The Panther Press
Published for the Students of Farnsworth Middle School
November 2017
Farnsworth Welcomes New Assistant Principal
Mr. Neils is the new Assistant Principal at Farnsworth Middle School. Before coming to FMS, he was the Assistant Principal in Union City, Indiana. Prior to that he taught 7th grade Social Studies at a middle school in Carmel, Indiana.
When Mr. Neils was in middle school, his favorite subjects were Science and Social Studies. He grew up in Sheboygan. He went to Farnsworth and graduated from South High School. Mr. Neils is very excited to be back home. He states, “We have so many wonderful students, and I appreciate their hard work and dedication. The teachers and staff are second to none and I am amazed at how engaged and dedicated they are are to helping every student.” Mr. Neils hopes to continue to build on the wonderful traditions and culture of Farnsworth. He loved being a student here, and wants to to help provide those same positive experiences for all students.
When he is not working, Mr. Neils likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys fishing, reading, camping and photography. He also uses his free time to volunteer at his church.
Meet the New Staff at Farnsworth
by: Abby Wetzel
Every year Farnsworth is lucky to have new staff eager to make a difference. The new staff this year are:
Mrs. Makeever - Orchestra
Mrs. Moyer - Art
Mrs. Daugherty - 8th grade Math
Mr. Rhoads - Choir
Mrs. Toerpe - Library Educational Assistant
Mrs. Tews - English Language Teacher
Mrs. Thills - Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Boedecker - Educational Assistant
Mr. Guthrie - Technology Educational Assistant
What did you do before coming to Farnsworth?
Mrs. Makeever : I recently completed my masters degree in music with an emphasis in string teaching at UW-Milwaukee, before that I taught high school orchestra in South Dakota.
Mrs. Moyer : I worked on an administrative team for a year and a half as a communications and marketing specialist. Before this, I taught K-12 Art for 12 years, mostly at the Lomira Public School District.
Mrs. Daugherty : I was an 8th grade math teacher at a school in Milwaukee.
Mr. Rhoads : For the last 2 years I have been the choir teacher at Urban and Horace Mann, and now I'm also happy to be here at Farnsworth. Before that I travelled the country as a professional musician, and performed in 35 of the 50 states.
Mrs. Toerpe : Before coming to Farnsworth, I spent a year working at the Early Learning Center, and then a year working at Jackson.
Mrs. Tews : I taught middle school Spanish in Michigan.
Mrs. Thill : I was a special education teacher in Manitowoc at a charter school for students with severe mental illness.
Mrs. Boedecker : I worked at Horace Mann as an educational assistant in the library and have been in the district since 2004.
Mr. Guthrie - I was a security educational assistant at Tower Academy before Farnsworth and a correctional officer for the state of Wisconsin before Tower.
What was your favorite subject when you were in middle school?
Mrs. Makeever : Besides music classes (obviously) I loved art and science.
Mrs. Moyer : My favorite subjects in middle school was Art and Math.
Mrs. Daugherty : My favorite subject was math.
Mr. Rhoads : My favorite subject in middle school was of course choir, with ELA as my favorite core subject.
Mrs. Toerpe : My favorite subject in middle school was definitely English or Band.
Mrs. Tews : Band or Spanish
Mrs. Thill : Social Studies was my favorite subject in middle school.
Mrs. Boedecker : I enjoyed Math.
Mr. Guthrie: My favorite middle school subject was science (however I enjoyed our reading hour a lot).
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
Mrs. Makeever : Besides continuing to play my violin professionally I love to take trips, read, knit, and have game nights with my friends and family.
Mrs. Moyer : Outside of school I like to garden and go four wheeling and snowmobiling with my family.
Mrs. Daughtry : Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my kids (ages 20 & 7), doing just about anything outside; playing catch, going for a bike ride, going for a walk, or just sitting on the deck.
Mr. Rhoads: Outside of school I enjoy playing computer games and making music with my friends and family.
Mrs. Toerpe : I love to play softball. I also enjoy crafting and reading.
Mrs. Tews : Spending time with my friends and family, reading, going for walks.
Mrs. Thill : When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends .
Mrs. Boedecker : I enjoy going to my high school kids activities, gardening, volunteering, just being outside when it is warm.
Mr. Guthrie: Outside of work/school I enjoy weight lifting, playing video games (I'm looking forward to PokeMon Ultra Moon), and going to the theater with my girlfriend (last movie we saw was Thor: Ragnorak).
What is something most people don't know about you?
