve
7 th graders are going to, Magic Kingdom, and Animal
money because if they spend to much they might not have
Kingdom.
enough money to pay bills or to by gas. People will also
Other people are doing other things like 7th grader Craig
Epps. J.O.P. Asked him what he was going for his Christmas
Another tradition for the
holiday season is Christmas
Caroling. It is traditional for families
to go around their neighborhoods,
knocking on people’s doors, and
singing a holiday themed song, but
now people normally keep their
holiday singing with only their
family on Christmas Eve, in one of
their relative’s houses. But
remember, singing Christmas carols
at any other time than the Christmas
season is considered unlucky!
In Greece, some people
burn their shoes to get rid of any
misfortune in the coming year
during the holiday season. Their
Christmas season begins December
6 th and ends on January 6 th .
Celebrating Christmas has never
been very big in Greece, but
recently, things have begun to slowly
change and now many people are
beginning to take part in it. It has
also become a popular tradition in
Greece to have large feasts with
family and friends. They often eat
spicy breads called, “christopsomo,”
or Christ Bread, along with lamb and
pork.
People all over the word
have different holiday and Christmas
traditions, no matter where you go.
Some of these may seem strange at
first, but in the end almost every
tradition is a bit odd, because that’s
what makes them interesting.
Christmas Gifts
By: Carmen De Armas
By: Brian McDonald
th
Here’s another interesting
holiday tradition. This one is
celebrated on December 5th. On the
“Eve” of December 5 th , small
children run outside, and place their
shoes right outside the doorway of
their house, or their windowsills. It
is said that on that night, the Three
Wise Men will fill your shoes with
festive candy and toys like candy
canes, or gingerbread men. This
holiday is also sometimes celebrated
on the same day as Christmas; it
varies on the families personal
traditions.
have less vacation plans because more unemployment
means less money.
Vacation and he answered, “I am going to stay at home and
J.O.P. also interviewed 7 th grader Trevor
my relatives are going to come to my house so that we can
McKenzie and asked him what he was doing for his
cook them dinner and bond with them.”
Christmas vacation he replied “I am staying at home and
The recession is also a factor in your Christmas vacation.
having my family from Jamaica come to my house and
The recession has taken away the usual amount of money
then they are going to stay for all of the vacation.” So it
that millions of Americans usually get because there is a
doesn’t matter if you are going somewhere else in the world
shortage of jobs. Right now millions of Americans think
or staying at home, as long as you are with family you can
that the economy is not where it is supposed to be like 7th
have a great time and that is what matters.
Christmas is right
around the corner so what’s
on your list? Is it
electronics, clothes, or just
toys? Some kids just want
what’s popular these days
and most of it is electronics
like Play Station 3’s. Now
a-days almost everyone is
up to date with the new
technology, that’s why
when Christmas comes
around, it’s the perfect time
to get what you want, like
the new IPod nano with the
video camera. Some
popular gifts are the
Nintendo Wii and digital
cameras too.
J.O.P asked, what’s
the top thing on your wish
list this year? 6 th grader
Isabella Miranda said the
Nintendo DSI. 7th grader
Tiana Costa said a flat
screen T.V. 7 th grader
Joanna Papastarovos said
a Plasma TV. 7th grader
Omar Alattar said an iPod.
J.O.P also asked, what do
you think is popular with
kids these days? 8th grader
Danille Yuvero thought
Play Stations, while 8 th
grader Edgar Casilimas
that it was iPod touch.
Christmas this year
will be costly with the
financial situation most of
us are in these days. The
solution could be home
made gifts. As a gift you
can make a friendship
bracelet or even a card.
Home-made gifts can
show you friends that you
appreciate them. Another
way to show that you care
about them is by giving
them a personalized gift
like a bracelet with their
name on it or a necklace.
7
New Year’s
Resolutions
Remembering the Dead
By: Erick Esquerete
Holidays are a time of enjoyment,
Demetri Garcia, gave us an interesting perspective
family, and the ever so popular, presents. However,
to this question. He replied by saying, “I do think
the holidays are also a time of remembrance. But
that they are a time to remember family members;
are we really losing the meaning of remembering
when isn’t there a holiday where you don’t
are only sixty seconds left until 2010, and everyone is
the dead during this special time? Many families,
remember someone or something? All holidays
counting down. Crowds are gathering and celebrations
especially nowadays, either lose or have lost a family
cause some type of remembering, even the Fourth
are taking place while some may be home enjoying the
member and/or friend. They could have lost them
of July.” This statement made J.O.P. wonder—
company of their families having a mini-party of their
throughout anytime of they year or even during the
maybe all holidays are a time to remember.
own. But behind the celebrations and excitement, many
our loved ones. But the real question is: does
everyone believe that the holidays are a time to
remember? Or is it just that special time where you
get food, presents and throw some parties?
86 percent of people in the United States
Eighth grader, Malik Berry, had a
may set a goal and devise a way to reach it, make a
different approach towards this statement. He
promise to them selves, or simply wish to have more
stated, “No, I don’t think that holidays are the right
fun. Each of these things fall under one common
time to remember them. Holidays are a time to
category: New Year’s resolutions. It’s obvious that
have fun and you shouldn’t be thinking about dead
people make New Year’s resolutions to achieve
people during this time. It’s depressing and not
something in life or better themselves. Who wouldn’t
the right topic to think about during this time.”
want to make each year better than the previous one,
see this time as the perfect opportunity to reflect on
loved ones. The other fourteen percent don’t
celebrate holidays or have never lost someone in
order to remember them. On the other hand, we have
other holidays such as Veterans’ Day and Memorial
Day where we commemorate those who fought for
It is 11:59 p.m. on December 31st, there
resolutions to quit doing something like spending
money on useless stuff, or eating junk food. Without
any willpower or self-control, we can’t expect ourselves
to complete anything we want to do, especially if it’s a
new challenge.
people have made big plans for the New Year. They
holiday season. Whatever the time, they are a worthy
time of respect, tolerance, and remembrance towards
By: Natasha Gerdes
right? New Year ’s resolutions are beneficial in
Hearing his take on this question,
Hoping to find an answer on how we could
try to reach our goals for the New Year, J.O.P. asked
8th grader, Stephan Montes, why he thought people were
unable to keep their resolutions. He blatantly stated,
“People are just lazy. People who are lazy end up setting
goals that are unrealistic and expect miracles to happen
but life doesn’t work that way.” Stephan has a point.
Maybe by starting off small will make things seem
easier therefore they realistically are easier to do.
numerous ways but the problem is very few people are
J.O.P. wanted a final outlook on whether or not
able to follow through with their resolutions. Why is it
Willpower and patience are two major
so difficult for people to set a goal for New Year’s and
factors needed in order to achieve your New Year’s
achieve it?
resolution, but it easier said than done. You’re
the holidays are the right time to remember loved
ones. Sixth grader, Maria Debarros, answered this
question by saying, “They are a perfect time to
probably still wondering how to keep a New Year’s
remember loved and lost ones because, let’s say,
J.O.P. set out to find a few people who do
your mother or father or one of your siblings passed
follow up on their resolutions and see what their method
away on that day, you know for a fact that you
of success was. Sadly, after countless interviews, it was
would remember them and the memories you had
discovered that not a single student or teacher at PPCMS
Almost a year ago, on November 28, my
with them.” J.O.P. also asked Maria why she
who was questioned, succeeded in accomplishing their
brother was in a tragic car accident. After being
thought certain people didn’t believe in
resolutions. Without any advice from PPCMS teachers
resolution that you aren’t capable of
involved in such a tragedy he fought for his life an
remembrance over this time. She said, “It is
and students on how to keep a resolution, we now had
reaching. Starting small is more practical
extra night. Unfortunately, on November 29, his life
probably because their past experiences with
to find out why they weren’t keeping them. What is it
than setting yourself up for failure.
was taken away from him. Being able to relate to
remembering the dead over the holidays weren’t
that makes people crash and burn with New Year’s
losing a loved one, I feel that the holidays are more
very good and it becomes too touchy for them.
resolutions?
than a perfect time to remember them. Although
They also don’t want to seem weak, most likely.”
us and our country. What makes these days any
different from the more popular ones like Christmas
and Thanksgiving?
experiences you had with them will only make you
stronger. I feel as though even if you haven’t lost
someone over special occasions, you should still be
commemorating those who were lost. Chances are,
you have a friend or you know someone who has
lost someone. This means that you should be there
for them in their time of need and try to get them
through it; not just disregard the fact and not
memorialize their loss whatsoever.
J.O.P. was in search of an answer to the
keep you from failing this upcoming New Year. Here
they are:
·
·
Aim low- Don’t make a New Year ’s
Don’t have too many- Overloading
yourself with an abundance of resolutions
is another way to set yourself up for failure.
When asked for an explanation on why she
thinking about them may make you or your family
sad, reminiscing about the memories and
resolution. J.O.P. has gathered four simple steps to
After hearing her response, J.O.P.
didn’t keep her resolutions, 7 grader, Carmela Flores
It’s better to focus on one resolution before
came to a conclusion. The holidays are the perfect
stated, “I start strong in the beginning but when I don’t
dividing your attention on many different
time to remember loved ones; however, it may get
see results fast enough, I give up.” Sounds like Carmela
ones. Accomplishing one is better than
a little too emotional for people at times. Although
is impatient, but that’s okay because whether we like
giving up on four or five different ones.
it may become too difficult, there will always be
to admit it or no, most of us are. Patience is a huge
someone there to help you get through that tough
factor in achieving goals if you break it down. Let’s
time. All in all, the reminiscing of loved ones over
say you’re really sick and the doctor gives you medicine
the holidays is going to make you depressed, but
to help you feel better. It could be the most repulsive
this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remember them
medicine in the entire world but you have to take it
at all. Just think of the good times rather than
twice a day. Well taking it for one day isn’t going to
making yourself more emotional by thinking about
make you feel healthier right away, but over the course
the tougher times.
of a few days, as you take the medicine more and more,
th
question, “Do you feel that the holidays are a good
you start to see or feel the results. It’s the same thing as
time to remember loved ones?” Seventh grader,
New Year’s resolutions. Your resolution might be hard
but you have to continue to work at it no matter how
difficult it may be until you get the results you wanted
to see in the first place. Most things take time and don’t
magically happen overnight. Patience is definitely an
·
Tell people- Tell everyone your New Year’s
resolution. If people know about, you
won’t want to go back to them and have
to say you failed. Think about how proud
you’ll be when you can tell people you
succeeded.
·
Reward yourself- Having an incentive to
motivate you along the way is probably
the most helpful. Think of it as your light
at the end of the tunnel. In addition to
feeling good about achieving your goal,
you’ll have a little something extra to
look forward to.
important trait to obtain if you want to accomplish your
New Year’s Resolutions.
In search of more answers, J.O.P.
