May 15, 2014 - Shuksan Middle School

S HUKSAN M IDDLE S CHOOL
27 TH E DITION
M AY 15, 2014
Screen Free Week a
Success
Leadership
Do you Procrastinate?
Cross Country
Season
Movie Review:
Sandlot
8th Grade Art
M ARK Y OUR
C ALENDAR
By Treston
Friday, May 16, 8:008:45am, Leadership Meeting
On Friday, May 16th the whole town of
Bellingham will be celebrating the 17th
annual Bike To Work/School Day. Ms.
Galbraith, along with The Hub, YMCA
and the 8th grade Service Learning group
will be hosting a celebration table on the
corner of Alderwood and Northwest. This
event, which happens every year, is a great
way to support getting healthy. Biking and
walking to school also creates less pollution and is healthier for the environment.
At the Celebration Station any student
who walks, skates, or bikes to school will
get a sticker and a small prize. Students
th
rd
The 7 grade leadership class hosted the 3 Quarter Shuksan Scholar Awards ceremony recently helping with the table will hand out treats,
ring a cowbell, cheer and celebrate along
and took the opportunity to recognize students who represent the characteristics of “Agape
with the riders, walkers, and skaters who
Love.” Before the assembly, students in Mr. Porteous’ 7th grade Leadership class gave a survey pass by.
to most classes in the school. The survey collected names of students who represent Agape
love: Honesty, Commitment, Kindness, Humility, Respect, Selflessness, Forgiveness, and Patience. Mr. Porteous said, "Students show Agape love to each other every day. We wanted to put
faces to those character traits to encourage them to do more and inspire others to do the same." This
was a way for students to recognize their peers and to appreciate the characteristics we value in
our school.
Biking and walking is fun and easy so join
us on Friday!
The website for the event is
www.biketoworkandschoolday.org.
Planning Ahead
Wednesday May 21: Future 6th Grade Family Night
here at 6:30 PM in the Cafeteria.
Thursday, May 22, 9:3011:30, Alderwood 5th graders
here to visit
Monday, May 26, NO
SCHOOL FOR MEMORIAL
DAY HOLIDAY
Sports:
FOOTBALL:
Thursday
May 15th
SMS @ KMS 8th Game
Friday
May 16th
SMS @ KMS 7th Game
GIRLS BASKETBALL:
Thursday May 15th
SMS @ KMS 7th Game
Friday
May 16th
SMS @ KMS 8th Game
Editorial:
Editorial Unconventional way to stop Bullying
What if I told you that giving students more freedom
could actually stop bullying? Some of you are probably
sitting there and telling yourself how could this be true?
Well a study conducted in New Zealand by scientists
found this to be true.
The study, performed by a university in Auckland, began
just over two years ago in a primary school where teachers were seeing lots of bad behavior particularly on the
playground. Students were often sent to a “time out”
section because of their poor behavior. Scientists studying
this field really wanted to find a new and creative way to
stop bullying. Through their investigation they found in
the year of studying kids who choose to bully, the common thread seemed to be that the kids are usually mad,
but they never really show it. Then of course investigators
thought of what makes kids mad and scientists thought it
had something to do with the rules or how the common
education was too structured. So scientist asked, “What
8th grade technology
Every B day, 8th graders at Shuksan
gather for a session of programing and
investigating robotics and modern
technology. This is 8th technology
elective and is taught by Ms. Larson.
If you ask them, many technology
students like Simran they will say that
their favorite part of the class is,
“Working with the robots.”
Along with robotics, the 8th graders
work in a program called Scratch
which is a program to help them to
make an animated character. In this
program they have the option to
make their Avatar move, talk, make
various noises, and interact with each
other.
8th graders are also working on programing a Lego robotics kit called
By Colin
we can do to really reverse the problem and make things
better.” Their solution was to give kids more freedom such
as skateboarding at recess and overall not someone telling
you what to do day in and day out. From this they had positive results. The school is actually seeing a drop in bullying. In addition, serious injuries and vandalism went down
and students are performing better in class.
