WHO Spartan Times CLUB IS CORNER; HE? TALENT page 3 Weber Middle School, Port Washington, New York SHOW! http://schools.portnet.k12.ny.us/~spartan_times/ page 4

Weber Speller Advances To Science Olympiad Team Scripps Long Island Region Places 6th in the State Written Bee Championships! by Mrs. Portmore-Davies Congratulations are in order for Weber’s Science Olympiad Team, In December of 2008, English teachers Mrs. Portmore-Davies and Mrs. who finished in 6th place out of 38 New York State schools in the State Denise Fish initiated Weber Middle School’s 1st school –wide spelling bee. The Championship on Saturday, April 18 at SUNY New Paltz. The team won preliminary competition was a written bee that yielded 38 top spellers. After a 7 medals, including 1st place medals in Meteorology and Experimental De- month of preparation and practice, many of these spellers participated on Janu- sign. The team qualified for the State Championships in early March after ary 13, 2009 in Weber’s official Scripps Bee. Since Sydney Heiden was the placing 2nd in the Science Olympiad Regional events and winning 20 med- winner of our Bee, she went on to compete in the Scripps Long Island Region als. Team Two placed 6th and won 10 medals at this same event. Con- Written Bee on February 10th and, again, was one of the top scorers! This stu- gratulations to both teams! The team has been working very hard all year, dent competed on March 19th, at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School in the with multiple practices afterschool and on Saturdays. They are a very com- Scripps Long Island Spelling Bee Finals! Although she was not a winner in the mitted and diligent team. Weber is very proud of all the team members, Spelling Bee Finals, Weber is proud of Sydney and we congratulate her on her alternates and Coaches Mr. Grande and Mr. Buchman. excellence in spelling. For her accomplishments, Sydney was presented with the Certificate of The winner of the Excellence by School Board President Larry Greenstein at the March 17 Board of Education meeting. “Name That Snack Table” contest is.....see page 3! Th e Enright Interview : Th e Secret Life of the American Teacher Creative Arts by Cameron Appel and Julia Zeh Festival Do you ever wonder what goes on in (Blue 7 Science Teacher) Mr. Brings Out Enright’s head? There isn’t much in there, but we still wanted to find out. We visited him during our lunchtime and asked him the questions everyone wants to The Best hear answers about. Here are the questions we asked him and his well thought- in out answers. Cameron/Julia: Why did you move from your previous school to Weber? PEP students! Mr. Enright: I wanted to be closer to my home, and the class sizes were (see page 2) smaller. I wanted to really teach. I had about 36 – 37 kids in a class in my former school. I also wanted to Weber’s Drama coach. Weber’s Drama C/J: How does Weber compare to Club brings any other school you taught at? The Music Man Mr. E.: Weber is just so much The Music Man better. I didn’t have a classroom in and my old school. I was “Science on a Prof. Harold cart.” It wasn’t fun. Also, there were Prof. Harold no after school sports. (continued Hill on page 2) to Weber! See page 4 Lincolns On The Loose! (see page 3) Table of Contents Pages 2 and 3: Weber News Page 4: Club Corner Page 5: 6th and 7th Grade Happenings Page 6: 8th Grade Halls of Fame Page 7: Interviews; Opinions Pages 8: Book Reviews Page 9: Creative Artists and Writers Page 10: “An Out of This World Experience” Page 11 and Back Page: Games; Spartan Sports Reminder: Reading lists with required summer reading guidelines can be found by visiting the District Weber News website: www.portnet.k12.ny.us. Click on the “schools and programs” link, then choose “Weber Middle School.” All students may also obtain copies of grade level lists from English teachers and the Port Washington Public Library. We wish Ms. Mesa, former Social Worker at Weber, good Th e Enright Interview : luck as she returned to her position at the North Shore Family and Child Guidance Center in early March. The “Helping Each Other” Th e Secret Life of the Club, of which Ms. Mesa was the advisor, met for the final time on American Teacher March 4. Thanks to Ms. Mesa and her club members for their continued from front page community service and dedication to the “Helping Each Other” Club. C/J: How do Blue House kids compare to Green House kids? P.E.P. News Mr. E: All kids are similar. They are all funny, and they like to learn. It’s all Students have been learning about the judicial system of the United good. States. Students played the role of a jury in deciding a variety of cases and C/J: How do Blue House teachers compare to Green House teachers? began to understand how difficult it is to get all members of the jury to agree Mr. E.: See, now, that’s a touchy subject. We had the best house last year. with one another to reach a verdict. Important U.S. Supreme Court cases Mr. Joseph, Mr. Dowling, Mrs. Sanicola and I worked together for four were also reviewed, including a case which gave students their Miranda Rights years. Although, I’ve got a great group this year, too. (“You have the right to remain silent...”). C/J: Do you truly think Mr. Bass is funny? After watching the classic film, “Twelve Angry Men,” 7th and 8th grade Mr. E.: He definitely is! I’m pretty good friends with him. He’s VERY students began to prepare their own cases for a mock trial about the Lindbergh funny. He’s also witty, too. I’m sarcastic, but he’s got the jokes. Kidnapping case, known in its time as the “crime of the century.” 6th graders C/J: Where do you come up with all the things you say when you pick did their own experiments to see how differently people can perceive the same up the phone? event and how that impacts on eyewitness testimony in a trial. Mr. E.: Things just come to me. I have issues. Hey, at least I admit it! Everything I do is a joke. I was even joking on my wedding day. I didn’t (photos, below) What? P.E.P. Creative Arts know I had a microphone attached to me. So when I heard the recording, I Mrs. Meadows, was commenting on everything and everyone. When I REALLY need to be PEP Instructor and Festival serious, I pretend. Mistress of Ceremo- When? February 10, 2009 C/J: How do you rate the people in Blue 7? nies and students Mr. E.: Oh, kids are great. I like this age, even when I was in Queens. Kids enjoying the perfor- Where? A.P. Room are different, and have different cultures, but they’re kids, and you deal with mances Why? Creative, artistic them and that’s that. C/J: Why do you like to teach? expression! Mr. E.: Oh, I love what I do. I look at it this way. If you’re driving to work and you’re miserable and on the way you say, ‘Ugh, I have to go to work again,’ you’re in the wrong job. I whistle to work. I’m here early and I’m here late. Every year my lessons change, so it’s always interesting. C/J: Is it your main goal in life to torture your students? Or is that Mr. Bass’s goal? Or both? Mr. E.: I think it’s both of our goals. I guess it’s working. We couldn’t resist making our interview a little more challenging. We decided to play a “question and answer game.” Mr. Enright could only choose one answer, not both..... C/J.: Corned beef or cabbage? Mr. E.: Corned beef. Anything meat. C/J.: Notre Dame or your children? Mr. E.: (Without Hesitation!) My chil- dren. My children easily. You’ve got nerve! C/J.: Connor or Keira? Mr. E.: Ooooh, that’s not fair! It’s even. But, Keira being Daddy’s little girl, she’s got me wrapped! Of course, Connor’s my little buddy. C/J.: Shackel or Joseph? Mr. E.: Hehehe! Those two are even. They’re awesome, the best; great teachers. Even after 30 years of teaching, I don’t want them to retire. I probably lean more towards Shackel, because he’s sar- castic, just like me. But the way Joseph is with kids, he’s unbelievable. Joseph is Mr. Clean. C/J.: Shamrocks or leprechauns? Mr. E.: Oh, McMillen. That’s the leprechaun’s name. C/J.: Girls’ soccer or boys’ wrestling? Mr. E.: Hmmm. Wrestling. Yeah, I like wrestling. It’s probably more my type of sport. I jumped over to girls’ soccer. But lacrosse is my favorite! C/J.: Us or them? Mr. E.: Us. It’s always us. Hehehe! C/J.: Mets or Yankees? Mr. E.: METS! But, NOTRE DAME over all of them!

