The Flyer
Sycamore Junior High School November 20, 2015
SCHOOL NEWS
He Did it!
October 31- November 6th was our annual book fair. As many students and staff members know, this year we included a hot sauce challenge to add even more spice to it, and to raise money for our school at the same time. We had five teachers, (Mr. Jones, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Shomo, and Mr. Harris) who were willing to burn their mouths for a good cause. The volunteer who raised the most money got the privilege of tasting some extremely picante, ghost pepper hot sauce with the whole school watching on video announcements.
Mr. Callahan was the lucky guy who got to try the sauce thanks to everyone who put some cash in his collection bucket. Our superintendent, Mr. Forsthoeffel, even contributed a lofty $10 bill, claiming, with some sinister in his voice, that the “newbie” should suffer.
During the video announcements, there was cooling milk available, a fire extinguisher, and our nurse, Mrs. Bonham was standing by to ensure everyone’s safety. All the while collecting a grand total of $250 to go toward purchasing books for the language arts teachers. Mr. Callahan was a great sport about it all, the sauce was very hot, and he felt the pain the rest of the day.
After the announcements were over, about 75 students stopped in the media center to test their bravery at the ghost pepper sauce.
By: Maya Goldenberg 8 and the Editorial Staff
WORLD NEWS
Paris. “When the City of Lights Goes Dark, the Rest of the World Lights Up” - Unknown
The City of Lights has gone dark. Last Friday, members of the supreme terrorist group ISIS attacked the Bataclan Concert Hall while The Eagles Of Death Metal were performing. They also attacked restaurants and outside venues. The ISIS members entered the Bataclan Concert Hall with suicide bombs strapped to their chest and heavily armed machine guns. They opened fire, killing around 100 people that were watching the Californian band perform at the concert. The death toll of all of the attacks could have been greater if it were not for the fact that a bodyguard named ,Zouheir ,patted down the suicide bomber who tried to enter the Stade du France where President Francois Hollande was enjoying a soccer game.
Paris is currently stated that the death toll is 130. 352 more people were injured, and unfortunately 99 were left in critical condition. Since France is America’s oldest ally, ISIS also threatened to attack America's capital, Washington D.C. and several other cities. After these threats, Cincinnati felt the need to increase their security at Monday night’s football game (The Bengals vs. the Houston Texans). America and other countries all around the world expressed their condolences for the tragedy that has unfortunately hit Paris.
By: Mia Maniet 8
Klu Klux Klan Website Hacked
An anonymous group of hackers has allegedly hacked into the Klu Klux Klan website and will begin to release information. The anonymous hacking group has been tracking the Klu Klux Klan for over a year after the Ferguson, Missouri protest. Last Monday, the hackers released 23 email addresses belonging to KKK members and 57 phone numbers. They have also identified one thousand of the Klu Klux Klan members. The hackers claim that they have found a tie between the Klu Klux Klan and certain American politicians. The hacker also believes that multiple senators have logged into their website, their names were not mentioned. They also say a current major has logged on, he has denied the allegations.
On behalf of one of the accused senators, a spokeswoman announced, “This information is false, and comes from an unreliable source” Also, the other two senators’ spokespersons did not immediately deny the allegations, which seems quite suspicious in the eyes of the public. The anonymous hackers have been tracking the website since last November, and have reportedly stated, “I want the KKK gone forever” Now, the public awaits for more information will be released about Klu Klux Klan by the anonymous hacker.
By: Mia Maniet 8
Walk Like MADD in Blue Ash
Drunk driving is when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is higher than .08%. According to Normandie Law Firm, “Drunk driving is one of the top ten reasons for car accidents.” Also, every 51 minutes in America, someone is killed in a crash caused by drunk driving. But, since Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD was founded in 1980 the amount of drunk driving deaths in the United States has been cut in half. MADD is a nonprofit organization that works to protect people from drunk driving, underage drinking, and drugged driving. It was created by a mother, named Candace Lightner whose 13 year old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. MADD also helps drunk and drugged driving victims/survivors for free through a 24-hour Victim Helpline.
On October 24th, 2015, Mothers Against Drunk Driving had their annual “Walk Like Madd” 5k at Blue Ash Summit Park. 257 people came to show their support for victims of drunk or drugged driving. The event lasted from 9:00A.M. - 12:00 P.M, and overall $46,481.82 was raised, which is about 77% percent of their goal: $60,000.
