Frost Eagle Eye
Issue #1, April 2016
In this Issue:
- Issue Dedication-Goodbye Class of '15
- Winning Digital Citizenship Editorials!
- Frost's Author Visit
- National Security Crisis
- Eagle Eye Comic
- A Poem by Robert Frost
- Tech-Driverless Cars
- Opinion-If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls, Would We Be Vegetarians?
- Sports-March Madness (in retrospect)
- Staff Profile-Mrs. Redden
- Weather Report
Goodbye Class of '15!
The end of the 2014-2015 school year draws closer and closer, and I am sure everyone will leave Frost with cherished memories and people to remember. We will definitely miss the 8th graders, who are leaving behind an everlasting legacy. This year’s graduating class has stood out in all kinds of forms. The music department has excelled under the guidance of our amazing teachers, but we also owe it to the eighth grade music extraordinaires. They led our music groups to multiple wins in festivals, adding a lot of skill and expertise to the orchestra, band, and chorus.
The sports teams were also replete with talent. They won plenty of their games in each sport, some teams even achieving undefeated seasons. No doubt the victorious teams were bolstered by the eighth graders, who put in a ton of effort and dedication into their sports.
Although we will miss the dynamic graduating class of 2015, they are sure to be welcomed with open arms at Wootton or any other high school in the coming year. Be sure to have fun and enjoy the summer break while it lasts, and 6th and 7th graders, get ready for another thrilling year full of learning and laughter! Remember, “you are some of the BEST students on the planet!”This issue is dedicated to all our fantastic graduating 8th graders!
Winning Digital Citizenship Entries
Protecting and Educating yourself with Digital Citizenship
Today’s world is smaller than ever. People from all around the world are connected by today’s globalization, new technologies, and the internet. Families and friends are closer than ever before, and it is much easier to get a hold of anyone and everyone in the world today. However, there is a real issue in today’s globalization and technological development. Although technology has its benefits and its helpful bits, it seems reasonably clear that the majority of individuals in our modern society today are perhaps a bit too reliant on technology, notably and in particular, cellular or mobile devices. This new and contemporary reliance on technology can play an exceedingly negative role in the development of our current society in the information era. Our community as a whole needs understand and acknowledge this evidence. We need to act accordingly to educate and protect one another from the consequences of internet addiction or internet reliance. This is where digital citizenship appears, and remarkably provides guidance and backing to the spread of knowledge based upon educating others of the harmful side of the internet.
Using the internet for a number of things can be useful and advantageous. However, prolonged usage of any cellular device or electronics can cause physical impairment. Eyestrain and eye stress is commonplace when an individual uses an electronic device. Although many consider themselves to be using their electronic devices and the cyberspace effectively, many people don’t realize the real harm they are exposed to even if they just use their phone for 15 minutes. Internet addiction and internet dependence is a serious condition. People can lose a great deal of sleep by simply staring at their phone’s screen before they sleep. Sleep deprivation can have long lasting and severe effect on any individual, and children in particular are the most vulnerable. Sure, technology is a good thing, but only to some extent. Using the internet beyond that extent only means harm and only means negative consequences.
Individuals all around the world need to understand that new technologies and technological advances in this contemporary era should be used for the greater good. We must communicate with our peers and incite discussion about the topic of digital citizenship.They need to know that we must respect, educate, and protect one another through the nine elements of digital citizenship.
Password Safety
Have you ever thought about your passwords? Are they easy to figure out like ‘abcdefg’ or a birth date? These choices may seem personal to you, but are simple for others to access your account. There are many ways to create strong pass codes and protect your personal information.
First, begin by ensuring that the passwords created use a mix of letters, symbols, and numbers. By using a combination of any of these, it will be harder for a stranger to get into your account. Another option is to use a phrase that only you know, and create symbols representing the words from the phrase. One example would be: ‘I have no dogs, but a fish!’ A shortened and more complicated version of that sentence would be: ‘iH0dgs,b1f!’. If you can still not come up with a good passcode, then use a password generator. Password generators will develop a random passcode that you can use so it is hard for hackers to get into your devices.