Spartan Times Staff: Editors: Luke O’Connell, Robert G., Benny Scheckner Reporters: Jesse Epstein, Jack Simon, Cameron Appel, Julia Zeh, Sandra Kumwong, Shoshanna R., Sarah S., Naomi Boico, Jamie Sall. Photo Scanner: Julia Zeh. Fun Page: Tal Oren, Faith Ausfresser. Artist: Nicole Boyd. Opinion Page: Jack Simon. Freelance Writers and Photographers: Mrs.Hall, Ethan B., Mrs. Portmore-Davies, Mrs. McAuliffe, Mr. Grande, Hanah Fagan, Mrs. Kornfeld, Holly Hubsher, Michelle Kim, Janessa Miller, Ms. Duffy,, Ms. Wright, Weber PE Department, Reed Kalash, Claudia Varner. Sixth Grade Happenings Editor: Shoshana R. Web Masters: Benny Scheckner, Iggy L. Typists: Sandra K., Mirian Molina, Cameron Appel, Julia Zeh. Creative Writing Page: Sarah Sturman. Printer:New Media Printing. Advisor: Mrs. Susan McAuliffe

Page 2 Letter From the Editors Who is Mr. Mickus? Well, we believe that there is only one way to sum up this paper and that is with a highly disciplined form of Japanese poetry: Haiku! by Jesse Aaron Epstein Enright, Kid Rock and Skiing, Bob Button, Sports pics, Mr. George Mickus (pictured, left) is Emily, Iggy! a sixth grade Latin teacher at Weber. Mr. Nothing like good haiku, eh? There are many exciting articles in Mickus has retired from full-time teaching and this edition including page 10 for Naomi’s interview with Bob Button, has been teaching at Weber, one period a day, page 9 for Sarah’s creative writing and poet of the month, Emily since 2005. Since most Weber students do Dickinson. Stop-n-Snack, Club Corner, and Halls of Fame make for a not know him, I decided to interview him. great edition. Our last edition as editors! On to High School for us! Mr. Mickus went to Fordham University for his undergraduate degree, and Yale Univer- Sincerely, Benny S., Iggy L., Luke O., & Robby G. sity for his Master’s degree. Mr. Mickus was a High School English teacher in Northport Weber STARS (Suffolk County) for the first 15 years of his Many students and staff members at Weber Middle School go through career and also taught American History for their day being respectful and caring, helping those with crutches, holding doors a short time. When Northport High School for others, helping a student who has dropped their books, or saying a gracious needed a Latin teacher, they asked him if he “thank you” to others. However, once a month, those recognized for these little was interested because he had studied Latin random acts of kindness are noted with a Weber STAR award. A Weber in College. He took a Latin refresher course and then took the position. He has STAR is a student or staff member that displays one or more of the following been teaching Latin ever since – for the last 25 years! Mr. Mickus enjoys qualities: respect, responsibility, good character, commitment to community, teaching Latin and thinks it is important because it “hooks us into the past in a academic improvement, effort, and/or exemplary behavior. way that studying history may not, because when you look at the way a lan- Every Weber student or staff member has a chance to be a Weber guage works, you understand a culture and a civilization better.” Mr. Mickus STAR! May/June STARS will be announced during the week of June 22. also enjoys teaching about Roman and Greek mythology. He believes that Congratulations to following the STARS from January, February, March and many ancient Romans and Greeks did not actually believe in the mythological April: stories, but told them generation after generation to explain science and nature before technology gave us the explanations that we have today. Grade 6: Hanthony Lopez, Iliana Ioannides, Sameer Nanda, Matheiu Guerra, Ledner Giron, Eric Klug, Jared Klug, Stephanie Martinez, Aimee Levinson , When he was in college he wanted to be a doctor, but he changed Natale Scotto, Ethan Bookstein, Alyssa Marshak, Veronica Aguirre. his mind after taking advanced chemistry, and realized that it was not his “cup Grade 7: Stephany Lopez, Aeduck Lee, Stephanie-Ann Thomsen, of tea.” Mr. Mickus then realized that he wanted to become a teacher because Elijah Wood, Chloe Margulis, Annie Kim. he had some very good teachers in the past who inspired and influenced him. But, he never thought at that time that he would ever be a Latin teacher. Mr. Grade 8: Erin Condon, Caleb Im, Robert Gray, Adam Gatehouse, Christine Mickus realized that even though you can study a certain subject in college, Corbo, Alex Zahn, Yume Morimoto, Kim Nahas, Emma Zorfass,Victoria “your career can take different, strange paths that you did not anticipate.” Mr. Bensen, Kate Fishbin, RJ Beil, Alex Zimmerman, Hanah Fagen, Ashley Ber- Mickus is really glad that he studied Latin in high school and college because it liner, Kelly McDonough, John Meyer, Daniella Philipson, Ray Illiano, Ethan gave him the opportunity to become a Latin teacher, which he really enjoys. Kerr, Eric Tiktin, Nathan Tang, Joey LaRocca, Isabella Tallarico, Aura Yanes, I asked Mr. Mickus whether the name “Mickus” derived from Andrew Cullen, Taehoon (Tony) Kim, John Blum, Ashleigh Scialo, Debbie Latin because the subject case for the masculine singular noun in Latin is “us.” Oyarzun, Luke O’Connell, Jonathan Bellon, Ali Seltzer, Patricia Hoban, He laughed and explained that Mickus is actually a Lithuanian name, and any Victoria Brown, Alex Polk, Anna Guerra, Marni Wilkoff , Gina Hernandez similarity to Latin is pure coincidence! Perez, Aaron Moslow, Andrew Cullen, Rina Suzuki, Taylor Eisenberg.

