The Sandburg Scoop Volume I, Issue 5 April 2017 SIX FLAGS - A SANDBURG ‘GREAT ADVENTURE!’ On Friday, April 21st, the Sandburg delegation hit the road to Six Flags-Great Adventure for at least the 24th time in school history. (No one here can say for sure beyond that, but it definitely goes back that far!) Originally, the Sandburg trips to Six Flags were a 9th grade trip that was taken on a Saturday. Needless to say, a lot of things have changed. Mrs. Welke, our 7th grade Science teacher, gave the Scoop a little background on the history of the trip. “I have been here for 24 years and there has been a Six Flags trip every year. It started (before I came to Sandburg) as a 9th grade trip the Saturday after the 9th grade dance. This was always the first weekend in June. It remained a 9th grade exclusive up until the 9th grade was moved to the high school. I became a teacher on an 8th grade team and we continued the trip for our team. It was moved to one of the ‘Physics Days’ which are during the week. Very shortly after that it became a whole school trip.” As they say, “ . . . and the rest is history!” According to Mrs. Kelly, 650 students were a part of this year’s excursion - a large number to keep track of in a huge amusement park! Park-goers loaded onto 15 buses to make the trip. With the exception of a minor accident with one of the buses on the way home, there were no incidents. Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Albarran were extremely proud of the way students handled themselves throughout the day. Even the dreary weather didn’t dampen the Sandburg SPIRIT! There is so much that goes into planning a trip of this magnitude. Planning begins as the school year begins. Information is gathered about dates, times, transportation, and prices. Fundraising is a huge part of making the trip a reality. Students who took part in the Magazine Drive in the fall were able to lower the cost of their trip based on the amount they sold. Chaperones had to be organized. It is important to acknowledge that this trip would not have been possible without the wonderful chap- erone volunteers. All of the ladies in the office played important roles in getting everything ironed out that needed to be. Mrs. Kelly wanted to be sure that Mrs. Jackson was thanked for being the one to deal with all of the kinks and unexpected problems that may have otherwise gotten in the way of the trip’s success. She is grate- ful for such supportive people who worked with her daily to make the trip happen. Just checking out the pictures we received, it was obvious that everyone who went on the trip had a great time. When Sandburg does something . . . it does it right!

SANDBURG’S READING OLYMPIANS ROCK! On Thursday, April 20th, Sandburg’s 7th and 8th grade Reading Olympics team - One Book,Two Book, Red Book, Blue Book - scored an impressive Second Place finish earning a Red Ribbon in the competition held at Cecelia Snyder Middle School in Bensalem. Their rib- bon will join those earned by the 5th and 6th grade teams - the Bookworms and the Reading Warriors - which competed on March 29th at the high school. The two grades competed as one team in the competition. The 7th graders who com- peted were: Parneet Dhillon, Lydia Ermer, Corinne Lobecker, Joseph McManus, Khushi Patel, Prapti Patel, and Kaitlyn Saaybe. The 8th grade team members were: Alyson Czechura, Brian Lee, Madison Neiman, Skye McDermott, and Samuel Zercher. All of the participants from 5th through 8th grade can be proud of all the hard work they put into the SIX FLAGS T-SHIRT CONTEST preparation and participation in the competition. Once again - you have all shown Sandburg SPIRIT! You SHOWS OFF MORE SANDBURG TALENT have made us all proud. Several months ago, Sandburg students had the chance to design IN MASON’S HONOR a t-shirt that was to be worn by all of the students who were going on In March, Sandburg lost one of its brightest the Six Flags-Great Adventure trip. The design competition was open to any student from 5th through 8th grades. stars, Mason Allen. To honor his memory, Al- pha Kappa Alpha Sorority - Omega Zeta Ome- Design entries were received from more than a dozen students. ga Chapter donated two books to be added to The competition was tough, with all entries showing off a great deal of talent. After viewing some amazing entries, sixth grade student Tara the school library in his name. Knowing Mason Bogansky’s design was selected. Above you can see Tara and the loved sports, the books selected are both bulletin board located outside the office which has the original design sports-related. Catching the Moon– The Story that was submitted, and one of the t-shirts displaying her winning of a Girl’s Baseball Dream (by Crystal Hub- work! Tara was overjoyed when she found out she won. She never bard), and Baseball Genius (by Tim Green and thought she would win. “No, it was crazy. I just entered thinking I was entering, not that I would win.” GREAT JOB, TARA! Derek Jeter) have been added to the shelves for all to enjoy. Many thanks! MARCH STUDENTS OF THE MONTH IT’S DEBATABLE! In This Issue: On Thursday, April 27th, Sandburg’s Debate Club proved they knew their ‘stuff’! In the Neshaminy Middle  April Events & Trivia page 7 School Debate Competition, Sandburg competed against both Poquessing and Maple Point Middle Schools. Every member  Athletes in Action page 5-6 brought home a prize ribbon!  Club Clatter page 2 For those who don’t know, debating is not an easy task. There is a lot of preparation involved in order to be successful.  Coaches Corner page 5 Members practiced by researching chosen issues, and had to be prepared to argue both sides of that issue. For the compe-  Headline News page 1 tition, the statement the teams had to debate was whether the United States should ban all experiments on animals. They  Musicians on the Move page 6 had to be ready to support or defeat the statement, regardless of what their personal feelings might be.  Opposing Sides page 7 Team members Aneesh Hiremath, Gracie Johnston, Aly- son Czechura, Ryan Baker, Jennifer Okwara, Christina Davis,  Sandburg Poetry page 2-3 Back (l-r): Norah Duffy, Aiden Hastings, Aneesh Hiremath, Owen Krapf. Joseph McManus, Cassidy Fencl, Jillian Fuhrmeister, Reilly  Super Staff page 2 Front (l-r): Ethan Olson, Vivienne Evans, Alexis Ocasio, Elizabeth Kollock. Parker, Tyler Dowis, Rebecca Kim, and Victoria Marciano, brought home one blue ribbon, three red ribbons, and one yellow ribbon. Now you’re talking! SUPER STAFF

