The Canine Chronicle MBMS Dec. 2013

[the the] the]

Canine Chr Chr[[ Mount Baker Middle School, Auburn, Washington

]nicle December 2013

Volume IV, Issue 2

Corridors of Chaos:

Crowded Hallways Cause Poor Behavior

PHOTO BY A. BAKER

Table of Contents]

[2 * Volume IV, Issue 2]

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Letter from the Editors The first quarter is now long gone and we are currently right in the middle of second quarter. The school year is going by extraordinarily quickly and it’s hard to believe that it is almost half over.

December is a month generally filled with family and fun, not to mention various holidays to celebrate cheerfully.

Regardless of the rapidly disappearing year, certainly all students can agree that the 2013-2014 school year has been going fabulously. The Canine Chronicle staff wishes to welcome the New Year with you, and as per protocol, report the latest and greatest school news.

Due to the up and coming holidays (Kwanza, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.) the theme of this edition will, of course, be centered on holiday cheer and how students around the school celebrate the season.

Regardless of the holiday you celebrate (if any), no student can dispute the two weeks of break tacked on to the end of the year. Hopefully everyone will have a holiday season filled with family fun.

This month we have certainly dipped our toes into the waters of academia. We have experienced the Live Voices assembly, we have been promised snow, numerous field trips have been taken by various grades, and concerts from our music programs have been performed, not to mention the items bought at ridiculously low prices on the traditional American holiday “Black Friday”. Sports teams have certainly hit an all time high and The Canine Chronicle staff is happy to report it. To follow the sports high, the world will be immersed in the 2014 Winter Olympics, which will certainly be an event for the history books.

Overall, the editors on staff wish all of you an exemplary holiday season, and of course, a happy New Year.

School Safety

4

Should Teachers Carry Guns

5

Black Friday

6

MBMS Gives Back for Holidays

8

Common Resolutions

9

New Administrators

10

Corridors of Chaos

12

What Grinds My Gear

13

Pool Myth Revealed

15

Gifts from 1990s

16

Arts & Entertainment

18

Locker Lottery

22

MBMS Sports

24

Aaron Baker

Winter Olympics Preview

27

Jonathan Casey

Life

28

Ben Geisen

COVER PHOTO: Seventh grader Angelina Pogosian acts out her worst fear in stampeding hallways.

With MBMS’s population swelling to over 960 students, hallways continuously are jam-packed with students in a hurry to class or socializing.

Sincerely,

PHOTO BY B. CORONADO

Alyssa Ferry Jalen Forward Hope Addison

MT. BAKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 620 37TH STREET SE AUBURN, WASHINGTON 98002

Staff Editors

Aaron Baker Jonathan Casey Ben Geisen Alyssa Ferry Jalen Forward Hope Addison

Reporters

Reporters

Technical Support

Destany Abellera Gigi Alcedo Kyle Bates Jeremiah Brown Bella Coronado Jasmine Dang Maddie Feeney Daniel Filovets Ka’Sean Griffin Kat Hamm Ryan Hess

Kamalvir Jhajj Samantha Leurquin AJ Maas Ysabela Manuel Anna Maracich Harrison Maurus Colby Pretz Daniel Shablevskiy Cameron Shute TJ Williams

Jay Kemp

Adviser Peter Warring

Mission: The MBMS Journalism 8 class produced this limited-voice newspaper with intent to ethically report events accurately, without bias. As a public forum for students, all decisions made on content are made under the guidance of the advisor, with intent to uphold students’ First Amendment rights.

The opinions presented in articles are provided to represent the views and perspectives of students and individuals in our diverse student population, not necessarily the whole of the advisor, faculty, and administrators. Any material that would cause a disruption to the educational process like libel, invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement will not be published The Canine Chronicle is produced using Microsoft Publisher. Photographs not taken by students have been utilized through a Creative Commons and Microsoft license.

School portraits are licensed though Dorian Photography.

[News & Features]

[December 2013 * 3] Students in Mr. Carter’s eighth grade Pre-Algebra class work on a daily math assignment. All mathematics classes use standards-based grading, except Algebra and Geometry. COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK

Standards-Based Grading Alyssa Ferry & Ryan Hess

Standards-based grading is the system of a 4,3,2,1 grading scale now being used in the Auburn School District; which many of the students at Mt. Baker haven’t seen before.

The change from letter grade to standards-based wasn’t a completely smooth one. Report cards were a complicated task for teachers and parents. Some students even received two report cards; one with Standards Based and one with letter grades.

Students were new to the scale also; they had questions as to what their “A” would equal in this grading fashion.

Yet what students and parents seem to fail to understand is that there is no “A”. You are either passing or you’re not.

Some chances may arise when teachers will give a “4” opportunity. This is going above and beyond the expected requirements for this task.

Algebra and Geometry are a high school class, which means that they aren’t yet translated into the new grade measurement. This could be perplexing to students taking those classes.

Seventh grader Oscar Safsten said, “The old one is more exact, I’m more used to it.”

While sixth grader Lily Scheschy disagreed when she said, “I’m more used to this one; [The scale] makes more sense.”

Many questions have arisen with the change.

Seventh grader Oscar Safsten wanted to know, “Why do they base [grading] on 4,3,2,1? Why not 5, 4, 3, 2, 1?” This would be an interesting idea, due to the fact that there are five letter grades. This would make a student’s grade translation of an “A” grade to a “4” effortless.

Teachers have had to grow accustomed to this change too, but not everyone is struggling with the transition from a letter grade to standards-based.

Course 3 and Algebra teacher Mr. Knighton said of the change, “[Standards-based] has not affected the way I teach; the scale was a fairly easy transition to set up.”

Yet just because the scale is an easy transition, does not make it a favorite.

Seventh grader Oscar Safsten also said, “[Letter grading] is better because when you go to college they don’t use [standards-based] they use [letter grade].”

As high school is slowly translating from letter grades to standards-based, college admissions are taking a tumble.

The admission to a college is based on your SAT score, and

your GPA. Without a GPA, this system is no longer affective.

Knighton said, “[Letter grading] was very black-andwhite. When you give students a ‘three’, you cover all percents from 80-96. That could be anyone who is working hard or someone who is barely pulling through.”

Many have argued that standards-based allows the students who do not work as hard to obtain the same exact grade as the students who work the hardest throughout the year.

Hopefully in the future, these problems can be resolved by practice and taking the time to translates standardsbased to percents. It’s just a difficult process of deciphering this new method of grading.

Honor Roll-ing Away Honor Roll is a celebration for the students who work the hardest throughout the school year, but the new grading system makes this difficult to calculate.

To participate in the original honor, you would need to receive a 3.2, a 3.5, or a 4.0 grade point average, or GPA. The new standards-based grading system, however, would make this virtually impossible.

With the new scale of “4, 3, 2, 1” there isn’t a percent to calculate a student’s GPA; which can cause massive issues for those attempting to compute who made honor roll and who did not.

What needs to be considered is how a number is equivalent to a letter grade. Many have wondered how a “3” changes to a letter, but the percentages don’t seem to match up evenly. A “3” covers everything from 80 percent to 100 percent, so instead of having As and Bs to represent different grades, you now have one grade for both percents.

The standards-based grading system may cause the Honor Roll we all know to disappear completely from our school. However, without Honor Roll, will the students at Mt. Baker still strive to get good grades?

[News & Features]

[4 * Volume IV, Issue 2]

Do You Feel Safe at MBMS? Ryan Hess, Ben Geisen, AJ Maas A memorial representing the children and adults whose lives were lost. COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS

One Year Later: Sandy Hook Heals Hope Addison & Bella Coronado Dec. 14, 2012, a day we’ll never forget. Twenty-seven innocent people, including twenty children and 6 adults, were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Adam Lanza, 20, shot and killed his mother, then proceeded to the elementary school where she supposedly taught. The shooter reportedly appeared in the school around 9:40 a.m. [30 minutes after school started], and opened fire. Shootings took place in the main office and two classrooms. Lanza shot himself at the end of his 11minute rampage.

According to radio station WABC, the initial 9-1-1 call said that students were trapped in a classroom with the adult shooter who had two guns.

The shootings instantly brought other shootings to mind, like Columbine High School in 1999 that killed 15 and the July shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado that left 12 dead.

Ms. Thorington, eighth grade social studies teacher, said she learned about the shooting while she was in the office turning in grades.

“I was in shock. Everyone was.”

Ms. Thorington said she bought a magazine with biographies of all the people who died [during the shooting] and she’ll probably read that to remember it.

“It really put a damper on the holiday season. You can never get over a loss like that.”

Mr. Lewis, vice principal, stated “Everyone was affected. It’s one of those tragedies no one wants to see or hear about.”

“I was sad, not only for the students and families, but upset that someone’s actions could so greatly affect so many others.”

The V.P. said he will talk to his kids to remind them that it happened [and possibly could again].

“I will definitely keep them in my thoughts” The Sandy Hook shooting was the nation’s seconddeadliest school shooting, exceeded only by the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007 that took 33 lives.

The big question is, “Do you feel safe at school?” With the multiple school shootings that have happened in the past decade and a half consisting of events like Columbine, Sandy Hook, and more recently at Sparks Middle school in Nevada.

Why don’t we have a security guard like other middle schools? The students we interviewed on the topic said they would feel safer if there was someone who was trained to defend and protect our school, putting their own life on the line for Mt. Baker students and staff.

When we asked the principal, Mr. Brown, about why we don’t have a security guard that is stationed at our school, he said that part of it is because of budget, and then he quickly added that we may not have a security guard but we do have a police officer who is assigned to our school who he feels safer with because instead of having a security guard with a flashlight, we have a trained officer with a firearm.

Stanley Security has started a contest to see what school is the safest in the nation. The school which receives the most votes will receive 200,000 dollars worth of Stanley Security products. Three runner-ups will obtain 100,000 dollars in Stanley Security products.

We asked a few students their opinion on teachers carrying weapons in school.

Isaiah Shin, a seventh grade student, replied , “The kids could steal the teacher’s guns.”

This is a relevant problem that could lead to even more deaths in school, instead of stopping them. Guns are

dangerous no matter who wields them, including teachers.

Modern video games cause the mind to become numb to the concept of shooting someone. Games like “Call of Duty” and “Grand Theft Auto”, give kids the idea that shooting other people is “fun”.

Many students say that they receive a rush from shooting the virtual people within the game.

What causes this rush?

Why is society turned on to this type of violence?

Principal Brown stated that only, “some of the video games are too violent, like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty”.

Although many people believe that video games don’t have anything to do with the increase in violence.

Movies have experienced a large increase in violence in the past few years, bloody war scenes and gory battles.

