THE
S A I N T J OSE P H
I N SIDER Letter
from
the
Volume 2 June 2016
Editors
The “Insiders” are back with Saint Joseph’s spring edition of the student newspaper! You will notice that the edition you hold in your hands is larger than our previous publication. Our team gained a few intrepid reporters, and there were so many wonderful events and people to cover that we decided to expand our volume. Inside, you will find contest-winning poetry, reports of the upper middle school capstone excursions, exciting interviews, a comic, and more! We at the Saint Joseph Insider hope you enjoy reading about your community, and we hope you have a relaxing summer break! Happy reading, Mr. LeTellier and Ms. Weinberg
sports Struggle
to
v i c to ry
By Zach Hertel, Mason O’Connell & Jaisen Abner CYO baseball has just started for the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade. Most of the games are on Sunday, and they are trying to win to get to the championship. The 5th and 6th grades are off to a rocky start in their baseball season. There have been two wins
Emma Nisbet, the only girl on the team, said, “CYO baseball is a sport for anyone with any kind of ability, and it’s a great way to spend time with kids you might not know very well.” When asked about her place as the only girl, she responded, “When I’m playing baseball the thought of ‘I’m the only girl here’ doesn’t really cross my mind. The point is, I’m just someone playing a game I love. I chose to be on the CYO baseball team because I love playing the game and representing St. Joe’s.”
“I chose to be on the CYO baseball team because I love playing the game and representing St. Joe’s.”
and two losses. But they are trying hard to redeem themselves and get to the top of the roster, and take it all. Current 6th graders shared their thoughts on the season ahead. First baseman, Henry Johnson said, “I like how we can all have fun, and it doesn’t matter how good we are or if our team wins.”
The 7th and 8th grade team is also on their way. The 7th grade team played four games: They beat ASB 12-1 and lost to Holy Rosary 2-0. Holy Rosary was a tough loss despite Mason O’Connell pitching a complete game. With a second loss to Holy Rosary (12-4), the wins and losses for 7th and 8th grade are two and two, just like 5th and 6th. Let’s hope that the CYO baseball teams will make it to the championship and win the trophy they deserve.
Blake Anderson, the second baseman, continued, “It’s fun and exciting. I’m having a good time playing Let’s go St. Joe’s CYO baseball! for St Joe’s.”
June 2016 1
R e a dy , S e t , S P I K E ! By Katie Kraft & Kaye De Guzman
The 8th grade girls’ volleyball team has shown their best effort to win their games each weekend during the CYO Spring Tournament and show their strength during their last year at St. Joseph School. These girls have demonstrated leadership throughout this memorable year. They have achieved an amazing season in volleyball with a 5-1 standing during the regular season, getting a bye during playoffs, and jumping ahead to quarter finals. Volleyball teams are usually known for their players and style, but that was only one of the attributes this year’s 8th Grade Volleyball team. This year the adult coaches made an unconventional decision. High School junior, Aurelia Ole’s, created a training program and rotation, using each player’s strength, ultimately earning the title of Head Coach, shifting the parent coaches to team managers.
other people who have your back. It makes us use teamwork. It’s not like other sports where one person can dominate; we all have to work together if we want to make a good pass and get a point. Because that’s really what it’s all about, coming together to form a great hardworking team.” New comer Elise Bernard joined the team just this year and had a few words to say. “What I like about playing volleyball is that you have to work on trusting others and learning when to trust in yourself. I like how everyone could work together and be support each other,” she said. This year, the 8th grade girls’ volleyball players came together as one team, no varsity or JV. It was a slight change, but each individual girl worked hard to be the best.
