Nelson Mandela: 1918-2013 Paul Walker

Paul Walker: 1973-2013
December 2013
By: Alan Cruz-Bonilla and Terrell Kpa
On the afternoon of November 30TH 2013 the world lost a very special person. He’s been
in movies and very famous events. Paul Walker died in a car crash on Saturday on November 30th.
He was a great person and hero to us all. He will be remembered
forever in our hearts and will be missed lovingly.
Paul Walker was in very popular films and franchises. He
was mostly popular for his role in the Fast and Furious movie as
Brian O’Connor. He was in films like
the Fast and Furious franchise, “Eight
Inside This Issue:
Below”, “She’s All That”, “Varsity
Top Stories:
Blues”, and many other fascinating roles. His passing has left behind his
Paul Walker ……..…pg. 1
fifteen year old daughter, Meadow Walker.
Nelson Mandela…… pg. 1
Winter Holidays .…..pg. 2-3
Features:
Teacher of the
Month……....pg. 4
Teacher Interviews…pg. 5
“Family Guy”……....pg. 6
Sports:
Volleyball ..………..pg. 7
Editorials……..……pg. 8
From the Principal...pg. 9-10
Activities Page.……pg. 11
Lobos Need to
Know……....pg. 12
Nelson Mandela: 1918-2013
A nation mourns the loss of
its former leader, Nelson Mandela,
who has died after a long illness. He
was 95.
Jacob Zuma, South Africa's
president, announced Mandela's death at a news conference.
"We've lost our greatest son," Zuma said.
Mandela was known for ending apartheid, a system that separated
whites from nonwhites in South Africa. After spending 27 years in prison
for fighting against racial inequality, he became the country’s first democratically elected president. “I think he’s a hero for the world,” said President Barack Obama in a speech during his visit to Senegal in June.
Mandela stepped down as president in 1999. That same year, he
created the Nelson Mandela’s Children Fund, a charity that helps poor
South African children. “Children are the wealth of our country,” he said in
an interview with TFK in 2002. “They must be given love.”
Article taken from: http://www.timeforkids.com/news/nelson-mandela-1918-2013/97361
Page 1
By: Yareth Torres-Dorame
and Teresa Tovar Rea
We have all heard about the winter holidays but we haven’t heard
what people do. In this article we will be talking about the holidays and
what people do on these days. We are going to talk about four different
holidays, which are Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Winter Solstice.
Hanukkah is one of the
happier Jewish festivals. It begins on the twenty-fifth of
Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.
It usually falls in November or
December. The celebration resolves around kindling of a nine
branched menorah. The Hanukkah menorah holds nine candles,
one for each night of the eight
nights and an additional candle
is used to light the others. Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah
by exchanging gifts and sharing
a meal with their families.
Christmas is the day
when Christians believe Jesus was born. They start to
celebrate it on December
24th which is called Christmas Eve. On this day many
families exchange gifts and
family gathers. They celebrate it by decorating trees
and giving presents and they
make many different kinds
of food.
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Kwanzaa is the day when
African-Americans celebrate.
The festival is seven days long.
They also have seven candles
that reflect the principles of African culture and reinforce family,
community and culture. On
Kwanzaa people use that day to
reaffirm their dignity of themselves and culture. People who
celebrate Kwanzaa put on the
Kwanzaa symbols, they make
food, and they gather and play
music.
Winter Solstice is when
people adore the sun. Solstice has
had an influence on Christmas, including the decorating of Christmas trees. The Solstice takes place
on the shortest day of the year,
which usually starts on December
21st and ends on the 22nd. On Solstice people have a meal just like
in Christmas. The Solstice is celebrated because it announces the
return of the sun after a long period of darkness.
Even though the holidays are celebrated in different ways, they
have similarities. Like all people each person has their traditions and
their manners. No matter what you celebrate in December, the Howling
Herald wishes you Happy Holidays!
Page 3
By: Ariane Oulai and Taja Nicholson
This months Winter Wonderland Teacher of The Month for December of 2013 is
Mr. Kurt Melvin. Mr. Melvin was said to be nice, helpful, joyful, and really good at
teaching. Mr. Melvin was interviewed by Taja Nicholson and Ariane Oulai. They asked
him:
1. What is your favorite activity?
Answer: Coaching
2. What is your favorite hobby?
Answer: Golfing
3. What is your favorite sport?
Answer: Baseball
4. What accomplishment, that you made, are you most proud of?
Answer: Graduating college
5. What are 3 words to describe yourself?
Answer: Patient, adaptable, and loyal
6. What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?
Answer: I have 10 tattoos
“Mr. Melvin was a blast and it was great working with him,” says Ariane and Taja.
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Interviews with South’s
Principal Mr. Feeler and
Officer Jackie ! ! !
