7 Black Team May Newsletter
Written and Created by the STUDENTS on 7 Black!
Solar Car Race: 7 Black Rides to Victory by Mosin C.
It was the 2015 Solar Car Race finals. Before we started the race we had some technical difficulties with our car. It wouldn't run! In a hurry we relocated the solar panel and hoped that it would work. As soon as the wheels started running we all got hyped up for the race.
The only thing I could focus on was "1, 2, 3, and go." Right then and there the 7 Black team placed their car down and watched as it cruised past the opponents' cars.
The only thing I could hear was the cheering of the 7 Black teachers and team.
The race was all over. We had cruised to the victory at last. Despite our deep struggles, we managed to overcome them and finally win.
Watch the video below to see their victory
Our Favorite 7th Grade Memories
This year had many fun things, but to me I had one time everyday that I looked forward too, Language Arts. I picked this because I could always look forward to laughing with my friends in the back of the class. Every day was something new and a great way to end each day. I will miss my friends when the year is over and hope to be in the same class as some of them. - Matt W.
My favorite memory of 7th Grade is when we went to the Franklin Institute. I was in a group with a whole bunch of my friends. Also, I got to see a whole bunch of things I had never seen before. Third, I got to do a whole bunch of cool things like a plan simulator and go to go in a plane. - Jake T.
The best part of 7Black this year was when we went to the Franklin Institute. It was the best part because I had a lot of fun and we had fun learning new things. I liked the little ride in the illusion city area because you moved all over the place. A lot of cool memories there. I will never forget that trip. - Selena A.
For more 7th grade Highlights/Field Trip thoughts from Brandon, Sorrell, Lindsey, Laicis, Jillien, Nick, Josh, Connor, Jason, Kyle, Shaun, Col, Josh and Brandon, click the link below:
In the Wetlands
Investigating Forest Creatures
In the creek
Thoughts on our trip to the Jarrett Nature Center
Recently seventh grade students went on a field trip to the Jarrett Nature Center, our school district's outdoor classroom. We went there to learn and study more about biodiversity. Throughout the day we visited the wetlands, the forest, and the creek. In each different environment we made a biosphere. Our biosphere was made out of a rope and what ever was inside the rope was what we were to study. In a small group we studied each living thing in our biosphere. After we studied the biosphere we took a soil sample to study organic and inorganic soil. - Sarah S.
Some thoughts on the trip:
In the wetlands, I got muddy. In the forest, we dug a big hole only to find mostly worms. We might have found some iron, too! In the creek the water was cold, but felt good. -Bobby E.
The stream was the best part because the water was nice and cold! I found some crawfish and a few tadpoles. I wish we were able to explore on our own more. - Anthony Z.
I had a blast. In the groups, we got down and dirty, dug through mud, walked through streams, and observed tons of insects and plants. It was a really cool experience being so close to nature, and seeing unique areas that are hard to see anywhere else.
- Lindsey R.
It was not the worst field trip I have ever been on, but it definitely makes the top three. The whole trip escalated so slowly and half the time we were standing still and to me that was very boring. - Jeff E.
7 Black Teacher Questions Video by Hallie A. and Audrey L.
Our Favorite Things about the 7 Black Teachers by Jackie D.
Mrs. Struz: laid-back, very "chill", funny, kind
Mr. Wigand: his gymnastics skills, classy Halloween costumes, and his baby picture
Mrs. Luvert: 30 Days of Shoes, silly, fun style, her laugh
Mrs. Campellone: fun projects, nice, I like when she sings
Mrs. Bloomquist: really nice and helpful- she makes things easier
Mrs. Henner: tells interesting stories, helpful, nice
Tribute to 7 Black Video by Sammy and Morgan
Book and Movie Reviews
You have probably all heard of the book If I Stay. If you read that, you should try Where She Went. Where She Went is the sequel to the book If I Stay. It is about a boy and a girl who find each other on the street and they go on a tour. On that tour they fall in love. You should really try reading this book; it is a very good book. - Becca K.