Welcome to the Stop-N-Snack! The winner of the “Name The Snack Table” contest is 6th grade Green House student Jesse Aaron Epstein (pictured, right). Jesse’s suggestion, Stop-N-Snack, will be the new name for the cafeteria snack table. The contest began with suggested names submitted by students to members of the Human Relations Club during lunch periods. The Human Relations Club then took the five best choices and included them on a ballot form distributed to all homebases the following week. After students voted during homebase, Weber’s Student Government tallied the results and the final name for the designated area was chosen. The winning name, Stop-N- Snack, will serve as a springboard for the HSA to design decorations for the space. Jesse’s winning entry, “Stop-N-Snack” will now grace the new snack space in the cafeteria to the side of the food service area.. This contest was sponsored by a combined effort of the Human Relations Club, Student Government, and the Weber Home School Association. Thank you to all who contributed to this exciting contest!

School-Wide Enrichment Lincolns On The Loose (continued from front page) Mr. Grande and Ms. Robles’ Green by Mrs. Hall House 6th graders honored Abraham Lincoln by dressing as the popular 16th President on The School Wide Enrichment group recently finished its unit on the anniversary of the popular President’s World Art. Students created Benin tapestries, which tell stories in brightly 200th birthday. 6th grade Green House stu- colored cloth, and decorated masks for Mardi Gras and Carnival. The next dent Mike Bellomo (right) celebrated the unit will focus on exploring adventures through the alphabet. Some of the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln projects that we are working on include Asian inspired jewelry boxes, butter- by creating a stove-pipe hat and beard that fly wind chimes, clay sculptures, and dream catchers. SWE meets as follows: th th th he wore to school. Most interesting about “A” days —6 and 7 grade and “B” days—8 grade (during your lunch Mike’s homemade costume is that his stove- periods). Come and join the fun. All are welcome! pipe hat contained reminder notes inside just The Math Olympiad Contest is completed. Thank you to all as President Lincoln is said to have done when who participated. Official scores and awards will be posted next month. he was our sixteenth President.

Page 3 Club Corner..... The Music Man by Holly Hubsher On February 6th, 7th, and 8th, The Music Man came to town! The audience enjoyed the hilarious lines, fabulous costumes, and the wonderful plot! In the play, a con man named Harold Hill, comes to Iowa to sell band instruments and promises to teach the children how to play them, even though he doesn’t know how to play them himself! Throughout the play, Harold meets the interesting people of Iowa, who have very interesting sayings and songs! When the town figures out that he is a liar, Harold is prepared to leave, but realizes he has fallen in love with the local librarian and refuses to leave town. As soon as the mayor finds Harold and is about to punish him, the whole town sticks up for him and he is saved! Some of the popular songs from the show include: Iowa Stubborn, 76 Trombones, and Wells Fargo Wagon. Everyone in The Music Man should be proud of themselves for putting on such a terrific, enjoyable show! Pictured, below: Cast and crew during a live performance.

Human Rela- Weber Green Update tions Club by Sandra Talent Show Kumwong Friday, Weber Green Club has April 3, 2009 changed Weber by making it “greener.” We are selling reusable water bottles that The 2009 Weber Tal- say “Go Green” on them. ent Show, A That will save a lot of en- FUNdraiser for the ergy, material, and money Lauri Strauss Leukemia in the future! If you buy a Foundation, was held commercial water bottle, it on Friday, April 3. A will add up to a lot of waste great night of entertainment was enjoyed by all! The auditorium was packed, and spent money over time! filled with excited students and parents as they watched a wide array of talented Refilling a commercial wa- Weber performers. There were singers, dancers, musicians,and even actors ter bottle is dangerous to your health because of BPA chemicals that get released gracing our stage. Also present was Mrs. Evelyn Strauss, mother of Lauri into the water. Weber Green has also distributed recycling bins for the school! Strauss and founding member of the Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation. One is for plastic and the other is for paper. Keep recycling in school and at Ms. Duffy and Mrs. Lax would like to thank the Human Relations Club home! If you did not recycle bottles, they would be in a landfill for hundreds of members for their dedication and professionalism as they ran the show. They years. Please recycle and do what it takes to save our environment. It is our would also like to thank all who supported the talent show. With your help, the responsibility to save our planet! Human Relations Club will be able to make a donation not only to LSLF, but Art Club also to the Children’s Health Fund. by Ms. Wright Weber’s Art Club meets on Thursdays from 3:15-4:15. The Art Club Student Government is open to all, and students may join at any time. During Art Club, I demon- by President Arianna Kosloff strate a suggested project, for example, plaster face masks. However, stu- dents are not obligated to follow that particular project, but can work indepen- The Student Government hosted “Spirit Week” during the week of dently, using the art studio as a resource. One group of students elected to February 9-13. Each day had a theme; students and staff enjoyed sports day, work on creating their own comic book characters, using resources such as the crazy hair day, pajama day, dress for success day, and teacher-student switch book How to Draw the Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John Buscema. Three day. During fourth quarter, we are going to use some of the money raised from students are learning new water color techniques, and a few are creating origi- pizza sales to contribute to buying new uniforms for the Weber Track Team. nal fashion designs. Some are even perfecting extra credit illustrations for their We chose the Track Team since it is both a girls and boys sport. The Student book reports. The cartoons published for the February edition of the Spartan Government will have one more pizza day for all grades as well. We are al- Times were created at our Art Club’s “free choice table.” In this edition, ways looking for new members and ideas! If you are interested, the Student Nicole’s picture of the bird on page 5 was created during Art Club. The Art Government meets on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. in Mr. Holzer’s room Club is a place for free expression and ideas; students are welcome to join us 108. anytime. No idea the students bring in is rejected!

Page 4 6th Grade Happenings 7th Grade by Shoshana Rabinowitz, 6th grade Editor HouseNews...