“In all honesty, this team is one of the best from what I’ve seen over the years. When all our players are together, this team is unbeatable,” said one of the Having a young coach was not the typical way to go, but Team Managers, Sonny De Guzman. both high school students surprised everyone with their Kaye De Guzman added, “It doesn’t really matter how ability to coach. When Libby Norton, assistant coach much experience each player has. What is more and high school senior, was asked about important qualities a player should have in volleyball she replied, important is how well we work together. Being in a team means PLAYING as a TEAM. If there are things “Being able to not get down because you’re going to we need to fix, then we fix it as a team.” make mistakes. It’s important to not let that get to you.” When asked the same question, Coach Oles The chemistry and friendship between the coaches responded, “Pushing through and staying positive. I think the biggest thing is discipline and patience. Being and players is undeniably strong. These 8th grade girls have had an amazing time this year. From advancing patient with yourself and with your teammates.” their volleyball skills, to making it to the quarterfinals, it was definitely a season that everyone enjoyed. What These coaches demonstrated hard work and supported the team, even balancing school at the same this team gained was not just about developing their volleyball skills but the trust and support that binds time. These coaches were definitely passionate about the team together. volleyball, and they took coaching seriously. “I wouldn’t have asked for better coaches, no matter how annoying we were to them. They still pulled through and worked their butts off to be the best they can be,” teammate Kaye De Guzman added. As much as we all love the coaches, we have to give some credit to the players of the team. Going through tiring drills and many suicide lines, they played the sport with passion and determination. Girls having years of volleyball experience to girls just joining the team, each player worked hard and played their best. Teammate Kayla Palmore said, “Playing volleyball has brought me closer to people I may not talk to that much in class. It’s nice because if you screw up you have five
June 2016
2
school A D ay I n T h e L i f e O f Second Grader
spotlight
a
By Rose Cassidy and Riley Floyd
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live a day in the life of a second grader? Well, now you can jump back or forward in time and see! [Time machine not included]. You can experience it through two 2A students for your time travel experience. Meet Bianca: an energetic girl who was excited to answer our questions. And, meet Henry: an athletic boy who loves to play soccer in his free time. Are you ready to jump into the questions?
&
Q A Q- What is your favorite subject? Bianca- Math because we get to play with money! Henry- P.E because we get to play games and run around. Q- What do you like to do at recess? Bianca- I love the monkey bars! Henry- Playing soccer is fun. Q- What do you want to be when you grow up? Bianca- I want to work at my grandma’s restaurant. Henry- I don’t know for sure Q- What do you like best about your teacher, Mrs. McLaughlin? Both - She’s funny! Q- When is your favorite time of the day? Bianca- The end! Henry- Writing time. Q- What do you like about Star of the Week? Bianca- I like being the line leader. Henry- I like being able to sit on the couch! Q- Do you like being a second grader? Both- (A very enthusiastic) YES! We hope you enjoyed seeing a tiny glimpse into the life of a second grader whether you are young or old.
M e m o r i e s , L e s s o n s , an d S e r v i c e i n N e w Y o r k an d D. C . By: Frances Waltz and Clare Flynn
On April 25, 2016 the 8th graders flew to D.C. and then New York City for the annual capstone trip. They learned history and experienced culture within these cities. During the trip they did things to help their community, visited sights, and learned about important historical events. Divaa Leathers enthusiastically said, “I made memories that will last my whole life.” Many 8th graders echoes this sentiment and will never forget the trip to our nation’s Capitol and the biggest city in the US. In New York and D.C. the 8th graders learned about America’s history. When they were in D.C. they went to many monuments including Abraham Lincoln, JFK eternal flame, the statue of liberty, and WWII Memorial. One 8th grader was particularly struck by this monument and explained, “I saw a statue of three soldiers holding a flag. It was one of the most interesting things I ever saw. It was cool to see all the names of fallen soldiers on the pedestal of the statue.” Also, while in D.C. the class visited Holy Trinity School in Georgetown, they celebrated Mass together and did service activities. With their spirits high, the 8th graders brought joy to people’s lives and connected with the students at HTS! The 8th graders’ capstone trip to NYC and D.C. was not only full of history and culture, but also it was a time to be together, do service and have fun. The students made lasting memories on a trip that was definitely worth their while.
June 2016 3
Spotlight
on
By Sally Swanson
Ms. Bever
Ms. Bever, the Middle School Director, was born and raised in the Seattle area. She was drawn to St. Joseph School because of its mission and Jesuit roots. One of her favorite things to do in the morning is going to Mass. One of the reasons she loves to start her morning out by going to Mass is because it reminds her of her Catholic religion throughout the rest of her day. After she goes to Mass, she goes and greets all the teachers and sees what they have planned to teach their students that day. After she greets the teachers, she goes to the lobby to greet students and check in with them to see how things are going. One of the questions we asked Ms. Bever is what she plans to do for St. Joseph in the future. She responded by saying, “I plan to make sure all students get the tools they need to be successful and graduate, and that every door in education is open for them.” Even though Ms. Bever only came last year, she has played a significant role in not only students’ present education but their future schooling as well. Last year she was the seventh grade math teacher and greatly helped her students. This year she focused on helping many teachers out with not only math but other subjects like reading and writing. Many kids have been saying how they would like to have free dress every day. When we asked about this, Ms. Bever talked about how she had attended Catholic schools and wore a uniform. From her experiences, she explained that wearing a uniform is one way to represent the school and show school pride. They become an equalizer for everyone. With our current uniform policy, students are still able to express themselves through smaller ways like shoes and socks. Our uniform represents who we are as a school and unites everybody as one. Ms. Bever is an amazing teacher, leader and person to talk to. Ever since she has come to St. Joseph, she has worked hard to create a welcoming place for students to come and learn. We all hope Ms. Bever will stay with the St. Joseph school community for many more years to come, and we all thank her for being such strong contributing member of our community.
