SMS Press
March Newsletter
Swanton Middle School's Top 5
By: Reese Oberheim and Audrey Szalapski
Testing, talent shows, and the end of quarter three are just a few of the important and exciting things coming your way at SMS. Read the top 5 events that SMS Press thinks you should be aware of!
1.State Testing- State testing is coming up and we all need to be ready. We will give you a heads up on the testing dates. L.A. testing is during March 28-29 and the Math/SS/Science is during May 2, 3, and 4th. “Be ready to study!”-SMS Press
2.End of Quarter 3- Quarter 3 ends on March 24th! Now is the time to get your grades up!
3.Yearbook competition- The yearbook competition winners were Brandon Chovan and Amy Lawson! Congratulations!
4.Talent Show - Get your acts together! Student council and the character committee bring you the SMS talent show! Think you got the stuff? Get ready because it’s coming soon!
5.Spring Break- Spring break this year is from April 10-17. Some fun things to do around Swanton this spring break is go to Skyzone or the Toledo Zoo.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events and important dates happening at SMS!
How To...Get Good Grades
By: Hanah Faber and Logan Taylor
Many students may have failing grades due to not knowing how to study. Here are some tips and tricks from students at SMS.
Two seventh grade reporters, Hanah Faber and Logan Taylor, interviewed some top performing students at SMS that understand what it takes to succeed in middle school, Kaden Curtis, Sofie Taylor, Logan Pelland, and Morgan Smith and three seventh graders, Riley Bellner, Xander Gilsdorf, and Audrey Szalapski to find out their tips and tricks to getting good grades.
SMS Press reporters asked the sixth and seventh graders what their favorite study skills are. All the sixth graders said “study guides.” Other answers were flashcards and practice quizzes. A lot of the students also prefer to study alone. Only 30% like to work with music. Almost every student prefers to work in groups and alone depending on what the activity is.
Transitioning to middle school can be quite a challenge for many new sixth graders. SMS Press asked every student what their advice would be for future sixth graders. Kaden Curtis and Riley Bellner reported “Never give up.” Sofie Taylor reported, “Turn in your work on time.” Logan Pelland and Morgan Smith reported, “Work hard.” Xander Gilsdorf reported, “Get your work done.” Last but not least, Audrey Szalapski reported, “Attendance is important and missing a day in SMS means a lot of make up work!”
SMS Press hopes this helps you improve your grades. Take into consideration everything Kaden, Riley, Sofie, Logan, Morgan, Xander, and Audrey mentioned. Stay positive and keep your head up! Remember to always try your best and be encouraging! Good luck on your next assessment!
The Future of Swanton Schools
By: Riley Bellner and Xander Gilsdorf
As most of the students and staff already know, the middle schools, as well as Park elementary, will be undergoing some changes in the coming months. Park is becoming the 5-8 middle school and the 3rd and 4th graders are going to Crestwood. There has been, with any change of course, has been some mixed feelings on the topic.
SMS Press asked some of the teacher and staff about their feeling on subject.The middle school principal, Matt Smith, said, “The new Middle School is in better shape and they are going to do some upgrades to the building such as adding a new cafeteria and AC units to every classroom! Those are going to be great for our students next year. I will be sad to see the current SMS building torn down but we did have many minor issues with the building and hopefully the move will eliminate some of those repair issues.”
The building is already underway for the new SMS and it’s coming along quickly. The Park elementary and Crestwood elementary principal, Paulette Baz, said, “I will miss pK and 5th grade not being in my buildings, but I know they will do well in their new buildings. SMS has a great staff and students and I know they will enjoying the Park building as their new house.”
SMS press also interviewed Jennifer Schmidt, the S.A.G.E teacher from Park. She is going to be splitting between the new middle school and Crestwood. She said, “I'm sure we will need to adjust a few things but it's fun to think of this as a big adventure we are all part of... I really think that once we are settled in the new Middle school building we will like it.”
Change is hard for many people but in the end it’s unavoidable. The best way to deal with change is to be positive.
Get to Know Your Teacher Better
By: Tille Tufts and Rheannah Kesler
It’s hard to get to know your teachers when you only have them for 40 to 50 minutes each day, along with 15 to 20 different peers. So, SMS Press has decided to interview a different teacher or facility member each month so you can get to know them better.
On Monday February 13, two SMS school reporters, Tille and Rheannah, visited Mrs. Ohlemacher’s classroom to interview her.
The first question they asked Mrs. Ohlemacher was, “How long have you been teaching at Swanton Middle School?”
She replied with, “This will be my 11th year teaching at Swanton.” Mrs. Ohlemacher said her most memorable year teaching was her second year because, “It was a great group of students who always worked hard.”
They also asked about her opinions about the changing of schools. She replied with, “I don’t like change but, I am excited about the new opportunities.”
Mrs. Ohlemacher also mentioned information about her personal life and interests about her personal life and interests.
“Favorite sports and what teams?” They asked.
The story behind St. Patrick's Day
By: Mason and Cameron Knott
No, Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t about Patrick Star from Spongebob. It is about Saint Patrick, again he isn’t Patrick Star. It is also about remembering everything he did for the Irish... and Leprechauns.