TUNING IN WITH MRS. PHILLIPS SHE’S HERE, SHE’S THERE, SHE’S . . . MRS. FILOON By Rah’asia Corzen By Ran’asia Corzen Tucked in down at the end of A Hall is a talent powerhouse. From September For the last 7 years, Mrs. Filoon has been a well-known face around the Sandburg building. through March she can usually be found after school in the auditorium. If you haven’t She has worked with a majority of the teachers in the building, and is always on the move. Mrs. guessed yet, I’m talking about Mrs. Phillips. Filoon can usually be found helping a student, having fun at Buddy Since 1993, Mrs. Phillips has dedicated her life to exposing kids to different kinds of Club, or playing ping-pong with the students in the club after school. music in the Neshaminy School District. Mrs. Phillips has been teaching here at Sand- She has been a part of the Neshaminy School District since 2001. burg since 2004. Prior to that, she taught at Poquessing Middle School in Neshaminy, She worked at Herbert Hoover before coming to Sandburg. She and Lanoka Township High School in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey (near Tom’s River) decided to be a teacher’s aide because it worked with her children’s for one year. schedule. She was able to work while they were in school, and be at Mrs. Phillips’ love of music all started when she was five years old and learned how home in time for them when they came home. Her favorite part of to play the piano. That, combined with her love of teaching others how to play music, her job is when the students understand her sense of humor. shaped her goal of becoming a music teacher. Everyone who knows her knows that her family is very important Mrs. Phillips grew up in the Neshaminy\Langhorne area. She graduated from to her. Every day she goes home to her husband, John, and her pet Neshaminy High School and then went on to study at dog. She has three sons and the oldest one just got married. Millersville University. She earned her Bachelors de- Mrs. Filoon is a big help with ping-pong and Buddy Club. This is gree in Music Education, and a Masters Certificate in because Mrs. Filoon thinks of Buddy Club as play and not work. She Music Technology. likes to do activities and to help the students with them. Ms. Alberts, Each year, in addition to teaching classes, she has who runs the Buddy Club with Mrs. Filoon and Mrs. Klemick, had this to say about her: “She is a been involved with every Sandburg Musical production joy to work with. She is so helpful and creative. Any time we have music on, she sings and in one way or another. When our school puts on a play, dances right along with the kids. She’s always up for fun.” Mrs. Filoon says she feels the same she is either directing or assisting. Cast members who way about Ping-Pong. For her it is fun and energetic. She loves when the kids’ faces light up have worked with her would all agree that she could be when they make that “impossible” shot. considered Sandburg’s own ‘Energizer Bunny!’ In addi- Ms. Morales has worked with Mrs. Filoon for many years. She said that you will never see tion to directing Madagascar, Jr. this year, she also her without a smile on her face. “She is very sweet and genuine. She is always asking how eve- came up with the amazing choreography. It was fun ryone is doing. It is obvious that she cares.” Ms. Morales shared a funny story about a time Mrs. dropping in after school to see her up on the stage doing Filoon forgot her password on her computer. “It asked for her nickname, and she couldn’t re- all the moves along with the cast. She thought the play member what it was!” (Luckily, she finally figured it out.) was absolutely amazing and unbelievable. We agree! One interesting fact about Mrs. Phillips is that she Miss Jackson, who works closely with Mrs. Filoon this year, had this to say about her, “Mrs. was offered a singing contract. Of course she signed it. But why is she a music teach- Filoon is awesome because she is always there for all of our students. She always celebrates er you ask? The label she signed with turned out to be a fraud. After that she went to every one of their accomplishments, no matter how small. We would be lost in E-1 without her!” college and became the wonderful music teacher she is. When her students found out she was going to be in the school newspaper, they wanted to share She shares her home with another Sandburg teacher, Mr. Phillips, a daughter, Ma- how they felt about her. Kayla, from Ms. Jackson’s class wrote the following about Mrs. Filoon: ria, who goes to Maple Point, her son, Cameron, who goes to the Tech School, and a “Mrs. Filoon is funny and she always plays games with all of us. She makes my day brighter chocolate lab named Lago. At Montclair State College is her step-son, Seiler. when I am upset. She is the best teacher ever. Anyone would be lucky to have Mrs. Filoon in Mrs. Phillips loves to travel, and just returned from a wonderful trip to Costa Rica their class!” John said, “Thank you, Mrs. Filoon, for all the help. I love when you play ‘Would You over Spring Break. She shared, “In my spare time I enjoy exercising, fishing, walks on Rather.’ I’m glad you give me papers for Social Studies because I don’t have good handwriting.” the beach, boating, shoe shopping (yes, I have over 100 pairs!) - but most of all spending time with my family!” Speaking of family, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips can also be An interesting thing most people might not know is that Mrs. Filoon studied abroad in France found coaching Sandburg’s Track team, along with Mr. Johns. They make quite a when she was in high school. She graduated from Pennsbury High School. Also interesting, team. It just goes to show, she’s never sitting still! Mrs.Filoon has been taking sign-language courses.

