Monte Vista Roar
December: What MV and Simi look like during the holidays.
Labs are sledding down towards the month of December
Labs are keeping up with this month!
Be aware lab schedules might be changing due to the holidays coming up.
- Science labs are going strong!
- Gather your kings and queens because MV's Chess club is a blast to the past! Chess Club meets on Tuesdays from 2 P.M. to 3 P.M. at the tables outside the MPR!
- Interested in earning 2.5 credits while doing something healthy for your mind and body? Come to MV and take Yoga with Mrs. Marina Campenella. Class will be held Monday afternoons for 1 hour. Contact your teacher for more info!
- ROP Horticulture is worth 5 credits per semester and meets on Tuesdays from 1-3 P.M. You get to learn all sorts of things that have to do with growing a garden and getting hands-on.
Art Class is offered on Tuesdays at 10-11:30 AM for Middle School / High School students, and 12-1:30 PM for Elementary Students, on campus. Art Class is also offered as an online program. Art Class DOES offer credit for middle school / high school students who take Art as an elective. There's a link to sign up for art class (either on campus or online) on the Lab Schedules page of our school's website.
- Do you want to learn the arts of writing? Writing can be a very powerful tool to express yourself, and Ms. Allison Taverner does a lab that meets on every Wednesday at 2pm to teach the structure and overall art of writing. If you want to improve your writing, or just love to learn about the art, this is just the lab for you!
by Raphael Caballero
Science Labs for December
Meme of the Month
Watermelon Goat's Fun Fact
Bringing Kindness to the Community
During this time of the year, it is a joyous one. Everyone is excited for the holiday season. The best way to share the holiday spirit is the gift of giving, but not everyone gets to enjoy the holiday season, due to circumstances out of their control. Therefore this is where the community steps in. Just imagine a little kid wishing for a toy, but his family can not get this toy due to financial or harsh circumstances. This poor little kid is not getting the full experience of the holidays. But by the community coming together to make this kid’s wishes come true we will be sharing the holiday spirit. There are multiple ways to spread the holiday spirit. The easiest way to do so is to be kind, because an act of kindness goes a long way. By making someone smile or feel loved they will feel connected to the community, thus sharing the holiday spirit. Another way to spread cheer is to donate food to the Samaritan Center or to Food Share of Ventura County. By doing so, you could be helping feed a family this holiday season. A third way to bring the holiday spirit to our community is to donate to the Angel Tree at the Salvation Army. This tree has cards hanging on the tree and written on the card is a child’s dream toy for the holiday season. And you can help make that dream come true by donating the toy to the Salvation Army. This holiday season you can decide to help bring the holiday spirit to our community. Don’t forget to be kind to others, and remember that the best way to spread the holiday spirit is by fighting with kindness! Happy Holidays everyone!
Holiday Family Snow Ball Fight with Our Lion Mascot
by Silva Nolasco
Hiking for the Holidays
Hiking for the Holidays
Are you bored this holiday season? It isn’t very merry and bright to stay in the house all the time. Presented by yours truly, One Merry Goat, holiday hiking! Everyone in the family can enjoy a good hike, even the tiny ones! And don’t worry, Sparky can come too! Being in nature has a positive impact on your mental and emotional health, because my goatness knows we need it! Simi Valley has wonderful biodiversity, and hiking with family and friends is a great way to strengthen your relationships and spend some of your holiday break time.
If you know the drill and have done this before, go ahead and skip this paragraph. But for those of you newbies, let the rocky mountain veteran break it down for you! You're going to need water. Lots of it. Think you have enough? Grab another bottle. And if you have children, good luck carrying all that. Unleash your true pack-goat! Small snacks aren’t opposed to either, especially for your little doelings and bucklings. Don't forget your first aid and you're set to go! For more information on what to carry for first aid, please visit https://www.thehikinglife.com/health-safety/first-aid/.
Let’s move on to attire. For the goats who like to climb anything and everything (like myself) pants to protect your knees and legs is a must.. This will prevent any hostile shrubbery and geology from hurting your goat kids and yourself! Hats are a must, to keep the sun off. You don’t need hiking shoes to hike! Any good tennis shoes with a touch of grip will do nicely. PSA: Hiking in platform shoes is NOT advised. Beginner Goaty discovered that the hard way.(Do not try this at home kids!)
