Spirit of the Dragon, Issue 4 by Mrs. Murphy

SpiritDragon

Del Dios Middle School • EUSD • Escondido, CA

of the

GOT SUMMER? Volume

XLIX

MAY/JUNE

2011

Issue

spirit staff teacher appreciation day

feature story: dragon music academy

4/5/6

campus news more campus news even more campus news

summer challenges: what can you do? Photo by Kelly Swayze, 8th Grade

Summer fun came early this year as students and teachers battled for supremacy at the Dixon Lake annual picnic for 8th grade students with grade point averages of 3.5 and above. Clearly, the students dominated. Featured from left to right, are: Lauren Shinn, Shannon Isley, Tatianna Sanchez, Karley Salas, Rhealynn Ravarra, Mrs. Middleton (sorely outnumbered), Karlee Robinson, Xyra Billones and Sabrina Sanchez. Nice job, ladies! Sorry, Mrs. Middleton! Maybe next year you’ll have better luck.

NEW ASB MEMBERS 2011-2012 THE DAYS OF SUMMER CONGRATS By Kelly Swayze, ASB Contributor By Jeredith Peña, Editor

We wanted to give our readers a lot of ideas for things to do over the summer and give you some insight into what our teachers do all summer long. Be sure to check out all the neat things we’ve put in here for you. We’ve included ideas for starting a summer business, reviews of great books to read and movies to see, information on summer contests, and inspiration for doing some good things around the house and in your neighborhood. No matter what you do, we hope you enjoy this last issue of the paper!

From this year’s team to next year’s - plan well, lead well and have lots of fun! Congratulations, the student body is in your very capable hands! Keep the fire of spirit on our campus aflame! Next year’s ASB leaders are: Rebecca Blackburn, Shayna Cruz, Ilana Petrovic, Kimberly Castro, Diana Ortiz, Catherine Cojulun, Janae Paula, Trang Vu, Cinthia Ramirez, Xena Martinez, Reana Pugal, Carli Young, Edgardo Oliveros, James Garcia, Leonardo Ramos, Diego Silva, Jackie Magadan, and Mari Pedrosa.

By Nataly Tapia, 8th grader

Continued on page 15, “Writing Celebration”

kids around the world are being the change... are you?

trophy case san diego county fair info & one-day contests

11 12/13 memories

DRUG DOGS

Many people believe that behavior-related issues, violence, and dropping out of school are caused because of one main reason: drugs. Drugs are being smuggled in and distributed at school, unseen, by students who are influencing their friends, or other family members such as, brothers or sisters. I support the use of drug dogs because I have seen how addiction to drugs can lead to grave violence and behavior problems, resulting in severe consequences. In order to transform a school into a drugfree campus, drug dogs should be brought to school to ensure that there are no more

8/9

summer reading & summer plans

14/15 college & culture writing celebration

Photo by Mrs. Pluzdrak, ASB Advisor

P.J. Schmidt gets ready to tackle the ropes course as fellow ASB members check gear.

the back page

Staff

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

Letter from the Editors Dear Readers, Summer is almost here! This issue of the newspaper is the last one for this year! It’s been a crazy learning experience and we’re really proud that we were able to produce four great issues. All the hard work we did on this was worth it. Being in the newspaper this year was really hard but also good. It really showed us how working is hard and putting a lot of effort into something can make you really proud of the final product. For those of you lucky enough to be on the newspaper staff next year, please give your very best, and then some! And above all: stick to your deadlines. We wish you all a wonderful summer! Be sure to check out all the fun stuff in our Summer sections of the paper - especially if you don’t have plans yet! For those of you promoting to high school, have a great time! To all the new 7th and 8th graders, make the next years your best! Don’t leave things undone and make each day the best you can. Your life is yours and your experiences are what you make them - so make them AWESOME! The whole newspaper staff wishes you all a great summer!

MAY 12: TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY By: Marlen Amador

They teach us and they offer their help to us when we do not understand something. That is why we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on May 12. It is a day to recognize our staff for everything they do for us and the school. Mrs.Comes and Mrs.Pluzdrak walk around campus serving coffee, orange juice, and bread to all the teachers at their door. I think it’s a nice way to thank the staff and celebrate their day.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer school begins on July 11 and ends on July 22, 2011. Attending summer school is by invitation only. If you didn’t get an invite, then you don’t have to go! If you DID get an invite - you’d better go! Use the time to work on your academic skills and get the help you need to make next year easier for yourself!

FALL 2011-2012 CALENDAR

The office staff returns to school on August 8, 2011. Registration for the 2011-2012 school year is on August 15 and August 16. Remember: If you don’t have your Tdap shots you CAN NOT register or attend school in the fall!!! This is for ALL students in grades 7-12! Teachers return to school on August 17 and the first day of school for students is Monday, August 22! See you there!

‘SPIRIT OF THE DRAGON’ HAS A NEW MAILBOX! DROP US A LINE!

Photo by Spirit Staff Photographer

Assistant Principal, Kim Comes (left) and Dean of Students Beth Pluzdrak (right) delivered breakfast treats with smiles galore around campus on the Day of the Teacher in celebration of their commitment to student learning.

Your newspaper editors, Consuelo Araujo and Jeredith Peña, Issue 4 Editors

TAKE US WITH YOU! Use your smart phone, iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad 2 to scan the image to the left and take our website wherever you go! Read news, stories, show your friends our awesome student-produced school newspaper anywhere!

Located in the front office, just inside the door as Marlen points shows us, is the new ‘Spirit of the Dragon’ newspaper mailbox. Mail will be delivered to the newsroom during first period each day next year, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to let us know what’s going on. Use the mailbox for letters to the editor, fill a bucket letters, and more!

Photo by Spirit Staff Photographer

Fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, coffee, and juice were enjoyed by teachers as Mrs. Comes and Mrs. Pluzdrak offered breakfast to the staff - hand delivered!

Spirit of the Dragon The March 2011, issue of ‘Spirit of the Dragon’ is dedicated to all Del Dios Middle School Alumni

ny great publication is a work of art to those who hold the vision and are with the work from its inception. And, as with any public work, the final product is really just a glimpse of the process and journey; the toil and tears; the laughter and joy of what it takes to create. We, the staff of the Spirit of the Dragon, invite you to join us on any given Wednesday, from 8am until 9:40am, and work with us; create with us; jump over obstacles with us; and dodge our advisor’s lighteningbolt glares when we miss the mark, even just a hair. Publishing is a work of art and yet an exacting process. But we continue to discover the artist, the writer, the designer, the photographer and editor - within each of us.

Editor-in-Chief Amy Murphy, Advisor

Contributing Photographers Michael De Neve DDMS Yearbook, Advisor

Managing Editors, Issue 4 Consuelo Araujo Jeredith Peña Beltran

Beth Pluzdrak DDMS ASB Advisor

Staff Writers Marlen Amador Consuelo Araujo Erin Brandt Danny Butout Kayla Douglas Anthony Garcia Andrea Hernandez Arturo Osorio Jeredith Peña Beltran Miguel Perez Monica Perez Maria Pineda Gomez Cristino Quiñonez Staff Photographers Shannon Isley Kayla Douglas

Kelly Swayze DDMS ASB Linda Isley, Parent Honorary Staff Photographer Contributing Content Editors Lesley Rivera Jackie Magadan Sage Lorenzana Supporters and Donors Borders Books and Music Del Dios MS, Alumni DonorsChoose.org Escondido Public Library Ice-o-Plex Port-of-Subs Student Movers

Mission Statement The 2010-2011 newspaper staff envisions a paper that not only strives to inform its readers, but one that inspires questions, provokes thoughtful discussions, promotes reading and writing and encourages contributions from all students of life, embraces the whole of our Del Dios community, and exudes school SPIRIT from its very ink and pages. To achieve this, the newspaper staff is committed to being thoughtful in its writing and selection of all content printed herein. While we may be privy to information, we understand that not all information need be shared or in print. We ask ourselves and help each other discern: does the content serve to inform, spark thought and debate over a topic worthy of such action; and does the content serve the greater good of our community and build school spirit?

Email: news@ddmsnews.com Phone: 760/432-2439 Web: www.ddmsnews.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DDMSnews

Letters to the Editor

Email: editor@ddmsnews.com Paper letters can be dropped off to our DDMSnews mailbox in the front office.

Photos

Email: photos@ddmsnews.com Photos can be dropped off to our DDMSnews mailbox in the front office. Please be sure to include your contact info for returning purposes.

Feature Story

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

DISNEYLAND

By Kayla Douglas, Field Reporter April 9, 2011 Del Dios Dragon Music Academy went to Valencia, CA, to compete in “Music in the Parks”. The award assembly was in Disneyland’s Hyperion theatre in the California Adventures Park. At 7:30 a.m. the chorus sang loud and proud to represent the Del Dios Dragons at the First Presbyterian Church in Valentia. Then shortly after, the band gave the performance of their lives at the local high school across the street from the church. After the competitions were over the band, chorus, and I all boarded the bus and headed over to Disneyland for a few hours before the awards were given. The awards ceremony was held at the Hyperion Theater in California Adventures where school bands from all over the United States gathered to hear how they had placed in the competition. Before the awards were given, a brief song and dance show entertained everyone. One of the singers was the performer who recorded the voice of Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King”! He was a great singer and dancer! Del Dios won third place for the band performance and first place for chorus! The trophies were magnificent! All of the members of the band, chorus, and even the chaperones stood up and cheered for our school. We couldn’t be more proud of their achievements.

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

DEL DIOS BAND AND CHORUS PLACE 1ST AND 3RD AT EVENT: MUSIC IN THE PARKS, DISNEYLAND!

(left) Spirit Staff writer, Kayla Douglas, uses an iPod to snap photos and record interviews. She’s pictured here with Music in the Parks Coordinator, Mike (far left), and judges Anthony White (center) and Jay Mason (right). After the interview and giving Mike a copy of our paper, he was so impressed he held up the copy and talked about it during the awards ceremony at the Hyperion Theater! Score 3 wins for Del Dios!

Photo by Kayla Douglas, “Spirit of the Dragon” Newspaper Staff (above) Del Dios Music Academy Band and Chorus members celebrate at the end of the night, bringing home 1st and 3rd place trophies respectively.

DISNEYLAND

By: Maria Pineda, Staff Writer and DDMS Music Academy Chorus Member

Disneyland resort was a fun place with lots of entertainment for everyone. Some of us decided to buy a souvenir from DisneyLand. We went in the haunted house and roller coasters; some of the rides sprayed you with water and it was really fun! First we went on a bus on a Saturday morning, then chorus and band competed for first place. We went on the rides after that we went to eat lunch then we went to go find out what place we got. As we went to the auditorium we saw four people who sang really well. As the emcee was announcing first place for chorus we all held our breath and then he said, “Del Dios Middle School!” We all cheered when we heard our name in the microphone. With band in 3rd place we went back to the school bus, happy that we got our trophies. It was a very tiring trip. As we got off the bus we said our good-byes to each other. We went home knowing that we did our best, and feeling accomplished, we slept tightly in our comfy beds.

