The Paw Print
January Edition
Bulldog Important Dates
1/12 8th Grade Parent Night at BHS @5:30
1/18 8th Grade HS Registration (done in math classes)
2/6 Wild Fest at BHS sponsored by VVEEF
***School News Section***
Welcome Back To Socials!
With school now being fully in person, the school is opening up socials after school again! Recently the school has hosted the 6th grade social and 7/8th grade social after school hours for the respective grade levels to enjoy. With the latest tunes in the background and some snacks from the concession stand, everybody who attended got to enjoy themselves while they could spend time with their friends or even go dancing. While it’s certainly new to everyone, even the 8th graders who were here in 6th grade attended the social with the new COVID protocols. It was a good place to start after remote learning, and now, students are getting in routine of school life once again. Now, here is a quick thought from Jayelan Fisher, a 6th grader who attended the 6th grade social:
Q: How would you describe your experience for your first social?
Ar: The 6th grade social went pretty well overall, even though there was some drama, everybody got to see their friends and hangout. For my first social, especially after coming back in person, it went well.
Smecils and Keychains
Art Fun with Mr. McDermott
Band Concert
Highlights from the Brooks Winter Band Concert featuring the following songs:
Jingle Bell Drums with Buckets
Believe from The Polar Express
Feliz Navidad
Student Recognition
School Winter Fashion
Jewelry of January
Are your winter outfits plain basic and boring? Well, you're in luck because your favorite duo is here to teach you how to spice up your outfits just by adding some jewelry here and there!
First off, let’s start with colors. It was previously said in the November article, to take clothes or accessories that fit the weather. For example, since it's a little colder out, try going for cool toned bling like white pearls, white diamonds, and silver chains. It's starting to get cold outside, so it's best to stick with cool toned jewelry instead of bright colors that pop.
Here is a list of some types of jewelry that go well with the winter season! :
Pearls
White diamonds
Silver/platinum colors
Try also looking at the necklines of your sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. Are they turtlenecks? Or perhaps Halter Tops? Maybe even V necks? Different types of necklaces go with different types of tops. For example, tops that have sort of a V neck shape that go downwards should have a matching short necklace that compliments your collar bones and follows that downward pattern. Same with square necklines! If the shirt has a square neck, surplice neck, or just your basic jewel neck, try going for a choker-like pendant that brings attention to that area, keeping everything in the same streamline, smoothly going downwards when looking at the outfit.
With all of these newly learned tips on jewelry that’s in season, we Chloe and Katherine hope you’ll incorporate more jewelry into your winter wardrobe!
-XOXO,
Katherine & Chloe
***Aviation Monthly Section***
ZeroAvia: The Future of Zero-Emissions
By Caiden Aldrich Cando
The aviation industry is carbon-intensive. Millions of planes burn fuel each day but it has been a big strain on the environment. However, like the transformation from the automobile industry, aviation is going towards a greener future. Here is one company that wants to shake the game.
ZeroAvia, an aircraft manufacturer based out of the UK and US, has big plans; especially in regional flight. They plan on creating hydrogen-powered engines that can replace their jet counterparts. Currently, they are testing on a Dornier 228 turboprop and replacing it with newer hydrogen technologies. Teamed with Royal Schiphol Group (owners of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), they hope to fly it with an airline by 2024. But, there is much more in store.
They want to create a hydrogen engine that can be substituted for any jet-engine aircraft. This has an advantage over making a clean-slate aircraft design which saves money for the ZeroAvia and the airlines. The company has many suitors as well. British Airways and United Airlines both invested heavily into ZeroAvia with United buying some of their hydrogen engines for their CRJ-550s. Alaska Airlines also partnered with the company to create custom engines for its Bombardier Q400 turboprops which helps Alaska in its net-zero carbon plan by 2040.
To Simple Flying, ZeroAvia states, “Hydrogen is the only practical solution for true climate-neutral flight, and it will become a commercial reality much sooner than many predict.” We’ll certainly see if ZeroAvia is a legitimate plan or a pipe dream.”
***Entertainment Section***
Book Brags
Dry
By Cicen Chingis
What would happen if California suddenly ran out of water? You can’t take showers, drink water, and water your lawns. Yes, it would also be total chaos. People would break into homes in search of water and everyone would die of thirst. Stores would be empty and everyone would turn on each other all in search of one thing.
