ROCHESTER AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL IN THE MIDDLE

Volume 1, Issue 2 Tuesday, January 19, 2016

“Gold Finger” Comes Back to Give RASD the Golden Ball!

Inside this issue: would play in any school yard or any field that we could find. We would throw up a hat and In the Middle School 2-3 the guy that caught it got tackled. So that’s how I start- Teacher Spotlight 4 ed tackle football. I didn’t start [playing organized] foot- Students of the Month 4-5 ball until [I was in] 9th grade.” Surprisingly when In Athletics 5 asked about his proudest ac- complishment, it was not his In the Community 6-7 ring or his induc- The legendary Vito “Babe” Parilli presents the NFL Golden tion into the Patriots Hall of Football to Rochester Area School District. Just Ask Jordin 7 Fame. Rather, he stated, “I have to go back to my high By Olivia Sedell New Year’s Crossword 8 Finger”. He responded, “You school days here in Rochester. Puzzle For the 50th anniversary of know I found out about a year We went undefeated my senior Student Input 8 the Super Bowl, the NFL has ago that when my godmother year in high school and it still decided to celebrate by pre- held me for the first time she stands out in my mind today.” senting a golden football to said, ‘Look at the Babe’. And any high school that has pro- that’s how I got the name. I As the interview winded down, In the Middle News Staff duced a Super Bowl champion. never knew that [until then].” Mr. Parilli offered this bit of Sydney Bable Rochester just so happens to As for “Gold Finger”, he said, advice to our students, Bethany Barto be one of those schools. Vito “I played sixteen years of pro- “I wasn’t a good student at Jordin Noll “Babe” Parilli, a 1948 Roches- fessional football and my last Rochester and I regret that. I Nevaeh Perkins ter graduate, became a Super two years I held for the kicker. did however learn to start Olivia Sedell Bowl champion as a member I had such good holds and working at it and tried harder. Marissa Seminick of the where he since we didn’t miss many, As a result, I got [elected] into Rebecca Spratt earned a ring as backup quar- they called me ‘Gold Finger’.” the Education Hall of Fame at Amya Tigner terback for in the University of Kentucky. I Grace Vreen Super Bowl III. To honor him, Next, he was asked about think kids should learn as ear- Sasha Wade Mr. Parilli was invited back to growing up in Rochester. Mr. ly as they can to become good Rochester for a “Golden Foot- Parilli reminisced that, students and prepare them- Alexis Robison ball Celebration”. Before the “Rochester was a great little selves for later life.” Sydney Rippee celebration, our In the Mid- community. We had about Regan Valent dle newspaper staff was able 9,000 to 10,000 [people at the We in the middle school are Marra Walker to sit down with the NFL star time]. They were into football honored that “Babe” Parilli for an interview. like you wouldn’t believe. Fri- could come back to Rochester Shane Collins day nights were like Sunday and can only hope to live up to Matthew Grimes The interview began by asking afternoons in the NFL.” He his great legacy. Mr. Parilli how he earned his continued, “When I was a kid, nicknames, “Babe” and “Gold we didn’t have a football. We Page 2 IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL R.A.M.S. Christmas Dance

By Marissa Seminick and helped me find it and [later] I Grace Vreen tied the pearls onto it,” said 8th grader Hannah May. The Every year in the middle color scheme for the dance was school, we have a Christmas white, black, red, and Dance to celebrate the gold. The decoration crew Christmas season and to consisted of 6th, 7th and 8th give students a chance to grade student council mem- dress up and just have fun. bers and the decorations were This year the dance was on fleek! They worked really held on Saturday, Decem- hard to put the dance togeth- R.A.M.S. students having fun while dancing the night away ber 12th. er. at this year’s Christmas Dance. The theme of the dance was The food choices for the dance that you get to see people that song was 679 by Fetty voted on by our student were also “on point.” We had don’t usually dress up, get Wap. The last dance of the council and this year it was wings from P-Dub’s and pizza ready and prepared for the night he had everybody on a “masquerade” from Vocelli's. We also had dance,” said 8th grader Ara- the floor. 8th grader dance. Students went out cookies. For drinks, we had cely Chace. Da’Mya Lee summed and bought masks or made Hawaiian Punch and water. things up best, “The DJ masks to go along with the This year the DJ was Michael was good! The decorations theme. “After I bought my There were about one hundred Williams. He mixed up our were really pretty! The dress, I went up to Party students that attended the favorite songs and encouraged food was the bomb!” City and I matched my dance. The students that came everybody to get on the dance dress to my mask. My mom were dressed nicely. “It’s nice floor. Everyone’s favorite IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL Page 3 SWPBI Field Trip– UPMC Lemieux Center