Using these four simple steps will
interviewed 6th grader, Arria Hauldin, who replied, “I’ll
hopefully assist you in achieving your 2010 New Year
try to do something but I eventually end up caving in
and the ones that will follow. Remember to make sure
because I have no willpower.” Arria’s problem is one
it’s something reachable and realistic. Good luck!
that many of us have, but it fits in more with the
8
2012: The End of the World
By: Alexandra Orr
As most of us know, the
world is rumored to end on
December 21, 2012. But why the
21 st ? Why 2012? Does it have
something to do with aliens? How
would you handle the last day? “The
end of the world,” may seem like a
shock to most, but do you really
believe it will actually happen? And
if you do, how will it happen? By
natural disasters happening every
second everywhere, erasing man
kind as we know it?
What if you knew the exact
date and time of your death? What
would you do before then? I
personally, would say my fare-wells
to all my loved ones, and then do
something very dangerous like
skydiving or bungee jumping. Live
on the wild side, even if it’s just for
a little while. 6 th grader Jeilyn
Perez, said “I would want to spend
a lot of time with my family,
because I will never see them
again.”
J.O.P. asked 6 th grader,
Alexandra Sal, if she thought it
would really happen, she replied,
“No, but if it does, the sun will
probably explode!” The sun
exploding is one of the many theories
of the world ending. Others include:
A meteor coming from space and
wiping out the whole world like the
dinosaurs, a state of over population,
and not having enough food for
everyone, and an epidemic, much
worse than AIDS, coming to earth.
12/21/12 is going to be a
scary day. All day people are going
to be freaking out, staying indoors
away from trouble. To me, doing
that will just make you paranoid.
The Mayan Calendar
started this whole so-called myth.
It ended on 12/21/12, so people
believed that the world was going
to end. But in truth, the Mayans say
that it’s not true. It was all just a
misunderstanding. So people!! Stop
freaking out about this doomsday
hoax. It’s not true!
Shichi-Go-San
By: Emily Asaro
You’ve all heard the
Night on November 5th. Many kids run
traditional “Merry Christmas!,”
around with “The Guy,” he is a straw
“Happy Hanukkah!,” and “Happy
dummy dressed up in old clothing. The
Kwanza,” But have you ever heard
children are usually wearing masks and
anyone say “Happy Shichi-Go-San?”
costumes. At night time the children
or “Happy Guy Fawkes day?”
throw there dummies in a fire. When
Probably
not.
they throw the dummies into the fire,
If any of you have younger
firecrackers go off and people shout
siblings that are seven, five, or three
with joy. Guy Fawkes was part of
they’re luckier then you think! The
something called the “Gun Powder
Japanese holiday Shichi-Go-San
Plot.” This was a plan to blow up
stands for Seven-five-Three. This day
England’s “House of Lords.” The
is celebrated every November 13th
House of Lords is the upper houses of
because these ages are thought to be
the British Parliament were they discuss
special in Japan. On this holiday, the
national affairs. A group of Roman
children are to wear their best clothes,
Catholics, who were led by a man
or they can follow the old tradition
named Robert Catesby , formed the plan
and were kimonos which are
because they resented the English
beautifully colored robes made of
government’s anger toward Catholics.
silk. Every child has to carry a long
Their goal was to take over the country
narrow paper bag. Each of these bags
and to appoint a leader who would treat
is decorated usually with pictures or
the Catholics well. Catesby’s group
pine trees tortoises, or cranes. These
rented a cellar beneath the House of
pictures symbolize youth and long
Lords and filled it with barrels of
life. Everyone, including the child’s
gunpowder. The plot exposed when
family members, goes to a shrine
Lord Monteagle, a member of the
[church] and gives thanks for the
House
health of their children. They also ask
anonymous letter warning him to avoid
for a blessing for the future health
the Parliament. He then told the
and happiness of the children.
government about it. On November 4th,
Outside of their shrine, there are
government officials searched the cellar
stalls [shops] where the parents can
and found the gunpowder, and Guy
buy candy and toys to fill there
Fawkes, the person who was in charge
children’s paper bags with. When the
of setting off the explosion. Guy
child and their family members return
Fawkes was executed for treason,
home, they share some of their candy
(trying to overthrow the government).
and toys with relatives and others.
The people of Britain celebrate this day
The children are often given gifts. At
because the plan failed, and there way
the end of the day a large party is
of government continues. It’s an event
thrown for the children.
full of amazing fireworks, which
of
Lords,
received
an
celebrates the capture of Guy Fawkes.
The British celebrate Guy
Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire
9
The Future You
By: Chloe Fabien
What are you going to be? Are
you going to be our country’s future
president? The next star of the best
movie of all time? Or even on the
New York Times Best Seller list?
I’m sure you’ve heard of people with
jobs like these. Then they do one
little stupid thing and their world
comes crashing down. You could be
in that persons shoes one day. Having
every one know your name, the fame,
riches, and glory. But it has its down
sides to. Having every one watch
your every move, having some one
you’ve never even met want to
destroy you. This happens to all stars.
But better safe then sorry, because
sometimes having everybody know
your name isn’t always that great.
There already some people who
have there whole future planned out.
J.O.P. asked 8 th grader Jessica
Lozama what she wanted to be when
she grows up. “A lawyer” she
answered. Being a lawyer can very
likely happen if you work hard and
get good grades. If you want to be a
lawyer but worried about your grades
read Allison Fletcher’s article “How
to beat bad grades.” Lawyers make
lots of money, but so do cartoonist.
That’s what Ashan Hauldin wants to
be when he grows up “I want to be a
cartoonist so I can express myself
through the drawings” These Jags
obviously have very bright futures.
We should all aim for our dreams
before too late... As you may have
read in Alexandria Orr’s article “12/
21/12 “The end of the world,” the end
might soon be near. Hopefully this
myth won’t come true because most
of us will only be 14, 15, or 16. J.O.P.
asked Gaby Zamor how she felt
about this life changing myth. “I
think we’re all going to die. Satin is
going to come and make us all
slaves.” But Gysai Jhonston has a
different opinion; “No nothing’s
going to happen, I’m not scared.”
Hopefully Gysai’s right, but then
again who can predict the future?
Some people have there future
planned at a very young age and
stick to it. J.O.P. asked one of our
very successful math teachers Mrs.
Ardo what she wanted to be as a
child, and got a very surprising reply,
“As a child I had always wanted to
be a teacher, since the 7th grade,
when my 7th grade teacher inspired
me. I love kids and this is obviously
the job for me.”
If your not sure about what you
want to be in the future, pay attention
to career day. Every year, the school
sends out flyers to people with jobs,
asking them to come to our school
and inform us about what they do
for a living. Maybe those people will
inspire you to one day become what
they do for a living.
The future you is controlled by
you. And ever step you take, every
choice you make, affect your future.
The wrong decision can change your
whole life. So think about what you
want to be, and aim high until your
dreams come true. Because you only
live life once, so make it count.
Tajhae loves Diamond, Taylor,
Tionna, Melissa & Tyson
How to Beat
Bad Grades
By: Allison Fletcher
Are you getting bad grades?
J.O.P can give you a couple of tips
if you are. Students in our life time
get bad grades because there not
getting enough sleep or just getting
distracted.
How I keep up my good
grades is by going to bed early and
eating a good breakfast because both
of those thing help your brain stay
healthy. A literacy teacher, named
Maggie Cary has a couple of tips for
us she says, “Go to the library often
and pick out a book that interests
you and read it for 30 minutes every
night. She also said when you are
done reading the book ask questions
to yourself about the book so you
can see if you comprehend. “The
next tip she gave us, “When your
parent is making a grocery list help
them write it. Also, you should make
flash cards to help you study
vocabulary words.” Well that’s a
teacher from Palm Cove
Elementary; then J.O.P to the office
to interview Mrs. Bear.
When J.O.P. interviewed
Mrs. Bear and asked why she
thought some students are getting
bad grades? She replied saying that,
“Their problem is they’re not trying
as hard. Homework is important; if
you don’t do your homework you
will drop. J.O.P also asked what
advice she can give to students if
they are getting bad grades. She said,
“I would tell them to do there
homework and class work all the
time because if you turn in all your
class work and fail a couple of tests
you will still pass.” I agree with her
if we do our work and pay more
attention in class there is a guaranty
that we will get good grades. There
is also a mathematics teacher named
Mrs.Collens, she has a couple of tips
for us too. She says, “Get organized,
you need to be organized so you will
know where your stuff is, you need
to also be organized so you don’t
forget where your homework is.”
She also said, “When you hear a test
or quiz is coming up, immediately
write it in your agenda and plan a
study day.” When you know its time
for a test you should study because
if you study you will be done with
the test in no time but, if you didn’t
study you would still probably do
good on the test but it will take a
while and you won’t even be sure if
you’re right or wrong. You should
be organized, when your organized
it will be easy to find your stuff,
when you’re disorganized you
wouldn’t know where anything is
and the teacher might ask for it
unexpectedly.
These are the tips you
should take if you want to get good
grades. So start following them and
you can beat bad grades.
10
What Quenches your Hunger?
By: Briana Beadle
Students eat in class everyday. The
stated, “The teachers get mad at
reason students eat in classes is
students when we begin to eat while
because they don’t have the time to
the teachers teaching we don’t pay
eat breakfast because there late for
attention to the lesson being taught,
school most of the time. When I
and get an bad grade when we have a
don’t have the time to eat breakfast I
test the next day or don’t pay attention
buy snacks from the cafeteria and
when the teacher is telling you when
then eat it in class, first or second
the upcoming test is.” I think
period. Some of my friends chew
sometimes when students don’t get
gum because they get hungry. I do
caught the first time eating in class
the same thing sometimes. Some
they don’t care.
students don’t have any money for
lunch and then in fourth or fifth and
Teachers also get mad while telling
even sixth period when someone
students not to make a mess and the
takes something out to eat the
students don’t listen to they’re
student(s) will begin to beg for some
teachers and make a mess as soon as
till the person gets aggravated and
the teacher is done talking. Students
just gives it up, then you’ll here the
don’t listen to teachers because when
teacher yelling in the background at
they tell us not to make a mess they
you for eating in their class.
treat us like were little kids in first or
second grade, when some of us know
Most students when they get
not to make a mess. Even though we
hungry start to think “What is the
make mess we’ll always clean it right
point of being in class if I can’t
back up.
concentrate.” So then they open a bag
World’s Most Exotic Foods
of chips or something they can eat
Why can’t we have snack in third
and start to eat in class. Trying to
period when the whole class is hungry,
By: Nkiru Chukwuelue
survive middle school teachers
we as a class brings snacks to share
telling you not to eat in their class is
like on the FCAT days. I don’t think
hard, because when your stomach
there’s anything wrong with eating in
starts to growl in class, you sneak
class, because when someone starts to
food underneath your desk or in your
starve because they didn’t have lunch
bag. Every time I pull something to
they just have to sit in class with their
eat out of my book bag someone
stomach growling at the class.
