Volume 1 Issue 4 February/March 2019

A Missionary in our Midst By Tabitha Stein Our 7th grade teacher, Ms. Strang dedicated her own time to travel to Africa to help others! Her sister was asked to go to Africa and she took Ms. Strang with her. She went to Uganda, Africa for nine days. There was a lot she had to do to prepare for her trip, including getting a number of vaccinations to protect against some diseases that are sometimes found in different parts of Africa. Ms. Strang shared that what some people considered their homes were very primi- tive. Some people had brick houses, and others lived in mud huts. As you could guess, it was definitely different from America and the way we live. The most surprising thing she noticed was how green it was there. A lot of what people see on television and movies is often desert. The most upsetting thing was see- ing how people live with so few materials. Ms. Strang’s favorite part was spending time with the kids at schools and medical centers. The schools were called Faith and Hope which was also where the medical cen- ters were located. She even got the chance to teach a grammar lesson about the concept “going to”. She said that the children were very good listeners. The school levels were very differently organized. It goes primary, secondary, and then a college like us!

Basilica in Kampala Ms. Strang participated in two days at clinics evaluating children with disabilities. They gave vitamins and supplements to families who needed them. Some children and families received more specific items if their care depended on it. It is known that in Uganda, if your children have disabilities they won’t be able to go to school unless you pay for a special school which is very expensive for them. She said most of this is because of the lack of training and knowledge. Finally Ms. Strang had some free time at the end of her trip. She and the group got to visit the source of the Nile River. They also got the chance to spend a few hours monkey trekking. Monkey trekking is where you can see the golden monkeys of national parks. All of the tour guides were very welcoming and excited to share information about their home country. They then got to visit the Basilica in Kampala. This is where several popes have spoken. The Basilica is a Roman Catholic hall dedicated to Ugandan Martyrs. Ms. Strang loved her time in Uganda. She hopes she gets the opportunity to go back and see the kids and families again!

Working Together—SeaPerch

By Alejandro Vidot

100 Days . . . SeaPerch (or as we call it here at Saint Martin of Tours, SMTPerch) is a robotics club in SMT where the objective is to build an underwater ROV (Remote Operated or Vehicle). On March 8, twelve students and their advisors traveled to Temple Uni- versity for the regional competition of SeaPerch, a program sponsored by the 100 Years? American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE). This year, 27 teams from Penn- sylvania and New Jersey competed for the regional title and entry in the inter- national competition taking place this June at the University of Maryland.

For the 100th day of school, second graders dressed up as The students spent several months ‘centenarians’, 100 year old people. planning, designing, building, and testing a remote operated vehicle (ROV). The vehicles were scored on speed and As you can see, they looked great for their age! agility. The ROV also had to complete a specialized task that changes each year. This year the ROVs had to pick up a cap attached to a rope and place it on a board resembling the game Battleship.

On competition day, the students completed a va- riety of activities. One part was an obstacle course and then a cave mission. The cave mission consisted of the Underwater ROV lifting up “boulders” (rope in the shape in a circle on a plastic base with a weight on the bottom to hold it down). The objective of the mission was to lift it up and drop it on a board. Points were given for the teams that were able to do so.

While they weren't at the pool for that part of the competition, the students pre- sented a slideshow of their work to a team of engineers, completed STEM activities on Temple's football practice field, and attempted to construct and pilot a virtual ship on a game called FLEET page.

Although St. Martin of Tours did not come home with a trophy this year, every- one had a great time during their visit to Temple University. If you are in 6th through 8th grade, maybe you can be a part of the team next year!

"We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love" -Blessed Mother Teresa Forgiveness is above all a personal choice, a decision of the heart to go against the natural instinct to pay back evil with evil. -Pope John Paul II

2nd Trimester Honors All Around! Congratulations 2nd Trimester— First Honors Recipients Kaylis Fabian, Nhi Lam, Alice Lima, Kenneth Mac, Camilla Diedra-Gomez, Grace Ugwoegbulam- Oguariri, Dariel Victoria, Michaela Abrams, Favor Akuluka, Danya Al-Zawahreh, Mark Arnold, Jehoi- akim Gabriel, Sofia Higuita, Rhema Kalu-Oji, Lay- la Mills, Melanie Ramos, Andrea Geronimo, Kayla Gopaul, Lena Nguyen, Hedwidg Dorismond, Auro- ra Alvarez, Ava Burgos-Peguero, Mel Grace Ca- lixtro, Nevaeh Coleman, Jayden Everett, Alya Ty- son, Fion Mac, Isabella Wong, Kanvel Butt, Kayla Everett, Julia Hun, Vincent Jiang, Victoria Logan, Oyewumi Oyeniyi, Megan Calixtro, Royale Kalu-Oji, Monica Ma- tos, Hillary Wong, Jayda Hooley, Dina Odehouri, Emiliano Salazar, and Astrid Uloa-Cordero