By: Abelardo Sanchez & Stephanie Perez
Meet Ms. Officer Jackie at South. She is an interesting person to meet who has a sweet
side. We started with some simple questions to start our interview with her:
Abelardo: If you had 100,000,000 what would
you do with that money?
Ms. Jackie: I would put some money away to
give to my boys. I would also give to Burns
Charity. I would make a swimming pool for
them because they have nothing to do there.
I’ve been there before on off cop duty. Then
save some money
Abelardo : Do you have any hobbies?
Ms. Jackie: Yes, I ride motorcycles, I make
cute greeting cards, and I love cooking.
Abelardo: Do you have any family here in Colorado?
Ms. Jackie: Yes I do, two grown sons!
Now, come meet Mr. Feeler. He is, as
you may know, the principal of South. We also
started with some simple questions.
Stephanie: Is your job hard ?
Mr. Feeler: Yes, well I have over 800 students
and adults that I am responsible for.
Stephanie: If you had 100,000,000 what would
you do with that money?
Mr. Feeler: I’d save quite a bit for my kids to go
to college. I'd buy my parents a house here in Colorado. I’d buy a motorcycle and a house in the
mountains. I’d donate some money to different charities and save the rest or invest it.
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By: Jason Montoya
A’Dontre Thompson
Why spider blood is blue? //-//://-// Spiders blood does not have Hemoglobin which is
responsible for the red color of our blood. Instead, they use what is called Hemocyanin which is
a copper based as opposed to an iron based oxygen carrying molecule. Due to the differing levels of oxygen and other components of Haemolymph or blood, the color will be a blue or green
color.
How cold does your breath has to be to freeze? //-//://-// Your breath will freeze at a temperature less than 32F. Condensation will occur quickly because breath is warm and moist, and
it is being introduced into cold air. Freezing will occur eventually. The colder the air is, the
quicker your breath will freeze.
How long does it take form worms to grow really long? //-//://-// An earthworm can
grow only so long. A well-fed adult will depend on what kind of worm it is, how many segments it has, how old it is and how well fed it is. A Lumbricus Terrestris will be from 90-300
millimeters long.
Denver Broncos News
By: Erik Casillas & Jshai Bell
Have you heard Denver Broncos News? First, coach
John Fox is back. Also Champ Bailey is back from his injury. In addition, the Superbowl is coming. The season is
almost over for the Broncos and the whole NFL.
Denver Broncos are recovering from injures. One of
Broncos, Chris Harris Jr., is back on the field from his concussion. The Broncos hope to get their defense on top. Also,
Denver needs to get better defense plays. Cross your fingers
for the broncos make it to the super bowl. Also Denver has
to go against Titans, Chargers, Texans, and Raiders. They
made the Chefs lose three games in a row. They have a
chance to go to the Superbowl.
See you next time on Denver Broncos News.
Page 6
Volleyball
By: Gisselle Gomez
Volleyball is a team sport, you have to work together and play together. I am going to tell
you how to play volleyball in 4 easy steps.
First, when you play volleyball the ball is usually played with the hands
or arm, but players can legally strike or punch the ball any part of the body. The
team may touch the ball up to three times but individual players may not touch
the ball twice.
Second when you play you have to follow the rules. The complete rules
are extensive but simply, play proceeds as follows: a player on one of the teams
begin a rally by serving the ball from behind the back boundary line of the court.
Third, when you play with your team mate you have to play nice and fair
because if you don’t play nice and fair you will not be able to play. When you are playing try not to
hit people in the face because then they cry and we don’t want that.
Lastly a number of consistent techniques have evolved in volleyball, including spiking and blocking as well as passing, setting, and specialized player positions and offensive
and defensive structures.
South's Volleyball Team
By: Josue Ramirez and Juan Santos
We interviewed a couple of the volleyball players here
at our school. Here is what 7th grader Yatzari Gurrola
Gutierrez had to say about the team.
Josue & Juan: What do you play best at?
Yatzari: I play best at serving.
Josue & Juan: What encouraged you to try out for the team?
Yatzari: I just like to play volleyball
Josue & Juan: Do you enjoy playing it?
Yatzari: Yes I enjoy playing it
Josue & Juan: What is the hardest thing about volleyball?
Yatzari: I think overhand is the hardest thing about volleyball
Josue & Juan: What don’t you like about volleyball?
Yatzari: What I don’t like about it is that the coaches are too
hard on us.
Page 7
Is Fast Food Really That Bad?
By: Zahla Neal Coleman and JasmineNelson
Today we are going to speak about pros and cons of fast food. For some people, it will be easier for
you to let go of fast food if you carefully think about all the advantages and disadvantage of eating it.