DDMS MUSIC ACADEMY CHORUS prepares for their performance (above) under the direction of Mr. David Gibney. Not pictured, Mrs. Carol Clark (DDMS Librarian) played piano to accompany the chorus. CONCERT MASTER, LUPE MIRAMONTES, makes sure fellow musician Chris Do, flute, is properly tuned and ready to play (right, center). FIRST CHAIR, NATALY TAPIA, AND SECOND CHAIR, ALEJANDRA JUAREZ, tune instruments and adjust for a top notch performance (right, bottom).

Campus News

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

SAGGY BUTT BOYS

By Erin Brandt and Kayla Douglas, Staff Writers

What do you see when you walk into Del Dios? Saggy butts, that’s what! All you boys who think you look “so cool” when you sag your jeans think again: when you do, you look pretty ridiculous. The worst part is when you walk. You look like waddling penguins because your legs are too close together. Penguins are cute and cuddly but you boys aren’t when you sag and waddle like them! Sagging butts are NOT attractive or remotely cute. Another thought: WHAT SIZE ARE THOSE JEANS? Some of you saggers look like you’re wearing your baby brother’s jeans! Sagging butts make you look like you’ve outgrown your pants, you’re old and like you have a horrible leg problem causing a waddle. Sometimes, it’s so bad it looks like you’ve got a load in your pants - like a baby’s diaper. Is that really the image you’re going for? We hope not! Another downside to sagging is that it makes you look like you have miniature legs. You look tall but then your legs look so tiny!! Something’s just not right. So please, take our advice. Cover the undies, fill in the “butt” part of your pants with your butt, and let your legs have some space to walk. You’ll look a lot hotter and not have a waddling problem anymore! News flash for you; IT’S NOT ATTRACTIVE!! Get some pants that fit and wear them. Who knows, you might get noticed for having a cute butt!

“Penguins are cute and cuddly, but you boys AREN’T when you sag and waddle like them!”

INTERVIEWS WITH DEL DIOS ARTISTS

CAFETERIA FOOD: DELICIOUS OR NOT?

Del Dios’ very own Art class is creating a map of Del Dios to display. The exact location of where to place the map is still undecided. I got a sneak peak of the piece and interviewed the artists as they worked. Zach Fox and Dawson Laedyog have been working long and hard on the beautiful masterpiece hopefully to soon be released. Zach & Dawson: We hope the map can be released by the end of the school year, for next year’s students. Me: That’s incredible. So when did this project of yours start? Zach & Dawson: Well it started around mid or late November. Me: How are you creating the map? Zach & Dawson: Oh We’re drawing it all by hand. Me: So what grade are you boys in? Zach & Dawson: We’re both seventh graders. Me: That sounds like a lot of work for two seventh graders. Have you both been going here since sixth grade? Zach & Dawson: Yes. Since the first day of sixth grade. Me: Are you two the only ones working on this project? Zach & Dawson: Yes, it’s only us. Well for now anyways. Someone else might join us later or something we’re not sure yet. Me: Thanks boys for taking time out of your day to sit with me. Zach & Dawson: No problem. Let’s hope that these fantastic artists in training will one day be seen in museums all across the globe. Keep on working hard Del Dios artists, we all hope to one day see you in your very one studio or even on the news! You are all very talented and hopefully you can all get to share with the world your talents. Let’s try and start off with just showing your fellow peers first though!

Are you satisfied with our cafeteria food? I’m not. Now I’m not saying anything bad about our lunch ladies- just the lunch itself. The food isn’t exactly terrible we just need more variety. After having the same thing for three days straight I’m pretty sure my peers and I want to shake things up a little bit. We don’t have to actually have gross or bad food its just that we need to shake things up a little bit and one day have one thing and the next day some thing different. After eating the same thing over and over again you do get a tired of it. Maybe if switched a few things out and got some new foods more students would be interested in eating the cafeteria food and buying lunch from our school. I know that this might not be easy but if enough you want this and would make the effort to try and change this then it might really happen.

By Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer

Photo by Kayla Douglas, Staff

Art students Zach Fox and Dawson Laedyog design a campus map.

INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON ISLEY: SCIENCE FAIR By Andrea Hernandez, Staff Writer Andrea: What was your project about? Shannon: My project was about the effect of temperature on glow sticks. Andrea: Where did you do this project at? Shannon: I did this in my house, in the kitchen were I kept my glow sticks, and the bathroom where I took pictures of them. Andrea: Who helped you or who inspired you to do this project? Shannon: My mom helped me do this project. Andrea: When did you start this project? Shannon: I started this project about 2-3 weeks before it was due. Andrea: Why did you do this project? Shannon: I wanted to see what happened to glow sticks in different temperatures.

Like for example, some people say that if you put a glow stick in the freezer, it lasts longer. Andrea: How did you do this project? Shannon: I used 4 thin glow sticks. I broke them, and took pictures of them. Then I put them in the following temperatures: - Room temperature -Freezer -Refrigerator temperature -Boiling water Every hour, I took the glow sticks out and took a picture of them. Because I couldn’t see the glow well, I covered the bathroom window to make it dark. Then I took pictures of them.

ON THE

NEWSPAPER STAFF Got talent? Are you meticulous? Got Creativity? Like photography? Are you a Writer? Do you like to design stuff on the computer or on your personal notebook? Do you find yourself doodling things that come out pretty good? It’s great if you like to take pictures, interview people, and make designs. Here in journalism we need your talent. Make use of it! Journalism is open to seventh and eight graders who have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Be a part of the great “Spirit of the Dragon” newspaper staff!

Then you belong on the newspaper staff next year! If you have any questions stop by room 47 or 32.

More Campus News Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - May/June 2011

Photo by Mr. de Neve, Yearbook and DDTV Advisor

RAVEN SPEAK: INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR SCALES AND TAILS: THE REPTILE WRANGLER By Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer

I had the honor of interviewing Dianne Lee Wilson, the author of six novels, who’s most recent is Raven Speak . In my interview, Ms. Wilson shared with me a little about her job as a writer. She has been writing since she was a student in college. She went to college to major in art at the University of Iowa. She told me that if you’re an artist then doing cover designs for books is a great way to make a living using your art talent. She began taking English classes and pursued a second degree in English. Her first job as a writer was for Hallmark, but she was in the sales department for retailers. She continued to write. She began sending her pieces to magazines and started writing magazine articles for technology magazines. She was inspired to write, so she wrote her first children’s book “I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade” It won the California book award for juvenile fiction. She tried to make Raven Speak a children’s novel but the publishers told her that it was the beginning of a novel and that they wouldn’t sell it as a picture book. So she caved in and decided to make a full blown novel!

Photo by Mrs. Murphy, Newspaper Advisor

By Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer

Her SIXTH novel is coming out this Fall; “Tracks”. Most of her books are historical fiction and all include a horse as a character. She absolutely adores horses and they are her passion- and writing of course! When she was a child she said that she mainly read horses books. She was one of the lucky authors and didn’t struggle very much and has gotten great reviews from big critics such as The New York Times. She tried to make “Raven Speak” a children’s book but it turned out to become a novel! Her very first book was published and out for the public when she was ThirtyNine. Her personal favorite author is Anne Tyler; Anne mainly writes romance and relationship novels. She says that she indulges by reading other good authors, because it improves her own writing skills as well. Like any other author she shared that she gets more ideas than she could ever write! When she writes sometimes she will pull scenes from a story that was started and never finished and place it in a different story that is being finished. She knew exactly what one of her novels was going to be about and how it was going to play out due to a newspaper article that she picked up and read. Diane also won the Pulitzer Prize! Diane also loves to read poetry but doesn’t write any herself. “Writing is a discipline more than a talent; you have to work at it every day,” says Diane. She established a routine for herself and suggested that for any aspiring writers to do the same. her inspiration comes from various things in her own life as well as curiosity in other time periods and around the world subjects. She mainly just wanted to write the type of books that she read when she was a child. This woman is incredible and writes beautifully; I highly suggest her books for any bookworms out there!

On Thursday May 19, 2011, James M. Jordan came to Del Dios and had some curious things to showcase to the sixth graders. Mr. Jordan brought a Python, African Monitor, Columbian Boa Constrictor, and two toads! First he gave a little science lesson on Consumers and Producers then walked around answering questions that the students had about the toads. We were Photo by Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer able to touch and pet the toads in their cage. The particular toads that were viewed were was that snakes don’t necessarily try to kill you by strangling you. Snakes long for the desert dwellers. Next he brought out a python that slith- warmth that our bodies give off and tighten ered and crept up his arms and neck. The their grip on our bodies to get that heat. But python is a reptile who mainly dwells in in reality they’re stopping it. In snake logic, if they squeeze tighter then they will get treetops and eats mice. The next creepy crawler showcased was warmer but instead they would get colder the African Lizard Monitor. The monitor and we could die. Mr. James has been is generally a lazy working at the Museum animal who rarely of Natural History for moves unless it is twenty years. I had the absolutely necesprivilege of interviewing sary, but when it’s him after the presentaneeded he moves tion and he told me that with such speed it’s he’s been bitten by evdifficult to see him! erything from spiders to When food comes rattle snakes! across he eats even He told me another inif he is not hungry, teresting story as well. only because he He was surfing in Mexmay not know when ico wearing a shark suit. his next meal could The shark suit consisted be. He stores all of of chain mail and yet a the fat from his prey shark came up and bit in his tail. Even if through it! He also has he hasn’t eaten in a photos of he himself petlong while the Afriting wild sting rays at the can Monitor has fat reef where Steve Irwin stored in his tail to Photo by Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer the Crocodile Hunter help keep it alive. was stung by a sting ray Last but certainly not least was his very own Columbian and killed! I had the great experience of meeting this Boa Constrictor named Rojita. Rojita was a monstrous reptile who wrapped tightly man and if you want to as well just go to around Mr. James’ body. An interesting the Museum of Natural History and see fact that was shared with us by Mr. James him for yourself!

6 Even More Campus News Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

ESCONDIDO 8TH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT NATION’S CAPITOL: WASHINGTON D.C. By Shannon Isley and Karley Salas, Contributing Writers

On April 16, kids from Del Dios, Rincon, and Hidden Valley met in the Del Dios parking lot to say good bye to their families and wait to be taken to the San Diego airport for the eighth grade Washington D.C trip. A total of about 50 kids and some parents and teachers went to D.C for a week to learn about the birth of this nation. Locations include Washington D.C, Philadelphia, Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Gettysburg, Fort McHenry, and many others.

PLUS CLASS ORGANIZES PEACE ACTIVITIES

Photo by Yearbook Staff

By Danny Brutout and Noel Diaz, Staff Writers

On March 22, 2011, PLUS classes led by PLUS Advisor, Mr. Ricchuitti, organized lunchtime activies promoting peace on our campus and in our communities. Activities included face painting, raffles, and music. Yearbook photographers captured the moments and fun was had by all.