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” - St. Augustine

Virtue of the Month Winners - LOVE Edher Torres, Peculiar Kalu-Oji, Ariely Santos, Danielle San- tos, Mya Beltran, Fernando Martinez-Santos, Lydia Colon, Isabella Hernandez Rodriguez, Elianis Duncan, Congratulations 2nd Trimester Second Honors Recipients Bryan dosReis, Noelia Valdez, Manoccina Jilot, Vincent Clary, Elise Gannon, Fiona Li, Michael Sanders, Camila Leslie Encarnacion, Kiara Hicks, Helena Rafeh, Munz, Kayla Dougherty, Paul O’Dehouri, Aihyonna Charles, Gus- Sofia Higuita, Xavier Johnson, Leah King, Rebecca Telez, tavo Gomes, Phoebe Li, Nashawn Nunez-Gilreath, Helena Rafeh, and Johan Duran. Angela Rooney, Arely Samaniego, Solomon Crespo, Delano King, Jordan Lin, Laura Mendonca, Zara Meregildo, Virtue of the Month Winners - FORGIVENESS Angel Martinez, Quinterra Phillips, Destiny Benjamin Abellard, Samuel Kollie, Sophia Smith, Henry Vera, Valerie Victor, Melvin Tchibozo, Valeria Brew, Miguel Luna-Prospero, Gianny Pena, Tyler Williams, Albarouki, Hsun Ho, Juan Perez, Tabitha Stein, Thomas Beal, Sanaa Owens, Nicole Rodriguez, Teddy Ale- Alejandro Vidot, Jacob Arias, Kayla Brown- mayehu, Zoe Walker, Yen Vo, Jay- William, Luis Chavez, Kennedy Fuller, Zyon den Quesada, Justene Yang, Dan- Magalhaes, Julissa Liceaga, Arianna Puller, ya Al-Zawahreh, Eric Hines, Javier Phoenix Diaz, Elvin Mejia, Joohanny Polanco, Rodriguez, Joohanny Polanco, and and Rebecca Tellez Janiya Burnett. Langston Hughes By Emiliano Salazar

Langston Hughes was a playwright-poet. He was born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. His parents split up soon after his birth. Hughes’ father moved to Mexico, and Hughes’ mother moved around a lot so he was raised primarily by his grandmother. He went to live with his mother, and they moved to several cities eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio. This is when he started to write poetry and cites Carl Sandburg and Walt Whitman as his primary influencers. He contrib- uted to his school literary magazine and often submitted to other poetry magazine, but they would reject him. He is famous for his writing in poetry, books, and plays. He was one of the most important writers of the Harlem Renaissance, which was an African- American artistic movement in 1920 that celebrated black culture. Hughes was influenced by his life in New York City’s Harlem, an African-American neighborhood. His works helped American litera- ture and politics. He had a strong sense of racial pride. His works of literature promoted equality, condemned racism, injustice, and celebrated African American culture. Langston Hughes died on May 22, 1967, in New York City. Langston Hughes is an important African-American because his works of literature promoted equality for everyone. He especially helped the African American community through his works of literature, so people who read them would see how hard their life was. He wanted everyone to see that African Americans didn’t like the injustice of not being equal to White Americans. He inspired many with his poems especially “Harlem (‘What happens to a dream deferred?’).” He accomplished many things with his writing leaving many people surprised. This is why I think Langston Hughes is an important African American in our country.

Sources: "Langston Hughes - Poems, Harlem Renaissance & Facts - Biography." 2 Apr. 2014, https://www.biography.com/ people/langston-hughes-9346313. Accessed 6 Feb. 2019. and Langston Hughes - America's Story from America's Library." http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/hughes/aa_hughes_subj.html. Accessed 6 Feb. 2019.

Ed Bradley Maya Angelou By Jayda Hooley By Monica Matos

Ed Bradley was born on January 22, 1941 in Philadelphia. Soon Black History Month is a special celebration for many people of color. after Bradley was born, his parents separated. He lived with his mother Maya Angelou is one of the many people that has made a difference in our world in Philadelphia, and he spent part of his summers with his dad in De- and the black community. Her original name was Marguerite Annie Johnson, but troit. Bradley’s parents often had two jobs, even so they never let him later became known as Maya Angelou. She was an actress, American poet, and a think that he couldn’t make a better life for himself. Ed Bradley was a memoirist. famous leading African-American journalist; Bradley is best known for Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She spent being one of the anchors of the award-winning news program 60 most of her childhood with her paternal grandmother living in Stamps, Arkansas. Minutes. When Angelou was about eight years old, she was traumatized because she was Ed Bradley influenced the development of our nation by cover- raped by her mother's boyfriend at the time, and only told ing important stories and landing important interviews. He tackled sub- her mother about this when the boyfriend was murdered. jects such as Emmett Till’s murder case and AIDS This almost caused her to be completely mute for several in Africa. Bradley was one of the most visible Afri- years of her life due to the trauma she had gone through. can-Americans on network television news. He Angelou talked about important issues that she won an Emmy award and many other awards for thought were important. Her poems and speeches always the program 60 Minutes. He was sent to report had a message and inspired people. She spent most of her on the Vietnamese refugees known as the “boat adulthood writing poems and making speeches. Maya people” and when this report aired, it won him Angelou was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in another Emmy and other awards. Bradley died of 2010 by Barack Obama. This was a special moment in her leukemia on November 9, 2006 in New York's life. About four years later, she died on May 28, 2014, in Winston-Salem, North Mount Sinai Hospital. Carolina. Ed Bradley is an important African-American in our country be- Maya Angelou was an important African-American because she created a cause he achieved being a voice for, and voicing the stories of African- voice for the people. Black History Month celebrates individuals like her so that American issues. He did this all through his journalism and job as a we never forget their legacy. She was an inspiration to many people worldwide newscaster. He was brave in doing this because being a journalist and because she shared her stories and personal opinions. She was an African- newscaster, a leading black one at that, was and still is to this day very American female with a powerful voice that inspired others. She especially spoke difficult. I say this because when you’re a journalist, people from all about equality, justice, and education. over read, and criticize your work. When you are on television, billions Sources: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maya-Angelou of people can see you. With all of his accomplishments, Ed Bradley was https://www.cnn.com/2014/05/28/us/maya-angelou-obit/index.html one of the most important African-Americans in our country. Sources: www.biograhy.com and www.notablebiographies.com The things that we love tell us what we are. -Saint Thomas Aquinas