By Rebecca Spratt and Amya than five unexcused absenc- Tigner es and tardies). The student One of the best parts of win- council originally voted to ter are the outdoor activi- go to the outdoor PPG Ice ties that come along with it, Rink, but unfortunately the such as skiing, snow tubing weather was too warm this or even ice skating. This year and the rink was not year for our School Wide frozen. Nonetheless, the Positive Behavior Incen- UPMC Lemieux Center tive, the R.A.M.S. voted to proved to be a great alterna- R.A.M.S. students were taken to the UPMC Lemieux Center tive! take advantage of one of as a reward for their positive behavior. those favorite winter activi- Before ice skating, R.A.M.S. ties. students got a tour of the choice of McDonald’s or Out of all the School Wide On December 21st, the whole facility where the Chick-fil-A. 7th grader Chris Positive Behavior Incen- R.A.M.S. went to the Penguins now Grossi said, “I liked that I tives that the Middle School UPMC Lemieux Center for practice. Students then en- got to skate with my friends, has been given, students a fun day of ice skating. joyed about two hours of and I liked the tour too.” have said ice skating at the About seventy students skating which was quite the 8th grader Caleb Smith com- UPMC Lemieux Center was were invited based on be- experience. For the not-so mented, “I liked the definitely the best. It would havior (no office referrals), skilled skaters, “walkers” Lemieux Center, the ice be hard not to agree! grades (making the honor were even provided! After skating, and the hot choco- roll), and attendance (less skating, student ate at their late!”

It’s All Fun and Games in Rochy G.A.T.E.!

By Rebecca Spratt Mindstorm competitions. Alt- Many people think that hough students are doing very G.A.T.E. is just a group of well, nobody from Rochester smart kids who only hang has placed yet. Some of our out in a room in the high upcoming competitions in- school and do their home- clude World Events, Equa- work. Actually, it is much tions and Math 24. Many stu- more than that. dents, including myself, have placed at Math 24 in the past G.A.T.E., in fact, is a class years and will hopefully place for students who excel at again this year. Rochester G.AT.E. students preparing for their next Academic Game, Lego Mindstorms! school and it provides them with challenging activities A goal for all competitors is to Of all the competitions, one The G.A.T.E. students love and competitions. These reach the National Finals. If a of our favorites is Math 24. practicing this game and competitions are called Ac- student can get into the top Students ranging from cannot wait to go to the ademic Games. Schools 15% of at least three competi- grades 4-8 can participate upcoming competition. from all over the county tions, they will qualify for in this fun game. On a send students to these Aca- nationals. Nationals are held Math 24 card are four num- Overall, Academic Games demic Games and they at a different location every bers and you somehow are a great way to learn compete for 1st place. year and consist of all of the have to add, subtract, mul- something while having fun Academic Games that have tiply, or divide them to with your peers. The Recently, students have occurred throughout the year. reach 24. The difficulty G.A.T.E. students enjoy the gone to the Propaganda, This year, the Nationals will ranges from 1 dot (the easi- Academic Games very much Mr. Presidents, and Lego be held in Atlanta, Georgia. est) to 3 dot (the hardest). and love to participate! Page 4 IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL November Students of the Month

By Marra Walker Ian is a student who likes to play the guitar and is really A student of the month is interested in music. Upon often times someone who is receiving this recognition, respectful and polite to oth- Ian stated, “It is such an ers and this month there was honor to be student of the no exception. This Novem- month.” He also offered this ber, the R.A.M.S. Students advice to future nominees, of the Month were sixth “Don’t think that you can’t grader Harley Stefko, sev- do anything that you put enth grader Ian Walsh, and R.A.M.S. November Students of the Month– your mind to.” Mr. Dinardo eighth grader Joseph Miller. Joseph Miller, Harley Stefko, and Ian Walsh stated that Ian was chosen The sixth grade teachers had in part because, “He is orga- seph said, “I am very proud student and is polite to oth- amazing and nice things to nized, very polite and is an of myself because I never ers.” say about Harley. Mr. Zieg- overall good student.” received [student of the ler said that she is hard Hard work and excellence in Joseph likes to spend time month] before in my other working, kind to others, and the classroom has definitely with his family and also en- school.” Mrs. Ranone said, her behavior is extraordi- paid off for these three stu- joys playing baseball. Jo- “Joseph is an outstanding nary. dents!

Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Haffey By: Nevaeh Perkins

This month our In the Mid- A: I like to read, shop, children.] Katelyn is 7 dle News staff sat down hang with friends, and go years old, Abby is 6 years with one of R.A.M.S.’s fa- out to dinner. old, Connor is 4 years old, vorite teachers in order to and Tristan is 2 ½ years get to know her a little bet- Q: What type of sports did old. ter. you take part in when you were younger? Q: What advice would you Q: What is your favorite give anyone going into the food ? A: I participated in basket- field of education? ball and softball. My num- A: Wedding Soup ber was #30 for both A: Education is always sports. changing, so make sure Q: Where did you attend that you want to stick with college? Q: Do you have any it. [Also you must] be will- Christmas or New Year’s ing to be flexible. A: I attended IUP. I went traditions? 7th and 8th Grade Reading- there for my undergraduate Q: If you could meet any- Teacher- Mrs. Haffey and my Master’s degree. A: During Christmas, my one, past or present, who family goes to my aunt and would it be and why? Tionesta, PA because the Q: When did you uncle’s house on Christ- kids enjoy it. start teaching here? mas Eve. This has been a A: It would have to be

tradition since I was little. someone who is historical Q: Where do you like to A: I started teaching in Au- from the past, like a presi- shop? gust of 2001. Before I start- Q: How many members dent or scientist. ed to teach here, I taught are in your family? What A: I like places where I can in southern Maryland. are their names and ages? Q: What is your favorite find [inexpensive clothes]. I vacation spot? used to go to Ann Taylor’s Q: What do you like to do A: [My family consists before I got married and in your free time? of my husband and four A: My friend’s camp in had kids. IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL Page 5 December Students of the Month the award. His dream is to By Regan Valent one day become a physicist The December Students of or electrical engineer. Evan the Month were Melanie stated that his favorite sub- Tame, Evan Lewandowski jects in school are math and and Warren White. science because they are easy for him to understand. Evan Melanie is a member of the also lives by this slogan, Rochester Marching Band. “Prepare yourself to be the She also enjoys reading and best you can be.” Mrs. Tim- writing but her favorite sub- pano stated that, “Evan is a R.A.M.S. December Students of the Month– ject happens to be science! really studious child, he al- Evan Lewandowski, Warren White, and Melanie Tame Melanie loves science be- ways follows directions, and cause it involves chemicals is kind to everyone.” and she finds it most inter- all of his homework and by and an outstanding stu- esting. Mr. Ziegler stated, Warren was also excited to not messing around in class. dent.” be named Student of the Warren is not sure what ca- “Melanie is a really hard As you can probably tell the Month. “I feel really happy reer he wants to pursue, but worker, she helps others dai- Student of the Month is a that I could receive this hon- he has an interest in working ly, and she always has a great honor to receive. huge smile on her face.” or”, he said. Warren also with cars. Mr. O'Brien stated mentioned that he is able to that, “Warren is an amazing Evan felt honored to receive keep his grades up by doing influence on his classmates

IN ATHLETICS

R.A.M.S. Boys Basketball

By Sydney Bable and Bethany

Barto to practice even harder. As far as strengths, Ameer Athletes are often reminded Dudley, their leading scorer of the old adage that and point guard, said, “I “practice makes perfect.” think we’re good on defense, This year you can be sure to rebounding, and transition- find the R.A.M.S. Boys Bas- ing.” 8th grader Isaiah An- ketball team in the gym derson offered, “[I enjoy] practicing and working hard just being able to play with in search of perfection and my friends .” Jakob Irvin, the victories that will come on the other hand, believes The R.A.M.S. 7th grade team gets instructions during a timeout from with it. the thing they need to work Coach O’Brien and Coach Gorman in a game against Central Valley. on as a team is discipline. While practicing and condi- way. When questioned work on. His favorite “Everyone plays around a tioning began in early No- why he wanted to coach part of being able to bit too much during prac- vember, the teams’ first the boys team he said, coach this group of boys tice.” He also mentioned game was on December 2nd. “I’ve always wanted to is, “helping them become that, “Everyone really gets Their season this year lasts coach a team and the better students and ath- down on each other, and until February 5th. The rec- boys had no one to coach letes.” doesn’t share [positive com- ord for the 7th grade so far is them, so I offered.” He ments] often [with each Hopefully, by the sea- 2-4 for and for the 8th grade also believes they have other]. Changing that could son’s end, the team’s it is 0-7. Even though victo- improved a lot since the really help.” hard work and effort will ries have been hard to come beginning of the season, Through all their ups and lead to even more suc- by, the team is not discour- “Every game I see many downs, Coach O’Brien and cess. Good luck with the aged. In fact, the lack of good things, but still [I Coach Gorman have led the rest of your season, boys! success has made them want see] things they need to Page 6 IN THE COMMUNITY Revis Island Foundation: “Let’s Feed the Kids” Backpack Program