Christmas is right around the corner
and most of you are probably used to the
delicious food, presents, and spending quality
time with your family. Almost everyone has
different types of foods they enjoy probably
due to their culture or religion, but there are
some foods that are just plain crazy! In
Cambodia, they enjoy the delightful taste of
fried tarantulas! I personally wouldn’t go this
extreme, but some in Cambodia would for this
“appetizing” taste. This food was first
discovered by starving Cambodians in the
brutal days of Khmer Rouge regime. They only
cost a few cents and some supposedly claim
this dish is rather delicious. One word we can
all agree on is: DISGUSTING. But who knows
it might taste better than it actually looks.
always begs saying, “can I get
some?” And gets me in trouble
because the teachers think I am
talking.
J.O.P. asked a few students in 7th
and 8th grade why we as students have
to suffer when were hungry and can’t
eat in class while when a teacher gets
J.O.P. interviewed 7th grader
hungry they just pull out something to
Daniel Penaranda; we asked him why
eat in the middle of class, in front of
he thinks teachers get mad when we
everyone. How do teachers expect us
as students eat in their class. He
not to eat in class when they eat in
class?
There are many examples of weird foods, but...
would you ever try deep fried monkey toes?
This food is mostly eaten in Indonesia. In
Norway they enjoy the food of sheep head. The
sheep’s head is smoked for a couple of days
before being eaten. The sheep’s eyes and tongue
are also edible. Yech!
Bird nest soup? It may sound very
weird at first, but Chinese people consider it a
traditional food. This dish’s price can be $100
a bowl. This dish has been a tradition for many
centuries, and is believed to be very nutritious,
and provides many minerals. But these
prominent birds are called Swiffelets, they
mostly make there nests out of saliva. This
makes the texture, of the nest very unique.
Ballut is very
popular in the Philippines just like the hot dog
is in America. Ballut is an egg. This dish is
basically chicken and fertilized eggs together.
The way to eat Ballut is to crack open the egg,
sip the broth and then eat the yolk. It could
also be enjoyed with salt, lemon juice, black
pepper, and coriander. Some prefer it with chili
and vinegar. This appetizer contains a lot of
protein. You can also drink it down with a nice,
cold, refreshing cup of juice.
Pufferfish is a Japanese dish, and
is very risky. If this dish isn’t prepared properly
you can become paralyzed. About fifteen
people died in Thailand when this dish was made
illegally. You have to have a license in order to
prepare this life threatening dish. This food can
also be found in Iceland. Puffins are seabirds,
and Iceland is home to many of them. Puffins
are mainly killed by breaking there beaks.
Ouch…Seems painful. Many say Puffins are a
fishier version of duck and chicken.
Another exotic food is snake wine. The first
thought that comes to mind is that this doesn’t
sound appetizing. Snake wine originally comes
from Vietnam. Snake wine is when rice wine
combines with snake venom. Now this sounds
pretty risky, but supposedly, snake wine has
many “health benefits.”
“Poop coffee” also known as Kopi Luwak, is
coffee beans that are eaten at first then pooped
out by a mammal called a civet. Civets can be
found in Southeast Asia. These coffee beans are
one of the most expensive in the world. Why
you ask? No one knows. The price ranges from
$120-$600 per pound. Since the civet’s break
down the proteins in the coffee that make the
coffee bitter, the taste comes out a little bit
sweeter.
The country of Korea has many traditions,
customs, and political views. Live Octopuses
can also be enjoyed in Korea, but would you
ever go to eat such a food? I know I wouldn’t.
This recipe can be served ALIVE! , enjoyed with
a side of sesame oil. Due to the fact that the
suction cups are still on the octopuses, they can
get stuck to your mouth while you’re trying to
swallow down the food. This could be a choking
hazard.
Maggot Cheese, also known as Casu Marzu, is
sheep milk cheese. This dish is illegal in many
countries due to health concerns. The worst
aspect of this is that when the maggots die the
cheese can become very toxic. The texture is
very creamy and is mainly served with flat bread.
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea but you
never know…
As
you can see, there are many different types of
food all around the world. Would you dare to
try some?
11
Why Do We Love It: The Science of Music
By: Daga Lisa Nyang
song; for example, you may have had a rough day but
J.O.P. asked Language Arts teacher Ms. Levine for an
beat. Hip Hop Music also soothes me.” Out of all the
remember; in fact, the oldest musical instruments
once you turn on your iPod and listen to your favorite
adult’s perspective on this question. “I generally listen
interviews I had received, 45% of the students preferred
have been found in china. They dated back from
songs, you slowly calm down. The brain’s ability to
to all type of music, but, I mainly listen to country
hip-hop music, 40% preferred rock music, and 15%
between 7,000 B.C. to 6,000 B.C.
remember and produce music is often astonishing, even
music.” She replies. “I also like music that gives off a
preferred country and other various types of music.
after the brain has been seriously damaged; it seems to
positive message, like Miley Cyrus’s song ‘The Climb’;
recognize your favorite songs. Music helps us “escape”
it tells about reaching your goals and never giving up.”
No matter what music we all listen to,
our problems without literally escaping. Music
This answer was completely different from the rest of
music is the universal language of self expression and
communicates to our minds in very complex ways. The
the answers J.O.P. got from other interviews. “If I had
people all over the world enjoy the feeling it gives.
works of melody like the beat and key of the track move
to choose”, says 7th grader Tiana Costa, “My favorite
us to different versions of thought, mood and sometimes
genre of music would be hip hop because, I love the
Music has been with us as long as we can
Music is extremely important in the lives
of most young people. Music also affects your body.
Sure, all of this is interesting, but why do we like music?
Music is a form of expression. We all love to express
ourselves, and music is a unique way to do that. You
can express so many different feelings and emotions
through music and it is pleasing to the ear. Music is the
wordless voice that gives the silent reminder that we
can always find meaning in our lives. It can lift our
spirits or ease our pain, speak to our sense of new-found
joy.
memory. Music is as natural and needed as the air we
breathe. Most people wouldn’t want to live in a world
without it. Did you know that fast paced music can
make your heart beat faster and give you an adrenaline
rush, whilst slow paced music can bring your body back
to level? Still, the reasons why humans love music are
The Science of Music: Music helps
scientists figure out how the brain actually works. Our
brains react in a positive way when you hear a good
unknown.
We may never know why we love music,
we still do. However, what type of music is the best?
Keeping Your Energy Level Up
By: Amanda Siciliano
Getting up every morning is not
are tired.” She informs J.O.P. Mr. Schwartz
and unfocused. A healthy breakfast will also
always be alert during a test or an important
always an easy task. The last thing you want
has a different opinion. “I would give them
give you enough energy to go through the
lesson.
to hear is the irritating beep of your alarm
a detention because they aren’t doing what
school day smoothly.
clock. Everyday is a struggle to drag your
they are expected to in class.” Actions come
J.O.P. thinks that teachers should
Many people say that the trick to an energetic
also make students participate in class more
day is to sleep early, but some kids just don’t
often so that staying awake wouldn’t be so
If you have problems staying
have a choice. Juggling homework and after
dreadful. It’s difficult to pay attention for
awake in class you could follow these
school activities can cause a student to go
six hours while your mind is off wandering
helpful tips. One is to hang your hand
to sleep later than they would like to. J.O.P.
the seven seas.
slightly over your desk while you are
suggests that people should adjust their daily
holding your pencil. If you fall asleep the
schedule to make it more suitable for them.
So all you sleepy heads reading
Some students can consider
pencil will slip out of your hand causing it
We guarantee that by doing so, you will have
this article better take notes on what J.O.P
themselves lucky that they haven’t been
to make a clatter which will most likely wake
a less stressful lifestyle as well as a well
is telling you, because these simple tips will
caught sleeping during instructional time.
you up. Another helpful hint is to take a brief
rested day.
help you to stay alert and energetic during
Resting in class is never the best idea
ten minute nap during lunch. Just tell your
feet out of bed. When you arrive at school
with consequences.
it’s almost impossible to stay up and
running, so most kids decide to nap during
class. Snoozing in class may recharge your
energy level but it does have its
consequences.
because
there
could
be
serious
repercussions.
friend to wake you up before the bell rings.
This will help you get a delightful rest before
you proceed to your next period. You should
Some teachers, like Mrs. Spencer,
would just give you a warning. “I would just
wake them up because I understand that they
always eat a well balanced breakfast before
you go to school. This could help you
concentrate in class instead of being drowsy
school hours.
It is important for people to stay
wide awake and well rested in class. Not only
will sleeping in class get you in trouble, but
it will affect your grades and your health as
well. When you are drowsy, you tend to have
a more forgetful memory. It’s crucial to
12
Rebuttal to “Who Bullies Who”?
By: Sasha Sarran-Persad
“Who Bullies Who” was an article published in
fit in and seem cool like the 8th graders.” Also, 6th
to hurt you as hard as anyone ever could,
but it is also our own faults because sometimes we
the Jaguars on the Prowl newspaper written by
grader Destini Hall says “I feel like the 6th graders
emotionally and physically.6 th graders Austin
don’t tell anybody and the bullying keeps going
Soraya Lopez. In this article, Soraya states that 6th
are very polite to the 8th graders. The 8th graders think
Moscoso , Robert Pinto , and Andrew Walters all
on and on. They also think that 8th graders don’t
graders are bullying the 7 and 8 graders by
that they rule the school”. When Kristina, Destini,
agree that the 8th graders are being unnecessarily
make the right choices sometimes because when
pushing them in the hallways when we rush to class.
and many others like her feel like this, they feel
cruel to 6th graders when they push us into the walls
we are let out of class and in 3 minutes the bell
When 6th graders heard this statement, they were
insulted by the 8th graders’ power over them and
between classes and open our backpacks, making
rings, 6th graders run , fearing that they will get
th
detention, while some 8th graders walk even slower
th
th
taken aback! Usually it is the other way around,
th
th
th
think that it is unreasonable for 8 graders to say
our things fall out. They also say that they think 8
where us 6 graders are pushed around by 7 and
that we are bullying them just by pushing them in
graders are getting all of these awful ideas from
8th graders. 6th grader Jessica Cordero says “As a
the hallways (most of the time by accident), when
the things that they see on television and things
sixth grader I’m here to say that the eighth graders
8th graders are purposely calling us “little 6th graders”
that go on in their own neighborhood.6th grader
Basically, 6th graders think that 8th graders are
have shoved us, pushed us, and sometimes tripped
6th grader Madison Duke says, and also pushing us
Grace-ann Mcleod thinks that 6th graders should
bullying us by hurting us both emotionally and
off seats! 6 grader Sage Farrell thinks that 6 , 7 ,
have their own staircase so they don’t push us
physically, while 8th graders think that 6th graders
and 8th graders should stop the war of bullying and
around and down the staircase. Probably every 6th
are bullying them just by pushing them in the
, but others think differently . 6 graders Youssef
act together as one school! I think that almost
grader would want that!
hallways by accident. 6th graders are here to say
Abougendia and Veronica Gayoso both say that
everyone would agree with her. Fellow 6th, 7th, and
when 8th graders, 7th graders, and sometimes even
8th graders, admit to yourself that you want to stop
Did you know that a lot of kids (middle
graders and they want it to stop right now. Bullying
6 graders bully other fellow 6 graders, they
this “war” and just have a normal school day without
schoolers especially) get pushed down the stairs
is a serious problem that can hurt you many
became so irritated that they became bullies too.6th
calling anybody names or without being called
on purpose by kids older than them or real bullies.
different ways if you keep letting it happen. When
names.