Photo by Yearbook Staff

Mr. Ricchiutti and Alexis Cortez, take care of the music and announcements during the lunchtime festivities. Sixth grade students (above) enjoy the activities and face painting!

Shannon Isley, Lauren Shinn, Karlee Robinson and Karley Salas pose for a photo in “The Bread Line,” a monument representing the Great Depression at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial located in the National Mall in Washington D.C. President Roosevelt is best known for his efforts to aid the American people during the Great Depression, promising a “chicken in every pot.”

“My favorite learning experience from D.C. was at the Newseum and learning about how different ammendments applied to everyday life. My favorite fun part of the trip was definitely hanging out with my friends in the hotel room.” - Karley Salas “My favorite learning part of the museum was the Benjamin Franklin Science Museum because there were lots of fun and interactive exhibits. My favorite one was the sports exhibit because we got to play with sports stuff like rock climbing, soccer games, racing and surfing. My favorite non-learning parts were the plane rides and the hotel.” - Shannon Isley “My favorite parts of the trip were watching students make connections between what they were seeing and what we had learned in class!” - Mrs. Middleton, 8th Grade U.S. History “I loved how well-coordinated the whole trip was. The tours were fantastic and getting through the museums and various places we went was so smooth and organized. That’s a good thing on a trip like this!” - Mrs. Horton, 8th Grade U.S. History

Photo by Shannon Isley

Alan Ramirez, Karlee Robinson and Kelly Swayze test their skills as news reporters at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Maybe Alan should stick to his day job as “Mr. Field Marker Guy” or even President in Training! (below) Just kidding, Alan, we love you!

Photo by Shannon Isley

National History Museum in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, students were not admitted after sunset and didn’t get the opportunity to see the museum come to life! Maybe next time.

If you will be in 8th grade next year, start saving your money now so that you can attend this amazing trip! You won’t regret it!

Photo by Linda Isley, Honorary Staff Photoagrapher

XENA MARTINEZ WINS 1ST PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY IN ESCONDIDO YOUTH MEDIA FESTIVAL By Mrs. Murphy, Editor-in-Chief and Xena Martinez, Yearbook

Friday night, June 3, 2011, at 7:00 their shot. Xena chose the insect and contest. She won! First place!! pm, Xena Martinez held her breath as flower shot while Catherina selected Congratulations, Xena! Thanks for the winners were announced for the another flower. bringing home the first place award photography division. As he opened Xena titled her photograph, “Flower for Del Dios as well as yourself! the envelope, the tension in the air with a Friend” and entered it in the heightened. He announced “Flower with a Friend” and Xena’s heart soared! She went up to the stage to accept her award and thanked Mr. de Neve, her yearbook advisor; her mom and her sister. She beamed with pride as she left with her award. Seventh grader, Xena Martinez, was inspired to enter the photography contest by Mr. de Neve, her Yearbook Advisor. “Well, he told me I had to do it. No, really, he just encouraged us all to enter the contest. He wanted us to try something new and work on our photography skills.” Xena and her fellow yearbook staff member, Catherina Cojulun were walking around campus trying to find things to photograph. The girls were thinking of taking pictures of flowers Photo by Xena Martinez, 7th Grade, Yearbook Student and birds. Catherina saw an insect “Flower with a Friend” photograph takes 1st place at Escondido Youth Media on some flowers and the girls set up Festival sponsored by the Escondido Education Foundation.

Photo by Shannon Isley

The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. is a spiritual resource for our nation: a great and beautiful edifice and an indispensable ministry for people of all faiths and perspectives.

Photo by Shannon Isley

National History Museum in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, students were not admitted after sunset and didn’t get the opportunity to see the museum come to life! Maybe next time.

Summer Challenge Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

LEND A HAND: SMALL WAYS TO MAKE A BIG DO-IT-NOW CHALLENGE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

By Maria Pineda and Andrea Hernandez, Staff Writers

If you like the idea of helping others but don’t know where to start, then this page will give you some things to think about. If you’re already a big help around the house or with others, you might be ready for some fresh ideas. Either way, we’ll give you some great ideas! Read on! One of the most important things to consider when you want to help out and make a difference is that you don’t have to change the whole world. Start small and then move on to bigger things. On this page and the next two you’ll read about small

ways that kids and adults from all over the world are finding ways to heal, help and make a big difference by being the change they wish to see in the world. One of the best things about helping others is what you get by giving: confidence, a feeling of being needed, a sense of pride and accomplishment, new friends and fun. So roll up your sleeves, keep reading, and get ready to make your mark on the world by making it a better place - one small act at a time!

Lending a hand doesn’t need to be a big commitment! You can do all of the suggestions below right now and start giving back immediately! Each idea takes just a few minutes, but it will make a big difference and a lasting impression for on your family and friends. 1. Call your grandmother just to see how she’s doing. 2. Put away a toy your brother or sister left out. 3. Load or unload the dishwasher or dry the dishes and put them away. 4. Put a note into your family members pocket or jacket pocket telling them

how much you appreciate them. 5. Hang up or put away your clothes without being asked. 6. Offer to do a chore at home that someone else usually does. 7. Make a collage poster for your friend using magazine pictures of her favorite music singer or band. 8. Clean out a junk drawer. 9. Tell your parents you love them. 10. Offer to help a friend clean out her backpack or notebook. 11. Write a compliment to someone and put it in your school newspaper’s mailbox for printing.

HELPFUL WAYS FOR YOU TO “DO, GIVE AND SAY” By Mrs. Murphy, Editor

Look for ways to volunteer your time and energy by doing things like putting groceries away at home, bringing dessert to a neighbor, raking your grandparents’ yard, or being a good listener to your friend. There are all kinds of ways to give you time. Here are some suggestions for volunteering: •

• • • • • •

Bake cookies and deliver them to a firehouse or police station with a hand-made card to let those workers know how much you appreciate their service Make a card for new neighbors to welcome them to your neighborhood Help watch the younger kids at your church day care Pull weeds from your grandmother’s yard or neighbor’s yard Make breakfast for your younger siblings if you don’t already Leave a thank-you note for your mail carrier, wishing him or her a great day Write a kind note for someone at your school and have it published in the school newspaper or read over the morning announcements

BE A GOOD FRIEND By Maria Pineda and Andrea Hernandez, Staff Writers

Here are some great ways for you to show your friends just how much you care about them and your friendship! 1. Help tutor her in a subject she struggled with this year. Make time to work together over the summer. 2. Pet-sit when she and her family are on vacation. 3. Help him babysit his siblings. 4. Help her organize or clean her bedroom. 5. Help him with practicing for his next big game, then go and cheer him on! 6. Write a compliment to him or her and put it in your school newspaper’s mailbox for printing.

GIVE

Donate your old clothes, toys, books, and other items for a great way to give back and clean out your closet! Your home is probably filled with all kinds of things that you and your family aren’t using, but that other people or organizations need. Here are some examples of things to donate that you can work with your parents to give: •

•

• •

•

Ask neighbors and family members for old towels, extra garbage bags, and rags for animal shelters to use for cleaning Clip coupons to give to a local food bank. Food banks used coupons to get discounts on food they need to stock pantry shelves. Give old books to your local library. Do you have any birthday presents or holiday presents that you haven’t removed from their boxes? Take unopened gifts - like dolls, games, and other toys - to a children’s hospital. Check with your local vet to see if she might need any of your pet’s used items. You may be able to give old collars, leashes, toys, water bowls, or cages to be used by animals staying overnight for surgery or boarding. Collect old books and magazines and give them to a local clinic for the waiting room.

EARN

Raise money to help your school, local animal shelter, community center, state park, or other organization pay for things it needs. Charity organizations often just need money so that they can keep doing what they do best. There are all kinds of ways to raise money - and have fun doing it, too. Get help from a parent to try a few of these: • • • •

•

Ask family, friends and neighbors to sponsor you in a walk-a-thon or a 5K run/ride Organize a yard sale or garage sale in your neighborhood and donate your earnings to a special cause Sell homemade cookies, cakes, pies or other sweet treats and donate your earnings Work with your principal and fellow students to hold a charity dance or a fun fair to raise funds for a new gym floor or more supplies for the art class Hand-make items to sell at a yard sale or for donating to organizations that might need them: make baby blankets for premature babies at a local hospital; make scarves for disadvantaged families; make fleece blankets for a pet shelter

KIDS DOING GOOD IN THE REAL WORLD! Original article by Lindsay Fiori, The Journal Times Pieces of the article are reprinted with permission from TheJournalTimes.com

Burlington's Karcher Middle School held main student organizer and played a lead role its first Community Clean-Up Day Thurs- in securing the grant that allowed the project day, April 21, 2011. About 525 seventh- and to happen. eighth-grade stuFor the Youth dents spent the As Resources afternoon cleangrant applicaing up Burlingtion, Sammi ton area parks. said she had The project was to describe the made possible project plan in by a Youth As detail including a Resources grant budget and what obtained by supplies would Karcher eighthbe needed. Then grader Sammi she and two Robers. other students The students’ had to present efforts were the project bepart of Karcher fore the Youth Middle School’s As Resources Photo by Scott Anderson, © The Journal Times, Permission Granted Board, which is Community Clean-Up Day made up of adults held for the first time Thursday. For the and other students who chose grant winners. event, Karcher’s 525 seventh- and eighth“It makes it look better than trash lying grade students spent the afternoon clean- around,” said seventh-grader Jesse Procto, ing up 38 sites around Burlington including 13, as he stacked sticks in a pile for eventual parks, playgrounds, bike trails and more. removal. “And it’s to show other people that Sammi was taking photos for an event re- it’s not that hard to pick up some stuff and flection book because she was the project’s make it look like how it should.”

SAY

Speak out about things you care about. You can teach those around you why it’s important to save energy or recycle plastic bottles or whatever else is important to you. You can also stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves, like animals and children. Want your voice to be heard? Try these ideas: •

•

• •

Give a speech about an important issue at school, church or a parents’ group, or to clubs you belong to Work with a parent or teacher to write your own blog or create a website where you give the facts, details, and other information about a cause you’re passionate about With permission from Mom or Dad, make a video about your cause and post it online Start a club with friends and hold meetings to share information and make a plan to help preserve or protect things like endangered species or wilderness areas that need your help

START THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR RIGHT By Maria Pineda and Andrea Hernandez, Staff Writers

When parents don’t have a lot of money, their children may not have the school supplies they need to start off the school year right. Spend some time over the summer collecting extra school supplies to donate to schools in your area. Things like backpacks, pencils, erasers, notebooks, paper, binders, and folders are needed most. The schools will help pass out the supplies to students in need. Check with the school’s counseling department or front office to see who can help you with your donation. Want to give something more than pens, pencils, and rulers? Coordinate a backpack drive. Ask friends, neighbors, and members of your scout troop, church group, or sports team to purchase and donate backpacks filled with all kinds of new school supplies. Make it easy for donors by working with the school to put a shopping list together of needed supplies.