It was great day to remember anyone who has been affected by drunk or drugged driving, and it showed an abundance of support.
By: Lindsey Brinkman 8
Arts and Entertainment
12 Things Girls Are Tired Of hearing
Edited By: Kiri Basher Produced By Lydia Masset and Caroline Skwara
The Goofiest Laws
Did you know that in New York, it is illegal to walk around on Sundays with an ice cream cone in your pocket? You also cannot throw a ball at a person’s head for fun. In Florida, men are not allowed to wear strapless gowns in a public place. Also, even though Ohio is landlocked, it is illegal to fish for whales on Sunday. Also in Ohio, women may not wear patent leather shoes. In neighboring Kentucky, a woman may not buy a hat without her husband's permission.
So what is the reason for all these goofy laws? No one really knows for sure. For the most part, however, these silly rules were created long ago and forgotten about. They are not usually enforced. However, if you happen to be at a theater in Baltimore with a lion and someone catches you, you might go to jail.
By: Bethany Brown 8
Goofy Law: You Can't Carry Ice Cream in Your Pocket!
Goofy Law: Men Can't Wear Strapless Gowns in Public!
Experience The Hunger Games?!
After an estimated whopping $625 million dollars, the construction of The Hunger Games amusement park will be completed. By 2019 the futuristic, thrilling, and entertaining franchise will be creating a new addition to the booming hit, The Hunger Games.
The amusement park is being created by Lionsgate and will include a roller-coaster based off the Capitol’s high-speed train, a realistic spin-off of Peeta’s bakery, and a model of District 12, which is where the heroine Katniss lives. It will also incorporate a simulated ride that will take visitors on a tour of Panem, where everything takes place in the book and movie series . The Hunger Games based amusement park will be located in
Bartow County, Georgia which is about 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta. Not only will the park have attractions based off The Hunger Games, it will also include other Lionsgate productions such as Step Up, and Now You See Me.
By: Lindsey Brinkman 8
Review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part Two
While watching The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part Two, I was trying to prepare for the nostalgia I knew I would feel the second the movie came to an end. It is, after all, the last movie in the Hunger Games series. That means that soon, The Hunger Games will be a thing of the past. Someday, we will tell our kids about The Hunger Games and they’ll have no idea what it is.
Even though I was pretty upset by that, nostalgia wasn’t the only emotion I experienced while watching Mockingjay- Part Two. I was scared half to death more than ten times during the screening. There were a lot of pop outs, so be prepared. I was so taken aback by one, that I almost threw my popcorn into the air. Although the movie took me on an emotional roller coaster, it was part of the fun. One minute I was dismal, and the next minute I was really hopeful. Then BAM! Someone is dead.
There was a lot of death in Mockingjay- Part Two, even more than in all the other movies in the series. However, this film takes place in the middle of a war. No one, not the producers, screenwriter, or cast was trying to sugar coat that whatsoever, and I think it’s what makes Mockingjay- Part Two such a great movie.
Like Boggs tells Katniss, you can’t trust anyone. It’s best to keep that in mind while watching Mockingjay- Part Two, the last film in The Hunger Games series.
By: Maya Goldenberg 8
(Maya had the privilege to see an early screening of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part Two)
Beneath Review
Beneath by Roland Smith is a suspenseful and exciting book for teenagers filled with plot twists and interesting, relatable characters. When 13-year-old Pat O’Toole’s older brother Coop disappears, Pat feels that he needs to find Coop. Pat leaves home and travels to New York City alone. The result is an amazing story about conquering your fears, befriending those who are different than you, and the bond between siblings.
If this sounds like a story you’d enjoy, then please join the first ever Sycamore Junior High Book Club! Read the book, then head to the media center after school on Wednesday, December 2nd for our very first book club discussion! There will be food too! Thanksgiving Break would be a great time to read. We have several copies in our school media center and the public library has several too. We hope to see you there!
By: Athena Eborall 8
Student of Sycamore Junior High School
You will remain anonymous.
I Couldn't Tell Anyone
“One day I was at school, and my grandma came to tell me, ‘Honey, you’re going to America.’ We started packing and we had to get passports. I came here with my mom, my brother, and my uncle. We went to live in Hamilton with family friends. But then, we wanted our own house, so we moved and went to Hartwell, so I went to school there.