6th graders Raena Jeffrey, Vanessa Huapaya, and
you are bullied or a person you know is being
th
us”. Some 6 graders would agree with Jessica when
th
th
th
she says that only 7 and 8 graders bully 6 graders
th
th
th
grader Kristina Lawrence states “I feel that 6
th
th
th
th
because we are innocent and we are just trying to
that they feel that have a big problem with 8th
th
graders should have a year to get used to older kids
Nobody wants to go to school when there is
for no apparent reason.
Dayna Lawrence all think that 8 graders are being
bullied, tell someone that can help you take care
ridiculous when they call us names and push us,
of this problem. “Don’t stand by, stand together!!!”
someone there who would love nothing more than
Girl Drama
By: Emily Rangel
Is girl drama a good thing or bad thing?
say rumors for fun, which is not smart at all. There
In middle school is usually where the drama begins.
can be bad consequences if the rumors get around
As all girls know drama is probably the worst thing
the school all the way to the teachers. What people
that can happen in school and the last thing we want.
don’t understand is that if you start a rumor about
With all the school work and all the homework, girl
someone, the person that you’re talking about has
drama is the last thing we need on our plate right
real feelings, and they can get very hurt from the
now, but it’s really hard to avoid.
rumors.
You might get into drama if you didn’t
If you ever start a rumor about someone
even do anything. For example some girl can think
and you didn’t do it on purpose, try talking to the
you said a bad thing about her when you didn’t say
person and tell them it was an accident. Explain why
anything and that girl will say something about you
you did it. Maybe you didn’t even know why you
and the big drama begins. Everyone starts getting
did it, but try to resolve the problem.
mad at you and you start losing all your friends. At
Girls try to avoid the drama anyway they
least you get something good out of this… you will
find out who your true friends are. That’s probably
the only thing good about drama. A student told
J.O.P a story like this one, the student wants to be
anonymous, she said “There were two girls in the
locker room talking about a girl and it was a secret.
But the girl that had heard the story told everyone
about the secret. The girl that was being talked about
thought they called her a tramp. And then all the
drama started.” Maria 6th grader said she would
handle the secret by confronting the person about
the problem. “That’s what I would do in a situation
Rumors, rumors, rumors. They are very
Drama between the two
genders, differ greatly. Boys seem to
without
example, J.O.P interviewed 8 th grader Tionna
handle things physically while girls
www.safeyouth.org, 63% of boys get into
Salmon and she said “I try to ignore drama because
handle things verbally.
fist fights over girls. Mostly boys are the
it just gets bad at the end.” That is true, it can end
up bad or sometimes it can end up good. You can
fight with your friend and at the end you will
probably just be friends with the person you fought
with. Another way to resolve drama is to talk to the
person you is having problems with. J.O.P
interviewed another 8th grader, Gabi Zamor, she said
what people usually should do in a situation like
personally think rumors are very harmful. For
example, 7th grader Kalie Vickers said, “Rumors are
lies that people just start because of jealousy and
hate. People make them up for revenge and it’s not
nice.” That’s exactly what I think. Maybe girls just
Boys seem to let things go more easily
hassle.
According
to
ones who are always getting in trouble at
Boys, crave connection and
belonging. Like girls, boys need friends;
they suffer when they don’t believe they
have any, and agonize over the ups and
downs of relationships. Though boys
friendships have similarities with girls
friendships, things differ widely. Girls
walk to school together, always eat lunch
together, have sleepovers and hug each
school or anywhere else. This is because
some can’t keep their hands to themselves.
From the female perspective, I can see that
there is something to be said or done for
getting your feelings out and then moving,
as opposed to girls, who at least from my
experience harbor hurt feelings and are
rude to each other in less obvious but still
in no less painful ways.
other often. Boy’s friendships are very
that one.
Rumors are gossip. People take the story, tell their
friends, and then they tell their friends, and so on. I
By: Carissa Perry-Smith
you can’t avoid it try to handle the problem. For
attitude, then just move on.” That’s a smart idea and
common and can be the number one cause of drama.
Boy Drama
can, but drama still affects them in many ways. Since
“I would confront the person, and if they give you
like that.”
Sasha Sarran-Persad (6th Grader)
different. They hangout after school, give
This boy approach is still very
Girls, all these experiences probably
one another compliments for getting girls
harsh to me. Boys need to learn how to
happened to you or are going to, but hopefully not.
but they rarely hug. This is how you can
deal with things in a different way. And
Just remember that you’re not the only one with
see that boy and girl friendships are
not take their anger out with their fists. In
drama. There’s plenty of ways to handle it in good
incredibly different from one another.
my opinion this is very immature. Drama
and friendships are hard to explain with
ways, not in bad. Don’t start a fight for silly reasons.
Don’t put yourself down because of any type of
drama. Drama is not good for anyone!
Boys tend to fight with their
fists, unlike girls who fight with words.
boys. There unpredictable in various ways.
Everything’s a mystery.
13
Relay For Life
By: Victoria Alvarez
our bodies for twenty-four hours
to stand up against the horrid
disease.
According
to
RelayForLife.org, each year more
than 3.5 million people in 5,000
communities in the United States,
along
with
additional
communities in twenty other
countries, gather to take part in
You may be thinking, Relay for Life and raise much
“How is one person, like me, needed funds and awareness to
going to help find a cure?” The save lives from cancer.
answer is plain and simple,
Relay for Life is much
become a member of Relay for
more
than
just a fundraiser, it’s a
Life. What is Relay for Life, you
ask? Relay for Life is the life-changing experience. Every
American Cancer Society’s person is different, making their
signature event. Relay is a life reasons to be a part of it unique.
changing event where everyone But, it always has to do with their
in communities all over the own personal story on how cancer
world get together to help changed their life, one way or
celebrate those who are and have another. Relay for Life’s saying is,
battled cancer, remember the “Remember. Celebrate. Fight
loved one’s lost, and fight back Back.” And that, that’s exactly
against the disease You probably what everyone does. At Relay, you
want to know how Relay for Life can find comfort, healing, and
became what is today. Relay everlasting memories, whether it
began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy be crying and remembering, or
Klatt ran and walked around a laughing and meeting new people.
track for exactly twenty-four
With every single
hours to raise money for the
participant raising a minimum of
American Cancer Society. Now,
one hundred dollars, the American
it is the world’s largest
Cancer Society continues to save
movement to end the disease.
lives, having the hope of one day
Obviously, you probably fully eliminating cancer. With
want to know what goes on your help, they aren’t just fighting
during this twenty-four hour for one type of cancer they’re
event. Many activities are held fighting for every single person
throughout the night, making no threatened by the disease in every
one want to fall asleep. At Relay, community. You see, there is
teams of people camp out at a something you can do to help, and
park or local high school, and it creates a major impact on the
take turns walking around the future of cancer, even if you are
track. Every team has to have at just one person. The American
least one person walking around Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
the track at all times. And no, it represents the hope that those lost
does not have to be the same to cancer will never be forgotten,
person or people all night, that those who face cancer will be
usually people take turns on supported, and that one day,
their teams. The reason? Well, cancer will be eliminated.
when you think about cancer, it
never stops, nor does it ever
sleep. Therefore we can devote
As the days pass and
people walk by, no one seems to
notice how cancer is taking over
people’s lives all around the
world. Even though doctors and
scientists are doing everything
they can to find a cure, they do
need our help.
Breast Cancer
By: Rebekah Welch
Did you know that almost
end up losing their life. There are so many
every thirteen minutes, a women dies of
things that people with breast cancer can do
breast cancer? Breast cancer is becoming
to help themselves survive. Eating right and
a very common disease for people
exercising is the most common way to help
around the world. It can be found in both
you get through this illness. There are many
men and women, but it’s mostly common
survivors all around the world that make it
in women. Breast cancer is a big topic
look easy, but most of them take careful
and a very dangerous sickness. What’s
procedures everyday for the fear it might
the cause of breast cancer, and how can
return.
people lower the risk of developing it?
J.O.P. interviewed Diana Alvarez,
The cause of breast cancer is
a 7 grader at PPCMS, on what she thought
still a mystery. Doctors cannot state what
about the disease. She stated, “I’m actually
the exact cause of it is. Most people that
a little scared of developing breast cancer. I
develop breast cancer most likely had a
don’t have it in my family but I’m still scared
strong history of breast cancer in their
of it happening to me. It’s a very serious
family. Five of ten percent of breast
thing.” Diana and a lot of other teens are
cancer is genetic. Also, women and men
frightened about developing breast cancer
that have had some sort of radiation
as they age. Kids, teens, and even adults
treatment to their chest, are more likely
should not be scared about this illness. It
to develop this disease. Drinking alcohol
will be a tough fight but people have made
is another way to put yourself in high
it happen.
th
risk of breast cancer.
Doctors believe that every woman
Breast cancer usually begins
should have their first mammogram at age
with cells in the milk producing ducts.
thirty-five. A mammogram is the most
If a cell develops into an abnormal cell,
effective way to locate breast cancer early.
it starts to quickly multiple without
It is a kind of X-ray that uses non-harmful
dying. This forms a tumor, which begins
radiation. It can find the cancer cell up to
to form and grow in the chosen area. The
two years before the lump is even large
tumor enlarges and causes the person to
enough to actually feel.
get very ill. It can even spread to other
places all over the body, such as the liver
or in the person’s bones.
Each
and
every
woman
throughout the world is at risk of developing
breast cancer. As your age increases, so does
Usually people that are
your risk of breast cancer. Even so, you are
diagnosed with cancer and survive it, go
never too young to get it. You are also never
on and live a normal life again. This isn’t
too young to understand all the things you
the same with breast cancer. Woman
can do to keep yourself at low risk. Anyone
whose breast cancer disappears are
can develop it and everyone can fight it.
usually likely to have it recur at any time.
Some woman can never get rid of it and
14
Lifeless
By: Tionna Salmon
Life. I never know what to expect or what to
“My parents, my sister, and I were on our way
her body becoming limp with each puff of breath she took.
