Winter 2016

Meet our Presidents Editor in Chief By Katharine S. Mysteri- We didn't want to Katharine S., Sixth Grade make other people feel Question: Why did you Who runs the world? guys want to become the Girls! Who runs the student body president? school? Girls! Or at least Maxine-We wanted to be- this trimester. Each tri- come student body presi- mester Laurence students dent because we wanted are given numerous elec- to take a leadership role. tive options . One of the Mysteri- Also, we have many options is Student really good ideas for be- Council. Student Council ing great presidents. is an elective where stu- dents are able to brain- Question: So far, do you storm and apply ideas, guys enjoy being presi- Editors aiming to improve our dent? school and community. bad, so we didn't freak Mysteri and Maxine -Yes, Sam C., Sixth Grade Are your ready to discov- out. But inside we were we love it! freaking out! Milla H., Sixth Grade er who our new presi- dents are? Drumroll Maxine- We were like Question: What do you please. And our student “YEAH! We got presi- think your best idea is? Newspaper Reporters body presidents are… dent!” Mysteri: Our best idea is Maxine Z. and Mysteri G. probably Book a Bagel. Question: What changes Maya K. , Third Grade Both girls are sixth grad- Bring a book in exchange ers who are determined to are you planning to for a bagel! Kate K., Third Grade make Laurence the best make? Stella B., Fourth Grade school it can be! Obvious- Mysteri- We’re planning to Natasha C., Fourth Grade ly it is our job at the Light- make, like you know how we have Buck a Bagel, Davis M., Fourth Grade ning Striker to get all the latest news for future we’re planning to make a Ben S., Fourth Grade plans here at Laurence, Book a Bagel, where in- Eric V., Fourth Grade so we asked the new co- stead of bringing a dollar, Shayna B., Fifth Grade presidents a few ques- you bring a book. Maxine- And also, we’re Estella F., Fifth Grade tions! thinking of doing a “Rest Looks like our future here Question: What was your and Recharge” day each trimester. It’s a day where at Laurence is in good Faculty Advisor reaction when you guys hands! found out you were presi- we don’t get homework, Mrs. Milman dent? so we get to relax and hang out with our family.

Page 2 Volume 8, Issue 1 Ja Some Unknown Facts about Laurence’s New Faculty By The Lightning Striker Staff to show his class, and forgot to take 5. The animal Ms. Levine is most like Edited by Sam C. and Katharine S. it home. The next day it was gone. is her dog, Curly. 5. If Mr. Mastin was an animal he 6. If Ms. Levine could live anywhere she would live on the beach because Each year our community grows and would be a lion or a bear. changes with the addition of new stu- 6. If Mr. Mastin could only see one she loves the sound of the waves. dents, faculty and staff members. color for the rest of his life it would 7. If Ms. Levine could only see one Each person brings something be purple. color for the rest of her life she would unique and special to our communi- 7.Mr.Mastin’s guilty pleasure is Haa- see purple because it is her absolute ty. However, while we know our gen-Dazs ice cream. favorite. teachers as Ms. or Mr., we don’t al- ways get to see them in a different Art Teacher Ms. Lu light. Well, now you can! Here at The Lightning Striker, we asked our By Katharine S. and Shayna B. teachers questions so intriguing, and 1. Ms. Lu hasn’t ever been mischie- vous, instead she focuses on creativi- what’s even juicier, is that most of them answered our questions. Spoil- ty, once making a table out of logs! er Alert: The faculty we interviewed 2. If Ms. Lu could only eat one food were Principal Mr. Mastin, Office Co- for the rest of her life it would be su- ordinator Ms. Levine, and teachers shi Ms. Palmeri, Ms. Muir, Ms. Bruns, Office Coordinator Ms. Levine 3.The strangest pet Ms. Lu ever had Mr. Angeli, Mr. Woolner, and last but By Kate K. and Maya K. was a rabbit. not least Ms. Lu. We asked them 4. The worst injury Ms.Lu ever had some intriguing questions that we Although Ms. Levine is not new this was when she almost froze her toes hope will help you get to know them year, we thought you’d like to get to off in a pond. all a little bit better. know her better! 1.The most mischievous thing Ms. 5. If Ms.Lu could be any animal it

