Barton Junior High School
March 2024
INFORMATION ABOUT THE WILDKITTEN WAY NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the Wildkitten Way!
Here is the month of March layout:
Principal's Note: Mrs. Henry
News Articles:
- Basketball Pep Rally
- Archery
- Mardi Gras
Feature Articles:
- Black History Month
- National Black Women in the Arts Month
- Self Love Day
- Mardi Gras
Editorials:
- Organ Donor Day
- Valentine's Day
SPECIAL SHOUTOUTS!
Yearbook Information
Calendar
PRINCIPAL'S NOTE: MRS. HENRY
It's March already, and before you know it we will be enjoying Spring Break! Testing season is upon us, as our students will be taking the WRITING section of our new state test ATLAS on March 7 (8th grade) and March 12 (7th grade). Please be sure your child is at school, on time, for those days to avoid an issue with make-up testing.
We could really use the help of parents right now to remind students to work hard on the testing that is coming up. Scores from our STAR testing and ATLAS testing will be used to place students in classes for next year. We want to be sure we are getting an accurate picture of what students know and do not know, so we need them to do their best!
ATLAS (Writing) testing:
8th graders - March 7
7th graders - March 12
ATLAS (Reading, Math, Science) testing:
8th graders - April 22, 25, 29
7th graders - April 23, 26, 30
Just another reminder that Barton will allow exam exemptions for the 2nd semester exams. ATTENDANCE will play a large part of the exemption in addition to grades. ONLY students missing 5 days or less will be eligible for exemption from exams. This includes excused or unexcused absences. The attendance record for exam exemption began on Monday, January 8. In addition to attendance, the grade in the class must be above a C for both 9-weeks AND the STAR scores will have to show improvement for the end of year test!
Thank you for all you do for your child, and for the support! It takes all of us working together to do the best for our students!
News Articles
Basketball Pep Rally by Shelby Gilbert
The Barton Junior High School, 7th and 8th grade, boys and girls basketball teams were introduced during a pep rally on February 1st for the ‘23-’24 season.
Basketball is a team sport that is played during the winter season. Even though there are separate teams, sometimes some students are able to play up. This year, the season began during November.
Being a basketball player offers students an opportunity to grow in how they work with others in different ways. Shacoryia Brown, 7th grade girls basketball player, says, “I learned to communicate with my teammates.” However, Cincere Woods, 8th grade girls basketball player, said, “I learned to accept my teammates.”
During the season also helps students to progress skills they have. Lola Applegate, 8th grade girls basketball player, says, “My biggest accomplishment was making my free throws more consistent.” Although some players improved on ways that would help them on and off the court. Jayden Levingston, 8th grade boys basketball player, said, “My biggest accomplishment was, I wanna say my attitude.”
Even with the different answers, one remained the same across the board: all the players would continue their career in the future. The basketball pep rally was a great way to encourage school spirit and allow the students to have some fun together before the testing season kicked off.
Archery by Jasmine Edwards
On January 27th in the Dome at Barton Junior High, the BJHS archery team competed against 6 other teams for their spot to get into the Arkansas State Competition.
In order to reach State Competition, the team was required to achieve a score of 3200+. In a victory, our archery team was able to accomplish this goal. Barton then went on to compete in the Arkansas State Competition on March 1st, winning first place.
Just because the team had to get a score of 3200+, does not mean that was their personal goal. Scot Perry, the coach for the archery team said, “Our score dropped and we haven’t hit our team goal for the competition which is 3300+ points.” He was proud of the team for their victory, but had expectations for them to strive to do their best. Perry said, “We did win but, we need to get going back up to our goal.”
Athletes tend to be their own tough critics, even if they perform well. Cora Conner, 8th grader, said, “I think I did good, but I could’ve done better.” The reason for this performance, like some, is due to stage fright. Conner said, “I get nervous shooting in front of a bunch of people.”