Alyssa and her brother, Garret, never thought this would happen, but as the drought happened, which they call the Tap-Out, soon realize that their peaceful town won’t be that peaceful anymore. Alyssa’s parents leave in search of water but as they don’t come back, she realizes she needs to make choices so she and her brother can survive. As they navigate through towns, suffer deaths, and make hard choices, can they really survive and find their family? Can they trust the people they’ve met and got closer to along the way? How does this disaster affect everyone?
“Dry,” by New York Times bestselling authors, Neal and Harrod Shusterman, is a story about how surviving without one of life's most needed necessities can break humanity. Amazingly written, it makes you believe that this event is happening now or will happen in the future.
Top January Books
Gaming
Overcooked Fever!
Overcooked 2 is a video game about chefs who save the world again. It is cross-platform between Xbox One and PS4/PS5. This means, even if you play on a PlayStation, you may connect with other gamers on an Xbox One and vice versa. “Feast your eyes on this -Journey across a brand new overworld map by land, sea and air. Get cooking in new themes ranging from sushi restaurants, magic schools, mines and even alien planets!” (From Nintendo.com) It costs $24.99 on Steam and Xbox and free on PS4/5. I’d rate this a ten out of ten, because of how fun it is. I also like this game because I used to have this and my sister and I played all the time. Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself! It is a really great game
Movie Reviews
One Day At A Time
One Day at a Time is a sitcom that was published on Netflix in January 2017 that represents a Cuban-American family going through daily struggles in our modern world. Penelope Alvarez used to be in the army, but eventually leaves and takes care of her two kids Elena Alvarez and Alex Alvarez.
*** What's in the News Section***
Happy Birthday Michelle Obama
The Obamas have contributed a great deal to our country, and on January 17th, its none other than Michelle Obama's birthday!
Michelle Obama was born on January 17th, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, and attended Princeton University, where she received her bachelor's degree, as well as her Juris Doctor's Degree from Harvard. She then went on to work at a law firm in Chicago where she met her husband Barack Obama, and got married in 1992.
When her husband became President in 2008, Michelle Obama strove to promote healthy eating and confront child obesity. This passion of hers created the Let's Move! campaign, which aimed to encourage students to eat healthy in their daily lives by introducing healthier foods and snacks in schools. Through this program, junk food was taken away from schools and was replaced with low sodium snacks and nutritious lunches instead.
In addition to her work on healthy eating, Michelle also started a garden in the White House South Lawn, whose food and vegetables would be picked by kids and used to create alternative healthy dishes in the White House. The food would also be donated to charity and food banks as well. She also promoted LGBTQ rights, military families, and education for black girls during her times as First Lady, as well as appeared on several tv shows to connect with citizens, advocate campaigns, and have fun with tv hosts and audiences.
Overall, Michelle Obama has done a lot as a mom, a activist, and First Lady. Happy Birthday Michelle Obama!
From 4,000 years to now. -New Years Resolutions
By Noah Lichtfuss
The Ancient Babylonians were the first recorded civilization to celebrate New Year’s; however in mid-March than the typical January. This was because crops were planted at this time. The Babylonians were the creators of the popular New Year’s resolutions written every year. During this time, a twelve day celebration was held called Akitu. They gave their loyalty to a new king and they reinstated their loyalty to the current king. To the king, they made promises to their god to pay any debts and return any items they have borrowed over the past year during this celebration. Babylonians believed that if they followed their promises, they would be favored by the gods for the following year, and if they failed to keep them, the gods would make them pay. These promises are considered the precursor to our modern day New Year's resolution.
In Ancient Rome, celebrations also occurred celebrating the New Year. After Julius Caesar made January 1st, the start of a new year, people started offering sacrifices and promises for the upcoming twelve months. New Year’s used to be a religious holiday, meant for one to think back on past mistakes and resolve to do better. In 1740, a man named John Wesly created the Covenant Renewal Service which was most commonly celebrated on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The Covenant Renewal Service served as a spiritual alternative to modern day New Year’s Eve.