Levine has ever done is hide peo- would probably be a cute puppy. Principal Mr. Mastin ple’s objects without telling them! By Katharine S. and Estella F. 2. If Ms. Levine had to eat one food 1. The most mischievous thing for the rest of her life, it would be Mr.Mastin has done is fill a student’s strawberries because they are deli- locker with confetti on April Fool’s cious. day. Unfortunately, he ended up hav- 3.The strangest pet Ms. Levine has ing to clean up the bits of the confetti ever wanted is a little monkey be- blast by himself! cause she thinks that they are super 2. If Mr. Mastin could only eat one silly and sweet. Also, they’re very 6. If Ms. Lu could see only one color food for the rest of his life he would cute! for the rest of her life, it would proba- eat tapioca pudding or mac n cheese 4.The worst injury Ms. Levine has bly be sky blue because it is a calm- because it is his comfort food. ever sustained was that she hurt her ing color. 3. Mr. Mastin’s college girlfriend got back badly. 7. If Ms. Lu could only eat one food it him two chipmunks. Shortly after, would be ice cream food. the cage fell over and killed one, so the other died of sadness. 4.While directing a school play, Mr. Fourth Grade Teacher Ms. Palmeri Mastin fell off the stool and hurt his By Davis M., Ben S. and Eric V. elbow so badly he had to get a plas- 1.The most mischievous thing that tic elbow. The surgeon asked Ms. Palmeri has ever done was wait Mr.Mastin if he wanted his real el- by the bathroom door while her bow, and then handed it to him. brother brushed his teeth, and then One day he brought his elbow bone when he opened the door she’d

Page 3 Volume 8, Issue 1

7 Unknown Facts about Laurence’s New Faculty (Cont’d) scare him! Music Teacher Ms. Bruns 2. Ms. Palmeri’s favorite food is By Shayna B., Estella F., and baked ziti. Katharine S. 3. The strangest pet Ms. Palmeri has 1. The most mischievous thing Ms. ever had was a Hermit Crab! Bruns has ever done is sneak into a Spin Doctors’ concert that was sold out.

2. If Ms. Bruns could only eat one food for the rest of her life, she would eat Parmesan cheese because Performing Arts Assistant/Scenic it’s delicious. Designer Mr. Woolner 3. The strangest pet that Ms. Bruns By Kate K. and Maya K. has ever had was a corn snake. 1. The most mischievous thing Mr. 4. The worst injury that Ms. Bruns Woolner has ever done is trick his has ever had was a fractured spine 4. Ms. Palmeri’s worst injury was get- brothers. caused by a skiing accident. ting hit by rocks on her head! Ouch! 2. If Mr. Woolner could only eat one 5. If Ms. Bruns could be any animal, 5. If Ms. Palmeri could live anywhere, thing for the rest of his life, he would she would be a chimpanzee. she would want to live in London. eat yogurt because he likes making 6. If Ms. Bruns could see only one it.

color for the rest of her life, it would 3. The strangest pet Mr. Woolner has First Grade Teacher Ms. Muir be green. ever wanted is a sugar baby (a tiny By Kate K. and Maya K. 7. Ms. Bruns, guilty pleasures are marsupial) because he saw it in a 1.The most mischievous thing Ms. teen T.V. shows such as Vampire Dia- newspaper ad and it looked cute. Muir has done was sneak downstairs ries. 4. The worst injury Mr. Woolner has in the middle of the night and eat ever had is when he fell off his bicy- delicious chocolate chip cookies. cle and hit his side. 2.The animal Ms. Muir is the most 5. The animal Mr. Woolner is most like is the majestic unicorn. like is a sea otter. 3.If Ms. Muir could live anywhere, 6. If Mr. Woolner could live any- she would like to live in a Redwood tree. where, he would live in Monterey Bay 4.If Ms. Muir could see only one color because of the sea otters. the rest of her life, she would like to 7. If Mr. Woolner could see only one see pink. Third Grade Teacher Mr. Angeli color, he would see green because By Kate K. and Maya K. everything that is gross is green. 1. The strangest pet Mr. Angeli would like is a Madagascar cockroach be- cause it’s cool. 2. The most mischievous thing Mr. Angeli has ever done was steal his

friend’s lunch. 3. If Mr. Angeli could eat one food for the rest of his life, he would eat sushi because it’s yummy. 4. The animal that Mr. Angeli is most like is a llama.