Looking for a good book to read? Then do I have a book for you. The Timekeeper by Mitch Albom. This book is about three people: a teenage girl named Sara Lemon who decided to give up on life, an old man named Victor Delamonte who is ill and wants to cheat death with cryogenic freezing, and the main character, Dor or "Father Time." Dor creates the world's first clock and must help Sara and Victor learn what the future holds if they do what they are going to do. This story has really helped me learn to appreciate how much time I have. If it helped a kid then I'm sure it can help you. - Lauren S.
For more Book/Movie Reviews by Josh, Gianni, Ryan, Rachel, Alyssa, and Shane, click on the link below:
Random Thoughts and Fun Facts
Anna and Liz's Funky Facts by Anna B. and Liz W.
The second person to survive going over Niagra Falls later died from slipping on an orange peel.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Peanuts are an ingredient in dynamite.
No worth in the English language rhymes with month.
When first born, a shrimp is a male and evolves into a female.
A surfer once sued another surfer because he was "stealing his wave."
Giraffes clean their ears with their tongue.
The symbol "M" in McDonald's represents the first letter in McDonald's which is "M."
Random Thoughts with Luke J.
Have you ever wondered if Keith Valley has illuminati? Well they do; here is why. If you take the name KVMS there is a V. Flip the V upside down and you get a triangle. Keith Valley is Illuminati confirmed!
For more Random Thoughts and Fun Facts by D.J., Dalton, Jaylen, Destiny, Lily and Connor, click the link below:
Twins: April's PACEsetter Hallie with Mrs. Campellone
Interview with Mrs. Struzinski (Conducted by several different students)
Subject: Social Studies
Years Teaching: 11
Years Teaching at Keith Valley: 9
Mrs. Struzinski is married to husband Steve. She has a son named James who just turned 5 and a daughter named Emma who is 1.
What would you like to have as a job other than teaching? - Sandee T.
That's a tough one. I would like to either be a rock star or write a book.
How can you deal with these trouble makers? - Jimmy B.
I try to take a deep breath and appreciate what they have to offer.
Why do you go to the lengths you do to connect to the students? - Trent T.
I try to connect with students because if you don't connect with someone, it's hard to learn with them. In the end, you may forget history, but hopefully you'll remember discussing ideas together.
An Interview with Pacesetter Alysse T. by Lucas W.
How does it feel to be the final PACEsetter?
It feels great!
What is your favorite 7th grade memory?
Foods day in World Language
What is your favorite book? Why?
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle because I like how she runs away at the end.
Who is your favorite teacher? Why?
All of the 7 Black teachers because they are all really nice.
What is your favorite subject? Why?
Science because I got to rip open and touch a frog's insides!
For more interviews by Alysse, Jack, Julianna, Sami, Gary, Matt, Robert, Alizai, and Liam, click on the link below:
Advice for Parents of Middle Schoolers by Julia H.
How To Deal with the Daily Distractions by Grace D.
Do you ever find yourself wishing that there were more hours in the day? Do you wish you had more time to spend doing the things that you really want to do? As a dedicated athlete, my schedule can get pretty crazy sometimes! So I have become very proficient with my time management skills. In 7th grade, there is a lot that the students on the Black Team have to do to maintain great grades, and get all of our work done; but to do so, we need to keep our schedules reasonable, and manageable.
Here are a few tips to help you live a better life:
Create a daily plan; peg a time limit to each task
Use a calendar or an organizer
Know your deadlines; learn to say “No” to other activities
Try to always be early; set reminders if you need to
Focus-block out distractions
Don’t fuss about unimportant details; prioritize
Eliminate time wasters
Cut off when you need to so that you stay true to your vision
If you follow these time management tips, then you are sure to feel more relaxed, be less stressed out, and able to do more of the things you enjoy! Good luck!
Horrible Jokes with Jay P.
Sit back and Enjoy!