Sandburg definitely has a gem with Mrs. Filoon. Students and teachers alike are glad she’s here! STUDENT COUNCIL - FROM MEMBERS’ POINTS OF VIEW CLUB CLATTER By: Veronica and Vivienne Evans The Sandburg SPIRIT Service Club assisted decorating and frosting cupcakes with Schweitzer CARES on

Tuesday, April 18th with any CARES kids that received red cards in recognition for showing the qualities of Everyone thinks that Student Council is like what you see in the movies: you have all of the straight A students as mem- CARES. It was a great success and hundreds of yummy and beautifully decorated cupcakes were consumed. bers. Some people think being a part will mean extra homework and See the Sandburg Debate Club article on the first page of this issue. other boring stuff. We are both on Student Council, and we can tell Sandburg Student Council has organized the 7th and 8th Grade Dodgeball Tournament. It is to be held on you that is not at all true. Friday, May 5th at 5:45 in the Sandburg Gym. All members of a team MUST be in the same grade level. Teams The Student Council has been keeping a secret. The secret do NOT have to be co-ed. Each team MUST have a team poster for display. Team entrance fee is $6. is that we have been having so much fun at the Student Council, in Mr. Simon's classroom! Though it is too late to join Student Council If you’ve ever felt left out, either in school or out, Sandburg has a new club that is just right for you! The Sand- this year, try joining Student Council at the beginning of next year if burg Diversity Club held its first meeting on April 20th. Flyers for the club can be seen posted around the you want to experience all the fun. school. This is the chance to feel a part of something, chill out, or just hang out with people who feel the same How do you join, you ask? To apply, you write a paragraph way. The club meets in room E-11, every other Wednesday, from 3-4 p.m. We’d love to have you! about why you would like to join the Student Council. The sponsors read what you have written, speak with your teachers, and select those who will be a good fit. Writing this is worth it because when you join, you get to stay for the rest of the time you are here in middle school. You don’t have to write any more paragraphs in years to come. In Student Council, you can do so many different things. Officers in the club are voted on. You get to vote for a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The Student Council gets to plan out many fun activities throughout the year. Just this year alone, Stu- Sandburg Scoop Staff dent Council was involved in planning turkey bowling, the dodgeball tournaments, movie nights, and the Haunted Hallway for the Hallow- Editors-in-Chief: Tyler Dowis and Rah’asia Corzen een dance. We also hold fundraisers during the year. Student Council Sports Editors: Megan Shandley and Grace Ballantyne members are the ones you see selling things at the candy cart in the main hallway at the end of the day. We sold candy canes in Decem- News Editor: Maddie Nelson ber, and for Valentine’s Day, the heart-shaped pretzels, and carna- tions. Student Council also joined with Sandburg’s National Junior Entertainment Editors: Arianna Brewington and Billy Delrossi Honor Society for several of their fundraisers. Reporters and Photographers: Ava Dwornitski, Alex Cherrington, So next year, forget about all the rumors you might have heard, since that is what they are. Just go ahead and join the Student Veronica Evans, Vivienne Evans, and Brighid Glasson Council! We will be very happy that you joined, and you will be happy Sponsors: Mrs. Rubin and Mrs. Krayer for the experience. NATIONAL POETRY MONTH By Arianna Brewington Each year the month of April is set aside as National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate poets and their poems! The AAP, the American Poetry & Literacy Project, and many other groups hold events to recognize and inspire poets of all types - children to adults, established poets to students just starting out writing poetry. National Poetry Month was started in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets (AAP). According to the website poeticfool.com, “While we celebrate poets and poetry year- round, the Academy of American Poets was inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), and founded Na- tional Poetry Month in April 1996.” Though it is referred to here in the United States as National Poetry Month, it is actually recognized all around the world. One thing that sometimes confuses people is that they think all poems have to rhyme. This is definitely not true. There are so many different types of poems that anyone can be a poet if they try. Sandburg has so many talented poets that we decided to include just a few in this issue. http://poeticfool.com/category/poetry-events/