I couldn’t understand anything because I only spoke French. They exchanged me from Hartwell to a multilingual school. The worst thing about not knowing English, is that you can’t communicate with many other people.
I remember there was this one day when I was making up a test, and I had to go out in the hall, where the teacher couldn’t see me or anyone else. I was so focused on my test that I didn’t even realize there was an 8th grader behind me cutting my hair. It made feel so sad, I cried, my mom wasn’t there to comfort me. I couldn’t speak English, so I couldn’t tell anyone at school.”
- an anonymous SJH student 8
Interviewed By: Lydia Masset 8
OPINION/EDITORIAL
Responses to Our October 29th Op/Ed Article on Dress Code
Lauren Gause
Grade 7
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I believe that our dress code should not be as strict for girls. First of all I don't think the ripped jeans rule makes any sense. I understand if we made a rule no rips from mid thigh up. But, I don't think it would be bad if a guy saw a girls knee from her jeans.
For shorts, maybe we could make the rule to let the shorts be a little shorter, or else it feels like you are wearing capris.
And for leggings, I think we could teach guys about keeping their eyes to themselves. A girl should have a say if she wants to cover up or not.
I understand the dress code is for better performance in school but I do think we could change some things.
Gabriela Pareda
Grade 7
Are Stores Messing with Your Mind?
The bright, festive holiday season is rounding the corner, which means the near future is full of snow covered trees, ice skating, and my favorite: gifts (if your family does that kind of thing). When out shopping for that perfect present for a loved one, many people don’t realize the crazy, manipulative, and not to mention, creepy things stores consciously do to get the innocent consumers walking into their business and buying their products.
One thing stores do to lure buyers is using colors to make them feel certain emotions. Creepy, right? Consumer psychologist Dr. Kit Yarrow reveals that “‘...if [the products are] displayed in groups of color, that tends to have a big emotional impact.’”in this article. Warm hues tend to welcome and comfort shoppers, while cool tones have a calming effect. Reds and yellows alert consumers and scream ”sale”. You may be thinking your favorite stores don’t do that. They don’t stoop so low, but sadly they do. Even the wondrous and magical Target has lowered its standards to that type of thing. Their red sign is just one example.
Who here touches items when looking through clothing racks? Yep, pretty much everyone. I don’t even know how to avoid doing that. However, according to Yarrow, touching products result in a greater chance of purchasing. The more time spent holding something, the more likely it is that the person will end up leaving the store with the object in their shopping bag. Some stores (T.J. Maxx…) compromise organization for money. They have messy, discombobulated shelves, so people have to pick up and sift through the blouses, dresses, pants, etc. That’s why stores look so unorganized! (Either that, or people simply do not feel like keeping the place spiffy.)
Finally, onto scent. There are lots of stores that spritz scents. Some go a little more spray-crazy than others. For example, when I walk into Hollister, it hits me like a brick wall (whatever they are spraying in there has a super strong aroma). The reason businesses do that to their unexpecting consumers is because the smell of the retail front can really impact the decisions one makes, especially when deciding to get both tops or just one. The Journal of Business found that smells have a deep-seated connection to memory, and if companies can bring out the right one, there is a greater chance shoppers will buy items there.
Retail businesses have come up with so many ways to hack into people’s subconscious that it’s hard to know what is an unorganized pile of clothes or a vigorously thought out marketing ploy. All I know for sure is I’m not going to let them affect me while doing my holiday shopping (or at least I can try).
By: Maya Goldenberg 8
Fabulous Fall Photos from Sycamore Junior High Students!
Sycamore Junior High School Serves Sandwiches to Homeless
Every Thursday students and staff get together for our sandwich project. Mrs. Carole Richie, (you all know Mr. Ritchie, our great substitute teacher? She is his wife), started the idea when she saw it on a church bulletin. She took the idea to Mr. Gribi, a former guidance counselor here at SJHS. That was in 1997, which means this is the 18th year that Sycamore Junior High has been doing this. Back then, only clubs and sports teams were participating. Now, it's weekly every Thursday with up to two or three Aviator Bells participating at one time. This is Mr. Dejoy and Mr. Stern’s second year running the show!