I slammed the book closed and gripped it so
think. It’s like a ticking time bomb; each second that goes by
to Key West and I swear I was about to die from bathroom
My dad was by her side in an instant and police sirens
hard I thought my fingers would fall off. My anger was so
is another loss. I have nothing, go nowhere, and trust no one.
restraint. ‘MOM! I have to pee. Oh gosh! I think I’m going
sounded out everywhere in the area as he screamed for them
built up I swore it was about to ooze out my body. I beamed
I am Tacarra Hayes… and I want my life back.
to pee myself!’ I constantly shouted. However, we all knew
to hurry.
my journal at the mirror with all my force, mostly because
the mirror was what dragged me back to the memory in the
that wasn’t going to happen just by the fact that the thought
The one thing that still haunts me to this day
always like this. I was once the girl everybody knew and
of anyone even considering doing that grossed me out, but
is that the man who shot her, stood there, like the gun was
respected. I didn’t have one specific clique; I belonged with
by the look on my face, I probably would have done it
going to turn on him next, even though he was the one who
The closet mirror shattered before me and the
them all. I had likeable parents and a preppy older sister, I
anyway.
was holding it. I would never forget his face. Dark tanned,
splintering glass hitting the floor sparked every nerve in my
The funny part about all of this is that I wasn’t
first place and my lonesome now that it was gone.
even had actual friends and an almost boyfriend! I had the
I, of all people knew it was no where near the
piercing green eyes, and a wicked yet sorrowful grin. His
vulnerable body. “IT’S MY FAULT!!!” I yelled at the top of
best thing going for me and within seconds it was snatched
time or place to get on someone’s nerves, mostly because
whole presence just looked distorted to me – not really
my lungs. I couldn’t stop myself, tears poured out of my
away. They died (they being my parents). Without them I
the four of us were cramped in a small car with all our
disfigured but I really got the urge to wipe those little freckles
eyes, splattering the floor like a hail storm had just hit and I
had no idea how I would live. It was like every ounce of
suitcases and a massive amount of body heat was radiating
off his face.
dropped to floor in a heap. Bringing my knees up to my
happiness I had was drained from my body and my heart was
off of us.
The police sirens sounded closer and I saw
“Hold on, sweetie. Our next stop is in about
ripped out.
I became my alter ego; for all I care, the world
15 minutes,” my mother had said.
“Did you not just hear what I said? MY
could disappear before my eyes. My sister doesn’t visit me
and my friends slowly exited my roller coaster of a life, all
BLADDER IS GOING TO EXPLODE! I need to pee.”
him start to panic. In haste, he shot my dad and the
chest and wrapping my arms around my body, crying to
myself about the new realization I had just come to.
frightened cashier next to him, probably afraid that they
Melanie and Imani, my two rollercoaster
might rat him out and by the look of it, they probably would
riders, stepped into my room and did a double take between
have.
the broken glass and my fragile form in the center of the
chaos.
except the two who tried to handle all my ups and downs.
But now I have a feeling I’m losing them too. This leaves me
Imani was frozen in place, stuck on trying to
with… myself, and the one trusting thing I knew was my
figure out what was happening. On the other hand, Melanie’s
journal.
arms were around me before I even noticed that she had
*
*
*
*
moved at all, her shirt quickly became stained with my tears.
*
I lay on a single mattress in the middle of my
The look on my face and smeared eyeliner
dull room, the purple drained from the walls. I looked to the
could’ve scared anyone else who would have walked in but
right at the unplugged house phone that stood alone in the
I didn’t care. I let Melanie rock me back and forth until I
back corner of my room and the half open closet with
found myself capable of talking again and when I finally
crumpled brown paper covering the mirror; a couple t-shirts
did, a rush flow of words came out.
“It’s my fault they’re dead, guys. THEY’RE
and jeans stared back at me along with a tiny part of my
GONE! And I’m never going to see them again. “ I said
reflection.
I gave myself a wry look and sauntered over to
through floods of tears. “I remember staying cooped up in
the closet. I clutched the brown paper and slowly peeled it
my cousin’s room while my sister and I were at my aunt’s
off. I stood before my counterpart, my chocolate brown eyes
house for the funeral. I wouldn’t talk, eat, sleep, I wouldn’t
drowning me in the memory of my deceased parents. My
even look myself in the mirror and now you know why,” I
said eyeing the broken glass. “But I guess that’s normal,
damp, curly auburn hair clung to my cappuccino colored face
and my eyes were outlined in black eyeliner. I saw my parents
“Mom, just pull over. All I know is that if I feel
He ran. He clearly didn’t see me by the
right? Feeling the way I did?” I laughed through my tears.
in myself. I had my own mind like my father and
anything wet she’s getting slapped,” my sister interjected. I
bathroom and I honestly didn’t know why I hadn’t already
“It’s not. It six months later and I actually think I got worse.
aggressiveness like my mom, and everyone knew it when
looked over at her and laughed as she began to rub her
smashed his face into a wall with all the force my little body
I can’t handle loss. And I never want to feel that way again.
they looked in my eyes.
temples.
carried. My feet felt like they were super glued to the concrete
I just want everything back to the way it was before……
with my mom and dad.”
I don’t know how but my limp hand made its
I finally got through; my mom didn’t say
pavement and no amount of strength could pry them off. If I
way up and was pressed against my reflected one. The
anything but she pulled into the 7’ eleven parking lot. Inside
was in the right state of mind I would’ve chased him down
memory of the accident hit me like a slap in the face and
I could see what looked like an argument between the cashier
and pummeled him until he felt what I felt at that moment.
tears welled up in the corner of my eyes. “It was my fault,” I
and some guy, but that was the last thing on my mind.
Pure anger. But I wouldn’t be able to do that. My sister was
My mom left the keys in the ignition for my
in front of me with her back towards the incident, holding
I banged my fist against the mirror half hoping
dad and sister and started to walk inside as I went the other
me like I was the one trapped in a pond of tears when she
it would shatter before me. I flung the other half of my closet
way towards the ladies bathroom, but the next thing that
was. But she wouldn’t be able to process what I could; the
open and started clawing at everything I saw, until I caught a
happened was anything but expected. The man arguing with
lost face on my dad and hatred on mine.
glance of my black leather journal on the top shelf, “Risk
the cashier had a gun in his hand and the sound of the bell
For that moment, I lost complete control of
Everything” was written in my slanted cartoon script across
ringing when the door opened probably scared him. He shot
myself. I was dying to wake up and find out if this was just a
the cover. I opened it and ripped through the pages, my tears
her.
messed up nightmare and crawl into my mom’s arms. Too
said through clenched teeth.
smearing words in the process. I found it.
I couldn’t even blink. My mind was trying to
bad… this was all reality. My parents had died on April
“I never liked children. They know what they
grasp what had just happened but all I could do was scream.
want and they’d work their mouths into the next life time to
I let out a shriek so loud I could have gone deaf. I couldn’t
I stared at the page I had just read in my
get it. That’s how I was. At times I couldn’t even live with
see my mom’s face but I’ve pictured it every day and each
journal. It was now six months after that exact date and the
myself so I couldn’t even imagine what my parents were going
time it was different; pale, frozen, shocked, in pain. I’ve
memory was still vivid. The shooters menacing eyes flashed
through. And I knew that one day I’d have to learn my lesson
pictured her with faces I didn’t even know I was capable of
across my vision and I stared out blankly. I want him to feel
but never in a million years did I think that day would come
creating with my mind.
what I’ve been feeling these past months. You just can’t hit
27th, 2009. They’re gone.
so soon.” I slowly slid to the floor as I read each word,
I swear time had slowed during the moments
the rewind button and expect everything to fall back into
replaying the one nightmare I’ve had every night in the past
that passed. My mom fell to her knees, hands covered in
place. My friends would just say “everything happens for a
couple of months.
blood from holding where she had been shot. She fell flat,
reason,” but like I said… I trust no one.
I feel so lifeless, I thought to myself.
To be continued…..
15
By: Taylor Trammell
The Jewel
Nothing moves in the house, a blinding
is only recognizing tones and feelings. I tell her
headlight races across my face in broken bars of
that I am lonely and want her and Dad to come
light and disappears down the street. I am alone.
home. I tell her that it is Christmas Eve and we
It’s normal though, the way they just leave me in
are supposed to be watching movies and drinking
these bitter rooms without a trace of guilt or
hot chocolate like the people on television. I tell
remorse. Actually it is so predictable, that I can
her I hate it when she leaves me like I am some
mark every occasion on my calendar months in
type of pet. When I am done expressing myself, I
advance; Christmas Eve, New Years Eve,
am so hyped up that I can’t understand her reply
Halloween, Thanksgiving, and every other holiday
and I say okay before I even know what’s going
that you are supposed to spend with your family, I
on. I say ‘I love you’ and ‘goodbye’ and hang up
am abandoned. But I can’t really blame my mom
the phone. I come back to my senses like someone
and dad, their belief is that these times are spent
pulled the plug on my adrenaline. The woman that
kissing up to bosses and people in high places. If
was supposed to be my mother had told me… that
my parents have taught me anything, it is that
she was sorry I felt that way. I slumped back into
people will have their beliefs no matter what;
my position on the floor and began to cry. I had
Soon all of the surrounding area is
nothing you say or do will ever change that. I’m
tried to make it better, and I failed. Dr. Phil speaks
aflame. The presents, decorations, portraits, and
not important enough to be thought of, not rare
up slowly, “If that doesn’t work, you have to get
furniture crackle in a fiery dance. The hot, choking,
enough to be cherished. So here I wait, the
their attention. If you don’t, the pain that you are
liquid is shrinking away and I feel freer every time
leftovers from the most recent company luncheon
feeling will manifest and you will drown in it”
the fire rears in defiance. I run into the kitchen
The fire was swelling in the family
and family room and throw random things into
room, smoke starting to come to life and choke
the blaze. My Dad’s books, IPod, clock, awards,
me. Coughing I run to the front door and throw
and paintings and my Mom’s blankets, movies,
it open, falling onto the porch in an exhausted
papers and laptop all hiss and scream in the
heap. I don’t have enough energy to move or
growing blaze.
escape, so I lay in a curled up ball on the porch,
to keep it out. I can’t give up, I have been alive
and body and I can almost imagine how satisfied
too long to die when I’m only starting to truly
I look with the flames reflecting off of my deep
live. I let my head loll and close my eyes,
brown eyes.
reaching out for the jewel around my neck. I
open my mouth, getting lost in my emotions
and take a deep breath of smoky air. I choke
and falter. The air is thick and dry and I smile
to myself.
in the refrigerator and my only company being
Pat Sajack and Vanna White.
my head in exhilaration. The heat warms my face
In the corner of my vision a bright light
sparks to life. The stupid Christmas tree is
The house is humid and sticky and
twinkling in all its holiday spirit. The jungle green
when I take a deep breath, I feel like I’m drowning.
is the only color in the whole living room, and
Depressed, I strip off my jacket and lob it into my
white lights and tinsel glimmer all over it like
closet. I don’t really feel any better, and I stalk
snow. “Get their attention,” Dr. Phil’s voice replays
I scramble through the family room
down the stairs to indulge on Ben and Jerry ice
in my head. I want to burn it, maybe then Mom
shelves looking for something flammable and
cream. As soon as my feet touch the landing I am
and Dad will think twice about leaving me alone.
stumble across a little red box labeled, to Andrea.