Colin Powell By Elvia Mejia

Colin Luther Powell was born on April 15, 1937, in Harlem, New York. He is known as the 1st African American appointed as a U.S Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush. Colin is also famous for serving as a four-star general in the U.S Army. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica but he spent most of his childhood in the South Bronx. He was educated in New York City public schools and in 1954 he graduated from Morris High School. At the City College of New York Powell graduated with a degree in geology but he really found his calling at the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC); where he went on to receive military training. Colin Powell contributed to the United States in many ways. On Powell’s second tour to South Vietnam in 1968-1969, he was investigating the “My Lai massacre” where more than 300 Vietnamese civilians were killed by U.S Army forces. He denied this and reported, “Relations between American soldiers and the Vietnamese people are excellent.” On the same tour he was injured in a helicopter crash. Even though he was injured, Powell still managed to rescue his comrades from the helicopter that was burning. In 1989, General Colin Powell was appointed by President George W. Bush as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This was a really big deal because it was the highest military position in the Department of Defense and Colin Powell was the first African American to take up the posi- tion. In 1994 he joined two other men to a trip to Haiti, where they successfully returned it to a peaceful elected government. At the time, he was able to convince Congress that Iraq was a threat. Colin Powell showed honesty and helped the country through tough times. He was trusted by the U.S Senate and by President George W. Bush. Powell has inspired the United States with his leadership skills and supported the U.S Army as a General. He spent his entire life serving the country. Colin Powell may not be as well known as Martin Luther King or Harriet Tubman but Colin Powell played a crucial role in the United States’ advancement in the late 20th to early 21st century. Sources: www.biography.com and -www.britannica.com

Find the good. It’s all around you. Find it, showcase it, and you’ll start believing in it. – Jesse Owens Benjamin Banneker By Astrid Ulloa-Cordero

Benjamin Banneker was an African American mathematician and an amateur astronomer who created tables with the locations of stars and planets called ephemerides for almanacs that were influential and helpful to other people. He was born November 9, 1731 in Baltimore County, Maryland. Benjamin was the son of an African-American slave named Robert, who bought his own freedom. Robert owned a farm that was later passed on to Benjamin. Alt- hough Benjamin was slow in education and was illiterate, he was taught how to read by his mother and grandmother. At about the age of thirty, Benjamin invented the wooden clock without examining a clock other than his pocket watch. Benjamin published lots of almanacs, which helped people to see every position of the planets and stars. Banneker forwarded a copy of his calculations to Thomas Jefferson. Then Jefferson forwarded it to the secretary of state. Maryland and Pennsylvania were very helpful in the publication of Banneker's almanacs, which were distributed as an example of an African-American's work and to demonstrate that African-Americans can do mental activities and abilities just like all the other races. Benjamin Banneker died Octo- ber 9, 1806 in Baltimore County, Maryland. Benjamin Banneker was a great influence and a stunning inspiration to African-Americans and other races. He taught us that it doesn’t matter what race you are, you have the same capability as every other person in this world. He changed our world for the better, and made little inventions along the way. Overall, he published six almanacs. He had a very important role in this world, and that is why he is famous still today.

Source: https://www.notablebiographies.com/Ba-Be/Banneker-Benjamin.html#ixzz5eUwgvo1U

Mae C. Jemison By Iris Sanchez Mae C. Jemison was an American astronaut. She was born on October 17, 1956 in Decatur, Alabama. She was the first African American to fly into space. She flew into space with over 6 people on the Endeavour on a mission doing ex- periments for eight days. She was also the first to be admitted into NASA’s astronaut training program on June 4, 1987. Before she became astronaut she was a medical doctor. Mae Jemison was a medical officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia where she taught and did medical research. She changed her career when she applied for NASA’s astronaut training program. Michael Jordan She was chosen out of 2,000 people. By Kayla Quach Ms. Jemison is still alive, she is 62 years old right now. She inspired many people to pursue their Michael Jeffrey Jordan is one of the greatest basketball play- dreams. She is a role model to a lot of African-Americans everywhere. Many ers of all time, as well as, one of the most prosperous, prominent, and people look up to her for her accomplishments. She received several awards and wealthy athletes in college, the Olympics, ¨honorary doctorates¨. She is really passionate about her job and she is well in- and the whole competitive sports history. volved. He was born on February 17, 1963, in Mae C. Jemison is an inspiration to all African-Americans and other peo- Brooklyn, New York. He dominated the bas- ketball sport from the mid-1980s to the ple. She is an amazing and very passionate person. Overall, she is most notable 1990s. Jordan managed to lead the Chicago for being the first African-American to fly into space. Also for being the first to be Bulls to six National Basketball Association admitted into NASA’s astronaut training program. Mae C. Jemison is known for all championships and through hard work he of these reasons. Her accomplishments have served to inspire people of all races, collected the NBA’s Most Valuable Player especially women, to never give up on their dreams. award 5 times. He is currently 55 years old, Sources: https://www.biography.com/people/mae-c-jemison-9542378 ; https:// and he has 5 children named Jeffrey Jordan, Marcus Jordan, Jasmine www.space.com/17169-mae-jemison-biography.html Mickael Jordan, and Victoria and Ysabel Jordan, who are twins. Michael Jordan has influenced and contributed to our society because he has inspired so many people to do what they love, and Frederick Douglass By Zyon Magalhaes work hard for what they want. He has set a great example to kids and adults all around the world. He is such an excellent basketball player Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave who be- that many people idolize and look up to. He has also extended the came a well known activist, author, and public speaker. fashion world by starting his own sneaker line that revolutionized the He was born into slavery around 1818 in Talbot County, sneaker world. Jordan sneakers are very popular, especially in our Maryland. Douglass was a leader in the anti-slavery move- generation. ment, and the first African-American to hold a high U.S. Michael Jordan is a very relevant African-American because of government position. After living with his grandma, at the his built-up fame for basketball; he has changed our generation for age of six, he was “given” to Lucretia and Thomas Auld, and the better, and has really inspired a large majority of people to dedi- Thomas sent him to work with his brother, Hugh, in Baltimore. Douglass credits cate their minds into setting their goals. He is a very talented person Hugh’s wife with first teaching him the alphabet. He learned to read and write, as well. He is a legend that has made an incredible impact on the his- and by the time he was hired to work under William Freeland, he was teaching tory of sports. “I've failed over and over and over again in my life and other slaves to read using the Bible. When Thomas heard of this, he took that is why I succeed.” -Michael Jordan Douglass back and sent him to Edward Covey, a farmer who was known for abus- “Michael Jordan was the one who showed us all that the combination ing his slaves. of talent and work is the real secret,” Sergio Hernandez, Argentina’s Douglass was a leading spokesperson for the abolition of slavery and for National Coach tells SLAM. racial equality. Soon after he married to Anna Murray, Frederick Douglass moved Sources: www.ducksters.com, www.forbes.com, www.NBA.com, to New Bedford. There, at an abolitionist meeting, he met William Lloyd Garrison. www.notablebiographies.com, www.britannica.com, and Garrison encouraged Douglass to become a speaker for the abolitionist move- www.slamonline.com ment. In 1843, Douglass became a part of the American Anti-Slavery Society’s “Hundred Conventions” project, which was a six month tour through the U.S. After the Civil War, he fought for the rights of women and African-Americans alike. http://www.quoteambition.com/ Frederick Douglass is a great role model; he is an amazing example of inspiring-michael-jordan-quotes- sayings-images/ what we can accomplish in life. Douglass went from being a slave to becoming a leader and spokesperson of many important causes; racial equality, female rights,