Sandburg Poets Celebrate National Poetry Month

Friends? Missed Message Left Unsent Are we friends? Every day I cry, hating the day you died Within all the messages in the text What are friends? Not a single day without you there’s a message left unsent Are they together forever? will ever be just fine. The previous sentence became Are we more than just people? You were my role model incomplete I guess it depends. but you’ve learned Leaving the receiver a clueless mess What are we? If the message was sent to fly. would it be unaddressed? Are we friends? Fly higher, Or be yet another important issue No, you never talk to me. as high as you can. that is never addressed Your memory shall never die What I write is what I feel. Error . . . Your message was not sent If we are friends, we should appeal. Samantha Parry - 8th Grade I just wished for the chance to tell you good-bye. If we are no longer, We still love you. What are we? This can’t ever change. Are we friends? Rainbows Sean Gale - 8th grade Or are we enemies? What is that up there in the sky? Paper cuts you were to me The colorful curve that goes very high. Sounds of a Storm What are things everyone else calls “we”? Oh that’s a rainbow - it brings good luck, I cannot trust you anymore It comes after icky rain with all that gross muck. Drip, drop, rumble, crash But after that, when the sun decides to shine, All you did was drag me to the floor. The thunderstorm is talking The happiness will start - that’s simply divine! What did I do? So next time the rain comes and you’re feeling low, As rain is falling Just remember that next up comes a huge rainbow! Can you tell me before I blow? Bethany Bogansky - 7th grade By: Vivienne Evans - 5th grade I cannot say anything Because you weren’t there I cannot say anything . . . Summer Days A beautiful tree All I can say is, “GO!” You always come every year Anna Emeigh - 8th grade All of your pretty branches (Poem and illustration) Making everyone scream and cheer Are so long and wide You’re a breath of fresh air FALL Megan Shandley - 8th grade You’re a bright, big sun You’re days on the beach Trees are changing colors You’re fun, fun, fun! ROSE GARDEN Red, yellow, orange, and green Lauren McManus - 8th grade You were the rose of the garden Fall fever is here! Having the pedals and all. Evan Russell - 7th grade Winter Snow Even though you’re easily torn As the snowflakes fall What person isn’t born

Without their ingrown thorns Sledding down the smooth long hill Megan Waller—8th Grade Cozy by the fire

Scott Johnson—7th grade I AM ...... I AM I am Brianna Brophy, I am me. Sandburg’s 5th Grade Poets I am Bailey Brounce, I am ME! Celebrate National Poetry Month Quick as a heartbeat “I Am” Quick as a cheetah Busy as a bee Busy as a bee Sweet as candy Sweet as a lollipop Crazy as the Navy Crazy as Cruella DeVil Smart as a genius Smart as a calculator Gentle as a bug under the rug Brave as a knight Brave as a Saber-tooth tiger Wild as a hippo Wild as me Kind as an angel Kind as a giraffe Strong as a kangaroo kick Strong as King Kong Tough as a rhino Tough as a cookie Joyful as a puppy Joyful as a happy face :) Precious as a baby Precious as a pearl I am Brianna Brophy, I am ME! I am Bailey Brounce, I am ME!

