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R O A R DECEMBER, 2015 Creative Arts And Writing Club Present: Issue No. 1 of The West Hollow Newsletter Advisors: Mrs. Elisa Brosnan Mrs. Kim Sarrosick

“WITHOUT A SENSE OF CARING, THERE CAN BE NO SENSE OF COMMUNITY.” Anthony J. D’Angelo

In October, West Hollow raised money for cancer research. We helped raise awareness in our school and even had an extended advisory on the topic. The money we worked together to raise can give people a longer life and the chance to live cancer-free. ~By Sriya Dhanikonda-Grade 7 PAGE 1

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Stress Management and Time Management Tips

By Alexander Mace-Grade 8 Whether you’re a 6 , 7 , or 8 Grader at West Hollow Middle School, managing your stress and time is very important. Many students may be under pressure due to schoolwork and/or disorganization; here are some easy tips to fix these issues. th

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1. Organize Your Binders: Once you’ve learned your schedule, organize your binders to your best convenience.

Experiment a bit and then do what works for you! For example, I don’t pass my locker until after 1 and 8 period, so I only use one big binder. st

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2. Find a Non-Distracting Hobby: Every student has felt bored or distracted while doing homework or a project; the best solution to this is to find a non-distracting hobby to help you. Many students feel relaxed while working to music; you don’t have to look at it while working, so it’s not visually distracting. Music can also help calm your nerves.

3. Use your Agenda: The agenda is the most important item to keep you organized in school; without my agenda, I’d forget homework, tests, and projects. The agenda is your personal schedule, which can be used to take notes on homework, tests, school events, and generally things you need to remember.

4. Sleep: -Sleep affects so many important aspects of school, I could write an essay on how important sleep is! Sleep affects how you work in class, how you think, and how you develop; if you are struggling with sleep-deprivation, try to set a time where you turn off all electronics and go to bed.

Hope you have a great year at West Hollow Middle School!

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The West Hollow Drama Club: One Student’s Fabulous Experience

by Hallie Huners-Grade 7 My name is Hallie and I played Velma in West Hollow`s 2015 musical “Hairspray Jr.” This was my first production at West Hollow and it was truly an amazing experience. To be on the stage seeing everything you have worked on come together is a great feeling.

“Hairspray!” is about a girl named Tracy Turnblad who dreams of fame. Obstacles include her mother, Edna, and the producer of the Corny Collins Show, Velma, (the character I played. Velma believes Tracy’s appearance isn't right for the show and is also against racial integration. Velma`s daughter, Amber Von Tussle, and Tracy compete for Link Larkin Baltimore`s teenage Elvis. But Tracy has no chance because Amber and Link are already together. Tracy finds herself in detention when she meets a cool cat named Seaweed J. Stubbs. His sister Little Inez and mother, Motormouth Maybelle, all hope a chance to dance on the Corny Collins Show. They hope to one day be treated as equals in the city of Baltimore.

When Corny Collins sees Tracy for her talent he allows her on the show. She is overwhelmed with happiness, but still wishes for no more segregation on the show. After starting riots, ending up in jail, and getting her dream boy it all comes down to the finale. Tracy tells off the Von Tussles and declares the Corny Collins Show officially integrated. Nobody can resist the beat! It all ends well for everyone in Baltimore!

I know what you`re thinking, it does indeed sound like a great show! Just imagine how great it was to be part of it! The West Hollow Drama Club is a great club to sing, dance, and act while making new friends and having a great time. We all are one big family. Putting together a show is such a fun experience. I can tell you firsthand that if you enjoy performing, you should definitely consider trying out for the fall musical next year!

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Hairspray: West Hollow’s Fall Musical

Tracy, and Velma refuses to let Tracy

by Neeya Shetty-Grade 7

Schwartz) loves Tracy’s dancing and

This year the drama club at West

audition. But the host Corny (Scott singing so much that he gives her a spot on

Hollow featured Hairspray as the fall

the show and Tracy’s professional career

musical. The musical was adapted from the

kicks off. The performance marked the first

1988 film by John Waters (it was also done

time ever in history that West Hollow play

on the big screen in 2007). The Director

tickets were sold out for both performances,

was Mr. Iconis, the Vocal Director was Mrs.

and the actors and actresses definitely rose

Regan, the Choreographer was Chris Brick,

to the expectations of their packed

and the Student Director was Dylan

audience. Melodious music, great dancing

Landman. All of West Hollow was treated to

and lots of laughs were enjoyed, especially

a preview of the show one afternoon before

as Edna and Wilbur Turnblad (Ethan Bart)

the performances, which raised interest.