This season was a huge accomplishment for our archery team overall, becoming the State Champions. We cannot wait to see what next year brings us!
Mardi Gras by Izzie Smith, Photography by Bekah Ibert and Allie Foster
Mardi Gras is a parade and holiday celebrated in Louisiana, usually by locals, from January 6th to February 13th.
People began celebrating Mardi Gras on March 3rd, 1699, when french explorers Pierre le Moyne D’iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present day New Orleans. It was started the day before Ash Wednesday, as a way for people to anticipate spring and to mark their last opportunity before lent fasting. “Mardi” means Tuesday, and “Gras” means fat; making the holiday traditionally referred to as, “Fat Tuesday”. Although the Mardi Gras celebration began in the late 1600s, the parade didn’t occur until the 1800s.
Misconceptions about the holiday can cause confusion about why it is celebrated. Jasmine Edward, Louisiana native, said, “I feel that Mardi Gras is looked down upon by many people but they don't really know what really happens.” For locals, knowing where to go makes all the difference in the experience you have. Edwards went on to say, “As someone who grew up in Louisiana I know that not everything in the parades isn't inappropriate because if you go to certain places you will have a very nice experience. For people who feel that Mardi Gras is a really bad holiday then they should go to different cities that are not known for that stuff”
The throwing of beads is a tradition that is fun to some who get to experience it. Grace Upton, another Louisiana native said, “It is very fun. It was very beautiful, all the animals and just everyone throwing beads everywhere and all that was just a very good experience to have.”
As time goes by, this holiday does not always get the positive recognition that it deserves. It should be known as a fun, family friendly holiday.
Photo by Bekah Ibert
Photo by Bekah Ibert
Photo by Bekah Ibert
FEATURE ARTICLES
Black History Month by Cayden Adams
Have you ever wondered where we got the security system that protects our homes or the blood pressure and pulse monitoring system that helps the lives of the ones we love? Mary Van Britan Brown and Michael Croslin are just two of many black inventors that we can still credit to modern day items we use every day. Black History Month is a national holiday celebration of all the accomplishments and inventions of African Americans.
Black History Month takes place from February 1st through March 1st. It was founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1976. He was also the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This is the largest and most historical society that is committed to the knowledge and promotion of African American history.
Carter was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African Diaspora; which is the cross-cultural, interdisciplinary, and comparative study of the lived experiences of people dispersed throughout Africa. Sadly, in 1950, Woodson died of a heart attack. Woodson’s life research has helped broaden the perspective others have on the black community.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the world's most known African American social activists, and a Baptist minister. Dr. King was most recognized as being a leader in the American civil rights movement. He led the movement to end segregation and counter prejudice in the United States. His most famous speech was “I Have A Dream”, which was delivered on August 28 1963. During his speech, Dr. King called for civil and economic equality and to end racism. His life’s work and name is still impacting the world today, as most cities have a road, avenue or boulevard in his honor.
In order to lend a helping hand during Black History Month, you can: contribute to black owned businesses, attend cultural events, and celebrate black literature. The only way we can move forward is to acknowledge the accomplishments made by individuals and lift others up.
National Black Women in the Arts Month
Can you name at least one African American woman who is making strides in the entertainment industry? Black women are making their way to the top of their niche in the most incredible ways. Artists like Megan Thee Stallion have successful musical careers as well as partnering with athletic clothing companies to support a healthy lifestyle. Alicia Keys has been a pioneer in rhythm and blues music for the better portion of her career as a self-taught piano player. Beyonce has proven to be a self made entrepreneur as she has dabbled in music, acting, fragrance, and clothing.
On February 11th, 2024, Alicia Keys and H.E.R. performed alongside Usher during the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show. This became an iconic moment for black women to look up to role models everywhere. Alicia Keys proved that she could have a lasting career that is still flourishing and H.E.R. is the first black female artist that plays the guitar as beautifully as the greats like Slash and Prince.