Po
e t ry
C
o n t e s t
W
Grades 6-8 i nn e r s
All students were invited to write original poems in honor of April poetry month. Below are the selected winners.
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
I Am Called by My Mom By Ben Courtney
Untitled By Anna Rose Hunter
“Benjamin James Courtney---- get down here--NOW!” My mom called me from the bottom of the stairs. I knew I was in trouble, when my mom calls me like that. I’m probably in trouble because I took chocolate from the cabinet. I hope I don’t get in too much trouble! Oh well…
Swinging and moving Across the empty stage Flowing to the music From wall to wall “Samba!” “Waltz!” Under moonlight I am called to dance With the stars
We Are Called By Zach Stone A noise, a buzz, a chime A blinded World that we do not understand Choked by the crowd then We fall away from others into a piece of code To make us feel like we are connected when really we are actually Alone. We are called, not on our devices Take off your headphones and listen Look through your eyes, not your camera Laugh for once, not an Emoji But that is too hard So we go back to the home screen A notification pops up: “God has sent you a friend request” Will you accept?
June 2016
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s ta f f M an y M i l e s
with
spotlight
Marion
By Sofia McGinnis and Rasa Audejaitis
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is an organization that aims to cure blood cancers, and eighth grade teacher Ms. Kathy Marion wants to help by hiking for the cause. She is going to hike 382 miles from Fort Stevens at the northwestern tip of Oregon down to Crissey Field at the southwestern tip of Oregon. This trip will take her on an amazing journey from June 26th to July 19th. For this outdoor experience, Ms. Marion had to read many books about the trails, analyze the routes, plan hotel logistics, meet up with other participants, and train with 15-18 mile runs. She believes that to completely fulfill her wishes for the trip she needs to have our good wishes, prayers, sponsors and a little bit of dark chocolate.
Coast Trail (OCT), the challenge of doing the walk started percolating within my imagination. Since I have been doing events for Team-N-Training for the past 16 years, I wanted to connect this challenge with assisting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.” Doesn’t that just make you want to join her on this hard yet exciting journey? Ms. Marion is a friendly woman who always enjoys some company, which is why we were wondering how would she be able to complete this journey all by herself. Ms. Marion says, “My wildest dream of this event would be to have someone with an RV and another pal join me on the route. The pal and RV owner could switch off driving duties so there would be no need to have hotel reservations. I do not camp!” This inspiring teacher is almost ready for her thrilling adventure on the coast. There is just one more thing needed for this trip: sponsors!
Luckily this isn’t Ms. Marion’s first huge feat for the LLS. Her first contribution was in 2000 on the Tour of Tucson, a 100 mile bike ride. Her team raised $4,500 for the event! “It was daunting, as I had never done a ride of that length,” Ms. Marion said. “Over 100 teammates participated. Seeing so many Team-N-Training participants was awe inspiring. This year, though, I am not doing an organized event but have joined what is called Team-N-Training Your Way. Most participants choose a race near them, do their own fundraising, planning, and training for the event. Since I have fallen in love with trail running and have always been in love with the coast, I decided to do this journey. Plus it’s Joseph’s golden birthday.” Ms. Marion participates in Team-N-Training events in memory of Joseph, a four year old boy who lost his battle to cancer.
“Whenever I hear of another diagnosis of cancer, I feel helpless. Even though there is always the power of prayer, the beat within me pushes me to demand more of myself as I try to find demanding events so that my fundraising will also increase. The long and short of it is, all members of this journey benefit: researchers, patients, sponsors and me,” she stated.