and abolition. Many African-Americans were inspired by Douglass’s writings and speeches. He was also the first African-American nominated for vice president. Frederick Douglass is definitely someone to be celebrated during Black History Month. Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/frederick-douglass https://www.biography.com/people/frederick-douglass-9278324 ; https:// www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1539.html Black History Month - Who Am I? In honor of Black History Month, the 7th grade students at SMT each re- searched a famous African-American who had an impact on society. Those chosen were from a number of different fields - Science, Technology, Sports, Television, Music, and many more. Each student put together facts about the person they chose to present to the students who came to see them. The 7th grade students recited facts, one at a time, and the student visitors were challenged to guess who those facts were about. The pictures below are just a few of the students who participated, along with some of the visi- tors who came to see them. The activity was enjoyed by all. Great job 7th grade!

Saints’ Spotlight - St. Katharine Drexel SMT “Mathletes” Are Up to the Test! By Oyewumi Oyeniyi On Saturday, March 15th, a group of SMT 6th and 7th grade stu- dents competed in the Holy Ghost/Nazareth Math Competition. They February is the month we celebrate Black History and love. What better way to celebrate it than to honor a person who loved God so much she showed off their math skills by solving a number of problems posed to gave away all her money to help his children? St.Katharine Drexel is the those participating. second American-born saint to be canonized by the Catholic Church. What The following students took part, and turned in a great performance: amazes me most about her is that even though she could have easily lived 6th grade: Jayden Everett, Ava Burgos, Andrea Geronimo, and only for herself like other rich people did she fully committed herself to Mel Grace Calixtro. God and doing his work. 7th grade: Rayhan Ecobeni, Kayla Everett, Julia Hun, and Vincent Jiang. St.Katharine Drexel was born on November 26,1858 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the second child of a prominent and wealthy banker St. Martin of Tours is proud of their efforts! Great Job! named Frank Drexel and his wife Hannah Langstroth. Sadly, Mrs.Langstroth passed away just five weeks after Katharine was born. Her family was not only rich financially, but also in faith and spirituality. Katharine grew up watching her father pray 30 minutes each evening and her stepmother open the doors of their home to welcome the poor and the needy. They also sought out women who were either too afraid or too proud to go to their house for help. Even though she was introduced to society in 1879 she never let it influence the way she acted and remained a good model of Catholic faith. St. Katharine believed the goods of the Earth are given for the common good. Another tragedy hit the Drexel family when St.Katharine's stepmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and suffered it for 3 straight years. This was a turning point in St.Katharine's life she became imbued with a burning love for God and her fellow man as well as took a keen interest in the physical and spiritual well being of black and native American people. She saw firsthand the struggles they faced in 1884 while her family was visiting the Western states. She desperately wanted to help them. From then on she set out to do just that. St.Katharine spent a lot of time with Father James O’ Connor a priest in Philadelphia who provided her with spiritual direction. When her father passed he gave 15.5 million estate to a few charities and then left the re- mainder to be split among his 3 children. The sisters contributed money to assist the St. Francis Mission of South Dakota Rosebud Reservation. She took the name of Mother Katherine and established a religious congre- gation called the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. This was for the Indians and the Colored. These people would work for the betterment of those they were called to serve. She established 50 missions for Native Ameri- cans in 16 different states. She also built Drexel High School. She is now the Patron Saint of racial justice and philanthropists. That's how this wonderful woman made a difference. Bingo, Bingo, Bingo!!!!!

Twice in the month of March, the SMT gym was filled with excited people hoping to have all the numbers they needed to win. On March 8th, the annual fundraiser for SMT, Designer Bag Bingo, was held with a packed gymnasium. Tables were bursting with an assortment of prizes that players could compete for, along with a multitude of door prizes that were awarded throughout the night. Mrs. Kedra, the SMT Secretary, did an amazing job packag- ing and decorating the prize baskets, and organizing the event. There was also a 50/50 and Money Bag that people bought chanc- es for. Each paid out over $600 and the lucky winners went home very happy! On Friday, March 29, the students in kindergarten to fourth grade were invited to our first Toy Bingo. There were many prizes including Legos, drones, a big remote control car, and sever- al dolls including American Girl dolls, among many others. The students were especially excited when Marty the Lion made an appearance and did the Chicken Dance with the boys and girls. Everyone enjoyed this fun, family event. We'd especially like to thank our faculty and high school volunteers from the class of 2017. Mr. Pavonarius served as the official Bingo Caller for both events. It was obvious he has done this before! SMT is looking forward to continuing to offer both types of Bingo next year. Watch the school website next year in the begin- ning of 2020 to get in on the action!