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR SAM ABED

MS. SIMPSON’S STUDENTS SHINE

Staff Writers

By Tino Quinonez and Monica Perez,

Photo by Spirit of the Dragon, photographer

Reporters Tino Quinonez and Monica Perez interviewed Mayor Sam Abed at City Hall. They were introduced to Councilman Ed Gallo just before their conversation. Mayor Abed was impressed with the reporters and encouraged them to continue to seek out and report on important issues in the community.

Spirit:Who has inspired you the most? Mayor: Ronald Reagan, and the American Dream. Those are the reasons why I’m in this country. Spirit:What changes do you envision for our city? Mayor: Basically we need to change the direction of the city in many ways. I created a vision for the city. I have 8 policy goals and will continue to work toward achieving them. Spirit:If our whole district is based on reading comprehension and literacy, why is it that you are closing the East Valley Library Branch? Mayor: We talked about how the finances need to be within a budget. The city used to have $85 million dolalrs in spending allowances but the budget went down to $75 million. The city needs to find a way to make up for a $15 million difference. We lost a third of our budget and we have $35 million to work with for resources. With our budget down we have to stick with the basics which would be the police and fire departments and their pensions. We have to live within our income. Spirit:With the East Valley Branch Library closed what will happen to the students who can’t come to the Main Library? Mayor: It is a problem and I understand. We are talking to the library people and to the school district. You know, we are in charge of public services and the school has their own budget, their own government, and their own board of trustees. When we had money, we provided recreational services. But now we are considering shutting those down as well. The high school budget is almost 3 times much as the city’s. The schools are struggling to get money from the government. The district is letting teachers go and shutting down recreational programs. Not a hopeful way to end the conversation. Sometimes, we didn’t feel like we got real answers to our questions. Mayor Sam Abed’s is doing his part to bring justice and change to the city of Escondido. He is working hard to find ways to keep the parks and public places, all while working with the little budget that the city has. “It’s better to keep our fire and police department strong in order to keep our city safe.” Mayor Sam Abed is trying to bring change to the city of Escondido by making it a safer, better living environment to its citizens.

“

By Kayla Douglas and Noel Diaz,

After attending “Earth, Justice and Spirit” a teacher institute presented by The Heritage Institute on Whidbey Island, WA, during the summer of 2010, middle school teacher Kelly Simpson knew she needed to acting on the changes she wished to see in her community. Ms. Simpson, a passionate artist, yearned to bring the joys of painting to her students. She began brainstorming ways to make it happen. At the same time, she initiated conversations with her students about the ways they could bring changes to their community; each student finding a passion of his own. Noel and I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Simpson’s students, in Oregon, via Skype! We interviewed many of the students who are in the process of making a difference on their campus and in the world. Cristian Arroyo made posters about sending letters to soldiers and how important it is to support them. Pedro Fregoso and Fatima Cedeno collected plastic bags along the beach to help save the sea creatures that live along the coast line. They also made posters and plastered them all around their campus informing students of the dangers of littering, and how it can harm the animals. Victor Lopez made posters about how poaching animals is terrible and how to stop it. Kith Kith Jr. and Pablo Oachao both created posters informing the people of their community and school to stop racism. Xiomra Romero helped by informing the public on how to help save chimps. In order to do this she also created a beautiful poster. Kayla Montoya was concerned about the kaola’s food sources drastically dropping, so in order to do her part in helping saving them she posted up hand-made posters on how to help them and what exactly is going on with the kaolas. Ms. Simpson’s class was recognized at a school board meeting for their outstanding service work and for working as a team to help better their environment and be involved in helping their community. They ARE “being the change”! Thank you for inspiring us and taking the time to share your stories! We look forward to talking with you next year to see your progress!

The bes to give to y is forgiv to an oppone to a friend, to your child, a to a father, to your conduct that will mak to yourself to all mankin

Photo by Mrs. Murphy, Newspaper Advisor

- Arthur Jam

Photo by Mrs. Murphy, Newspaper Advisor

(top) Students in Kelly Simpson’s ELD class in Portland, Oregon tell newspaper reporters, Noel Diaz and Kayla Douglas (pictured above) about their service projects. In the small window you can see newspaper advisor, Mrs. Murphy, taking the photograph as Kayla leans to the side. In the photo above, Noel and Kayla listen to the students and take notes for their article (left). Photo by Maggie Seymour The Heritage Institute, Whidbey Island, WA

Teachers from around the world gathered at the first “Earth, Justice, and Spirit” Institute, July 2010. From left to right, back row: Claire Long, Questa, New Mexico; Shannon MacKinnon, Tacoma, WA; Kelly Doran, Tacoma, WA; Kim Swan, Monterey, CA; Tony Ricchiuti, Escondido, CA; Catherine Chilton-Werner, Fargo, ND; Mike Seymour (Director of The Heritage Institute), Whidbey Island, WA; Catherine Molloy, Dublin, Ireland. From left to right, front row: Vicky Wong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Roberta Salazar, Arroyo Seco, NM; Lindsay MacDonald, Bellingham, WA; Kelly Simpson, Portland, OR; Sarah Mook, North Moreton, United Kingdom; Amy Murphy, Escondido, CA; Mike McSweeney, Tacoma, WA; and Beril Kaya, Naples, Italy. To learn more about what this group is doing, visit Be the Change Network at www.btcnet.org.

FORMER MAYOR LORI HOLT PFEILER: AGENT OF CHANGE By Monica Perez and Tino Quinonez, Staff Writers

Photo by Spirit of the Dragon, photographer

Reporters Tino Quinonez and Monica Perez listen intently as former mayor, Lori Holt-Pfeiler talks about tough issues. Former mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler is an agent of change. From the moment she took office, she believed in making a difference in our community by adding public places, such as parks. She believes that children need places to go to enjoy a nice afternoon out with their family versus being out in the streets causing no good. She believes we, as kids, have the right to

stay at our local library or school and enjoy activities or get help with homework, and have lots of options in order to stay away from and out of trouble. Although she opposes some of the decisions being made by current Mayor Sam Abed, she understands for anyone to be elected, a community has to cast its votes and, “this is what the community asked

for.” It was inspiring to see that she has a healthy respect for the citizens’ decisions. So even if she isn’t so happy with the new changes,she accepts them. Overall, she just wants whats best for the community. Thank you, Mayor Pfeiler, for being an example of respectful change - you’re a good role model for us!

ange

You Wish to See?

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

N DESIRE TO BE CHANGE AGENTS IN TIES AND WORLD HE SAME, ONE CAUSE AT A TIME

Photo by Mrs. Murphy, Newspaper Advisor

(top) Reporters Andrea Hernandez, left, and Maria Pineda Gomez, right, talk with Mrs. Sue Glascoe about The North Star Bridge Project via Skype. Mr. Nuthall, Del Dios Principal, gets to ask a few questions, too! (pictured above) The North Star Bridge Project website (left) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping students in need become self-sufficient. Website image created by Peter H. Reynolds for The North Star Bridge Project, www.thenorthstarbridgeproject.org

(far left) Lee Glascoe, co-founder of The North Star Bridge Project, with their first student, Michael. (left) Peter H. Reynolds, children’s book author and illustrator, serves as Vice President to the non-profit organization. Visit their website to learn more.

TARIQ KHAMISA FOUNDATION

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

THE NORTH STAR BRIDGE PROJECT

By Maria Pineda Gomez and Andrea Hernandez, Staff Writers

We asked Mrs. Glascoe lots of questions about The North Star Bridge Project. Here’s what we learned. Who inspired you? When she was small she read a book, it was about being the change. This inspired her. When she was teaching she had a student who was helpless, so she decided to help him with simple things, like food. What are your hopes for the future of your organization? She hopes that they will all be successful people. She also hopes that they help the community. Right now she’s a math teacher at a community school has two awesome boys that are eager to help people. She’s happily married with her husband, named Lee Glascoe. Where did you begin? We began with Mesa Community College, where I currently teach. We have students who attend other colleges, now, who we are also helping, but our ambassadors (folks who help us identify students who fit the program) are only at Mesa CC for now. My husband and I do all the “leg” work, so we cannot have more than 5 or 6 students at one time in the program, until we grow the program to add more funding and to add more volunteers who can work one-on-one with the students. When you connect what happens afterward? Mrs. Glascoe and her family meet with the student and look at their grades. The student needs to show financial needs, like car payment, apt, food, etc. They also need to fill out an application and a three-page paper explaining why they should be in the program. Mrs. Glascoe specifically tell them to bring their own payment and they write the payment directly to the landowner. They try to keep in contact with the student at least once or twice a month. The organization tries to keep them in school and they’re always in contact even though the students don’t need financial help anymore. They check with them every three months, even after they graduate they’re still connected. Mrs. Glascoe said, “If they need help we’re always their for them.” Why did you decide to do this project? I teach at a community college and I have come across many students who have needed financial help to stay in school. I have been able to put gas in their car or help them purchase a book or two, but never really very much. Two years ago I found out one of my students was homeless and he was needing to move out of the friend’s house he was staying at. His father had left him when he was a baby and his mother left him on his birthday when he was a young teenager. CPS had been taking care of him, but he was now 18 and they would only help him with his college tuition. My husband and I decided we would help him get into an apartment, pay for his food month to month (we took him to Costco and filled up his freezer every month) and some of his utility bills until he could get on his feet. We found a job for him at the college, along with more financial help. Through this process we found our passion in helping students stay in college. Because of this student we decided to start “The North Star Bridge Project”, and created a 501(c)(3) non-profit so we could make sure we had dedicated funds to help more students. We help 3-6 students stay in school every semester. We had our first graduate finish school and now she and her family are giving back to help other students follow their North Star! How did you accomplish this project? My husband, Lee Glascoe, helped me start the project and filled out all the paperwork to be an official 501(c)(3), he is also the treasure and handles all of our taxes. Lee helps every student in our project by sitting down with them and creating a budget for them to live within. Every three months he creates a new budget with them, and our assistance changes based on the new budget. Many students have needed less help only after about 6 months! Many are completely financially independent now! Peter H. Reynolds was my inspiration for finding my passion and making it happen! 14 years ago he sent my son, (then age 1) a dedicated copy of The North Star. I read it to him every day! I KNEW after reading it that someday I would use the book to help me find and fulfill my passion in life! After my husband and I helped the homeless student we both wanted to start a non-profit and Peter’s book came rushing to mind! I had finally found my passion, 12 years later! I asked Peter if I could name the non-profit “The North Star Project”. He had a better idea and added in the word “Bridge” - it was perfect! He designed our logo for us and has been our Vice President for the past two years.