As Sixth Grade Staff Reporter, I visited various teachers and asked Blue 7 News them to share some of their units, projects, and class activities for quarter three. The 7th grade Blue House, under the ad- Although the classes are doing different activities, I found out that one thing is the visement of Mrs. Sanicola, and the 7th grade accel- same: quarter three was very busy for the sixth grade! erated students, under the advisement of Mrs. All sixth grade core teachers had two big events quarter three: the Kamerer, participated in a Mathathon to raise money ABT (American Ballet Theater) visitations and the Ulysses production. Stu- for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for cancer dents learned expressive dance through literature. Mrs. Sharon Frank (Green) research. The children got sponsors for solving math- did her formal Greek Debate featuring philosophy loving Athens vs. war loving ematics problems. There was over $3,000 raised in

Sparta. all to help the children of St. Jude’s Hospital. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Mrs.Cavallo’s students (Green) partici- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ pated in the River City Project. It was funded by Harvard University. Students visited com- Yellow 7 puter labs to visit the River City website. One The Yellow 7 team has had en exciting semester. The Periodic Table of of The River City Projects allowed students Elements rule in science. Math class includes an “Everything you need to to pretend to be a doctor who travels back in know before the math final (well almost)” review sheet on PEN for the final, time to cure a disease. Yellow house students and the English/Social Studies classes have been enjoying the presentations of also participated in this project as well. students who researched important figures in history such as Rosa Parks, Dian Fossey, Todd Pennington, Walt Disney, and Roald Dahl. Thanks to Caitlin’s The Grande/Robles Green Team did ex- awesome presentation as Dian Fossey, the audience didn’t go hungry as she periments in the Science lab and created Earth shared bananas as part of her presentation as the famous American zoologist! Day recycling posters (pictured, left). Brava!

Ms. Mulqueen (Blue) and her students experi- mented with chemistry and Mr. Martin’s students studied Greek philosophers. Also in the Blue House, Ms. Mulfield and Ms. McCarthy celebrated March Women’s History Month with fa- mous women scientists projects. Many of the wonderful posters are hanging in the hallway (pictured, right). Over in the Red House, Mrs. Gianatempo will be taking pictures while Mr. Smith will The Green 7 Team hallway reminds students that team- be doing projects. work, effort, and an organized weekly calendar are the The Yellow Team of Ms. Silvestri and Ms. Suk participated in the key to success! famous Olympic Games.

Constitutional Convention of 1787 Red 7 Team Reenacts History! Students wrote and delivered speeches to their classmates as delegates such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington.

Page 5 8th Grade Teams’ HALLS OF FAME

Blue 8th grade English stu- dents of Mr. Novinski cre- ated artistic interpretations of “The Hairy Ape.” (left)

Mr. Holzer’s Blue 8 Social Studies students’ work cre- ates a border around the en- trance to his door (right).

The Blue 8 integrated En- glish/Social Studies unit in- cludes research related to events during the 1980’s. Students will be researching, writing, and creating an origi- nal powerpoint that will be presented to classmates as

a final project assignment.

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GREEN 8 TEAM ACTIVITIES

Yellow 8 students of Mrs. Sims and Mrs. Manzo let everyone know that they have the blues (above) and The Green 8 team has had a very active final quarter. Mr. share their World Spotteck’s math students created “rotational symmetry draw- War I propaganda ings” in class (above). The final English/Social Studies inte- projects with their grated unit focused on research with the final presentation peers (right). being a powerpoint demonstration related to the decade of

the student’s choice.

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Page 6 An Interview With.... OPINIONS The opinions stated in this paper are strictly the views of the author Michael Szanto or authors and not the views of the Spartan Times Staff or Port Washington School District. by Shoshana Rabinowitz In A Play Kid Rock by Jack Simon After the play The Music Man, I interviewed my cousin, Michael Szanto, whose part was a reporter. He gave me a very interesting personal account of his experience performing in a play. Sixth graders may have heard me singing Kid Rock songs to myself in the halls and classrooms. Robert James, better known for his stage name Kid Q. What was it like being on stage? Rock, is a Rock’n’Roll legend. You have probably heard his most recent hit, All A. I was pretty nervous at first, but after a while I felt better because I Summer Long; however, other songs on his new hit album are Amen, Sugar, would get to show everyone that I’m a good actor. Low Life, Half Your Age and Rock’n’Roll Jesus. Some of his old school hits Q. What was it like when working with the other actors and ac- you have probably haven’t heard are Bawitdaba, Devil Without a Cause and tresses? Cowboy. He could play almost every instrument you could think of: guitar, drums and vocals. He also worked with another legend, Lynard Skynard. In 2006, he A. In the beginning it was a little difficult, but later on I got to know the released the album he had the most hits on, Live Trucker. All Summer Long other actors and actresses and became friends with some of them. was his first worldwide hit. In his own words, in one of his songs that I can’t Q. Was it difficult when it came to the singing and dancing? mention, he’s “goin’ platinum, sellin’ rhymes, he went platinum, seven times.” A. Honestly, I don’t think it was difficult because the songs were pretty That number stood a long time ago so you can trust me when I say he has gone easy to learn and the choreographers were very nice and understanding. platinum many more times than that. There are some who do not like the music They were very good dancers; they knew what to teach us. of Kid Rock, claiming it is too loud and obnoxious. One of his most famous Q. Did you like your part? albums, Devil Without a Cause, was certified eleven times as platinum by RIAA, one of the most of all time. Kid Rock married Pamela Anderson but that mar- A. It was an exciting part because I got to work with three other people riage only lasted two short months. Which I think makes it obvious that Kid (Wyn, Steven and Eric). I really thought it was not going to be a fun part, Rock can not settle down. Kid Rock, in my opinion, could be the greatest but I really enjoyed it. Rock’n’Roll artist of all time. Q. Were you already in the Drama Club? A. No, I wasn’t in the Drama Club. But now I’m starting to go. The Bog, Johnny Mosley, Johnny Witt: Great Skiiers The Rhythm of Spain by Jack Simon Most of you don’t know the famous names I have listed in my title. by Alize Margulis These two men are, in my opinion, the best mogul skiers ever. I have had the Schreiber student and former Spartan Times staff reporter opportunity to meet both of them and received an autograph from both of these greats as well. Another great mogul skier is Johnny Witt. I have had the oppor- “Ole!” yelled the sixth grade students as they clapped along to the tunity to be coached by Bruce Boleski (The Bog) and Johnny Witt. Bog and Witt castanets of the performers. On March 31, Director of the Sol y Sombra dance are retired now. They saw their coaching tradition passed on to Johnny Mosley, company, Ms. Maria Loretta and other members of the dance company per- who came to Stratton Mountain two weeks ago, signed autographs and gave a formed in the auditorium of Weber Middle School. The Sol Y Sombra dance jump session. Bruce, when he was younger, was rivals with another great, Wayne company created the image of a street scene in Spain. Ms. Maria Loretta and Wong. Bog was the first to do a 1080, which is three spins in the air, in a mogul her partner glided across the stage as the singers and guitar music drifted in the competition. In ballet skiing he was able to do an amazing 720 standing up with air. The Dance Company performed dances based on the Hispanic culture and all his equipment on. Johnny Mosley was the first to do an Iron Cross 360 in a language. Ms. Maria Loretta told the students a brief history about Traditional competition, which is one full turn in the air. The Iron Cross is when your skis are Flamenco dancing and there was an explanation of the techniques used. behind you and they make an X. He was also the first to invert in competition, “Traditional Flamenco dancing originated by the Gypsies who trav- called the Dinner Roll. Johnny, who is younger than Bog, wowed us by doing a eled to Spain. This dance was performed in the streets or Spain. It is a joyful standing up 540 right in front of us. All of these men are great skiers and role dance and is performed in time of celebration. As you all are aware, flamenco models and inspire me to ski every weekend. I hope they inspire you, too. dancing is usually performed with a singer, a guitarist, dancers and other instru- ments including Palmas (rhythmic hand clapping), footwork and castanets. The The North Hempstead Animal League dancers act like the drums, keeping the rhythm in their body to depict stories.” Needs Your Help! At the end of the performance students interacted with the perform- ers, performing a short choreography. The Assistant Principal of the Green House, by Cameron Appel and Jaime Sall Mr. Swinson, elaborated on the event. You’ve probably heard about the North Shore Animal League, but “When we looked to bring the events to Weber, several things come many people haven’t heard of the North Hempstead Animal League. The into consideration: cultural exposure, academic relevance, and an event which North Hempstead Animal League (NHAL) provides a clean and healthy place the students are able to relate to. Watching the kids’ response during the show for stray and abandoned animals. The North Shore Animal League (NSAL) addressed all three points. Teachers and students responses were positive.” and the NHAL are very similar, but the North Shore Animal League is more The Weber HSA sponsored the performance and extended the in- well-known; more people donate money and adopt pets from there. vitation to Ms. Nancy Klotz’s dance students at Schreiber High School. The There are many wonderful animals being care for at the NHAL, like performance was a connective activity to the master classes that Ms. Maria Daffy, a young terrier mix, or Noelle, a disabled dog that was picked up off the Loretta taught to each Schreiber dance class. street years ago with a slight limp and complete blindness in one eye. She has “The performance provided Schreiber’s dance students the oppor- been cared for at the NHAL ever since and needs a loving home. tunity to see a full length Flamenco performance with costumes and music; which If you want to adopt a pet from the NHAL or NSAL, talk to your reinforced the steps they learned during the master class taught by Ms. Loretta. parents or guardians because adopting a pet is a big responsibility and com- The performance was educational as well as entertaining; allowing the students mitment. You can help these animals another way: by volunteering. To volun- to experience and take part in traditional Flamenco music and dance. This was a teer at the North Hempstead Animal League, you can visit their website at unique and comprehensive learning experience for both Weber and Schreiber http://theshelterconnection.com/shelterinfo.shtml/ or call 944-8220. students.”