By Amya Tigner no invited my family and I. It’s every child’s dream to The golf outing was hosted be able to eat everyday, but by the Revis Island Foun- some children are not able dation. The Foundation to eat on the weekends at asked if the school would home. That all started to like to be a part of the foun- change in Beaver County dation and we accepted. when Jets cornerback Dar- Then Dr. Bovalino asked if I relle Revis started the Revis would like to be in charge Island Foundation. The and I accepted. Now we are “Let’s Feed the Children here today still going Backpack Program” started strong. [Volunteers] started R.A.M.S. Student Council members Abby Pizzella and last year with the Aliquippa [packing bookbags] on the Dymoneisha Sellers packing bags for the Revis Island Foundation. School District. The founda- first Friday of October.” It tion donates food every has continued with the help throughout the year. Mrs. help each other and the week which is given to chil- of the R.A.M.S. Student Haskins continued with, community. We do it to- dren who most need it. Council. Every Wednesday a “During his bye week, Dar- gether and help the kids rotation of student council This year Mrs. Jocelyn relle Revis came and got to that can’t help themselves.” members meet in the HS see what is happening and Haskins, a cafeteria worker, So now R.A.M.S. is “In The Auditorium to work in an how it all works.” helped get the R.A.S.D. Middle” of the Revis Island assembly line to fill bags of involved. “The school got She concluded that, “There Foundation and its back- food that are distributed to invited to a golf outing and is a huge impact because we pack program. students every Friday Mr. Damon and Dr. Bovali- have a school that loves to Salvation Army Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive

started on Novem- my and his role. Mr. Swogger result, that has caused a ber 9th and ended first volunteered at the Salva- food shortage. That’s why on November 24th. tion Army for a few hours the canned goods donated The canned food each day. As he saw how by R.A.M.S. is so greatly was presented to many people needed assis- appreciated. tance, he decided to stay as a the Rochester Sal- So, are you waiting for the full time volunteer. Mr. vation Army dur- results? The Rochester Area Swogger is always looking for ing a middle school Middle School collected a ways to make the Salvation assembly held on total of 759 cans! The win- Army more productive. His Tuesday, Novem- ning homeroom of the goal for this coming year is to ber 24. The food Thanksgiving Canned Food use the food bank to benefit Rochester Salvation Army spokesman, Ron went to individuals Drive, with 169 cans more people. Although he Swogger, talks to the R.A.M.S. about the im- or families in the was...Mr. Ziegler’s home- does not get paid in terms of portance of food banks in the area. Rochester area that room! Their generosity was money, Mr. Swogger gets paid were in need of sup- rewarded with an ice cream by the satisfaction of helping By Sasha Wade port. Ron Swogger, a repre- sundae party that was held sentative who has been with others. He really enjoys being This past November, the in December. the Salvation Army for over 5 able to put smiles on peoples Rochester Area Middle years, came to the assembly faces. Mr. Swogger estimated R.A.M.S. is always happy to School held its annual to accept the R.A.M.S. dona- that the Rochester Salvation lend a hand to such a good Thanksgiving Canned Food tion. Army receives about 4,000 cause and will surely look Drive. Each homeroom in the canned goods annually. Re- forward to another success- Middle School was encour- After the assembly, Mr. Swog- cently, the government has ful canned food drive next aged to bring in cans to help ger shed some more light on stopped providing funds to year! support this drive. The event the work of the Salvation Ar- the Salvation Army. As a IN THE COMMUNITY Page 7 Rochester Community Light-Up Night By Sydney Rippee ments for the trees and orga- Brighten up your night by nized the entire event. “On brightening up the school. estimate, there were 125 This could have been the students and families [at theme of this year’s Roches- light up night],” according ter Community Light-Up to Mrs. Gorman. Night. For those that attended, This year Light-Up Night there were many things to was held on December 5th. do. The kindergarten stu- Kindergarten students sing for families that There was a lot of work put dents that were at light up attend Rochester Light-Up Night 2015. into it by many of our stu- night sang for the families dents. The high school Art and other students. When Claus, making clay ornaments This was an important event Club made the window deco- the people on hand weren’t and listening to soothing jazz because it shows how bright rations and a lot of teacher looking at the beauty of the music. There were also re- the school is and how bright helped out at the event. The lights, they were engaged in freshments such as cookies our minds are. In the end, person most responsible was other activities. The activi- and hot chocolate for every- Light-Up Night 2015 for Elementary Art teacher Mrs. ties for the families and chil- one in attendance. R.A.S.D was a success! Gorman, who made orna- dren included visiting Santa IN OUR OPINION