Special Thanks to our Leprechaun Artists: Megan Calixtro, Julia Hun, and Victoria Logan Busy In School and Out!

Taking it to the Lanes! Cub Scouts Keep Things Fun

By Mark Arnold By Jeramyah Fisher At first I was a little afraid to join Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts. I didn’t know if I love to bowl! Bowling is fun and I get a great work out when I I would know anyone else there. As it turns out, I’ve made a number of bowl. I belong to a league. We bowl on Saturdays from October until friends since I joined. I am in 4th grade at SMT. I joined the Cub Scout the end of February each year. My team is called the STARS! We bowl troop here in November 2018. at the Thunderbird Lanes Bowling on Holme Avenue. As a fourth grader, you are part of the Webelos. I am a great bowler. I bowl an average from 200 to 230 each time. Webelos have the chance to earn badges for all kinds My lowest score ever was 190 (which is still pretty good.) My coach of activities. As you get older, you move up to Arrow says I have a great spin that I put on the ball. of Light. In the second half of fifth grade you can move into Boy Scouts where the ranks are different. I like to win. Winning makes me feel good. When I lose I don’t get upset. I just try We do so many different activities. Some of the to do better the next week. things we have done are making fire escape plans to keep us and our family safe, different projects, build- My season is over now. I can’t wait for ing things, and being a part of parades. next season to begin in October. I know it My troop meets in the gym here at St. Martin of will be a great season for me because I will Tours every Wednesday from 6:16 to 8:30. I am real- be bigger and stronger. I also know I will ly glad I joined the Cub Scouts. I know you would like it, too. have more fun! Mark’s mom explained that the team name is the Holy Terrors S.T.A.R.S., which stands for— Special Teamwork Attitude Recognition A Boxer on the Big Screen Spirit. The program that it is a part of is located at New Foundation One 8th grade student can say he made it to the movies. Not Charter School on Torresdale Avenue. The school let the founder of just getting there to see a movie, but actually the organization use their gymnasium for kids with disabilities to play a being IN one! Nathan Romero was chosen to variety of sports there on Friday nights from 6 to 8 whenever the build- be an extra in the movie Creed II that came ing is available. It provides a safe and fun outlet for kids and parents out in 2018. The movie was about the son of alike. The program is funded by donations and fundraisers. Mark’s Apollo Creed who fought Rocky Balboa mom summed it up by saying, “It is truly a blessing for any parent rais- (Sylvester Stallone) in the original movie ing a child with disabilities.” Rocky. Nathan has been boxing since he was 4 years old. He currently boxes out of Harrowgate Gym in Juniata. Tips to Become Good at Gaming! His parents saw an email back in 2017 that was looking for kids of By Alejandro Vidot different ages who knew how to box. His mom signed him up. The Like many others here at SMT, in my free time, I love playing video people making the movie went through all of the applications and games. Over the years I have learned that though these are just Nathan said his boxing record was good enough that he was chosen. games, there are ways you can help yourself get better at playing them. Here are just a few tips you The filming took place in Philadelphia. He was on set for can use to improve your game. about five hours. Nathan described the experience as nerve- 1. Start off basic and after a while start to change wracking, with cameras everywhere and action going on all around. He was in awe that he was so close to Sylvester Stallone! Stallone is your “keybinds” (certain controls that adjust your gameplay). one of his favorite actors. 2. Practice every day until you feel comfortable on your gameplay skills. His scene in the movie takes place when Sylvester Stallone 3. Try and play against people better than you to get your confidence, (Rocky) is training a group of young boxers. “We were all shadow skills, and basic knowledge of the video game you choose. boxing, and following his instructions.” Nathan said it was the one 4. The internet is always a good way to learn new tips and advice. time he wished he wasn’t so tall— they lined the group up from 5. Watch professionals play to see how to advance your skills with cer- shortest in the front to tallest in the back— so he is near the back of tain aspects of the game. the group. 6. Try and experiment with different controls (keyboard and mouse or He said extras get paid for being there. When asked whether controller) he enjoyed the experience, Nathan said it was awesome. He said he 7. Work on your eye hand coordination and try and memorize the would love to do something like that again if he ever got the chance. placement of controls. 8. Look for a good graphics card, intel core, and a good CPU. If you have the chance to watch the movie, keep an eye out If you are willing to put in the time, you can get much better. Like so for the tall boxer near the back - he made SMT proud! many other things, practice is important. Give it a try!

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. March Madness Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 1—National Pig Day 1— Peanut Butter Lovers' Day - Luke 6:37 1— World Compliment Day 2— Old Stuff Day CRAZY HOLIDAYS IN FEBRUARY! 3— I Want You to be Happy Day February 2 – Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day 3—If Pets Had Thumbs Day 4—Hug a GI Day February 4 – Thank a Mail Carrier Day 10—International Find a Pay Phone Booth Dayb February 6 – National Chopsticks Day 10—Middle Name Pride Day February 9 – National Pizza Day 20—Extraterrestrial Abductions Day February 15 – National Gumdrop Day 21—Absolutely Incredible Kid Day February 16 – Do a Grouch a Favor Day 22—National Goof Off Day February 23 – International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day 23—National Chip and Dip Day 23—National Puppy Day February 27 – National Polar Bear Day February 29 – Mr. Coleman’s Birthday Emily Dickinson Hillary Clinton By Kayla Everett By Oyewumi Oyeniyi

