Wangenheim Middle School
Vol V: November 9, 2020
Being Thankful:
There are lots of reasons why it’s important to be thankful and show gratitude for the people and things we have in our lives, but did you know that being thankful is also good for your health? Here’s a list of why it’s great to be grateful not only at Thanksgiving but all year long!
- Showing thanks to others makes them feel good.
- Being thankful gives you confidence.
- Thankfulness makes you a more positive person.
- Writing a gratitude journal can help you sleep better.
- It just makes you happy.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.
This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. . It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars.
We celebrate and honor veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
We want to thank all of our families, teachers, and staff who have served our country.
- Leroy Alicea, Mathematics
- David Dill, Building Services Supervisor II
- Linde Forte, Adapted PE
- Glenn Mendoza, PE
- Daniel Perez, Social Studies
Dr. Fallon, Principal, is thankful for...
I’ve learned that gratitude is often a conscious intentional act for me. I get so caught up in my busy schedule whether for work or as a dad or a husband, that I only focus on the next task - “Did the kids do homework?”, “What time is the soccer practice?”, “Did the trash cans go out?”, “What was that other errand I was supposed to do?”, etc. I have had to develop the practice to pause, sometimes for just a few seconds, and think of something I am grateful for. Doing this has helped me manage my stress, maintain a more positive attitude, better love my friends and family, and be more successful with my work. Here are some things I am regularly grateful for during those few seconds I pause from my busy and sometimes hectic life: the sunrise, my children’s laugh, a dog rolling in the grass, food in the refrigerator, the roof over our heads, the quiet that comes at night when everyone is asleep and safe, good health and access to a doctor when I need one, my family - the one I was born into and the one I created with my wife and close friends, and the opportunity I get everyday to work for the community of Mira Mesa helping to create a middle school educational experience worthy of your children and trust. Thank you.
Teachers are thankful for....
Chris Waldman, English, wrote: That’s easy for me! I’m grateful for our kids! I’d rather be working with them in person, but if I can’t have that, working with them online is the next best thing. My students are AWESOME! They help each other, help me, speak up when they don’t understand, volunteer when they are the only one willing to try, come to school to get materials if I need them to. We still have a really wonderful group of students to work with.
Students are thankful for...
Erika Sigala, 6th Grader, wrote: I am thankful for my family. If it weren't for them I don't know what I would do. I am also thankful for my friends helping me throughout the school year. I am thankful for my pet because she helps me get through hard times.
Red Ribbon Week Winners
Wangenheim ASB
Anne Gopez
Alghaliah Rizq
Dania Al Obaidi
Emily Schafer
Rebecca Durant
Joseph Rojas
Santiago Silva
Fathima Zoya
Fall Break
November 23-27
Fall Break
https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/99870837812
Upcoming Dates:
January 13, 2021
February 3, 2021
February 24, 2021
March 17, 2021
April 7, 2021, 2021
April 28, 2021
May 19, 2021
Winter Break
Monday-Friday, Two Weeks
December 21-January 1Wed, Nov 11(no attendance)................Veterans Day
Mon, Nov 16......................................Choice Deadline
Mon-Fri, Nov 23-27(no attendance)...........Fall Break
Wed, Dec 2......................................Principal's Coffee
Mon-Fri, Dec 21-Jan 1(no attendance).Winter Break
Mon, Jan 18(no attendance)................MLK Birthday
Feb 12 & 15(no attendance)..............President's Day
VIRTUAL MEDIA CENTER
Follow the link to Wangenheim's Virtual Media Center where you will find forms to reserve textbooks and library books as well as other useful resources. Please contact Mrs. Minezaki with any questions or concerns.
SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS ONLINE
UPLOAD NOW: https://images.jostens.com/415468180
OR LOG ON TO: images.jostens.com
Enter Login ID:415468180
•Browse to select the photo(s) you wish to upload,
click on “Select My Images.”
•Enter information about the photo and provide contact information in case the staff needs additional information.
•Click “Upload Chosen Images.
Lesson Learned, not to be Forgotten
Right now, any contribution you make to my project will be doubled by Chevron for projects promoting equity, inclusion, and antiracism. I am hoping to get sets of historical graphic novels.
To have your donation matched, just make a contribution our project (donations will be doubled automatically, but only while funding lasts).
Here's my project: Lesson Learned, not to be Forgotten
Please enter the code LIFTOFF to match donations up to $50. Thank you for considering a gift to our project! If you know anyone who may want to help, please pass this along!
Mrs. Minezaki
Wangenheim, School Library Tech
Curbside Meal Sites
Now serving weekend & supper meals at all sites!
From the start of the COVID-19 crisis, San Diego Unified has provided more than 4 million meals to local families. If your children need food, you may drive-thru or walk-up to any of the 82 meal pick-up locations throughout the district to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch. There is no cost and no paperwork.
Please note: ALL curbside grab n' go meal locations will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Verteran's Day. Additional meals will be provided on Monday 11/9 and Tuesday 11/10. All sites will resume service on Thursday 11/12.
More information is available on our website at sandiegounified.org.