Page 4 Volume 8, Issue 1 Ja Journey to By Milla H. The water is super beautiful, and served cold. Vegetables can be add- there are many fish. If you and your ed. The Spanish usually add basil. It My Journey: family are thinking about where to go is served in Spain and on the border This summer, I went to Spain includ- this summer, you should consider of Portugal. ing Barcelona, Ibiza, and Formentera. going to Spain. Barcelona was really pretty. There were many shops. There were big Popular Food: Seafood streets and little alleyways. There They eat lots of seafood, mostly be- were huge apartments and little Paella is an internationally-known cause Spain is near the ocean. There houses. People rode bikes and drove rice dish from Spain. It originated in are many different dishes of fish. For cars. Many things were going on. My the fields of a region called Valencia example in the paella they use family and I went to see Gaudi's fa- on the eastern coast of Spain. Today shrimp, shellfish, eel, fish, and squid. mous architecture, and Additionally, they eat lobsters, beautiful houses. Gaudi clams, oysters, and crabs. is one of the greatest architects that ever Fun Facts: lived. He created houses *La Tomatina is a traditional cele- that were very different bration where people come on the than your regular house. streets and throw tomatoes at He has created church- each other. es with huge stained *Two Roman dams in Spain are glass windows. We also still used today after 1900 years got to go on a sailboat. *There is a zip line connecting We got to jump off and Spain and Portugal that lasts sixty snorkel. The beaches seconds. paella is made in every region of have white sand and the water is *The youngest king ever was Alfonso Spain, using just about any kind of warm. We went to a beach with a big the XII of Spain, who was announced ingredient that goes well with rice. rock and we swam out to it, and dove king the day he was born. There are as many versions of paella off. They sold ice cream everywhere *Nowadays five languages are spo- as there are cooks. It may contain too including on the beach, and on ken in Spain: Galician, Portuguese, chicken, pork, shellfish, fish, eel, the streets. The ice cream was really Spanish, Basque, and Catalan. More squid, beans, peas, artichokes or good. It was soft serve, and they add- people in the U.S. speak Spanish peppers. ed a lot of toppings. If you ever go to than in Spain.

Spain, you should go to Formentera. *Spain's national anthem has no If you go, you should go snorkeling. words. A soup with a base, usually

Punny Puns By Shayna B. flag, or sew it seams. coat racks. The brown hat said to 3. To write with a broken pencil is the pink hat, “I’ll stay here, you can go on a head.” Mr. Mastin shares puns with the pointless. staff every Thursday, but we 4. Are you having fun with the laun- 8. What do you call an alligator that thought the students would like to dry? Loads. is a detective? You call him an in- vestigator! read some as well! Here are some 5. I was wondering why the ball funny puns that we hope will tickle was getting bigger. Then it hit 9. What did the baby corn say to your “punny" bone. me… the mommy corn? “When is pop- corn getting home from work?” 1. I used to be a banker but I lost 6. When the duck read the pun, he interest. started “quacking” up. 2. Betsy Ross made the American 7. Two hats were sitting on the Which one is your favorite?

Page 5 Volume 8, Issue 1 Ja London and Paris! Fun Facts, Recipes, and Sites!