Emily Dickinson was a famous poet during the romantic movement. She Hillary Clinton served as Secretary of State from the years 2009 to 2013 was born December 10, 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts. She was the and also served as First Lady from 1992 to 1996. She was born on October 26, daughter of Edward and Emily Norcross. Dickinson got 1947. Hillary Clinton was raised as a Methodist and her mother taught Sunday into writing as a teenager and wrote nearly 1,800 poems school. She also attended Wellesley College where she was a prominent stu- in her lifetime. She went to school at Amherst Academy dent leader. After graduating from Wellesley College, Hillary Clinton attended for seven years (1840-1847) and entered Mount Holyoke Yale Law School and was one of only 27 women in her Female Seminary in the fall of 1847. graduating class. Ms. Clinton met her future husband Bill While at school, Emily Dickinson was a great student, Clinton there and that was where they began to and even met some people who later influenced her to date. She was also the First Lady of Arkansas. start writing poetry. Her principal, Leonard Humphrey, Hillary Clinton was first inspired by Martin Luther King had sparked her love of books and had encouraged her Jr. who she saw speak on a trip to Chicago with her youth to start writing poetry. Another man who influenced her ministry. This sparked her lifelong passion for social jus- was Benjamin F. Newton, an attorney who worked for Dickinson’s fa- tice. During her time in Wellesley College she became ther. He introduced her to classical literature and even gifted her a collec- even more involved with social activism. By the time she tion of Ralph Waldo Emerson's Poetry. He was actually the first person who graduated, she was a notable student speaker and was encouraged Dickinson to start writing. Her poems were eventually made voted by her classmates to be the first (male or female) into books, including, The Complete Poems, Letters of Emily Dickinson, and student speaker at Wellesley’s graduation ceremony. During her time as the Because I Could Not Stop for Death. First Lady Mrs. Clinton persistently fought to reform the healthcare system so Women’s History Month is just one way we can celebrate the women in that families could get the healthcare they needed at affordable prices. When America and what they have accomplished. Emily Dickinson is one of those that didn’t work she worked with Republicans and Democrats to help create women we can celebrate. Although her work wasn’t acknowledged until her the now thriving Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that has helped death on May 15, 1886, she is still one of the most recognized poets in more than 8 million children and cut the uninsured rate for children in America. We can learn many lessons from Emily Dickinson, like appreciating half. She also helped repair New York homes at a cost of 20 billion dollars as the little things, and to not let time pass us by. Dickinson will forever remain well as helped health care for first responders at Ground Zero. an iconic poet in American literature. These are some reasons why we remember Hillary Clinton during Women’s History Month. This essay only captures the bare minimum of all she’s done for countless men, women, and children not only in America but also in count- less other countries. How many other people would have worked this hard not only during her time as First Lady but also before and after as well? Hillary Clinton teaches us not only to fight for what we believe in but to also never give up no matter how many times we face setbacks. She is truly an inspira- tion to people both young and old everywhere. That is why we celebrate Hilla- ry Clinton during Women’s History Month.

Eleanor Roosevelt By Victoria Logan

Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady, and the wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was born on October 11, 1884, in New York City. She spoke for human rights issues and was active in Democratic causes. She was a political figure and an activist. She was an important person and this is her story. Eleanor Roosevelt went to Allenswood Academy, an all-girls school in England, since she was fifteen and was mentored by the school’s headmistress, Marie Souvestre. When she finished school at age eighteen, she went back to her hometown, New York City. She got a job as a volunteer teacher for impoverished immigrant children at Manhattan's Rivington Street Settlement House. She also joined the National Consumers League, whose mission was to end unsafe working conditions. She married Franklin Roosevelt on March 17, 1905, when she was twenty, and her husband started his Political career in 1910. Franklin Roosevelt became president in 1933, and Eleanor became active in her husband’s administration. During the Great Depression, as First Lady, Eleanor traveled across the United States and reported back to her husband. Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady from social hostess to a visible, active participant in the govern- ment. Even after her husband’s death, she remained involved in Democratic Party activities. Over the course of her life, she wrote 27 books, and wrote a newspaper column called “My Day” from 1935 to 1962. Eleanor Roosevelt died at age 78 on November 7, 1962. She accomplished a lot throughout her life and was an inspiring role model for all women.

Cynthia Breazeal By Allyson Sanchez

Cynthia Breazeal is the director of the personal robots group at the MIT. She is a pioneer of the social robotics and human-robot interaction. Cynthia Breazeal is the author of a the book about designing sociable robots. She was born on November 15, 1967, in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Breazeal is recognized as a prominent global innovator. She is a recipient of the National Academy of Engineering Gilbreath Lecture Award. Cynthia has a husband and three children. Cynthia was a young inventor and her story of how she fell in love with robots goes way back to the age of 10. At the time, little Cynthia was into science and technolo- gy just like her parents, Norman and Juliette Breazeal. She wanted to be a doctor but her parents convinced her to get a degree in electrical and computer engineering at UC Santa Barbara. When she attended the school she started a robotics lab. Through college, she took robotics classes. She graduated school to get a degree in Space Robotics. When she saw the lab she was amazed and later on, Cynthia began building a robot named Jibo. She had decided that technology had caught her eyes. Cynthia’s robot, Jibo, can take pictures, speak, and engage with At St. Martin of Tours we know . . . people. She is pictured with him here. Jibo acts like a helpful, personal companion at home. Cynthia had to study hard about developmental psy- We chology and social behavior of humans, so her robot would enhance our environment. She says “that robots can work to help strengthen and facil- Are itate other relationships.” Since she is a mother of three kids she has said, that she hopes to inspire other mothers out there. “As moms, we often put ourselves last on the list, everyone else comes Better first. We need to appreciate that if we need to be there able for other people, then we need to be there for ourselves first. [But] somehow women, we just make it work. Don’t worry, you will figure Together! it out.” Cynthia is a smart, beautiful, and talented woman and mother.