St. Patty’s day is the national holiday of Ireland, but many in America don’t know why? Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. It was also said that he drove snakes out of Ireland too, but it could be the symbol for Druids.The feast on St Patrick’s day consists of Corned beef and Cabbage. The date of St Patrick’s day is not random, it is actually the day that Saint Patrick died. So Saint Patrick’s day is to honor, obviously Saint Patrick!
Now time for some fun facts about Leprechauns! According to Katharine Briggs, Leprechauns were depicted wearing red instead of green, like a miniature Santa Claus. Leprechauns are derived from the word Leath Bhrogan which means shoemaker in Irish, and that is why they look like shoemakers. And the lucky number in Ireland is three.
In conclusion, St Patrick’s Day isn’t about catching Leprechauns. Nor looking for four leaf clovers. It’s not about finding the end of the rainbow. This day is about Saint Patrick and how he spread Christianity to Ireland. A Leprechaun walks into a bar, but Saint Patrick ducks!
Tell Me Something Good
By: Sam Betz and Garrett Swank
February kicked off Random Acts of Kindness in schools all around the U.S! Acting kind is something that should be celebrated for more than just a week! Kindness is contagious and anyone can model what it means to perform acts of kindness, even a famous You-tuber!
A famous Youtuber, Meir Kay, threw a Super Bowl party for the homeless at a bar at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar and Restaurant in New York City. A famous Youtuber went around inviting homeless people for a Super Bowl party on 230 fifth rooftop and bar. The homeless appreciated it very much! “The men were all treated with jerseys, drinks, and a buffet of delicious Super Bowl snacks,” said GoodNewsNetwork.org.
We interviewed Mrs.Lopez, Swanton Middle School Counselor to learn more about her thoughts on RAK week at SMS. “It is an awesome way to get others involved and get them helping others”, Mrs. Lopez told us about her thoughts about RAK Week.
We asked her if this year’s RAK Week was a successful one and she said, “This year’s RAK Week was a very successful week, kids were putting nice sticky notes on people’s lockers and tweeting nice things all over social media.” It was a successful RAK week and heartwarming to see someone throw a party for poor strangers he didn’t know. Remember the golden rule, treat others the way you want to be treated!
Tech Talk: Security has a new face
By: Alex Anderson and Ethan Walters
Oh no! Giant robots are destroying the city! Just kidding! There are no robots but there is Kuri. Mayfield robotics in California. has made a new high tech and playful robot. Kuri’s main function is to patrol the house for anything that could compromise the security of your home.
Kuri has some of the best technology, especially its cameras, that will send footage right to the phone. She can also move around the house by acknowledging where obstacles are like stairs or pillows.
Kuri isn’t just some security robot. She will be a happy friend at home and will be there to greet you when you come in. You can tell Kuri what to do or if you need something and she can reply with short chirps.
Kuri doesn't just secure the home home while you're out but she can also play music and podcasts. You can also interact with Kuri. Kuri can wake you up when you need it. Kuri can always entertain your children.
Kuri does not want to take over the world but she will help you in many ways. Kuri is equipped with high tech upgrades than your typical alarm system.She is able to do so much more than just look for a burglar or see what a kid is doing. She will entertain your household for quite a while. Kuri is one of the most entertaining robots to see.
Going Banana's...a random article
By: Carson Santchi and Joe Sarvo
Remember the last time you watched a cartoon and someone opened a banana upside-down and threw it so someone slipped on the peel? Sure, it was comical but what if the upside-down way of opening the banana, was the right way?
The way bananas grow, with what we think is the top, is actually the bottom. So you’ve been opening them and eating them wrong your whole life!
We can see this “Banana fever” in monkeys, who eat bananas the proper way. To some this seems “a-peeling” but if you're still not on board, we have more. Ever living thing except humans understand this, With bananas growing this way and being opened/eaten by this way. It’s almost like they are meant to be eaten one way. If only someone could tell you these things...
“This is life-changing information” says Garrett Swank, student from SMS. Another student, Mason Knott said “Way easier to open”.
Now the next time you open a banana you will have a nice handle so you don’t drop it!
Sources: Landsburg, Steven E. Slate Magazine. N.p., 27 June 2002. WebCelebrity birthday month: Acceptance is what Gaga stands for
By: Mackenzie Lake and Alyssa Rafey
When most people hear “Born this Way” one person comes to mind... Lady Gaga. She is more than a singer,Lady Gaga is an advocate for equality and personal acceptance, with this help we can truly make the world a better place.
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known as Lady Gaga, was born on March 28, 1986 and will be celebrating her birthday soon. SMS Press decided to highlight this star because Swanton Middle School believes in treating everyone equal ,so does lady gaga. This star is more than just a singer, she is also a big advocate for charity.
She has created her own foundation called ,“Born This Way Foundation” which helps empower young people to create a kinder and braver world. She once said “Don’t be insecure if your heart is pure.”
Another charity she has helped out is “Artists for Peace and Justice” which encourages peace and social justice. She also has been nominated for lots of awards including Grammys and MTV awards.
No matter what Lady Gaga is always smiling when the world is against her. So remember everyone is equal no matter what.
P.S. don’t forget Mrs. Batanian Is celebrating her birthday on March 24!
Sources:https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/lady-gaga, http://www.thefamouspeople.com/famous-people-born-in-march.php, https://bornthisway.foundation/,http://weneedfun.com/lady-gaga-quote/s