The H.E.R.O. Bulletin
October 23, 2020 Verrado Heritage Elementary School
Created by: The first ever 8th Grade Newsletter Club:
Leslie Cruz-Santiago
Jaden Hale
Ari Herrera-Airitam
Ella Iranshar
Alex Maldonado
Sean Threlkel
Tyler Tryon
Evan Wagner
Tionne Ward
Movie Reviews by Madee Guy
Spookley the Square Pumpkin Movie Review
Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover
Spookley the Square Pumpkin is a rated-gGmovie available on Netflix, and Amazon Prime Movies. It is a movie about a pumpkin who is not regular- he is square. The movie takes place on a small pumpkin farm. Friendly pumpkins are getting prepared to participate in the annual Jack-O-Lympics. Whoever wins gets the coveted Candy Corn Crown! However, mean pumpkins Big Tim and Little Tim are convinced that Spookley will not be able to compete in the activities because he is not ‘normal’. “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” is a wonderful example of the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Diverse characters showed different personalities just like the real world. The story has a huge climax and everyone depends on Spookley to save the day. Altogether, this movie was highly enjoyable, even to me as an eighth grader.A good part about this movie is that everyone learns a lesson while watching. Watchers learn not to judge a book by its cover, and the fact that anyone could be a hero. After watching, the best thing that I took from this movie was that “anyone could be a hero”. We should always remember never to judge because being ‘normal’ doesn’t make you better or worse than anybody else.
Ratings
I rate this movie an 8.5/10. Why?
Catchy songs
Diverse characters
Lessons to be learned
Unexpected climax
Parent FYI's:
This movie is rated G and available on Netflix or Amazon Prime. This movie does have some bully characters. No cussing or any inappropriate content. This movie is 47 minutes long.
The History of Holidays: Halloween’s Origins by Tyler Tryon
When you think of Halloween, you probably think about costumes, candy, jack o'lanterns, scary movies and other things along those lines. However, halloween wasn't always the fun kid friendly holiday that it is now. It was originally called Samhain (pronounced sow-in), and it was thought to be a day when the barrier between life and death was thinnest, allowing spirits to enter our world. Villagers would light huge bonfires to keep the dead away from the living, and back to the spirit world. As the catholic church's influence in Europe grew, people started frowning down upon these rituals. The church merged Samhain with another holiday, making November first All Saints Day, to honor those who were dead. All Saints Day was also now as Hallowmas, and the day before was All hallows eve. Over time, it was shortened into Halloween. It came to America with a bunch of Irish immigrants during the 1840s. With them they brought traditions like apple bobbing and playing pranks on neighbors. The children would wear masks so as not to be recognized during pranks. Overtime, the tradition of playful, harmless pranks turned into vandalism. The children would start going house to house, demanding candy. If they didn't get the candy, they would trash that person's house. Eventually, it became the fun, family friendly holiday we all know and love today.
If you want more information click this link:
To Trick or Treat? That is the Question. Halloween On Main Street Community News by: Jaden Hale
Every year on Halloween, Main St. in Verrado decks out in their spookiest gear. Lamp posts are decorated with paper pumpkins, ghosts, and any other spooky creatures with orange garland wrapped around. Houses are decorated with any and all decorations. Some residents even go so far as to turn their home into a haunted house for others to walk through.
But the question in the front of everyone's minds is: Should I go trick or treating or not? Although the answer is up in the air, right now it depends on if you feel comfortable going. Some statistics for parents who appreciate research and data, by looking up the most recent numbers and turning them into percentages, it seems that only 0.5% of the worldwide population has gotten COVID-19 with 0.02% deaths. In the US, COVID-19 cases make up 2.3% of the population and 0.06% have died. And in Arizona, there are 3.1% cases out of the total population with 0.08% deaths.
Many parents are concerned and have lots of questions. One of the most common is, should parents allow kids to ring their doorbell or just put the candy out on their front lawn for kids to grab themselves? The answer was whichever you feel comfortable with, but if you choose to let them use the doorbell, just wash your hands and you don't have to worry about wiping the doorbell down afterwards. To research yourself, check out this link: (https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/your-guide-to-halloween-trick-or-treating-and-covid-19). If you do decide to go trick or treating remember to mask up and wash your hands to stop the spread of germs and keep your friends and family safe.