Looks like Ms. Marion is always ready for a little action, but that doesn’t mean her positive energy stays outside the classroom. She has been talking about it in our religion class, so we asked her why she was so excited to go, and her response was compelling. Ms. Marion said, “Experiencing time on the ocean is always relaxing, breathtaking, and it connects me to God the creator. Last summer when I was walking part of the Oregon
She is trying to raise $50,000 and needs your help! Visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/yourway16/ kmarionkmw to donate and learn more, or mail a check made out to LLS c/o Kathy Marion at 700 18th Ave E. Seattle, WA. She will accept donations up to June 25, the day she departs. Good luck Ms. Marion! You are in our prayers as you embark on this thrilling adventure!
Ms. Marion’s big hike is benefiting many people. She explained, “The money raised for LLS benefits those undergoing treatment for blood cancers. So much progress is being made that many more people are living longer, successful lives. On the other side of the coin those who sponsor her benefit by knowing their contribution is helping LLS get closer to a cure.
June 2016 5
p r i m a ry s c h o o l T o s h i ba STEM P r o j e c t S a v e s P o la r B e a r s
3 r d G r a d e I n v e s t i g at e s Recycling & Composting
Aura and Rhys Sukapanpotharam and Henry Laun, three 3rd grade students, have chosen to do a good deed this year by designing a plan to save endangered polar bears whose homes are disappearing rapidly. The group entered their project into the Toshiba STEM ExploraVision competition which is a nation wide project for students in grades K-12 who compete to help a worldwide problem.
During the third trimester, a group of 3rd grade students, led by Mrs. Weinberg, are learning how to help the environment by researching how St. Joseph students sort their garbage in the cafeteria. “The 3rd grade students are researching the four Rs,” Mrs. Weinberg told us, “which stands for reducing, reusing, recycling, and rot (or composting). The students are examining how these things are being accomplished in the cafeteria.”
By Carlisle Childress and Sarah O’Connell
By Tomas Audejaitis and Eva Scearce
The group and Mrs Weinberg have observed that the community needs to be better informed about what waste should go in recycle, compost or landfill. Through a garbage analysis and garbage journal, the students found out that St. Joseph students are not doing a good job of correctly sorting items in the landfill and compost bins. After brainstorming many ideas, Aura, Henry, and Rhys The students appeared to be better informed about what decided to save the polar bears. They chose the polar bear items go in the recycle. idea because Aura and Rhys loved animals and wanted to 3ABC have researched the importance of reusing items, address the fact that global warming was impacting them too. For example, sorting trash correctly can make new greatly. Using a 3D printer, they made a model of the ice products out of waste and reduces the amount of waste platform device that is environmentally friendly. They going into landfills. Reusing items is crucial to helping made a solar energy cooling system to create the sea ice, the planet. If we don’t reuse, we will run out of resources and then made holes in the ice for it to become easier to to make shiny new products. Reusing items and reducing catch seal and fish. Lastly, they made a snow den. waste also reduces greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. Aura, Rhys, Henry’s favorite part of the project was designing the prototype while their least favorite part of the activity was the documentation. They each had jobs that they were responsible for: Aura was in charge of writing the abstract and drawing sketches of the project, Rhys worked on the presentation of the project and had ideas for project growth, and Henry was capable of doing CAD (computer aided drawing) and 3D printing. They all worked together to complete the project.
From their research and data collection, the group compiled a chart that shows where typical cafeteria items go. Some common recyclable items are: empty juice boxes without straws, milk cartons, and plastic bottles with the lids on. Some examples of compostable items are: dirty paper plates, food scraps, and napkins.
These three had their minds set on making an environmentally friendly solution to help save the polar bears, and after three months, they had finally done it. To top it off, they received the honorable mention award from the world’s largest science competition for students.
The students are presenting their findings to K-4 students with the goal of teaching the primary school students about how to properly sort their garbage. In the fall, the team of students will take a leadership role in continuing to educate the students on how to properly dispose of their waste and reduce their waste all together.
As you can see, these three third graders are already making a difference in the world. They used technology to make something great! Who knows, maybe in 20 years the world will be using the idea that popped up in a few third graders minds to help save one of the most endangered animals in the world!
The work of this third grade group is essential to sustaining the health of the environment and making the world a better place.