The school has been very pleased with the results but the
researchers were not surprised. Here is an excerpt taken
from the article titled “School Ditches Rules and loses bullying”
published in One News, in January of 2014:
AUT professor of public health Grant Schofield, who worked
on the research project, said there are too many rules in modern playgrounds.
"The great paradox of cotton-woolling children is it's more
dangerous in the long-run.
Society's obsession with protecting children ignores the benefits
of risk-taking,” he said.
By Jackson
Lego Mindstorms. They program
the robot to travel down a set
course using light and touch sensors.
To succeed Ms. Larson says, “Go in
there with an open mind and the
willingness to make mistakes.”
Children develop the frontal lobe of their brain when taking
risks, meaning they work out consequences. "You can't teach
them that. They have to learn risk on their own terms. It
doesn't develop by watching TV; they have to get out there."
Now remember, this trial was done in an Elementary
School and as you know we are a Middle School. Would
this work at the older ages; middle school? I was very interested if the results would be different and if so, how? Mr.
Heaton said, “Kids at the middle level have already been
introduced to so many ‘rules’ or norms for right and wrong
and it may be difficult for students of this age to adjust; we
could see an increase in problems.” My opinion on the matter is I agree with Mr. Heaton that it would cause more
problems and that we shouldn’t try this process until there
is more research with kids our age!
7th grader Accepted to Tech Trek
by Mady and Amy
Did you know one of
Shuksan’s 7th graders was
accepted into a Math and
Science camp called Tech
Trek? Bianca , a 7th grader here at SMS, was accepted into Tech Trek, a
6 day overnight camp in
Bianca is a very hard worker she plans to go to
college and become a doctor. Bianca participated
in Math Olympiad this winter, but her other interests are reading and sports. She was recommended for this program by her science teacher,
Mrs. Wilson. “Bianca was an obvious choice for
In the future, the 8th graders plan on
this program. She’s hardworking and dedicated
doing a sumo tournament with the
to learning, plus she has a strong interest in scirobots. Come check it out in Ms. Tacoma, WA.
ence and math,” Mrs. Wilson said. Bianca said, “I
Larson’s room number 102.
am very excited and very honored to be accepted
Tech Trek is a science camp for 13 year old girls
into this camp!”
th
going into the 8 grade and is only located in 4
states: Ohio, Oklahoma, Florida and Washington This camp is held on July 20-26 2014.Tech Trek
State. The closest camp in Washington is in Taco- has many activities such as bridge building, rockma at Pacific Lutheran University. To get accepted etry, Bio boat, architecture, chemistry and much
into Teck Trek, you must get a recommendation more. This is Washington’s 2nd Tech Trek. If you
by a teacher, send an application essay, and if you are interested you can sign up next year for Tech
get in, you must register. The full price is $900, Trek 2015.
but Bianca’s scholarship allowed her to only pay
$50.
ART and ENTERTAINMENT
8th Grade Art
In 8th grade Art, students are
working on an architecture
unit. They have to draw a
city that reflects their interests. Students need to draw
from a one point perspective,
which means there is one
point that everything goes to.
The drawing also needs to be
unique and creative and students used mostly colored
pencil to draw their picture.
Mrs. Heywood said that,
“Students need to show their
personality and creativity in
their building”. Eighth grader
Landis Rowan said that, “The
technique and shading were
very challenging.”
SCREEN-FREE WEEK By Jada and Jayden
By Austin
Hancock is an illustrator
from Australia now based
between Sydney, and New
York and has drawn over 500
of the New York buildings.
“All The Buildings in New
York” is a personal project of
J. G. Hancock. This project
stems from an interest in
obsession and recording of
places. You can find more of
James Hancock’s drawings at
www.allthebuildingsinnewyo
rk.com.
On May 5th through May 11th, many seventh
grade teachers encouraged their students to
participate in National Screen-Free week.
Not only did students participate in this
challenge, teachers were a part of this, too!
teaching my kids life doesn’t revolve
around TV.” Mrs. Fisher later informed
everyone that she did not do so well on
this challenge because of her sick child.