Mrs. Makeever : Wisconsin is the fourth state I have lived in since I graduated from high school.
I have been bungee jumping.
Mrs. Moyer : My husband and I own Fred's Fastrac Sales and Service, which is a Polaris and Simplicity Dealership in Fond du Lac.
Mrs. Daughtry : I was in the military for nine years. I was in the Army National Guard for 6 years and in the Army Reserves for the remainder.
Mr. Rhoads : Most people don't know that I am originally from Pennsylvania and I've only lived in Wisconsin for just over three years.
Mrs. Toerpe : I just got married on September 30th!
Mrs. Tews : I played the piccolo in my high school marching band.
Mrs. Thill : I’m addicted to watching cooking shows on tv…but I rarely cook.
Mrs. Boedecker : I climbed Mt St Helen in 2012.
Mr. Guthrie: I had both my appendix and wisdom teeth taken out this year.
Netflix Review: Stranger Things
by: Paige Benish
If you have not seen Stranger Things, you have not seen greatness. This paranormal comedy takes things to the next level! Perhaps at first it might seem a little strange, but you are sure to love it if you give it a chance.
What is Stranger Things? This thrilling Netflix-original drama is about Joyce Byers, who lives in a small Indiana town in 1983. The show is inspired by a time when tales of science fiction captivated audiences. When Joyce's 12-year-old son, Will, goes missing, she launches a terrifying investigation into his disappearance with local authorities. As they search for answers, they unravel a series of extraordinary mysteries involving secret government experiments, unnerving supernatural forces, and a very unusual little girl.
After Will goes missing, his three best friends go to a great extent to search for clues of how to find him. They end up on a great journey that will have you on the edge of your seat!
In my opinion, if you're looking for something to watch, Stranger Things would be a great option no matter what kind of shows you like!
Perfect Attendance Breakfast
On November 3rd, we celebrated 163 students who had perfect attendance during the month on October. Students were treated to a hot chocolate or apple juice and a cookie donated from Johnston's Bakery.
Librarian's Corner -- Save a Tree -- Read an eBook
by: Ms. Staron
What can you do if you finish your book at home and don’t have another book to read? Read an ebook from our library collection!
You can read ebooks from your Chromebook, home computer, or even your tablet or phone.
Get to our library’s Destiny catalog.
From your Chromebook, click on the folder labelled “SASD bookmarks”, then choose Destiny.
Otherwise, go to Farnsworth’s home page, click the Library & Technology tab, then choose “Destiny Library Catalog” from the middle column.
Find an ebook that looks interesting. Just search “ebook” OR
Click “Destiny Discover” in the left sidebar
Scroll down to the ebooks section once the page loads, then click “See all” at the right of the section header
Use the filters in the left sidebar to find the kind of book you feel like reading
Open the book
Click the “Open” button near the book
Log in with the same username and password you use for Skyward and your Chromebook. (If you have problems with this, come to the library when you get a chance, and we’ll help you get going.)
Check out the book
If the book looks worthwhile, check it out. Go to “Book” at the top of the screen and choose “Check Out” from the drop-down menu.
Read and enjoy!
The book will return itself in three weeks.
I Hate to Break it to You... But it was a Fad
by: Paige Benish
Remember when your mom told you buying that was stupid, well a month later it was! Thanks Mom! That was a fad. You may have thought that you did not participate in a fad, and maybe you didn't, but chances are you did.
Today you find out 10 of 2016-2017 fads. Sorry if I crush your dreams...but it was a fad! 10 being least popular and 1 being the most popular!
10. Snapchat Filters
You probably didn't notice, but Snapchat was the go-to thing. Even people's Instagram post were selfies with Snapchat filters! You know you used one!
9. Hit the Quan
I still don’t get it. What does it mean?!
8. Juju on That Beat
This song was great when little kids learned the dance moves and went on Ellen!
7. The Running Man
A simple dance that was prime in its time, but now…it will have you wondering why? We’ve all caught ourselves dancing, stop lying to yourself! Ok, it was pretty awesome.
6. Chokers
These have been around since Cinderella, and yet are still popular today, but how long will it stay around!
5. Bottle Flipping
Want to be better than Dude Perfect, well 2 million people are. This has to be one of the most annoying fads for lunch ladies. Sorry lunch ladies
4. Mannequin Challenge
I see no problem in this one! It’s a benefit for parents to have their kids sit still!
3. Pokeman Go
Michelle Obama tried for 4 years to get people to be active, and Nintendo did it with a push of a button! Who knew? This was a strange one.