A headlight blinds me momentarily
overwhelmed with anger. How could I possibly
Once the flames lick their precious house clean
That’s… me. This is the first time I have ever seen
and I raise my head up just enough to see my
be all alone on Christmas Eve? Haven’t I done
of everything, then I’ll get a second glance. Maybe
a gift wrapped with such effort and with my name
parents, with loads of bags hanging off of their
everything possible to deserve some sort of
they will even remember my name.
on it. Usually, I get the last minute holiday rush
arms. Huge smiles that stretched across their
leftovers bare of everything except the warehouse
faces, now shrunk and mutated into grimaces
packaging.
and blank stares. The facial expressions seemed
my back heated by the flame, but my body just
outside of its reach.
attention?
I dart to the marble counter and grab
I clutch the ice cream to my chest and
the red lighter from its drawer. Before I know it, I
slide down the wall into a heap on the floor. Dr.
am in the living room, the Christmas tree towering
For one moment I forget my rage and
Phil comes to life on the television screen across
above me and presents sporadically set under it. I
open the gift. Inside is a gold chain with an amber
the room, his accusing voice speaking to me. “No
click the trigger and a brilliant orange flame greets
jewel as large as a quarter. I lift it up and clasp it
one can know what you are feeling unless you tell
me. The tiny flare is searing even in its contained
around my neck. It feels perfect on me as if it
them!” That sentence struck home and I started to
amount, I reach out and touch one of the bristly
were made with only me in mind.
listen. “Have you ever told them what you really
leaves. It immediately catches fire and spreads all
feel?” It wouldn’t make a difference if I told them
over the tree. I laugh and raise my hands above
or not. I’ve practically been taking care of myself,
vaguely familiar, and it didn’t take me long to
realize where I remembered them from. It was
the same face that kept me company when I
had no one to comfort me. A face full of
surprise, worry, angst, depression, guilt and a
whole concoction of emotions that make you
A thick cloud of black smoke
want to wither away and die.
envelopes the air around me, and I cover my mouth
“Merry Christmas,” I breathe. My
besides all the financial things, I’m okay. I have a
voice is concealed in the crackling of the flames
good house, food, and a couple friends at school.
but I think they get the gist of what I said. The
I am okay, really. “What you are experiencing is
parental figures scream as a large moan escapes
not okay! You have a right to get attention and be
the house and folds into itself and collapses. I
loved just like every other human being.” I dropped
clutch the necklace and take a deep breath of
the ice cream and began to crawl, inch by inch
the fresh air around me, it grates against my
towards the cordless phone. “Yes, tell them how
chest and makes me wince but I love it.
you feel. Express yourself!”
I pick up the phone, determination
radiating from my fingertips. The number seems
dial itself and before I know it, loud talking fills
the space around me. I am in a daze and my mind
Today is the start of a new era, one
of opinions and joy for all. I will not be forgotten
today or tomorrow or the next and I feel freer
than ever before.
16
Revenge is Bitter-Sweet
By: Olivia Hamilton
I sat on the familiar swing in my
hometown park lightly swinging back and forth
and drove off towards the only other family
member I had, my aunt Norah.
while humming to myself. Suddenly, my pocket
began to vibrate. I pulled out my phone to see
my mother’s familiar number.
I had been driving for almost 7 hours
straight and now I really have to pee. I still feel
I stood in front of the door taking
like I am going to cry at any moment. I pulled
“Hello?” I answered
over into a rest stop, looked around for anyone
“He was frantically walking around
that seemed suspicious, I got out of the car and
“Hayden, Hayden, Hayden,” said a
man’s dark voice.
“Who is this? Where is my mom?” I
asked franticly.
“Anabelle are you ok?” Nicole
ran to the bathroom. After I was done I bought a
sandwich and a soda to tame my hunger and
asked looking at my pale face.
asking where Ana was. She continued. “When he
saw me his eyes got red and he started yelling.”
“Yeah I’m fine.” I said lying a
quickly walked back to my car. I locked all to
doors and ate quickly, but out of the corner of
couch when my grandfather came walking in.
deep breaths.
little bit.
“What did you do to Ana? Why won’t she listen
to me!” He yelled this over and over and started
shaking me hard like he was trying to hurt me.”
my eye I could not help but notice a black car
I
twisted
the
knob
and
She sobbed.
“Your mom is in a place where you
with very darkly tinted windows that appeared
can no longer reach her, if you know what I
to still be on, but I disregarded it telling myself I
immediately flicked on the light. The room
mean,” he said as he began to laugh maliciously.
was just being paranoid. I pulled out of the stop
looked the same, not that I was expecting it
I opened my mouth like I was going to
and began driving again. But in my side view
to be any different. The bookshelf was still
say something but I couldn’t. It’s not enough that
mirror I could not help but see the same black
lined with all his favorite books and of course
he has to bother me but now my friends? I stood
“Hayden this is no joke. I have been
car with tinted windows that seemed to be coming
the first novel he ever wrote.
up and started to yell at the ceiling. “What is
waiting for the moment we would meet for a long
closer, and closer. I sped up and cut in between
“What do you mean, this isn’t funny!”
time.”
“This isn’t funny, please let me talk
to my mom!” I cried as hot tears began to fall
wrong with you? Can’t you just leave us alone?
two trucks that were coming together. They closed
Hesitantly I followed Nicole and
Don’t bother my friends! They didn’t even know
the road as a minivan pulled up behind them and
Marie inside. I set my things down on the
you!” I got so mad that I started beating the bed. I
no one could get in, but I slightly sped up just in
floor, and sat down. I plugged my ears and
punched it and punched it, my punches getting
case. Thankfully, I had lost him. Or had I?
started humming. Again I got that same
harder with every hit. I sobbed and sunk to the
confused look from Nicole and Marie. Marie
floor with Marie and Nicole. Despite the
ripped my hands out of my ears.
weirdness that just occurred they hugged me.
from my eyes.
It’s pitch black, at one in the morning,
“I already told you, your mom can’t
I’m tired and I feel like passing out but I still
talk anymore but if she could I imagine that she
have about 4 more hours of driving before I make
“What are you doing?” She asked.
and my grandfather’s voice “It’s okay,” he
would tell you to run. Ha-ha. But it’s much too
it to Norah’s house. My gas is running low, and I
“I don’t want him to start talking to me.” I
whispered blending in with the breeze. The breeze
late for that.”
really hope it’s my imagination but there is a
said plugging my ears again
continued and I heard some muffled words. “Guys,
There was a slight breeze that only I would notice
black car not that far back, it’s hard to tell but I
“Whatever. At least move so I can
shhhh!” I told them trying to listen to the breeze.
think it has mysteriously, dark tinted windows.
set up my stuff,” she said.
“Bandit?” Marie offered listening hard. The wind
“What do you mean it’s too late?” I
tried to ask but the line had gone flat.
stopped suddenly and we all stood up.
We all situated ourselves and
I ran across the park as the sun began to set, got
to my car as the tears began falling harder and
To be continued…
turned off the lights. From the darkness I
whispered “Can we leave on a light please?”
harder by the second. I turned on the ignition,
“Why would he say bandit?” Nicole
asked wondering.
Nicole got up and put on the lamp in the
The Haunting of Anabelle
Chapter 2: Sleepless sleepover
corner of the room. Once Nicole got in bed
“Nobody could have stolen anything
there was a sudden whish of air. My heart
from him. At least nothing of any value.” I kept
practically stopped beating. Without a word
thinking as I grabbed my stuff.
Marie and I moved to the edge of Nicole’s
bed.
“Where are you going?” Nicole asked.
I turned around looking tired.
By: Emily Asaro
“Goodnight guys.” I said in a low
whisper.
I tried to pretend that the sleepover
Nicole and Marie looked at me like I had 4
was normal. I tried to ignore the fact that we were
eyes. “Well I’m not sleeping in his bed either!”
going to stay in the room my grandfather died.
Marie said.
Since we were all against Ouija boards we
decided to sleep in the room he died in. He died
Nicole looked at both of us and
sighed. “Fine I’ll sleep in his bed.”
“Do you really want to stay in here?” I
“Night.” They whispered.
they didn’t because they ran quickly after me.
I was so tired from being scared
We all crowded uncomfortably in my
that I forgot about my grandfather. I fell
room. One bed, three people. You can imagine
asleep in seconds, but it didn’t last.
how cramped we were. We were too scared to sleep
in his room, which was in the back of the house.
He was sleeping in his bed, but he didn’t wake
on the floor so everyone was in my bed. Marie
“Flashlights?”
up. At least he died peacefully. I never understood
why my mom kept his room exactly the way it
“Cell phones?”
thing they could talk about was sleeping in his
room. I have to admit that I was scared out of my
“AAAAAHHHHHH!” Nicole
screamed.
“Check.”
was, like it was some kind of monument
The hours seemed to drag on. The only
“Check.”
unfortunately was a kicker. We had her sleep at
the bottom of the bed; she could do less harm
She jumped out of bed stepping
there. We all lay motionless unaware of if it was
on me and Marie. We both screamed and
safe to go to sleep, even if we were far away from
wrestled one another to the ground. I looked
his room. Marie was the first to break the silence.
at who we tackled and saw that Nicole had
“Goodnight guys.” She said turning uneasily at
tears streaming down her face.
the bottom of the bed.
mind. It didn’t seem to bother them at all.
As it got closer to midnight, (the time
asked continuing to walk out the door. I guess
“Night,” Nicole and I said in unison.
“Sleepi-”
my mom made us go to sleep), we began to
“What happened?” I asked not
sure if I really wanted to know.
prepare. We had flashlight, our cell phones,
“If your going to check everything
pillows, and sleeping bags. As I was picking up
we’ll be here forever!” Marie exclaimed with
my sleeping bag I said, “I’m not sleeping in his
impatience dripping from every word. We
bed!”
grabbed our belongings and made our way
slowly to the back of the house.
We turned around so that we were back to back.
Sleeping was going to be hard.
TO BE CONTINUED……….
Nicole sat up, took a breath, and
told us about the dream she had. She said
that she was in our living room sitting on our
17
Food Fight
Chapter 2
By: Mollie Bayer
Her grin suddenly grew serious as we began to
I suddenly felt a strange, lonely feeling. I had
walked to the right of the stairs. The room was a
I made my way down the stairs and into the
wake up each of our brothers and sisters. Once the
never felt this before, seeing I always had been
pastel pink (which was beginning to become a very
kitchen. The walls were a soft cream color with baby-
majority of them were up, we began to all lean to
surrounded by fifty five brothers and sisters to keep
repetitive color in this house) with two twin sized
blue counter tops around them. There was a big,
the left and then the right, until the metal can had
me company. I didn’t like this feeling. It felt as if
beds. The beds had light rose colored flowers with
black, cumbersome stove and dishwasher. There
landed with a thump. A few of the unprepared beans
there was a giant lump stuck in my throat and my
light green leaves on the pillows and sheets. Next
were also little blue pantries and a matching
lay shriveled on the floor, after having been stepped
heart had stopped. I quickly tried to shake it off.
to each bed was a light green nightstand with a bright
refrigerator. The table was also blue, but had a white
on.