I AM BRYSON I am Bryson Lin, I am me Quick as a flash Busy as a teacher I AM Sweet as honey I AM Gentile as a butterfly I am ambitious and intelligent Brave as a bear I am polite and kind I wonder about what people think of me Wild as a lion I wonder about my mom Kind as the kindest person I hear the emotion of others I hear cats purr Strong as Thor I see into the hearts of others Tough as nails I see a ‘dogicorn’ I am ambitious and intelligent Joyful as flowers I want to see a pony I pretend I have everything Precious as gold I am Bryson Lin, I am ME I am polite and kind I feel the north wind against my face I pretend to go on a unicorn I touch the sun I AM . . . I feel an angel’s wing I worry about the world I am Jordyn Schwab, I am me I touch a dog I cry when I see wrong Quick as a leopard I worry about violence I am ambitious and intelligent Busy as a bee I understand no one is perfect I cry when I think about my Grandpop Sweet as candy I say, “I don't care!” I am polite and kind Crazy as a monkey I dream the world would be perfect I understand if I have to move Smart as Albert Einstein I try to make it that way I say that ghosts are true I hope people will listen to me Gentle as a kitten I dream that my apartment gets fixed I am ambitious and intelligent Brave as an explorer I try to do a backflip Sarah E. Kramer—5th Grade Wild as a tiger I hope that my mom can get a house one day Kind as a tulip I am polite and kind Strong as a knight Paul Sackie—5th Grade Tough as a rhino Joyful as a butterfly Precious as a puppy I am Jordyn Schwab, I am ME! COACHES CORNER By Arianna Brewington and Brighid Glasson Anyone involved in sports at Sandburg has probably seen this month’s Coaches Corner choice, Mr. Johns. If you have ever been a part of any of the many intramural activities, Mr. Johns had a hand in organizing it and getting it approved. Mr. Johns has been a part of the “Sandburg scene” for many years. He is cur- rently in the position of Athletic Director at Sandburg, but he handles more than most people even know about. He can be found here at all after-school dances and other activities providing security. In addition to all of that, Mr. Johns coaches varsity football and track, and helps out with wrestling. Before becoming Athletic Director, he was a Special Ed teacher here at Sandburg for 24 years. He was (and still is) thought of highly by those he taught, many of whom still come back to keep in touch with him. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Johns was a police officer with the Middletown Township Police Department for 18 years. He considered that as his dream job. A serious injury on the job ended his police career, which is what led him to change jobs. He was also a Navy pilot before he became a police officer. He decided to become a teacher because he loves working with kids, and helping people. Being a teacher let him do both. Mr. Johns went to Woodrow Wilson High School (now called Truman), and earned his Associates degree from Bucks County Community College before completing his Bachelors degree from Lock Haven University. Mr. Johns said that what he enjoyed most about working with kids is watching them gain confi- dence in themselves as they gain skills and experience. He made a commitment, when he accepted the job as Athletic Director, to provide a variety of options for Sandburg’s students to feel a part of something by expanding not only the sports programs offered here, but also the Intramural clubs and activities availa- ble. Mr. Johns has been married to his wonderful wife, RoseAnne, for almost 30 years. He has no children of his own, but raised his nephew, Carl, from a young age. Though he currently lives in Churchville, he grew up in Levittown. When he is not working, he and his wife enjoy hiking, camping, and bird watching. Mr. Johns and his wife spend time at the Jersey shore when he can get away. He is an avid athlete, and is involved in many different sports. He enjoys playing racquetball, handball, tennis, squash, badminton, running, and kayaking. He is always active and competes in the Police Olympics, CanAm Games, and World Fire & Police Games. Those who know Mr. Johns have only good things to say about him. Mr. Albarran has known Mr. Johns for many years. When asked what he thinks about him, he said, “He is the most generous person I know. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do within reason to try to help someone else. He is a terrific role model for our students and works tirelessly to provide them with opportunities to truly enjoy their experience at Sandburg.” Mr. Stanford has worked and coached with Mr. Johns for years. When asked for a comment, he said the best way he could sum up Mr. Johns was to say he is “just an all-around great guy.” Sandburg Scoop sponsor, Mrs. Rubin, couldn’t say enough about him. She has known him since his days as a police officer. “He is the kindest, most unselfish person I know. He goes out of his way to help EVERYONE, and always puts himself last. The students and staff who are lucky enough to know him are truly blessed. They don’t come any better. He only wants the best for his students, colleagues, friends, and family. Most people don’t know just how much adversity he has faced in his life, but he always looks for the positive, and never gives up. He lives and embodies what a role model should be.”

