CUBS' COLUMN
The Voice of Jackson Memorial Middle School
MAY 2019
FEATURED STORIES
Principal's Message
By Mr. Carter
As we approach the final days of the 2018-19 school year, I would like to provide you with a few reminders. All year long, we have stressed the theme "Together Everyone Achieves More." Take time to remind yourself of all the different ways that you rely on the people around you. So many times, we get caught up in ourselves or our own interests. It's important to remember that each and every member of JMMS is a part of a larger team.
The second reminder for everyone is to remember to be kind to one another. At times, middle schoolers can tend to "leap without looking," and this often leads to doing or saying hurtful things. Always take time to think through what you are going to do or say BEFORE you do or say it. How will others view your actions? It's always better to think it through. If you aren't sure, ask an adult for advice. We're happy to tell you what we think! :)
Finally, always remember that you are representing your family. For many of us, family takes on different shapes and sizes, and there is nothing wrong with that at all. Whoever your loved ones are, represent them well. Make sure that you are building up that name through positive actions and speech. You have people who are counting on you. Make sure that you reach your potential through making positive choices! We are going to have a great end of the school year because of the 1450 students that are the core of the JMMS family!
Off to the Races with Team MILO!
By Mrs. Murphy
On Saturday, May 18th, the JMMS MILO club had the opportunity to compete in the Akron Soap Box Derby. Students and staff cheered on as eighth grader Nora Evanto raced down the track at Derby Downs in the car the club had constructed themselves.
Nora describes the experience as similar to riding a bike, except closer to the ground. She says racing the car was a little nerve-wracking at first, but it wasn’t as fast as she thought it would be. Nora has been a dedicated member of MILO throughout her three years at JMMS.
Other club members had the opportunity to test drive several of the cars a few days prior to the race. Mrs. Raddish, one of the club’s advisors, says, “They’ve been really excited seeing the car come to life and actually being able to race it.”
The students have been preparing for the race for several months, building the car from scratch during the club’s after school meetings. The project was made possible with the help of a few caring members of the Jackson community and was sponsored by First Energy. That sponsorship was facilitated by Mr. Neil Fentner, who was instrumental throughout the entire process. Mr. and Mrs. Rick and Kathy Dean, friends of club advisor Mrs. Fentner, have also dedicated countless hours to the project.
Mrs. Dean described the extensive amount of work that went on behind the scenes to prepare for each MILO meeting. From making sure they had all the necessary equipment and tools to hauling the materials back and forth and getting everything set up for the kids, she says, “It was a real work of love.” Mr. Dean describes this as a community project and says, “Trust me; no one person could have done this. And this group at that school is one of the best groups I’ve ever worked with.” Mr. and Mrs. Dean have been volunteering with the MILO club for several years, generously providing materials and support for a variety of projects, including stomp rockets and cornhole boards. The Soap Box Derby car was the most extensive project they have undertaken thus far.
Before introducing the project to the students, Mr. and Mrs. Dean ensured that the instructions and building process would be accessible for students of all abilities. Mrs. Dean, a former speech language pathologist, and her husband, have worked with children who have special needs for many years. She says they love the idea of MILO and being able to see the smiles and enthusiasm on the kids’ faces. “Throughout the entire three-month process they were all in one hundred percent and you can’t ask for more than that,” says Mr. Dean.
MILO is an afterschool club where students of all abilities participate in a variety of group activities. The club’s acronym stands for My Impact Lifts Others and it is designed to foster friendships between students with Autism, as well as other communication challenges, and their typical peers.
Office Staff Appreciation
By Brooke Artz
How well do you know our office staff? The office staff includes the secretary, counselors, clinic workers, and more. They help with the paperwork, answer questions the students have (Student Services), and everything in between.
One of our guidance counselors is Mrs. Hafer. She has been working as a guidance counselor since 1991 but, she has been working in Jackson as a guidance counselor for 1 ½ years. Mrs. Ward is the Student Services secretary and she has been working in the office since last August. Lastly, Mrs. Ripple works in Student Services and as a clinic building aid. It is Mrs. Ripple’s third year in the office and before that, she worked in the cafeteria.
When Mrs. Ripple was asked how she helps the student body, she said she helps with parent calls, coordinates peer tutoring and counselor visits, and she helps students in the clinic. There is no surprise when she said that the most challenging part of her job is she is busy!