A Songbird Among Us Super Staff at SMT

By Jayda Hooley New Kid on the Block

Sixth grade has a new ELA teacher who lights By Shamira Delormes up her classroom with her energy. Her name is Mrs. Matos, and she has been here since the be- There is another new face on the 3rd floor at SMT ginning of this school year. She previously worked this school year — this one is a 5th grade teacher. in three different public schools before she joined Mr. Fox is the 5A homeroom teacher and also teach- the SMT faculty. es Religion to 5B. When I was first asked if I would be willing to interview him for the school newspa- When asked why she wanted to become a per, I said, “No way!” When I first saw Mr. Fox in the teacher, it seems that teaching runs in the family. building at the beginning of the year I was a little Mrs. Matos shared that her dad was a kindergarten teacher. She used to go intimidated by him. That just goes to show how first to school with him sometimes. She loved being in his classroom, especially impressions can be so wrong. What I’ve learned since then is that Mr. Fox is because he had a way of making stories come alive. If you ask her students, kind and calm, and he always has a smile on his face. they would tell you that she does the same thing! Mr. Fox grew up in Montgomery County. He went to Catholic schools from Mrs. Matos graduated from Little Flower High School and then went to first grade through twelfth grade. He went to LaSalle College High School, Temple University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and then went on to Centenary University where he earned a Bachelors de- and then went to Holy Family University where she earned her Masters of gree in Elementary and Special Education. He played college lacrosse while Education degree with a specialty in TESOL, which stands for Teaching Eng- he was there. He was even on the National Honor Society for Student Ath- lish to Speakers of Other Languages. letes while in college. Mrs. Matos grew up in the Hunting Park area of Philadelphia. She lives Mr. Fox said when he was in high school, his Science teacher inspired him with her husband and three children. Her daughter, Monica, is in 8th grade to become a teacher. He knew he wanted to help kids, and to prepare his here at SMT, and just got accepted to St. Basil’s Academy for high school. students for high school and adulthood. Before coming to St. Martin of Her son, Evan, graduated from St. Martin of Tours in 2015 and is now a sen- Tours, Mr. Fox worked in Newton, New Jersey. He was a 5th grade teacher of ior at Roman Catholic High School, with plans to attend college. He applied Math and Science for two years., and he also coached lacrosse for three to ten different universities and was accepted at all ten! Her other daugh- years. He loves to play the game, and thought it would be easy to coach. Mr. ter, Adrianna, is in 10th grade at St. Basil Academy. She is involved with the Fox’s favorite subject to teach is Math. While student teaching, Math was the drama club there. primary focus, so that helped to prepare him to tackle the ‘Eureka Challenge!’ A Catholic school education is something Mrs. Matos values. When asked His number one interest outside of the classroom is sports. He is a huge what she likes most about working at St. Martin of Tours, she likes that you Philadelphia sports fan - if you look in his classroom, that is obvious! are able to openly express your faith. “That is something that you can’t do in a public school.” Though his dream job would be to become a professional basketball play- er, he loves working here at SMT. He likes how everyone here is kind and Though she loves being a teacher, she said her dream job would be being welcoming. One of his favorite things that we do here is the holiday food a professional food taster, because you get paid to eat and travel! When drive because he loves the idea of giving back. she is not in school, she likes to paint and draw, “even though I’m not very good at it.” She has always wanted to knit. She also likes going to the spa, If you are in Mr. Fox’s classroom you will notice that he makes jokes all the reading, and relaxing—in other words, “Me Time.” time, even though they are not always funny. Mrs. Rubin says Mr. Fox is a great teacher, and he always keeps things lively. She said it is apparent that Something most people might not know about Mrs. Matos is that she his students love him. He is a good sport, and can even be found competing was a part of the Papal Choir that sang when Pope Francis came to Philadel- against his students at various sports during recess. Just this month, Mr. Fox phia. She wasn’t even going to audition to but she went with her sister who joined with Ms. McCoog to sponsor SMT’s Boks program after school. convinced her to try out. They both were selected! Singing is something that she does really well. She has been the Choir Director for the Spanish SMT is lucky to have Mr. Fox here. We hope he will make this his home. Mass at her parish for 25 years—and counting! Another thing she spoke about was that if she could live anywhere in the world she would pick Puer- to Rico. She hopes to one day own a home there. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each Mrs. Matos will no doubt be helping her students work toward achieving other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 their dreams. We are so glad she’s here!

The Student Council Experience By Camila Gomez

You would be surprised to know what we do as Student Council! There is so much that Student Council does that helps St. Martin of Tours become a better school. We do things to help SMT, but also to help our community! One thing that we do is design posters every month according to the Virtue of the Month. For example, if our virtue was love, we would write down a love quote on that poster and decorate it. After these posters are finished, they will then get put up all around the school for everyone to see! You might have noticed some of them that are in the stairwells and hallways. I think it is fun because I love to color things so I enjoy doing that a lot! Student Council also raises money for the homeless and those in need. We accomplish this by setting up a day for dress down where you will bring in $1. Setting up days and events means Student Council has to have meetings. We usually have one every first Wednesday of the month during our recess and lunch periods. Other than fundraisers, meetings, and posters, we all have a purpose for being a part of Student Council. We all want to represent our school and make sure everyone is in a safe and great environment. I represent one of the 4th grade classrooms. The other representative in my class, Jaden Camilo, represents our own grade. This means we need to work together to promote school spirit to help other kids. We talk about listening and being honest all the time with one another! I think that Student Council is a fun job that involves lots of responsibility. I think everyone who is a member of Student Council would recommend it because you are not only getting involved, but also advising many students here. You might want to consider joining Student Council next year! I’m glad I did.

BOKS — SMT Boys in Motion!

