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12/20/16 Volume 2, Issue 4 Shumate Squawk INSIDE THIS ISSUE: THE WAYS OF C HRISTMAS

8th Grade Basketball, 2 By: Gunnar Dochnal modern gift giving grew out of dle School. “Your parents Cheer, Girls Swim Many people have different traditions surrounding the don’t do it (act as Santa), and views of , but there historical , a why would they?” Said Jona- than Smith, another 8th grade Boys Swim, NFC North, 3 are a few things that cannot fourth-century Greek bishop student at Shumate Middle Michigan be disputed. The first rec- and gift-giver from Myra, orded Christmas was held on Turkey. This spread through School. Well now that we know December 25, in the year Western culture and was who believes and who doesn’t, what is the proper way to ad- Christmas At Shumate, 4 336. It was on this date that adopted and altered to fit the dress this season of the year? Elf on the Shelf, Christ- the Roman Pope Julius de- persona of a gift giver. To the “Merry Christmas, because it mas Activities clared a feast to celebrate the British he is Father Christ- birth of , which is the mas, to the Dutch he is Sin- could be any holiday with Hap- py Holiday,” said Jess Lakos. Student Spotlight, Ugly 5 reason why we celebrate terklaas, and the German “Merry Christmas, because hap- Christmas Sweaters, Christmas. This word figure of Christkindl. There py holidays doesn’t sound “Christmas” comes from the are many religions and cul- good,” said Jonathon Smith. Middle English Cristemasse, tures around the world that The spirit of caring and giving is Christmas Trees, Christ- 6 which in turn comes from have similar feasts and gift without a doubt, a worthy ideal. mas movies, Music Old English Cristes-messe. It giving in the month of De- With that spirit in mind, have a is literally a shortened ver- cember, though they go by Merry Christmas! sion of “Christ’s mass.” To different names. Hoverboard ,Christmas, 7 help celebrate the occasion, So we know Christmas is Door Decorating, Music were later a real time of the year, invented in 1882 by Edward now how about Santa? Johnson. But how did a “No, I don’t think he is 8 Credits feast to celebrate the birth of real because my mom Jesus turn into the gift giving told me he wasn’t real,” th season we have today? The said Jess Lakos, 8 grade student at Shumate Mid-

AMERICA IS FREEZING

By: Taylor Viers erage low last week is much lower than cause I get to do winter sports and it’s close to The eastern 2/3rds of the United States that being around 14.1 degrees my birthday”. Whether you like snow or hate are experiencing record low tempera- (excluding wind chill). it, one things for sure it isn’t going anywhere tures. This is caused by a “Polar Vor- Now that the temperatures are down anytime soon. tex” a cold bed of air sitting above the let’s hear how this will affect the public Arctic Circle. Now when the cold air is themselves. Ben Tjernlund an 8th grad- er commented on the weather “It will blown down from the vortex the area affected becomes colder. Now here’s affect me because I like to be outside”. some history for you. In 1934 Vander- Jack Morrison another 8th grader com- belt Michigan got to an astonishing -51 mented on the cold temperatures. “I degrees, and in Prospect Creek Camp hate cold weather”. Also with the only th Alaska it reached -79 degrees. The aver- positive response about the weather 8 age in Michigan is 17 degrees. The av- grader Gunnar Dochnal “I like it be- Page 2 Newsletter Title

MORE L’S

By: Joe Calus only seeming to come out in the first half An L a day keeps the W’s away, after and just don’t show up in the second half. another heartbreaking L your Sea- Even forward Brendan Yaramus stated, “ I hawks fell to 2-7 with a buzzer beater believe we have but we just lose to these loss to Lincoln Park, and that just has other schools who are just physically and to make their confidence even worse. mentally better than us.” It just seems like Guard Ryan Slusarczyk expressed his they aren’t mentally prepared for these feelings about it, stating “The team’s bigger and better teams. Your Seahawks confidence was finally picked up and have three more games remaining on the then it got stepped on and de- season and they looking to close out stroyed.” It has to be very disappoint- strong. ing seeing another team celebrating team has improved, and even guard Brent on your court. Willis said “Yes I believe we’ve improved, but we just haven’t been able to win any But over the course of the season the games.” He is correct about that. They are

C OMP WEEK!

By:Alexis Howe coming in clean with the “Cartwheel and my good friend Maddie is coming that Competition week, the Shumate cheer- tuck, I have mixed feelings if I'm excited moved.” Catch your Shumate cheerleaders leaders giving all they've got for this com- or not, I'm just nervous how it continuing with the winning tradition on petition. This Saturday, December 17th Saturday, December 17th. in the Carlson gym come support at the first, Pat Christianson competition. All of the girls have worked hard up to this day, giving all they've got, draining all of their energy at practice, from 5:45-9:00 the girls work for greatness. At the beginning of the season the girls weren't so confident for this season, but now the cheerleaders are very confident in themselves. “Yes, we weren't doing that well at first, but now we're doing goes.”Some cheerleaders excited and good, We are having great practices”, some are not, Ava Gillespie more excited says Natalia Terleckyj in 7th grade. than ever “yes I'm excited because we are Throwing tucks and springs Lilli Fraczek going against Trenton and Southgate,