People see fake guns and shootings on innocent people and want to reenact their favorite scene with their friends. They take guns from home that are improperly stored and think they are safe to whip around like nothing, and accidents happen.

Not everything is an accident; society has also had an impact in problems occurring in teens.

Depression, problems at home, and bullying have all led to school shootings.

Columbine was caused due to bullying and depression.

What you say can make or break someone’s day.

Is it “kids will be kids”? Rules reflecting student safety are stricter than ever, suspending and expelling kids for using finger guns. COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

[News & Features]

[December 2013 * 5]

“As a country, as a culture are we ready to see teachers in the classroom armed?”(Mark Howard, security supervisor for Spokane Public Schools) COURTESY OF C. DAO

Safer School Act: Should Teachers Pack Guns?

Colby Pretz & Harrison Maurus On February 8, 2013, House Legislators introduced a bill called the “Safer School Act of 2013”. This bill allows districts to decide whether or not teachers should be allowed to carry a firearm.

Any school district who wanted to allow their teachers to carry weapons would have to draft a lengthy policy outlining the terms and conditions for the allowance of firearms.

Teachers would also have to go through extensive training for them to possess a weapon like this.

After the multiple school shootings that have happened over the last decade, they introduced this law to possibly make school environments safer.

Teachers, students, and district administrators gave their thoughts on whether or not it really would make our school safer.

Sixth grader Kody Cooper said, “I don’t think [that teachers carrying guns] is a good idea”.

Cooper continued, “If teachers have guns, than people might think it is ok to have them also.”

This raises the question of will guns actually increase violence in the schools where teachers are in possession of firearms.

Mr. Brown the school principal said, “More guns don’t solve problems.”

Brown continued, saying, “More people who are doing school shootings will get bigger guns and try to be bigger and badder than the teachers.”

In an interview with Mr. Cowan, he said, “It may not reduce the number [of shootings], but it would hopefully reduce the deaths.”

This bill being introduced may have more effects on the school than just arming teachers. It may also cause kids to change their everyday behavior and actually cause them to feel less safe.

Kody Cooper said, “It would definitely change [the students’] behavior, the teachers may get mad and decide to shoot us.”

Mr. Cowan gave his input and said, “I do not think it will affect children in general, but that is not the point. This is to hopefully affect the one or two students who may think about harming others without fear of being stopped.”

Officer McClusky of the Auburn Police Department was asked her thoughts on the subject.

She told us “She would worry about teacher’s possess-

ing guns at school for many reasons.”

Her first and foremost concern is how qualified the teachers are. Police officers go through many hours of training, which is ongoing, to be able to carry weapons.

They also have to show they meet certain standards twice a year. She would expect the teachers to have to do the same.

She continued to say, “Just having a concealed pistol license is not enough. The training necessary to make good decisions in a “shoot, don’t shoot” scenario is immense and I don’t believe that teachers would be qualified without that training. Instead, I think having teachers prepare for crisis situations, through training, lockdown drills, scenario drills, etc. would be more effective. It is sad that we even have to think about events such as these at school, but always we need to be prepared.”

When asked about the districts stance on the matter Superintendant Herren’s response was “The district doesn’t support guns per state and federal mandates on campus except by licensed law enforcement officials" The big question is, will guns really make our school safer?

[News & Features]

[6 * Volume IV, Issue 2]

Black Friday Sales Drop, Cyber Monday Sales Soar Kamalvir Jhajj A popular internet meme says, “Black Friday: Because only in America, people trample each other for sales, exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have.”

When Jackson Williams, a seventh grader was asked what he was most looking forward to buying this Black Friday, he said, “I want a PS3, because it has free internet.”

People fighting, yelling, shouting, piles of people on each other, police officers everywhere, this is exactly how Black Friday is, a day people turn into animals.

And Isabel Kim said, “A hair curler, because I’ve been [wanting one] for three months.”

The main reasons for why students or anyone goes shopping on black Friday was said to be Since the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 1924, Black Friday has unofficially been the start of because items are super cheap that day, and there are a lot of sales. the Holiday season, the first shopping day after Thanksgiving. Even though Black Friday has been Even though lots of people say they love Black Friday, there are still things they don’t like stated back from 1924, the term “Black Friday” has only been traced back to 1970, the term about it. assumed to be named that because of the heavy traffic on that day.

Eighth grader Hailey Ferrell-Liepman said, “I don’t like how people are fighting over TV’s and This year, it seemed as if Black Friday wasn’t as crazy as the previous ones. There was only certain items.” Others said they don’t like how there’s so many people out and about and how one death recorded, and this wasn’t the cause of a stampede or violent dispute, but instead, the there are crowds everywhere. tragedy occurred due to a car accident. A teenager fell asleep in North Carolina while driving in Black Friday is becoming less and less popular because of the sales starting earlier, not to the early morning, coming back after late night shopping with his friends. forget Cyber Monday, making it no longer Black Friday but instead just the day after ThanksgivThis Black Friday was said to not be as crazy, because this year the stores started opening ing. earlier on Thanksgiving night, instead of at twelve. But with the stores opening earlier on Another popular internet meme says, “Black Friday should actually be called the Hunger Thanksgiving, there were many arguments that the store owners shouldn’t be allowed to do Games, people kill each other and the winner gets a 20 dollar crock pot.” that. With stores opening a day before, it means that the employees that are working that day wouldn’t be able to have Thanksgiving dinner with their family, or have time with them. Many employees are still arguing about this matter.

Some people were wondering why people even want to go out on Thursday to go shopping, Mrs. Nelson said, “People go on Thursday because they have a day off and they want to go shopping. Plus because there’s really good deals.”

Some of the five most popular stores visited were Amazon, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, and Apple. These include online shopping. Amazon was said to be the most visited site for buyers on Black Friday.

Some students from Mt. Baker were also out shopping,.

Sixth grader Isabel Kim said that the main stores she went to go shopping were “Fred Meyers, Block Buster, and the Outlet Collection”.

The most popular items bought on Black Friday are usually electronics such as, iPads, TVs, Beats headphones, and laptops.

Stores on Black Friday attract customers like magnets. PHOTO BY T. MCLEAD

Black Friday Shopping What is your craziest Black Friday experience?

Compiled by Gigi Alcedo “It was early in the morning and I was sleepy, so I laid on the floor and an old lady ran me over with her shopping

“A lady tripped, and her weave fell out.”

CreativeCommons.org

cart.”

-Javon Forward Sixth Grade

-Lindsey Picazo Seventh Grade

“I don’t participate in Black Friday – there really isn’t anything that I need that would cause me get up at 4:00 in the morning and go out and buy.”

“I was leaving the store, and a little boy ran up to me and started shooting me with a water gun.”

-Christina Manchick Eight Grade

-Mr. Lubash Math Teacher

[News & Features]

[December 2013 * 7]

How to Handle Awkward Presents Samantha Leurquin, Gigi Alcedo, Daniel Filovets

The holiday season brings a variety of opportunities to give and receive gifts. Some traditions leave you with gifts you didn’t expect.

Secret Santa, a tradition almost everyone has done. If you haven’t, why not start? It’s a cheap and easy way to get awkwardly funny gifts from your BFFs. This popular gift giving practice allows you secretly give a gift to a friend. Frequently, they used in work places, groups of friends, or clubs and teams.

According to seventh grader Trinity Jenkins, participating in Secret Santa would be fun.

Jenkins said, “Doing Secret Santa would be sharing and caring.”

Seventh grader Tyler Braun also agreed, “It would be a good opportunity.”

Secret Santa would be an exciting game to play every year, because if the teachers join then it would be especially fun for those teachers.

Sometimes people don’t care about the gift exchange, and just give them trash. Don’t be that friend; take them out to a movies, or go ice skating.

Jenkins said, “A candy wrapper is trash.”

According to Braun, a mug would be the worst secret Santa gift because kids don’t use them.

Braun and Jenkins both agreed that it would be fun to volunteer for something like this. They even said they would volunteer to do Secret Santa.

Should we make Secret Santa a tradition at MBMS? Braun and Jenkins said, “YES”.

Jenkins said agreed because, “The more traditions we have at this school people will want to go to this school, Baker will be popular.”

Braun also agreed because, “It would be fun for generations to come.”

But if your friends bring you awkward presents for Secret Santa, then you need to be prepared and start practicing that surprised face again.

If you are lucky, the person won’t be there with you when you open the present. If they are, you have to be prepared.

Remember those good old days when you got socks or underwear for Christmas? PHOTO BY S. LEURQUIN

Tips for Awkward Gifts Every holiday season, we always receive at least one present you don’t fancy. Always remember it’s very important to have your manners, especially around the holiday season.  Always thank the person. You probably already do this, but it’s a crucial thing to remember. The more you thank them the better; but don’t overdo it and make it sound fake. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

 Don’t make one present superior to another. Don’t make it obvious that their present wasn’t your favorite.

Thank everyone equally. If you show too much excitement in one present, you might make the person feel embarrassed that their present wasn’t as great.  Tell them that you love the present. When you don’t know how to answer to a question like that, “It was very thoughtful” should suffice.

 Let the person know that you think the present itself is useful. People are always stressed during the holiday Holidays are fun, but it also creates a lot of stress on season, all they want to do is get you a present that you’ll some people. Hopefully these tips can help your season be like or would be useful to you. jollier.

[News & Features]

[8* Volume IV, Issue 2]

COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK

Holiday Dance

Glows in Dark Jalen Forward & Destany Abellera The Glow in the Dark Dance, hosted by Yearbook, was a big success with many students attending. That was a surprising outcome since Choir is hosting the Valentine’s dance in February.

The theme of the dance was thought up of by the Yearbook staff; they thought MBMS needed another dance other than the Valentine’s one.

Seventh graders, Kristina Douccet and Talia Samuelson said that the theme was weird for the holidays, and they were confused on what to wear.

The dance was pretty similar to the Valentine’s dance.

There was food available, and you were able to take pictures, but there were some minor differences.

A pretty big change was the new DJ the Yearbook staff booked.

Mr. Jacobs asked Mr. Carter prior to choosing Chad, but Mr. Carter was already booked.

“The dance’s DJ was Chad Dowling, he was referred by Rainer. He usually plays at their dances. The kids loved him,” said Mr. Jacobs.

The yearbook had already picked out songs that they are giving the DJ to play, so Chad knew what the kids wanted.

Along with the other dances, yearbook was only allowing seventh and eighth graders to attend.

Sixth grader, Esperanza Gonzales said, “It would be awkward with seventh and eighth graders at the dance.

[Sixth graders] should get our own dance.”

Not only do sixth graders not agree with the rule of only seventh and eighth graders allowed, but some seventh graders, Kristina Douccet and Talia Samuelson agreed that we are too young to really be in relationships and the dance will be mostly like a party.