Seventh grader, Amy says, “I think ScreenFree Week is a good way for people to try
other activities.” If you look around the
school, you will see that there are many
things to do during Screen-Free Week posted on the walls. For example, you can play
outside, do art projects, play board games
and lots more. Surely, many teachers would
encourage you to read.
A future project that the 8th
graders are going to do is
make a self-portrait on a tile.
The clay must also reflect the
person’s interests.
On the other hand, Roxanna and
Gurleen both went screen-free all seven
days. On Tuesday, May 13th, they were
interviewed once again about how they
did. Roxanna said that on a scale of 1-10,
Screen-Free Week was, “10 the first two
days, but then after that it got easy.” “It
was about eight and nine,” Gurleen adds,
“but then it was about a six or seven.”
Screen-Free Week can impact you, even
if you don’t take the chance to comprehend it. “Screens take over our lives, so
it made me feel better,” thought
Gurleen. “It made me feel happy and as
if the days are longer,” Roxanna mentioned.
On Monday, May 5th, Seventh graders,
Gurleen and Roxanna were asked about
what they thought would be the most challenging throughout the week. Gurleen said,
“Not playing Temple Run.” Roxanna added,
“Not surfing the internet.” Apple is a wellknown and popular electronic-selling company. Roxanna and Gurleen can agree. They We don’t realize how addicted we are to
missed their iPads the most during the technology, and throughout Screen-Free
Week; we began to understand that
week.
there is so much we can accomplish
When she was interviewed (on Monday,
when we’re not staring at a screen.
May 5th), Mrs. Fisher told us she would be
participating in this event. “Yes. Are my
children excited about it? No.” What will be
the most challenging about Screen-Free
Week? “I think for myself I like to relax by
watching a TV show so I will be finding a
way to relax not revolving around TV and
The artist that inspired this
was James Gulliver Hancock.
Movie Review:
Review The SandlotBy: Josh
The Sandlot is a 1993 family comedy which
was re-made in 2005. The original movie is
about a 5th grader named Scotty Smalls who
wishes he knew how to play baseball, but
doesn’t even know how to throw a ball. It
starts to change when he meets Benny “The
Jet” Rodriguez who teaches him what he
needs to know. Scotty, Benny and a group
of neighbor kids, begin to build friendships
while playing ball in the neighborhood
Sandlot. When all things feel good for
Scotty, he hits his step dad’s ball, which is
signed by the greatest baseball player who
ever lived: Babe Ruth, over a fence which is
inhabited by a huge guard dog, “The beast”.
To get the ball back they work together and
start an amazing friendship. Seventh grader
Jaiden says he likes it because, “It’s all about
fun”, and 7th grader Jackson likes it just because he, “Loves the game.” I rate it a 4.5 out
of 5 stars because the story is amazing and I
love baseball. So if you have not yet seen it,
you should.
Name the Rock Band Logos
INEOROSSN LLTG
NVNAIRA
NHENCILSINIAN
DATADEFUREGL
A PRALMEJ
(SCRAMBLE)
NORLVUVNTREUDDEGE
ANSKND EYEEDD
Sports and Leisure
NBA Playoffs
Procrastination By Christian
By: Mady and Karson
The NBA Playoffs have started! We are in the second round and there
are only 8 teams left. Every Spring, 16 teams from the West and the
East region vie for the Championship trophy. And the fight for the
trophy this year is going strong.
Do you procrastinate? Procrastination is the act of putting off tasks for more enjoyable tasks. About 80% of
people procrastinate and about 20% are chronic procrastinators. But only 25% of people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators.
We talked to some kids at Shuksan to get their opinions of the playoffs. Seventh grader Tinee Chea said his
favorite team was the LA Clippers, “The best team in
the west is the Clippers; the best in the East is the Wizards,” he said and he thinks the Clippers will win the
Championship. Karenjot Mann said his favorite team is
the Washington Wizards. The Spurs are the best in the
west, Pacers are the best in the east; Miami will win
the Championship.
There are 3 more games left in each series so make
sure to watch your team.