performed their duet, “(You’re) Timeless To

Tracy Turnblad (Kira Sundberg) decides to audition for a spot on the “Corny Collins Show,” despite her mother Edna’s (Nick Likos) persistent protests and insecurities about her weight. When she

Me.” This play is a perfect example of how a play set in the 1960’s can entertain us even today while providing insight into the world of yesterday. Great job by the entire cast and crew!

gets to the auditions with her best friend Penny (Lindsay Lao), she meets Link Larkin (Justin Frank) and falls in love. Tracy meets the manager Velma Von Tussle (Hallie Huners) and her daughter Amber (Madeline Swicord), both who don’t like

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Kidsday Art Contest

by Abby Athan-Grade 7

Do you have a talent?

That is, in art specifically?

Well then it’s about time you try the Kidsday Art Contest!

This year will mark the 37th Annual Kidsday Art Contest. For this year, the contest has closed and there is no more room for entries, but it’s always good to start your art pieces early! Ask your art teacher or go on the Kidsday website for more information if you are interested for next year.

In the Kidsday Art Contest, you enter your artwork to be judged against others in your age group.

There are several categories for each age, including animals, cartoons, getting along, music, portraits, and sports. The winner for each category will receive a Kidsday t-shirt and their artwork will be put in the December 27th issue of Newsday!

The rules for the contest are very simple; any kids through age 16 are allowed to enter. All final drawings must be submitted to Kidsday no later than November 20 (contest is currently closed). Drawings can also be done freely, in black and white, or in colors. You can use any medium you want; crayons, colored pencils, or even paint is acceptable! The best part is you can submit as many pieces as you want in any category. After the competition, no artwork will be returned. Lastly, all art must be original; no copying or tracing aloud.

The Kidsday art contest is a wonderful contest for all ages. It’s great for young artists and it’s a great way to show others everywhere your beautiful artwork. Although the contest may be closed for this year, there's always next year. Start working on your artwork now!

West Hollow Winners:

Dahlia Edwards-Grade7 ”Getting Along”

Ashley Sucoff- Grade 7 “Sports” PAGE 5

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Meet Ms. Lagis R.O.A.R. Writer Sydney Perry-Grade 7, interviewed Ms. Lagis, who teaches 7th grade SS at WHMS 1.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

“I wanted to become a teacher for two reasons.

First of all, I have always had a serious interest in history and political science and second, I knew that I wanted to be around children and positivity in whichever career I chose for myself.”

2.

Did you have another job before you became a teacher?

“I worked in Higher Education...at Stony Brook University. It was more of a stepping stone for me to get to where I am today.”

3.

Did you dream to be a teacher when you were a kid? If not what did you dream to be?

“I went to Stony Brook University as a Biochemistry major on a premed track because since I was in the 3rd grade, I wanted to be a pediatrician. I completed all of my premed prerequisites only to find out after 3 years that I really didn't want that kind of life for myself. I switched my major early on to something I was more interested (Political Science) but kept on with my premed classes. I added an additional major (French Literature and Language) and eventually added my minor in History. I believe it was this switch from the physical sciences to the social sciences that really showed me I wanted to be a social studies teacher rather than a medical doctor.”

4.

How is it switching from the high school to the middle school?

“I have to remind myself everyday that my 7th graders are only 12 years old and there is a huge difference between my upperclassmen at the high school and my 12 year old students. Sometimes, it is difficult making the transition but the reminders help.”

5.

How did you get a job teaching at the middle school as well as the high school?

“I'm certified to teach grades 7-12 so I can teach any social studies class within those grades.”

6.

Why did you want to teach social studies?

“I've always had a passion for humanities and the social sciences. I love history but anthropology and political science are the subjects that I love learning about. I find it sad how so many people think social studies is boring because I think it is exciting and fun. I wanted to teach social studies to make students see how interesting it is to study.”

7.

How many years of college did you need to go through to get this career?

“I went through four years of undergraduate college at Stony Brook to get my BA degree and another year and a half to get my Masters in Teaching.”

8.

What is the best part of your job?

“When students have "a-ha" moments and actually understand what I'm teaching or how something works. It's also awesome that I can come to work everyday and find positivity and laughter in the hallways and in my classroom.”

9.

What do you hope to achieve by being a teacher?

“That I get through to a few students. I know I can get through to every single student every day but I hope to make a difference in the lives of some young people, as some of my teachers left an impression on me.” cont. on next page

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Meet Ms. Lagis cont.