Page 7 Book Reviews

Yellow 8 students of English teacher Mrs. Sims contributed two excellent book reviews for this edition.

SHOPAHOLIC IN DEBT JAMES BOND TRIUMPHS AGAIN by Reed Kalash by Michelle Kim

From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming Confessions of a Shopaholic Ian Fleming does it again, in this action packed, romance filled novel. by Sophie Kinsella From Russia with Love puts James Bond right in the center of the action when he is forced to overcome his greatest challenge yet. When Russia’s counterintel- ligence agency, known as SMERSH, forms a nefarious plot against the English “OK. DON’T PANIC. Don’t panic. It’s only a VISA bill. It’s government, only James Bond can save them. With the help of a select few, a piece of paper; a few numbers. I mean, just how scary including M, an agent of MI-6 (The British Secret Service) and a Turkish spy can a few numbers be?” known as Darko Kerim Bey, James Bond must stop SMERSH at all costs. In From Russia with Love, General G of SMERSH formulates a sinister plan to not only destroy the English Government and MI-6, but James In Sophie Kinsella’s contemporary novel, fashionable and fun Becky Bond as well. SMERSH’s head executioner, Red Grant, and the beautiful agent Bloomwood is introduced for the first time. Becky wants to be that trendy, suc- Tatiana Romanova are assigned to the task of ending James Bond’s life. The cessful journalist that everyone likes. Her only problem is… she can’t afford only way to fool the English Government is to lure James Bond to a foreign anything. country that has some tie to Russia (Istanbul). With the help of Kronsteen, a When the novel starts, Becky is in her office afraid to open her master planner, and all of the other extremely sinister agents of SMERSH, the VISA bill. Becky knows that she is in debt. She has a low-wage job as a finan- odds are against our hero. When SMERSH introduces the Spektor Machine cial journalist, but she spends as much as a millionaire would spend. Becky loves (an invaluable tool used for creating and breaking codes) into the mix, the stakes the good stuff: Prada, Chanel, etc. She lives in a trendy apartment in London, only get higher. Because the book is set around the time period of the Cold which her roommate pays for. After her attempt at the lottery fails, Becky tries to War, that machine would be an extremely important tool to have. As tensions cut back on her spending with the help of David E. Barton’s Controlling Your rise a daring move is made when the Russian agent Tatiana Romanova tries to Cash. She follows his advice, but ends up spending even more than usual. run away from her home country. Tatiana knows that she would not be wel- come in Britain unless she brings an offering; she takes the Spektor Machine. After bad dates and larger VISA bills, Becky finds comfort in shop- Unknowingly MI-6 accepts. This leads to a whole host of conflict and decep- ping. Becky is so desperate that she tries to marry the fifteenth richest bachelor in tion that boosts the story into overdrive. With Russia’s plans in full effect the London. She even tries to get a second job, which she fails at miserably. Becky story only gets more and more intense. The closer “Tania” (Tatiana) gets to continues to avoid the bank by making up outrageous excuses such as the death Bond, the better the story gets. As the lies and trickery progress, the English of her dog and the acceptance of the Lord. Becky lies to the bank and her Government falls deeper into SMERSH’s web of deception and evil. With parents and she falls deeper into debt. twists and turns around every corner, and an extreme ending that will shock Kinsella tells the story from the eyes of Becky Bloomwood, who you to your core, From Russia with Love is the best Bond story yet! appears to be superficial and ignorant in the beginning of the novel. However, As the story progresses many themes emerge from the plot. The Becky grows on us and she becomes our best friend. We cry with Becky and main theme is that good will always triumph over evil. This is clearly shown in laugh with Becky. Through Becky she reveals that lying doesn’t solve your prob- every James Bond novel. Bond, the good guy, always triumphs over his adver- lems. saries, in this case, SMERSH. Even though this specific theme is easy to spot, there is a deeper, more meaningful theme intertwined in the writing. The other theme is that people can change, no matter what the circumstances, when given No matter how big your debt is, it is never too late to visit the opportunity, people can change. This is shown through the catastrophic the bank. change in Tatiana. Without this transformation, the end of the book would have been extremely different. Tatiana isn’t the only character that goes through a change. Even though James Bond has the hard exterior and does not seem to The upcoming movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic incorporates change, in every novel he changes a little bit. Whether it’s his outlook on his Kinsella’s Confessions of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. job, or his relationships with other people, the changes he goes through make Kinsella’s Shopaholic books are funny and entertaining, perfect for a movie. We the story that much better. Many people don’t think that the “007” series is full are able to see Becky Bloomwood come to life and change before our eyes. of life lessons and morals, but if you really look, you can find them. The themes Becky has that reality TV show life that everyone can be interested in because of Ian Fleming expresses are not that of many other books, but all of his themes her dramatic responses to her problems. are crucial to the plot of this story and every other James Bond novel he wrote. In the beginning and middle section of this book Kinsella introduced Every book in the James Bond series is phenomenal, but I think us to Becky Bloomwood. Kinsella took her time getting to the main conflict. that compared to all of the rest, From Russia with Love was rather lackluster. Throughout the book, we got to know Becky through her small conflicts and In this novel, Ian Fleming uses extremely descriptive and very specific details, how she handled them. The whole novel was Becky’s conflict, but there was no which makes the story a slight disappointment and rather dull, but at the same resolution until the very end. Becky’s life was so elaborate, but the ending was time paints a terrific picture in your mind. Every scene, every building, it’s as if rushed and everything happened very quickly. Confessions of a Shopaholic you’re there. Mr. Fleming’s writing style is rather dark and mysterious, but at was fun and easy to read, and seems like the perfect book to turn into a movie. the same time uses clever plots and sequences to keep the reader interested. Becky has that fun, attractive personality that you can definitely connect to. Becky From Russia with Love is not the best book for a reader looking for a non- is so overwhelmed with her problems we have to laugh at how she handles some stop action filled, shot em’ up kind of novel, but for someone who is interested of them. Witty and charming, Becky Bloomwood will capture your heart from in a fantastic drama and a suspense filled novel this is the book for you. To the very beginning. date, Ian Fleming is one of the best action writers in the world, and I do not think that there will ever be a novel series that could hold its own next to the “007” series.