2. Fidget Spinners
You saw all your friends have one and you had to have one! It was very fun the first day and dumb the next week. You know you have one. Shame.
1. The Dab
You don’t know what it means, but you dabbed on the haters! This hand/arm motion is still overused in everyday life, not as much it used to be, but still overused!
The Secret Key
by: Jenna Resheske
Have you ever questioned reality? Or did you ever break a rule you knew there was no coming back from? Maybe it was even labeled ...Forbidden? All actions have consequences. This book I am about to reveal to you is more than ink and pages. It is a new realm, a new world if you will. One that is yours to explore. Lucky for you, I have the key. Before I open this door to you, you must find the courage to walk inside. For once this adventure has begun there is no coming back. You interested? Good. Follow me.
We’re here, and oh my, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore. Look through my eyes and you will see talking cats trying to trick Alice, a young girl, into following them into a new world. I see evil fairies being wicked to Alice’s father, who is just trying to keep his daughter safe. There is mystery and adventure throughout and of course, tragedy.
Think of this book as a safe haven, an escape, a dwelling to let your imagination run free. For sometimes we all need a place to think and to get away for a while. All you have to do is free your imagination from reality for a minute and you’ll come back to this mythical, magical, amazing place. Now that we’ve been through the basics, I am going to trust you with something very special, something very important. This is the key to this world. Whenever reality is weighing you down you can come here whenever you want. This key isn’t any steel lock fitting a piece of metal… it is a book.
Thank you for coming here with me I’ll be on my way now. Before I go I must say please enjoy this world it is filled with wonders and dangers. No need to worry you will have a guide. They call her the narrator. Enjoy… and please be careful! In the enchanted world of…”The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler”.
McTeacher Night was a HUGE Success
On Thursday, October 12th, teachers worked along side McDonald's employees to serve the community and families from Farnsworth. McDonald's donated 20% of the profits for the evening. Along with tips, we earned $590.08. We saw current families and got to work along some former students! Thank you to everyone who helped make McTeacher night a HUGE success.
In the Know with the Farnsworth SRO
by: Officer Lor
The 1st quarter is already over. By this time of year, we’re settling into our routines; we know our schedules, where to sit at lunch, who our friends are (at least on most days)... Before we know it though, winter will be here, the semester will change, and for some of us it’ll feel like we’re starting all over again.
Change can be scary or nerve-wracking. A new schedule means figuring out where to go, what to bring, and how long it takes to get there. You won’t know if you’ll like your new teachers or the other people in your class. You might not see your friends except at lunch. It can be stressful.
Change can also be very positive. Getting away from friends who you’re not getting along with can help. You might discover new things or people that you never thought you’d like. Being around different people helps us see things from other points of view (which is a valuable life skill called empathy).
I’ve been fortunate to see many of you grow and change over the years. Some of you had older siblings who graduated from Farnsworth and I was able see them grow and mature as well. Being your School Resource Officer has been, without any doubt, the best job I’ve ever had. I would never have had this great experience if I wasn’t willing to try something new.
This next year will be another huge change for me since I’ll be leaving all of you and going back on patrol. That means another lucky officer will get the chance to enjoy working with all of the students and staff here at Farnsworth. That will be Officer Todd Danen, who you’ll see from time to time with me in the next few weeks. This will be a huge change for him as well. I know you’ll all welcome him to Farnsworth.
As always, if you have any questions you can email me or catch me in the hallway or my office. Next year, if you see me on the street I’ll be happy to talk with any of you too.
New Athletic Director has High Hopes for Middle School Athletics
by: Jenna Resheske
New to the middle schools this year is the Interscholastic Athletics Program. Mr. Nate Hinze was hired as the Athletic Director. He is excited to help the program grow and be successful here at Farnsworth.
What did you before coming to Sheboygan?
Before coming to Sheboygan I was a Middle school Physical Education Teacher and a Middle School Athletic Director in Ripon, WI.
I know you were a Paralympic champion. Can you please share how you started participating in the paralympics?
I began playing wheelchair basketball in 2006 in the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. A lot of the athletes there were on paralympic teams representing their countries(Australia,Germany,Israel, and Ireland) and I knew playing on the USA team was a goal to achieve. I made my first USA team in 2009 and have been on the team for several years (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016).
What is your favorite thing about working with Middle School Students?
My favorite thing about working with Middle School students is that they are becoming independent young adults, but they still need guidance from teachers and other adults. I also really enjoy laughing, and middle schoolers provide an abundance of laughs throughout the day.