Fast food is dangerous to your health because it has high levels of calories, fat, and sodium. In most cases fast food can eventually lead to other health
problems. For example, a study published in the “Journal of the American Heart
Association” found that eating significant amounts of fast food can contribute to
atherosclerosis, another term for clogged arteries, which can increase your risk of
conditions like heart attack and stroke. Fast food is bad for the stomach. Too
much sugar and indigestion and can cause more problems. Too much fried food,
oil and etc. can be dangerous not only for your stomach may put your life at risk. “We are what we eat” – this
is a very old saying but it is so true. You may become addicted to fast food.
With some of your fast food meals do you have soda? Do you know how bad soda is for you? Regular
sodas have been found to give you obesity, kidney damage, and certain cancers. Regular sodas elevate blood
pressure. You might think diet sodas are better for you but it’s not. Diet sodas increase your risk at having
strokes.
A pro for fast food is that it is fast and you can get it to go. Also, there is no need to go to the store,
choose all the ingredients, and sit in front of a hot stove to spend two or even more hours cooking. Most of
adults just don’t have that much time. It is way easier to go to the McDonald’s or other place and buy a burger. Also it is delicious and most people get addicted to the smell of fresh bread and meat, sweet and fizzy
soda. It gives people all the sugar and energy that they need in order to get through the day or the week.
In conclusion , it should be your choice if you want to still eat fast food. If you don’t we are proud of
you.
Is It Really True Brian Off
To The Grave ?
By . Yasmine Ahmed & Simbi Mugongo
Although most people know, the cartoon comedy known as
Family Guy has killed off their white dog named Brian Griffin. He
was on the street, about to play street hockey when a car hit him and
he was forwarded to the hospital. The hospital said his injuries were
too severe so the Griffins had to say their good byes. Brains response
was “You’ve, you’ve let me have a great life." We were shocked and
so were other fans. I think they made a terrible mistake. R.I.P.
Family guy has been on air since 1999 and was created by
Seth MacFarlane. The show is mostly about a family that has a since of humor and negative attitudes, but
sometimes have feeling for each other like when Brian died. Family guy is similar to other shows like The
Simpsons and The Flintstones. They’ve won 12 primetime Emmy awards and 11 Annie awards.
Page 8
Parents and Students,
I can’t believe the end of the first semester is upon us! These past 18 weeks have flown by!
During the recent cold streak I couldn’t help but notice that many of our students were not wearing
jackets or coats outdoors. After talking to several students there appears to be a misconception that
they cannot wear coats to school. Please know that this is NOT the case! Since we are an outside
campus students need to dress accordingly for the weather. Jackets or coats are to be taken off once
students enter the classroom or can be left in their lockers. If your child does not own an appropriate cold weather coat, please contact the school to see if we can provide assistance in getting one.
This year all students at South participated in Acuity Reading and Math testing during the
Fall Semester. The Acuity tests, a predictor for TCAP, were given in August, October, and will
also be given through the month of December. The information from the tests in October showed
some gains for South students!
6th Grade went from 13th to 4th in the district for Reading.
7th Grade went from 12th to 8th in the district for Math.
8th Grade went from 7th to 6th in the district for Math.
All grade levels showed gains in points obtained on the test from August to October! In
January, all students who made high growth on the last Acuity test (December) will receive freedress day passes! All students who are both proficient and making high growth will receive additional free-dress day passes.
This year we have had numerous students have participated in track, wrestling and swimming. Many of our athletes have made it to, and placed, in the city final meets. Currently girls’
volleyball is underway with a massive turnout! In the spring we will have boys and girls basketball
and co-ed soccer. Being a student athlete is an honor. Athletes must maintain passing grades, work
habit, attendance and discipline in order to participate in a sport. If you are interested in our upcoming spring sports, please see Mrs. Savaloja, our school athletic director for more information.
Parents, we are asking for you continued support in getting your child to school on time and
ready to learn. Aurora Public Schools strives for a 95% average daily attendance rate (ADA). After the first quarter at South we were below the APS average at 93.31%. This is also down compared to this time last year. After 10 unexcused absences, parents will receive a letter in mail making them aware of the absences. If unexcused absences continue there is a possibility of a home
visit from our truancy team or administration. Please remember classes begin at 8:30 Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and at 10:00 on Wednesday. If you child is to be out of school for
ANY reason, please call the attendance hotline 303-326-1658 or send a note the next day.
At South we are constantly looking for ways to involve parents and the community to be a part of
South. If you have any ideas on how we can increase parental involvement please let us know!
Also, if you are able to volunteer in any capacity, please call the front office with your name and
times you might be available. Be on the lookout for upcoming parental involvement meetings at
South!
Thank you all for all of your hard work in bringing our first semester to a close! We look forward
to working with you semester 2! We hope you have an amazing holiday season!
Rob Feeler
Principal
South MS
Page 9
Estimados Padres y Tutores,
No puedo creer que el final del primer semestre ya esté aquí! Estas últimas 18 semanas han volado!