Procrastinators aren’t just born with this problem and
many procrastinators either don’t identify themselves
as having the problem or they don’t see procrastination
as a problem at all. But whether you put off small tasks
such as a chore you don’t like or a larger assignment
like homework for class, procrastination has some adverse health effects. Studies done on the effects of procrastination on health found that the procrastinators
tended to be healthier at the beginning of a term and
less healthy at the end. Health consequences that develope, such as stress, can cause negative changes to
and Jashanpreet
your immune system. And delay in seeking
medical attention for stress can harm your physical
health. It affects kids too because it can bring down
their grades if they’re putting off their homework.
Robert Bowen said, “I procrastinate doing my homework. I also procrastinate doing any work in general.” Sean Smet said, “I procrastinate on doing my
chores.” Being a procrastinator can be good at some
points but bad at other times. Mrs. Wilson said, “I
procrastinate all the time, but only on the things I
dread doing, like cleaning and doing the dishes.
There are always better or more fun things to do.”
Being a procrastinator isn’t always going to have a
terrible outcome, but at times, when the job or activity is really important, procrastinating can cause a lot
of unnecessary stress.
SMS Cross Country By Adyanna
Cross country is a sport in which teams and individuals run a
race on open air courses over a natural terrain. Men and
women of all ages can compete in cross country. There is a
common misconception that cross country and track are two
very similar sports, the truth is that besides running, track
and cross country have very little in common. Track happens
in the fall for middle school (Spring for high school) and encompasses a variety of events including hurdles, sprints, distances and relays. Cross country meets in the spring (in the
fall for high school) and involves running across a natural
terrain.
Runners from Shuksan have been preparing and have already
competed in two meets. Their first meet was on Tuesday
April 29th. Mr. Finley, the coach said, “The strengths in the
group are Jassi, Cynthia and Zeke.” Cross Country’s meet
on Tuesday went well and Shuksan gave a great effort. A big
shout out to 7th grader Jassi Sandhu who won the boys race
with a time of 8:48, rounding out the list of top finishers for
the Shuksan boys were Eduardo Suarez, Zeke DuronsoHarp, Saar Swanson, Huver Ballesteros, and Sam Clark.
try.” Seventh grader Yesenia Garcia said, “I joined cross
country because it is a way to stay active and be fit.” Yesenia says, “The easiest part of practice is the warm up lap we
do before the long runs. The hardest thing to do during
practice is keep your pace.” When asked what she enjoys
When asked how many kids joined cross country Mr. Finley
most about practice she said, “I enjoy going on the long
said, “About 43 kids joined this year.” Mr. Finley said, “We
runs.”
run different routes a lot around the neighborhood and to
squalicum beach.” Mr. Finley also said, “At practices we try One of Shuksan’s teachers, Mr. Stanage said,” I like runto get a good balance of strength speed and endurance.” ning with the cross country group because I have been runSixth grader Huver Ballesteros said, “I joined the schools ning since I was in high school so about 40 yrs.” Mr. Stacross country team so that I could stay active.” He also said, nage said to get ready for practice the group usually
“I think the easiest part of practice is the stretches. The hard- stretches and does a warm up lap around the building.” He
est part of practice is running long distances and keeping my also said, “The group usually runs around the neighborpace.” When asked what he enjoys most about cross country hood; they run around and do games and when they get
he said, “I like going on the long runs around the neighbor- back they do some more stretching.”
hood.” To prepare for practice he said, “I stretch and drink The Cross-country season ends next
water.” Another 6th grader named Jasmine said, “I joined week. Come help support the cross
cross country because I like to run.” The easiest part of cross country team on May 22nd at
country practice for her is, “Running the warm up lap.” Jas- 4:30pm for the All– City meet at
mine also said, “I enjoy running the mile during cross counCivic Field.
Next was the girls’ race 6th grader Cynthia Carr’s training
paid off as she was the first SMS girl down the finish chute.
A bunch of Shuksan ladies ran with heart including Taylor
Lancaster, Sarah Halsell and Katauna Loeuy.