Just Ask Jordin– Too Much Testing??

The second testing period will test. He responded, “If we get be in February. in the right frame of mind we will improve.” Finally, we Now that you have the sub- asked Mr. Damon if he felt ject of testing on your mind, that students in Pennsylvania you might be wondering are tested too much. He of- about the PSSAs. The testing fered, “It could be worse, period for that test is April [taking the PSSA’s in] the fall 11th through 29th. Through- and again in the spring would out that period, sixth grade be too much, but just taking and seventh grade students them in the spring is okay.” will take both the Mathemat- Don’t let the pressure of testing make you frustrated. Have a ics and Language Arts tests. I believe the test scores positive attitude and do your best! Eighth grade students will throughout the state dropped take the Mathematics, Lan- because the curriculum on the By Jordin Noll year. guage Arts, and Science tests. test changed. I agree that the After coming back from First, we asked Mr. Damon amount of tests we take is rea- Christmas break we took the why we took the tests later As you may know, our school sonable in the middle school NWEA tests. In April we than usual? We took the test along with nearly every school but I do think they are unrea- will be taking the PSSA test. later than usual this year in the state, had a major drop sonably difficult and purpose- People across the nation are because the administration in our PSSA scores this previ- ly confusing. All we can do is asking, do students endure had to wait for the website ous year. We asked Mr. Da- try our best, good luck on too much testing? Rebecca to work out some kinks. Al- mon what he thought about it your tests this year! Spratt and I met with Mr. so, it is scheduled for the and how we could improve. In Damon to get his opinion on middle school to only take his opinion, the scores the subject and some details the NWEA test two times dropped because of our atti- about testing plans for this this year instead of three. tudes while we are taking the Rochester Area Middle School NEW YEAR’S CROSSWORD PUZZLE

“The Best Is In the Middle!”

We’re on the web! www.rasd.org

Upcoming Events:  Sweetheart Bingo– BY ALEXIS ROBISON February 12th Across 1. WHAT TIME DOES THE BALL DROP? 5. WHERE IN NYC DOES THE ANNUAL BALL DROP TAKE PLACE?  R.A.M.S. Ski Trip– 7. WHAT IS THE FIRST COUNTRY TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S? February 19th 8. WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON FOOD EATEN ON NEW YEAR'S?

Down 2. WHO IS THE LONG TIME HOST OF NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN EVE?  R.A.M.S. Student vs. 3. WHAT IS THE BALL MADE OF? Faculty Basketball 4. ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PARADE HELD IN PASEDENA? Game– March 17th 6. WHAT MONTH IS NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATED?

IN OUR OPINION Student Input: New Year’s Resolutions

By Shane Collins and Mat- thew Grimes

January is the beginning of a new year and many people like to make resolutions, or set goals for themselves, for the upcoming year. Here are a few R.A.M.S. students and teachers resolutions for Jonathan Azulay- To get my Rashawn Reid- To gain more Jada Jarrett- To get 2016. grades up. weight. straight A’s.

Keiondre Abercrombie- To Jasmine Mack- To be nicer to Abi Hohman- To get better at Sydney Bable- To have a be a better boxer. children. “Path of Exile.” better attitude.

Alisha Wright- To study Mrs. Timpano- To lose weight. Nevaeh Perkins- To stop buy- Mrs. Haffey- To get my more often. ing new shoes. 7th graders to mature Mikayla Bryant- To read more after Christmas break. Mr. Dinardo- To do more books. Ameer Dudley- To exercise cardio. more.