The National
LMS News Online - December 2014
Minute To Win It
On November 25, Minute to Win-It took place here at LMS! Like the television show hosted by Guy Fieri, the events were “Face the Cookie”, “Tissue Eruption”, “Balloon Pop”, “Mummy Wrap, and “Traveling M&M’s”. Student Council members helped tremendously by getting the participants and setting up the events. In the end, Draco came in third place, Orion came in second place, and Phoenix came in first!
Article By: Mira Ryu, Valandra Riggins, and Ariana Rodi
Who is Santa Claus?
It all began in the 4th century with jolly, old St.Nicholas. St.Nicholas was the generous Bishop of Myra, Turkey, who was devoted to helping children. After his death in 304 he was buried, but then dug up centuries later in 1087,and taken by Italian sailors. Those sailors took St.Nicholas's body to Italy where stories about St.Nicholas spread all throughout Europe. Years later churches all over Europe became dedicated to him, and by the 12th century an official church holiday was created in his honor, The Feast of St.Nicholas, celebrated December 6th. Sadly, after the Reformation, St.Nicholas’s followers decreased, but the Dutch took in his jolly ways and began putting out wooden shoes near the fireplace for St.Nicholas, who the dutch renamed Sinterklaas, to reward good children with treats. These traditions were then brought to America, with Sinterklaas renamed who we all know as Santa Claus.
- Valandra Riggins
Kwanzaa History
In 1966 a Professor at California State University in Long Beach, CA named Doctor Maulana Karenga started Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili word which means “fruits of the harvest.” Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of African Americans around the world through December 26 to January 1. A tradition that people do during Kwanzaa is lighting one candle from a display of seven. Each candle represents a principle called Nguzo Saba. The candles are called Mishumaa Saba and it is placed on a candle holder, Kinara. Then, the Mishumaa Saba and Kinara are placed on a mat made of straw called Mikeka. The seven principle are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Out of the seven candles, three are green, three are red, and one is black. The three green candles are placed on the left of the Kinara, the three red ones are placed on the right of the Kinara, and the black candle is placed in the center. The colors of the candle have meaning as well. The black candle means the faces of the African people, red symbolizes the blood that they have shed, and green represents the hope and color of the motherland. Once a night, a candle is lit starting from left to right. Traditional food that are eaten during Kwanzaa are Koki, which is an appetizer made from black eyed peas, Peanut Soup, Jollof Rice, Okra and greens, and the best part, Fruit Salad and Coconut Pie. The true meaning is for African American people to celebrate their traditional values and of their cultural heritage.
- Mira RyuTraditional Mishumaa Saba and Kinara setup
Happy Kwanzaa
Jollof Rice
Chanukah History
Beginning on the 25th Day of the Hebrew month, Kislev, the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, also known as The Festival of Lights is celebrated. In 168, B.C Jews in Jerusalem were under the rule of new king Antiochus Ⅳ. Antiochus was a harsh ruler who didn't allow the Jewish people to practice their religion. Mattathias, a Jewish priest, along with his 5 sons, Jochanan,Simeon,Eleazar,Jonathan, and Judah fought against the cruel rule of Antiochus. They all lead the Jewish people into revolt and using clever strategies to defeat the kings larger army. When the Jews visited their temple, they arrived to see broken olive oil all over. The Jews worked together to clean up and rededicated the Temple. They worked together to light the holy fire of the menorah, which was supposed to stay lit. The flame of the candles lasted a total of 8 days. The lighting of the flames for 8 days is considered the Miracle of Hanukkah. This started the occasion of Hanukkah, lighting the Hanukkah candles in a menorah while singing a song of blessing or praise.
Dancing the Night Away!
The Halloween dance that took place on October 30, 2014 was so much fun! As far as I could see everyone was having a blast. Between the music, dancing, and new snacks like pizza and sour punch candy, it was an unforgettable night. It was so much fun to see all the different costumes people had on. But, lets not forget who we can thank for these amazing dances. A shoutout to Mr. Stamatelos, Mrs. Flaherty, the dance committee, Ms. Milavsky, Mr. Buczynski, and the PTO for all their hard work to make these dances happen.
Article Written By: Ariana Rodi
December Poll 2014
January Poll 2015
Lawrence Science and Engineering Fair
The 6th Annual LTPS Science & Engineering Fair will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 1-4pm. All Lawrence Township Public School students in grades 4 - 8 are eligible to enter. Hope to see you there!
For more information, you can visit the Science Fair website at https://sites.google.com/site/lawrencescienceengineeringfair/home