Wingspan
February 2024
A Month of Celebrations and Transitions
By Wingspan Staff
Overlook students and staff spent the month of February celebrating Black History and focusing on the amazing contributions to our nation and the world that have been made and continue to be made. Many interesting displays adorned the hallways. Activities in many classrooms also highlighted these achievements.
The month also included some fun activities for students and staff such as the Dodge-ball Tournament and February Vacation. In addition, Overlook students stayed busy playing on sports teams, participating in various clubs, and collecting items for North Star Family Services.
The weather was full of transitions this month which has felt like a roller coaster. We have had temperatures in the single digits with below zero windchill and snow, along with spring-like breezes introducing 60 degree weather for a day or two. The current forecast is indicating above average temperatures and precipitation as we enter March.
Did Punxsutawney Phil get it right after all? Time will tell...
Black History Month
By Avery Edgar
In February we celebrate a very important month. That month is black history month. In February schools teach about African Americans heroes. People also celebrate by being around family, having a lot of food and just learning all about the culture. In black history month we celebrate heroes like Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Katherine Johnson and many more. There are a lot of great people who are African american. Even if their culture is different there is so much we can learn about them. Black history month originally started in 1976. Before black history month was a thing African Americans did not have as many rights. It was very separated and even went as far as having different schools, bathrooms and different bus seats. Overall it was not fair at all. The person who started black history month was Carter G. Woodson. He started it because he wanted to extend and deepen the study and scholarship on African American history. Without him there would have been no change. We should all learn from the past and how we can all make a change for our future.
Drama Club Update
By Lucile Adams
The Overlook Drama Club's production of the Wizard of Oz is coming along wonderfully. They have many plans to make this show stick out from the rest. The show’s choreographer Mrs. Normand has returned as well! Since her return, progress has really picked up. With constant rehearsals every Monday and Wednesday, the cast is truly working hard and it shows. Our cast is thrilled to bring the show to the stage in April. Stay tuned for future information!
Fun Facts About February
By- Lucile Adams
February is the only month that can pass without a full moon
February is named after the festival of Februa, a festival to celebrate purity and sacrifice
The zodiac signs of February are Aquarius ( January 20 - February 18) and Pisces ( February 19 - March 20)
The February birthstones are Amethyst and Bloodstone
It is the only month with an even amount of letters in its name in English
This year is a leap year so we will have 29 days of February
February is African-American history month
In the United States, February is the snowiest month of the year
February has two birth flowers of which are the violet and the primrose
This year, on February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil predicted that spring will come early this year (though critics disagree)
On February 14th we celebrate Valentine’s Day, named after Saint Valentine
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th
February is a significant month for the states:
-Massachusetts: Became the 6th state on February 6, 1788.
-Maine: Became the 23rd state on February 15, 1820.
-Oregon: Became the 33rd state on February 14, 1859.
-Arizona: Became the 48th state on February 14, 1912.
-Oklahoma: Became the 46th state on November 16, 1907, but was officially admitted to the Union on November 16, which is sometimes considered the “Oklahoma Day.’’
Winter Ideas By Gemma Bergeron-Wigelsworth
Valentines Day Facts By Gemma Bergeron-Wigelsworth
Overlook Creative Writing
Chapter 3 Fire Battle
By Ava Buckley
I walked up to my grandma and asked, “Do I have to be the leader?”
My hand started shaking “You do not have to do anything. It is your choice no matter what anyone says.”
“What would happen if I said no.”
“Then there would be no more green witches and we would go extinct.”
“I will do it.”
“We have our new leader!
I was scared I was only 17. Was I going to be able to do this?
“Ok everybody, everyone who is fighting come with me?” About 12 people followed.
“Now we are going to train like it depends on your life. Because it does! If we don't give it the best you got you end up on the ground. And just so you know that means dead!”
I was trying to be as assertive as possible. My mom would want me to have peace and to be safe, but she’s not here right now and I need to protect my people.
“Ok everyone line up and show me what your powers can do. Please.” They all lined up in front of me. Lexi was first. Her powers are to move the ground. She made a hole in the earth and then closed.
“Good job! That could be very useful. Next!.” We did this till everyone was done.
“Ok that’s it for today. War is coming and we must be ready so come back tomorrow if possible. I don’t know if I can do this job but I must try. Right now my best friend is Lexi and I know she has my back".
Then I saw the most beautiful creature I had ever seen.
“Hey, am I late?” I was speechless. I didn’t even know what to say. My heart was beating so loudly.
“uh…Sorry what did you say?” “Am I late?” “Oh um yeah class just ended.” I could still feel my heart beating inside me.
“I am so sorry. I was at my friend's house overnight and I slept in. Also excuse me for asking this but who are you?”
“Well maybe if you woke up then you would know. My name is Holly, and we are going to war with the fire witches and I am the leader.” He looked confused.
“Wait wait wait! I girl is leading us the war? That is the craziest thing I have heard all day!” I can’t believe he had the nerve to say that to me!
“Excuse me! Do you know how I am! I have as much power as you could ever imagine!” That was probably not true but I know that I have more power then him.
“Well I doubt that, but what did you say about the fire witches?” I was still a little mad about the fact that he thought I wouldn’t be a good leader. “We are going to war with them. We have to train as much as we can or we will be destroyed.”
“Well we don’t have a chance with our leader.”
“Well I guess we will see.” I started to walk away but I turned around. I had one more thing to say to him. “Oh yeah, and I am a pretty tough leader so next time…don’t be late.” Next day when I walked into school there was a new girl at the desk next to mine. I knew that was Renay's seat but since we weren’t friends anymore she probably didn’t want to sit next to me just as much as I wanted to sit with her.
“Hi I’m Holly. What’s your name?”
“Hi. I’m-”
“Excuse me, but that's my spot.” Renay said in a sassy voice.
“Oh, it’s you. I should have noticed the rat smell.” I snapped at her.
“Come on Renay. Can’t you share.” She looked speechless. She glared at me angrily then walked away.
“Sorry about her. She used to be a kind person I promise. She just turned into…well a little bit of a cheek. What were you going to say your name was?”
“Oh, my name is Freya.” Her voice sounded small and sweet.
“That is a really pretty name.”
“Really? Most people think it’s weird.”
I rolled my eyes. “They’re just jealous. Trust me, I know.” I turned around to look at Renay. “Thanks.” “ Can I see your schedule? You know, to see what classes we’re in together.” She handed me the schedule.
“Wow! We have all the same classes together!”
“Oh good. I have no idea where anything is in this school. I had to have a teacher bring me here.” We spent the rest of the day getting to know each other. Then we walked into the cafeteria for lunch.
“Hey, would you maybe want to come to my house so I can help you catch up on our homework.” I asked kinda shyly.
“Sure that would be awesome. I am just happy that I found someone who actually wants to be my friend.” I was a little shocked at how she thought no one would want to be her friend. She looked so cool! She had brown hair with purple at the end. She had freckles and green eyes.