Trojan Times
September 2022 Edition
Survival Guide for Middle School - From Our CMS 8th Graders
Middle school... A time of transition and many mixed emotions. Some are excited to play sports, for more freedom, and to meet new friends. Others are scared of moving to a new building, rumors, not fitting in, or not being successful academically. We talked to CMS 8th graders who have mastered navigating the building, opening lockers, and the social and academic life here at CMS
What advice do you have for this year's current 7th graders regarding starting middle school?
Chaz Maxwell….”Do your homework and get as few missing assignments as possible”.
What challenges did you face when you were a 7th grader?
Kylee Feiffer…. “Making new friends and getting out of my comfort zone by talking to new people, new teachers, and a new school”.
How did you conquer that challenge?
John Knight….”Talking to people and getting outside of my comfort zone”.
What advice do you have for being successful academically?
Chaz Maxwell….”Try your hardest, listen in class, do not play on your phone or get distracted by others. Try your hardest or you will regret it in the future”.
Most people are going through the same thing that you are going through so don’t be scared to ask for help because it’s okay to not have the answers all at once. As you get to know yourself and the people around you you get to be more comfortable and make new friends.
Written by: Allison Lopez
Mr. Bruner
Meet Mr. Bruner
What inspired you to be a teacher?: I had very good teachers who influenced me to also be a teacher!
What made you interested in working at CMS?: CMS has a good school reputation, Duneland is a good school district, and I wanted a job where I could also coach.
What are three traits to describe yourself?: I would describe myself as creative, trustworthy, and positive.
Have you taught before?: I have taught before. I have taught for 21 years. I have taught at Portage High School, Wheeler High School, Pierce Middle School, and Bishop Noll.
What advice do you have for students?: My advice for students is do not be afraid.
Do you own any pets? If so, what are their names?: I do not own any pets.
Miss. Chamberlain
Meet Ms. Chamberlain
Tell me a little bit about yourself: I grew up in Chesterton and I graduated from Duneland Schools! In my free time, I like to cook and play with my puppies!
What inspired you to be a teacher?: I had a great teacher who showed a great passion for learning. She inspired me to be a teacher.
What made you interested in working at CMS?: I grew up in Chesterton, my parents and I both went to Chesterton schools. I want to give back to the district that made me who I am today.
What are three traits to describe yourself?: I would describe myself as outgoing, empathetic and driven.
Have you taught before?: I have taught before! I have taught for 9 years!
What advice do you have for students?: My advice is learn to ask for help. Learn to be okay with asking for help.
Do you own any pets? If so, what are their names?: I do! I have two pitbulls. Their names are Jack and Cora and they are both very spoiled.
Ms. Holmquist
Meet Ms. Holmquist
Tell me a little bit about yourself: My fiancé Jacob and I have a two year old named Jake and two dogs that we love dearly. Outside of school, I like to hang out with friends and family, sing, play soccer, do crafts, bake, and shop. I have also enjoyed wedding planning as Jacob and I will be getting married on October 7, 2023!
What inspired you to be a teacher?: When I was a senior in high school, I was originally going to go to University of Kentucky for dentistry. I ended up going on a mission trip where I worked in a women's shelter for women escaping abuse and addiction. I got assigned to teach the 3-6 year olds living there. This experience completely changed the trajectory of my life. I fell in love with working with kids and teaching. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life. As soon as I got home from the trip, I changed my major to teaching and applied to Olivet Nazerene University and never looked back!
What made you interested in working at CMS?: Duneland is a great school district with a great reputation and I wanted to be a part of it.
What are three traits to describe yourself?: I would describe myself as kind, goofy, and caring.
Have you taught before?: I have taught before! I have taught for a total of a year and a half. I taught 6th grade science at Willowcreek Middle School in Portage, IN for half a year and 7th grade science at Fegely Middle School for a year.
What advice do you have for students?: Do not be afraid to be yourself!
Do you own any pets? If so, what are their names?: I do! We have a mini cocker spaniel named Colt and a black lab named Crosby
Mrs. Johnson
Meet Mrs. Johnson
Tell me a little bit about yourself: I own six sugar gliders and I am 37 years old!
What inspired you to be a teacher?: I had good teachers growing up that inspired me to also be a teacher.
What made you interested in working at CMS?: Chesterton is a good district and there are a lot of good teachers here!
What are traits to describe yourself?: I am humorous and intelligent.
Have you taught before?: I have taught before.
