Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Issue 1
For all middle school students, this transition may be similar to the transition that all 5th graders currently experience, the transition from elementary school to middle school. If we look back to when we were in
this position, we had many questions in our minds. Some of these questions that we might have included were
where to go and how to organize ourselves. It may be that some of these questions may come across our
thoughts again as we change schools.
Why is this a big deal? The new middle school and high school will start a new era in the CorningPainted Post School district. One of the major differences that the next school year will bring is that there will be
one building for a middle school and a high school. Those in 6th grade and 7th grade will continue their remaining years in middle school next year, just a different location. For 8th graders, they will go to the new high
school. When this transition occurs, there will be a wider sense of unity as there is one single school. This is
good in that there will be more students together. It will enforce the idea of cooperation as more students will
meet each other and will have the opportunity to cooperate in class assignments and projects. From only having
a single school; it will reduce the stress of maintaining two separate schools. With one school, there is no
rivalry between schools. It may seem out of place when it comes to sport teams as this school and CFA have
been strong rivals, but we have to acknowledge that we are going to be one school, just with a larger amount of
students. Certain features such as the cafeteria will be larger and technology relating to smart boards and computers will be used more often. This enforces unity and allows us as students to work together with more students in the building.
Though the location and the appearance of the news schools may vary, there will be similarities between Northside Blodgett and the new school. The curriculum that is taught now will continue in the new
school. The typical structure of class periods will remain the same (maybe not so.)
The student council was informed by Mr. Pronti to think about the new middle school. He stated himself that there will be changes to the new middle school. Some of the new changes that Mr. Pronti mentioned
included a new schedule and different locker set-up. He asked the student council to brainstorm a list of questions for the new middle school. This information was presented to homerooms and surveys were given to each
student. This survey had an extensive list of topics for students to express questions. There was also a section
for any other topics students wanted to learn about. Using the survey, members of student council that are interested are going to be acting in scenarios that will explain answers to the questions from students in the form of
videos. These videos will contain some information about the question with fun or humor elements implemented. These videos are yet to be presented but they will soon be as the school year goes on. These videos will
be very useful for the 5th graders that are going to become the first 6th graders of the new middle school and the
current 6th and 7th graders. The student council also plans to have more events and activities planned for this
special year.
As we all know, this school year is the last year of Northside Blodgett and the Corning Free Academy. Next
year, there will be a combined middle school and a combined high school. As students, we have to accept the
idea that there will be numerous changes from now. Not only will it affect students at Northside Blodgett, it will
also affect the current 5th grade students who will be the first students to go through all three years of the new
middle school. As next year will have more students, there will be a broader sense of cooperation and unity. As
the year goes on, more information will be revealed and some of the information currently mentioned may not
apply later in the year. The combined schools are going to take place next year, so let us make this school year
the best. We can do this by working hard and making this school year memorable. More information will be
revealed in the next issue!
Edmodo
By: Mackensie
Page 2
A R O U N D T HE B L O C K
Have you ever wondered how other countries celebrate Halloween, other than going door to door saying trick or treat . Well here is your answer. I am going to tell you how five other countries ,England , China, Belgium, Korea, and Austria celebrate Halloween .
England
At one time, in England kids would make punkies out of beetroots. Later that day they would have
fun carving designs they liked and then that night they would run through the streets with their
punkies knocking on peoples doors asking for money while singing the punkie night song. They
also would have big bonfires and throw rocks, vegetables, and nuts in their huge fire to scare the spirits away. These were like the spirits coming and talking to them. If the pebbles they threw in were not
there in the morning then it was believed that they would not live another full year. Recently in England they have started dressing up and going door to door trick or treating like we do in America.
Most adults (especially the elders) are confused when people come and ask for candy, because they
are normally not prepared. That is how England celebrates Halloween.
Belgium
In Belgium they have some interesting traditions. One is that if a black cat follows you into your
home it is very unlucky. It is especially unlucky if it follows you on a ship. It is a custom on Halloween night to light a candle in honor of the relatives who have passed away. That is what I learned
about Belgium.
Korea
While learning about Korea I learned that they celebrate a festival that is celebrated similar to how we
celebrate Halloween. It is called Chusok. During Chusok they thank their relatives for their fruits
of their labors. To do that they visit their relatives tombs and make offerings of fruit and rice. The odd
thing about Chusok is they celebrate it in the middle of august. These are some of the ways that
people celebrate Halloween in Korea.
Austria
In Austria they leave bread and water with a lighted lamp out before going to bed. They do this because it is believed that such items will welcome the spirits back to earth. That is how the people in
Austria celebrate Halloween.