With all the money made by the dance, yearbook paid for the DJ, the decorations needed for the dance, and for the new scoreboard.

Did the dance live up to the expectations that it was hoping for? Do you think the Valentine’s Day dance will be able to top this?

AJ Maas & Aaron Baker Our school has done a lot to give back to our community for this holiday season.

The Hats for Haiyan fundraiser allowed you to pay a dollar to wear a hat for a day with all of the proceeds going to the Philippines typhoon victims. We also had an EZA coin drive for celebrating change, and people also participated in No Shave November, which supports their support for cancer research.

Some students and staff here at Mount Baker show their pre-holiday cheer by growing out beards and moustaches to raise awareness for various men’s health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer.

The tradition of no shave November is carried out most obviously at the school by teachers Mr. Warring and Mr. Carter, although some students admit to participating themselves.

“Of course I participate in no shave November!” seventh grader Oscar Safstem said jokingly , “You can practically see my beard!”

According to the Movember.us, the Movember database for America, the Movember community is a “Fun, caring, collaborative, humble, and innovative community.”

Movember.us also plans to make sure that all “Men living with prostate or testicular cancer have the care needed to be physically and mentally well.”

The students at our school enthusiastically endorse Movember even if they don’t participate themselves. “[My brother] tried to participate in Movember, but my parents didn’t seem as enthusiastic as he was,” said seventh grader Shae Fairchild.

Overall, Movember is a great way to show support for men with prostate or testicular cancer.

Builders club has generously created a Hats for Haiyan drive, in which you pay a dollar, and you get to wear a hat for an entire day. They donated all of the proceeds to the

American Red Cross Foundation.

Typhoon Haiyan was a tragic event in the Philippines which left thousands dead and it may be the largest cyclone ever but scientists do not know for sure yet.

This typhoon has left 800,000 people homeless and 20,000 homes have been demolished and food has become a problem to the point where people have to scavenge their destroyed homes to search for things to eat.

Many countries have either helped give food to the Philippines or have vowed to. Hurricane Katrina which hit the southeast coast of the United States in 2005 was projected to be the largest storm ever… well Haiyan is bigger.

Seventh grader Matthew Soderquist stated, “I thought that it was really tragic,” when we asked him how he felt about Haiyan.

End Zone Academy once again proved holiday spirit by giving the gift of education to underprivileged children by raising money to build a school in an underprivileged third world country.

EZA went about raising the money through a coin drive in which students were encouraged to donate pocket change in order to raise enough money to reach their goal of 1,000 USD. The EZA then plans to donate the money to the ‘Free the World’ foundation which, in turn, will use the money to build the school as previously stated.

“It’s really cool that EZA is doing something like this,” said seventh grader Kyra Kopcho, “The [underprivileged] would really appreciate the effort.”

The overall success of the coin drive is, at this time, unknown. Mrs. Winter reported that she thought “At least a few hundred dollars [have been collected], but [that] might be generous.”

The drive ended Dec. 13.

LEFT: This picture shows Typhoon Haiyan from the view of space. PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE RIGHT: Mr. Carter’s glorious ‘stache is described as an iconic image by many students here at Baker. PHOTO CREDIT OF A.MAAS AND A.BAKER

[News & Features]

[December 2013 * 9]

Resolutions

Times Square, the historic site of the “Ball Drop” on New Year’s Eve, beginning the season of non-kept resolutions for 92 percent of Americans. COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

You’ll Hear from Everyone This Year Kyle Bates & Ben Geisen As the New Year approaches, that momentary excitement creeps up in your mind on your New Year’s resolution, and then you start watching T.V. and all that excitement leaves your brain as you tune into The Bing Bang Theory or The Voice.

Many people in the U.S. and Auburn alone have New Year’s resolutions, but the question is how many of them are the same, and do any of these people even keep their resolutions?

In a recent poll of two Mt. Baker classes, including Mrs. Toy’s fourth period Home Ec. Class and Mrs. Marcotte’s fourth period math class, they were each given three of the most common resolutions in the United States including the options to have another resolution that was not mentioned or the option to have no resolution. The three resolution options were “getting better grades,” “eating healthier,” and “getting in shape”.

The results from each class were not very surprising according to stereotypes.

In Mrs. Marcotte’s class, “better grades” achieved a total of fourteen votes, the highest total. The lowest scorers were “eating healthier” and “no resolution” with one vote each, while “getting in shape” and “other” received four votes each.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Toy’s class reflected almost the exact same results. “Better grades” received fifteen votes, the highest total again while “no resolution” actually obtained zero votes. Some lower totals included Eating Healthier with four votes and Getting in Shape with only one submission. Other also claimed seven votes. l Analyzing these results, there is a clear distinction on some of the bigger favorites.

Getting Better Grades is obviously a given total due to the environment, and nutrition related subjects are less of an issue with middle school students, but how did Baker’s results do against the national average?

According to Katherine Costello of Policymic.com, in a national poll of over 25,000 adults, the top ten results included resolutions such as “eating healthy and exercises,” “volunteering,” “saving money,” and “learning something new”. “Eating healthy and exercising” was the top result, while “learning something new,” and “volunteering” achieved third and sixth.

When looking at national results, you notice that there are some more adult habits that people want revised, such as quitting smoking and quitting drinking, but also some similarities to Baker.

“Learning something new” is a definite relation to “getting better grades,” as many adults and Baker students want to improve their brain and learn what they need for the future and for their job.

On average, Baker’s results were as common as any other schools, reflecting the same results almost identically through each class.

Although many people make resolutions every year how many people really stick to them? According to Forbes.com, “Just eight percent of people achieve their new year’s resolution every year.”

Based on those statistics out of the 950 students at Mt. Baker, only 76 students will stick to their resolutions throughout the whole year.

Common Resolutions What is your New Year’s resolution?

Compiled by Anna Maracich “[I want] to pass all my classes.”

“My resolution is to read more.”

“My goal is to do one good deed every week.”

“Either to control my sassy attitude towards teachers, or to learn to get along better with my step family.”

CreativeCommons.org

-Emma Bailey Sixth Grade

-Viktoriya Yakimchuk Seventh Grade

-Mrs. Burkhalter PE Teacher

-Bella Batinic Eight Grade

Table of Contents]

[10 * Volume IV, Issue 2] Administrators Mr. Lewis and Ms. Leverenz play around with their walkytalkies at the end of challenging day. Our new administrators joined MBMS from other Auburn schools, Mr. Lewis from Lakeland Hills Elementary and Ms. Leverenz from Auburn-Riverside High School. PHOTO BY P. WARRING

Bella Coronado & Hope Addison This year at Mt. Baker, two new administrators were hired, Mr. Lewis, assistant principal, and Ms. Leverenz, Dean of Students.

Many students have noticed lunches seem more relaxed than they did last year. Mr. Lewis and Ms. Leverenz make sure that students are doing what they are supposed to be doing at lunches, as well as intramurals.

Ms. Leverenz taught at Auburn Riverside High School for 19 years as the PE teacher before coming to Mt. Baker.

She said there are more detentions [lunch and afterschool] and consequences at Mt. Baker than there were over at Riverside.

Ms. Leveranz also said she dealt with discipline at higher levels. Another difference of teaching at Baker was she worked with a smaller group of people.

Ms. Leverenz stated that students need to start taking more responsibility for their actions as well as communi-

cating better with their teachers.

Her philosophy on dealing with discipline [and emotional teens] was to teach kids to work on changing their behaviors and learning the consequences, and also for students and teachers to work together, instead of working independently.

Ms. Leverenz also believed our school should have a cohesive environment and we should learn to trust each other.

“My favorite part about working here is working with my team, [Mr. Brown, Mr. Lewis, office staff],” said Ms. Leverenz.

Mr. Lewis taught elementary school before coming to Mt. Baker.

He stated, working here was much different from teaching because there was a lot more to do. Also, instead of being responsible for only 25 students, he was responsible

for over 950 students.

“My favorite part about being at Mt. Baker is working with the students and the staff on creating an environment that is productive and fun,” Mr. Lewis said.

Mr. Lewis is looking forward to creating the culture around the school where students and teachers feel supported by the administrators, and also creating an environment where everyone feels safe.

Mr. Lewis also stated that there is more of a variety of things to do at our school than there was when he taught elementary school, and he felt like he gets to know more students.

Mr. Brown, principal, agreed with Ms. Leverenz and Mr. Lewis on the idea of building relationships as teachers and students.

Mr. Brown stated, “We will support [students] as long as they support us.”

New Staff Join School What is one thing you dislike and one thing you do like about MBMS? Compiled by Gigi Alcedo “ I don’t really like waking up so early in the morning, [since I used to teach elementary], but I like the staff and students.”

-Mr. Decker Social Studies Teacher

“I don’t like inconsistent room temperatures. The two things I do like about Mount Baker are my colleagues and all my students.”

CreativeCommons.org

-Ms. Ryan

Language Arts Teacher

“I don’t like how early I have to wake up to go to work, but I like how polite the students are.”

“I do like the respectfulness of the students and their kindness. I don’t like that we’re so full, and we don’t have enough rooms for all of the classes.”

-Mrs. Harris -Mrs. Detwiler Attendance Administrative Assistant

LAP Math/Reading Teacher

[News & Features]

[December 2013 * 11]

Lunch Hygiene: MBMS Cleans-up Gigi Alcedo, Samantha Leurquin Imagine smashed grapes on the floor and rags flying everywhere. Pizza left on the tables and trays in the garbage. This isn’t the way you act in a restaurant, even with your friends. Our cafeteria shouldn’t be any different.

According to Samuel Erickson, sixth grade lunch cleans up really well. He liked that he got to eat in a cafeteria rather than a classroom like in elementary school. He thought we should have more time to eat so that grade levels can have more time to clean.

However, Mr. Billy disagreed, “Kids would just make more messes the longer they are in [the cafeteria].”

Mr. Brown felt that eighth grade usually makes the most mess but also has days when they clean up well.

The most effective way that seems to encourage students is when they get rewarded for cleaning.

You may have not noticed but the lunch room is always cleaner when there’s a reason for students to clean, especially after Mr. Brown announces “the next student to pick up five pieces of garbage off the floor gets a piece of candy.”

There’s a rush to the front of the lunch room and most people even pick up their peers trash or wipe their tables for them.

If everyone would just pick up their own mess then there wouldn’t be any problem, but if there continues to messes left around the lunch room it will become a very easy place to catch a food borne illness such as salmonella poisoning.

Food born illness is a collection diseases that are easy to catch if you eat infected food. If we don’t clean up our lunch room better, it’ll be the first and easiest place to catch these illnesses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, colds alone are responsible for twenty two million school days lost each year. According to the MedTerms.com website, about 48 million people each year get a food born illness. Not going to school may seem nice until the symptoms of being sick kicks in. When you have a cold you have a sore throat or a runny nose, but when you have a food borne illness you can be nauseated, vomiting, cramps and even diarrhea. The more days you stay home sick, the more you miss out on school, then you start getting behind and it will be even harder when you go to high school.

Being sick is like a domino effect and it all starts just by not picking up your own trash.

It’s up to us to keep the lunch room clean.

Bundling up for the cold is the best way to stay warm.

COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM VIA CREATIVE COMMONS.

Cold Rooms Disrupt Classes Cameron Shute Can you believe how cold it is in your first period? As the temperature drops outside it has also been dropping inside.

“The heating system in our school is very unhealthy and not conducive to student learning, we need to install air purifiers.” said Mrs. Swanson, seventh grade social studies teacher.

The heating at our school is controlled by the district.

“The District should trust us to control the heat ourselves and know we won’t abuse it,” Principal Brown said.

The temperatures in the morning drop so low that kids can’t work, as low as 50 degrees in some cases. Some kids bring blankets to class just to stay warm.

Tenth grader Josean Perez, Junior Julio Montano, and Senior Jose Perez from West View High School, constructed an experiment to see if students learning process was affected by the cold or the heat.

First they tested students in a colder room. The results were that the students score was lower in a colder room and in a hot room.

“On the Dec. 26-27 the district is going to replace some parts of the heater so that the rooms will be warmer in the morning.” Mr. Brown said.

Our heating system is old. It has not been replaced since the school was built. Our school is 20 years old this year. This may explain why our system is horrible.

Every time kids walk into class, all you hear is, “Oh my gosh. It’s so cold!” In our school the temperature drops to 50 degrees in some classes.

Bottom left of this picture is the rag that students are supposed to use to wipe off their tables but instead end up being thrown around. Are they really that clean? PHOTO BY J. FORWARD & H. ADDISON

“My room gets to at least 52 in the morning. The heating is so crummy; the district needs to let us control the system,” sixth grade math teacher Mrs. Toy said.

[Opinion & Editorial]

[12* Volume IV, Issue 2]

Corridors of Chaos: Crowded Hallways Cause Poor Behavior Colby Pretz & Jonathan Casey Walking through the hallways seems to be a problem for the majority of students. Alfollowing demanding class begins. though many students find it a time to catch up with friends before heading off to classes Anyone you hear that is annoyed with the claustrophobic hallways is almost certainly, many are bothered by the excessive amount of students in the halls. at one point in the day, contributing to the problem.

If your next class is on the opposite end of the school building, then you will probably Pro: rush to your classroom, whereas if your classroom is closer you slow down to slip a few Although pushing, shoving and tripping fill the Mt. Baker hallways, it is only because of extra comments to your friends. innocent students walking slightly more leisurely to talk with their friends before the The only way to stop the problem is to slow, or speed, everybody, to the same pace.

Even if you are in the “goldilocks conditions” of hallway walking, you still aren’t helping the problem if the majority of students aren’t at your same pace.

At the most basic we are all part of the problem, so don’t complain. You have to hustle Aaron Baker so you’re not late to class, or you try to spend some extra time with friends in the limited day.

Let’s face it, an epidemic is spreading. You see it every day in the halls, but you put it out of You can’t blame anyone for these innocent events. your mind. They have no repentance, no manner, and no remorse. They are the running sixth

Stop RUNNING, Sixth Graders!

graders.

Throughout the year, I have been bumped, shoved, and trampled by sixth graders who seem to have some sort of difficulty with walking through the hallways. Just the other day, I was all but knocked off my feet by a speedster who seemed to be running from a fire breathing rhino as if they would perish upon stopping. Of course, I quickly apologized for the encounter until I realized that it was his fault for running into me. I turned around to chastise the mini-ninja but alas, he had vanished.

I am honestly astonished that this has to occur. I understand that people become indisputably aggravated when a fellow classmate walks as if we have a realistic amount of time in our passing period, but is that worse than a tiny-terror tearing through the already chaotic halls?

Most sixth graders feel my pain and lament alongside my mourning classmates for the latest victim of the infuriating attacks, although the true pain can only be felt by an esoteric group of fortunate survivors.

Does it have to come to this? Eighth grader Ben Geisen takes matters into his own hands, directing traffic after sixth grade lunch. PHOTO COURTESY OF H. ADDISON

Con:

From the time you walk through the doors in the morning to when you walk out of them at the end of the day you feel you have walked through a war zone. You’ve been bumped, shoved, tripped, stepped on and elbowed just to name a few of the things you go through in our hallways just to get to your next class.

Yes, the school has more students then what it was built for but that doesn’t mean we need to have a free for all in the hallways.

If students would be a little more considerate of each other and not create traffic jams by stopping to chat with friends in the middle of the hall things would flow much nicer. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that people are moving both directions and you can’t walk three abreast without creating a bottle neck.

We could all get to class a lot quicker if we traveled in the halls like cars on the road, staying to the right and left hand sides.

Then there are the “cool people” who like to create a semi-circle around their lockers that extends out into the hallway so far you have to squeeze yourself through to get by them.

All it would take is a little more common courtesy on the part of everyone in the hallways during passing to make our halls more livable for everyone.

Mt. Baker is a great school why don’t we try to live up to our reputation.

Even the equally speedy (and petite) seventh graders are occasionally toppled. Unfortunately, there is no use to trying to save them. PHOTO BY H. ADDSION

[Opinion & Editorial]

[December 2013 * 13]

GRINDS My

GEARS Anna Maracich, Jonathan Casey, Maddie Feeney, AJ Maas

Disagree? The segment ‘What Grinds My Gears’ is presented as opinion and does not express the views of all MBMS students or The Canine Chronicle. If you would like to express your opinion, write us a letter, and you may be published in our next edition.

All graphics in feature courtesy of MS Clipart

What

Do you know what really grinds my gears? When teachers keep you past the bell. I have four minutes to get from class to class, and if you keep me a minute past the bell, I can guarantee that I won’t make it to my next class on time.

If you tell your students, “The bell doesn’t dismiss you, I do.”

Consider the idea that if the bell doesn’t dismiss us, then it shouldn’t decide when we are tardy to class.

In the time it takes you tell us to sit down, and give us a warm goodbye, I could be halfway to my class.

While late to my next class, I will make sure to tell my next teacher, while smiling, that you genuinely wanted me to have a good day.

Leaving class late can cause serious injuries. I’m already in a panic to get to my locker and reach my next class. While closing my eyes and plugging my nose, so I don’t get a toxic disease from my fellow classmates, I trip and fall on a strategically placed math book in the middle of the hall.

After being rushed to the hospital, we get the tragic news that my mom has to pay thousands of dollars because bell doesn’t dismiss me, and I was bound to have a good day.

-AM

Do you really want to know what grinds my gears?

Pencils. All of them. Expensive mechanical pencils.

The yellow Number Two pencils. Simply ALL of the darn inanimate horrors.

Let’s start with the mechanical pencil. ARE YOU JOKING!? KINDERGARTENERS COULD MAKE THESE PIECES OF JUNK! Actually, that might insult kindergarteners… The real point is that it runs out of lead at the exact moment you need it.

You could be hurrying to finish an important essay for language arts and Bang! Your pencil lead breaks and you have nothing. Nothing but a dreary, evil pencil mocking you for your misfortune.

See the problem?

You readers might be thinking, “Oh! No worries! I’ll just whip out my trusty No. 2 pencil.”

Really?

If that yellow, No. 2 pencil doesn’t break on you or isn’t sharp enough, I’m guessing you live in a dimension where hippopotamuses rule the world from Guam and we trust duck’s as our main intelligence.

Oh! I’ll just use a sharpener to save my day!

And how many times has that worked out for you.

If the government and our schools really care about our education, you would think we would be solving math problems, not pencil problems.

You know what really grinds my gears? Loud people at the movies.

I understand laughing at a funny part, but when you laugh for the rest of the movie just because that one funny part, it’s ridiculous.

I used to be the really loud, annoying kid who was just stupid and dumb about everything, but then I realized how annoying I was!

I mean seriously…your baby has been crying for an hour! Why do you think it’s gonna stop, now!?!?

Take it outside!

I didn’t pay $15 of my own money to go to a movie where I can’t even hear the movie. When teenagers are discussing the latest trends and fashions, nobody cares right now if Miley Cyrus twerked. It’s old news, anyway. I don’t care if you text people. That doesn’t bother me, but if you answer the phone in the movies, I get really mad.

This lady once answered her phone, almost as loud as a pep assembly, just to talk about how her little Pomeranian was doing by itself…REALLY!? You psycho! Just go home if you’re that worried about a fluffy little dog.

If you’re those loud, annoying people at the movies, then just wait a month and rent it on red box.

You want to know what really grinds my gears?

KIK. Seriously, you are gone for five minutes and you come back to the pleasant conversation that you had just left and guess what? Your phone is sitting there…*BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEEPBEEEEEEEEEEEEEP*.

Why can’t people just understand that you don’t want your phone going off like a fire alarm when you are placing Christmas ornaments on your tree. I mean, people don’t like it when you do it to them so why do they have to do it to you. Just STOP THE CONVERSATION WHILE I’M GONE. Yet you know what it’s even worse? When you are gone for three hours from your phone, so you turn it off naturally to conserve energy, but when you get back, you are in for a surprise see the conversation was still going while you were gone so you come back thinking … ”Hey I wonder what happened while I was gone.”

Well here is what happened NO ONE was quiet, so you are stuck there waiting until all if the beeping stops.

A couple weeks ago I had my phone off all day so when I turned it on I Had to wait 45mins until I could respond.

—JC

—MF

—AM

An Investigative Report on Myth Harrison Maurus, Kyle Bates, Jonathan Casey

Have you heard the myth that there is a pool under the gym?

Since it is the twentieth year of Mt. Baker being open, it’s important to dig deep into the history and mystery of the school.

This myth was also published in the first Canine Chronicle edition ever and it’s about time we had a follow up and put to rest the question of whether or not there is in fact a pool under the gym.

Mentioned in our first edition of the Canine Chronicle this year was CTE teacher Mr. Jacobs. He has been with the school for all twenty years, and saw the school being built. This makes him a prime source for information and knowledge about our school.

Mr. Jacobs said, “No, there is no pool under our school”.

He then proceeded to describe how the gym was built. He said that they first lay a concrete footing under the entire building. Then in the gyms case, they build the walls up around it, and then they put the wood flooring you see when you first walk into the gym, which lies on top of rubber-ball like feet with flat undersides to give some spring to the gym floor. Thus making it impossible to have a gym under the floor. He said that to go find the pool in the gym might actually mean get lost.

Mr. Brown, the principal, on the other hand said, “Yes, I have been told there is a pool under the gym, but I have never seen it.”