Simi Valley has some great trails, each with a unique view of our great city. Listed below are a few for you and your family to consider. My personal favorite is Challenger Park. (Not listed.)
Mt McCoy Cross Trailhead
This trail is located at the western end of Simi Valley and hosts a cross at the top of the hill. There are two trailheads, one is a bit longer and smooth while the other is steep. The trail takes about 25 minutes and is 1.2 miles long. Enjoy the Simi Valley biodiversity of coastal sage scrub and chaparral, You can find the access to the trail at the intersection of Washburn St. and Los Amigos Ave.
Wood Ranch Trailhead
The Wood Ranch Trailhead is located at the south end of Wood Ranch Parkway and Long Canyon. There are amazing views of Bard Lake and many miles to explore! You may even see some people riding horses in the hills. (Look for the person with pink hair!) There is an easy trail with some steep parts and an elevation gain of 700 feet. This trail is approximately 1.3 miles.
Las Llajas Canyon Trail
This trailhead is located on the north side of Evening Sky Drive, about 600 feet west of Whitetail Avenue and is very popular for hikers and bikers. The first 5.5 miles are on a paved road so this is great for new hikers so you can build stamina. The trail then transitions into dirt and the Rocky Peak Trail. You have many choices of where you would like to hike to, including the Chumash Park and Trail.
Remember to stay safe and enjoy nature!
Love,
GoatySide Note to Stay Healthy: Physical Health
Staying active is an incredibly important part of the health triangle, and it can make a diet become so much more effective. Staying active doesn't always mean intense workouts, but walking from time to time can help your body stay in shape.
According to cdc.gov, "Children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily." This can be anything from hitting the gyms to going on a run. Physical activity can even boost productivity and, believe it or not, give you more energy.
Staying physically active can be hard to keep up daily. Choosing to push yourself to be healthy is a hard step to take, and that is why having a partner or family member can help be a motivation. Working as a community to go on runs is also a great way to do physical activity as a group.
Another strategy that also helps is by doing activities that you enjoy. Activities such as yoga, sports, or biking are all great exercises, and if you enjoy them and practice them safely, it will help you have more fun and forget about the physical activity that you are doing.
Hiking is another great activity that can be very rewarding. From the view to the fresh air, everything that hiking offers is a benefit. As long as you are safe and follow the guidelines listed in the article above (Titled "Hiking for the Holidays), then it will be an unforgettable experience.
Here at Monte Vista, there are plenty of venues in which you can play sports. We have basketball courts and a big field with soccer nets. If you're looking for some sports equipment, there are some in room 24 at the bungalow.
Physical activity is a key part of staying healthy, and although it can be hard to keep up the good habit, the rewards can be incredibly beneficial.
by Raphael Caballero
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NFL Week 13 Recap
Cowboys 27-17 Saints
The Saints could have won but Taysom Hill threw 4 interceptions while the Cowboys dominated on the run with a 100+ running yard game from the Cowboys. Dak Prescott threw for 238 yards and a touchdown and the passing yards were probably what gave the Cowboys the win.
Colts 31-0 Texans
The Texans haven’t been a threat all year, and this game was no different. Jonathan Taylor (who had 5 touchdowns in one game 2 weeks ago) ran for 2 touchdowns and 143 yards. Carson Wentz only threw for 1 touchdown and 158 yards but went 16/22 as the Texans had no response to anything the Colts team.
Vikings 27-29 Lions
The misery of Detroit ends in the most dramatic way possible. Kirk Cousins had a very solid game with 300+ yards and 2 touchdowns but Jared Goff threw for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns and played well when it came to the run. The game came down to the wire with one play. On 4th and 2 in the red zone down by 4 with only 5 seconds left, Goff went for T.J Hockenson, and caught it in the end zone, finally giving the Lions a win.
Giants 9-20 Dolphins
The Dolphins went from laughing stock to a team that might be able to squeak into the postseason. The Giants had to start their backup Mike Glennon and the running game never got started. As for the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa went from potential bust to a very promising quarterback with 2 touchdowns and 244 yards with the rookie Jaylen Waddle catching 9 receptions for 90 yards.