By Monica Perez, Staff Writer

Photo by TKF Foundation

Founders of the TKF Foundation, “Too many victims.” On Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 8th grade students from Del Dios Middle School got a special visit from TKF (Tariq Khamisa Foundation). They came to deliver a message to us students. “Violence is NEVER the answer.” Two speakers came to share their story, why they started this foundation, and what it’s all about. One speaker, named Azim Khamisa

spoke about his experience with violence and how it changed his life forever. Azim Khamisa’s son, Tariq Khamisa, was killed due to arrogant gang members. Tariq Khasima was merely 20 years old when he was shot once, and instantly killed while delivering pizzas on a Saturday night. Tariq Khamisa was a student at SDSU. He lived with his fiancée in an apartment in San Diego. After Tariq’s death, his fiancée fell into drugs, and lived an

unsteady lifestyle. Seven years after he had passed away, his fiancée commited suicide. The second speaker, named Ples Felix spoke about his experience. His grandson, Tony Hicks, was the one who shot and killed Tariq on that Saturday night. Tony’s actions where due to anger he was feeling since that Saturday morning. He was feeling anger towards his mother, his father he never had a chance to have a relationship with, and at his

grandfather. Ples had always pushed Tony in a caring and loving way, into being a better person. Clearly, Tony wasn’t in his right state of mind that morning when he ran away, and did his foolish actions. So as a result, one foolish mistake landed him in a 25-year sentence in prison. Tony’s so called “homies” who claimed to have his back no matter what, were the first to point fingers at him. But they were also put in jail. Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix eventually started talking, and became close friends. Azim Khamisa came up with the idea to start this foundation, and Ples Felix happily joined him. They started this foundation to help teens all around the world avoid situations like the one they were involved in. My thoughts on the assembly are that Azim and Ples BOTH delivered a strong message; you could tell by the face on the students that their story caught EVERYONE’S attention. I really liked how Azim and Ples were both there and how they got to be close friends after everything that happened. Another strong message they delivered was that in order to forgive someone, you must learn to forgive yourself. Ples challenged us to pray for forgiveness within ourselves, and he said that he guaranteed if we learned to forgive ourselves, our life would be a bit easier. “You can’t stop violence with Violence.” It’s true, and there we had Azim and Ples as an example. Instead if getting revenge on one another, they forgave each other, and kept moving forward despite the struggle. Thank you TKF for coming to DDMS and delivering this strong message to our students! You certainly got a message through to all of us who attended.

The Trophy Case

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

DEL DIOS STUDENTS WIN HONORS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL! By Noel Diaz, Staff Writer

DEL DIOS MESA WINNERS!!

Students here at Del Dios are doing amazing things in the classroom. But they’re also doing amazing things OUTSIDE of the classroom. We encourage you to share your accomplishments with the rest of the school, right here in our new section: The Trophy Case. Congratulations to our first three honorees! Take a look at what these three have to say about winning first place.

The following students won at the County competition held at SDSU last Saturday. Be sure to congratulate them all.

Kasandra Castaneda

Homer Gibbs

Harnoor Kaur Bopari

Contributed by Mr. Lutgen, MESA Advisor

Brenda Lopez, Grade 7 Popscicle Stick Bridges, 1st Place Pre-Algebra Math Carlos Ortiz, Grade 8 Mousetrap Cars, 2nd Place Crystal Chavero Grade 8 Manila Bridges, 2nd Place Ernesto Lopez, Grade 8 Wind Turbines, 1st Place Kevin Castillo, Grade 8 Mousetrap Cars, 1st Place Team Math Pre-Algebra, 3rd Place Liliana Guerrero, Grade 8 Manila Bridges, 2nd Place

“Practice. Practice. Practice. And you will do better.”

1st Place: Basketball

“Don’t stop trying until you get it done.”

1st Place: Media Competition

“Never give up and keep trying.”

1st Place: Dance Competition

ONE-DAY CONTESTS AT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR GREATER SAN DIEGO SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR 2011 AWARDS RESULTS By Noel Diaz

The San Diego County Fair has many one-day contests this summer. Some are for

cooks, some are for crafters and artists and some are for people who just like to have fun! Take a look at the contests below and make it your goal to bring home the 1st Place Blue Ribbon!! For more information on any of the contests listed, be sure to check out the fair’s website at: www.sdfair.com then click on contests.

Daily Contests:

Pie Eating Contest

The fair will be serving huge slices of Coco’s pies. Compete in your age group no hands or forks allowed but bibs will be provided. Date: Daily: noon on the Plaza Stage Registration: Enter at the Fair, just before the contest starts. All ages!

Three O’Clock Fun

Come compete for the blue ribbon in the Hula Hoop contest, Potato Sack races and many other traditional “picnic” contests. Date: Daily: 3:00 pm. in the Infield Contest Area Registration Deadline: Enter at the Fair just before the contest.

Home Grown Contests: Fruits & Veggies Contest

Bring a homegrown fruit or vegetable to the Fair. Date: Saturday, June 18 Registration: Enter at the Fair, just before the contest starts. All ages! More information is posted online for this event.

Zucchini Contest

Bring a homegrown zucchini to the Fair. Date: Saturday, June 25 Registration: Enter at the Fair, just before the contest starts. All ages! More information is posted online for this event.

One-Day Contests:

Garage Band

Choose your instruments from our “garage.” Form your band and march to a different drummer. Dates: Saturday, June 11; Wednesday, June 15; Thursday, June 23 Time: 2:30 pm. Location: Infield Contest Area Registration: Enter at the Fair, just before the contest starts. All ages!

Bubble Gum Blowing Contest

Get ready, get set... go for it!!! Who can blow the biggest bubble?? Dates: Tuesday, June 14; Tuesday, June 21; Friday, June 24 Time: 2:30 pm. Location: Albertsons Infield Stage Registration: Enter at the Fair, just before the contest starts. All ages!

Contributed by Mrs. Belfast, Science Teacher

Marisabel Pedroza, Grade 7 Popscicle Stick Bridges, 1st Place Math Michael Paredes, Grade 8 Mousetrap Cars, 2nd Place Nataly Tapia, Grade 8 Team Math Pre-Algebra, 3rd Place Raul Castaneda, Grade 8 Wind Turbines, 1st Place Rodolfo Rodriguez, Grade 8 Mousetrap Cars, 1st Place Team Math Pre-Algebra, 3rd Place Samuel Garcia, Grade 8 Wind Turbines, 1st Place

1st place Zachary Fox (7th) Medicine Alan Norrigan (7th) Physics Nataly Tapia (8th) Chemistry 2nd place Shayna Cruz (7th) Biochemisty Xena Martinez (7th) Physics Shannon Isley (8th) Chemistry 3rd place Christopher Do (7th) Engineering Michael Paredes (8th) Microbiology Cris Quinonez (8th) Environmental Karlee Robinson (8th) Physics

Photo by Marie Belfast, DDMS Science Teacher

Greater San Diego Science Fair winners from left to right: Zach Fox, Christopher Do, and Alan Norrigan.

Best Animal Noise Dates: Friday, June 17; Wednesday, June 22; Tuesday, June 28 Time: 2:30 pm. Location: Albertsons Infield Stage Registration: Enter at the Fair, just before the contest starts. All ages!

Most Patriotic Costume Contest

Happy 4th of July! Come dressed in your finest red, white and blue and compete for the Blue Ribbon! Date: Monday, July 4 Time: 2:30 pm. Location: Albertsons Infield Stage Registration: Enter at the Fair, just before the contest starts. All ages!

Photo by Marie Belfast, DDMS Science Teacher

Greater San Diego Science Fair winners from left to right: (front) Zach Fox, Shayna Cruz, and Xena Martinez; (back) Karlee Robinson, Shannon Isley, Nataly Tapia, Michael Paredes and Cristino Quiñonez. Winners attended the Science competition with teachers Sarah Moghal and Marie Belfast.

Memories

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

Photo by Yearbook Staff 8th Grade Team tied the staff “Brittle Bones” team in football. Left to right, front: Ismael Rodriguez, Hector Mendez, Jose Camazho, Gilbert Gallegos, Kevin Castillo, and Michael Paredes. Back: Saul Martinez, Ray Ortega, Noah Lussier, Charly Castillo, Jonathan Cope and Jose Gallegos.

Photo by Yearbook Staff 8th “Brittle Bones” team, left to right, front: Mrs. Jaquess, Ms. Robson and Mr. Ngo. Back: Mr. Wagner, Mr. Jaquess, Mr. Chen, Mrs. Eldridge, and Mr. Johnsin.

Photo magically by Mr. de Neve, who is actually NOT Irish. But still maages to have some magical powers. Hmmm. Go figure. Students in Mr. White’s class had the luck o’ the Irish on St. Patrick’s day when they were visited by a leprechaun!

Photo by Kayla Douglas, Newspaper Staff Band and chorus members board the tram and get ready for a fun day at Disneyland! The band and chorus participated in “Music in the Parks”, read more on page 3.

Photo by Yearbook Staff Del Dios Dustbusters Mr. Samuel, Mr. Danny, Mr. Albert and Mr. Phil. Mr. Danny joined us this year as our day custodian and helped our campus look amazing. Mr. Samuel will be moving to Bear Valley to be near his son who is starting 6th grade in the fall. Mr. Albert is retiring and will be enjoying his permanent vacation very soon!

Photo by Mrs. Murphy 8th graders Eva Salinas, Alan Ramirez, Charly Castillo and Angie Escobedo have one last day of messin’ around before heading off to high school! Bye guys! We’ll miss you!.

Photo by Yearbook Staff Talent show “crazies” from left to right, front: Mrs. Flaherty, Raven Strankman, Alan Norrigan, Erin Brandt, Melissa Gleason, and Kathryn Bowden. Back: Genesis Renteria, Marisabel Pedroza, Mackenzie Brooke, Brenda Lopez, Mystery Woman, Katie Echevarria, and Crystal Chavero.

Photo by Jackie Magadan, Yearbook Eleazor has the tip-off during boys’ basketball at lunch while Kevin, Chris and Davion look on.