By Tabitha Stein and Kayla Everett

Last fall, St. Martin of Tours had a program for girls called Girls on the Run. This March, Ms. McCoog and Mr. Fox decided it was time to have some- thing for boys that let them exercise and get out some of their energy. BOKS (which stands for Build Our Kids’ Success) is a nationwide program that was sponsored by Reebok to get kids moving. This is the first year that SMT has had the program. More than 30 third through fifth graders participate in a variety of competitive games they play. It is held on Mondays and Thursdays after school from 3:15 to 4:15. Volunteers from sixth through eighth grade serve as jun- ior coaches to help supervise the boys. Before playing games, the groups go to different stations. With the help of the 6, 7, and 8th grade junior coaches, they are able to have the stations run smoothly without problems. The day that we got to see the program in action, we had the chance to speak with a few of the boys who were there. To learn more about this fun new program, we interviewed a 3rd grader named Thomas from 311. He joined because he and his mom made the decision that it would be a new experience for him to try. His favorite part of the program is having some fun time with his friends. Thomas’ favorite game is basketball. A few of the others boys’ favorite parts were practicing trick shots in the hoop for basketball. Just this past week, the boys ran, jogged, and walked a 400 meter course. For some, this was they first time they had ever tried to do this. Mr. Fox and Ms. McCoog were really proud of all of the boys because they never gave up! It is obvious that the “Boys of Boks” are enjoying being a part of the pro- gram. Those of you who will be in third through fifth grade, look for it again next year! High School on the Horizon — Different Perspectives

Right Around the Corner—8th Grade Viewpoints High School Visitations for 7th graders By Kennedy Fuller and Jayda Hooley By Anya Edwards and Aiyanna Byard Several Newspaper Staff members gave their opinions and ad- vice as to what getting into high school was like for them. Does the idea of going to high school scare you? As seventh graders, it Kennedy: High School is super hard, but applying to schools you scares us. On March 20th, the seventh grade at SMT will be going to see some actually want to attend is exciting. I personally think that applying to the of the many Catholic High Schools that are available to students. Visitations high schools that I chose was really easy. I was happy to apply, but happen as early as 7th grade, because high schools look at your grades for 7th choosing a high school is even harder. I was stuck and stressed out when and 8th grades when they consider accepting you to attend. I was applying and choosing because this is where I’m going to be for the For high school visitations we will pick from a list of the high schools next four years. But I feel like 7th graders or people looking into high and then we get to spend a whole day there to get the feeling of what it’s like schools shouldn’t be scared or nervous. If you know that you want to go being in high school. Since high school is very different from what we are there then do it. If you want to go to Little Flower, Archbishop Ryan, or used to at St. Martin of Tours, the thought of such a big change can be scary. whatever school you are interested in. Try and get a scholarship and go While you are there, you get to ask questions, and even talk to the high school to that school. Don’t worry about where your friends are going, because students who will be showing you around the school. where they’re going might not be for you. So, more about applying. My Picking a high school can be stressful - trying to find good schools, try- mother helped a lot with that whole process of applying to high schools. ing to get accepted, and more. When visiting the high schools we hope to I sat down with her and told her all the places I saw myself. And that was learn about their way of schooling, and how the classes are structured. We a couple schools. Asking your parents for help isn’t a bad thing. are also interested in seeing what kind of activities and clubs they have there. Jayda: The High School application process is a bit nerve wrack- We are visiting the schools to get information, and to see if that's the type of ing, not because the people at the school are mean or are hard to deal school we want to attend to for high school. Hopefully, after the visitation, we with. The hard part was completing all the paperwork and meeting the won’t be quite so scared! deadlines. Honestly my experience was a great one. My dream school accepted me on the spot. Unfortunately this was after the grueling hours of testing as well as the open house and paperwork. I am not tell- Archbishop Ryan ing you these things to make you nervous. I am just letting you know By Ajani Gaye that the process can be a little hectic, and that you should shift your gears as you get ready. I went to Archbishop Ryan for 7th Grade Visitation Day. My day at Archbishop Ryan was fun. I have looked forward to going there for a long time, and to get to actually experience what it is like was amazing! My two favorite things about it were the auditorium and the food. The classes were interesting, too. In the Math class, we worked with partners to crack the code that leads to a prize at the end if you were able to do it. Everyone in my group got a prize and it was neat working together. I have been researching about the school for quite a while and to actually get to be there was cool. The auditorium was real- ly big, it was like a movie theater. It was so different from anything here at SMT. I am doing a lot of praying that I am able to get into this school. To finish my last four years there would be great.

Father Judge By Mekhi Edwards-Smalls Mercy Career and Technical Institute - Two Reviews On 7th grade Visitation Day I went to visit Father Judge. There was a By Kayla Everett lot I liked about the school. I liked that the school was really big, much bigger For High School Visitation day, I visited Mercy CTE. One thing I than St. Martin of Tours. In the school the students were really nice. Father liked was that we got to visit different shops. My group and I went to Judge had a big football field and a basketball team. They also have really fun Building Trades, Computer and Tech, Culinary, and Health Occupations. activities, such as sports, which we don’t have here. One thing that surprised My favorite was Computer and Tech because I got to make my own WI-FI me was how they played music in the lunchroom and also had a TV so we can cable. In Culinary, we got to decorate cookies. In Building Trades, we got watch TV while we eat. Also Father Judge is a boys school. I think this school is to design our own name plaque. In Health Occupations we got to go the best high school you can go to. I know it ‘s where I want to go. around the room and learn things like how to take pulses and how to take off gloves correctly. All in all, I had a great time, and I think I would want to go there for high school.

By Oyewumi Oyeniyi

Recently, the seventh graders had the chance to visit an archdio- cese high school of their choosing for a school day and see if it was some- where they would consider enrolling in the future. I chose to visit Mercy Career and Technical Institute and I was not disappointed. When I ar- rived I was directed to a station where I chose which career I would choose if I had the choice, and given a schedule based on my choice. I also received a t-shirt and bag that I would fill with things throughout the day. It also had some information about the school inside and a business card that I could refer to if I needed more information. Throughout the day we were taken to different shops in which students learned about a Easter specific career and were given paid internships based on careers they chose. It was very enlightening. Best of all was when I learned we could and the go to work straight after high school because of the credentials we Season of Lent earned there. We got to spend a little time in each shop such as business where we made business cards also in culinary arts where we made will be the focus of cookies. That was my high school experience. our next edition of The St. Martin of Tours Times