They were gone now, and there was nothing I could
yellow lamp and a book. I looked at the floor; it
tablecloth on it which was covered in plastic
do about it. There would be four, maybe five left
was made of light white wood and had fuzzy pink
breakfast foods. There were six surrounding blue
now at the most, and even if I did find them there
carpets. There were two tall dressers that were a dark
chairs, but only two were occupied by dolls. One
would be a great chance we would soon loose each
mahogany color with matching mirrors right above
was a tall, blonde woman with the same blank
other in this giant house. But still… the loneliness
them. But soon, my attention was pulled back to
sapphire blue sea eyes and the other was a man with
stuck with me like a leach.
one of the neatly made beds.
standard brown hair and the expressionless blue eyes
Balbina hollered out the plan as everyone
prepared to take action. The easy part was over. Now
comes the hard part… We all took our positions and
began to push the can. There were shrieks from a
few of the beans as they fell to the ground… Our
population was dwindling into close to nothing. I
would not give up though, no one would.
just as the other dolls.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of
In the middle of the bed was a strange large
a door creaking open and two loud screeching voices
lump, almost as if there was a person in it. I
I was becoming tired, and from the top floor of
with thick country accents.
cautiously approached it and hesitated, then quickly
the doll house I could see the sun fading into a
pulled up the sheet, dodging back to one of the
beautiful, stunning orange and purple glow. I
dressers and almost knocking over a lamp. After a
yawned. It seemed as if it were centuries ago that I
couple of minutes had gone by and my breathing
had sat anxiously in the rusty metal tin can, praying
had returned to normal, I slowly began to walk back
I may someday escape. It seemed odd how much
to the bed. I silently gasped, taking in a bit of air as
things could change in just one day.
By now we had plopped onto the ground and
were pushing the can across the creaky wooden floor,
our population becoming more and more insufficient
“Now look ‘ere Carol Ann. We ain’t got all day
so les’ jus’ pick up the dog and go.”
each minute. Suddenly we stopped as a loud sniffing
sound approached us. Everyone grew quite. There
was a blaring bark and suddenly, a pair of serrated
teeth peaked through the tin can, and then
disappeared. A straggling few beans bounced
excitedly, not comprehending what they were about
to do, and tried to jump through the small wholes.
“I got it! I got it!” said the voice I assumed to
be Carol Ann.
I looked at what lay before me.
mustard colored work boots, painted in little splats
of mud. The boots stopped for a minute and the voice
spoke again.
Balbina was just able to yell “No, Wait!” as they
were suddenly snatched by the pearl white teeth and
brought into the obscure world above.
The poor beans had been so desperate to be
“Now where could that dog be?” said the
confused voice
“Over here Billy!” said Carol Ann
finally free; they had not the forbearance to hold
back from the unfamiliar world. By now the teeth
of what must have been Toto had ceased chomping
on the can for sometime. I cautiously approached
the hole, and then quickly sprang backwards as the
teeth once again, dug deeper into the hole. Finally,
Benny, the bravest bean among us, spoke up. “I’m
tired of living in this rusty old can. I’m going to
escape, now, even if it kills me!” Before we could
calculate what he had just said, he ran out screaming,
“I’m FREE! I’m FREE!” Through the hole we could
see little black paws trot after him and across the
house. This was our only chance of escaping. Toto
was distracted for now, but he would soon catch up
There were a couple of short barks, a yip, and then
another creek of the door. Toto, Billy, and Carol Ann
were all gone. I had the house to myself now and I
needed to find a place to stay. I scanned the room,
then stopped when I saw a large towering dollhouse.
It would be perfect!
I analytically peered around the house, searching
for any details I might have missed. Lucky for me, I
saw that there were stairs leading to all of the upper
portions of the house, and it seemed as if there were
no other residents. I decided the house would be
safe enough, and began to wonder around the
miniature home.
with Benny and come back for us. This was our last
chance.
First was the living room. It had a large denim
couch with white lace sewn across the bottom.
I sped out as fast as I could, not looking back. I
didn’t know where I was going, or what I was doing.
All I could do was feel the steady pace of my feet
going up and down. I ran into a door, and then
squirmed through the small crack feeling the cold
air seeping through. When I was in the room I gazed
around curiously. There were toys shaped to look
like little human girls and a giant bed with neat white
sheets over it. I had seen some of the things like the
animals stuffed with cotton in books, back when I
was living at the farm, but had never pictured them
I slowly dragged myself down the stairs and
I saw from under the crack of the door two large
Parallel to the coach was a brown plastic television
with two large antennas sticking out of the top like
bunny-ears, frozen on a basic seen of a teddy bear.
Between the two was a small pink coffee table with
a white tablecloth and a vase of plastic flowers on
top. I stared at the room for a second, and then
walked off. There was a large pair of stairs dividing
the living room from the kitchen, so I decided to
take a look at the second floor. The stairs where a
delicate pink color and a bit of a jump between each
step, but I was still able to manage.
so large. I quickly snapped out of it once I heard the
shrieks of the fellow beans. Toto must have finished
I wandered into the next room, to the left of the
off Benny and was coming for the rest who hadn’t
stairs. It was a blue bathroom with a white bathtub
taken the chance to run. I wondered how many of
and rubber ducks everywhere. The floors were an
us were left.
aqua and blue tile, but there wasn’t much there so I
It was hideous! She wore a sarcastic smile that I
to the second floor, into the room where I had first
could almost feel mocking me and had superficial,
come face to face with one of the lifeless dolls. I
frozen, royal blue eyes, lacking any sense of depth.
pushed the doll out of the bed and kicked her out of
She was wearing a plain pink shirt and a matching
the room watching her tumble down the stairs. I
skirt. Her blonde curly hair fell down to her waist,
crawled into bed and pulled the sheets over my head
unnaturally long for most girls her age. She must
just as I heard a sharp “OW!” come from below. My
have been at the most eight years old. I tried to shake
eyes quickly flew open, but they soon slowly began
her awake, but her face stuck in the twisted form
to descend. I figured it was only my mind playing
not even flinching.
tricks on me, since I was tired and if it was anything,
it could wait until morning. Even at the time I knew
In the second bed, there was another doll
identical and just as lifeless as the first, except this
one was wearing a bright yellow sundress. After
staring for a couple minutes, waiting for something
to happen, I casually left the room and began to find
that I should’ve at least gone and checked it out, to
make sure everything was alright, but I was dead
tired, so much had happened already today, and I
didn’t think I could handle another drop of
excitement.
my way to the last room on the second floor.
I woke up to the lazy, mellow first rays of sunshine.
This room had a large empty king sized bed with
two night stands. The walls were light lavender and
the nightstands and dressers were a pale green. After
looking around the room I finally left and marched
up to the stairs to the third story of the house. On
this floor was another bedroom featuring a bunk bed,
each with another doll in them, a second bathroom
identical to the first, and a playroom filled with toys
and board games. There was one more floor, which
was an attic filled with things like extra beds and
I stretched my stiff arms and slowly began to peel
the sheets off my cold body when I suddenly heard
an ear-ringing crash come from the kitchen. I raced
down the stairs, excited but worried. I gasped as I
halted, reaching the kitchen. It looked as if a twister
had come over the night, all of the neatly set details
of the house in a giant jumble like a mixed up jigsaw puzzle. In the center, sitting in the middle of
the now upside down table was a small, nervous,
shaking bean.
tables.
To Be Continued……..
18
Barrigan and their Vice President is Briana King.
Daylight Savings: What’s the point?
By: Anastasia Menachem
Longer days, shorter nights;
daylight savings time (also known as
“Summer Time” in many places in the
world) makes the days fun for some but
for others, not so much. Daylight
savings could be an enjoyable time of
the year or not, but why does it happen
anyways? Should daylight savings stay
as a permanent yearly routine? Or
should it just be stopped? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of
D.S.T.? And when did the whole
daylight savings time start?
To start off, D.S.T. was first
observed in 1918, to try and save energy,
especially since it was around World
War I. But it didn’t last very long (only
seven months). It was canceled for a
while but was then put back into effect
in 1942 but was again canceled in 1945.
This then lead many people to start
D.S.T whenever they wanted which lead ·
to nationwide confusion. So, in 1966,
the congress officially established
daylight savings time as a yearly routine.
They started daylight savings on the first
Sunday of April to the last Sunday in
October unlike what it is now. Since
2007, we’ve added an hour to our clocks
on the second Sunday in March and
ends on the first Sunday in November,
adding an additional month.
·
Personally, I have nothing against
daylight savings time, in fact, I pretty
much enjoy it. But if daylights savings
did actually disappear forever, it
wouldn’t bother me either. But many
think differently about daylights
savings, some in negative ways and
positive ways. Is daylight savings time
in or out?
Upcoming
Club
Events
Even though daylight savings
has many good qualities, it also has
some downsides to it. Though they are
not major problems, they are pretty
annoying to some people. For instance,
this shift in clocks could effect how long
we sleep. This could mess with when
we wake up and go to sleep and cause
us to wake up tired in the morning. But
that’s not all; as I said before, some say
that instead of saving energy, D.S.T
wastes energy. Why do they think this?
Because just as I stated previously, they
think that people use more electricity
during daylight savings even though
there’s more sunlight. They probably
think this because we humans have a
habit of over using electricity during the
day. For example, during the daytime,
(which increases during daylight
savings time) we use cars, we use stoves
and ovens, we use televisions, and many
other electric-powered tools that we use.
This concludes that D.S.T. probably
does cause us to use more electricity
than usual. This is probably true since
while we are active we use more
electricity depended devices.
By: Anesia Saunders
that get together to talk about God. This year
The definition of a “sport” according
they’re most likely going to do a project this year
to Google is an active diversion requiring
called the “Shoe Box Ministry” where they send
physical exertion and competition. Although our
shoe boxes filled with needed items to charities
PPCMS Jaguar cheerleaders will not be
nearby. They also tend to do some projects during
competing this year; cheerleading in general fits
other holiday times such as Christmas and Easter.
the definition, yet some people doubt it’s a sport.
They do a lot of other awesome things to help the
Why is that the case? J.O.P. decided to
needy. It is never too late to join. They meet
investigate and find out.
elementary school cafeteria.
·
Cheerleading includes long practices,
working hard and skill like most sports. Don’t
Expressions: Let Your Heart Be Heard is a pro-
cheerleaders work as hard, maybe even harder
social program for middle school students at
then the players they cheer for? J.O.P.