Grocery Distribution
Extra fresh produce, grocery items or shelf-stable foods are available on a rotating basis at select sites. Please note that these extra grocery items are limited, so families are encouraged to arrive during the early portion of the food distribution window.
Grab and Go Locations
11/23-5 meals, 11/24-6 meals
Mira Mesa High School
10510 Marauder Way
Walker Elementary School
9225 Hillery Drive
social justice
reflections
Staff
Annette Stevens, Clerical Asst
The Coronavirus has forced us to approach everything differently. I appreciate the students and families for doing their best to adjust to our new normal. The teaching as well as support staff have worked tirelessly to support the Wangenheim community. I look forward to the time when we can all return to campus. Until then, please visit our Virtual Media Center.
Mrs. Minezaki, Sch Lib Tech
Teacher
In many ways, I believe that we have all transformed into a very strong class community. I am so appreciative of their flexibility, kindness, and ability to make our daily classes worth looking forward to. They have helped me become a better teacher and human being. Hard to explain but distance learning was so terrifying for me and it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise at so many levels. A lesson I have always given my students is to embrace change. Now, they have helped me practice my own advice.
Mr. Perez, Social Studies
Students
Distance learning is a very stressful way to learn as it can cause many problems. Having to be on the computer for many hours is harmful to our mental health. I do not like the thought of having distance learning but with Covid, there isn’t much of an option.
Last year distance learning was very disorganized and complicated, while this year is better but still complex. Experiencing 9 weeks of distance learning is stressful with the amount of homework, but is manageable. Distance learning has been a hassle, but it is the only way we can learn through quarantine.
Kody Pham, 7th Grader
Covid has been very strange, and to be honest I hate that microscopic germ that shut down the world. I have been actually going to my dance studio, but I feel like people need more social interaction. School has been weird. I'm just now figuring out Canvas. So lets just say that Covid is definitely not the best thing.
Leah Bowles, 7th Grader
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Thanksgiving during COVID
The CDC has assessed the risk level for some common Thanksgiving traditions:
Lowest risk: A virtual dinner with family and friends
You can invite as many people as you want, everyone can eat whatever they want, and no one has to travel. All you have to do is set up a video or zoom call. It’s pretty safe.
But hey, we get it. This option can feel disconnected — literally.
That said, we firmly believe you can still make it fun and memorable by being extra communicative about how much you love and miss each other.
Try out new activities or make up new traditions, like:
- Do a recipe swap a few days beforehand so that you can all try cooking the same thing (and you can compare results on the call).
- Send each other cards or care packages with a fun treat.
- Make dinner decorations, then hold a virtual vote over who made the best ones.
- Plan a virtual game.
- Have the kids host an “opening” ceremony before dinner with a song, prayer, joke, speech, or dance.
- Decide on a parade, movie, or sports event to watch and start a group chat to message each other while you watch.
Lower risk activities:
- a small dinner with the people in your household
- preparing food for family and neighbors and delivering it without person-to-person contact.
- shopping online rather than in person
All of these activities have about the same risk as your normal day-to-day because you’re keeping contact with people outside your immediate household to a minimum.
Just make sure you’re not shopping for your groceries during busy times and that you wear a mask and wash your hands if you’re dropping food off anywhere.
Find these and other ideas on Greatist.com.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup kosher salt
- 5 TBSP dried basil
- 5 TBSP coriander seeds
- 2 TBSP. black peppercorns
- 2 TBSP mustard seeds
- 1 TBSP granulated garlic
- 4 bay leaves
- 4 cups water
- 4 quarts buttermilk
- 1 fresh turkey, 16-18 lb, neck and giblets removed
- 4 TBSP unsalted butter, at room temperature
Directions:
- To make the brine, in a saucepan over high heat, combine the salt, basil, coriander, peppercorns, mustard seeds, granulated garlic and bay leaves with the water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the salt is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. In a large pot, stir together the cooled brine mixture and buttermilk.
- Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and place in a large brining bag. Carefully pour the buttermilk brine mixture into the bag. Seal the bag, pressing out the air, and place in a large stockpot or other container large enough to hold the turkey. Refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours, turning occasionally.
- Remove the turkey from the brine; discard the brine. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off and discard the excess fat. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Rub the skin evenly with the butter. Truss the turkey as desired using kitchen twine. Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the turkey for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325ºF (165°C) and continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. If the breast begins to cook too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. After about 2 hours of total roasting time, begin testing for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh, away from the bone. The breast should register 165°F (74°C) and the thigh, 175°F (79°C). The total roasting time should be 3 to 4 hours.
- Transfer the turkey to a carving board, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Serves 12 to 14.
6Ingredient Easy Corn Casserole
This 6 ingredient easy corn casserole recipe is versatile and bakes up into a savory side dish that will complement any meal.
Prep Time 5 minute
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Ingredients:
8 ounces Jiffy Corn Muffin mix
15 ounces whole kernel corn (drained)
15 ounces creamed corn (not drained)
1 cup sour cream
½ cup melted butter
1 cup of cheddar cheese
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients together and pour into a greased 8"x8" baking pan.
Cook uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned.
Grandma Ople's Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 TBSP all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 8 medium (2-3/4" dia) (approx 3 per lb)s Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.
- Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
- Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.