Mr. Brown said he learned that there’s a pool under the gym from the previous principal, Mr. Adams.

Brown also stated that he had never actually seen the pool but it is said to be full of old desks and chairs for storage.

Mr. Cowan also stated his opinion on the myth.

When asked if he had seen it, he said, “Of course.”

Cowan also said that he knows how to get to the pool.

Other than this he gave no other specific information concerning the mystery of the pool.

In an exclusive interview with former Baker student Drew Wallen, he stated, “When people first heard of the pool myth, they started to spread rumors, including

the teachers.”

When also asked if he thought there was a pool under the gym, he said, “I never have, because it’s almost impossible with the floor already there.”

When we further investigated the myth, we talked to math teacher Mr. Carter.

Carter stated that there actually was a pool but that he had never seen it.

Carter said, however, that there was a lawsuit filed against the Auburn School District that involved a pool located at Auburn High, and a student from the swim team dived in without supervision into the pool and severed his spinal cord.

The student involved was named Bryce Hendrickson and he had dived into the pool in the year right after the school was built. The dates and names found online fit exactly what Mr. Carter stated in the interview. The Auburn School District decided to drain all pools to avoid further injury.

We never actually got to see the pool because no one would let us go and see it.

All sources stated that it was confidential information and some of them had never seen it themselves.

We cannot definitely state yes or no on whether or not there is a pool.

A picture surfaced recently of the construction of the gym floor, sparking debate of the accuracy of the “pool myth”. The Picture that sparked the myth with the original construction of the pool area.

COURTESY OF 1994 MBMS YEARBOOK

Fashion Trends Resurface

PHOTO BY J. FORWARD & H. ADDISON

Bella Coronado & Hope Addison

Overalls, slap bracelets, scrunchies, fanny packs, and crazy hair. Some fashion trends from the ‘90s have been making a comeback to this generation. As an addition to celebrating twenty years of Mt. Baker, teachers have shared some of their favorite trends from the past, as well as styles that they absolutely do not want to return.

Popular television shows Friends and Saved by the Bell, were fashion

Ripped jeans, combat boots, and flannel shirts are seen around Mt. Baker and are similar to the “grunge” look of the ‘90s.

PHOTO BY J. FORWARD

inspirations in the ‘90s.

Mrs. Burkhalter, PE teacher, was teaching at the time. Some of the fashion trends she remembers are overalls, converse high-tops, and high-waist jeans.

One of her favorite outfits to wear was patterned leggings with long oversized sweaters.

Mrs. Burkhalter stated, “I think I’ve had the same haircut for twenty years.”

The ‘90s consisted of a mix of many diverse fashions, trending pop culture and also music. One trend, in particular, is reemerging in the fashion world. Grunge was a popular trend in the ‘90s era. Flannel shirts, Doc Martins, and ripped, light wash jeans, completed the styles that were inspired by hard rock music. Grunge is also sometimes referred to as the “Seattle Sound”. Despite it’s sudden comeback, grunge will always be associated with the ‘90s and remembered by the effects it made at the time.

In 1994, Mrs. Carnahan, eighth grade history teacher, was in her junior/senior years of high school. She said leggings (known as “stretch pants” at the time), floral-printed shirts, and flannel shirts were the most popular trends from high school. One thing she wouldn’t want to make a comeback is “holey” or ripped jeans. Mrs. Carnahan has also seen leggings, long sweaters, and combat boots around Mt. Baker, which remind her of popular styles in the ‘90s.

1994 fashion was referred to as “new glamor”, which brought a style called deconstruction. Unfinished seams, un-ironed cloth, and strange stitching were featured. Short, swingy dresses and bright prints replaced less constructed looks from past years.

Another popular trend from the early ‘90s were MC Hammer pants. The baggy, parachute style pants were worn by the famous rappers in various music videos. The pants have recently made a comeback, but are now known to be called “harem pants”. Although today’s version of hammer pants are similar to those worn decades ago, today they are made of different fabrics and are also worn differently.

‘90s fashion trends and today’s trends have a lot in common. Many styles from the past years may seem like they are gone, but, in time, they will make a comeback.

Top Holiday Gifts Ben Geisen, Jonathan Casey, Harrison Maurus

Although seeing a Beanie Baby and a Furby both wearing satin jackets as they play Tamagotchi may seem odd now, this would be a heavenly holiday scene for a child in the ‘90s.

Millions of gifts were given around the holiday season in the 90’s, mostly consisting of satin jackets, Tamagotchi, Beanie Babies, and Furbies.

Beanie Babies were the most popular gift throughout the ‘90s. They cost around 6 dollars then. They are priced now at anywhere from 10 dollars (Common) to $350,000 dollars (Extremely Rare).

They were originally invented in 1993, and were a major successes in ’94. There were only nine originally, but now there are over 1,000 individual designs.

The original 9 types were, Legs the frog, Squealer the pig, Brownie the bear, Flash the dolphin, Splash the whale, Patti the platypus, Chocolate the moose, Spot the dog, and Pinchers the lobster. They toys were produced by TY Inc.

Satin jackets were among the most popular of gifts in ’94. Seen on hit TV shows like Fresh Prince of BellAir and Saved by the Bell they quickly became popular. The brand Starter was the biggest company supplying this trend. The holidays are a time for giving and this is the equivalent of Nike equipment asked for by teenagers everywhere. These popular jackets were used by varsity sports players at schools nationwide, making a stylish way to show school spirit.

Satin jackets are on a comeback trail with new sports insignias and other styles.

While a majority of children asked for the “popular” gifts, there were always some children who strayed away from the trends.

Science teacher Mr. Johnson, who when asked what his most memorable gift from his childhood, he said ,“My archery set, for which I spent years developing my skills.”

We all have that one gift we ask for every year but

Furbies were among the most popular gifts in the late 90’s newer models have been released since then such as this one. PHOTO BY H. ADDISON

never seem to get, gifts like puppies and flat screen TVs, Mr. Johnson said it was waking up Christmas day and receiving a “UFO.” Mr. Johnson never asked for gifts like satin jackets and beanie babies, “I was ‘un cool’ and never had any of the new trends, even today.”

Furbies. This electronic and stuffed animal hybrid was a very popular gift during the holiday season.

They were first introduced in 1998 as a “must have” gift for the holiday season.

Hasbro originally sold the toys for $35 retail price.

Hasbro sold approximately 40 million Furby in the first three years of its introduction.

Furbies have been upgraded more and more. Just recently these little fur balls were updated so that you could get apps on your smart phone to feed them and keep them “alive”.

The Furby industry has been plummeting in value as they become less and less popular while the company Hasbro as had a steady increase in value since the release of the Furby in 1998, because the original Furbys become rarer.

Tomogatchi. If you have ever wanted a pet, but your parents won’t let you get one, a ‘90s toy created and sold by the Japanese Bandai company could solve your problems.

The digital phenomenon has progressed so far that an app called Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. has been created and is used by thousands of children who have grown up with the toy. (Life is an acronym for “Love Is Fun Everywhere.”) This new app was created by the makers of Tomagachi and is based on the legacy of the toy.

Tamagotchilife.com states, “Fans who grew up with Tamagotchi are, today, positive, assured, intrepid, cooperative and empowering, much like the attributes of the brand’s namesake. And when you factor in its modern-day update with a trendsetting focus, you’ll understand what Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. is all about.”

PHOTO BY J. FORWARD & H. ADDISON

To Help Parents Reminisce ‘90s Destany Abellera & Jalen Forward

The holidays are coming around and it’s the gift giving season. It’s time to get gifts for your parents that will make you their favorite. We have the perfect idea, the ‘90s!

There are many gifts that you get give your parents that they would drop dead laugh at, but many students buy their parents the ordinary things.

Sixth grader Karlie White said, “I usually buy stuff [my parents] wanted.”

Several fashion trends mimic trends that parents enjoyed in their youth.— today’s version of MC hammers pants. PHOTO BY J. FORWARD

The usual go to gift is something hand-made that was made with paper, stickers, love, and a lack of time that results in macaroni necklaces or homemade candles.

Sixth grader Siarah Brown said, “My go to gift would to get my parents an ‘I’ something [ipod, iphone],” Parents expect the usual, but don’t you want to give them a gift that they will treasure?

Some retro gifts you could buy today include a set of inline skates, a set of a ‘90s TV DVD box sets, maybe a couple Beanie Babies, some brightly colored Furbies, a pair of MC Hammer pants and leg warmers, or some old CD’s by famous ‘90s artists.

Sixth grader Camden Heilborn said, “I could get my parents some really old books or some gift cards to really old places. They are really, really old...like 50.”

DVD box sets are perfect to remind them of their child hood. For example, Friends, Saved by the Bell, Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step , and Boy Meets World are great gifts that will get your parents laughing all night. You could plan a whole day dedicated to watching the whole set with your family.

DVDs were not the only thing that made the ‘90s memorable; MC Hammer Pants and leg warmers were the style back in the day.

Sixth graders Siarah Brown and Maliyah Kim agreed that they would get their parents leg warmers or hammer pants.

Both MC Hammer Pants and leg warmers were originally worn by dancers. MC Hammer Pants were primarily worn by men and they were for hip hop dancers and break dancers. On the other hand, leg warmers were mostly worn by ballerinas.

If you don’t know what size your parents wear or you don’t want to give them clothes then your next choice could be to get your parents one of those cute, little Furbies.

Furbies were popular because they were able to talk. Furbies were originally sold for around 30 dollars. There are rare types Furbies that people will collect and sell for lots of money. At auctions they could have been sold to $300 and more, but don’t let that stop you from going out and buying one. These little creatures are still available to be bought. One time during a 12 month period, there was a total of 27 million Furbies sold.

Don’t worry if none of the previous ideas worked for you, the go-to gift of the ‘90s were a set of inline skates.

Even though they are not as popular as they were back then they are still a great gift. Now most people you see are on the sidewalks are on bikes or skateboards, but they don’t get the appreciation of by-standers looking at someone in skates.

Maybe the next person you see on the sidewalk could be your parents riding in skates.

There are many ways to remind your parents of the ‘90s, these are just a few ideas to get you creative juices flowing. Get a gift that will make your parent tell you stories from the ‘90s.

[Arts & Entertainment]

[18 * Volume IV, Issue 2]

MBMS’s Favorite Holiday Movies Jasmine Dang

The holiday season is approaching quickly and festive based on a book that tells that the curiosity of life cermagical train on Christmas Eve and discovers something, films are beginning to fill television screens. ‘Tis the tainly does not diminish for those who believe. A doubting only for those who believe in Santa. season to cozy up by a fireplace while appreciating holi- boy sets on a journey to the North Pole after boarding a In fourth place is Home Alone a comedy that is about a day movies. boy named Kevin who is accidently left behind after his Holiday movies, there are so many to choose. Whether family takes off to France. He fends for himself with you like comedies, dramas, romances, or action, there’s a schemes and traps when his house is being burglarized. motion picture out there for you.