Next, always make sure that you use different passwords for different sites. In fact, it is estimated that almost 80% of hacks are from weak passwords. If a hacker gets into one of your accounts, and you use the same words for every account of yours, then chances are that all of your devices are compromised. Also, never leave your password lying around where someone can easily find it. When you need to write your password down, keep it in a secure location out of the public. If you leave your password out and a person finds your password, change your password and username immediately. This is also true if you have to give your code out to a person. Change the code before the person receives it, and then after they are done, change it another time so they do not try to get into your account again.
Always remember to never write your passwords online or give them out in an email because they can be accidently sent to others. If they do get sent to others, quickly change your password so people can not get into your accounts. As well as emails, do not give your passcodes out to anybody on the phone as they could be people trying to get into your personal information. Furthermore, never put your password into a device or website that you do not trust because it could save the password and username and try to get into your devices. If the site that you trust asks you to pick a question, remember the question and answer, so if you do forget your password or username, you can still get into your accounts.
Remember, create your passwords seriously and do not take them as a joke. Protect them as anything very close to you and they will be safe. Chose your passwords wisely!
Works Cited
“Password Safety.” School of Medicine University of Miami. N.p., 2008. Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://it.med.miami.edu>.
“Password Safety Tips.” About.com. N.p., 2015. Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://antivirus.about.com>.
“Secure your Passwords.” Google.com. Google.com, 2015. Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/goodtoknow/online-safety/passwords/>.
“Tips for Teens: Password Safety.” Cyberbullying.us. N.p., Apr. 2013. Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://www.cyberbullying.us>.
Your Internet Reputation
by Akansha Goswami
Maybe it’s that embarrassing photo of you from that totally wild party, that angry status update you made on Facebook while half asleep, hungry, and dazed, or your super controversial blog post. Whatever it is, very few people could say that their electronic footprint was completely clean. Everyones heard that once posted online, nothing can be erased completely, but did you know that future employers love snooping around your personal profiles? Nobody wants their future employer to know their opinion on politics, complaints, or the latest gossip in their friend group… So why post it? Save your personal opinions, religious/social/political views, complaints, and compromising pictures that you wouldn't want family, certain friends, or future employers to see for another time.
So how does one make sure one's reputation is a positive one? Well, for one, start early. Make sure your online identity is one that demonstrates integrity. Keep your content consistent; there should not be not-so-pleasant surprises around the corner of your homepage. Make sure you do not overshare, either. Nobody wants to hear about your latest adventures at the podiatrist. What you post should not show you in a negative light. Avoid the use of strong/offensive language, excessive exclamation marks, humor/sarcasm, and refrain from venting or complaining. What you right should be clear and concise, without grammar or spelling mistakes. Does it sound like a lot? all you have to do is reread your message after typing it and ask yourself: Is it clear? Is it too personal? And, could this show me in a negative light? Following these guidelines can assure that your internet persona is favorable.
So next time you brave the waves and surf the internet, make sure your internet presence is as agreeable as you are.
All information from www.digitalcitizenship.net
A Wonder-Filled Author Visit
by Khushboo Rathore
Wonderland is coming. On April 21, 2015, A.G. Howard is skyping the Robert Frost Middle School to talk about her bestselling trilogy, Splintered, which includes: Splintered, Unhinged, and Ensnared. The book series is a dark twist on Alice in Wonderland, in which a girl, Alyssa Gardner, can hear bugs and plants talking to her. When she finds out about her strange descendancy, she goes on a journey and accidentally takes someone with her. Along the way she meets an old friend, learns everything is not what it seems, and finds love in an unlikely place. To attend the skype with Mrs.Howard, just head to the media center and talk to Mrs.Yu or Ms.Rawson.
Pilot landed gyrocopter at U.S. Capitol lawn!!!
by Ryan Mendries and Luan Le
The pilot named Doug Hughes was arrested for flying a gyrocopter, basically a mini-helicopter, to the U.S Capitol’s lawn. However, before landing a gyrocopter on the Capitol Lawn on Wednesday, he posted a blog about his intentions on landing the gyrocopter on the democracy club.org. He intended on delivering 535 letters to Congress, asking them to change campaign finance laws. The campaign finance reform is the political effort in the United States to change the involvement of money in politics. He believes that the chase for money will end America’s democracy. Mr. Hughes says, “I’d rather die in the flight than live to be 80 years old and see this country fall.” If Mr. Hughes was close enough to the speakers balcony, he would have been shot and killed but he was luckily just far enough, so they wouldn't shoot him. We still don't know what will happened to the 535 letters he took with him on his trip, or if the Congress will really look at it. Doug Hughes, on April 16, 2015, is released from jail on probation and is going to court; if he is to be found guilty and is convicted, he will be in jail for 4 years.