Despite its religious origins, modern day New Year’s Day is typically celebrated as a joyful holiday, meant for improvement over one's actions. In a recent study, it was discovered that 45% of Americans say they participate in making New Year's Resolutions, while only 8% are successful in keeping them! Everybody from the Newspaper Team wishes you can keep those resolutions and have fun creating them!
Cooking Corner
Chocolate Strawberry Cake
The New Year is coming soon! New goals and accomplishments will be made. 2022 will be a great year! I have an amazing recipe to top off the new year! Shall we get started?
Ingredients needed:
1 package of chocolate cake mix (regular sized)
1 package of chocolate pudding mix (4.0 ounces)
4 large eggs, (preferably room temperature)
1 cup of sour cream
¾ cup of water
¼ cup of canola oil
4 ounces of semisweet chocolate (melted)
2 cups of butter (softened)
4 cups of confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup of baking cocoa
1/2 cup of 2% milk
Garnishes:
4 ounces of semisweet chocolate (chopped)
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 pound of fresh strawberries (hulled)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees;. Combine the first seven ingredients (cake mix, pudding, eggs, sour cream, water, canola oil, chocolate); mix at a low, slow speed for 30 seconds. Mix at a medium speed for 2 minutes. Transfer the mix to two greased and floured 9 inch round baking pans.
Put the baking pan into the oven for about 28-32 min. After it is done, insert a toothpick in the center until it comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes before removing the pans to wire racks to cool completely.
In a large bowl put cream butter, confectioners' sugar, cocoa and mix it until it is light and fluffy. Mix in the milk until it is smooth. Spread the frosting between the layers, top, and sides of the cake.
Place the chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream just to a boil; pour over the chocolate and whisk it until it is smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the cake, allowing the ganache to drape down the sides. Arrange the strawberries on top of the cake.
Slurping up a Delicious Soup!
Since January is National Soup Month, I’m going to share a recipe for tomato soup! It’ll certainly beat the winter frost.
Ingredients
Butter – use unsalted butter to saute onions.
Yellow onion
Garlic – (1 Tbsp minced from about 3 cloves)
Crushed tomatoes – (San Marzano tomatoes)
Chicken stock – (homemade chicken broth)
Basil – (chop and add 1/4 cup fresh basil, plus more to serve)
Sugar – (1 Tbsp)
Black pepper – (start with 1/2 tsp and add more to taste)
Heavy whipping cream
Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Saute aromatics; heat a non-reactive pot on medium heat. Melt four tablespoons of butter, then saute the onions until they are soft and golden (10-12 minutes). Add minced garlic and saute for another minute.
2. Make the tomato soup; base-stir two twenty-eight ounce cans of crushed tomatoes with their juice, your chicken stock, chopped basil, sugar and black pepper. Bring it to a boil, then subtract the heat and partially cover and simmer for ten minutes.
3. Blend if desired; use an immersion blender in the pot or blend in batches with a blender (be careful not to overfill the blender with hot liquid). Then, return soup to the pot.
4. Add cream and parmesan; stir in heavy cream and shredded parm. Bring it back to a simmer and season to taste if it is needed.
5. Severe-ladle into warm bowls and garnish with more parm and basil.
I hope you enjoy this delightful dinner with the whole family to get rid of the frost. Enjoy!
Three Kings Day
What is Three Kings Day, and why do we celebrate it?
Three Kings Day is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God in his Son as human in Jesus Christ.
What does the Three Kings represent?
The three kings represented Europe, Arabia, and Africa, and their coming together was symbolic of unity.
Here's a recipe for the Three King's Cake, or Rosca de Reyes. It is a dessert eaten and shared with on Three Kings Day.
https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/three-kings-bread-recipe/#recipe
Drawing Corner
Editor's Note
It's time for this January's newspaper! Read some of our latest movie and book reviews, recipes, Aviation Daily, gaming, Drawing Corner, and Brooks news. Let's have a great month and have fun reading!
Althea Rosal, Editor
Meet the Newspaper Team
Amaya Martinez-Book Review Critic
Jahleel Funches-Cooking Corner/Gamer's Corner
Bria Dennis-Cooking Corner
Noah Lichtfuss-What's in the News
My name is Noah Lichtfuss. I live with my mom, dad, sister, and my cat. I enjoy playing with my Legos and playing video games. My favorite subject is social studies because I like learning about history. One of my special talents is that I can make smaller and more detailed versions of certain things in Lego. If I could be any cereal, I would be Cinnamon Toast Crunch so I could eat myself when I'm hungry.