June 2016
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middle T ak e a H i k e ! A 7th graders
journey
with
By Tess McMillen and Henri Waltz
The Capstone Experience is an overnight trip for the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. This year, the 7th graders got to go to Mt. St. Helens and spend 3 days there camping, hiking and eating delicious s’mores by the campfire. This trip was to prepare the 7th graders for their transition to becoming 8th graders and leaders of the school. “Having a longer time to spend with peers that doesn’t involve a screen is important,” says Mr. Hess, the 7th grade Science teacher. “Additionally, we live in a major city, and having an extended time out in the woods helps build an appreciation for nature and how wonderful it is.” Camping and hiking with friends was the only thing on their mind for two weeks. And the day finally came on Monday, April 25th of this year. With a four hour drive to the Eagle Cliff campsite, the teachers and the students were all rowdy to get to camp. We asked Mr. Hess why he chose this location. He responded, “Mt. St. Helens is a magnificent piece of Washington’s recent geological history. We had the opportunity to see old growth forests, and trees that are hundreds of years old, as well as walk through thousand year old ancient lava tubes. It is a very unique experience that most other students don’t get to experience.”
school I totally came closer to my squad during the trip!” said Salma Elouaddane, a new student to St. Joe’s. “The thought of going camping with people I didn’t know made me a little nervous. On the actual trip, everything was fine. We got closer by walking with each other during the hike, eating meals, sleeping, etc.” Tuesday evening was finished with s’mores around the fire, late night games, and exhausted 7th graders. Wednesday morning, at 7 AM ,the entire camp was up and putting away their tents. Bags were packed, and we hustled into the bus, leaving Eagle Cliff and heading back to civilization. After a quick 3-mile trek into the Ape Caves, the students piled onto the buses and headed home. “I got to experience hiking and the outdoors. I also got to meet new friends, and become closer with my other friends! We all got to know each other a little more: friend, foe, student, and teacher,” Salma said. The entire 7th grade really enjoyed this camping trip, continuing and adding to the middle school program, and they hope the incoming 7th graders enjoy it as much as they did.
“I learned that you can still have fun with people that you don’t really know and that everyone was there for me when I needed help,” said 7th grader Natasha Kaimakis. Eagle Cliff was separated into 15 campsites, a few cabins and a set of bathrooms. With two tents in each campsite, the 7th graders became closer and closer through sleeping next to each other, long hikes, and trying to get warm huddled by the campfire. “I love camping, if I’m with the right people,” said Natasha. Tuesday morning, the air was cold, and no one wanted to get up in the morning. It was the day of the 16mile hike. Kids were up at 7 and packed into the bus by 8. In the middle of this long hike, it brightened up the hikers’ day to see three beautiful waterfalls. The last one, most beautiful, was the sign that our long hike was almost over. Upon return to the bus, everyone was tired, hungry, and ready to get back to camp. The lucky bus driver was happy to have no one talking on the way back. “I really enjoyed all the pretty waterfalls. It was tiring at the end, and it was my first time hiking.
June 2016 7
O u r L e a d e r s A r e L e av i n g By Logan Utz and Diva’a Leathers
what it’s like to be a student.
“The person who did The 8th graders are leaving to go to high school to start their new lives in a new place. Will it be hard? Or most of the recommendations was will it be fun? Only the future will tell. Ms. Marion,” said Mr. “It’s a change,” said Ms. Marion, the 8th grade math Sauvage, the Religion teacher for the 8th teacher. “Every class imprints a part of who they are as a class. It’s an adjustment since there is a feeling of grade. “The other thing that we do as loss and excitement. Once the 8th graders graduate, I always miss them but look forward to the incoming 8th grade teachers is we have the opportunity to paint a wonderful picture of 8th grade class!” that student for the high schools. We send them a vision As a school we will miss the current 8th graders, so we of who they are as a person inside and out of school, interviewed some of the 8th graders to talk about their so they can have the most successful four years in high school.” memories, what they will miss and what they will remember about their time at St. Joseph. Many students are also excited about the new step.
We will miss the 8th graders since they were the leaders of the school, and we hope that the memories that they “I’m excited about meeting new people,” said Roxanne made at St. Joseph’s will never leave them. Angustia, who is going to Bishop Blanchet, “and I look “My favorite thing about St. Joseph was getting to forward to being at new campus!” connect to people that I wouldn’t connect with,” said The first thing that the 8th graders have to do before Henry Lemus Vera, who is going to Kennedy.
getting accepted to high school is apply. The 8th graders pick a high school that is a good fit for them. We will keep the memories of the class of 2016, and we You can pick at least three high schools because if one hope that they will never forget about the times that they spent here at St. Joe. of the high schools doesn’t accept your applications, then you have a back-up. Second, you have to visit the high schools to see if the high school is a good fit. When you visit a high school, you will have a high school buddy that will show you their rotations and
St. Joseph is . . . .
COMMUNITY
June 2016
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