What's Cooking? by Leslie Cruz-Sanitago
Fun Fall Recipes to Try!
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Oven Temperature: 375*f
Makes about : 6 servings
Leslie's Peach Cobbler (see picture below)
Ingredients:
5 cups of sliced peaches
2 to 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup all purpose flour
Sprinkles of nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves
¼ cup of butter or margarine
¼ chopped nuts or coconut(optional)
Vanilla Ice Cream (optional)
Instructions:
For filling, thaw fruit if frozen, place in a 2 quart square baking dish stir in granulated sugar
For topping, in a medium bowl combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you decide to use nuts stir it in as well, and sprinkle topping over the fruit.
Bake in oven at 375*f for 30 to 35 minutes or until the fruit of the cobbler is tender, and the top is golden brown. 40 minutes if the fruit was frozen.
For best results serve warm,
And you're done, Enjoy!
Gluten Free Vegan Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins
Produce:
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Canned Goods:
2 cups cinnamon applesauce
Baking & Spices:
1 teaspoon ground Allspice
1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cups gluten free flour
½ teaspoon Xanthan gum
Oils & Vinegars:
½ cup coconut oil
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease or line a muffin tin. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, (you could also blend very well without the mixer, but this will take more time) add in your wet ingredients: cinnamon applesauce, coconut oil and vanilla. Blend. Next, add in your dry ingredients, with the mixer on slow: brown sugar, baking soda, xanthan gum, salt, cinnamon, ginger and allspice. Finally, add in the flour. Stir until just combined, being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl. Scoop evenly into 12 regular sized muffin tins. Bake 15-20 minutes, until the edges have loosened from the sides, and the top springs back when you touch it. Turn out the muffins and allow to cool. Side Notes: You can also use regular applesauce if you would like, and if you can't use coconut oil use another baking oil such as canola oil.
CHALLENGE: Try baking one of these recipes and take a picture of your HERO family sharpening the saw together and email it to us! Maybe, your photo will be featured in our next edition!!!! You can email us at: fain@lesd.k12.az.us
Leslie's Peach Cobbler Served w/Vanilla Ice Cream
YUM-O
Gluten Free Vegan Applesauce Muffins
A Blue Halloween by Ella Iranshar
This year on Halloween night we will be witnessing a natural phenomenon known as the blue moon. This is a rare occurrence that only Falls on Halloween once every 19 years! The next time this will happen will be in 2039. Now, you might be wondering, well what are blue moons blue and why are they so rare? Blue moons are actually the second full moon of the month, created when an excess amount of dust or wildfire smoke is in the air, it acts as a filter making both the sunset and the moon a green and blue color hence the name. The blue moon on Halloween will give an extra spooky feel to the night so don't forget to mark the occasion!
For more information about Blue Moons, click the link below:
Works Cited:
Article: “ When Is the Next Blue Moon?”
Top Ten Family Friendly Movies to Watch this Fall: A List Comprised by Evan Wagner
This Halloween using reputable film sources such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB, I have comprised a list of the top ten family friendly Fall movies to watch this year.
The List
10. Halloweentown (1998): When a girl discovers that she is a witch, she decides that she must save Halloweentown from the Forces of Evil. 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
9. Hotel Transylvania (2012): Count Dracula’s life starts to come crashing down, when a human enters his hotel, and falls in love with his daughter. 45% on Rotten Tomatoes.
8. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991): A garbage collection in a Missouri town accidentally releases a troll that threatens the town’s children. 17% on Rotten Tomatoes.
7. Goosebumps (2015): A boy dealing with moving to a small town accidentally releases the monsters from his neighbor’s books, resulting in a quest to return the horrors to their books where they belong.
6. It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966): As the peanuts gang prepares for Halloween, Linus writes a letter to the Great Pumpkin in hopes for a visit. No Rotten Tomatoes score available.