Jake Maves-Drawing and Cooking Corner
I like to practice on my skateboard and ride my bike. I have a mom, a dad and one brother. I have two mice and three cats. My favorite subject is social studies because I find it fun and enjoyable. When I grow up, I want to be a veterinarian or zoologist. If I was a cereal, I would be Cinnamon Toast Crunch because it’s my favorite cereal.
Chloe Rivera-Movie Critic
My name is Chloe Rivera. I'm in seventh grade and have two sisters. Outside of school, I do ice skating. I also play the piano. My favorite subject is math because I like to challenge myself and I'm also good at it. When I grow up I would probably be a nurse first; then become a nurse anethesist. If I were a cereal, I would be Cocoa Pebbles because I love chocolate.
Kara Carrillo-Entertainment
Grace Falana-What's in the News
Hello, I’m Grace Falana. I’m a 6th grader and I love reading and writing. I’m an African American. My parents and three of my siblings immigrated from Nigeria in 2004. I am Christian and both of my parents are pastors. I was born here in Bolingbrook and lived here my whole life. When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer/judge and hopefully attend a Law School. If I was a cereal, I would be Honey Nut Cheerios because I'm a sweet person.
Jayelan Fisher-Gamer's Corner/Cooking Corner
My hobbies are soccer, gaming, swimming, and riding a bike. I have a family of six including me. I have a dad, a mom, a step dad, two step sisters, and a half brother. My favorite subject is reading because I love the characters in a story and the storyline behind it. I'm on a soccer team and my talents are drawing and music. When I grow up, I would want to be a lawyer.
KALANI HANKERSON-TODD-Book Review Critic
Marissa Ellitch-Common Questions
My name is Marissa Ellitch. I am in 7th grade, I like learning new languages and cultures, and I like learning new things! I love spending time with my family, which consists of my mom, my dad, my little sister, my dog, and my cat! My favorite subject is STEM, because I like experimenting with different things. I run cross country and am interested in joining the Scholastic Bowl! If I could be any cereal, I would probably be Fruit Loops, because there are different colors, which to me, represents all of the things I enjoy! (Fun Fact: Fruit Loops aren’t flavored, they just have different scents!)
Ismael -Drawing Corner
My name is Ismael Izaguirre. My hobbies are to make things out of materials I have at home. I also like to study so when I grow up, I can be a Graphic Designer. My talent is to draw. I have two brothers. My favorite subject is applied tech. A cereal that I would be is Fruit Loops because I use colors to bring my art to life.
Katherine Claire Colacion
My name is Katherine and I’m an eighth grader at Brooks Middle School. I aspire to be a stylist when I’m older as fashion is something I’m most interested in! However, fashion isn’t my only attraction. I also like music! I play the piano, clarinet, and sing. This probably also gives you a hint that band is one of my most favorite classes too! Also, if I could be any cereal I’d most likely be Rice Krispies because I’m loud and tend to make lots of noise.
Jiane Cayamanda
Mrs. Witek-Bykowski-Sponsor
I love to travel to different places because I like to learn about different cultures and experience new things. I love spending time with my family which consists of a brother, sister, niece, mom and dad. My profession is a teacher because I love to help students achieve their goals and learn new things. My favorite subject is language arts because I love reading new stories and writing short stories and poems that express who I am. I love to play soccer, volleyball, run, and swim. One of my special talents is singing. I love to sing Karaoke and write new songs. If I could be any cereal I would be fruit loops because I love to make things exciting and have a colorful personality.
Althea Rosal-Editor
I love to bake during my spare time because I enjoy creating delicious treats to share with my family and friends. I come from a family that consists of a father, a mother, and one younger sister, all who I love and adore. One of my few hobbies is longboarding. A sport which I learned how to do at the age of nine, and still do today. Besides baking, I like to play racket sports such as ping-pong and badminton with my dad and little sister. I am currently a student in 8th grade and band, and play the bass clarinet and keyboard. If I were to be a type of cereal, I would be cocoa pebbles because I love chocolate and have a sweet personality.
Caiden Cando-Editor and Aviation
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