Durante la reciente helada no pude dejar de notar que muchos de nuestros estudiantes no traían abrigos cuando
estaban afuera. Después de hablar con varios estudiantes parece que hay un concepto erróneo de que no pueden
usar abrigos a la escuela. Por favor, sepan que este NO es el caso! Ya que somos una escuela abierta los estudiantes tienen que vestirse apropiadamente para el clima. Los estudiantes deben de quitarse las chamarras o
abrigos una vez que entren al salón o los pueden dejar en sus casilleros. Si su estudiante so posee una chamarra
o abrigo adecuado para el frio, por favor póngase en contacto con la escuela para tratar de proveer asistencia en
conseguir uno.
Este año todos los estudiantes en South participaron en la prueba de Acuity en lectura y matemáticas durante el semestre de otoño. Las pruebas de Acuity que son un predictor para el examen TCAP, se les dio en agosto,
octubre y diciembre. La información de las pruebas en octubre mostró crecimiento para algunos de nuestros
estudiantes en South!
6o año pasó del lugar 13o a 4to en el distrito para lectura.
7º año pasó del lugar 12o a 8o en el distrito para matemáticas.
8º año pasó del lugar 7º al 6º en el distrito para matemáticas.
Todos los grados mostraron ganancias en la puntuación obtenida en la prueba de agosto a octubre! En enero, todos los estudiantes que hicieron un alto crecimiento en la última prueba de Acuity recibirán un pase para
un día sin uniforme. Todos los estudiantes que son a la vez competentes y tienen un alto crecimiento recibirán
pases adicionales para un día sin uniforme.
Este año hemos tenido muchos estudiantes que han participado en atletismo, lucha libre, y natación. Muchos de nuestros atletas llegaron a competir en la final de la cuidad. Actualmente el voleibol de esta en marcha
con una gran participación de parte de nuestras estudiantes. En la primavera los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de participar en baloncesto y futbol. Ser un estudiante atleta es un honor. Los atletas deben mantener
buenas calificaciones, buenos hábitos de trabajo, asistencia y ningún problema de disciplina para poder participar en un deporte. Si su estudiante está interesado en nuestros deportes durante la primavera, por favor, comuníquese con la señora Savaloja, nuestra directora de deportes de la escuela para más información.
Padres/Tutores, les pedimos que por favor continúen a apoyarnos para lograr que su estudiante llegue a
tiempo a la escuela y listo/a para aprender. Las escuelas públicas de Aurora se esfuerza por un promedia diario
de 95% de asistencia (ADA). Después del primer cuatrimestre en South estábamos por debajo de la media de
APS en 93.31%. Este también se ha reducido en comparación con el mismo periodo del año pasado. Después
de 10 ausencias injustificadas, los padres recibirán una carta por correo para que tomen conciencia de las ausencias. Si las ausencias injustificadas continúan, existe la posibilidad de una visita a la casa por parte de nuestro
equipo de absentismo escolar o administración. Por favor recuerde que las clases comienzan a las 8:30 los lunes, martes, jueves, y viernes y a las 10:00 de la mañana los miércoles. Si su estudiante va a estar fuera de la
escuela por CUALQUIER razón, por favor llame a nuestra línea de asistencia al 303-326-1658 o mande una
nota al siguiente día.
En South estamos constantemente buscando maneras de involucrar a los padres y a la comunidad para ser
parte de South. Si usted tiene alguna idea de sobre cómo podemos aumentar la participación de los padres, por
favor háganoslo saber! Además, si usted quiere ser voluntario en cualquier capacidad, por favor llame a la oficina con su nombre y tiempos que esté disponible. Este atento a las próximas reuniones de participación de padres de South.
Gracias a todos por todo su trabajo durante este primer semestre y esperamos trabajar juntos durante el segundo semestre. Esperamos que todos tengan unas felices fiestas!
Rob Feeler
Director
South MS
Page 10
Cocoa
Cold
Evergreen
Gloves
Hat
Icicle
Sled
Sledding
Snowball
Snowflake
Snowman
Winter
Page 11
December School Events
December 19: Last day of 2nd Quarter
December 20: Teacher Workday
December 23– January 3: Winter Break
January 14: Parent Meeting, 6pm
Interested a South Yearbook?
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Stu r ou
andgestions fohurber
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Order it now for $15! The cost
will go up to $20 in May.
See Ms. Thurber in D24!
Teayou have Contact M
Do letter? n D24!
i
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new
Looking for something to do over Winter Break?
These Denver activities are FREE!!
November 30– February 17: Southwest Skating Rink, 16th and Arapahoe
November 29– January: Denver City and County Building Holiday Lights
December 22: Tuba Christmas, Skyline Park, 1pm
December 31: New Years Eve Fireworks, 16th Street Mall, 9pm and Midnight
January 9: Denver Zoo Free Day
This newsletter was created by Ms. Thurber’s
Publications classes!
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