SPRING ATHLETES IN ACTION!

Sandburg’s Spring sports team are in full swing! Most after- noons after school you can find practices of many different kinds going on at every field. The 7th and 8th grade Softball, 7th and 8th grade Baseball, and Track and Field teams are all hard at work. Every player on each team juggles a schedule of practices, and both home and away games and meets, while still keeping up with all of their school work. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has strict rules that dictate that all players maintain passing grades. This is not an easy task, but the Sand- burg athletes manage to do just that. Sandburg’s Track Team had it’s first meet on Monday, April 24th against Franklin Roosevelt Middle School in Bristol Township. Though the team put in a great effort, even coming close to match- ing or beating standing Sandburg records, Sandburg ended up on the losing end. In their second meet on Thursday, April 27th, the team easily defeated the athletes from Shafer Middle School from Bensalem by a score of 160-58! . Seventh grade Girls Softball had its first game at home on Thursday, April 27th against Poquessing. Their 14 to 1 win was truly impressive. Eighth grade Softball had its first game Monday, April 24th against Cecelia Snyder Middle School from Bensalem. Sandburg’s 8th grade Baseball team opened the season on Thursday, April 20th with a blowout shutout of Morrisville by a score of 18 to 0! What a great way to start the season! Their sec- ond game, against Cecelia Snyder, was at home on Monday, April 24th. Unfortunately, in this game, Sandburg came up on the losing end. The 7th grade boys Baseball team was scheduled to play FROM OUR PTO - their first game on Tuesday, April 25th at home against Richboro Middle School. The weather, unfortunately, didn’t cooperate. The Our newest fundraiser is Uncle Jerry's Tees. This is something new and different. Packets went game will be rescheduled if time allows. home on April 18th. There are t-shirts, beach towels and blankets, as well as candles, kitchen gadgets, etc. We will have samples at school on display. The fundraiser will run until May 5th. You can send in your order with your student to school, or Uncle Jerry's Tees has online order- ing. You may place your order online by logging onto unclejerrystees.com, click on shop now and “Hmull” enter code 1074 and add the student’s name to receive credit. By Jenna Wandling We will have prizes for the following categories: top seller overall, top selling classroom, teacher of top selling classroom, and one random seller will win a prize as well (anyone who sells as little as 8th Grade one item will be put in a drawing to win a prize) Also, we will have our final "No Cook Night" - May 11 at Margaritas. SANDBURG SPRING ATHLETES IN ACTION

Power . . . Speed . . . Distance . . . TRACK!

http://bestdailyquotes.com/i/194655/97t_track_quotes_on_pint

Swinging for the fences - SOFTBALL!

Softball Clipart from Shutterstock.com (203653612)

SANDBURG MUSICIANS ON THE MOVE!