Beyonce announced, post Super Bowl, that she would be releasing a country music album. This is a drastic change from her usual upbeat, dancehall artistic expression. She is not the only Texan that is causing waves with the release of a single. Megan Thee Stallion has also been recently on the billboard 100 list and in the headlines on social media for her new song “HISS”.
Music is not the only area where black women are paving the way and excelling in the arts. In film, there are big names making changes. Halle Bailey became the first live action, Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” of color. Zendaya has been in many feature films in the last few years from “Spider-Man” to “Dune”.
You can support black women in the arts in several ways. By going to shows, streaming their music, going to the theater to see their work, or by giving a shout out on social media to spread the word. The possibilities are endless.
These artists are giving little girls someone new to look up to that looks like them. All of these women are helping to pave the way for more black women to excel in the arts.
Self Love Day by Billy Mabry; photo drawn by Abby Davis
What comes to mind when you think of self love? Do you think self love is important? Many people treasure loving themselves and having a healthy self care day. Did you know that self-love motivates much of our positive behavior while reducing harmful behaviors? Self-love as a concept was already being written and talked about in Ancient Greece over 2000 years ago.
Self love day is celebrated on February 13th, and was established in 2008 by a Californian self-help guru named Christine Arylo. She authored a book called “Madly in Love with ME: The Daring Adventure to Becoming Your Own Best Friend”. Self love is a state of appreciation of ourselves that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
Self-love becomes a reflection of the people you attract to you. Elanena White, teacher and author at Barton Junior High, said, “Self love is important because if you don’t love yourself, how can you love anybody else correctly?” Although self-care has become a trend, some think self-love has gone down. White says, “You can tell when someone doesn’t have self love because they’re in toxic relationships.” When you don’t have self-love you begin to accept how anybody treats you.
What are the benefits of self love? How do you know when you’re truly giving yourself the love you deserve? White says, “When you have self-love, you live a better life.”
What can be done is cutting off some of these toxic relationships. These relationships can be family or friends. Because when you continue to interact in these, you will project that hurt onto others.
Some positive things can come out of having self-love. White says that when you have self-love, you know who you are, who you belong to, and what your worth is. All of this, while radiating positive energy.
Editorial Articles
Organ Donor Month by Billy Mabry: Photo by Cayden Adams
Organ Donor Day is very important. It brings awareness to those who donate organs as well as receive them. Organ donors have an option to give up their organs so that people may use them when they have problems happening with theirs. Some organ donors are alive and others have passed away. Those who are alive have to undergo a major surgery. According to Crozerhealth, “Surgical complications can include pain, infection, blood loss (requiring transfusions), blood clots, allergic reaction to anesthesia, pneumonia, injury to surrounding tissue or other organs, and even death.”
Heather Willis, teacher at Barton Junior High, says that organ donation is something you sign up for when you get your driver’s license. Willis says, “They will ask you if you want to be an organ donor, and if you are in an accident or something happens that you are brain dead, then medically they can use your organs if they are still viable.” Viability means that the organs are still in good enough condition that they can be transplanted in a timely manner and fashion.
For Willis, organ donation is a personal matter. Willis says, “For example, my brother was an organ donor and he was in a car accident and we were told that he was brain dead. There was too much blood that rushed to his brain, and the lining between the brain and the skull. My parents gave permission, not only for his organs that could be used, but also his organs that could not be used for other people.” Sometimes, when organs cannot be used for a person, they can be donated to scientific research. In Willis’ case, her brother's heart could not be used because he had too many valves, which is not normal. So, the research his heart was used in was to find out if somebody with four heart valves could qualify to be a heart donor. Since this was new research, they found out that someone with four valves could be used in a heart transplant even though most only have three.