Page 8 Creative Artists Creative Writers Horror Story 2009 by Sarah Sturman Weber Middle School hallways are awash in creative Addie is brave. Going inside. Someday she’ll get herself blown up, projects, drawings, and take the world along with her. Carrie hesitates, follows. Honestly, those two and writings. Although are gonna end up in a real jam someday. A scream. Another. A moan. I stand up each and every hall- and click my flashlight on. A raspy voice calls out my name. way is alive with the “Elizabeth?” personality and talents I freeze. of the student work, in “Who’s there?” this edition of the My voice comes out like a squeak. Times, we have cho- “Elizabeth Monterell.” The raspy voice again. “Elizabeth. You are -” The voice sen the “I Pledge” stops short, followed by another moan. quilt by art 7 stu- “Addie?” I call, my voice still like a mouse. “Carrie? Meryl? Hanna? Ivy?” dents of Ms. Schrauth displayed in the art hallway to highlight. Something click-clacks against the stone floor. Inspiration for the creation of this quilt (above) by Weber Middle “Ellie?” School’s seventh grade artists came from historical figures during Black History Meryl! I’ve never heard anything so comforting in my life! I almost fall over month and from Barack Obama’s Inaugural speech in which he asked all Ameri- with relief. Luckily, Meryl supports my back with one hand, carrying her cans to “summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility...where each of us flashlight in the other. resolves to pitch in, work harder and look after not only ourselves but each “Where is everyone?” she asks. Her tone is worried. “I...um... uh...... well, other.” These words became motivation for students, as each was asked to Addie went off into the-...... over there.” I gesture towards the place where I formulate a pledge that would guide him in becoming a positive role model for had last seen my two comrades. change in his family, school community and country. Famous individuals in “What!?!” Meryl cries. Black History studied for their courage and strength of character such as Harriet I can almost feel the grief in her heart. “How...who...wait. Then Carrie’s over Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes and artist Faith Ringgold. there too, huh?” The artistic style of Faith Ringgold was the model after which this quilt was I nod. designed. African-American artist and author Faith Ringgold was born in Harlem “What did you hear?” Meryl asks, her voice suddenly quiet and hopeful. “Tell in 1930 and is best known for large painted “story quilts” using a variety of art me!” “Screams. Two. Then...” my voice trailed off, leaving me about to cry. materials including acrylic paint, canvas and fabric. As in Ringgold’s quilts, Meryl comforted me, wrapping me in her arms. Weber students incorporated images and words within the quilt design. Our “I “I see.” she sighed. I finally mustered up the courage to ask where Hanna and Pledge” quilt is a motivational art piece for all to share. Ivy were. Meryl told me the same sad news. Viewers may be motivated to ask themselves, “What pledge will I make “I only heard one scream, though. I didn’t hear any moans, either.” She was in order to be the change that President Barack Obama spoke about?” blanketed in darkness, only her face glowing dimly from a strand of moonlight that had crept into the room. “They were excellent girls.” I murmur. Meryl’s face suddenly turns angry. Poet of the Month “And what makes you think they’re gone?!” She practically shouts. “Meryl, no!” I cried. I still haven’t told her about the raspy voice! Too late. by Sarah Sturman “Well, well, well” it chuckles. “What have we got here?” I glimpsed two Emily Dickinson yellow eyes, gleaming like stars in the blackness. Meryl shines her flashlight on what she thinks is the body, trying to see if she knows it. Oddly enough, there (1830-1886) is no body. Meryl’s flashlight reveals just sticks for everything. A live stick Short Biography: figure. Better than a zombie. “Ms. Meryl and Ms. Elizabeth.” The voice could be male or female. “What a Emily Dickinson, regarded as one of America’s greatest poets, is also well known treat.” A low shuffling sound goes around us. Feet. I feel as if my body was for her unusual life of self imposed social seclusion. Despite liiving a life of sim- being searched, down to the nearest bone. It found what it’s looking for. I slip plicity and seclusion, she wrote poetry of great power; questioning the nature of the knotted bracelet off and close it into my fist. immortality and death, with at times an almost mantric quality. Her different lifestyle “Elizabeth...we both know what I need. Make this easy and hand it over.” created an aura; often romanticized, and frequently a source of interest and specu- Meryl gasps. “No. You didn’t!” she says, astonished. “I did.” I whisper “and I lation. But ultimately Emily Dickinson is remembered for her unique poetry. Within don’t regret it.” The shuffling comes towards me. I feel a cold breath down my short, compact phrases she expressed far-reaching ideas; amidst paradox and neck. I shiver. Something brushes against my face. Something hard. Almost uncertainty her poetry has an undeniable capacity to move and provoke. like a bone. Biography Reference: http://www.biographyonline.net/poets/ A stick! “Ellie...” I hear Meryl’s voice whisper. “...Help...?” She says, her emily_dickinson.html voice barely audible. I feel my wrists being clamped in hands – stick hands. I One of her Most Famous Poems: hear Meryl scream, right beside me. My mind shouts NO! OH GOD, NO!! I find the strength to wrench free of my captor, grab Meryl, and run out, my new I’m nobody, Who are you? comrade slumped in my arms. Once on the street, I stop and catch my breath, Are you nobody, too? horrified, waiting for the moan to come. Headlights. A car. BIG mistake. Then there ‘s a pair of us — don’t tell! It’s Mr. Myron. They ‘d banish us, you know. Oh god, save Meryl. How dreary to be somebody! Save me! How public, like a frog To tell your name the livelong day All names and characters in this story are fictional. Any relation to a per- To an admiring bog! son, living or dead, or animal is STRICTLY a coincidence. A few Quotes: “ I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves gong to heaven.” Are you a writer? Would you like to have your “The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experi- written work published? If so, please submit ence.” your original creative writing story or poetry to “There is no Frigate like a book to take us lands away nor any courses like a the Spartan Times mailbox outside of room 7 (A.P. page of prancing Poetry.” Room hallway).