As always, Sandburg’s talented musicians made a strong showing in the 2017 Honors Band, Chorus, & Orchestra Festivals held earlier in the year and most recently in late March. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade musicians took part in the Neshaminy School District Middle School Honors Music Festival which was held at Maple Point Middle School on Thursday, January 26th, and our fifth graders were a part of the Neshaminy School District Junior Honors Music Festival on March 27th held here at Sandburg. Nearly 50 of our 6th, 7th and 8th grade music students in band, choir and orchestra were selected to participate in the annual Honors Music Festival. These students rehearsed numerous times both during the school day and in the even- ing in preparation for the performance. They performed a concert with students from our sister schools at Poquessing and Maple Point. All of these students were selected by their middle school Music teachers. Orchestra members Samantha Gallagher, Nathan Hoffman, Corinne Lobecker, and Ryan Baker put on a fine performance. Logan Clark, Kaelan Davies, Jacob Dudek, Anna Emeigh, Cassidy Fencl, Emily Foxhill, McKenna Hawes, Sophia Hullings, Mary Lauerson, Jack Lynch, Cameron Marable, Olivia Matlack, Danielle Monaco, Juliana Morgan, Madi Neiman, A.J. Neiman, Anna Purcell, Jacob Saraullo, Regina Schroeder, Alyssa Wambold, Jenna Wandling, Ray Yedman, and Sam Zercher represented Sandburg as members of the Honors Chorus. Sandburg’s Honors Band was made up of Katelyn Grey, Eva Quici, Grace Stanley, Elaina Rivera, David Olson, Rebecca Kim, Breanna Barcay, Ben Sacks, Brian Lee, Matt Duke, Evan Kelly, Satoria Zagorski, Christina Davis, Gavin D’Amico, Mackenzie Gutherman, Chloe Samsel, Robby Sassaman, Skylar Samsel, Lydia Ermer, Patrick Drennen, and Gabby Kintzell. More than 20 of our 5th grade music students in band, choir and orchestra were selected to participate in the annual Junior Honors Music Festival. These students re- hearsed on Monday evenings in the winter and performed a concert in March with students from our sister schools at Poquessing and Maple Point middle schools, along with certain selected 4th graders from various elementary schools throughout the Neshaminy School District. All of these students were selected by their middle school Music teach- ers. The following students were a part of the Junior Honors Orchestra: Rhianna Gutierrez, Abigail Lennon, and Julianna Price. The Chorus members were: Gwendolyn Doz- ier, Vivienne Evans, Rachel Freeman, Vincent Ireland, Lana Jawadeh, Aashi Patel, Emily Smeder, and Sabrina Swope. Avery Bourse, Davis Zagorski, Evan Bauer, Jorden Fogelman, Ellis Owusu Sarfo, Stone Powell, Joseph Weagba, Madison Stockunas, Charlie Weik, Cooper Lauersen, and Tim Olson were Sandburg’s representatives in the Junior Honors Band. Each member should be proud of their hard work, talent, and accomplishments. We know Sandburg certainly is! OPPOSING SIDES - Year-Round School Resorts, Vacations, and Good Breaks Year-Round School? Not for Me! By Tyler Dowis By Rah’asia Corzen Most students that I know would disagree with the whole ‘year-round schooling To most students, year-round schooling is a bad idea. I agree with those students. Alt- thing,’ but if you really take the time to think about it, it isn’t that bad of an idea. Ac- hough year-round schooling may have longer breaks spread out throughout the year, I cording to www.screenflex.com, it would actually be more balanced. During regular don’t think it’s really worth it.. Just like over summer break, those extended breaks will still schooling, we get a summer, winter, and spring break along with a very short Thanks- involve us forgetting things. giving break. If we were to do year round schooling, we would be allowed to get more Take, for example, the recent Spring Break. I know a lot of students had a hard time frequent and longer breaks. Below is a table that shows how we would benefit from even remembering what day it was in the schedule rotation. Many of us forgot the supplies just one kind of year round schooling that is currently in effect: needed when returning from Spring Break. I believe we would do the same thing if we had three weeks off at a time. That is just thinking As you can see by the graph below, the days all add up to be the about supplies. same. Seventy-eight total days off and 180 days of learning. The only When it comes down to remembering and keeping tract of actual difference is that the year-round schooling gives us longer and more information and skills learned, it could be even worse than with the cur- frequent breaks. This leads into why the title of this article is “Resorts, rent schedule. Usually summer vacation is 70 days long. Even though Vacations, and Good Breaks”. Not many school districts in this area students forget things, as soon as we start doing review work and pre- have adopted this year round schooling program yet. If we were to tests many students start to remember what they learned in the past. adopt it, we could go on more frequent vacations and go to resorts If we have three-week breaks, it will mean having to use up time review- and other places when they are not crowded. ing what was done prior to each break. This schooling program also prevents students from forgetting The possibility of year-round school could also cause problems for things over the very long traditional 70 day summer vacation so they parents. It would make it necessary that they would have to arrange for can do better in the beginning of the next school year. On top of all of even more frequent child care. Most parents are used to the way things these amazing things, it allows for better use of the school’s space, are done now. They have already come up with arrangements for because otherwise the school would be unoccupied during the sum- someone to watch their child/ren over the summer break. Some make use of the variety of mer. summer camps that are around the area. Some have grandparents/neighbors/relatives set Standard This is not the only year-round to take care of the kids for the majority of the summer. With even the ’45-15 Plan’ shown, it Year-Round schooling program either. Accord- School would make it difficult to set up child care because it is so frequent. Most parents don’t School ing to www.nea.org, the most fa- Schedule have the chance to take off from work so often. It would also be asking a lot to have some- mous plan is the 45-15 plan. This is one else do it for them. Summer Break 60 Days Off 30 Days Off where kids go to school for 45 days If we had year-round schooling we might not be able to enjoy nice weather. If the and get another three weeks (15 breaks fall during periods of bad weather, so much for being able to get outside. As it is Schooling 70 Days Learn 45 Days Learn days) off. Regular school breaks now, in the summer we get to enjoy the sun each day its out there. If you're only off for Fall Break None 15 Days Off and holidays are still built into this three or more weeks at a time you would have to go to school during some of that summer. schedule as well. Schools also or- With the breaks that would fall during the winter, the weather could be even more of a 70 Days Learn Schooling 30 Days Learn ganize their year-round schooling problem. Snow days could still fall during the time when students are scheduled to attend (Continued) using the 60-20 and 90-30 plans. school. If plans are not in place to make up for those days, when would they be fit into the These are similar to the 45-15 with Thanksgiving schedule? 3 Days Off 3 Days Off just different numbers of the days. Break Another reason I don’t agree with the year-round school idea is that after having to be in Of course, air-conditioning in school all day during the summer months, who would want to come home and do home- Schooling 15 Days Learn 15 Days Learn schools would be a necessity with work when it is really hot? When kids get home they might also have other things they Winter Break 10 Days Of 15 Days Off any of the year-round school op- have to do with their family, so they might not even be able to go outside. tions. Most districts that currently The final reason I don’t think we should have year-round school is because it might Schooling 55 Days Learn 45 Days Learn use these schedules are set up with stress kids out more. With schooling year-round you would have work all the time and take tests which might cause kids a lot of stress. They would have to make sure their grades Spring Break 5 Days Off 15 Days Off climate-controlled buildings. Penn- sylvania heat and humidity would are constantly up, even without a break. As it is now, state testing, like PSSA’s, takes up Schooling 40 Days Learn 45 Days Learn be an issue without making this almost two weeks of instructional time. Having to prepare for them can be stressful now. If modification a reality. Since you have a three-week break in the meantime . . . I know I would stress out even more. Neshaminy is in the process of adding air-conditioning to many of its buildings, this Just surveying my own class showed very few would want to have to make the switch. I scheduling option could definitely be something worth considering. can’t see a good reason to change things. Keep it the way it is, please!