At fifth place is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. It’s a Sixty percent of Mount Baker student’s favorite holiday classic Christmas television special movie that was movie is Elf. Elf’ is an American Christmas comedy that released in 1964 telling the story of Rudolph finding a was released in 2003; it’s about Buddy, who is raised as place where he will be accepted. an elf in the North Pole. He eventually sets out to New Sixth grader Nicholas Benabid said his favorite York to find where he is from. Throughout that process holiday movie is, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer he finds himself and his place in the world. because its stop motion, the story has a good Seventh graders Megan Bailey and Peyton Coleman moral, and it gets me the most into the holiday said they enjoyed the movie, “Elf’, because Will Ferrell spirit.” is in it and he’s so funny. There is also a resemblance Whether you watch movies to get you in the to my family and other families in movies.” holiday spirit or not, they are sure entertaining Coming in at second place by 36 percent is How the to watch. Therefore, if you’re ever bored over Grinch Stole Christmas. This movie is about how the winter break, pick up one of these movies that Grinch, who hates Christmas, steals all of Whoville’s will captivate your imagination this winter. gifts to ruin their favorite holiday. He later realizes the true meaning of Christmas and that it’s not all about glitter and toys.

Eighth grader Montana Logan said, “I prefer classic Home Alone released in 1990 is a successful holiday movies verses more recent holiday movies. My movie and an adored family comedy. “There are few movies that can be described as never having favorite holiday movie is How the Grinch Stole Christa dull moment and Home Alone fits in this small mas.” group. It's the perfect family holiday film.” (Kevin The Polar Express took third place being 32 Carr, 7M Pictures) COURTESY OF KISS925.COM percent of student’s favorite holiday film. This movie is

Holiday Movies What is your favorite holiday movie?

Compiled by Anna Maracich

“My favorite is probably The Grinch.”

“I like to watch Elf and Jingle All The Way.” CreativeCommons.org

“Christmas Vacation is one of my favorites.”

“My favorite holiday movie is Frosty the Snowman.”

-Kristina Soderquist -Lexi Allen

-Conner Pitlick

-Mr. Carter

Sixth Grade

Eight Grade

Math Teacher

Seventh Grade

[December 2013 * 19]

[Arts & Entertainment]

All-Time Most Annoying Kat Hamm

It’s that time year again, Christmas. So you know what that means, Christmas songs. Most people like them, they think they are fun to listen to. But other people don’t because they think the songs are annoying. These are the top three disliked holiday songs. #1 “Jingle Bells” by Singing Dogs The 1955 version of the holiday song is actually barked, not sung, is still the most disliked Christmas holiday song.

1955 was a time of experimentation with cutting, splicing and editing.

Carl Weismann was one of the first ornithologists to capture bird’s song on tape. One day while doing, so he kept getting interrupted by barking dogs. The annoyance gave him a bright idea, to record the dogs barking.

In his studio, Weismann spliced together the variety of barks speeding them up and down to match pitch.

The dogs featured in the song were two shepherds, a poodle, a terrier, and a pinscher The song is literally “bark bark bark, bark bark bark, bark bark bark bark bark” Jingle bells hit No.22 on the billboard charts in 1955. When the song was rereleased in 1971, it was even more popular.

Seventh grader Karen Ordaz said “[The Christmas song that annoys me the most is] jingle bells” #2 “The Man with All the Toys” by Beach Boys This two minute trip in monotony is probably one of the most annoying Christmas songs of all time.

You say your favorite holiday song is ‘Man with All the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE ILLUSTRATIONS BY K. HAMM

Toys’ by Beach Boys? Better get out that old vinyl 45 a spin.

As far as the radio cares, they are saying, “Bah, Humbug.”

When you think of the Beach Boys you probably think is summer hence’ Beach’. So for them to do a Christmas song is confusing.

Released in 1964, rated 65 percent on the charts. But in 2009, the holiday tune rated zero.

What makes this song so annoying is that the words “the man with all the toys “is repeated so much, it’s ridiculous. #3 “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” by Spike Jones This song was released in 1948; it was famous for the humor of the topic.

Not only is the phrase “all I want for Christmas” cliché, but putting “my two front teeth” behind it wasn’t the best idea.

The inspiration for the song came from a class of 22 students; 16 of them had both their front teeth missing.

Like most songs, this one just repeats the same annoying verse, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth” or ”my two front teeth”. Seriously, almost every line it says that.

Also some verses, it says, “thweeth”, instead of “teeth”, showing that without the front teeth the person can’t pronounce “teeth” correctly.

[Arts & Entertainment]

[20 * Volume IV, Issue 2]

Kamalvir Jhajj

“At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard part is finding the courage to do it,” bestselling author of The Hunger games series Suzanne Collins said.

Collins turned her series into a hit, becoming a worldwide sensation.

According to many people, this movie was said to be a definite watch, and worth it.

The movie starts with Katniss recently coming back from the Hunger Games as a victor. The capitol is very angry with her, because she beat the Games by bringing back another person with her as a victor, when protocol only allows one victor.

Then there’s a twist, another Hunger Games; but this time, the competitors are chosen from all the previous victors from the past 75 years.

President Snow was able to change the game rules, because the capitol is allowed to change them up every twenty five years, called the Quarter Quell.

The film’s story was very understandable, but only if you had watched the first film in the series. You could understand the film story better If you watched that before, because the movie starts off from the place the previous one [Hunger Games] left off from.

Also, the movie went along almost as exactly as the books were, unlike other films made from books. The story line was very intense and action packed, there was a lot of emotions mixed together, making the story a phenomenon.

The special effects were very strong, because almost all the parts looked very real, as they were in the arena.

One part in the movie could’ve related to the movie

Avatar, when the arena map is laid out in front of

being the worst), she said, “It would be a ten, bethem. cause it kept me in suspense, and it was interesting In the movie Avatar, the people in it have the 3-D to watch.”

Avatar world in front of them to see all activity, just While we all await the two part finale of Mockingjay, like they had in Catching Fire. concluding and ending the Hunger Games series, we When eighth grader, Victoria Cegielski was asked are left with the cliff hanger what her favorite part in the movie was, she fresh in our minds said, “The beach scene, because it was from Catching just so romantic. And it proves that Fire.

Peeta’s and Katniss’s relationship was true, genuine, and pure.”

Catching Fire had a different director than Hunger Games, and Catching Fire was said to be the better one, because it was more detailed. Catching Fire was very close to how the book was, unlike how Hunger Games didn’t include as many details and left out some parts.

When a sixth grader, Sophia Bailly was asked how she liked Catching Fire compared to Hunger Games, she said, “I liked Hunger Games better, because Catching Fire was way more violent and I didn’t The Catching Fire books have sold over ten million copies like that.” in total. COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM VIA CREATIVE COMAnd when a seventh grader was asked how she MONS LICENSE liked the movie from rating from 1-10 (ten best, one

[Arts & Entertainment]

[December 2013 * 21] COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

Disappoints Fans of Book Series Aaron Baker & Ryan Hess

Ender’s Game is the first movie adaptation of a book written by Orson Scott Card. The story follows our hero, Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, who is a super-genius six-yearold, who is sent off to a school orbiting Earth in an attempt to save the world from an alien invasion.

Most of the teenage population is focused on movies that offer romance and violence. Ender’s Game only has violence and a well thought out story line. However, if you were to consider a complete genocide of a species romantic, then this movie is for you.

Altogether, the movie was iffy. It ran for 114 minutes.

Most of which were a nonstop bombardment of flashing lights and loud noises.

After being traumatized about killing one of his rivals in the shower, Ender returns to earth, builds a boat, and then discusses his life choices with his loving sister, who sends him right back into space. He then commands an army and lays waste to a peaceful alien species of telepathic bug people.

Usually, when you look at an adaptation of a book you can say that the movie itself is “Good only as a stand-

alone plot” or “It only works if you read the book beforehand”. Unfortunately, Ender’s Game didn’t really fit either criterion.

The most obvious failure was Valentine Wiggin (Ender’s sister who ultimately adores Ender).

Throughout the novel, Valentine was easily one of the most interesting, three-dimensional characters. She was able to not only provide assistance and bring the morale of Ender up when she needed to, but she also helped take over the world (Earth, specifically).

Unfortunately for Valentine, her cameo in the movie was just that, a cameo. She literally had no depth or meaning and might as well had been replaced by a talking robot that showed up and said the right things at the right times, as that is all she was able to accomplish.

To further the butchery, many characters mysteriously swapped, race, cultural heritage, age, names, and even gender! I have to wonder if the crew even read the book.

To be utterly frank, the movie was sub-par. Not only did it swerve off course from the book, but it also changed pace from slow and comfortable to “everything will occur in one scene, because speed means good”.

Overall, the movie wasn’t completely awful, but it was far from a perfect adaptation.

[Mount Baker Barks]

December

Locker Lottery Ysabela Manuel, Maddie Feeney, Gigi Alcedo

What’s the worst present you’ve ever received?

EC: Clothes.

JZ: Clothes.

KZ: Socks.

SRP: A little girl stuffed animal.

AM: Clothes.

[22* Volume IV, Issue 2] Locker Lottery was created as a way to feature students’ opinions at MBMS. They are selected completely at random, like the lottery. Several students hit the jackpot, providing their perspectives on multiple issues. We interviewed and chose two lucky students in sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. The sixth graders are Aaron McCurdy and Shamara Perry. The seventh graders are Jesus Zavala and Karoline Zvonenko. The eighth graders are Ethan Celver and Jett Dolan-Harrison.

Do you like summer or winter better?

EC: Fall.

KZ: Summer.

SRP: Summer; because it’s hot, and I can play around.

AM: Winter.

How do you get your money to pay for the holiday Do you ever peek in your stocking? season?

JDH: If I can see it.

EC: My birthday.

AM: No, I like surprises.

JDH: I babysit, and get chore money.

SRP: I do chores.

If you could change the Mt. Baker mascot to anything, AM: I do chores. what’d you choose?

What do you look forward most to this year?

EC: Chihuahua.

JDH: Duck.

EC: Sports.

KZ: Jaguar or a tiger.

JDH: Nothing, because I’m so darn scared.

SRP: No, I like the mascot.

JZ: [I’m looking forward most to this year is] more fun.

AM: I wouldn’t change it.

SRP: Getting a top locker.

AM: Wrestling.

Is middle school everything you thought it’d be?

JZ: Yes. KZ: Yes. SRP: No, we don’t have recess, but I still like it.

AM: Yeah.