Summer Reading Guide

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

CLEOPATRA VII: DAUGHTER OF THE NILE Written by Kristiana Gregory Reviewed by Andrea Hernandez, Staff Writer

Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, by Kristiana Gregory, is the biographical diary of Cleopatra VII. Written in first person point view, it takes place in Egypt, 57 B.C., over the span of 3 year diary entries. In this book, she is twelve years old. She loves to discuss history, politics, the economy, and religion with her two only friends, Olympus and Theophilus. Cleopatra is a smart girl who knows many languages, including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. She is resourceful and compassionate, understanding her people and trying to help them in any way she can. She has a drunkard, jolly father, King Ptomely XII Neos Dionysos Auletes, whom does not do much for the kingdom of Egypt. She has a sister Tryphaena, who wants to be the ruler of Egypt by getting her father off the throne by any means necessary. Tryphaena is considered evil by Cleopatra, and fears her greatly. Cleopatra has another sister, Berenice, whom is empty-headed and fearful, but much older than Cleopatra. She also has a little sister

and two much younger brothers. Cleopatra would dress up as a commoner and walk the streets of Alexandria, looking at the life of her people. Soon, Cleopatra’s father runs away and while Cleopatra goes off to look for her missing father Tyrphaena has a chance to take over the throne. When Cleopatra finally finds her father, Tyrphaena has already banished them both from Egypt. If the two of them tried to come back to Egypt, they would be killed the instant the set foot on Egypt. Cleopatra and her father have no choice but to leave to Rome, which Cleopatra describes as a hot city with beautiful architecture but dirty streets. She meets with General Pompey and Marc Antony, who keep her drunken father and her out of trouble. Cleopatra has to keep her head held high with the criticism of her father’s drunkenness, and the barbarianism of the Romans. Cleopatra misses her homeland though, and yearns to come back to it soon. She would pray to a goddess, Isis, from comfort and guidance, and hope that someday her prayers would be heard, and she could go back to her safe Nile. Soon, it seems her prayers are heard, and something shocking happens. Her father’s followers murder Tryphaena, making it safe to come back to Egypt. She finally comes back, and is relieved to finally stand on her safe haven again. I chose this book to review because I thought the words were vivid, and it just made me want to learn more about the life of brave Cleopatra VII, through her adventures filled with danger and excitement. The story was simply intoxicating, and every entry had me craving for more. Though I think I might have included a little too much, I encourage you to get this great book and follow Cleopatra on her great journey yourself!

THE DEAD MAN IN INDIAN AWAKENED Written by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast CREEK Reviewed by Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer Written by Mary Downing Hahn Reviewed by Danny Brutout, Staff Writer

Awakened is a heartbreaking tragHave you edy but a thrilling, action packed story. ever found a Zoey is faced with and rash choices. dead man in a She has to decide whether to stay in creek? Well, peace and seMatthew Ar- renity with mentrout and Stark or go Parker Petten- back to her gill did on a friends and camping trip face the cold by a river harsh arms of called Indian reality. Death and creek. rule The Dead chaos Man in In- their world as dian Creek lives are lost was written and battles are by Mary Downing Hahn, and is a fiction defeated. Zoey and story. The story is about two kids who went camping for their last weekend of summer Stark’s relationship grows stronger vacation. When they woke up Parker’s dog, and their love deepens, but the loss of Otis, was barking at something and what Heath still haunts Zoey and taints her they saw scared them to death. A dead man! pained mind. With the loss of another close friend Once the police start their investigation, Parker and Matthew get dragged in as sus- Zoey and Stark are forced to return pects. Parker already knows who the killer back to the House Of Night. Neferet is still up to her usual evil acis or he thinks he does. Late at night, sneaking out, getting in tivities but takes it to a new level and trouble and almost getting killed is what a must be taken down soon... This book was inspiring and thrilling. dead man can do to you. My opinion on this book is that it’s really I personally think that it was fantastic funny. There’s a lot of action and it has a and I can’t wait for Destined to come out! twist or two. I hope you read this book!

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: TOUCHING SPIRIT BEAR Written by: Ben Mikelson CITY OF BONES Reviewed by Cristino Quinonez, Written by Cassandra Clare Reviewed by Shannon Isley, Staff Writer

I spend a lot of time in the teen section at my local bookstore. I will be the first to admit to a fantasy addiction- all kinds of fantasy. But lately, I have been drawn to Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments trilogy. Cassandra was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. She lives in Brooklyn with her boyfriend, their two cats, and, these days, even more books. The series starts off with the book, City of Bones. Clary Fray, short for Clarissa, is a normal girl in a normal world. When she sees a blue-haired boy in a night club attacked and killed by a group of three strange-looking teenagers, things change. But when she calls over the nightclub bouncers for help and no one can see the three but Clary, she starts to wonder what is happening. After this encounter Clary’s world is turned upside-down and she is thrown into a world filled with vampires, demons, warlocks, werewolves and other mythical creatures, all hidden from the normal or “mundane” world. Clary is finding out that she is no ordinary human and that she suddenly has the “sight”, not to mention all of the demons bent on killing her. Clary, with the help of her new Shadowhunter friends, learns about this new world she has been thrown into and her own newfound shadowhunter powers. This book is one of my favorites and I guarantee that any one who likes reading fantasy will love it too. It is filled with action, laughter, and romance; it is an absolute must-buy.

BURNED

Written by Ellen Hopkins Reviewed by Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer Burned was a thrilling book with interesting twists all around. Pattyn is a good Mormon girl who always does what she’s told and helps with her five little sisters. Her father is an alcoholic who leaves bruises on her mother from time-to-time. When Derek becomes a part of Pattyn’s life things become different. She starts drinking and fooling around with Derek. When her father finds out, he sends her away to her Aunt J’s for the summer. Pattyn didn’t know what to expect, but if the aunt was anything like her father it was going to be a long and hard summer. Aunt J is nothing like her father and she teaches Pattyn how to drive and ride a horse for the first time. Aunt J reveales some interesting facts about her father that Pattyn never would have thought was possible. Forbidden to date Derek, Pattyn falls in love with Ethan,“the boy next door” to Aunt J’s, but when their relationship hits a speed bump and she’s forced to take drastic measures.

Staff Writer

Some people can’t control their anger issues. Just like our main character, Cole Matthewes. Cole Matthews is a very angry young young man. At the age of 15, he broke into a hardware store and damaged the place. Feeling like he was now “cool” he bragged about it at school. Later a schoolmate, Pete-rats him out, Cole beats Pete resulting in severe head damage. Jailed, Cole meets two unlikely allies that speak about ‘Circle Justice’ and assist in getting him sent to a remote island in Alaska. This realistic fiction book makes it very easy to get the picture going in your mind. From the moment you pick it up to the moment you put it down, you are following every detail and scene that Cole goes through. He has hard times, because his parents are alcoholics and his dad beats him. It’s both, a very sad story and at the same time a story that plays with your emotions and some how makes you lose your hope for Cole, and regain it at the flip of the page. Once on the island, Cole has a near death experience that changes his whole life. He starts to question life on earth and if there really is more to life than just himself.

TTYL

Written by Lauren Myracle Reviewed by Jeredith Peña, Staff Writer

TTYL an abreviation for talk to you later”, is a story written by Lauren Myracle. It is told in instant messages (IM). Three teenagers ; Zoe (Zoe girl), Maddie (Mad Maddie), and Angela (Snow Angel), are in 10th grade and go through friendship problems. This book is in the language that we use in everyday quick texts. For example, ttyl, brb, ttfn, l8trs, and etc. Not all but some do. I believe that this book will attract teens and kids because it’s fun to read a book written in the style that teens use so much. Zoe, Angela, and Maddie’s friendship is the greatest friendship. But then Maddie gets angry and ignores Zoe and Angela. Zoe and Angela worry that their plans to a camping site will get cancelled because the driver was to be Maddie. When it comes to a problem with one friend the other two regroup to help her. I personally recommend this book to girls from 8th grade and up. This book will not only interest them but it will show teenage girls not to act the way Maddie did in her life just to look good. They will learn a big lesson in friendship and how just one picture posted in the internet can do some damage to a person. This book is fiction and geared toward teenagers. It can be found at the Escondido Public Library. I really hope you take the time to check it out and read it. I think you’ll like it!

Summer Plans

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

DO TEACHERS REALLY HIBERNATE FOR THE SUMMER? SUMMER ACTIVITIES! By: Maria Pineda, Staff Writer WE WANT TO KNOW! What are you going to do during summer? If you don’t have anything to do, then consider joining the YMCA and Iceo-plex. YMCA has all kinds of fun things like free family activities, swimming, soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. The YMCA is a benefit for everybody, it helps you keep yourself healthy and there is also a gym so you can work out. If you are interested here is the schedule: Monday-Thursday 5:30am to 7pm Friday 5:30am-8pm. Saturday None Sunday 9am-5pm Membership is required for use of the facilities.

By: Maria Pineda and Andrea Hernandez, Staff Writers

We asked teachers and staff members what their plans are for the summer and this is what they told us:

From Mrs. Schulken, Language Arts My plans are, beach, beach, beach! Also, my family and I plan on doing a camping trip to the Redwoods. Lastly, I plan on getting BIG!!! Editor’s Note: In case you didn’t know already, Mrs. Schulken is expecting her 3rd child - a girl!!! From Mrs. Moon, Science I will be attending the annual 'Moon Family Picnic' near San Luis Obisbo. Over 125 people attend each year...most are Moons. We will be playing games, eating, enjoying a talent show, eating, enjoying the local attractions and did I mention eating. We even have t shirts.

My team and I will be in the nationals tournament for Calif. I will be competing in Houston Texas after school gets out for 3 on 3 women’s basketball. We hope to win the gold medal. I also will be horseback riding at the different wildlife areas around San Diego county with my leopard appaloosa horse named Rusty. From Mrs. Wontorsky, Language Arts My summer plans include a trip to the beautiful and majestic Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where I will enjoy a family reunion and celebration of my niece's graduation from Nursing School. Also, I am looking forward to many walks and picnics at the beach and excursions to LA where my son lives and is the definitive authority on fun places to discover - R & R!

You can also go to the Ice-o-plex where it’s really fun gliding on the ice. It only costs $10 per skater. Every Monday it’s $5 per person 5:30pm-7:00pm. There’s even hockey for adults. If you aren’t going to do anything over the summer, then join the YMCA and go have some fun at the Ice-o-plex. From Mr. and Mrs. Jaquess, Math & Power Reading The Jaquess’ always stay in a cabin with extended family in the Sierra's for a week. We'll be near Mammoth this year. Mr. Jaquess fishes every chance he gets. Mrs. Jaquess loves to go hiking with her dad and sisters. Conner and Morgan Jaquess love both! Morgan likes to fish while floating in a float tube. Conner likes to fish Lake Mamie from shore. We also go beach camping locally at San Elijo State Beach.

From Mrs. Harper, P.E.

From Mrs. Comes, Assistant Principal

MRS. MIDDLETON is traveler, vacationer and learner during the summer holidays. Above you can see her on vacation in Virginia navigating a fine vessel and to the right on holiday in beautiful Hawaii. Mrs. Middleton’s summers usually involve lengthy family vacations (by planes, trains and automobiles) and summer institutes where she learns history so that she can be a better history teacher. This summer, her plans are to take a 3 week, cross country road trip with her family to Texas, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. When she gets back from that trip, she’ll leave for Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia for one week to participate in evaluating a teacher inservice program. After that, she will be home for two days before leaving for a scholar summer institute on slavery for two weeks at Brown University. The following week Mrs. Middleton will meet her family in Santa Barbara. The last week and a half of summer, her family will go to Moab, Utah to see some National Parks.

From Mrs. Candelore

I am going to a family reunion in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My family and I will be staying in Amish Country. The Amish are a small Christian group who believe in living simply... without electricity! Could YOU live without video games, cell phones, or Facebook? Well, Amish kids do!