PPCMS to provide an expressive outlet that serves
interviewed Jaguar cheerleader Tajhae Cole, she
our youth and community. This program
said, “I’ve been cheering for most of my life and
encourages personal and group expression through
it’s not as easy as people assume. It takes a lot
the arts, and will serve to engage youth in
of hard work and determination; I definitely
addressing issues faced by them within our unique
believe it deserves the title as a sport.”
T.R.O.O.P: T.R.O.O.P is a group of dedicated
society. This club will inspire youth empowerment
The main assumption of cheerleading
young adults who are committed to making a
through arts-based engagement. Expressions will
difference in their community. They encourage all
be having selected eighth graders that will be
students, from middle to high school, to participate
reading their monologues for the December
and help make a change toward a better, stronger
connections performance. They meet every
community. They are going to have some upcoming
Wednesday at 8:15 under the leadership of Ms.
events such as Operation We Still Care IV, where
Latrice Hubert.
they send care packages overseas to our brave
soldiers serving our country. They will also be having
during the holidays. It is never too late to join
T.R.O.O.P. They will never turn away an individual
that wants to participate in an operation. They have
many opportunities for students to come out and
make a difference in their community or in
someone’s life. Their meetings are held on the first
Wednesday of the month in room 226. Volunteering
and giving back to the community may just make a
difference in their own life.
·
F.E.A: The Future Educators Association (F.E.A.)
is a group of students who strive to interest students
in the education profession. Their goals are to
promote academic excellence and leadership
responsibilities in students interested in teaching,
to recruit future educators with diverse ethnic, racial,
social, and economic backgrounds, to enhance
quality of school’s educational program through an
appreciation of teaching and contributing to the
smooth operation of the school. They also want to
promote a positive image of education to students,
parents, and the community and disseminate
information about teaching. They encourage
members to be positive role models in the school,
the organization, and the community. They meet
once a month before school in room 227 at 8 A.M
for a general meeting (usually on the 2nd Thursday
of each month). They currently have 77 members
and it is never late to add on. Although, the FEA
Chapter is an Honor Society Chapter, which means
that students must show proof of and maintain at
least a 3.0 GPA (As and Bs) in order to be considered
active members. This is the third year of their
PPCMS Central chapter’s existence. Their students
are usually volunteering with Elementary School
teachers and Middle School teachers to earn their
service hours while learning from teachers who are
willing to mentor young future educators. They are
looking forward to having their Boomers field trip
most likely on May 25th. Also for their field trip to
high school. Their President this year is Kenny
is it’s girly and not very active. People don’t
usually see the details of cheerleading. It is more
complicated then it may appear to viewers on
the stand. They’re is more to it then jumps and
flips; there are herkies, toe touches, round offs,
back hand springs, and different positions
Relay for Life: Relay for Life is a community
assigned such as back spot, front spot, fliers, and
gathering where everyone can participate in the
base. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, it
fight against cancer. It has become the American
just goes to show the details unknown of
Cancer Society’s signature activity. They are
cheerleading. Its complexities are usually
constantly doing charity events to help raise money
hidden.
for the cure to cancer. Around April they will be
having an event at Walter C. Young middle school
where they’ll spend all night doing fun activities
and walking around the track. All students need to
do to join is come to their meetings. They meet the
last Thursday of every month in the mornings in
our school library.
the F.E.A County Convention in Pompano Beach
Is D.S.T. really worth keeping
or should it just disappear completely?
First Priority: First Priority is a group of students
Is Cheerleading
Considered a sport?
Tuesday afternoons from 3:15 to 4:00 in the
By: Felipe Carvalho
Operation Lonesome where they visit the elderly
This year, daylight savings
happens to start a day before last year’s.
This year, it’s been set to start March 8th
and supposed to be ending November 1
so currently we happen to be in standard
time where our clocks are moved back
an hour. Most of the United States and
other countries add 1 hour to their clocks
at 2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday in
March to start the process of daylights
savings. Some suggest that the reason
for daylight savings time is to make
better use of the daylight. For example,
this benefits sports and farming and ·
other activities that exploit sunlight
during their working hours. Another
purpose of daylight savings is that it’s
thought to save energy. Some suggest
that D.S.T. saves energy by enabling
people use less electricity; mainly
lighting since there’s supposedly more
daytime hours.
With Diamond Cunningham as Secretary.
Football, basketball, soccer, and
baseball, are all sports, and, cheerleading should
be one as well. There are so many aspects of the
sport and we should consider them before we
assume it’s not one. So, although there may not
be some type of ball and boys surrounding it; I
believe it’s safe to say cheerleading is a sport.
19
Don’t Stand by Stand Together
Don’t Stand by Stand together
Lets just all stay together forever,
I hope our friendship doesn’t sever
I hope we stand together equally on the spiritual lever.
We all hope we can assist the ones who need aid
Having a memory of socializing without having it to fade,
The power to unite and believe and wade
That is how standing together is made.
Stopping a bully with sheer courage and integrity,
Standing up for yourself against a thug showing unique capability,
Putting an end to bullying with a kindhearted quality
Lending a hand and solving problems with respect and dignity.
Ashan Hauldin
Treating everyone the right way making it all fair
Knowing a person by showing interest and care,
Many connections and presents to exchange and share
The frontier of stopping bullying is nigh and near.
Volunteering to help out a person in your favor
Making friends by being calm and clever,
Being friends forever and having the memory savor
Don’t Stand by Stand Together.
20
Jaguars or Cougars?
Our Favorite Hangouts
By: Kristian Ross
By: Rochelle McDonald
There are students in our school that are dating each
7 grader Trevor McKenzie. We asked them if the rumor is true
other. The problem is no one knows what type of dating they are
they replied “No, they are still going out with each other. Then
doing. Students who date others around the same age will be
we asked Tishma, What she thought the girls in our school are
known as Jaguars. There are some students who date younger or
more like, Jaguars or Cougars. Tishma said, “I think the girls in
older kids than themselves, we’ll call them Cougars. J.O.P. decided
our school are more Cougar because girls like older guys and
to do a comparison in our school to see if it has more Jaguars or
that’s what girls find attractive.”
th
Cougars. We decided to interview couples that have dated each
other and single students too.
Usually students have a place to chat with their
friends, or a place that they love to go to. Here are some
said that they would go to the movies because it is a great
place and you can meet all your friends.
J.O.P. interviewed 7th graders Zachary Schieren
examples.
One hangout some students go to is the movie
about where he would hangout
theater. J.O.P. interviewed 7 graders Jahari Kinloch and Trent
“The skate park because my friends go there.” One bad
Herzog and stated that they go to the theater to watch
incident that can happen
movies.7th grader Gilles Gastaldi said that he spends his spare
is one or more broken bones but, it is a awesome experience
time at the columns of Muvico 24 with his friends and watches
to skate.
th
We then asked Trevor McKenzie the same the question but
got a totally different response. We asked him, “What he thought
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movies there too. 6 grader Jaret Clarke said that he would go
We asked our first couple, 7th grader Leon Morgan and 6th
The mall is one hangout that students with free
boys in school were more like?” He replied “Jaguars because I
to the movies to play video games. J.O.P. interviewed 7 grader
time go to. J.O.P. interviewed 7th grader Diondre Torres. “The
Devonte Witherspoon to see where he spends his spare time
mall because my friends go there.” 6th grader Rocco Marucci
during the day.” I choose the movie theater because I can watch
said that he would go to the mall because he would buy items
movies and hangout with my friends.” The movies is a popular
at the mall.7th grader Eden Boyce said that her favorite hangout
hangout among most students. Most students go to the movies
is the mall because she can buy new items. You can buy games,
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grader Maria Debarros. J.O.P. asked Maria, What she thinks girls
think most guys like girls their own age.” That’s a different
in our school are more like, Jaguars or Cougars? Maria replied “I
response than most boys in our school. We asked him why. He
think our school is equally Jaguar and Cougar because I’m a girl
said, “Because I don’t like girls younger or older than me I like
and I like younger and older guys.”
girls the same age as me.”
J.O.P., then interviewed Maria’s boyfriend Leon Morgan.
The next couple is 7 grader Valentina Giraldo and 8 grader
to meet their friends or they go the movie just to watch a movie.
clothes, food, shoes, or whatever you want to buy. Students
We asked him what he thinks boys in our school are more like,
Daniel Zapata. We asked them both what they were more like
A few students go the movie theater to see their boyfriend/
also enjoy the beach. J.O.P. interviewed Austin Roldan, he
Jaguars or Cougars. Leon replied “Cougar because guys really
Jaguars or Cougars. They both responded Cougars.
girlfriend. 8th grader Frederic Guerrier said that he likes the
said. “he likes beach because his friends also spend there time
movies because it is a nice place to hangout. J.O.P. interviewed
at the beach.” 8th grader Nicolas Torres said that he would go
7th grader Christopher Montes to find out what his favorite
to the beach at night to go underwater. The beach is a great
hangout is.” The movie theater is my favorite hangout because
place to explore he marine life in tide pools {small pools of
I like to watch movies.” 6th grader Hayley Hartwell said that
water from high tide}.
th
th
like younger girls.” Then we asked Leon what’s he is more like?”
he replied, both Jaguar and Cougar because I have gone out with
girls the same age as me, younger than me, and much older. After
hearing such a shocking response we decided to ask an additional
question. We asked him, “Who did you go out with and how
much older were they?” He said “I went out with a girl that I met
at my brother’s football game named Lauren and she was 4 years
older than me. After interviewing that couple, it leads us to believe
that our school is equally divided.
We interviewed 30 students and 15 of them were girls and 15
were boys. J.O.P. asked them what they thought our school is
more like Jaguar or Cougar. Then we added up the votes for the
girls and, 13 of the 15 said Cougar. Then we added up the boys
and, 7 of the 15 were Jaguars and the rest were Cougars.
the movie theater is her favorite hangout because she likes to
baseball park. J.O.P. interviewed
theater was his favorite hangout because he likes watching
7th grader Jeremy Prieto about where he would hangout.” The
movies. 8th grader Nicholas Kokenzie said that his favorite
baseball park because my
hangout is the movies because he gets to see his girlfriend,
Dad is the president of the park.” The baseball park is a good
So from all the people we interviewed they were more Cougars
than Jaguars .J.O.P. thought that finding was odd because we
thought our school would be more like our school logos. For
Melissa Sullivan. 8 grader Franz Wiggan stated that his favorite
place to practice your throwing and catching skills or you can
hangout is the movies because he can hangout with his friends.
spend time with your families playing catch.
th
Then we found a couple that seems to have a lot of drama
going on in there relationship. That’s when J.O.P. found out that
there is a rumor going around school about them. The rumor said
that they broke up. The students are 7th grader Tishma Fahie and
One hangout that is much unexpected is the
watch movies. 7 grader Daniel Lopez said that the movie
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example, “Home of the Jags “or “Jaguars on the Prowl.
7th grader Alex Monge-Rodriguez said that he would go to the
movies to chill. 6th graders Shanece Francis and Elijah Chong
The movie theater seems to be a very popular
hangout, but there are many great hangouts to go to.