If Mt. Baker was given a donation of $1,000, what’d you suggest buying?

EC: Good food.

JDH: Better chairs.

JZ: Basketball hoop.

SRP: Vending machines.

AM: A drink machine.

What elective should be added to Mt. Baker?

EC: Sleeping.

JDH: Fashion or recess.

JZ: Free time.

SRP: Dancing class.

If you could go back in time or go to the future where and why?

EC: [I would go to] the future, year 40 billion.

JDH: [I would go to] the future, year 2030.

JZ: [I would go to] the future.

KZ: [I would go] back in time.

SRP: Back in time to December 25. That’s when my parents got divorced.

AM: [I would] go back in time, World War II. What is your favorite grade and why?

KZ: It’s going to be eighth grade.

SRP: Fourth grade because all my friends were in that class.

AM: Sixth grade, because easy math.

If you were at home right now, what would you be doing?

EC: Sleeping.

JDH: Homework.

JZ: [I would be] chilling with my homies.

KZ: [I would be] on my phone.

SRP: On my iPod. AM: Playing video games or playing football.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

EC: Turkey.

JDH: Green bean casserole.

KZ: Turkey.

SRP: Mashed potatoes.

AM: Pumpkin pie.

[Mount Baker Barks]

[December 2013 * 23]

Trends to Warm You as Temperatures Fall Anna Maracich & Destany Abellera It’s time to break out the wool socks, oversized sweaters, and trendy scarves. Reoccurring trends that fascinate our student population with intent to stay warm and be cute during the arctic months.

Your fashion sense doesn’t need to go cold when the weather does.

Cold weather is the perfect opportunity to strut your Christmas sweaters with the perfect pair of matching socks.

Eighth grader Tannar Larson said, “I noticed these trends starting when the leaves start falling.”

Fall fashion doesn’t only include girls; boys have a chance to impress the ladies with their sweater swag.

Of course, boys aren’t going to wear legging and combat boots, so they can style their sweater with dark jeans and matching sneakers.

Eighth grader Vasiliy Mazurok said, “I wore scarves and combat boots because it was cold outside They’re stylish, and I like to bundle up during the winter months.”

Seventh grader Ilona Kovalenko said, “I have noticed that combat boots and scarves have become a new trend.”

The stereotypical winter outfit consisting of Uggs and North Faces are getting old.

This year, replace your ancient boots with the new and fabulous combat boots. Also, who would want to wear the repeated North Face when you could have the ideal Christmas sweater.

Seventh grader Olivia Goodrich said, “I bundle up during the winter months with boots, sweaters, jeans, and a necklace.”

As you can see, not only is Goodrich warm, but her fashion sense can’t

Vasiliy was showing a prime example of some winter trends when he wore this outfit on the sixth. PHOTO

BY J. FORWARD

be missed.

It appears that boys are a little confused on what winter means. Winter is a cold month. It has been as cold as 17 degrees, and there have been boys in shorts.

What’s happening, are shorts the new pants? Of course you have to factor in the comfort of shorts, but many agree that temperature out rules comfort.

Eighth grader Ryan Hess said, “I wear shorts because I never feel cold, pants are too restricting, and shorts are extremely comfortable.”

Girls, you are a problem too. You choose to wear skirts and dresses in the winter but when summer comes everyone is wearing jeans. Your goose bumps are the size of Mt. Everest! Yes, skirts are cute and all but a warm scarf and sweater will keep you warm and still fashionable, the best of both worlds.

Eighth grader Ariel Siharath said, “I wear skirts in the cold weather because beauty is pain, and pain is beauty.”

Bare legs lead to the common result of the sniffling sinus. Not only do you miss school, you feel like a dead rat the whole day or maybe even week. Then, when you’re back at school the pounds of paper pile up.

Therefore, skirts and shorts can lead to stress, sickness, and sniffling.

To stay away from the fashion fever, remember to up your style with this year’s ideal outfits, dress for the weather, and layer on your adorable accessories.

While spending time with your family, make sure to keep these holiday tips in mind.

The Canine Chronicle Staff Debates Trends in Pop Culture Jasmine Dang & Destany Abellera

MBMS Dances

Starbucks Craze

Mt. Baker has at least one dance a year, the seventh and eighth grade Valentine’s Dance. The Valentine’s Dance is hosted by choir and is usually a big success, but this year our Yearbook staff decided to put on a Glow in the Dark Dance for the seventh and eighth graders. Should MBMS put on at least two dances during the school year?

Seattle-based Starbucks coffee company that has more than 5,500 coffeehouses in over 50 countries, becoming a huge trend to millions of customers daily. The Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, and Eggnog Latte are some of the current featured Holiday drinks. Are you on the Starbucks bandwagon?

Giving Back

Flannels

It’s gift giving season, and it’s in full swing. With all the holidays it’s the perfect time to surprise a loved one or a friend with a great gift. With Thanksgiving past and thanks given, Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanzaa, are right around the corner. That allows you a time to find a great gift. Some say giving is better than receiving. Do you agree?

Since winter is on its way, it’s time to pull out your old, grungy flannels. Flannels keep you in style, while keeping you warm.

Flannels were a staple piece in fashion from the 90’s for both girls and boys. While girls usually wear flannels with leggings and combat boots, boys wear flannels just as ordinary shirts.

Do you have a flannel in your closet?

A Year in Reflection

Twitter

Another year is coming to an end and a New Year is beginning. 2013 has been a year filled with new memories. Emotions from sad to furious have been felt. It’s time to reflect on what we’ve done this last year and plan where we want to go in the New Year. Did you like the year of 2013?

Twitter is an online social networking website which allows users to send “tweets” that are 140 characters or less.

Twitter has recently overtaken Facebook and became more important to teens. Do you have a Twitter account?

[Sports]

[24 * Volume IV, Issue 2]

Kicks Off First Season Ka’Sean Griffin & Daniel Shablevskiy The eighth grade boy’s soccer team was the first of years to come to Mount Baker.

With Kobe Middlebrooks scoring the first goal and first penalty kick in Mount Baker history.

“I felt amazing when I scored the first goal and penalty kick,” Middlebrooks stated.

Tannar Larson said the goal Middlebrooks scored was an awesome goal. He thought that, out of the 12 years he has been playing soccer, he had never seen a better goal.

Larson thought he developed in the game for a very nice assist to Middlebrooks for him to score the first goal.

Larson stated, “If I didn’t play the forward position, I would probably not have gotten an assist off that play.”

Seventh Grade Soccer Daniel Shablevskiy Mount Baker Middle School’s seventh grade soccer team has gone undefeated as of December eleventh.

Francisco Gonzalez has always adored playing soccer, since his dad played when he was little and now Francisco plays like his dad did once. Gonzalez’s position is left forward, but he wishes to play center forward.

Gonzalez thus far hasn’t scored yet but he had an assist. He had been a very good distributer for the team.

Jorge Malacon is another player on the team; he enjoys playing on the team with the rest of the players. Jorge plays center forward and has scored five times this year.

When Malacon was asked about scoring a goal, he said, “It feels awesome to score.” Jorge was the first player to score on the seventh grade Baker team.

Gonzalez thought the leader on the team was Malacon.

He always was a good role model for others and he worked hard every time they have a game or practice.

For example, if someone was struggling then Gonzalez would go help them out until they got it correct.

Another person that plays on the sevnth grade team was Tyler Broen.

Broen plays on two teams, one in school and one out, so he has more practice than others.

Left forward Broen enjoyed playing on the school team, he said, “It’s a great opportunity”.

Broen has scored once so far.

Reminiscing on the time he scored, he said, “it feels awesome, [making a goal] feels complete”.

Tyler agreed that Jorge is the leader on their team “[Jorge] is always helping the team and talking [to encourage others] on the field.”

The school that was hardest to play against was Rainer.

Tannar Larson scored the most goals on the team with a total of 13 this far in the season. He also led the team in assists with a whole 11. He also had a record breaking game, when he had four assists and four goals in one game.

Players thought that the best players on the team were Tannar Larson, Preston Green, Kobe Middlebrooks, and Trent Mille.

“These guys are talented at soccer,” Tannar Larson Stated.

Preston Green believed the there were several leaders on the team, “Tanner Larson, Preston Green, Kobe Middlebrooks, and also Trent Miller. They are very good captains for the team.”

He also feels like the team is playing wonderful because they play as a team and with commitment. “They always play hard even when, we are up by a lot,” stated Green.

Jorge Salas played left wing and right wing.

“My favorite part of the season was enjoying what I like to

play and learning new techniques so I can make all of us, much better,” Jorge Salas stated.

Salas also stated, “’This is would be one of the hardest positions I have played during my career in soccer and this position involves a lot of running.”

He also thought that the team played with passion, every time they stepped onto the field.

In a game against Olympic, Jorge Salas scored the game tying goal, with one minute left in the game. “I was so excited when I scored,”Jorge Salas stated.

Middlebrooks loves playing the position he has on this Mt. Baker Middle school soccer team, he played center attack on the field. Middlebrooks enjoyed playing on this soccer team, because it was a great opportunity for him to get better as a soccer player.

Most interviewees said that they thought Olympic was the hardest team to play against this season because it was a very intensive game.

Tanner Johnson and Colby Tong compete for a losse ball at practice PHOTO COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK.

[Sports]

[December 2013 * 25]

Competes for Another Title Alyssa Ferry

“Gymnastics uses every tiny muscle that you never even knew about,” said US Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller.

This being said, the gymnastics team was a determined team, everyone worked hard and put everything they had into those eight weeks.

This was the first year that sixth graders were allowed to join and compete to be on team. Sixth grader Hope Gilbreath said that she was going to continue to compete and practice with the MBMS team.

Seventh grader Mercedes Johnson-Gutierrez said, “Yes, I’m going to continue to compete with the MBMS team because [gymnastics] is fun and I like it!”

By the middle of the season, many had already im-

proved.

Coach Swanson said “[The team] had less club gymnasts, which really made [the team] work harder than some in the past.”

Hope Gilbreath mentioned, “Even though there was some drama, my favorite part was when one of the seventh or eighth graders would come and give me tips; even though, they were working on their own stuff.”

The team had spent most of their time in the gym, and tensions would get high the closer they got to meet day, but it was noted that the girls worked very well as a whole.

Coach Swanson said, “I was impressed with how the girls were working together.”

MBMS team shown lining up on the mat in a meet against Rainier. COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK

The season started late October, and it will end midDecember, the team will have had five meets.

With all of the improvements, there were many highlights to point out.

Coach Swanson said, “I was excited when Megan Bailey vaulted for her first time and got a score of 8.3, also, Cheyenne Smith has been working hard on her beam routine.”

As of December 11, their win-loss record was three wins and zero losses, poised for another league championship.

