The Panther Press
Published for the Students of Farnsworth Middle School
November 2018
New Assistant Principal
by: Juliana Wetzel
Mr. Dreyfus is the new Assistant Principal at Farnsworth. Before coming to FMS, Mr. Dreyfus worked at Destiny High School in Milwaukee from 2010-2018. Of that time, he spent three years teaching Social Studies and five years as an administrator.
When he was a kid, Mr. Dreyfus’s favorite subject was Social Studies. His 5th grade teacher got him really interested in the subject when he learned about the French and Indian War. Most people don’t know, that Mr. Dreyfus got a black belt in Taekwondo when he was 9. Also, he can do some decent animal impressions.
Mr. Dreyfus has a wife and three sons, ages eight, five, and one. He is the middle child with one older and one younger sister. His parents still live in Waukesha, which is where he grew up. In his free time, Mr. Dreyfus goes camping at a lake near Shawano, WI. Last summer he coached his son’s baseball team. Mr. Dreyfus also likes to build things out of wood, which are usually Pinterest projects his wife asks for.
Since being at Farnsworth, Mr. Dreyfus thinks this is a very caring school with both teachers and students. He says, “Everyone seems very genuine and nice.” He has really enjoyed his time here so far.
New Faces at Farnsworth
by: Shaina Thaves
Every year new staff members walk the halls of Farnsworth. This year there are five of them. Ms. Volmer teaches music and choir. Ms. Kinch works in Teenship as an educational assistant. Ms. Mancl is the new orchestra teacher at Farnsworth and Horace Mann. Mr. Kettles is a new special education teacher. Finally, Ms. Hofmann works in 6th grade as one of the ELA teachers.
What did you do before you came to Farnsworth?
Ms.Volmer: Before Farnsworth, I taught Kindergarten through 5th grade general music and 5th grade beginning band.
Ms. Kinch: I was working at South High before I came to Farnsworth. I worked with the GED program there.
Ms. Mancl: attended the Sheboygan Area School District and then went to North Central College in Naperville, IL, near Chicago. There, I double majored in Music and Chinese.
Mr. Kettles: I was a substitute teacher for our district.
Ms. Hofmann: I taught 3rd grade at Longfellow for a year.
What was your favorite subject when you were in middle school?
Ms.Volmer: My favorite subject when I was in middle school was science.
Ms. Kinch: My favorite subjects in middle school were Social Studies and English--it was a tie!
Ms. Mancl: My favorite subject was music! I played the cello in orchestra class.
Mr. Kettles: We didn't have Middle School in Scotland but my favourite subject in 6th/7th/8th grade was History.
Ms. Hofmann: My favorite subject in middle school was Social Studies.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
Ms.Volmer: Outside of school I like playing Pokemon Go and going to the farm to play with the animals.
Ms. Kinch: I enjoy reading and watching documentaries outside of school.
Ms. Mancl: I really enjoy traveling! I love learning about new cultures from local people. I always try my best to use a bit of foreign language too.
Mr. Kettles: Besides spending time with my family, I really enjoy going to Sporting Events.
Ms. Hofmann: I enjoy reading, spending time with my dog, friends and family and watching sports.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Ms.Volmer: Most people don't know that I was a DJ at my college's radio station for the Heavy Metal Meltdown.
Ms. Kinch: Something people may not know about me is I was in the Air Force out of high school.
Ms. Mancl: I have been to 15 countries!
Mr. Kettles: When I moved here in Summer 2014, I won a competition for a meet & greet with Aaron Rodgers. He's a cool guy.
Ms. Hofmann: I have a fear of fish.