What advice do you have for students?: Take time to do your personal best.
Do you own any pets? If so, what are their names?: I do! I have a dog named Sakura, a lot of fish, and six sugar gliders named Rocky, Niko, Lola, Nola, Moe, and Benson.
Mr. Liles
Mr. Morris
Ms. Prater
Meet Mrs. Prater
My husband Andrew, our 4 children and dog just moved to Chesterton at the end of May. I graduated from CHS, and my children have been in the Duneland schools their whole lives. We are happy to be living in the community now. When I’m not at work I’m either chaufferuing children to different extra curricular activities, cheering on children at sporting events, hunting for gnomes, dreaming about napping, or out in nature. I love to hike and explore, and my family loves it when I drag them along with me!
What inspired you to be a teacher:
My plan during high school was always to become a teacher. I wanted to be an athletic trainer/teacher at a high school, thanks to Mrs. Stento. I fell in love with Spanish in high school after studying abroad with the IU Honors Program in Foreign Languages, and my wonderful teacher Mrs. Dyer. I completed my schooling and realized that teaching was more of my passion than athletic training, although I do miss it so, so much. I love being a teacher, and watching my students learn and discover is one of the greatest privileges.
What made you interested in working at CMS:
I have actually been interested in teaching this school corporation for years. This is where I went to school, so I know that it is an amazing corporation and community that supports their teachers and wants the best for their students.
What are three traits to describe yourself:
Three traits to describe me are genuine, reflective, and determined.
Have you taught before?
Yes, I have taught before. This is my 14th year teaching. I was previously at Boone Grove High School and Middle School. The last 10 years I was exclusively at the high school.
What advice do you have for students?
Figure out who you are, proudly be yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Don’t spend your life trying to fit into who society wants you to be or says you should be. We are all unique and that’s what makes the world go ‘round. Also…turn your work in on time!
Do you own any pets?
I have one dog named Pip Spots Prater. She will be 8 in November and she is a bit of a spaz.
Picture by: Lorelai Simmons
October Sports Game Schedule
Credits
Sports Schedule Photo Created by: Lorelai Simmons
Fun Events to Attend in the Region in October
Chesterton's Downtown Trick or Treat- October 28, 2022 4:00-6:00pm
Put on your best costume and prepare yourself for lots of candy and spooky fun! Downtown Chesterton is having their annual trick or treat downtown Chesterton event on Wednesday October 28, 2022. Look for orange posters in the windows of downtown businesses! All businesses with the orange poster are participating in the trick or treat event!
Harvest Festival with Special Appearances From the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus
Food vendors 11am-7pm
crafts from 11am-7pm,
7$ pony rides from 12pm-6pm
Sanderson Sister photo opportunities from 3pm-4pm
Special showing of Hocus Pocus at dusk
Live music 11am-7pm
6300 W Main St, Portage, IN 46368
Fall Fun at County Line Orchard
200 S County Line Rd, Hobart, IN 46342
Valpo's Halloween Howl Fest and Run
The 5k, 2k, and Dog Walk
Rodgers Lakewood Park (5501 N. Campbell, Valparaiso, IN)
Credits
Boys Cross Country
As the beginning of our school year kicks off, fall sports are rising with
a bang! Boys and girls cross country meet almost everyday from 3-4:30. We
got to take an up close look at the boys cross country team this month.
Coach Eubank and Faher stride their runners to victory as we get the inside
scoop of practice. Aaron Peters acknowledges his coaches by saying, “They
are very good coaches, when we stretch it makes me feel much better.” The
coaches love to see their runners working hard and pushing themselves to be
the best they can. “A lot of my motivation comes from my teammates,” voiced
7th grader Max Redman. “Improvement is also very motivating.” Some of the
runners say that winning is their motivation. On the contrary, others say
that the people around them are their motivation. All of these things lead
to improve. 8th graders Austin Ressler and Tj Ray want to improve on
speed, as well as winning conference. “I also want to make top 20 this
year,” claims Tj. Placing in the top 20 comes with many hours of practice.
According to Noah Torres, a normal practice consists of stretching before
multiple laps around the school. There are several water breaks, and then
more stretching. Staying hydrated is important to take into consideration
while running. “Staying loose and drinking water helps us stay in shape,”
mentioned Ressler, “drinking water helps us avoid cramps too.” Before a
meet, cross country runners must think about their pace. Shane Henry
proclaims, “I like to run fast at the start, and then try to stay steady.”