By Estella F. classic but delicious and mouth- The most famous French fashion watering chocolate sponge cake. The designer is Coco Chanel. She was a recipe for this delicious cake re- From Southern California’s sunshine big influential icon in the 1900’s. quires 2-4 eggs, about a cup or 2 of to the streets of London and lights of flour, 55g of cocoa powder, sugar, Paris, this is Estella F. report- ing. London is amazing. It’s rich in and unsalted butter. its culture, diversity and much more. Over the summer, I went to London so I’m the perfect person to tell you all about England’s capital! It’s known as, “The Walking City,” and the city with some of the world's most known landmarks! Keep read- ing to learn more about London and more about the city of love, Paris! London is also known for some amazing sights. When I went, I saw The Crown Jewels, Buckingham Pal- ace, The London Tower, and so many more! The most incredible landmark was Buckingham Palace! Queen Eliz- abeth stays there during the sum- This trip was one that could never be mer. Buckingham Palace has been replaced. I had a splendid time, and standing in London for 312 years, this will be something that I will re- with 775 rooms all built in 1837. member for a lifetime! I definitely Buckingham Palace was probably recommend this trip to anyone who the most exciting sight on my trip. has the opportunity to go to Paris When I hear the word, Paris, I think and London. My favorite city was Par- London has so many famous foods. of The Eiffel Tower, savory, choco- is because I loved seeing the Eiffel One of the most popular is fish and late, strawberry, banana crepes, and Tower with my family and the view chips. It’s delicious! It is fried fish the latest French fashion! I saw all of was beautiful! I had the best summer and scrumptious French fries. Almost those! My favorite was the Eiffel Tow- ever! every restaurant in London has them er. It was even more beautiful at and almost wherever you go to get night. At exactly midnight they set them, they’re amazing and tasty! An- off fireworks for no reason! It was other famous British dessert is the the most beautiful thing in the world!

What’s Your Flavor?

By Kate K. and Maya K. There you Movie Theater: 30 have it. The most Don’t you love popcorn? You proba- Caramel: 14 popular bly do unless you are the five out of Kettle: 10 popcorn 67 people who we interviewed that flavor is don’t here at Laurence. We were Regular: 8 Movie The- curious to know what students’ fa- Don’t Like Popcorn: 5 ater! Now you know! Yummy, tasty, vorite popcorn flavors are. So we did scrumptious, delicious. They all a survey to see what the most popu- mean, in other words, popcorn! lar flavor was. Here are our results:

Page 6 Volume 8, Issue 1 Recker Rolls into Laurence School By Ben S., Eric V. and Katharine S. A. In college, my first coaching job Q. What do you believe it takes to was at Lincoln Northeast HS. have a perfect team? We interviewed one of the newest A. Skill, cooperation, fitness, and love coaches at our amazing school… for the game and great listening. Coach Recker! We asked some ques- tions about his life, what he likes to Q. Did you teach at any other do, and what he did before he came schools? to the magical community of Lau- A. The one I taught at before this was rence. Syracuse Elementary School.

Q. Have you always loved sports? Q. What are your favorite hobbies A. Always, since I was about 3 years other than sports? old. Q. What is your favorite sport? A. I love to read books and watch A. Basketball is my favorite. There movies. My favorite book is Harry Q. Did you go to college? are many reasons why, probably be- Potter and the Deathly Hallows. A: I did go to college. The first place I cause I love it. went to was Nebraska Wesleyan. Q. Are you married? Do you have any Then I got my masters degree at a Q. Was P.E your favorite sport in kids? different school called Doane Col- school? A. I am married, but no kids yet! lege. A. P.E. and history were my favorites because I love to exercise and I love Q. How did you get started as a learning about the past. coach?

Do You Think You Know Coach Servin?

By Davis M., Ben S. and Eric V. why? A. ALL KINDS OF PIZZA! A. Dogs because they are a man’s Have you ever wanted to know what best friend and are very cute and Do you have anything in common Coach Servin does outside of cuddly. with our amazing coach? school? Well, read this amazing story about him and you will learn so Q. What’s your favorite vaca- much. tion spot and why? A. Although there are many Q. What’s your favorite sport and beautiful places in the world, I which do you teach? like Hawaii. I like it because it A. I like soccer the most and I teach is so pretty and fun. the boys’ soccer team, girls’ basket- ball, and boys’ football. Q. Are you married and do you have any kids? How old are Q. Besides sports, what are your fa- your children? vorite things to do? A. I am married and have two A. I like to spend time with my family boys. My two kids are 1 and 3. and spend time with my two boys. Q. What is your favorite food and Q. What’s your favorite animal and why?

Page 7 Volume 8, Issue 1

Romano Got a Checkmate!

By Davis M., Ben S. and Eric V. third grader Van K., and fourth grad- Mr. Romano has been teaching er Sammy S. chess for nine years! Is that crazy or what? Did you know that he has Mr. Romano has been playing chess gone to more than 100 tourna- since he was a kid, and now he has ments? Mr. Romano’s favorite chess Laurence kids to play with. Did you player is Bobby Fischer because he know this is the Chess Club’s second is very inspirational in many ways. year at Laurence? Last year Mrs. Mr. Romano learned to play chess Wolke came up with the wonderful when he was just a little kid. As you idea of having a chess club. can tell, Mr. Romano loves chess!