That is how people celebrate Halloween around the world and all of the ways are very different. That
is what I learned while studying England, Belgium, Korea, and Austria. Hope you have a great Halloween!
If you would like to learn more you can go to this website:
If you would like to learn more you can go to this website HTTP://WWW.NOVAREINNA.COM/FESTIVE/WORLD.HTML
References, Halloween around the world, HTTP://WWW.NOVAREINNA.COM/
FESTIVE/WORLD.HTML , September 24
By: Vanessa
Page 3
A R O U N D T HE B L O C K
Advantage
After-school
Program
Advantage is an after-school program that provides homework help, fun activities, and some time to hang out
with your friends after school. As a member myself, I can get some info about what happens there. The program takes place in the cafeteria. First, you sign in and get a snack. Then, you sit at a table and chat with
your friends during snack time. When it is homework time, you do your homework. You have to remember
to be considerate of others that are doing homework around you. If you are done with your homework, you
can sit with your friends and chat quietly or play a board game. Activity time starts at 4:00. (approximately;
sometimes it will start a little later or sooner than scheduled) During activity time, you can do arts and crafts,
play outside, and on Fridays, there is cooking club. In cooking club, you make a treat that the grown-ups
choose. Once your activity is done, you can talk to your friends or play a board game while you wait for your
parents to come and pick you up. On Fridays, when your mom or dad comes to pick you up, you and your
parents, can have the snack from cooking club before you leave.
Since it is my sister, Ashleys first year going to Advantage too, I asked her some questions about what she
thought of it.
Me:
What is your favorite part about Advantage?
Ashley:
The fun activities I can do here.
Me:
What do you dislike about Advantage?
Ashley:
Nothing, except that I dont like most of the snacks here.
Me:
(my sister is a very picky eater)
Me:
What are the activities that you can do here?
Ashley:
Arts and crafts, cooking club, and outdoor play.
Me:
What is your favorite activity?
Ashley:
Not sure.
Me:
What do you like about Advantage?
Ashley:
That they help you with your homework.
Me:
Thank you for your time.
Ashley:
You are welcome. I enjoyed it very much.
I also interviewed one of the leaders. Her name is Autumn.
I asked her some questions about Advantage.
Me:
Autumn:
Me:
Autumn:
Me:
Autumn:
Me:
Autumn:
Me:
Autumn:
Me:
Autumn:
As you can see, Advantage is a great after-school program. I am not sure if it is too late to sign up, so you
will have to see Mr. Kimble about that. I know Advantage is a great after-school program, but do you believe
me? I hope you do! By: Megan
By: Shane
October/November
2013
New Books!
Below by Meg
McKinlay
www.northsideblodgettlibrary.weebly.com
Almost Home
Please contact me with any questions or concerns
Dcornell @cppmail.com
by Joan Bauer
Fall 2013
Guidance News
HOMEWORK POLICY
Many students who miss instructional lessons in class are unprepared to successfully complete the
assignments without some instruction from the teacher first. We feel that the needs of the children
are best served if they return to school healthy and receive some help / instruction from their teachers
before diving into new material. Students will have an adequate opportunity to make up their work.
For example: if he/she is absent for 1 day, they will be given an extra day to make up the work. If they
are absent for 2 days they will be given an extra 2 days to make up the work etc. If additional time is
needed the student should discuss this with his/her teacher.
If you decide that you still want homework collected, the homework policy is that your child must be out of
school for two or more consecutive days. After the second day you must contact Mrs. Dennison (by phone or
by email at TDennison@cppmail.com) before 10:30 in the morning and you need to be able to pick up the
work that same day between 2:45 - 3:30. We will not send the work home with another student. Please do
not request homework if you are unable to pick it up that day. When you pick up the work you are welcome to
go into your childs locker to get any books or supplies that may be needed.
SCHOOL SUCCESS
Be well-rested!
Be prepared! Have all books and supplies that are needed for each class.
Be here! School attendance is important.
Ask questions! Your teachers want you to succeed. Dont be afraid to ask questions or talk to your teachers after class. Let them know as soon as you have any troubles.
Ionic! Doric! Corinthian! Wouldnt you want to find out more of what these crazy words mean?
Or what makes cows tip over? And who the people that could not make up their mind on a government
were? In 6th grade humanities we are learning all about Ancient Greece. Part of what is included in
this unit is learning about the architecture, geography and government.