Top 10 Things to do Besides Play Fortnite
by: Paige Benish
Go outside and reenact Fortnite
Write a song about Fortnite
Talk with your friends about Fortnite
Write a poem about Fortnite (Make your English teacher proud)
Read about Fortnite
Write a story about Fortnite
Think about Fortnite
Draw pictures of Fortnite
Convince your Mom to play Fortnite (Don't try it, it will never happen)
Write an article on what to do besides play Fortnite
Book Review: The Hobbit
by: Jenna Resheske
A book that I would recommend to all fantasy lovers would be The Hobbit. The Hobbit is a grade “A” tale told by J.R.R Tolkien. J.R.R was born on January 3rd, 1892 and lived until September 2nd, 1973. J.R.R had previously written poems and narratives about creatures like elves and other mythical beings but became particularly inspired by the traditions and ways of life of the Norse and Icelandic people. This was indeed a large part of inspiration when it came to writing his very famous book. The book itself relates to stories told by J.R.R ’s father, especially so when it came to the main character of the book, the hobbit Bilbo. The main plot tells us the story of a simple and well-respected hobbit who gets pulled into an adventure, an unheard of endeavor in his homeland. The Hobbit is a riveting tale with down to the nail detail and surprises around each and every page. This story specifically takes you into another world where reality does not apply and yet it gives you a sense of simple understanding as to the problems in our world today. The beauty of the story comes from the amazing creativity from J.R.R Tolkien. Into his work he put his love, his life, his emotions, and his soul. Please trust me when I say that this book is not just paper and ink, it is a living breathing entity that will engulf you into its jaws, it is a fantastic story. I seriously recommend this book to all people.
Harry Potter Alliance
You may think that a club called the “Harry Potter Alliance” is just a group of Harry Potter fans, but the truth is spellbinding. The “Harry Potter Alliance” is a national organization dedicated to making the world a better place, one spell at a time. The organization is changing the world by making activism accessible through the power of story. Since 2005, the organization has engaged millions of fans through their work for equality, human rights, and literacy.
Farnsworth now has a local chapter of this national organization. The first project is participating in the national campaign “Accio Books”. This campaign collects books and sends them to less fortunate areas. This year, the books will be going to Puerto Rico. If you have donations, drop them off at one of the book boxes or bring them to room 207.
If you’d like to join the club, ride your broom over to room 207 on Fridays to learn more. Ms. Wisman, the Headmaster, has so many fun things planned for the year, so put on your robe, grab your wand, and get ready to enter the Harry Potter Alliance!
Yearbooks for Sale
by: Panther Press Staff
This year the last day to order and pay for a yearbook is December 7th. The cost is $17.00 and will not be ordered unless paid for and recorded in Skyward before the end of the day on the 7th.
Yearbooks can be ordered two ways. Parents can send $17 in cash or check with their student to the office and we will add it to their Skyward screen and give them a receipt to take home. If parents want to use a credit or debit card they have to sign in to Skyward and add the yearbook optional fee and pay online to order it. Parents are more than welcome to come in to the office if they need help with the online process as well.
Advice From PB&J
by: Paige Benish & Jenna Resheske
Q: If corn oil is made from corn and vegetable oil is made from vegetables. What is baby oil made from?
A: Do you really want to know the truth? Mineral oil, fragrance, and aloe vera.
Q: Why is an alarm clock going “off” when it actually turns on?
A: You set the alarm ahead of time, the alarm clock going off means it’s being activated, not just being set, or coming on.
Q: What’s the meaning of life?
A: 42.
Q: Why does it take 15 minutes to cook “Minute Rice”?
A: This is why we need to learn to read a clock. These poor folks could not tell time. Listen to your teachers.
Q: Why does Donald Duck wear a towel when he comes out of the shower when he doesn’t usually wear any pants?
A: To dry his feathers duh.
Q: You can be overwhelmed and underwhelmed, but why can’t you be simply whelmed?
A: No one said you couldn't
Q: How long do fish wait to swim after they eat?
A: 30 minutes is a healthy amount to avoid cramps.
Q: Why do they call it a ‘drive through’ if you are supposed to stop?
A: Because if you didn’t stop the employees would have to throw the food at you.
Also: Safety reasons
Join Art Club
by: Aaliyah Brandt
As a 6th grader, just coming into middle school, one of the biggest things I was looking forward to was joining Art Club. I was excited about Art Club because art is my favorite thing to do in my free time. If you are bored after school, you should come check it out!
Anyone can join Art Club. Art club is every Thursday after school in room 207. Ms. Wisman is the advisor. We do so many fun and exciting crafts and projects. Some of the things that we are going to be doing are origami, making holiday cookies, and making Christmas ornaments. During the holidays we will also be making cards to give out to the people in the nursing home to help lift up their spirits. The project I am looking forward to the most is doing the string art.
Why do people join Art Club? I joined because I like to draw in my free time and I hope it will make me a better artist. I knew that when I joined I would also get to learn about new art techniques. Kaylee Kunstman said students should join, “So they can have fun doing what they love”. Genevieve Brendel said Art Club is important to Farnsworth, “So people can express their creativity”.
If you enjoy art or want to try something new, Art Club would be a good place for you to go after school.
Librarian's Corner: New in the Library - A Green Screen!
What can you do with a green screen?
A green screen can make it look like you’re anywhere. You film yourself in front of the screen, then digitally replace the green with whatever background you want -- space, the White House, a prehistoric jungle, or anything else!
What if I don’t know how to use it?
If you’re new to green screens or video editing, library staff will help you get set up so everything works, and walk you through how to use the camera and editing app. If you get stuck or have trouble later, just ask for help! It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
How do I get to use it?
Students can use the green screen for class projects. On days no one needs it for schoolwork, it is also available after school for personal, just-for-fun projects. The green screen is located in the Makerspace room off the library. Talk to the library staff to check its availability and get started.
Song Review: The Ballad Of Mona Lisa By Panic! At The Disco
by: Shaina Thaves
Have you been looking for a song with great pacing and amazing vocals? Well look no further, because today I’m reviewing a song with both of those things! The Ballad Of Mona Lisa, written by Panic! At The Disco, is a song part of the album Vices & Virtues.
Vices & Virtues is the third studio album by American rock band Panic! at the Disco. It was released on March 18, 2011. The album was recorded as a duo by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Brendon Urie and drummer Spencer Smith. After it was released, the album received generally mixed to positive reviews.
The Ballad Of Mona Lisa is widely considered the best song on the album, and is also one of my favorite songs. I definitely recommend this song to anyone who is wanting to Listen to Panic! At The Disco for the first time. For my final score, I am going to give it a 10/10.
Hypnotist Comes to Farnsworth
On Friday, November 2, 2018, students with no majors watched a hypnotist in the gym. He provided laughter and entertainment for the students.
Why Middle Schoolers Need Naps
by: Paige Benish
Think of all the hard work we do all day, study, learn, study some more. Think of all the stress that is putting on our fragile brains. Middle schoolers’ brains are still developing! Did you know the human brain is not fully developed until age 25? Now you know, but back on track. A short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness, and performance. As a society, the USA appears to be becoming more and more sleep deprived. And it may be our busy lifestyle that keeps us from napping. If us Middle Schoolers had a nap it could help improve our learning ability and overall well-being and happiness. So how ‘bout that nap now?
Source: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/napping
In the Know with the Farnsworth SRO
As the school year starts, many of you have been inundated with school and outside pressures. It is important to make correct decisions during this time. Please remember a few facts about Juuling, Vaping, and E Cigs before making a poor decision.
Why nicotine is harmful for teens:
Using products with nicotine while your brain is still developing and forming is concerning and can be harmful, according to the surgeon general
Being a gateway drug, nicotine exposure during adolescence can be addicting and lead to the use of traditional cigarettes and marijuana
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found many cancer-causing chemicals in vaping products
Fine amounts from $50 to $115 and school consequences. Mandatory Court appearance with your parents.
Fashion Disaster Day
Mark Your Calendars -- Upcoming Activities and Events
November 14 - Parent/Teacher conferences - 2:15 -4:15 pm
November 15 - Parent/Teacher conferences - 3:30 - 6:30 pm
November 16 - No school for students
November 16 - Parent/Teacher conferences - 7:30 - 12:30 pm
November 20 - Talent Show @ 7:00 pm
November 21 - Early release @ 1:00 pm
December 11 - Band concert @ 7 pm
December 13 - Orchestra/Chorus concert @ 7pm
December 21 - Early release @ 1:00 pm
January 2 - School Resumes
January 17 - End of 2nd quarter
January 18 - No school for students - Teacher records day
January 21 - No school - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 25 - Middle School Mixer
Keep up to Date on Farnsworth Events
Email: jwetzel@sasd.net
Website: http://www.sheboygan.k12.wi.us/schools/farnsworth/
Location: 1017 Union Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, USA
Phone: 920-459-3655
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farnsworthpanthers/
The Staff:
Paige Benish, Aaliyah Brandt, Jenna Resheske, Shaina Thaves, Abby Wetzel, and Juliana Wetzel
Advisor: Jill Wetzel
The Panther Press is published by the students of Farnsworth Middle School for its
students, their families, staff, and the community.