5. The Addams Family (1991): A man plotting to steal the Addams’ Fortune, claims to be the long lost brother of the wealth’s owner. Yet the family may not be as clueless as the plotters think. 64% on Rotten Tomatoes.
4. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949):While the first half of the film focuses on the wacky adventures of Mr. Toad, the second half of the film is perfect for the halloween season following Ichabod Crane and his classic clash with the headless horseman. 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. Hocus Pocus (1993): This film follows a pair of siblings and their friend, who accidentally release a coven of witches. Requiring the group, to stop them. 37% on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): A favorite of many, following a skeleton who has had enough of celebrating halloween, so he wants to try to make his own christmas. 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
1. Ghostbusters (1984): A classic film following a group of scientists who open a ghostbusting business, causing them to stumble upon a gateway to another dimension. Resulting New York being at threat, and the ghostbusters having to try and save the day. 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.Day of the Dead Celebration by Tionne Ward
The Day of the Dead is known as a holiday that is celebrated across Mexico. It is also called Día de Muertos. This celebration developed in the 16th century. The Holiday is celebrated by family and friends gathering together celebrating the life and death of their family members. People who celebrate this holiday don’t see the holiday as a day of sadness. They see it as a day of joy because the people they have loved on this day. People who celebrate this believe that if they mourn or be sad on this day it is like an insult to their beloved ones who are dead. Don’t get it twisted , it is not the same as Halloween. Halloween takes place for a day on the 31st of October and The Day of The Dead is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd days of November. The symbols used to celebrate this holiday are flowers, butterflies, and skulls.
A movie that relates to this holiday is known as ‘Coco’ which is a disney film made in 2017. The film’s about a boy named Coco who loves music, he finds a beautiful guitar and takes it, but ends up in the land of the dead. In the land of the dead where there are sugar schools, vibrant marigolds and dead family and friends. You can check it out on Disney Plus.
Can You Unmask this HERO? by Tionne Ward
You may pass her by every day,
in return you may get a smile, a “Hello” or a wave.
She may not wear a white coat, but becomes an Einstein.
She loves the heat and cactus galore.
You will always receive a “Welcome” at her door.
Birth date: April 12
Gender: Female
Where from: Phoenix, Arizona
Favorite Color: Turquoise
Music Preference: Country, Rap, Rock, but overall she likes music.
Favorite TV Show: Friends/ The Middle
Favorite Flower: Verbena Daisy
Favorite Actress: Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore
Favorite Animal: Her two dogs
Favorite Movie: The Goonies
Hobbies: Crafts, cooking, camping and hanging with her family and friends
Favorite food: Chips and Salsa
Favorite Store: TJ Maxx
Favorite Season(s): Fall and WinterCHALLENGE: Can you 'unmask' this HERO and guess their identity? Check out our next edition of the HERO Bulletin to see if your guess is right!
DLA News by Giovanni Barroso-Freitas
What Has School Come To Be? Hybrid Learning From A Principal's Perspective: by Madee Guy
The school is changing and everyone knows it, including the principal. The HERO Bulletin has interviewed Verrado Heritage’s Principal Noce. We asked her many questions about hybrid learning and the new school year.
Change Is Hard
So many changes have had to take place for all people working for the school, or the people learning from the school. Many students are not able to socialize as much this year due to the social distancing guidelines. Noce said, “Students are having to adapt to new normals”. All of the kids at Verrado Heritage have to change our view on what ‘normal’ is. The younger grades are adapting better than the older grades because it does not affect them as much. There is “More evident anxiety in upper grades” she said. From fifth grade and beyond, the kids are struggling to handle both online and in person school. However, the teachers have just as many problems. Our principal feels that, “Staff has been a complete shift. It’s the juggling of online and in person. The teachers are having to accept not being perfect- and that’s okay”. The whole school has had to do a complete 180. Nothing is the same this year, but the school has done their best to make it feel somewhat normal. The most memorable thing that our proud principal said was, “If we start looking for the negativity, we start living in the negativity”. Verrado Heritage has been able to bring out the light even in extreme darkness.