The architecture of Ancient Greece is breathtaking and detailed. Their buildings have
columns that are thought to be long round poles, but in reality they are round discs held together with
long rods of wood. These columns are very large and if you ever come close to one you can see the
cuts in them that separate the discs. This seems so incredible to think that from that long ago we still
use the same structure today. Mrs. Reif believes that today we have many things that were invented
and created by the Greeks. There are three different columns, Ionic, Doric and Corinthian. The ionic
columns are the columns that are shaped somewhat like an uppercase T. At the base they look just like
any kind of column but as you go up you will see that at the top the column curves out to make the top
of the T. These ones are one of the most detailed columns in my opinion. To me the Doric columns are
the least detailed out of the three. They have the same base as the ionic but at the top they just connect
to the building. The Corinthian columns are the most detailed and the prettiest. They look just like the
rest at their base, but at the top there are leaves and other very detailed engravings. These are truly
amazing pieces of art, and if you are interested in seeing one up close, go out in front of Northside
Blodgett, and discover what kind of column we have here at our school.
The geography of ancient Greece is marvelous too. We learned that there were so many
mountains that it was tough for the Greeks to grow food. They couldnt grow a field of corn because
they had no fields. They only could grow what the land let them grow. In some areas they could grow
wheat, barley, olives, and grapes. They also couldnt raise cows because they were top heavy and they
couldnt climb up the steep mountains, or else they would tip over and hurt themselves. The Greeks
could only keep goats and sheep because they were well balanced and could easily climb up mountains and large, steep hills. They also used the goats for milk and cheese. A fun fact is that Mrs. Reifs
grandma lived off of goat milk instead of cow milk. The Greeks were also good fisherman since they
lived by water.
The Greeks government was always changing, they first started out with the monarchy
that meant that there was a king that ruled over everyone. He became king by inheriting it from his dad
or an older male relative. If there is no son or nephew to give the crown to, then families would go to
war to find who would be the next king. The king would have helpers or advisors called aristocrats.
They would give the king suggestions, but the king didnt have to listen to them. You would have to
listen to the king no matter what, even if he said that you had to go to jail, just because he didnt like
you. I am glad I didnt live back then. This lasted from 2000 B.C.E. to 800 B.C.E. An activity you
could do would be to have one person be the king and a few other people be the peasants. Then have a
prince. Have the king pick a song and play it at any volume. Have the king tell the rest of the people
what to do which can be anything. Then have the king die and the prince take over the thrown.
Continued on next page..
The next form of government was the oligarchy, which meant that three wealthy people had all of the power. These people were called oligarchs, and they lived in comfortable amount of space while the poor people lived on the streets and worked all
day. The oligarchs would pass laws that would make them richer and the peasants
poorer. This was making a lot of the peasants mad and they felt that they should put
an end to it, so the army and the poor joined forces and overthrew the oligarchs. I
agree with the peasants, it wouldnt of been fair if they kept the government like that. Oligarchy lasted
from 800 B.C.E. to 650 B.C.E. An activity you could do for fun would be to have a few people be the
oligarchs. Have them decide together, what song to play and what the other people in the room should
do. The oligarchs should have a lot of money and they can make the peasants (other people in the
room) give them the rest of their money. The next government would be tyranny. This involved only
one person who became ruler by force. When someone else wanted to be the new ruler they would go
around to all of the people and try to persuade them that they were the best person for the job and that
they would do whatever the people told him to do. When that person got enough people that supported
him he would then overthrow the current ruler and become in power. After a while when more and
more people started to like him he would then start to make foolish rules and ignore the people because
the power was going to his head. Eventually the people in Athens decided that they didnt want tyranny anymore so they decided to overthrow the tyrant. If I lived back then I wouldnt be sure if I could
trust anyone to be the new ruler. The tyranny lasted from 650 B.C.E to 500 B.C.E. They then went to
democracy. Everyone had power and that meant that there was an assembly and any free man could
talk there and vote on a new law or propose to go to war. Also free men ran day to day businesses. Not
all of the Greeks liked the idea of democracy because persuading speakers tricked the people to vote
unwisely .Also usually after a law was passed it would be changed within just a few weeks. If I lived
back then wouldnt want to vote just to play it safe in case someone told me to vote unwisely without
me knowing. An activity you could try would to have everyone in the room vote on a song and how
loud you wanted to play it. The Greeks didnt like this either so they eventually went back to earlier
forms of government which were tyranny and oligarchy. Mrs. Reif believes the interactive activity
helps you learn because it gets you up and out of your seat, it helps you remember things and it is
fun. I agree one- hundred percent with Mrs. Reif.
In conclusion, the Greeks gave us the idea to use columns in our architecture. They were creative of how they lived on the land that they did, since, there were so many mountains. Lastly, they
wanted to know what was best for their civilizations with all of the different governments that they
tried. Altogether, I believe the Greeks were very intelligent, creative, crafty and resourceful.