10.

Do you feel that you have had an impact on the students that you’ve taught? If so in what way?

“Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to stay in touch with several of my former students. It is so wonderful to hear words of appreciation and gratitude after the year is over and students realize why exactly I went about something in one particular way. I had one student a few years ago that wrote me a letter and I'll never forget the words she used. "You changed my life. I'll never forget you.

Thank you for everything". Those few tiny sentences have stuck with me and will continue to stick with me because I know I impacted her life in a positive way. It won't always be this way, but when it happens, it is just such a wonderful feeling.”

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-POETRY“myself, yourself, & everybody else”

By Melissa Vo-Grade 8

they looked at her begging, pleading, just for some change. she shook her head no, and brushed their hands from her shoulders. and she asked herself, “why can’t they just help themselves?” and almost everybody else thought the same thing. they were all wrong of course, because the world is unfair those who can help don’t help. and those who can’t help— well you know what i mean, don’t you?

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Wolfie cartoon By Emilie Philippi-Grade 6

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A Good Read…….

Book Recommendations

By Leila Curtis-Grade 6 1.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2.

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

3.

Treasure Hunter by James Patterson

4.

The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

5.

Myth-o-Mania by Kate McMullan

6.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan

7.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

8.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

9.

Pegasus by Kate O’Hearn

10. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass

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Book Review: Blue Heaven by C.J. Box

By Zeina Zahoori-Grade 7 Blue Heaven by C.J. Box is an actionpacked novel that has an interesting plot twist. The book starts off with the night 12 year-old Annie and ten year-old William take off from home. They end up in the middle of no man’s land, trying to find out how to stay safe. They witness four men in a parking lot shooting one man several times. What’s a pair of kids that age supposed to think? Do they run or stay where they are? This hasn’t happened in their town for over 20 years.

I would definitely recommend this book to middle schoolers who like mysteries.

The book was a little confusing in the beginning because the narrative point of view changes in each chapter and the vocabulary was a little challenging. But the author makes you feel as though you’re involved in the action, and the book is very exciting. Overall, Blue Heaven is a great read.

I highly recommend it!

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West Hollow 7th Grade Girls Soccer By: Julia Katz-Grade 7 West Hollow’s 7th grade girls soccer team had a tough loss to Candlewood middle school on November 5th. They put up a good fight against the undefeated team, as they did the whole entire season. The whole team worked really hard this season and never gave up.

I was part of this amazing team and enjoyed hanging out with friends at practice everyday. We helped each other on and off the field, and that was really cool. To any 6th graders who are thinking about going out for the West Hollow soccer team next year, I definitely recommend it! Go Wolverines!

Photograph by Jordan Katz-Grade 7 PAGE 10

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Vocal NYSSMA FAQs

By Meghan Kalenborn-Grade 8

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Do You Like Singing?

Well, you might enjoy participating in NYSSMA. NYSSMA stands for New York State School Music Association. It’s a program through NY state schools where students’ vocal performances are evaluated and and critiqued. It’s not competitive, but if you really have a passion for music and singing, NYSSMA provides audition experience.

There are six levels of difficulty.

Is NYSSMA Scary?

A NYSSMA solo is performed a capella or with accompaniment. You're not performing in front of hundreds of people like at a concert, just for an adjudicator (judge) who will provide good feedback to you. There’s nothing to be afraid of. In a way, participation in NYSSMA may actually help you someone overcome stage fright!

How Do you Sign Up?

Our own choir teacher, Mrs. Regan, can tell you exactly what to do! All you need is registration papers, your parent/guardian’s permission, your private vocal teacher or Mrs. Regan’s consent, and a music piece. NYSSMA is usually in May, but it’s never too early to start practicing!

NYSSMA is a great experience. As a participant myself, it has given me much more confidence in my singing voice!

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Word Search By Blake Taylor-Grade 7

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First Issue CAWC CONTRIBUTORS: Abby Athan- Grade 7 Leila Curtis-Grade 6 Sriya Dhanikonda-Grade 7 Hallie Huners-Grade 7 Meghan Kalenborn-Grade 8 Jordan Katz-Grade7 Julia Katz-Grade 7 Alexander Mace-Grade 8 Sydney Perry-Grade 7 Emilie Philippi-Grade 6 Neeya Shetty-Grade 7 Blake Taylor-Grade 7 Melissa Vo-Grade 8 Zeina Zahoori-Grade 7

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