Buccaneers 30-17 Falcons
Tom Brady torched whatever the Falcons call a secondary as he threw 51 times for 4 touchdowns and 368 yards. Chris Godwin had a great game, with 143 receiving yards and 15 receptions as the Falcons offense didn’t get much going.
Eagles 33-18 Jets
The return of the man himself, Gardner Minshew. Zach Wilson had a solid game with 226 yards and 2 touchdowns but Minshew threw for 2 touchdowns and 245 yards, throwing 25 times, and only 5 incompletions. Miles Sanders also had a huge game with 120 rushing yards, averaging 5 yards every carry.
Cardinals 33-22 Bears
This game was won mostly due to defense, as Kyler Murray ran for 2 touchdowns, but only threw 15 times. Andy Dalton however threw 41 times for 2 touchdowns and 229 yards, however this came with a cost, as he also threw for 4 interceptions, giving up points that could have helped the Bears win the game as they lost by only 11.
Chargers 41-22 Bengals
This game was won by 2 massive turnovers by the Chargers. They got a fumble recovery and a lucky interception as Ja’Marr Chase dropped a dime by Joe Burrow that ended in the hands of a Chargers defender. Joe Burrow may have thrown for 300 yards, but he also threw 2 picks, while Justin Herbert threw for only 1 pick, which didn’t matter as he threw for 3 touchdowns and 317 yards.
Jaguars 7-37 Rams
This was a game that I will remember, as I actually attended the game in person, and my god what an experience it was being back at an NFL game. The Rams dominated the game with Matthew Stafford throwing for 3 touchdowns and 295 yards. The Rams defense held the Jaguars the entire game forcing punt after punt. Sony Michel ran for 121 yards and Cooper Kupp had 129 receiving yards.
Washington 17-15 Raiders
Washington continues their winning streak, extending it to 4 games, giving them a chance at the playoffs. Taylor Heinicke was there for 2 touchdowns, an interception, and 196 yards while Antonio Gibson ran for 88 yards. This game was mostly defense, with the best example being Derek Carr, who threw for 249 yards but no touchdowns. Even though the Raiders looked impressive, it just wasn’t enough, as a failed 2 point conversion cost them the game.
Ravens 19-20 Steelers
Both quarterbacks threw for 200+ yards, but LaMar Jackson threw for 1 touchdown and 1 interceptions while Big Ben (Ben Roethlisberger) threw for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. But even then, the Ravens had it in their grasp. They scored a last minute touchdown to make it 19-20. They went for 2, only for Mark Andrews to drop a pass that could have sealed the win for Baltimore.
49ers 23-30 Seahawks
The Niners could have won this game. George Kittle went off for 181 yards. Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 2 touchdowns to George Kittle and 299 yards, but threw 2 interceptions. Russel Wilson threw for 2 touchdowns alongside an interception, but the running game came in big time in the red zone for Seattle as 2 touchdowns came from the ground game.
Broncos 9-22 Chiefs
The Chiefs have gone from inconsistent to winning 5 straight games and looking like they did in the past 3 years. The defense got 2 interceptions out of Teddy Bridgewater, but Patrick Mahomes was arguably worse, as he threw for less yards and no touchdowns with an interception. He was able to run for a touchdown, but it was the defense that really won them this game.
Patriots 14-10 Bills
The Patriots are back. They are top of the AFC and have won a whopping 7 straight games. The crazy thing is that Patriots quarterback Mac Jones only threw 3 times. That’s right, The Patriots ran the ball the whole game, with 24 carries from Rhamondre Stevenson and 10 carries, 111 yards and a touchdown from Damien Harris. As for the Bills, the Patriots defense played very solid against Josh Allen, only allowing 145 yards on the air and completely shutting down the Bills’ offense.
by Thomas Bonvehi
World Cup Trivia Questions
FIFA World Cup Trivia Questions
Which country won the first ever World Cup?
(Hint: The host of the first ever World Cup was also the first winner)
A) Argentina
B) Uruguay
C) Brazil
D) U.S
Which country has the most World Cup wins?
A) Spain
B) Brazil
C) Argentina
D) England
How many World Cup wins does the right answer in question 2 have?
A) 1
B) 3
C) 2
D) 5
Who won the Golden Ball in the 2018 World Cup?