New School
By Aarthi
This is our last year at Northside Blodgett so lets make
it our best year! read the streaming message board located in the caf. Next
year students from NSB and CFA will be combining in the new middle school Corning Painted Post Middle school.
Eighth graders from NSB and CFA will also be combining in the new high school, Corning Painted Post High school (in
the old building of East high). Lets hope for a great last year at Northside Blodgett.
I surveyed seven people about their thoughts about the new school. I wanted to know what people thought about
the school change. I also wanted to learn about the new school. I knew that several responses would be diverse. Below
are the responses I received.
Question 1 is How do you feel about the new school? I am sort of excited but we are switching schools too
much. It makes it so we have to not only get to know children from different schools but the new school also. Laurels
response wasnt the only response that wasnt enthusiastic about the new school; Jadon said, I would like to stay in this
school Id rather not combine. Others also had similar replies.
Question 2 is What do you think will be different? Definitely size because the new school is meant
to be a high school and is supposed to be bigger, different and more students of different personalities because CFA is
joining also different teachers, said Claire. Emily replied, The things that will be different are the size of the school,
more students, and most likely more rules. 5/7 people surveyed shared the same opinion as Claire and Emily.
Question 3 is What do you think will stay the same? According to Mrs. Howe I think the students,
families and students friendships with one another will stay the same.. Teachers personalities, what they teach, how
they will teach it will also remain the same. I think the overall vision of the Corning Painted Post School district will
stay the same. On the other hand Laurel thought, It wont be too different, just size maybe curriculum and classes.
Jadon shared the same opinion as Laurel The only thing that will stay the same is going to school on Monday- Friday 5/6 surveyed people had the same opinion.
Question 4 is Are you looking forward to changing schools? Several surveyed people feel nervous
because, Changing schools is like starting 6th grade all over again! says Emily. Nicole said, Yes, I think it will be a
fun experience. The majority of the people say that the new school will be bigger and much harder to navigate; there
will also be more ways to lose your path. I on the other hand agree with Emily because you have to learn to navigate the
new school you enter, you have to learn short cuts and easy ways to get to your class, with the new school change you
have to learn the short cuts and school all over again which is what you are supposed to do in 6th grade.
Question 5 is What do you think the new school will be like? Mrs. Howe says, It will be the state of
the art, everything new students need to perform at their educational best will be provided. Students could go swimming
at the new swimming pool. Many new experiences to be excited about Claire had the same approach but a different
point of view, BIG, and a total different layout Nicole says, Bigger with a lot of more students. The majority of
students agreed with Nicole.
Question 6 is Do you think this is a better change, why or why not? Mrs. Howe is all over the new school
change she says that, Anytime we can give more to students wed be crazy not to, anytime we can have students sitting
in a state of the art facility and state of the art environment they feel the energy and power of that environment and in
turn preform at high levels. Emily had an entirely different approach to this question, Yes and no, I say this because
this way we will find more friends, but it will also be harder to find our way around school since it is going to be
HUGE!!!I also feel that it will be crowded even though there is going to be more room in the school. Jadon also had a
different approach to this question he said, I think this is a better change for the school budget, but I think the sixth
grader group should get to know each other more before they get ANOTHER group of students. Sarah replied Yes I
am excited because both Northside Blodgett and CFA are old schools.
This question was an exclusive question just for Mrs. Howe How do you feel the new school will affect your
class? New technology? The ideas are endless!
In conclusion, I found that the surveyed people had diverse thoughts and responses towards my questions. Most
students were looking forward to the change. Hopefully the new school will be fun and easy to access. I enjoyed learning about the new school and what people thought about it. Above all this experience writing this article was fun!
Computer Technology
Mrs. Howe is the best teacher of all because she is nice in class and helps kids
when they are stuck. She teaches students many things like how to research on
the computer for articles. Mr. Howe teaches the design cycle that includes investigates. She informs us that news letters are a great way to convey information to others. I
will make Mrs. Howe happy with all the work. I will complete in her class. For example, one
of my topics is looking up information on the country Spain. I know that I need to find at least
3 websites to read so I can write at my newsletter.
By: Shane
Volunteering is Fun!!!!
So, you believe that volunteering cant be fun? Well take a look here and
let me show you that it indeed can be fun no matter what you believe. Im
not talking about volunteering for things you dont like, Im talking about
volunteering for things that are fun for you and that spark your interest.