The most rewarding part of Mrs. Ward’s job is interacting with the students and office workers. For Mrs. Hafer it is seeing a student grow (socially and emotionally) and do problem solving on their own.
When they are outside of school they all like to spend time with their families and the great outdoors. They also like to read and cook/bake.
They all do so much us and help our school run smoothly. They also help the students and staff throughout the day so don’t forget to thank them!
Teacher Feature - Mrs. Aowad
By Abby Moore
Mrs. Aowad is a 7th grade math teacher here at Jackson Middle school. She has been teaching for 10 years. Mrs. Aowad was a Social Studies teacher for many years at a different school and she was a reading intervention specialist for a couple years when she had her kids. Now, she has been teaching math for 4 years here.
Mrs. Aowad has grown up taking care of kids and it sparked the idea of becoming a teacher for her. When she was in 8th grade, she tutored a girl and when she saw her reaction after getting a B on a test, she knew she wanted to become a teacher and create the excitement with kids. She has always wanted to teach math so she could share her joy for the subject and help kids feel more comfortable with math. She is licensed to teach Social Studies and would enjoy teaching that subject like she did for multiple years. Mrs. Aowad finds it fascinating to see how past events are connected and have helped shape how our world is today.
Mrs. Aowad has always been someone who loves working with kids. If she wasn’t a math teacher, any other job where she could work with kids is something she would enjoy. In her freetime. she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching shows on Netflix. Something you may not know about Mrs. Aowad is, she was crowned queen on her first trip to D.C. with the 7th graders.
STUDENT LIFE
Turning to Freshman
By Joel Morris
In fall of 2019, the current eighth-graders of JMMS will be moving on to their first year of high school, leaving their teachers, and moving on to the ‘big leagues’. For many, this will be life-changing, memorable, and for all, the start of something new. The changes are for the best, but not all students feel the same.
Many eighth graders aren’t so sure about the high school, and they know what they will miss. The transition to the high school is uneasy because from then on “you are on your own” (Mrs. Dunnerstick, Teacher) and “It’s hard, new people, new places, new expectations” (Joshua Morris, high schooler). Jova Lolich claims, “I will miss all of the staff at the Middle School, and I will also miss all of my old friends.”
Though it is hard, many students are prepared to move on. Some 8th graders, like Alan Newcomb who says, “I have said goodbye to my teachers and gotten my school supplies. I am ready for high school!”, are ready for the transition.“I am looking forward to the fact that there are more opportunities in the high school, and more freedom”, says 8th grader, Nicholas Newman. And Dillon Cochran who says, “I am actually pretty excited for the high school. Longer lunch, more freedom, and I’m older!” Things are looking up for the high school!
The change will come with some challenges. But for all eighth graders, a new journey shall soon begin, and they better be ready.
JMMS Students Showcase Their Skills at the Talent Show
By Carter Bach
On April 12th 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students showcased their skill and talents at the annual Jackson Memorial Middle School talent show. From 7-9 pm they performed acts ranging from miming to baton twirling.
A lot of preparation goes into the acts we see at the talent show. Performers generally have to start practicing their act a few weeks before the show. They also have to invest a lot of time in making sure the act is perfect. It is just not the performers who have to work hard, it is also the stage crew and the music/lights crew. They work behind the scenes and ensure that the music and lights are taken care of. The stage crew also will bring and remove any needed props such as a microphone or an instrument, like a piano. And of course, this wonderful display of talent could not have happened without the help of the PATT, who put on the show.
The talent show is always open to anyone with talent in the middle school. So, if you have a talent and want to show it off, make sure to apply next year!
The Longest DC Trip
By Ishan Tripathy
Photos by Aiden Hoppe
It’s taken a long time, but finally, the DC Trip is only a few weeks away! Seventh graders have been waiting for months for the trip. Seventh graders are very excited for the DC Trip and many said that they were going to have so much fun in DC. About 31% of seventh graders said they wanted to visit a monument rather than just stay in the hotel.
However, the monuments aren’t the only thing in DC. On the leaflet the seventh graders received, it said that there would a medieval feast for dinner one day. Many students are very excited to feast like kings and queens.
Many eighth graders said that the DC Trip was the most fun trip you will take in Middle School, except for maybe Cedar Point in 8th grade. The DC Trip is the first trip in Middle School where students are allowed a little bit more freedom. Unlike sixth grade camp, the DC Trip allows for students to take phones, snacks for the trip, and larger, but not large, suitcases. Even though it isn’t the most freedom, the seventh graders are definitely going to be allowed to have lots of freedom.