Page 9 An Out of This World Experience by Naomi Dominique Boico “May the wee ones ride with you, John.” Tom O’Malley as he launched John Glenn in 1962 Three Purple Hearts earned during the Korean War, a hijacked Lunar Module from the World’s Fair; a nomination for an Academy Award, writer and a news reporter. Who is this man you may be asking yourself? Well, that’s Bob Button for you. He is a man with no ordinary life. Button accom- plished many things that are part of American history. Here is the life of a pilot who has a story. I went to meet Bob Button (pictured left) and his wife Regina at their friend’s apartment in Midtown Manhattan. When we walked in, we were greeted by Bob with a warm smile, a steady voice and a sharp mind. Then we sat down and started talking. Bob Button served in the Air Force when it was still called the Army Air Corps. He moved from place to place quite a bit, but was Another part of Button’s job, when he wasn’t in charge of the news also stationed not far from here, on an air field which was called Mitchell Field, center, was working at the PAO console in Mission Control, where he was and which stood on the grounds of what is now the Cradle of Aviation Museum. called the “Voice of Gemini Control.” He would work there during missions. Then came college, and an English degree, which explains his enthusiastic writing It was a far cry from the block house days at Cape Canaveral where the launch and facility with words. He experienced several colleges, one of which happens conductor, Tom O’Malley, an Irish man, pushed the button that launched the to be Midwestern University lo- Friendship 7 spacecraft that carried John Glenn, the first American to orbit the cated in Texas. He became a news earth. Just a month earlier NASA launched an unmanned Mercury-Atlas rocket reporter for all kinds of news about that exploded 42 seconds later in front of the eyes of everyone present, including aviation. He was still a reporter the astronaut Alan Shepard, who said to Button: “Well, there’s a confidence when NASA began launching their builder for ya!” Button turned to me at that point in the interview and said in a first rockets into space. Since the very somber voice that astronauts did not fear death and that “the one thing they next step in aviation was space ex- were most afraid of was messing up a mission.” ploration and travel, Button began writing about it. Button made con- Button was also part of the team that made a movie Friendship nections with people from the Seven. The movie is 58 minutes long. Button was the second writer and the space industry. “…and the next researcher. Being the researcher, he got to watch every space mission, including thing you know is that I was in- John Glenn’s. He also had to travel all around the world to different tracking vited to go work for NASA.” Well, stations in order to shoot certain scenes for the movie. After a lot of hard work, sort of. Button made a film about the movie was complete. The film was nominated for an Academy Award. The the original seven Mercury astro- story goes that Jack Warner, of the Warner Brothers, did not want the film to be nauts picked by NASA in 1959 nominated, but the Academy Awards committee insisted that they would not out of 69 candidates, to fly on take a good film off the nomination list. I mentioned the movie The Right Stuff to manned spacecraft. His research Button. It’s a famous movie about those original seven Mercury astronauts from on the subject was so extensive that he caught the eye of NASA who thought he the time Button worked for NASA. Button didn’t like the movie. He said that had great knowledge of their space programs and was asked to come work for there is not a lot of accurate information about the astronauts that one can learn them as a Public Affairs officer in 1960. from the movie. When it comes to space movies, there’s no doubt that Bob Button is a good critic!! “Oh, yes! There IS a difference between Public Affairs (PA) and Public Relations (PR), you know!” says Button right away in answer to my During our interview, I was told about the landing on the moon. question, and continues, “PA is what the public and press need to know. Button said that it just so happened that the hatch to the vehicle opened inward, Business, movie-making and even organizing educational school programs are and because of how the two astronauts were situated inside and the lack of also a part of Public Affairs. Public Relations is more political in nature – they space to maneuver, it was Neil who made it out first and therefore the first man have a goal to accomplish; a product to sell.” Now that Button got that job, he on the moon. Another interesting story was that before countdown, every per- had to deal with the astronauts. He would plan press conferences that the son in charge of something specific is asked whether they are a “go.” It’s only astronauts would need to attend, and schedule any other events that the after everyone gives their “go” that a countdown can begin. One person noticed astronauts needed to be involved in.Since these were the famous original seven a pressure problem and called for a “hold.” The launch conductor decided to astronauts – Carpenter, Cooper, Glenn, Grissom, Schirra, Shepard and “scrub” (cancel) the mission. At that point, all of the reporters present “ran for Slayton – they were in high demand to be interviewed, which caused a lot of their cars, and were out of there in a split second” as Button recalls. But Button tension and stress. NASA eventually decided to let the press have one day out asked the reporter Walter Cronkite to stick around for a while and see what of the week to talk to the astronauts. Friday became the press day, “…and I happens next, because scrubbing a mission that costs millions of dollars is not had to be strict with the astronauts who always wanted to escape the press easy. What happened next is that Werner von Braun, the man who built the day!” says Button. Saturn rocket, stormed inside Mission Control to find out why the mission was called to scrub. He was told that there was a pressure leak. When asked for the After the Mercury missions, Button became the go-to person for “rate of the leak.” Button was told, “the leak would give us problems only a the Gemini missions – the first missions to send two astronauts together into week and half from now, when the mission would be long over! Resume the space. His job was not only representing the astronauts, but also to be in charge mission!” Walter Cronkite wasn’t the only news reporter that covered that mis- of the news center, alternating with the other Senior Public Affairs Officers. He sion but his TV Network was the only channel to broadcast that unmanned would be in charge of the place in Houston where the reporters would go to get launch. the details of a current space mission. A new press site was also built at Cape A long time before Button was associated with NASA, he was a Canaveral around the time of another Apollo/Saturn rocket launch. That press soldier and received three Purple Hearts. A Purple Heart is a prestigious award center was built about 2 miles away from the launch pad. Button described this received by a solider of the United States who is wounded in action. The last “center” as no more than a small area with only enough space for each reporter Purple Heart was received because while he was calming down a scared new to write things down on a pad, like covered bleachers with a slanted iron roof for soldier and telling him that the bombs have been falling far from where they were the rain to wash off. “It was like a Gypsy camp” Button commented on the new standing, a bomb happened to land next to them, sadly killing the young soldier press site – a far cry from today’s press center at Kennedy Space Center, which and badly injuring Button. he described as a small city made up of permanent mobile homes. He remem- bered how several seconds after the launch, the sound and shock waves would Bob Button was a fascinating person to interview and an even arrive at the covered press bleachers. He still remembers how impressive that more amazing person to just meet. He accomplished so much in life, and all on force was! (That experience must have been a front pager!!) his very own. I would love to get together again with him sometime. I mean, come on! He is a pilot with a story! Fun and Games More Spartan Sports Six Mix, the Puzzle by Faith Ausfresser Six Mix Dances were fun! Although we had our last Six Mix Dance last month, we can relive the memories with my puzzle! Can you find the words listed below in the puzzle? GOOD LUCK! IRMUSICOCBLLFSL OAL OUDI EI OA L R S S SPLI PCRAZYPRI AE IAUOI AEFRSRCDYC AEE U F RD I S CO B A L L PPD A UDN VHHOY Y Z U GRE E NAWES OME C U G I EI P LNL DECP L S S L I TS GYCX ORRA L GD B DZI T GI R LS RR O V R A Above: Mr. Enright’s 7th and 8th grade LEN X ENB LUET WI MS ELGMLGHAPPYCRI S Boys’ Wrestling Team DSI XTHGRADEOMPP SSNACKSSI XMI XRZ ODGAI DEI OXLDOTI A P ROOM AWESOME BLUE BOYS CRAZY DANCING DISCO BALL FIVE DOLLARS FRIDAY FUN GIRLS GREEN HAPPY ID CARD LOUD MUSIC PRETZELS RED SINGING SIX MIX SIXTH GRADE SNACKS YELLOW