The YMCA is a perfect place for you to find fun, entertaining volunteer work, they have this
amazing program called The Leaders Club. Its for kids 10-18, its also a place for you to go and
make friends while making a difference in the community. And it doesnt matter if you are or arent a
member of the YMCA ,because you can still get in just tell them that you are a part of Leaders
Club. The program is from 6pm to 7pm every Tuesday at the YMCA. I know from experience that it
is fun and you make the greatest memories too. We volunteer for all sorts of fun events like community races, like the Wine Glass Marathon, to Public Family events at the YMCA or even volunteering
at the Tanglewood Nature Center.
When you volunteer it should be for fun and to help the community. The YMCA is a good
place to look for thing to volunteer for. You could volunteer in Child Watch, which in my opinion is
much more fun than working in the fitness center. Dont get me wrong, if you like to clean or you
dont want a lot of work then the fitness center is definitely the place for you to volunteer. If you like
little kids and can multitask then you should definitely volunteer in Child Watch. When you volunteer
in Child Watch your job is to play and watch the kids that can involve play with one kid while watching another or just keeping the older kids busy while the other volunteers or staff play with the littler
ones. Working in the fitness center can involve picking up and putting workout equipment in the correct place, making sure people are using the equipment correctly, and cleaning the equipment as well.
Now that you have heard my reasoning that volunteering is fun, I hope that some of you come
and join me at the YMCA leaders club to volunteer and make a difference in our community. Even
we kids can make a difference in our community.
By: Naporshyaa
Recycling
By: Laurel
kl ng)
The collection and often reprocessing of discarded materials for reuse. Recycled materials include those used in manufacturing processes and those used in consumer products.
The recycled material is often degraded somewhat by use or processing and therefore
must be converted to another purpose. For example, the processing of recycled newspaper and other paper wastes usually shortens their fibers, and the material cannot be used
to make high-grade paper. Instead, it can be reprocessed to make cardboard or insulation. Recycling helps reduce pollution, prolong the usefulness of landfills, and conserve
natural resources. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/recycling. That is the meaning of
recycling I selected this from an online dictionary. The definition of recycling in my own
words would be: Recycling helps the environment by reusing objects to prevent more items
being put into landfills. Recycling is basically preventing too much trash put into landfills.
You may say that old tape dispensers are trash right? Well you would not believe how much
you can do with one of those things! For example, I collect a lot of yarn, so what I do instead
of making it into balls, one time I wrapped my yarn around the wheel inside the dispenser and
made it so that I could pull the yarn of the wheel like the tape that was previously in it. I made
much more. You dont even absolutely have to recycle cardboard or recyclable items. You may
be thinking, But you just said that recycling is very important and that you shouldnt throw
away recyclable stuff! well, I did just say that, but I am not talking about throwing recyclable
items away. What I am saying is you can make stuff out of recyclable items. You may be
thinking again, Then why cant you make stuff out of trash? Well, do you really want to
make something out of a banana peel? Trash is stuff that you cant reuse again. For example, I
made a small floatable boat out of duct tape, cardboard and popped bubble wrap. I cant really
do that with an apple core, messy napkins and a banana peel! So you can make things out of
recyclable items, but thats easier than using garbage. Trash and recyclables are different. You
dont want to get them messed up. The following is a list of recyclable items and not recyclable items.
Recyclables
Choices Program
By: Mackensie
th
After our brief snack we went back into the auditorium and sat back
down. Then we did pretend interviews for a tour guide position that is
open at the Corning Museum of Glass. However, before we started the
interviews we came up with a list of how you should walk into an interview. You should look nice with appropriate clothing, act enthusiastic about the job, have a neatly written or typed resume, and have good manners. After we established this list we began interviewing. First we interviewed Lindsay. She was supposed to
be the good example she did everything we had said on the list. Then, we interviewed Judy
who did the bad examples. Judy came in athletic, non-matching clothes, and came in singing
with headphones in her ears, she answered her phone in the middle of the interview, and had
very bad manners.
Next, we boarded buses based on our schedules. I went to the Rockwell Museum for a
program based on art. When we arrived we talked about the different art jobs available like interior design, graphic design, art teachers, and many others. Afterward, we went and walked
through the galleries. Based on a piece of artwork we saw we had to create a project for the
Rockwells next family project day. When the project was done we received a Corning bag full
of free stuff. The people that went to the Rockwell received a sketchbook, sketching pencils, a
pencil sharpener, eraser, and a sharpie. However, the Rockwell wasnt the only other program
they offered. Some people went to IT, finance, culinary, and law. Those are not the only
choices though. Where you went decided what you would receive in the corning bag. When we
were done at the site we boarded our buses and headed over to the Radisson Hotel for lunch.