The team was humble during the best of times and the worst of times. Mrs. Swanson’s captains and managers were a large piece to the team’s success, with helping and encouraging all members as much as possible.

Coach Swanson said, “Kyla Poquiz, the captain, was great with giving the girls feedback on how to improve and what they were doing right. Ashley Saunders, one manager, consistently helped the girls on the bars.”

Gymnastics is a no-cut sport, which means all who sign up are guaranteed a place in the gym, but not all who sign up are put on the mat to compete against other schools.

With approximately 80 girls in one gym every practice, cooperation and patience were important attributes for the girls to have.

After their devastating preseason loss to Rainier, the win against them was a taste of sweet success for these girls.

Seventh grader Mercedes Johnson-Gutierrez said, “After the practice-meet loss to Rainer, the whole team wanted to work harder.”

MBMS has benefitted from their large numbers.

Cascade coach Mrs. Steffy said, “[The reason] the Baker gymnastics team are good competitors is because they have more depth. [The judges] take the top five scores and if you have more girls competing in that event then the team gets more opportunities to place.”

Hopefully all of these successful gymnasts will continue to work hard and improve their skills to the high school level, and grow as a team.

[Sports]

[26 * Volume IV, Issue 2]

TJ Williams Ballers in the Building! The varsity boys basketball team had an outstanding season.

The hard work and dedication has had a big impact on these young men.

With Kamil Quadri handling the ball, Patreon Lee shooting, and Jason Brown controlling the court, this team is unstoppable.

All the players enjoyed playing on the Mt. Baker basketball team.

Isaiah Prescott, Patreon Lee, Colin Rhodes, Thomas Knox, And Jason Brown start off most of the games.

“Our team is good, we have great chemistry, and we are all friends” Pa’treon Lee stated.

“I think my team is awesome, [it has] great hustle and great chemistry,” Jonathan Ocampo said.

Most of the players on the team have been playing basketball for a couple of years, so they know what hard work and hustle is supposed to look like.

Head coach Lubash has worked these boys each and

every practice. He made sure these young men are conditioned enough to run up and down the court every game.

“I love my coach, he is the best coach I have ever had” stated Jonathan Ocampo.

Pa’treon Lee said, “He’s a good coach, he knows what to do, he handles problems, and he is good at what he does.

“I like playing on the basketball team because it is a privilege,” stated Isaiah Prescott.

To keep this team going you have to have some leaders to help you guys get ready for the game.

Acoording to players, hese teams’ leaders are Jason Brown, Pa’treon Lee, Isaiah Prescott, and Ka’sean Griffin.

Pa’treon Lee said, “I think everybody is a leader because it take a lot of people to make a team not just a couple.”

The most improved player on the team is Kyle Bates, as according to his teammates.

Pa’treon Lee played basketball because, “It’s my passion and I want to make it to the NBA. [That] has always been my dream”.

Isaiah Prescott, Vasiliy Mazurok, and Colin Rhodes go in for the two points. COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK

This team is as much disciplined as they can be.

“It depends on your mood, when we are very energized we are not much disciplined but when we are focused then we are disciplined,” Isaiah Prescott stated.

“We average about 80 points per game and we beat every team by at least 25 points or more,” Isaiah Prescott continued.

Most of these players have been playing basketball for a while.

“I have been playing basketball since I was three years old” says Isaiah Prescott.

The high schools are going to receive a very good group of basketball players.

Seventh Grade Basketball Ka’Sean Griffin

The seventh grade basketball team has a season to remember with great scores by all their players. Now that’s how you start and end a good season for the bulldogs. The team battled until the final whistle blew every time they were on the court.

Turning the team on edge, Mr.Vatne’s team player Justin Higginson thought Dylan Molina was a good role model for them. He led them by example all the time. He never goofed around, which makes a respectable leader. He also said that Andrey Grischenko improved the most on the team. At first he could barely make a layup, but now he can make a layup almost every time. He also thought the team was playing very well.

Higginson said, “[The team] played with dedication and with pride at all times, which is why we were a successful team.”

Also on Mr.Vatne’s team, Grishchenko loved the way the team was playing. He thought they moved the ball around and it’s not just one person having the ball.

Grischenko said, “Dan Ramirez and Dylan Molina were the two best players on the team.”

Grischenko played his first year in basketball and he though he has improved a lot over the season.

Dishing and swishing. that’s how Jackson Williams on Mrs. Brown’s team acted when they played.

Williams’s favorite part of the season was when they played North Tapps Middle School. He thought it was a very intense game because every time they scored, North Tapps scored, and everybody was playing their best. Williams said every time they scored, they cheered on their teammates.

Also on Mrs. Brown’s team, Phillip Odarchuck thought Theo Washington is one of their best shooters.

He loved the way the team was playing because he thought Mrs. Brown and the other players were awesome to play with.

[Sports]

[December 2013 * 27]

The Official Olympic rings represent pride and competition, but in these games for many athletes they stand for controversy and hostility. COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

Winter Olympics Approach Samantha Leurquin & Jasmine Dang

It has been four years since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Where has time gone? The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia from Feb. 7-23.

With less than 60 days to the Winter Olympics athletes begin to finish up their preparations for the games. Competitors will compete in 98 events across 15 sports. The 15 sports are Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, Figure Skating, Curling, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Biathlon, Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding, Bobsleigh, Skeleton, and Luge.

Seventh grader Kylee Cole said, “Snowboarding and skiing are my favorite sports because I like to snowboard and ski. [These sports] interest me.”

The Olympics happens once every four years and is a traditional sporting event. The 2014 games is the twentysecond Winter Olympics. It is estimated that the Sochi Olympics is the most costly, with a price tag at over $50 billion. This will be the first time Russia will be holding the Winter Olympics.

Sixty-four percent of Mount Baker students are planning to watch the Olympics. Of those students, 82 percent are planning on rooting for the United States.

Eighth grader Atiana Garza said, “I want the United States to win so they can prove that they are the best in all winter sports such as snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating.”

Although Norway has won more Winter Olympic medals than any other country, the United States is the only country to have won at least one gold medal at every Winter Olympics.

Major controversy has also stirred up in the midst of this Olympics being held in Russia because of gay rights

issues, the anniversary of the Circassian genocide, safety issues, and environmental issues.

All issues aside the Winter Olympics is to enjoy the sports of all cultures and to promote all the delight found in determination or hard work for the sport. It also helps builds a better world through sports accomplished in peace, companionship, and respect.

Sixth grade teacher Mr. Brown said he liked Winter Olympics, “Because it’s an opportunity to see athletes

play sports you normally don’t see. It gets people to see other sports than the tradition sports like volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics.”

After 16 days of intense competition, the 2014 Winter Games will come to an end and the torch will be passed on to Pyeong Chang, South Korea for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. But until then get ready to anticipate some nail biting and heated rivalry between countries.

Fast Facts for the 2014 Olympics Kyle Bates The Sochi 2014 Olympics are hurriedly approaching for many sports fans, and many Baker students plan to watch, but many are uninformed about what they are even watching. So when viewing these amazing athletes, make sure you know about their surroundings and the history of the Olympics.

The Olympics this year are held in the resort city of Sochi, Russia. A city considered to be one of the lengthiest and skinniest in the world. The city is only two miles in length but also 92 miles long. The population is about 400,000 people as of 2012.

This is the first Winter Olympics ever held in Russia, the twenty-second in world history. There was technically a Winter Olympics held in the old U.S.S.R, but it is not counted as being in Russia, according to the official Olympics website.

The timeline for the Olympics is expected to be Feb. 723, and the Paralympics are scheduled to be held March 7

-16.

Sochi is also the host city for a 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, and these games are expected to be the most environmentally aware Olympic Games ever.

In some miscellaneous information, three men were arrested in a terrorist plot to attack the 2014 Games.

The plot was to bomb the opening ceremony, but several leads were followed by the FBI to stop the attack.

Now onto the controversy of the Sochi games; in the early stages of the Olympics when Russia was developing the arena, the question on if Russia would allow gay athletes to compete in the games arose.

When the final verdict came that Russia would not allow gay athletes, many countries called for boycotts that never came.

Whether you don’t care at all or will be watching every moment, enjoy the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

[Life]

[December 2013 * 28]

Plans for

DECEMBER HOROSCOPES

Winter Break

Ben Geisen

A couple of kids hanging out in the snow which is a great thing to do over winter break. COURTASY OF GOOGLE IMAGES VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

Daniel Filovets

What do you plan on doing this winter break? Sleep in, watch movies, have snowball fights, play video games.

If you don’t know what you are going to do this winter break, then here are some things that about.com suggests and what some students are planning on doing during this winter break.

According to about.com winter break can be the best time of the year to go to a museum, go bowling, take a tour, and visit and get to know some of the regional landmarks and destinations.

Winter break is also the best time to go and do some outdoor activities such as ice skating or sledding. Winter break can also be a great time to redecorate your room because a lot of people love to show their personalities and maybe so do you. It is also a great time of the year to have a sleep over because of how long the break is.

According to Morgan Putnam, a sixth grader, he stated he

though that he is going to Las Vegas for a vacation this year, but he doesn’t usually this every year.

Putnam’s friends usually don’t do what he does on winter break, but he stated that his siblings do.

Seventh grader Andrey Grishchenko stated, “I am going to hang out with friends, hang out with family, and have a snowball fight this year if it snows enough.”

Usually he doesn’t this every winter break, but he usually every year goes to the mountains with his family.

Also he stated that his brothers and sisters also do this as well on winter break.

And so if you needed any ideas for what you can do on winter break, hopefully now you have some ideas on what you can do on this winter break.

December Puzzles Gigi Alcedo

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The next time you talk to your crush, you’ll have something stuck in your teeth.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): While eating fish, you will see a unicorn, flying over a rainbow.

Aries (Mar. 21-April 19): The next time you visit the dentist you will find five dollars on the ground.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): While walking outside, you will find a bag of gold covered diamonds in a blue bush.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): During this holiday season you will receive an awkward present from a family member.

Cancer (June 21-July 22): While at the zoo, one of the penguins you meet will become your pet, and follow you home.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): All of your holiday gifts will consist of a leotards, spandex, and sweatpants.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): On Christmas morning you will find two lumps of coal in your stocking. Have a barbeque; don’t let them go to waste.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): While at the library, an old man dressed as Santa Claus will ask you what you want for Christmas.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Your second cousin will gift you with a scorpion this holiday season.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Bananas will bring you good luck, and are an excellent source of potassium.

COLD ELF HOT COCO NEW YEAR PRESENTS

RAIN SANTA SEAHAWKS SHORTER DAYS SLEEP

SWEATER TUMBLR TURKEY WINTER

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): While playing in the snow, a snowman will come alive and wish you, “Happy Birthday”.