In conclusion, the DC Trip is going to be a very good trip. From the monuments to the medieval dinner to the fun, DC is the best trip in Middle School. After all, it’s only a few more long weeks away.
CREATIVE CORNER
The Seven Wonders: The Scarlet Strands
Marshall, Present Day, Overworld
Marshall has never run this fast in all his life. His mind running on so many things he couldn’t even focus on where he was going next. His feet automatically dragged him to one specific place.
The soft smell of brownies wafted through the air as he stumbled his way in. It was so prominent Marshall could almost taste them. The room was painted in a very soft and vibrant scarlet, just the color of the sunset. Books filled the walls, from cooking books to biographies on the most charitable people in the world. A soft plush couch sat right in between two of the book shelves overlooking the beautiful view. The cool hardwood floor melted into the fluffiest rug in the world, and Marshall could almost lay down right then and there.
Following his nose though, the weary boy made his way to the kitchen. The scarlet soon faded to the pure white cupboards, pale marble countertops, and the sunset tile to match. Sunset colors accented all around the kitchen, from the colored utisals themselves, to the patterned towels hanging off the stove.
All of these things however were nothing in comparison to the beauty of the woman standing right in the midst of it all. She had long and silky scarlet locks to match the rest of her home; her wispy fringe hiding the most pale white skin the world has seen. She had the brightest eyes, that always seemed to change to reflect her ever-wondering thoughts. One could say she was the type to easily drift for sure. The only thing accompanying her pale skin was that of a lacy white tank top and a tight jean mini skirt.
Cadence, Present; one and only mockingbird virtue of Charity.
Before Marshall could register anything, he felt warm arms around him in a tight embrace, so welcoming, his already tear stricken face over flowed once again. Marshall didn’t need anything else; he knew all would be ok in the end.
Shaun, Present Day, Car
Shaun knew it would be best if he left Faith, in the current blubbering mess she was, at home with the weakened state that had once been Aztec. Currently he was weaving through the streets of a tightly packed city.
‘Why New York of all places.’ the sin thought to himself.
He continued to weave through the sluggish cars, and pedestrians on the street. He cursed each red light.
‘Virtues sure ain’t making this easy.’
Stuck at yet another stone cold red light, Shaun paused to straighten out his tie. His blue eyes rang of frustration, and he was so done with waiting. Something here, something there- “Note to self, I’m going on a long vacation after this.’
It took another twenty minutes before he reached his destination. It was an old brick apartment building standing tall in the city, but still failing in comparison to some of the great company buildings.
Shaun got out of the car and walked up to the doors of the dark and musky building. He attempted to yank open the ancient bronze doors, but to no avail. Shaun groaned, pressing the buzzer on the side of the building’s blood red brick wall.
Luckily, unlike several buildings in the city, this one had a button to make a direct call to the lobby.
A grouchy voice rang through the speaker system. “Hello, Ellis Apartments, how can I help you?”
Shaun sighed. “I’m looking for a Morgan Worri.”
The lady coughed over the speaker. “Yes, I’ll check with her.”
Shaun waited for a moment before the doors clicked open and he could walk inside. He entered the lobby and glanced toward the old woman sitting behind the desk. She looked over at him, bored.
“Room 312.”
Shaun nodded slightly, and stuck his nose into the air, put off by the dingy lobby. He headed to the elevator and stood inside, listening to the basic music playing.
As the doors opened, Shaun got out as soon as he could, hating the stuffy elevator that poor apartment buildings had.
Finally, after passing several doors, Shaun reached room 312. He gently knocked on the door, knowing how the slightest loud sound could set Morgan off.
To continue reading, click on the link below.
If you missed the second part of the story, check it out in the previous edition of Cubs' Column!
The Porg Chronicles (part 2)
By Mason McGrew
Chapter 6
Return
We headed back overly confused but we had a really bad feeling that we would see something bad. Well we did. Our world was covered in blood red snow. We had no idea what to do with extremely quick discussion we went down with the intent to save our families. I went down one way. Slorg went down another. After I was in the snow I couldn't see anything. After a short period of time with alarms in the ships blaring I decided to try and talk to Slorg.”Hey Slorg are you making any progress,” I asked.
“No mate i'm stuck in the snow with alarms blaring right in my ears mate,” said Slorg.