Why should organ donation be considered important? What’s the difference between just getting rid of them or letting someone else use them? Willis said, “I think it’s important because this allows your loved ones to find and still have a connection with you here on earth.” It’s important for families to be able to grieve their loved ones, no matter what your belief is. When organs are donated, it does not sting as much to no longer have them here. It’s also important because some people that have issues with their bodies are not their fault. It was simply how they were born. Willis said, “The little girl that got my brothers kidney, she was only four years old when she got his kidney and it wasn’t her fault that her kidneys didn’t work, but when she received his kidney within 24 hours, her body was cleaned up all the toxins hour in her body, and she was able to then to live a healthy life.” That little girl will be 26 this year and has lived a full, happy and healthy life.
Every year, there is a Rose Parade where there is a Donate Life float to honor organ donors. The float is made to look like a dragon, with the scales being the organ donors that have lost their lives and donated to someone else. The people on the float are the ones who received those organs. Many people can be given a chance at a new life, thanks to strangers who selflessly chose to make an important decision. Today, there are 170 million Americans who are registered donors. Will you be one of the 170 million?
Photo provided by Heather Willis
Photo provided by Heather Willis
Valentine's Day by Abby Davis
Valentine's day is celebrated in today's time as a symbol for love. Valentine's day was not always celebrated for love though. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine (Martyr:a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion) Sometime in the 14th century, Pope Gelasius, associating Valentines day with “love birds” of the early spring
Valentine's day is one of the biggest holidays in America, because it is a lovers holiday. On February 14th, 68% of Americans celebrate Valentine's day. According to the Hallmark company, 145 million cards are sent out and gifted each year, and that's not even including the cards exchanged in classrooms. On average consumers of valentines day gifts, plan to spend $25.8 billion on the holiday for 2024.
Popular gifts on valentines day include flowers, chocolate, and teddy bears. The reason flowers are a popular gift for the occasion is because flowers have a rich history of expressing emotion and passion. Also in the 19th century, victorians used flower bouquets to express their love interests. Chocolate symbols are loved because around 500 BC they used chocolate as “gift of the gods'' in marriage ceremonies. Teddys are just soft and cuddly, the perfect gift for love and comfort.
On Valentine's Day in France, the holiday is celebrated more than other countries. Culturally the French have always been very romantic. French is often referred to as the language of love because it is considered to be rich and melodic.
Photo by Lynley Miller
Photo by Lynley Miller
Photo by Lynley Miller
SPECIAL SHOUTOUTS!
Huge shoutout to the amazing Coach Lester helping out with the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament on Friday, February 23rd!
Way to go! Tommy Brazzel at Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
Way to go! Tommy Brazzel at Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
Hello all! Join Barton Media in celebrating a fantastic school year with a signing party! It will be held in the cafeteria. Refreshments will be provided and... YOU GET OUT OF CLASS FOR PART OF 6TH PERIOD! If you have purchased a yearbook by this point, you have bought your admission to attend! We can't wait to create some memories with everyone! Although, you may still purchase your yearbook online at jostens.com/ybk!
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
YEARBOOKS ARE OFFICIALLY ON SALE! They start at $27 plus taxes. You can place an order online at jostens.com/ybk or jostensyearbook.com! GET YOURS TODAY!
CALENDAR
March Calendar
SCHOOL EVENTS
March 7th:
- 8th Grade Writing ATLAS Exam
March 8th :
- 3 v. 3 basketball competition in school
March 13th:
- 8th grade AG tour at EHS
March 14th:
- Choir Spring Concert
March 18th-22nd:
- SPRING BREAK (NO SCHOOL)
March 29th:
- GOOD FRIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
March 9th and 30th:
- Saturday School
HONORABLE MENTION
April 3rd:
- REPORT CARDS GO HOME
HOLIDAYS
March 1st:
- 1st day of Women's History Month
March 10th:
- Daylight savings time starts
March 17th:
- St. Patrick's Day
March 31st:
- Easter Sunday
Location: 400 W. Faulkner Street, El Dorado, AR, USA
Phone: 870.864.5051