When we arrived at the Radisson we choose a table and waited for the waiters to say we
could go up to the buffet. The buffet had a salad, penne noodles, different sauces, and cheddar
broccoli soup. While we were eating they presented a video with the pictures from the day. After the video we all received a slice of cake and a choices drawstring bag. Then one by one
they called schools back to their buses so we could return to school. After we got back to
school we wrote thank you notes to all of the wonderful volunteers that made this happen.
In conclusion, Choices was a great program for many 8th grade girls to go to. Their were
about fifty 8th grade girls that went on this trip. We all learned many new things. For example,
we learned how to present yourself in an interview and that we can really do anything we put
our mind to. Some of us may have learned what we want to be when we grow up or some
might know have some idea. So, thank you to everyone who made Choices possible. It was a
great program that Im sure will help many other girls in the future.
Watson Homestead
By Ethan
On 9/20/2013, the whole sixth grade went for an annual field trip to
the retreat called Watson Homestead. The whole sixth grade stayed
there for about 5 hours just to make new friends and have fun.
About Watson Homestead
The Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center was idea created by Thomas Watson
Sr., CEO and chairman of IBM. His desire was that it would function as a place of recreation and
retreat for all religious, social services, educational, and charitable societies. That was over 50 years
ago. Since then, Watson Homestead has opened its doors to thousands of organizations, as well as
served the needs of regional civic groups.
What Happened During the Field Trip
The whole trip there was to socialize and meet new friends. The trip to Watson Homestead
was a short 15 minute bus ride. When we arrived, all the 6th grade students were assigned to different groups, led by the 6th grade homeroom teachers. Each group played different get to know each
other games during those 30 minutes, depending on the teachers. Later, everybody left with their
team for a nature scavenger hunt in the woods. They needed to find:
Something Fuzzy
Two kinds of seeds
Two pieces of man-made litter
Something Straight
Something Round
Something Rough
Two different types of leaves
Something that makes noise
A chewed leaf
A beautiful rock
Something you think is beautiful
A Pinecone
Something Green
A stick
Something you think is a treasure
The reward for finding the items was a piece of candy that the teachers brought.
After all the teams completed the scavenger hunt, everyone had a bit of free time. Many students loved this time period because they got to chat and play with their old/new friends. Students
enjoyed playing games such as Frisbee, and other mini-games. Lunchtime was next. Everyone
had a great time and hung out with other 6th graders as they ate their lunch. Afterwards, each student
could choose an activity that they wanted to play, including ladder ball, football, hiking, Mini-Golf,
volleyball, and other fun activities. During this time, it was very hot. Everyone was sweating by the
time they finished the activity. Free time came after that. As I said earlier, many students and teachers liked this time period. Later, we went back on the bus. By the time we got back to school, school
continued on next page...
was almost over.
In conclusion, the field trip was a success. Many 6th graders enjoyed the field trip and met a lot of new friends. They also got to
have some exercise while playing sports/outdoor activities. The Watson Homestead field trip was great!
Thoughts from students: (Alphabetical Order)
Agastya: I definitely enjoyed it. The free time, scavenger hunt, outdoor lunch we left too soon.
Favorite Activities: Some time, after lunch, a large group of kids kick-started a kickball game. That was, by far, the
most enjoyable part of the trip.
Rating:
Aarthi: I think it was fun! The weather was soooo hot and muggy though.
Favorite Activity: My favorite activity was mini-golf! It was awesome. We were throwing leaves like confetti, racing
and bonding well.
Rating:
Claire: I loved it. It was so much fun playing with friends that arent on my side. Plus the activities were awesome and fun!
Favorite Activities: The scavenger hunt was AWESOME! And the Mini-Golf was cute. I really loved all the activities.
Rating:
Elora: I liked it a lot because I got to hang out with my friends on the Black Side.
Favorite Activity: The Scavenger Hunt
Rating:
Faith: I loved it. I thought it was really fun. I had a lot of fun.
Favorite Activity: Kick-ball
Rating:
Gavin: It was okay.
Favorite Activity was hiking.
Rating:
Jadon: It was okay, it wasnt that fun.
Favorite Activity: Probably mini-golf only.
Rating:
Laurel: I believe it was not the best day to have a trip there. We shouldve been able to go inside for a bit. And I believe we
shouldve been able to have a bit more freedom.
Favorite activity: Lunch and free time.
Rating:
Nicole: It was a good idea, but honestly, there wasnt really much to do and it wasnt all it was said to be
Favorite Activity: Mini golf
Rating:
Robert: I really liked it! The walk to the maze was my favorite. I like the walk!
Favorite Activity: Maze (Walk)
Rating:
Sarah: The field trip was a great way to make new friends, hang out with old ones, and just have fun.