Wacky APRIL “Holidays” WHO ARE YOU CALLING A FOOL? By Alex Cherrington 2 - National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day When most people think of the beginning of April they think of practical jokes and hoaxes. Yes, I’m talking about April Fools Day - the only day when it's socially acceptable to prank people. Alt- 7 - Caramel Popcorn Day hough it’s not a national holiday it has been celebrated since the 19th century all over the world. 8 - Draw a Picture of a Bird Day Even though most people celebrate this day, no one knows exactly how or when it started. It may come from a calendar change in 16th century France when they moved New Year's Day 9 - Name Yourself Day from April 1 to January 1. The people who didn’t get word of the change, still celebrated New Year’s 12 - Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 1st. They were made fun of and called fools. According to History.com, as time has passed, peo- ple (and even businesses) began to come up with even more ‘elaborate’ tricks to play on people. 14 - Look up at the Sky Day “In 1957, the BBC reported that Swiss farmers were experiencing a record 15 - Rubber Eraser Day spaghetti crop and showed footage of people harvesting noodles from trees; numerous viewers were fooled. In 1985, Sports Illustrated tricked many of its readers when it ran 17 - National Cheeseball Day a made-up article about a rookie pitcher named Sidd Finch who could throw a fastball over 168 miles per hour. In 1996, Taco Bell, the fast-food restaurant chain, duped 18 - International Juggler's Day people when it announced it had agreed to purchase Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and 22 - National Jelly Bean Day intended to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell. In 1998, after Burger King advertised a “Left-Handed Whopper,” scores of clueless customers requested the fake sandwich.” 24 - Pig in a Blanket Day

25 - World Penguin Day There are even websites devoted to ‘how-to’s’ of relatively harmless pranks. Just remember, the key to a good prank is the word “HARMLESS.” 26 - Hug an Australian Day No one wants to be the target of any other kind - EVER! 27– National Prime Rib Day http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-fools-tradition-popularized 30 - Hairstyle Appreciation Day

Cheeseballs A very puffy, tasty treat, Here’s an example of just one of That everybody likes to eat, many we found. Keep it in mind April 17th is Cheeseball Day, for next year! Let’s celebrate in a very special way, Stuff your face with this yummy delight, http://www.boredpanda.com/ You know you want to do it so do not fight, funny-april-fools-pranks/ Let’s celebrate this lovely puff, You know that everybody loves it more than enough! By Vivienne Evans - 5th grade https://files.ctctcdn.com/7aec9f32101/c6b5ba3a-45da-4deb-af1c-fc102f216b57.jpg