Each sandwich consists of bread, cheese, baloney, and mustard. It’s as simple as that. The sandwich makers wear gloves and spread out their sandwich materials on the cafeteria tables. The finished sandwiches are taken every Friday to Saint Francis in Over the Rhine, where the homeless have access to them.
See what fun it is to help those in need? Keep that in mind when it’s your turn to make sandwiches.
Gunjan Bahri 7
Kind Helpers
Yum, Yum, Yum!
Mr. Dejoy and The Squad!
Spotlight ON
Harsitha Kalaiarasan
Do you think racism is a problem in public schools? Read this eye opening article into the life of a student who has consistently faced racism.
Q: In your own words, what is racism?
A: Negative thoughts or actions towards someone due to their ethnicity.
Q: How does racism affect you?
A: Racism affects me mentally by lowering my self esteem because it picks me out individually.
Q: Do you feel racism is a problem in schools in general?
A: I think racism is a problem in public schools, because it is ignored in modern society.
Q: How do you think racism should be stopped?
A: I think racism can be stopped with education on the subject because people don’t even know what they’re doing wrong.
Q: What types of racist comments and actions do you face?
A: I think that one thing that really bothers me is cultural appropriation, which I don’t think people get at all. When I was younger and wore henna and other traditional things too, at school people said that it was weird. One person even said “Ew” when they saw my henna. Then when henna is a trend, they wear it, not out of respect nor with any knowledge of the tradition and reasons behind it.
The racism I face are stereotypes. I used Snapchat on the bus once and someone said “Wait, you have a Snapchat?”. I told them yes, and they responded, “You don’t seem like the type that would have a Snapchat, just sit home and study all day.”
Harsitha Kalaiarasan is a girl who has faced racism who whole life and still faces it today. Unfortunately it is likely that she will continue to face it for the rest of her life unless people decide to make a change in the way they treat people.
Interviewed by Lydia Masset 8
Mr. James
Mr. Tyler James was born in Coldwater, Ohio on November 12th, 1988. He has two younger brothers named Toby and Trey. In high school, he played baseball and basketball. He played a tree in a Christmas play in 4th grade. He used to teach language arts in Garfield Middle School and now he teaches again at Sycamore Junior High.
Question: If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
“I would be a writer or sports agent.”
Questions: How do you structure your time to manage all of the duties associated with teaching?
“I get up at 5:30 everyday to make sure I can finish all of the planning and grading before school. I also set aside time every Sunday to plan and grade.”
Questions: What do you think is the greatest challenge facing students today?
“I would say, pressure being put on them by their peers and society.”
Some of Mr. James’s hobbies are reading, boating, spending time with family and friends, exercising, and eating Skyline. He like dogs, University of Notre Dame, crazy socks, At Sycamore, he coaches cross country in the fall and 7th grade basketball in the winter. Some of his students, basketball players, and cross country said some things about him:
Students:
Aj Wead (Bell 3) - “Mr. James is nice and respectful.”
Anthony Samways (Bell 6) - “He is very exciting and fun.”
Florencia Soto (Bell 2) - “Mr. James is very nice and helps students a lot.”
Anna Dyer (Bell 6)- “Mr. James is my favorite teacher who is nice, funny, and exciting!”
Kassidy Keffer (Bell 4) - “Mr. James is my favorite teacher and doesn’t give as much homework.”
Basketball Players:
Liam Fleck- “He is a great guy, on and off the court.”
Ben Green- “He’s not good at cooking, but on the court he cooks.”
Ruben Schraffenberger- “He is awesome and can ball for ever!!!!”
Cross Country:
Jozy Allen- “During cross country meets, I was on his bus and he was easier to talk to then other teachers.”Gunjan Bahri 7
The Flyer Staff
Instagram: @thesycamoreflyer
Our staff includes thirteen brilliant writers, four editors, thirteen photographers and 850 student contributors.
Editors: Athena Eborall, Mia Maniet, Caroline Skwara, Dahlia Wang, Bethany Brown
Layout Editor: Lydia Masset
Flyer Secretary: Bethany Brown
Cartoon Artwork: Ella Wahlquist
Staff Writers: Gunjan Bahri, Allison McElroy, Mikhil Gupta, Maya Goldenberg, Lindsey Brinkman
ALL editing done by students.
Email: theflyer@sycamoreschools.org
Location: 5757 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Phone: 513-686-1760