1. What do you call an alligator wearing a vest?
An Investigator
2. What do cows do on the weekend?
They go to the moo-vies
3. How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh?
Ten-tickles
4. I used to go fishing with the Skrillix, but ever time they drop the bass.
5. Who granted the fish's wish?
The Fairy Cod Mother
6. Why did the pony cough?
He was a little hoarse
7. What did the each say as the tide came in?
Long time, no sea!
Music
Keith Valley Chamber Orchestra by Jack K.
Thoughts on Orchestra by Yeyoung K. and Annie W.
Keep up the Beat! by Marykate S.
7 Black's favorite songs for the school year are
1. "See You Again" Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth (48 student votes!)
2. "Uptown Funk" Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
3. "Sugar" Maroon 5
The Musical by Julia N.
Doing the musical in September through November was an amazing experience. I didn't have a great part, but I made lots of new friends who shared similar interests with me. The rehearsal hours were long and exhausting, but when the show came, it was completely worth the hundreds of hours everyone put in. From the musical, I became a better person, my patience grew, my musical ability grew, and my determination grew. Everyone in the cast was encouraging and they all cared for each other. I never thought so much could come out of doing a musical, but I was wrong.
For more music stories by Michael, Vinnie, Andrew, Ashley, and Brianna, click the link below:
Guest Speaker: Mr. Hetrick by Grace W. and Seth P.
A few days ago, Mrs. Struzinski's father, Mr. Hetrick, came in for social studies class and introduced his experiences as being a lawyer. For the past couple months we have been discussing government. Mr. Hetrick told us about some of his cases he tried, and we all asked him our questions. I think it was interesting to hear his opinion, and it helped me have a better understanding about what goes on in the courtroom. -Grace W.
It was really exciting because we got to ask questions about what you do at a trial. From this point on, I know more about trials. He has given us so many facts, that now it is stuck in my brain. In the end, we got to ask him personal questions to see how long the trial he went to was and many more things like that. Mr. Hetrick has inspired me to be a lawyer one day! - Seth P.
Thoughts on School Lunches Video by Ava M.
Sports
The Best Part of the KV Soccer Team by Liam C. and Brady M.
Michael: Our game away from being the first 7th grade team going undefeated.
Liam: When I scored a hat trick against Cedarbrook.
Brady: We were a strong team that went 9 and 1. It was a great time playing together.
For additional sports articles by Kyle, Erin, Scott, Ryan, Sean, Paige, and Hunter, please use the link below:
Making Regionals for Gymnastics by Delaney B.
See video below:
Summer Plans
How to Have a Not Bummer Summer by Savana C.
I have some simple solutions so you can have a fun, productive summer!
1: Go for a relaxing bike ride.
2: Make a fort inside on a scorching hot day.
3: Bake super soft chocolate chip cookies
4: Collect a group of friends and have a bonfire! Make smores.
5: Get the neighbors to join you in a neighborhood clean-up!
6: Go to the beach for a day!
Bored this summer? By Logan F.
Here are some things you can do this summer to not be bored:
1. Making plans with your friends.
2. Go outside for a run or bike ride.
3. Go make something you like to build, like a garden or desk. Whatever will make you feel good doing it!
Our Summer Plans
My summer plans are in July I'm going to hang out with my friends. We are going to have pool parties and go on the trampoline. You are welcome to come if we are friends. Then in August I am going to Splash Magic with Camilie and then I'm going to Niagara Falls with my cousins. I can't wait till summer comes. I hope you guys have a great summer! - Becca M.
This summer I finally got a job at my friend's dad's roofing company so I will mainly be doing that. Having a job is about responsibility and I'm really excited for it. I'm also going on 2 vacations. I'm going to the Poconos, and then with my Dad I'm either going to Frontier Land in Maryland or the LBI shore. - Amanda L.
For more summer stories by Hannah, Lydnsey, Michael, Shreya, Katrina, Sam, Jamie, Matt, and Jachi, click on the link below: