NMVA Roadrunner
April 2016
April Showers Bring May Flowers by: Marion
Nadia Confident on the ZigZag
Nadia Gonzales The Girl Who Shreds by: Marion Balsamo
Nadia Gonzales is a 26 year-old women's professional skier. She is originally from Angel Fire, NM and is currently living and shredding in Keystone, Co. Nadia is ranked 11 in the AFP (Association of Freeskiing Professionals) world ranking for women's slopestyle. Nadia has always been one of my biggest role models in the sport. Ever since before she was professional and I met her at a local slopestyle competition I have looked up to her. I had a chance to catch up with her and here is the interview.
Do you just ski a lot or do you train with goals?
I ski pretty much everyday I can! Skiing has been my passion every since I can remember. When I ski I always have goals, whether its to land a certain trick, hit a certain feature or to just have fun! I don't always consider my skiing to be training. When I am practicing or training at a competition my main goals are to stay in one piece and try and land a run I will be proud or happy of. I think its important to set goals for yourself if you want to progress.
What's your favorite trick and what trick scares you?
One of my favorite tricks is a backflip, its really easy and feels so effortless in the air. I learned how to do switch 720s this year and really enjoy the feeling of those as well. A trick that scares me is blind 450s off of rails, I am capable of them but am afraid of not completing the rotation and hitting my head.
How did it feel winning the Aspen Open?
Winning the Aspen Open has always been one of my goals. It feel great to finally achieve it! The biggest thing was how happy I was with my skiing. The past two times I competed in the event I was not 100% and skied like garbage. It felt great to put down the jumps I had in mind and walk away with the win!
I had also turned down the opportunity to go the Korean Olympic test event that was at the same time, to participate in the Open this year. At first I was unsure if I had made the right choice, but after winning those questioning thoughts were gone.
Who is your favorite person to ski with?
I have many friends that are great to ski with! One is my best friend and roommate Alexis Keeney. She her self is an absolutely amazing skier in and out of the park. She is a coach and pushes me to ski to my best and the also understands my mentality about he sport.
I also love to ski with my fellow competitors at competitions. I have had the chance to meet the worlds best and ski with them through my travels. Its one of the best/coolest experiences ever!
Would you play a game of SLVSH against me(rails only)?
I would love to play a games of SLVSH! From what I remember you are rail ninja and could probably take me out!
This season I did have the opportunity to referee the first women's game between my two friends Emma and Coco. Unfortunately I was unable to get out of work and had to turn down the offer. I hope to someday get to referee or play another woman's game!
*For those of you who don't know what SLVSH is...It is a game taped, recorded, and published for viewers. In the game 2 skiers face off and take turns calling tricks. If one of the players misses a trick they get a letter. The game continues until one of the players spells SLVSH, that player is the looser. It is much like HORSE or PIG in backyard basketball only this is filmed for television. Nadia refers to Emma (Emma Dalhstrom) and Coco (Colien Ballet-Baz) both from Sweden. They are 2 professional women's skiers who recently were on SLVSH.
** Since this interview Nadia won second place at the Mountain Dew Open in Breckenridge, Co.
Nadia Getting Some Sweet Air
Cartoons By: Jacob
Spotlight on High School Teacher Ms. Smith By: Haylee Catallo
My name is Claire Smith, I am recently married and expecting my first child in August! I was born and raised in Albuquerque. I graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.S. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Earth Science and also with an M.A. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Technology.
I taught middle school Science in Albuquerque for one year in a traditional classroom. I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me so I began teaching at NMVA the very first year it opened and knew I found the right school. This is my 4th year being the High School Science Teacher and Lead Teacher at NMVA. It has been great! My fellow Teachers and all of my students are AMAZING!
I chose teaching because I feel very passionate about education and I knew the best way for me to learn about education was to become a Teacher. In the future I hope to continue learning about education through Administration. Making a difference for education in New Mexico is my ultimate goal.
2. Has anybody influenced your own education and/or your educational career?
I have had many family members pave the way for me in education. I have a Grandmother, Aunt and several cousins become Educators before me. I learned from watching them and also by being mentored by them. They are my biggest influences.
3. Do you feel that you have had an impact on any of your students? If so, how?
I sure hope so! I don’t really know for sure but as a Teacher that is what you hope to achieve with your students. I don’t expect my students to become experts in Science. But I hope they do learn how to be better people. I want my students to learn how to grow, challenge themselves, advocate for themselves and others, to be respectful and responsible.
4. What did you want to be when you were young? Why?
I wanted to be a Marine Biologist when I was young. I am fascinated by the oceans and all its lifeforms. Unfortunately, I could only afford to stay in NM for college and no one offers a Marine Biology degree here. Life lesson: Find a way to follow your passions, don’t let the little things stand in your way!
And the most important question:
5. Who do you think would win in a fight, Spider-man or Batman? Why?
Hmmmmm, tough one. I would say Batman. Because he has an unlimited amount of resources (including Robin and Alfred)!
Prom Fashion By: Scarlett O
Hey NMVA Roadrunner readers, Scarlett here. This month’s theme is Prom fashion! Here are some inexpensive dream dresses, tuxedos and accessories! There are two inexpensive looks for guys and gals. The following include: some corsages, clutches, dresses, heels and tuxedos for you lovely readers! These are just example prom outfits, I do highly encourage all of you to go according to your personal feel.
For the girls:
Look #1 (long dress style and color blue for the other items to coordinate);
Dress: http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD1460536
Heels: https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=497026551&pid=uid7169-29755487-55
Corsage: http://www.teleflora.com/corsage/blue-and-white-elegance-corsage/p_t201-4a?skuId=T201-4A&zipMin=
Look #2 (short style dress)
Dress (short and peach for the other items to coordinate): http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD1401138
Heels: https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=498118261&pid=uid7169-29755487-55
Corsage: http://www.teleflora.com/corsage/beloved-blooms-corsage/p_t200-3a?skuId=T200-3A&zipMin=
For the guys:
Tuxedo (with the blue boutonniere for this particular look, see links above for girl blue outfit); https://tuxedo.menswearhouse.com/preStyledLookDetail.do?id=5298&order=3&occasion=prom
Boutonnière: http://www.teleflora.com/boutonniere/country-romance-boutonniere/p_t202-2a?skuId=T202-2A&zipMin=
Tuxedo: https://tuxedo.menswearhouse.com/preStyledLookDetail.do?id=5286&order=6&occasion=prom
Boutonnière (in blush to coordinate with previous girl look):
http://www.teleflora.com/boutonniere/my-first-boutonniere/p_t193-3a?skuId=T193-3A&zipMin=
That’s it for this month NMVA Readers, I hope you all have an amazing time at prom and dance all night long! Until next time… GO ROADRUNNERS!
Lonley Learner and Peer Pressure by Miss Advice
Dear Miss Advice
I love going to school at NMVA. I learn a lot and get more done without distractions but I am lonely. I am not around kids my age that often. Can you help?
Lonely Learner
Dear Lonely Learner
I understand your concern; there are very limited opportunities to just casually interact with other classmates freely. However, there are other options, not including all the outings. This means that you have take the first steps in making your friendship grow. How? Try calling up your friends from your brick and motor school days to suggest a once in a while movie or just fun. Exchange contact info. and Facebook accounts with older friends and join clubs in the area so that you can meet people with the same interests as you. I hope it gets better.
Miss Advice
Dear Miss Advice,
How can I handle pure pressure from my public school friends? They always seem to judge and pick on me for being home-schooled.
Thanks ~From Miss. Pure Pressure
Miss Pure Pressure
If your friends are feeling that way, are they really being good friends? Here however are some tips on how to keep your friends and your dignity.
- Tell your friends how much you enjoy your school and what it is like, maybe they do not understand what it is about.
- If they continue, tell them how you feel when they say things like that. Sometimes people do not realize what they are saying or how it will affect others.
If they keep it up maybe they are Jealous or you need to find new friends because sadly this is not a case of peer pressure but a case of bullying that I hope you can overcome.
Miss Advice
DIY of the Month: Spring Tea Parties♥ By: Scarlett O
Hello fellow NMVA Roadrunner readers! Spring is here, and I thought you all would love to see a fun indoor or outdoor project that anyone, and yes I mean you guys can do it too. You can do a spring inspired tea party! I have created an easy recipe for you to put together, and best of all, most it is sitting in your kitchen right now.
Personally, I have tried many types of tea, but if you’re looking for a simple, smooth tea, and for first tea time triers, I suggest Earl Grey. It can be found in your local supermarket. If you do not like tea, you can drink juice, soft drinks or anything you prefer.
A few tips for tea parties that I personally follow, you do not have to but it seems fun for a few of them:
-Sugar goes into the teacups first
- Call your guests “Lady (Name)”, it may seem silly but it makes the party more fun! For the guys, you can call your fellow party goers “Sir (Name)!
-Make sure to have a fresh floral piece, it makes the room or outdoors brighten up.
-If it indoors, add tea light candles! Makes the party a bit more fancy.
For the sweet desert side of the tea party, if you do not want to make them, yourself, you can go to a local grocery store and buy a variety of “fancy” cookies such as scones & macaroons. You can eat whatever you prefer, these are just to make the party “more fancy”.
A sandwich recipe I like to use:
Chicken Cucumber Walnut Berry Tea Sandwiches (serves 6):
Ingredients you’ll need:
2-3 Cooked Chicken Breast
1 Peeled Cucumber
1 Cup of Cranberries
½ cup of Mayo (or until moist. You can also use plain yogurt with lemon juice)
3-4 stalks of Celery (for more crunch)
½ cup of walnuts (this is optional but gives a more of a crunch to it.)
Directions:
1). Boil chicken breasts till cooked
2). As you let the chicken cool, wash and chop the cucumber, celery and walnuts.
3). Shred the chicken, add the celery, cucumbers and walnuts and cranberries. Season to desire.
4). Add in the mayo till moist.
5). Mix thoroughly, then get the bread of your choice and put about 2 table spoons full onto slice of bread.
6). Make sure to cut the crust off to make them more “fancy” and cut them into fourths.
7). Then, enjoy! Put leftovers in fridge to stay chilled.
I hope you all have a tea-riffic tea party this spring!
Until next time…. Go ROADRUNNERS!
About New Mexico State by: Kenya
CAPITOL: Santa Fe
Nickname: Land of Enchantment
Population: 2,059,179 Size: 121,590
Tree: Pinion Tree
Flower: Yucca
Bird: Greater Roadrunner
Facts
In 1945 the worlds first atomic bomb was tested in central NM. The creation was a Manhattan Project they made it after knowing that Germany was making their own bomb.
White sands contains the biggest gypsum field in the world. The water evaporating from lakes with high mineral content then the gypsum is windswept into White Sands.
The palace of Governors in Santa Fe is the oldest seat in government of the united states (built in 1610).
Get Ready for the PARCC
NMVA Students,
As we approach April we want you all to prepare for the PARCC Testing that will begin April 11th and continue through April 29th.
This test will be for 6th Graders -11th Graders (some 12th Graders will also take the test). All students will be assigned to the testing location nearest them. We will begin kmailing out the dates/times/locations of the testing sites the beginning of April.
The testing will take 2 days in most locations. The test consists of an ELA and Math portion. Three sessions for each portion. Most locations will test from 9am-3pm both days. Students will need to bring a sack lunch, snacks, water bottle and a book to read. Students will not be allowed to leave the testing for lunch/breaks.
If you have any questions about the PARCC Assessment, please see the resources below.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at your assigned testing locations!
Also, thank you to all 7th and 11th Graders for a wonderful SBA session!
Have a wonderful Spring Break (March 28th-April 1st).
-NMVA Staff
PARCC Facts:
http://www.nmparcc.com/families/
PARCC FAQ’s:
Please email Ms. Heilman at rheilman@nmvirtual.org your yearbook photo ASAP! Order your YEARBOOK here: http://www.nmva.picaboo.com/
New Mexico Virtual Academy
Website: nmva.k12start.com
Location: New Mexico
Phone: 505-436-2383
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewMexicoVirtualAcademy/?pnref=lhc