I loves my summers which include being home with my family so that we can travel to the beach, out of state, and just relax at home. This year, I will be the principal for summer school at Del Dios Middle School. I hope you enjoy your summer with family and friends! From Mrs. Stesiak-Troyer, Language Arts I'll be working with my daughter Annie planning for her wedding July 16! From Mrs. Moghal, Science I will be going on my first visit to Mexico! My husband and I are going on a 7 day cruise to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. One of the excursions includes going to the cove of Las Caletas where we will watch a contemporary dance troupe called "Rhythms of the Night". Happy Summer Everyone!" From Mr. Nuthall, Principal Ride 1,000 miles and spend time with my daughters before they go back to college.

From Mr. Johnsin, Journalism & Language Arts

Summer is my favorite part of the year! From Mrs. Flaherty, Language Arts I spend my summer doing a variety of things. My family and I always like to get in several camping trips. I like going to Holland to visit family. I also work on house projects, such as painting, minor maintenance, etc. Visiting my parents and old friends is also fun. From Mr. White, SDC Usually I teach summer school and work on my yard/house. Fun huh!?! BUT this summer, in addition to doing those things, I have plans to go to Hawaii (Maui) for almost a week and also to RV on the beach in Orange County. Now, that sounds like fun!

From Mrs. Hanson, Langauge Arts This summer I am going to go to Europe for 3 weeks. I am going to Rhode Island first then traveling with my Mom to Germany to spend time with my older brother and his wife who live there. I'll get to see my niece and my great nieces and nephews, and we may also travel down to Verona, Italy where I graduated from High School. It should be a great trip. I can't wait.

From Ms. Ayles, Counseling Every year for 22 days Ms Ayles is at the San Diego County fair from morning to night. You will find her roaming the entrance and exit gates at the fair grounds. If you see her spiky hair, yell her name, she will turn and say hello! After the fair is over, I will spend my summer days on a two week vacation and the beach. This summer I will have a second grandchild and spending lots of time with him!

From Mrs. Belfast, Science My husband and I are planning to go to Costa Rica this summer and enjoy the fauna, flora, wonderful people and live on "Tico Time"!

Not because I don't have to work, but because I get to spend all my time with my daughter, Emily. Other than Christmas and Thanksgiving, it's difficult only seeing my sweet baby on weekends from late August until midJune. We usually venture out to Buccaneer Beach, play Guitar Hero as loudly as we want, rent and watch movies, barbecue almost every day, and swim in our crystal blue pool. And, this year, Dad (Mr. Johnsin) will not be conducting any home improvement projects, so we should have time to add a slew of physical activities to our summer plans.

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

College & Culture

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO By Cristino Quinoñez, Staff Writer

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

A NIGHT AT THE SAN DIEGO OPERA By Erin Brandt, Staff Writer

Eighth grade students from Del Dios Middle School met with Mrs. Helenschmidt to start learning about the San Diego Opera. A docent from the opera met with us to teach us about what we would see and hear. She taught us about different voice heights and depths (sopranos and altos, etc.). At the second meeting, she showed us previous versions of Carmen that had been produced at the San Diego opera. She taught us about costuming, set designs, rehearsing and other “behind-the-scenes” information. She brought musical instruments for us to use to follow the beat of scenes. That was actually pretty fun because you totally got into what was going on. On the night of the opera we carpooled with Mrs. Hanson and Mrs. Helenschmidt. We watched the first two acts. Mr. Wilensky met us during intermission down at the orchestra pit to take our picture. Mr. Wilensky is the director of media relations for the San Diego Opera. I really enjoyed going to the opera and being a part of the event. It really inspired me to make the opera a part of my cultural experiences in the future. I highly recommend you give it a try.

Photo from University of San Diego website photo gallery

Chartered in 1949, the University opened its doors to its first class of students in 1952 as the San Diego College for women. In September 1954, the San Diego College for men and the School of Law opened. These two schools originally occupied Bogue Hall on the same site of University High School, which would later become the home of the University of San Diego High School. The campus is located approximately two miles north of downtown San Diego, on the north crest of Mission Valley of Linda Vista. There are more than 100 student organizations, including about 10 fraternities and sororities. As a Roman catholic institution, the University Ministry coordinates retreats and immersion trips and daily mass services.

The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice opened in the fall of 2007 and was built thanks to Mrs. Kroc's gift of $75 million to not only teach peace, but make peace. The first Master’s level graduate students entered the Kroc Institute in 2008 for a 12-month program. In August 2009, the master's program added a 17-month track and the first seven graduates completed their studies in December 2010. The university of San Diego offers undergraduate degrees with a wide assortment of majors and minors, graduate degrees with many areas of specialization, several certificate programs, and teacher credential programs recognize by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

George Bizet’s “Carmen” is about a painfully beautiful young gypsy, who falls in love with a soldier, named Don Jose. Don Jose decides to leave his beloved fiance, Micaela, for Carmen. But after a while, Carmen leaves Don Jose for a “Toreador” named Escamillo. Jose strikes Photo by Edward Wilenski, Director of Media Relations, San Diego Opera with jealousy and creates an emotional fire that could destroy them all. Unfortunately, we only saw two acts, and there is still more to come! If you’re interested to know what happens, the San Diego Opera website has a great study guide and short video to give you the scoop! Thank you Mrs. Helenschmidt and Mrs. Hanson for bringing this experience to Del Dios and taking us. Thank you to the San Diego Opera for hosting our student night visit, and to Mr. Wilensky for meeting with us and taking our picture.

Photo from Carmen, San Diego Opera Used with permission

Campus Life

*Residential campus: 95 percent of freshman and 46 percent of undergraduates live on campus. *10 separate living areas, with styles ranging from shared rooms to apartments. *Member, West Coast Conference and Pioneer Football League. *17 NCAA Division I teams, 19 sports clubs, many recreation clubs and fitness classes. *Five national fraternities and six national sororities. *Student Life Pavilion offers dining options, student activities, and a full-service market.

ESCONDIDO PUBLIC LIBRARY MAIN LIBRARY 239 SOUTH KALMIA STREET ESCONDIDO CA, 92025 760-839-4683

Photo from Carmen, San Diego Opera Used with permission

DEL DIOS LIBRARY

THE SAT: PAY ATTENTION, YOU’RE GOING TO NEED IT!

Our Del Dios Library has thousands of books that are waiting to be used. Everyday I see people going in and out of the library carrying books, most of them easy to read. Mrs. Clark is in the library in the mornings, nutrition, during your classes, and after school, so you have all day to grab a great book and get lost in it. So get in there and read your favorite books! The books are organized by the author's name and maybe lexile levels. Lexile levels are used to help you find the correct book at your level and so you don't choose something higher or lower. In the library there is one resource to find a book that you are interested in or you just want to see if the library has the book in stock, the computer. The computer is the main resource to find books, do homework, and find research on a class project.

What is the SAT you may ask? The SAT is the nation’s most widely used college admission test. Over two million students take the SAT every year in over 170 countries! The SAT is what most colleges use to get to know the students better. It helps them understand how you, as person and student, think, solve problems, and communicate. Most of the students who take the test take it during the spring of their junior year of high school. Many students choose to take the SAT a second time in the fall of their senior year after becoming familiar and knowing what and how to take the test. The SAT is an important step to college. It is accepted by colleges all throughout the country, and some even use it to place you out of certain classes. The test dates are: October 9th, November 6th, December 4th, January 22nd, March 12th, May 7th, June 4th. To register go to sat.collegeboard.com/regsiter or for practice go to sat.collegeboard.com/practice and for scores go to sat.colllegeboard.com/scores. So if you know anybody, Del Dios, getting ready for college let them know of these websites. The SAT's are an extremely important test for any high-schooler so please notify any seniors that you may know that are interested in taking the SAT's for college. In order to get into a nicer college you must take the SAT and score fairly well. To get into any “Ivy League” college you must score extremely well and have outstanding records.

By Erin Brandt, Staff Writer

www.escondido.org/library

Renew materials on-line or by phone: 760-738-0249

By Kayla Douglas, Staff Writer

HOURS: MONDAY 10:00 A.M.-8:00P.M. TUESDAY 10:00 A.M.-8:00P.M. WEDNESDAY 10:00 A.M.-6:00P.M. THURSDAY 10:00 A.M.-6:00P.M. FRIDAY 10:00 A.M.-6:00P.M. SATURDAY 10:00 A.M.-5:00P.M. EAST VALLEY BRANCH 2245 EAST VALLEY PARKWAY ESCONDIDO, CA 92027 HOURS: TUESDAY 10:00 A.M.-6:00P.M. WEDNESDAY 10:00 A.M.-6:00P.M. THURSDAY 10:00 AM-6:00PM LITERACY SERVICES IMPROVING READING AND WRITING SKILLS 760-747-2233 PIONEER ROOM LOCAL & FAMILY HISTORY 247 SOUTH KALMIA STREET ESCONDIDO 92025 760-839-4315 HOURS: TUESDAY 1:00 P.M.-5:00P.M. WEDNESDAY 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. THURSDAY 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. SATURDAY 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.

Writing Celebration Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

DEATH PENALTY by Fidel Mares, 8th Grade

WHERE I’M FROM By Mackenzie Brooke

RED By Michael Paredes

THE WIND By Juliana Garcia

When murderers kill they go to jail. There is a high cost factor of keeping criminals alive and in jail. If they are alive there is still a chance of them killing more people. Murderers must be executed to prevent them from killing ever again. Murderers must be executed to keep them from killing either in prison or out in public, if they are paroled. Most studies show that deterrence has a big effect on people who murder. Capital punishment is also a way to make murderers and criminals think twice about killing for the fear of the m having their lives taken away. The death penalty has a strong effect on criminals. Capital punishment assists society in preventing more murders. A lot of people say that capital punishment is just discrimination against African Americans. If it is discrimination then why is it that more white people are executed than black people? People against the death penalty have tried to prove that more blacks are executed than whites. There has only been a few studies that have even attempted to prove it. Capital punishment has nothing to do with racism. Other opponents have said, “What about prisoners who were released after many years due to DNA tests?” Although DNA tests may be used, it still is not perfected yet and other things have to be considered in deciding the death penalty. Something else that should be thought about is the cost of keeping murderers alive. There is the cost of a judge, the cost of a prosecutor, and the cost of a trial. In fact, a criminal named Tavara Wright cost the state of Texas almost $200,000 for two separate trials with a third trial waiting. That money could have been used for something else if she had been put to death. The money that is taken from the tax payers could and should be used for the good of society. Murderers should not be kept alive in prison with them still having a chance of killing more people. Should we keep murderers alive in jail where they are just using taxpayers’ money? Some people say it is not moral to put people to death, but it wasn’t moral for the murderer to kill the victim in the first place.