A) Cristiano Ronaldo
B) Lionel Messi
C) Luka Modric
D) Harry Kane
What was the first African country to host the World Cup?
A) South Africa
B) Nigeria
C) Egypt
D) Sudan
Which 2 teams met in the 2014 World Cup Final?
A) Brazil and Colombia
B) Germany and Argentina
C) Netherlands and Costa Rica
D. Japan and Greece
How many countries have won the World Cup?
A) 24
B) 5
C) 10
D) 8
Where is the World Cup being played in 2022?
A) Qatar
B) Vatican City
C) Brazil
D. France
Where was the World Cup played in 1978?
A) England
B) Brazil
C) Argentina
D) U.S
Which country is the only country to qualify for every single World Cup?
A) U.S
B) Brazil
C) Argentina
D) France
How many countries participate in the World Cup?
A) 64
B) 16
C) 128
D) 32
Which country is the most recent World Cup champion?
A) France
B) Brazil
C) Germany
D) Argentina
Answers will be posted in next month's issue!
by Thomas Bonvehi
Christmas Movie Watchlist
Christmas, a time for miracles, joy, being together, and adventure. During the Holidays there's nothing better than curling up by the fireplace, drinking a hot chocolate, and watching Christmas movies. With the extra time we have at home, why not try and watch as many as you can, right? Some of the classics include Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone, Elf, and Jingle All the Way.
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas is about the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) deciding to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).
Home Alone is about when bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, and his mother (Catherine O'Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence and that he alone must protect the family home.
Elf is about Buddy (Will Ferrell) that was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in full elf uniform in search of his biological father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Jingle All the Way is about Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a haggard salesman, promises his son (Jake Lloyd) a Turbo Man toy for Christmas. He is then forced to fight every parent and travel all over town to get the toy after he forgets to buy it.
Some of my favorite Christmas movies (besides the ones listed above) include Rise of the Guardians and Klaus.
Rise of the Guardians is about generations after generations of immortal Guardians like Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), the Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher) protecting the world's children from darkness and despair. However, an evil boogeyman named Pitch Black (Jude Law) schemes to overthrow the Guardians by obliterating children's belief in them. It falls to a winter sprite named Jack Frost (Chris Pine) to thwart Pitch's plans and save the Guardians from destruction.
Klaus is about a selfish postman (Jason Schwartzman) and a reclusive toymaker (J.K. Simmons) who form an unlikely friendship, delivering joy to a cold, dark town that desperately needs it.
One more great thing about Christmas is the Christmas specials, a really great one is A Charlie Brown Christmas, so don't forget to check your TV listings for them. Happy Holidays!
by Bruce Caballero
Maizella: The cat that adopted us.
Have you ever wanted a school pet? Have you seen a white and ginger haired cat hanging around our school? This is a cat that has grown a fondness for Monte Vista, and she has turned into a neighborhood cat.
This cat's name is Maizella, and she mainly lounges in our main lawn area. Maizella is a sweet natured cat that one day called our school home, and now, you could say that she is the school pet that we always wanted.
That is how Maizella became the cat that adopted us.
by Raphael Caballero
December Summary
This December, labs are still on but are taking a holiday break as well. Make sure to say hi to Maizella next time you see her roaming around! There are tons of different activities you can do out there, such as hiking. If these activities are too adventurous for you, then get cozy in your couch with some Christmas movies from our watchlist. Remember to stay healthy and physically active. Speaking of which, NFL Football teams went at each other for Week 13 veering towards the playoffs. Make sure to check back next month to find the answers to this month's FIFA World Cup Trivia. Lastly, don't forget to be kind this holiday season by supporting the young children and folks in our community!
Happy Holidays!!!!!
by Raphael Caballero
Our Miraculous Crew
Ms. Allison Taverner (Senior Editor and Supervisor)
Goaty Boone (Associate Editor and Owner of MVR's Logo)
Silva Nolasco (Main artist, Owner of Art Gallery for October)
Tiffany Chang (Media Journalist and @mvproar Instagram Creator)
Isabela Tapia (Californian News and Local News Journalist)
Thomas Bonvehi (Sports News Journalist)
Raphael Caballero (Editor of MVR, Main Journalist of MVR)
Special thanks to our Movie Specialist Guest: Bruce Caballero