Eagle Eye Comic: "Thank You So Much" by Samaa Zaman (click on link below)
A Frost-y Poem, by our namesake, Robert Frost
A Boundless Moment
by Robert Frost
He halted in the wind, and -- what was that Far in the maples, pale, but not a ghost? He stood there bringing March against his thought, And yet too ready to believe the most. "Oh, that's the Paradise-in-bloom," I said; And truly it was fair enough for flowers had we but in us to assume in march Such white luxuriance of May for ours. We stood a moment so in a strange world, Myself as one his own pretense deceives; And then I said the truth (and we moved on). A young beech clinging to its last year's leaves.
Our Future: Driverless Cars?
by Sameeha Malek
Have you ever thought about what kind of car you were going to get? Limo, SUV, convertible, or a minivan? How about a driverless car? In case you were wondering, it all has to do with science and technology, right down to the brake pedal. From computers to cars, The Google Car is one of the new driverless cars that have been tested. The UK and the USA have been both trying to make these, and by 2040 most cars will be driverless cars. In fact, according to techcrunch.com the Google car has traveled 300,000 miles without any accident (while on computer control). One potential issue that could be happening is that there will be confusion on who will be guilty for a car crash if both cars are driverless ones.
Mercedes- Benz (a prestigious German car company) is producing an elegant, modern, and cutting edge new driverless car to be released on 2016, thanks to some information by a fellow Newspaper club member, Thomas Vlahos (who found the info on the Mercedes- Benz website.)
So, what do you think? Will you be the next one cruising lazily in a driverless car?
If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls, Would We Be Vegetarians?
by Esha Mittal
In order to eat right, we must follow the food plate and have a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and of course, health protein. The audience of the debate, ¨Intelligence Squared: Should Animals be off the Menu?¨ discusses whether erasing animals completely off the food plate is beneficial or not. Taking meat off the menu is something that would be most beneficial for all, because the horrendous pain animals feel while being killed can be avoided, we still have a great taste for food to eat, and we can actually live healthier and longer lives by becoming vegetarians.
If slaughterhouses had glass walls then everybody would become a vegetarian. Philip Wollen, the former vice president of Citibank, witnessed many animals screaming in pain in slaughterhouses and described visiting them as “an experience that changed him forever.” Animals are equal to humans, and just seeing one screaming as its head is being chopped off is just plain horrible and what would be even worse would be being the reason they are being murdered. Killing animals mercilessly and letting them face the dreadful pain is cruel and something about it should be done right away.
The reason this controversy has not been resolved yet is because of the many opposing arguments from others. Adrian Richardson, a meat loving chef, asked “Don’t you think we can all enjoy a tender, juicy, grass-fed steak occasionally?” We should all have an option to enjoy delicious food, but there are other alternatives. As for the taste, Veronica Ridge, the Age’s Life & Style editor believes that we are not “saying goodbye to inventive, delicious meals” by becoming vegetarians. In the past few decades we have not only made advances in technology, but also in the creation of food. We have created food that is vegetarian and tastes like meat and has also increased in the area of taste. Do not worry about that old taste of meat and instead enjoy the new and delicious taste of those leafy greens!
Finally, by taking animals off of the food plate we actually have a better chance of living long lives. For those who say that leaf eaters cannot live long they are proven wrong by Peter Singer, an internationally renowned ethicist and author of Animal Liberation who “has vegetarian relatives who lived ‘well into their nineties.’” Another example by Singer is when he talks about how your chance of dying is likely to increase from “even small portions of red meat. The fact that red meat can harm you implies that meat is not exactly the best choice for you to eat and that vegetables are the better option. Meat is the cause of diseases, unlike vegetables which are healthier and help in increasing our life spans.