I am from running around scholl And cleaning up after cats Skinned knees and torn pants I am from the big maple tree in the yard and My brother’s video A friendly home is where I’m from

The warmest color of them all The color of leaves in the fall

The wind spoke to me as if I were it’s companion It’s gentle breeze blowing against my face as it puts me at ease The wind is blowing through my hair feeling the cold breeze On my bed with the window open in the wind came, so cold my bones started to ache The wind whispers to my ear and tells me a secret The wind controls everything even my dreams The wind is so soft it feels like a blanket wrapping around me The wind is so strong it lifts me up and takes me to a whole other world that only I can understand

GWYNETH PALTROW By Monica Navarrete, 7th Grade, Journalism

Gwyneth Kate Paltrow was born on September 27, 1972. She is an American actress. Paltrow made her acting debut on stage in 1990 and started appearing in films in 1991. She gained early notice for her work in films such as Seven (1995), Emma (1996) and Sliding Doors (1998). She gained worldwide recognition from her performance in Shakespeare in Love (1998), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, for Outstanding Lead Actress and as a member of the Outstanding Cast. Since then, Paltrow has portrayed supporting as well as lead roles in films such as The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Shallow Hal (2001) and Proof (2005), for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination as Best Actress in Motion Picture Drama. In 2008, she appeared in the highest grossing movie of her career, the superhero film Iron Man, and then revisited her role as Pepper Potts in its sequel, Iron Man 2 (2010). Paltrow has been the face of Estee Launder’s Pleasures perfume since 2005. She is married to Cris Martin, the lead vocalists of Coldplay. One of the reasons I admire Gwyneth Kate Paltrow is because she is a very successful woman. She is also great role model and that's why I admire her.

I am from playing “Mother may I” and staying up late talking From going out for dinner every night and building snowmen in the yard I am from going to Sunday school And “get togethers” with family From watching tv with my mom and And going to the park with my friends I am from getting ice cream from the Ice cream guy down the street I am from “clean your room” and “come to dinner” From forts on my bed and trying to scare my mom I am from casseroles on special nights and school functions with my brother I am from where the youngest child is spoiled the most That is where I’m from

Fierce and fiery just like a flame Anything by ordinary and cannot tame A face so red, full of anger Stay away before there is danger The color of liquid I have bled That time I got cut in the shed

IByAM FROM Michael Paredes I am from video games on the floor And cds in the cabinets I am from trash cans in the backyard And dog toys buried underground I am bikes and scooters on the lawns From baseball bats and bouncy bal I am from Irma And “do your home work” From a nice aunt named marie Who always says “go to sleep” I am from gourmet pizza and Italian pasta From tiny tots preschool to Rock Springs Elementary That is Where I am from

DRUG DOGS (cont.) By Nataly Tapia, 8th Grade

KIDS SHOULD HAVE CELL PHONES By Harnoor Kaur Boparai, 7th Grade Has your child ever asked you if he/she can have a cell-phone? Has your child also given you a reason why he/she needs a cellphone? If you said something like, “No, you may not have a cell-phone because you are still too young,” then you are wrong. Kids should have cell-phones by the age of twelve to thirteen years. Why? Well, because if a stranger is following him/her, if your child is walking home instead of going to an after school program, or if you need to reach your child. A few weeks ago, one of my friend’s was walking home when suddenly a stranger started following her. She turned around facing the road, and took out her cell-phone pretending to call someone. The stranger turned around and ambled away…swiftly. The stranger did that because he might think that your child is calling the police, or his/her parents. Good thing my friend had her cell-phone. If your child is in an after school program, and goes only certain days a week, and you cannot pick him/her up from school, he/she can call you and say that he/she is going to be going home instead of going to the after school program. That way you know where your child is, and you are not worried. Plus, you won’t have to drive as much either (I bet you are tired). You know what I mean…right? Say that your child has a dentist appointment after school, but he/ she does not know about it. All you have to do is call your child after school. After school because then you won’t have to disturb the class while the kids are studying, if the staff calls on the loudspeaker. Plus, it would be a bit embarrassing because everyone starts looking at your child when the staff calls his/her name. So, as you can see, I just gave some pretty good reasons why your child needs a cellphone. Maybe you can give your child a cell-phone on his/her birthday. As you wish, you can do. Cell-phones are important for kids!

drugs or other dangerous items on campus. If drug dogs are not brought to school soon, we will have a crisis on our hands. “Personal News Journal” stated that the Escambia Country Schools jumped from seventy-one percent drug related expulsions in 2008-2009 to eighty-three percent in 2009-2010, increasing almost by seventeen percent. In the latest Florida Youth Substances Abuse survey, reports showed that in 2007-2008, adolescents increased their use of marijuana from fifteen percent in 2007 to nineteen percent in 2008. According to a New York Times article on the same subject, once drug dogs were established at North Sachem High School, drugs were abolished on campus. The principal even stated that once drug dogs were brought into the school, you could see the immense improvement of the students’ behavior, compared to what it was earlier in the year. Not only will drug dogs clean campuses of illegal substances, but they will also manage to make schools a safer place. According to the Virginia Commonwealth University’s News Center once the VCU Police Department got drug dogs around certain schools, their campuses were safer and ensured student harmony. A safer campus means that students can walk and talk freely during passing periods without being harassed or bullied by kids under the influence. If drug dogs can abolish drugs, it means that students would not be distracted , or ditch their classes to consume these substances. With no distractions, the students are able to focus more on school, so they can succeed in the future. If they are focused on school and they are drug free, they can set a good example to our future generation. Although many people believe that bringing drug dogs to school will violate the students’ rights, bringing them will actually be more private than having their backpacks checked. The dogs just smell the backpack not look through it. Overall, drug dogs should be brought to school to stop the consumption of drugs. In order to convince schools to establish drug dogs on campus, we should write a letter to our principal and superintendent.

My Kindergarten Story By Karlee Robinson, 8th Grade

When it came to slides I always went down head first, and when it came to meeting new people I never hesitated. But when it came to the school nurse, well, that was a different story. It was like any other day in kindergarten, lots of graham crackers, naps, and glitter glue, kids running around the room, and teachers telling us to sit “criss-cross-applesauce.” But all that was brought to a halt when my stomach turned into a knot and I had the most horrible stomach ache. “I heard she sticks needles in you!!”, “Well I heard that once she left the cabinets open and a kid saw that they were filled with poison!”, was what the fifth graders told me on the first day on school. So I knew that no matter how much my stomach hurt I would not go to the nurse. My plan was to sit and wait...and wait...and wait till it was the end of school. But the clock felt like it was going a minute an hour, so I decided to tell my teacher. I had two teachers, one short and chunky who always smelled of cigarettes, and the other tall and slender who I always thought to be the nicest lady on Earth. I was aiming to tell my favorite teacher, the tall slender one, because I knew she would understand my fear of school nurses, but it didn’t quite work as planned. After I had muffled up enough courage to whisper, “I have a stomach ache”, things went downhill. First the short chunky teacher, not the tall slender one to my disappointment, told me to go visit the nurse. But she couldn’t trick me, because I already knew about her needles and poisons, and I wasn’t going to the nurse if it was the last thing I did. So when I refused to go, she picked me up and headed for the nurse. As soon as I realized what she was doing, I made a plan that involved a lot of crying and trying to wriggle out of her arms. But she was too quick, and managed to get me into the office of the three eyed, four armed, two tentacaled, drooling school nurse. Well I don’t really remember what happened after that. I still believe that she probably hypnotized me or poisoned me to erase my memory. But all in all, I realized that school nurses aren’t really like those horrible cartoon monsters, and no matter how old you are, you will always leave with a scented smiley face sticker.

The Back Page

Spirit of the Dragon - Del Dios Middle School

VOL XLIX - ISSUE 4 - MAY/JUNE 2011

STUDENTS CATCH HAIL AND LIVE!

Photo by Mrs. Murphy, Newspaper Advisor

Newspaper staff writer, Danny Brutout, cradles icy hail in his hands preparing for another round of “hailball” war. In the background, Miguel runs for cover. By Marlen Amador On March 21, 2011 it hailed in Escondido and as the staff rushed out to see sheets of hail fall from the heavens, they were surprised at both its volume and strength. Though the pelting lasted only minutes, it left enough hailstones to carpet the area and appear as snow. The weather stayed cold for the remainder of the day. The sudden weather surprised everyone because it rarely hails here; it’s hardly ever cold enough for the rain to freeze to little ice crystals. When the ice plummeted to the ground and collected you could make little balls out of it. It was a lot like a snow cone when scooped up. And it froze our hands just like a snowcone!

Photo by Mrs. Murphy, Newspaper Advisor

Students in Mrs. Anderson-Cain’s second period class were enthralled with the hail and glad to be allowed time to “play” and attempt to catch it. They showed much more composure and reserve than the crazy journalists across the alley who were having “hailball” wars with it!

WORDS OF WISDOM...

After three years of being in middle school, our 8th graders (almost high-schoolers) have some advice to help you make the next years your best! “Don’t underestimate the creativity

in the people around you. Somethings may not make sense at first... but give it some time.” Shannon Isley, Class of 2015 San Pasqual High School

“Be prepared for learning in any situation. For school, have pencils, paper, etc. For life, bring your imagination!” Raul Castaneda, Class of 2015 Orange Glen High School

“Allow yourself be okay with the

unexpected. Sometimes not knowing what will happen will result in a greater experience than you hoped.” Arturo Osorio, Class of 2015 San Pasqual High School

“I advise you to expect the unex-

pected. You can’t be completely sure of what any of your teachers will be like. Whether you have a ‘traditional’ teacher or one who thinks outside the box doesn’t matter. You’ll still learn everything you’re supposed to learn as long as your mind is open and you’re willing. Have fun!” Ivan Cardozo, Class of 2015 Orange Glen High School

“Be yourself. Don’t change for anyone. Be true to the person who is inside of you. Let that person shine.” Elicea Flores, Class of 2015 San Pasqual High School

“Give people a chance.

They might surprise you.”

“Think.”

Laura Rojas, Class of 2015 Escondido High School

“Nothing is never happening.

Knowledge is knowing. Filling a bucket is a good thing. A warrior acts, and a fool reacts.” Luis Novoa, Class of 2015 San Pasqual High School

“Be ready to laugh and smile. You never know who needs it!” Naomi Trevino, Class of 2015

“Get rid of all the trash -the extra junk going on- in your mind when you’re supposed to be learning. I know it sounds crazy but it works. My teacher told me that if I really focus on the ‘here and now’ I would accomplish great things. She was right. Try it.” Efren Lopez, Class of 2015 San Pasqual High School

“Sometimes, people who are the

hardest to love are the ones who need it the most. So be here to love and not judge.” Alondra Garcia, Class of 2015 San Pasqual High School

“Get a role model for yourself. Have a goal. When you’re doing something important that means a lot to you, think about why you’re doing it, think about your role model and focus on your goal. It works for me. It can work for you.” Hector Mendez, Class of 2015 San Pasqual High School

“Read. Every day. Just do it.

It helps in a lot of different ways and eventually, you’ll like it. Really.” Maria Valdovinos, Class of 2015 Escondido High School