FINAL MEET

By: Moriah Edwards have done really good this season and we only lost 2 meets.” As the swim Last Thursday Shumate was competing because,everyone tries their best season is coming to an end there's al- against Taylor Co-Op. Shumate swimmers ways next year and for the 8th graders won their Final meet. The score is 4-2. This who are leaving Shumate are going to week is their league meet against all down- Carlson and can go swim on the Carl- river schools when Shumate goes to Allen son swim team.the Girls Varsity tea, Park High school for this championship starts in august while the boys starts in meet. The swim team has worked hard this November. Good job to all Shumate season. By working on their flip turns, swimmers on an outstanding starts both relay and regular. The divers have also been working on their dives. The swimmers have really worked hard and improved this swim season.

Hailey Holbdy 6th grader had some things to say about this swim season. “I think we Volume 2, Issue 4 Page 3

SELECT CHAMPIONSHIPS AROUND THE CORNER! By: Alyssa Koons had an outstanding year and will hope- They are both really great swimmers. I fully carry out their swim career next most likely won’t make the team this year The team has had an outstanding season year at the high school. this year ending with a record of 5-1. The but I’m going to keep practicing and With the season ending all of the swim- guys will end the year with one last prac- mers are hoping for one last chance to strive to make it next year.” The roster tice and a pasta banquet!! The whole team race. Diving and swim championships for the select team will be posted soon the getting together one more time before they are right around the corner and only a boys will be waiting. go their separate ways. Next year all of the select team will be heading to Allen th 8 graders will be moving up to the high Park this Wednesday. Seventh grader th school. We have some very talented 8 Nikolas Brown shows some support to graders who have really helped the team the swimmers he thinks will make the succeed. The boys will be missed by every- championship team. “I think Ben one. Just to name a few: Lucas Kuty, Ty- Conroy and Madison Taylor will defi- ler Winemko, and Ben Higgins have really nitely make the championship team.

TOP C ONTENDERS? will be hard but it is still possible.” By: Gavin Kongeal With the chances of the Bears making the What do you think the 2017 playoffs playoffs gone, the last couple playoff spots The Lions and Packers are on big hot will look like? has left three teams to fight for them. streaks but are they still big Super Bowl Ryan Slusarczyk and 8th grade Lions fan contenders? The Packers just came off a big “Loves the Lions chances at making the victory as they destroyed the Seattle Sea- playoffs because they are on a huge hot hawks 38-10, Aaron Rodgers and Jordy streak and because of that I even think Nelson both at the top of the TD charts they have a chance at the Super bowl.” contributed a lot towards the successful The Vikings chances are slim because of win, the Packers are now 7-6. The Lions all the injuries but if they can get healthy and Bears played a close game but with just in time they have a good chance. Taylor minutes left the Lions scored a go ahead Viers an 8th grade football fanatic has tak- touchdown as the beat the Bears 20-17 en the chances of the Packers playoff bring the Lions to 9-4 and the Bears to 3- hopes into consideration “The only way 10. The Vikings had an easy week as they they can make it is if the Lions and Vi- passed by the Jaguars 25-16 leaving them kings screw up and the Packers win out it still tied with the Packers at 7-6.

MICHIGAN RECRUITING

By : Ben Tjernlund Michigan also just got a 5 star wide re- Michigan is working on picking up the ceiver out of Detroit Cass Tech, Do- #1 recruit in the nation, Najee Harris. novan Peoples-Jones. He committed He is currently verbally committed to yesterday, Thursday, December 15th. Alabama and is a running back, but is Nathan Darville, when asked if he deeply considering Michigan. Brent would be good, said, “Yeah, he is a Willis, when asked if Najee will go to boss.” Brendan Yaramus, said, “He will Michigan said, “Nope, Michigan isn't definitely be good, because Michigan as good as Alabama.” Joe Calus said, gets good recruits.” Let’s see if Jones will “Yeah he will go to Michigan because be a bust, or a star. Alabama lost their offensive coordina- tor.” Will the #1 recruit end up at Michigan for two years in a row? Page 4 Newsletter Title