Many cross country runners agree that woodland and the Willow Creek areas
are their favorite to run in. Not only this, but flatlands and non hilly
areas make running effortless. Here is the big question. What goes running
through a runner’s head before a meet? Max Redman tells himself to keep
pushing, while Noah Torres says to just try your best. “It’s also good to
have a partner,” states 8th grader Ryan Nix. Redman agrees, having a
running partner keeps you going, and helps you stay on track. After a meet,
The runners get their scores. Many of the joggers say that Thomas Jefferson
and Ben Franklin schools are their biggest competitors at the moment, and
Taft is coming up close behind. CMS hopes to see more victories this year
from both cross country teams, and turns out, 8 out of 10 cross country
runners think the chicken came before the egg.
Article Credits:
Article written by: Ruby Dudek
Edited by: Aiden Workman-Kolczak
Photo Credits
Photos taken by: Ruby Dudek
Chesterton Business Shoutout
Chesterton Toys
On September 9th, 2022 the Trojan Times got the wonderful opportunity to interview Zach and Tracy, Chesterton Toys owners. Chesterton Toys is located 201 S Calumet Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304 at open Tuesday-Friday 12:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday from 10:30am-6:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm-4:00. Chesterton Toys is the most popular and best rated toy store within Chesterton with 77 reviews averaging out to 4.8 stars. “There’s not enough places for kids to shop in Chesterton and we wanted to change that,” Zach says. “The Chesterton Toys family is devoted to entertain and please kids. I love toys and I know so many people all around from Chesterton all the way to Chicago do too.” Chesterton Toys goal is to help kids all around and watch them grow up.
Other than the success that Chesterton Toys has had these past 10 years, Zach has some personal favorite things supplied there. “I love selling and collecting Funko Pops. I don't personally have a favorite character but I do really like them. Funko Pops are unique toys that can have lots of different features to engage children and adults.
Other than Zach’s favorite toy, his favorite candy is cherry Poprocks. “I just really love the popping mixed with the sweet cherry flavor.” Zach tells us. What is your favorite candy and/or toy? Maybe it's supplied at Chesterton Toys! Reminder that Chesterton Toys is located 201 S Calumet Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304. Chesterton Toys is open Tuesday-Friday 12:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday from 10:30am-6:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm-4:00. As Zach has stated, “My one hope is to see you come on in!”
Written by: Finley McCready
Girls Cross Country Highlights
The girls cross country team defeated Michigan City last night in a combined 7th and 8th grade race with a score of 15 to Michigan City's 96 (low score wins). Taking first place in the race was 7th grader Natalie Williams. Coming in 2nd was Jessica Martin of 8th grade.
September 17, 2022
The CMS Cross Country attended the Willowcreek invitational with 12 teams over the weekend. Congratulations to Jessica Martin in the 8th grade and Natalie Williams and Hannah Herring in the 7th grade who received medals by placing in the top 15 runners. Overall, the 8th grade team placed 5th and the 7th grade team placed 4th.
September 22, 2022
Both 7 and 8th grade girls teams placed 3rd in the Thomas Jefferson invite. 7th grade top 15 finishers included Natalie Williams and Hannah Haring. The 8th grade top 15 finisher was Jessica Martin. Everyone ran well on a cold night. Well done Trojans.
Never Forget
September 11, 2001:
8:46am - Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of The World Trade Center
9:03am - Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower of The World Trade Center
9:37am - Flight 77 crashes into The Pentagon
9:59am - The South Tower of The World Trade Center collapses
10:03am - Flight 93 crashes in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
10:28am - The North Tower of The World Trade Center collapses
The moments that transpired on September 11, 2001 forever changed American history. Many of us did not witness the 9/11 attacks but anyone that did can most likely tell you where and what they were doing when the planes hit The World Trade Center. 2,977 lives were lost that day. Islamic jihadist terrorists vowed death to all Americans and plotted to take as many American lives as they could.
Since that tragic day, there has been a fight against terrorism. Many of us have family and/or friends that have fought against the war on terrorism in our American Armed Forces. A lot of historical events have happened throughout our fight against terrorism and it all started September 11, 2001. We must never forget the importance and how that day impacted America and the world.
Written by: Allison Lopez
Homecoming Spirit Week
September 20-23, 2022
Our Chesterton Trojans took on the Portage Indians for out homecoming game and came out with a big win! Great job, trojans!
Poetry Corner
Mother to Son
By: Langston Hughes
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Picture made by: Lorelai Simmons