Favorite Activity: My favorite activity was free time because I could do stuff with my friends that I wanted to do.
Rating:
Shane: It was the best field trip ever.
Favorite Activity: Mini-Golf
Rating:
Vanessa: I thought it was very fun but wish we could have done more than 1 activity.
Favorite Activities: Going on the nature walk after the long day of running around I had fun taking a break and going
on the walk.
Rating:
Work Cited:
"About Us." Watson Homestead and Retreat Center. Watson Homestead. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. <http://www.watsonhomestead.com/
index.php?page=about-us>.
"Watson Homestead." Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center. Watson Homestead. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. <http://
www.watsonhomestead.com/>.
Ms. Reif
3
Ms. Wilson
1
Mr. Pronti
2
Looks like Mrs. Krols costume was the best costume on Halloween at Northside! Congratulations Mrs. Krol! For me I personally liked Mr. Prontis costume a lot!
Well there you have it folks! The best costume of the last Halloween at Northside
Blodgett finalized with the votes saying Mrs. Krols costume was victorious!
&
"
<
>
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E Y Q S M I R G L I P T U W H
__________________________________________________
By: Gavin
Campfire
Leafs
Pilgrims
Cornucopia
Rake
Cranberry
Stuffing
Fall
Thanksgiving
Family
Turkey
Finish
By: Gavin
Do you like waffles? More importantly, though, is it annoying to hear the song at the sixth grade winter concert because
you will!
The sixth grade band is off to a good start. And also, if youve heard Do
You Like Waffles? in the halls more than normal, its because itll be featured in
the sixth graders concert! If youve ever heard of Parry Gripp, then youve probably heard of the viral YouTube compositions Boogie Boogie Hedgehog, Baby
Monkey (Riding Backwards on a Pig), and Do You Like Waffles? Smash them
together, and you get the amazing YouTube suite being played by the sixth graders.
I like it, said oboe player Elora when asked her thoughts about band.
When asked what she thought about the music, she added, I LOVE the music! It
is just so amazing! This is an opinion shared by many. Vanessa said, Its definitely different from elementary school! Aarthi: I think that the first clarinet part
that I have is fun, but its challenging, because its mostly an octave higher than
normal But the song selection is awesome!
From the beginning of the school year to a few weeks after, song choices
were slowly revealed to the band members. The final verdictOde to Joy, Have
Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Can Santa Can-Can?, and Hedgehog, Monkey,
and Waffles!, the YouTube suite by Parry Gripp including the viral online music
stated before.
Then theres Ode to Joy, from Symphony No. 9, possibly one of the most famous music pieces ever. Everybodys heard that classic melody before, a bit like
Can Santa Can-Can?, which is the Can-Can with some Christmassy elements.
Definitely cheerful!
And, of course, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I think that Im going to have a few band members play measures one through twenty eight by themselves, Mr. Ellison announced to the band. Impressive considering that the
song is forty measures long! Auditions have not yet been held, but I think its going to be a difficult decision for Mr. Ellison because the entire band seems to be
shaping up very well, in my opinion. Keep up the good work!
Happy holidays to everyone and see you at the winter concert!
RECIPES!
By: Lizzie, Aarthi, and Vanessa
Fall Hot Cocoa:
Make a mug of hot cocoa. Before letting it cool, stir in one spoonful of canned pumpkin and a dash of cinnamon. Add plenty of whipped cream and mini marshmallows, and enjoy!
Source: American Girl Magazine
Hot Cocoa Cubes:
Ingredients
9 oz. milk chocolate (not chips)
7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (not chips)
1/2 c (1.5 oz) loosely packed cocoa
1 c (4.5 oz) loosely packed powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
Mini Marshmallows
In a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, powdered sugar, and salt. Set aside
Chop chocolate into small pieces (no larger than about 3/4 inch long) and combine in a glass bowl that
is completely dry. Microwave in 30 second bursts on 50% power, stirring between each burst, ensuring that your spatula is also completely dry. Once chocolate is about 2/3 melted (there are still some
chunks in the melted chocolate), stir until remaining chunks melt. This prevents the chocolate from
getting too hot.
Pour melted chocolate into the mixing bowl containing the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Mixture will be very thick, similar to brownie batter. Spoon mixture into a piping bag (no coupler or tip
is needed) or into a sandwich bag with the corner sliced off. Pipe the chocolate into an ice cube tray.
Once all chocolate has been piped, pound the tray lightly on the counter to eliminate air bubbles and to
flatten the tops of the cubes if they are uneven. Working one cube at a time, insert a stick and place
four mini marshmallows onto the top of the cube. Once all cubes are complete, set aside until cubes
are completely dry. You can also place them in the fridge if you are in a hurry.