Why did the middle school athletic program start?
The middle school program started this year as part of the PEP Grant that was awarded to the PE Teachers of SASD. This money helped offset the costs of equipment, transportation, coaching stipends, and officials.
What are your future plans for the Athletic Program?
My goals for the athletic program are to have annual teams at each school that allow students to play and compete against surrounding schools. My other goal is to increase our numbers each year, as it is an amazing chance to represent your school and the city of Sheboygan.
Anything else you would like readers to know about the Interscholastic athletics?
All students are invited and encouraged to participate in middle school athletics. It doesn't matter if you have played the sport for years, or never picked up a basketball. We want any and all students to participate for their schools and represent the great things that are happening in SASD.
Anyone who is interested in joining one of the teams should stop in the office and pick up the paperwork. Be part of team boosts your self-confidence and allows you to feel connected to your school. Sign up today!
The Sturdy Nerdies
Comic by: Jesse Rabon
Things You Didn't Know
by: Paige Benish
How lego was started-
The Lego Group began in the workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen (1891–1958), a carpenter from Billund, Denmark, who began making wooden toys in 1932. In 1934, his company came to be called "Lego", derived from the Danish phrase leg godt, which means "play well".
What came first, the Chicken or the Egg?
So in a nutshell (or an eggshell, if you like), two birds that weren't really chickens created a chicken egg, and hence, we have an answer: The egg came first, and then it hatched a chicken. Maybe the question we should be asking is: Which came first, the proto-chicken or the proto-chicken egg?
The longest word in the English-
The longest word in any of the major English language dictionaries is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a word that refers to a lung disease contracted from the inhalation of very fine silica particles, specifically from a volcano; medically, it is the same as silicosis.
Why is the sky blue?
A clear cloudless day-time sky is blue because molecules in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than they scatter red light. When we look towards the sun at sunset, we see red and orange colors because the blue light has been scattered out and away from the line of sight.
The most common birthday-
It turns out Sept. 9 is the real labor day. More babies have been born on Sept. 9 than any other day of the year in the United States, according to data compiled by statistician Nate Silver's site, FiveThirtyEight, based on registered births in the U.S. from 1994 to 2014.
Fun for All Students After School
by: Shaina Thaves
The Club at The Y is a program provided by The Boy's & Girl’s Club of Sheboygan. The Club is a place for students to go after school. They have a variety of activities available on a daily basis. Students can work on homework, play games, do arts and crafts, and even use some of the facilities at the YMCA. Special activities and events are also planned throughout the year. Students in 7th and 8th grade are invited to become members for a small annual fee of $20. The Club is open from 3 - 7pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday it is open from 2 -6pm. Students can take a bus from Farnsworth to the Club as long as they have a permission slip on file. The application and permission slip can be found in the FMS school office or online at https://thepositiveplace.com/locations-2/club-at-the-y/.
Friday Spirit Days
Back to the 80's
Favorite Sports Team
Hat Day
Twin Day
Like Us on Facebook
Mark Your Calendars -- Upcoming Activities and Events
November 14 - 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball at Home @ 3:45
November 16 - Parent/Teacher conferences - 3:30 - 8:30 pm
November 17 - Parent/Teacher conferences - 8:00 - 1:00 pm
November 22 - Early release @ 1:00 pm
November 28 - 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball at Home @ 3:45
December 5 - 7th grade Boys Basketball at Manitowoc @ 3:45
December 5 - 8th grade Boys Basketball at Urban @ 3:45
December 7 - 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball at Horace Mann @ 3:45
December 12 - Band concert @ 7 pm
December 14 - 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball at Urban @ 3:45
December 14 - Orchestra/Chorus concert @ 7pm
December 22 - Early release @ 1:00 pm
January 2 - School Resumes
January 11 - 7th and 8th grade Girls Basketball at Home @ 3:45
January 15 - No school
January 18 - 7th and 8th grade Girls Basketball at Urban @ 3:45
January 18 - End of 2nd quarter
January 19 - Teacher records day - no school for students
Keep up to Date on Farnsworth Events
Location: 1017 Union Ave
Phone: 920-459-4655
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farnsworthpanthers/
Twitter: @fmspride
The Staff:
Paige Benish, Jesse Rabon, Jenna Resheske, Shaina Thaves, and Abby Wetzel
Advisor: Jill Wetzel
The Panther Press is published by the students of Farnsworth Middle School for its
students, their families, staff, and the community.