Mask Safety
Verrado Heritage requires students to wear masks during school as another safety precaution. Principal Noce recommends changing masks every 3 to 4 hours due to sweat and the fact that it is hot outside. However, she said “I’m not a scientist” so whenever you feel the need to switch masks, swap them out. She has over twenty masks just in her office!
We have to look for the silver lining. “Attitude means everything and we must approach it with a positive attitude”. The school is going to ensure every measure to keep students safe, and there is no need to be worried.
Hybrid Learning During Covid 19, a Student & Teacher Perspective: by Arian Herrera
Many people have questions and fears about Going back to school in person and having no teachers online, however we are all in this together. When I recently interviewed, Mrs Neu, she told me “I worry that the kids at home aren't getting what they need, however, kids at school are getting stuff done.” Hybrid learning is bringing many challenges and struggles but it also gives opportunity for kids in school to really get that help they need with smaller classes. One middle school student, when asked about hybrid learning, stated “Very boring. We just sit all day, but I understand why. However, it's cool how we can walk around the courtyard and take our mask off.” Yes there has been many changes to school, but teachers and staff are trying to make this year as fun and safe as they possibly can!
Sports by Alex Maldonado
Rays and Dodgers World Series
After both the ALCS and the NLCS went to seven games, the Rays and Dodgers became victorious. The Los Angeles Dodgers came back to win the series over the Atlanta Braves. They won after being down 2-0 and 3-1, this is the first time it has ever been done. The Rays on the other hand had the 3-0 lead but the Houston Astros fought and took the series to seven games. The Astros lost in game seven making the Rays the ALCS Champions.
Injury Plagued Season
This NFL season has been troubled with many injuries, from star players to impactful players that some teams may not function without. Although these injuries are heartbreaking there have been 2 teams who have surpassed expectations. These teams are the undefeated Titans and the 5-1 Bears. Excited to see what these teams have in store for the playoffs.
17 Time Champions
After a long and rough NBA season, a month long hiatus and participating teams being put on strict living in The NBA Bubble the NBA season has come to an end. The Los Angeles Lakers fought hard and became NBA champions for the 17th time and left the bubble with a 16-5 playoff record. After 10 years they brought home a championship becoming one of two teams to hold 17 championships. Will the Celtics win another before the Lakers to be back at the top? Only time will tell.
Culver's Review by Your Local Food Critic, Sean Threlkel
Culver’s is one of the first places you see when you get off the interstate and get on to the exit off of Verrado Way. Most have had it at least once but if you haven’t, you’re missing out, because they aren’t kidding when they say “Welcome to Delicious!” To begin, Culver’s is a big step up from Burger King’s food. Their burgers are good, and don’t taste cheap or artificial. Shockingly the burgers actually look like the pictures on the menu, believe it or not. Unsurprisingly, they have great fries and onion rings, which are better than most restaurants in the Buckeye area. In addition, Concrete Mixers are also a good dessert to have after stuffing yourself with burgers and fries. However, they do like all restaurant mess up orders frequently, and unfortunately they tend to mess up my dad’s order quite often. Overall, Culver’s is a good place to eat if you don’t have enough time to cook a meal, so I would give it a 9 out of 10, as again my only knock against it is how often they mess up orders.
Dear Madee & Jaden: HERO Advice
Do you have an issue that you are trying to figure out or solve? Do you need some advice? We can help. Our names are Jaden and Madee and we are in eighth grade at Verrado Heritage. If you contact Mrs. Fain, at fain@lesd.k12.az.us, then you might just get those problems fixed! All emails received will be kept anonymous, and we will try our best to help solve your problems, or give needed advice, and put them in the next newsletter. Need some help? Email us now!
Click the link below to submit your questions. Who knows? Maybe yours will be featured in the next HERO Bulletin:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAbhujyFTtu9zyotkIrbiuQfOn0-_CIyswIvux6xN-w4dHxQ/viewform
Satisfaction & Suggestions
What did you like?
What didn't you like?
What could we improve?
What would you like to see included?
Email us: fain@lesd.k12.az.us