Once all cubes are dry, remove carefully from the ice tray. Wrap prettily and store in the cupboard.
To Use:
Heat up 1 cup milk (approximately 1 ounce of chocolate should be used for each cup of milk, so adjust
based on the weight of your cube) and stir in. Cube will take several minutes to dissolve completely.
Source: 30 Pounds of Apples Blog
Caramel Apples:
6 apples
2 tablespoons milk
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet.
Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to
cool briefly.
Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set.
Source: Allrecipes.com
JOKES!
By: Lizzie, Aarthi, and Vanessa
CRAFTS! Flowers!
By: Lizzie, Aarthi, and Vanessa
1. Measure the width of the duct tape. Straighten out the wire, and cut 10 pieces of wire t h a t
are 1/2 inch longer than the duct tape's width.
2. Measure and cut off a 12 inch long strip of the duct tape and place it sticky side up on a flat
work surface.
3. Making sure each piece of wire is as straight as possible, place a piece of wire about 3/4
inch from the end of the duct tape. The wire should just touch the edge of the duct tape and
stick out about 1/2 inch over the other. Then place the rest of the wire pieces about 1 1/2
inches apart down the rest of the length of the duct tape.
4. Cut another 12 inch piece of duct tape and place it, sticky side down, on top of the first
piece of tape, being sure to match up the edges as close as possible.
5. Measuring about 3/4 inch from each side of the first piece of wire, cut the tape so that each
wire has 3/4 inch of tape on either side of it. (It will look like a square duct tape lollipop.)
These will be your petals.
6. With your scissors, trim the duct tape squares into the shape of the petals you want. You can
make them long and skinny, heart shaped, or rose petal shaped. Make sure, however, that
the thickest end of your petal is on the end where the wire sticks out.
7. Make a stem or two by cutting off strips of wire a little longer than the petals. You can leave
them straight, or curl the ends around a pen or pencil.
8. If you want to make leaves for your flower, make them now using the same steps as above,
but using green duct tape. Do not make as many leaves as petals and make sure you cut the
leaves in a different shape than the petals.
9. Gather all of the petals together, making sure that the bottom of the petals are evenly lined
up. Place the stem in the middle of the petals.
10.Using the floral wire, begin wrapping the bundle near the bottom of the petals. Wrap
tightly, overlapping the wire a little closest to the petals to make it look authentic. Continue
wrapping the bundle until you get to the end and cut off the floral wire.
11.Using the floral tape, begin wrapping the tape around the floral wire, overlapping the tape
slightly to make sure all the wire is covered.
12.Add one or two leaves, either staggered or directly opposite each other, starting about 3/4
inch down from the petals and add as many as you like, taping each one to the main bundle
with floral tape.
13.Begin carefully spreading the petals out, bending them slightly and arrange them in the way
you want them. Arrange the appearance of the leaves the same way. Each flower can be
used alone or make a number of them, the same or different, and use as a bouquet.
http://crafts.creativebug.com/make-duct-tape-flower-1330.html
Do you like to write and talk about stuff that is happening in school? Well then
Around the Block is just right for you. Around the block is our school newspaper and
it is so much fun. It also gets you better at typing, social activity, and making new friends. We
have 4 issues for one year and the first issue has already come. You can write about almost
anything, but it has to be appropriate and not dissing any teachers or kids.
Do you like Around the Block? Some people ask. Wellhere are the questions:
Do you like Around the Block?
Irfaan said Yes, I do like Around the Block as a fun and innovative extracurricular activity
after school here at Northside Blodgett Middle School.
Laurel said Yes , I do
Claire said Yes, I do
Lizzie claimed, Certainly!! Its like, the best after-school program EVER!
Vanessa says I love it coming after a hard day at school and just sitting down and writing
What do you like about Around the Block?
Irfaan said that I really enjoy the idea of just expressing my thoughts on certain topics
without the stress of being graded and instead having a relaxed experience.
Laurel said I like around the block because I had really thought about becoming a journalist once I grow up! And once I enter the computer turns into a type writer and the Computer
Technology room becomes a newsroom! I love to type and the newspaper gives me a
chance to show what I type to everyone who reads the around the block newspaper!
Lizzie said, I love Around the Block because I love to write, and Ive always dreamed of
having my writings published and it happens at the end of every marking period! Its a
dream come true!
Claire said I love to type and I will love to have something I wrote in a newspaper
Vanessa coming after a hard day at school and just sitting down and writing
I think that after you have heard just some of the staffs answers to my questions, you
would want to join Around the Block.