TAL’S RANDOM PUZZLE by TAL What’s so great about organized categories? I think you will like this random puzzle I created. The words are not orga- nized; they are random words that are not connected to each other in any way (unless you want them to be). The word list is below the puzzle. Good luck finding my random words. Above: Mr. Shackel’s 8th grade Girls’ O Z Q N N S D X L R J E Basketball Team N O D W E R I O I O Z C O R A N G E O S Y S H N C I S U M H U C T A K E P O U X C E E Q P E B I E T N S G S F P H O R C N F H E Z U Y D E R P S C I A R S O R U L E R W I V D E E H G F E C A R L E M O T E O P I N K F S A W A O U L P I G N U Above: Seventh Grade Girls’ G T M B R G M Y G W L N Volleyball Team Spring Sports Updates* Word List Mr. Spotteck and the 8th grade boys’ base- ORANGE PENCIL PIG PINK POPCORN QUEEN ball team finished with an 8-4 final record. RACE RED RULER SAD SCHOOL SCIENCE SISTER SIX THREE TWO FIVE FOUR Weber Gymnastics did an amazing job this FUN GAMES GOOD GYM HAPPY HOUSE season with 8 wins and 2 losses! JOY LOG MATH MUSIC ONE *available updates as of this printing

Page 11 Spartan Sports

Congratulations to all Winter I and Winter II Sport Teams! All team players and coaches represented Weber with sportsmanship, pride, and an excellent attitude. As of this edition’s printing, Winter sports have commenced and Spring Sport Teams have begun. Good luck to all! If you did not have a physical at Weber on June 4 or June 5, you must make an appointment to have a physical with your pediatrician if you are entering grade 7 or planning on playing on a school sport team next year.

Coach Park and the 8th grade Girls’ Volleyball team Above: Mr. Shackel’s 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team

Above: 7th grade Girls’ Volleyball team with Coach Regan Above: Mr. Cain’s 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team

Above: Boys’ 7th Grade Volleyball Team Above: Boys’ 8th Grade Volleyball Team with Coach Park

PORT WASHINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Physical Education Students of BOARD OF EDUCATION 2008-2009 the Month Lawrence Greenstein, President Each month the Physical Education Department gives deserv- Karen Sloan, Vice President ing students a “Physical Education Student of the Month” Award. Each Sandra Ehlich, Dr. Roy Nelson, Jean-Marie Posner, Robert Seiden, Susan Page Sturman student’s name is announced during homebase announcements, a certificate and t-shirt are awarded, and each student’s name is prominently displayed Geoffrey N. Gordon, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, near the gym. Congratulations to the following Weber students who re- Nicholas A. Stirling, Ph. D., Asst. Supt. for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment ceived a Physical Education Student Of The Month award: Kathleen A. Mooney, Asst. Supt. for Human Resources and General Administration Mary M. Callahan, Asst. Supt. for Business Blanca Leiva Caroline McDermott Administrative Offices Kim Suzzan Alyssa Lugo 100 Campus Drive, Port Washington, N.Y. 11050 Thomas Greenstein Ezra Hyman www.portnet.k12.ny.us