Some of the top players in the chess club are fourth grader Eric V., third grader Jack L., sixth grader Theo M., The COLORFUL Carnival

By Davis M, Ben S, Eric V, Orange was one of the options Are you feeling blue? Because but wasn’t voted for. Orange’nt most of the school’s favorite color you surprised? is blue. We have asked 66 people what their favorite color is. The results blue us away! Laurence is such a colorful place, but every- Turquoise= 14 one likes different things. Below Pink= 12 are the results. Green=9 Red=4 Blue=24 Purple= 3

Laurence School’s Favorite Animals

By Davis M, Ben S, and Eric V Goat: 9 Fish: 5 Do you have a dog or cat? Well, it Bird: 5 looks like many kids at school We surveyed 61 students like dogs best. What is your fa- and found out that Dogs vorite animal? Rule and Cats Drool!

Dog: 20 Cow: 12 Cat: 10

Page 8 Volume 8, Issue 1 Ja The Lion King Roars Into Laurence

By Stella B. and Davis M. Muskaan: Sometimes I get in to get young Simba but when I trouble like a hyena would with found out that I was Timon, I was Have you ever wondered what the Scar. Hyenas are also sneaky, so happy. Timon was my first and sometimes I sneak around choice and I am so happy I got upper grade play will be? Well, this year it’s “The Lion King!” that part. The musical is about a young Natasha: I was really terrified at cub named Simba. He goes on a the auditions, but tried to do my lot of adventures. He is also best anyway. I really thought I next in line to become king of would be Ensemble. But I didn’t. Pride Rock. But when his evil I got Mufasa. I was so happy uncle Scar kills his father when I got Mufasa. Even though Mufasa, and tells Simba to run he wasn’t on the list of parts I away forever. Things get a lot wanted, I’m having a good time anyway. harder for Simba. Join 4th-6th my house. grade for “The Lion King!” The Muskaan: When I was at the audi- musical takes place in the PAC on tions I was only a little nervous March 3 and 4 at 12:30 and 5:30 Q: How can you relate to your because it was my first audition. I p.m. character? wasn’t that happy when I got the Milla: I love my part in the play. I part. But after a while, I started to We want to share what the cast really get to express myself by love the part. singing, dancing, and acting. He is members have to say about the play, and their experiences. So like two people. I can be senti- Q: As you are doing the rehearsal, lights, camera, action! We inter- mental and funny. I love rehears- ing as Timon. He is a big part of how do you feel about it? viewed sixth grader Milla H. who the play and being able to be part Natasha: I love rehearsals be- plays Timon; sixth grader Sydney cause I do a lot of blocking. But of it is amazing. M. who plays Pumbaa; fourth even if I’m not blocking, I can help Natasha: I really like my part as grader Natasha C. who plays with the set. Mufasa; and fourth grader Mus- Mufasa. I think I leave a big im- Muskaan: When I am at rehears- kaan S. who plays Hyena. print on Simba and help start his journey to become king. I try my als I like to watch people act. But best to be the brave and caring I’d rather be doing it! Q: How are you like your charac- lion Mufasa was. But it’s hard to ter? sound like a boy! Q: What is the set going to look Milla: We are both funny and we Muskaan: I really like my part be- like? both like to help our friends.. Ti- cause I think hyenas are cool in Milla: The set will have three set- mon and his sidekick Pumbaa are real life. I also like dancing in “Be tings: Pride Rock, the jungle, and always looking for adventure. Re- Prepared!” the elephant graveyard. All the member, “Hakuna Matata.” sets will have a beautiful African Sydney: I am really funny and I touch to it. make a lot of things funny that Q: Do you enjoy your character in the play? Muskaan: The first dance will look aren’t originally funny. When Ti- like it did in the movie. But I’m not mon and I do “Hakuna Matata”, Milla: At the auditions, I felt a little we get to express ourselves in an nervous but I was pretty confident going to spoil it for you! energetic way. I love being that I was going to get a good Pumbaa. part. At first, I thought I was going