D R . M A R T I N L U T H E R K I N G J R . M I D D L E S C H O O L P A N T H E R V O L . 6 I S S U E 1 G A Z E T T E J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1

W E L C O M I N G S T A T E M E N T , O L I V I A O R M S B Y

Welcome to the January issue of the Panther Gazette. This January we are giving information on events such as NFL playoffs and new Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunities. Inside you will find current school information such as yearbook submission details and an upcoming writing contest. Here at the Panther Gazette, we strive to give accurate information and connect with the school community through writing and art, please enjoy. I N T H I S I S S U E

1 THE SCOOP 2 NFL PLAYOFF REVIEW Book review of "All the Wrong Questions: Catch up on the most recent "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" sports news and learn about the Hannah Freidman different teams in the playoffs Parim Shah

SSL OPPORTUNITIES 3 WHAT IS IMPEACHMENT? Learn how to serve the MLK community with these service opportunities. Learn about the process of 4 impeachment and what qualifies as an Katie Musick impeachable offense.

Lauren Miller

5 MAGGIE'S ART TIPS 6 PUZZLES Learn some awesome art to tips to Are you up to the test to solve this improve your digital art. brain bender? Maggie Howell Andy Sears

NJHS Afterschool Tech Help As part of NJHS's dedication to service, tech-savvy members will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm to help students with any questions regarding Zoom, Canvas, and other apps and platforms that MLK teachers are using. Support will be provided on a drop-in basis, so first come, first served. An adult NJHS sponsor will attend each session to ensure that students are supervised.

Zoom information: link Meeting ID: 868 7660 6755 Passcode: NJHS The Scoop B Y : H A N N A H F R E I D M A N

Lemony Snicket’s (aka Daniel Handler) “Who Could That Be at This Hour?”, the first book in his most recent series of books called “All The Wrong Questions,” is definitely a lot different than his previous (and my favorite) series; “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” While it can be challenging to classify A Series of Unfortunate Events to a specific genre (I can only describe it as “gothic-murder myster-comedy-drama”), Who Could That Be at This Hour can only be described as a classic mystery. The plot is much more complicated and intricate than it sounds. It’s confusing from start to finish, as most of Snicket’s books are. However, this book is still as enjoyable as it is confusing. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, per se, but it does leave you with more questions than there are answers.

As entertaining and thought-provoking as this I would recommend this book to: first book is, the general lack of answers can get People who love mystery and enjoy a bit frustrating. And to add to the confusion, it Lemony Snicket’s other books, it is felt (to me at least) slow. The ending also had a different, yes, but it still has the same lot left to be desired, though I’m sure that was air/vibe of his other series. intentional. I’m definitely going to read the next I would not recommend this book to: book to see what happens next. Someone that does not like cliffhangers. 1 Playoff Predictions N F L With all 17 weeks of the NFL’s regular season and super wild card weekend complete, the stage is set for the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. These P L A Y O F F playoffs are not like any other with only one team receiving a bye from each conference. Let’s take a look at which each matchup in what is poised to be one of the most exciting playoffs in recent memory. R E V I E W

Article by: Parim Shah

LA Rams @ Green Bay Packers (Sat 1/16, 4:35) The Rams are coming off a close win against the Seattle Seahawks with their QB situation in limbo. In contrast, and the Packers are well rested and prepared to face the Rams as the number one seed. I believe the Rams will play AAF star John Wolford if he is healthy though he probably will not be due to the neck injury he suffered Sunday against the Seahawks. John Wolford provides mobility and experience to the team. Nevertheless. I believe that the Packers will win this game if they can protect Arron Rodgers and stop the run. These are two things they were unable to do in last year’s NFC Championship game resulting in a blowout loss. Though I think they have improved getting David Baktari back and healthy and improving their run-stopping ability. This will be important against RB and DT . This matchup is the toughest possible matchup for the Packers.

Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills (Sat 1/16, 8:15)

Lammar Jackson is coming off of his first playoff win proving the haters wrong, but to really prove the haters wrong he needs to win this game. Their win against Tennessee was not very impressive however the momentum they gained will help them. Meanwhile, the Bills are coming off of a close but commanding victory against the Colts that exposed their kryptonite of not having an effective run game. This was Bills Mafia’s first playoff win in over a quarter-century. However, their pass game is enough of a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses with John Brown, Stephon Diggs, and Cole Beasley. Yet the Ravens have a great secondary led by Pro Bowler Marlon Humperhy and Veteran CB Marcus Peters along with a pair of young DBs. Nevertheless, it is still hard to stop the Bill’s offense no matter how good your secondary is. Their key to win is getting pressure on . Meanwhile, the Bill’s key to win is to get up early, force Lammar Jackson, and contain him while running. The Bill’s defense is built to do that led by All Pro CB Tre'davious White and LB Tremaine Edmunds. This matchup is the toughest possible matchup for the Bills.

Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs (Sun 1/17, 3:05)

The Cleveland Browns are coming off an impressive and shocking upset win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, I do not think they will be able to carry that momentum against a well-rested and explosive Chiefs offense. The Browns defense will have their hands full covering Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce with their young and inexperienced secondary. So if the Browns cannot limit the Chief's offense they will lose. However, they will be able to put up a good fight because of their explosive run game led by Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb. Also, they are going against a below-average run defense. Nevertheless, they still have a chance to upset the Chiefs if all goes well.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints (Sun 1/17, 6:40)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off an impressive yet expected victory against the underdog Washington Football Team. The Saints also had a similar win against the Chicago Bears. This matchup will be fun to watch with HOF QBs and great Head Coaches on both teams. However, there are a few things that need to go right for each team to pull out a win. First, if the Saints want to win this game they must get pressure on , he has been terrible against them when he has been pressured. Next, if the Buccaneers want to win they must get their offense going with Antonio Brown, Chris Godwin, and Mike 2 Evans. Lastly, the Buccaneers must protect Tom Brady and play good defense against an explosive Saints offense. Both teams will have their hands full in an exciting game. STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Montgomery County Volunteer Center: 12900 Middlebrook Road, Suite 1600, Germantown, MD 20874

1) Valentines To Families in Need: In this opportunity, you can be creative, you get 30 minutes of SSL Hours for 3 letters, and some tips are to keep the messages positive, refrain from using language around controversial topics, and share information about yourself. Also, you can use the recommended templates, feel free to use the back if the template covers the page. Drop the finished product at the Montgomery County Volunteer Center between January 18 - January 24. This is a contactless drop-off system. To learn more about this opportunity, go to this website

2) Make a No-Sew Fleece Blanket (DIY Version): In this opportunity, you get to roll up your sleeves and tie some knots as you get to make a Fleece Blanket. You can make a maximum of 2 blankets which is equal to 2 SSL Hours. You can buy a generic, neutral color theme blanket kit from JOANN’s, or Use (or buy) your own fleece and click on these instructions to create the blanket. Drop off your completed blankets to the Montgomery County Volunteer Center between January 18 - January 30 from 9 AM - 8 PM. This is a contactless drop-off system - please follow signage onsite for drop-off instructions. To learn more about this opportunity, go to this website

3) Service Projects for Middle School/High School Students: In this opportunity, Attend a meeting and complete a GBYM volunteer project to earn SSL hours. Create videos, graphic art, social media campaigns, or write letters to legislators in a virtual teacher led instruction on three available days, Tuesdays - 3:30pm to 4:00pm, Wednesdays - 3:30pm to 4:00pm, Thursdays - 4:30pm to 5:00pm. Projects are done independently and are to be completed outside of instructor time. Attending 2 meetings and completing 1 project will result in a total of 6 SSL hours earned. This opportunity will be available through May 27th, 2021. Some Requirements include that you have to be 11-18 years old, parents must sign a written agreement with the nonprofit for the child to participate, personal emails must be used, and more. To learn more, go to this website

Article by: Katie MusicK 3 WWHHAATT IISS IIMMPPEEAACCHHMMEENNTT??

1st Trump Impeachment trial Protestors at the capitol Protestors at the capitol image credit: NBC news image credit: The State newspaper image credit: CNN 5 Rules: Use the clues to solve the crossword puzzle. The circled letters will be used in part 3. PUZZLES Across 2. I cover up your hands to protect them from the cold. 4. Drink me with marshmallows to warm up! (2 words) 5. Ride me down a snowy hill to go down fast! 7. Hard snow. 8. Ice in a cone shape. 9. I am stacked from 3 parts, with my coal, hat, and scarf.

Down: 1. Wear me so you don't get water in your shoes. 3. I fall down from the sky on a cold day. 6. After coming in from a cold day, sit by me to warm up.

RULES: Escape from the maze by starting in the center and working your way out. The blue letters will be used in part 3.

RULES: Unscramble the circled letters from the crossword puzzle on the first 6 spaces, then unscramble the blue letters from the maze to complete the sentence:

Answers at the end of this issue! puzzles by: Andy Sears 6 The yearbook is a big part of middle school culture, help tell your story by submitting pictures using this form.

Make sure to change the file name of the photo to your name. (For example, Christian.Lehane.jpg.) Unsure what to write about?

Personal reflections Special traditions, How your and experiences foods, holidays, and background impacts related to your how the pandemic your daily (eg. what it cultural/ethnic has changed or is like to speak two background under affected you. languages at home, the covid-19 your family structure, pandemic. or values that impact you)

Deadline: Friday, January 29th more information?- link HEY HARMONY Get your questions ADVICE COLUMN answered anonymously by members of the Written by members of the Panther Gazette Spectrum

Have a problem? Write to Hey QUESTION Harmony and we'll respond in the SUBMISSION: next issue, remember to keep your link identity anonymous! SSShhhaaarrreee ttthhheee lllooovvveee

Valentine's Day season is here! Are you interested in writing a short story, poem, or personal narrative? Then, you've come to the right place! The Panther Gazette is hosting a writing contest with the theme of "Sharing the Love." Judges will pick 3 winners and 3 honorable mentions to win the prize of a gift card! There will be a 600-word maximum. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]. link to the submission form submission due 2/19/2021

PUZZLE-ANSWERS J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 I S S U E 1 V O L U M E 6 ISSUE MADE POSSIBLE BY:

Angela McNellage -- Sponsor Olivia Ormsby-- Editor in Chief Nicole Osano-- Copy Editor Aneri Sanghani-- Copy Editor Jocelyn Yuan-- Art Editor Allyssa Wang-- Art Editor Rithvik Kondragunta-- Tech Editor Maggie Howell-- Artist Parim Shah-- Writer Katie Musick-- Writer Lauren Miller-- Writer Andy Sears-- Writer Hannah Freidman-- Writer

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