Avoiding meat on the food plate raises many protest but people should know that the delicious taste of meat is not worth the killing of innocent animals, especially when we can eat better food and benefit by living a longer life. Even if one person changes to becoming a vegetarian it can make an impact. So, the next time you order a delicious and juicy hamburger, think again and choose something better.
March Madness
by Noah Lenkin
March Madness is an NCAA tournament for both men’s and women’s college basketball.It lasts over a period of three weeks. Every year, people make brackets and pick their team. 68 teams vie to be the champion at the end of the tournament. It is 64 teams for the women.There are tournaments for each division, but the Division 1 is the one everyone pays attention to. It is the Selection Committee's job to decide who makes it and who doesn't. 31 teams get an automatic invite if they win their conference. The other 37 for men’s and 33 for women’s is up to the Selection Committee. The Committee looks at each team’s RPI [ Rating Percentage Index]to make a decision. That means they look at a team’s wins and losses and their strength of schedule[that means who you play and how good they are]. The field is divided into 4 geographical regions. The committee decides what seed a team is and who they play. They have four play-in games to get in the actual tournament. Over the first week, the field is trimmed from 64 teams to 16 teams. In the second week, the field is trimmed from 16 to four. This is called the Final Four. In the third week, they battle it out at the Final Four. The men and women both play two semifinal games. The men play on Saturday, while the women play on Sunday. Both championship games are played on Monday.
She's Been Here Before
by Khushboo Rathmore
Have you decided what you want to be when you grow up? If you want to be a scientist, then Ms. Redden has something to say to you. Find your passion, don’t give up, and find the field you want to study. Biology, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry and way more. When Ms. Redden was growing up, she wanted to be a veterinarian, and she achieved all the credits to become a veterinarian. After a few years, she decided to start teaching and it’s a good thing that she did. Almost all her students love her. Even though she likes teaching, grading is a pain, but seeing the excitement when doing labs and giving students an interest in science makes up for it . After all, that’s how she decided she wanted to be a science teacher. In high school, she had a teacher whom she loved and who really made an impression on her. Even so, she has always had an interest in science.
Ms. Redden’s favorite unit is Forensics, and 7th graders, there are some exciting labs coming up. Some of Ms. Redden’s favorites are Chromatography and Gel Electrophoresis, which is like what happens in the CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) . Some things she thinks 7th grade will enjoy are growing bacteria, DNA testing, testing urine and dissecting the frog’s leg. In her free time, Ms. Redden likes to bike, watch sports and is especially excited about March Madness. Frost is exactly how she remembers it from her middle school days. It is very fun, very happy and a great place to be. Graduated in 1996, she had Ms. Nechanicky as a teacher and Ms. Bank and Mr. Krohn were here. In fact, she was friends with Ms. Bank’s son. Here’s a fun fact, if you look at the red part of the rainbow on the Dare to Dream mural beside the library, you can see her name. Ms. Redden is an amazing science teacher that any current 6th grader would be lucky to have next year.
Advice with A Squared
Q: My friends are leaving for the summer, what should I do?
A: Find a way to stay in contact with your friends, whether its by Skype, text, or phone. Also, try to make new friends over the summer, without forgetting your old friends. This makes it so you have somebody to hang out with over the summer.
Weather Update (in retrospect!)
By Thomas Vlahos
Welcome to the Spring Break Info! Right now the weather is looking great so you will be able to swim and not have turbulence (well maybe)on your flights!
Flight Info:
Southwest 2236 from BWI to MCO is scheduled to be on time.
For more info check with your airline.
Right now the weather is looking great so I wish everyone a great and relaxing Spring Break!Frost Eagle Eye Staff
Email: sarah_e_shah@mcpsmd.org
Location: 9201 Scott Drive, Rockville, MD, United States
Phone: 301-279-3949
One Last Thing...Goodbye to our Eagles
This is our last report, so we wanted to give one last piece of advice to have fun over the summer, be safe, and we hope to see you next year. A big congrats to our 8th graders. Have fun in high school . For those who are staying in Frost we hope to hear from you next year. To all the 8th grade eagles, we let you fly, and watch you soar above the sky!!!!!
Sincerely,
The Newspaper Club