“Yeah same here I just need to talk right now,” I told Slorg.
“Yeah same here on that oh sho---,”said Slorg.
At this point I started to panic. There is a good chance Slorg got hit by something or who knows what. After about twenty minutes all the sudden the ground was there it scared me 19/20 to death. I managed to pull up in time to not hit the ground. I was in my original neighborhood. Looking for my parents and friends I knocked on the door. No answer. I knocked again no answer. At that point I decided it was time to knock down the door so I ran back to the ship and fired at the door. It shot a laser shark but the scary thing is the shark instantly died the moment it was in the cold red snow. After that I tried lasers it knocked the door down. I went in calling for Mom and Dad. No answer. After a few minutes of this I suddenly felt nauseous.
Chapter 7
Terror
Then I blacked out for who knows how long. I woke up with a strange feeling that I was being watched when all the sudden this huge lizard that stands upright with loads of spines on its back. Yet it had huge curling zig zagging red horns. That dripped bright green and red. It had bright red teeth sharp enough to cut diamonds with no resistance. Like butter left on the sun for nine years straight. Eyes that were blood red and reptilian. Two of those beady eyes staring me down.Arms that were skinny, long yet powerful with the forearms covered in spikes.”Sa nio da cheo sa ca lo kio,” it said.
The moment it spoke it snapped me out of my shock. I screamed and fell flat on my back.”What the heck are you why are you here!” I screamed with pure terror.
“Z neo cla locka sonito haduku sla na cla zeo no,” It said as it started to walk towards me. When it was nearly right in front of me it opened its mouth and it was drooling. It clapped down with its jaws on me. Then I woke up screaming ”what the heck just happened,”
my confusion was insane. I woke up but I didn't wake up was what went through my head over and over. It took me ten minutes to get it figured out. Then I remembered the bunker my dad made mom always called him paranoid but maybe they are there. I searched the house for the dishwasher. I found it and it was a little bit cracked.I quickly sent it to heavy duty.For twenty four hours. It was meant to slide down revealing a passage gracefully but instead it went down an inch got stuck then fell into a million pieces.Revealing the passageway which for some reason had a spiral staircase right behind the dishwasher. Lit by torches.Which I suppose makes sense since the power went out.
Click on the link below to continue reading parts 2 AND part 3!
If you missed the first part of the story, check it out in the previous edition of Cubs' Column!
BEEP. BEEP. OH NO! I overslept I’m going to be late for school! I jumped out of my bed which looked like a pile of leaves on a pile of dirt
Okay, so I found a note in my back pocket it said if you wish to leave you must seek to find a place where the jaguars hide. Wow I thought then I’m stuck here for the rest of my life I said out loud. “No were not” said someone behind me.
I whipped around to see who said that and it was my best friend Hazel she went missing about five years ago everyone at my school said that she just moved to Florida.
“Have been here for all this time?” I asked soon after we parted from a hug.
Oh yeah said Hazel one day about five years ago I woke up and I was here.
Wow I said so I’m stuck here forever I said.
No no just because I haven't made it out doesn't mean that when we work together we still can get out.
Ok I said so have you found the place where the jaguars hide?
No said Hazel but I found a nice little hut that we can live in until then, and there are two beds.
Ok I said have you done anything beside find this hut and make it more modern?
Ummm no said Hazel because I have absolutely no idea how to find where the jaguars hide I mean the trees a cave in plain site?!!
Okay I said I think a cave might be our best bet so let's check all the caves in this area tomorrow.
I really hope it isn't on the other Islands said Hazel.
Other islands I said there are other islands??
Yep said Hazel there are about ten different islands in this area and almost all of them are filled with killer stuff.
Like monkeys I said hopefully, …
Really Amanda said Hazel monkeys are the absolute least killer thing in this whole world.
So what is the most killer thing in this whole world then I said??
Well said Hazel the most killer thing in this is a giant Cobra.
WHAT I said so you mean while were sleeping a giant Cobra could just, I made my hand slide across my throat.
Yep anyway we should be going it's getting dark and that's when the Cobras come to hunt.
I’m already gone I said.
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Email: jem2jc@bearworks.jackson.sparcc.org
Website: https://www.jackson.stark.k12.oh.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=6497
Location: Jackson Memorial Middle School, Mudbrook Street Northwest, Massillon, OH, USA
Phone: (330) 830-8034