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS UP SHUMATE By: Madison Wiseman Christmas movie you want to watch! Since very excited for the annual door decorat- Christmas is right around the corner, and sadly, the Shumate Seahawks will be having ing contest in advisory. 7th grader the Shumate Seahawks are getting in the a full day of school before break, the movie McKenna Wiseman believes her advisory Christmas spirit. Shumate Middle School will be on December 23. The Seahawks are has what it takes to win the contest. “My is ready for the holiday of presents and fam- pumped up for Christmas and can’t wait for advisory is working very hard on our ily. Shumate is getting ready for their an- the things it has in store, at school and at door and I believe we have many details nual Christmas celebrations. Including the home. to be able to win the contest.” Also, th th holiday movie, Shumate’s door decorating Shumate Middle School’s students and many 7 and 8 grade students are very contest, and the lights outside of the school. teachers are excited for Christmas to finally excited they don’t have to sit through the th The door decorating contest has been going come. Most people during Christmas time assembly on the last day before break. 7 on in everyone’s advisories since last week, loves . Some popular grader Loren Subyak is one of the most excited for this change. “I am excited we and the final decisions are on December 23. Christmas songs that have been made so aren’t doing the assembly this year because In the past years at Shumate they have had long ago, still seems to having a liking on most people don’t pay attention and I also people. Some of these popular songs in- an assembly with activities performed by don’t like it because I’m in student council clude, Silent Night (2013), Santa Clause is the Seahawks student council. This year, so it’s better for me because I don’t have to th th they are having a movie during 5 and 6 coming to town (1945), rocking around the perform.” Students are very excited for this hour, with your advisory class. Also, your (1958), Its beginning to look change and will be looking forward to the advisory even has the choice of which a lot like Christmas (1987), and holly Jolly movie on December 23. Christmas (2011). Students at Shumate are

ELF O N THE S HELF!!! By: Joslyn ferguson names for the Elf on the Shelf Buddy, Shelf is going international and gaining Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? These fig- Jingles, and Snowflake.” Many people in popularity in the UK, Ireland, Mexico, ures are very popular in the United States Shumate have an Elf on the Shelf, it’s New Zealand and Canada.” The Elf on and have been for many years. According to interesting, and it’s informative. the Shelf makes so many kids smile and She Knows, “This is an elf which is a doll, Two 6th graders from Shumate hopefully will make more throughout called a scout elf, and it is sold with the book would like to say a few words about the the Elf on the Shelf.” Every night, your elf Elf on the Shelf. Seth Broughton said, “I changes where they are around the house years. have an Elf on the Shelf and his name is and they watch over you until Christmas.. The Elf can do crazy things during the night. Jet.” Halie Furkas said, “One time, my According to Buzzfeed, “The elfs are crazy Elf on the Shelf formed a wall of string sometimes. That eat all your m&m’s.” You lights so I couldn't get out of my room.” can name your elf as well. According to the According to She Knows, “Elf on the website Elf on the Shelf, “The top three

C HRISTMAS ACTIVITIES!

By: Adrianna Light said, “My favorite holiday activity is this deer”. Madison Horeski 8th grade re- Christmas was declared a holiday on game I play with my family on Christ- ported “I love opening the presents on June 26th 1870. The famous Christmas mas it's called pin the nose on the rein- Christmas day because my parents get tree tradition was started in Germany me all the stuff I wanted and it makes but, they put the trees up so spring me happy”. Make sure to have fun with would come faster. Also the word carol means to sing or dance with joy. your family and Merry Christmas! Don’t forget the Christmas break starts on Hailee Donovan in 8th grade said, 12/23 after a full day of school. “Christmas is my favorite holiday be- cause i love putting the tree up with my family we make cookies and listen to music it's fun”. Jamie West 8th grade Page 5 Newsletter Title

S HUMATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT By: Karina McCullough sidy was asked about her favorite class son. She was put in the spotlight this Christmas is right around the corner and overall. “My favorite class is poetry and week. Who will it be next? this week, we have another spotlight. Shu- song writing because my teacher, Mrs. th mate Middle School’s own 6 grader Cas- Hoover, knows how to make things fun.” sidy Carroll was picked to be put in that Lastly, she was asked about spotlight. Cassidy was asked questions some of her favorite things about Christ- about herself and some of her family tradi- mas. Cassidy’s favorite Christmas food is tions on Christmas. “For , cookies. Presents are what many people we don’t have ham, we have pierogies look forward to during the Christmas and we have a gift exchange.” Cassidy time. She noted that she would like a spends her holidays with her two siblings camcorder set this year. But Cassidy has and her dog named Rex. other ideas about how to spend the holi- This Christmas Shumate is cele- days. “I like how everybody is nice brating by watching a movie in advisory. enough to take time and go to someone’s She wants to spend that time watching house and generous enough to give gifts.” Elf. Her advisory class is also participating That’s the true meaning of Christmas. in the Christmas door decorating contest Cassidy Carroll is a very compelling per- that Shumate partakes in every year. Cas-

HOW UGLY C AN S WEATERS GET? By: Angelina Bodner about Serena Cowette from 7th grade she has, but on hers there were Ginger- From Christmas tree lights to The bread houses, snow and snowmen. Mia here are the best ugly Christmas Boulay an 8th grader has never owned a sweaters. First where can you get these ugly sweater like Serena Cowette but if creative ugly sweaters? Target, Jc Pen- she were forced to wear and own one ny, Macy’s and Amazon.com. What she would want “ Rudolph, snow, a are the price ranges? From target you cartoon Santa from Rudolph the Red- can get some from 21 to 24.99 dollars nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman.” Macy’s 17 to 70 dollars and on amazon on it, Merry Christmas Hope this will 4 to 48 dollars. help you win a ugly sweater contest Merry Christmas and a Happy New Would you show up at family Christ- Year. mas party with these sweaters? How

G INGERBREAD

By: Jesse Dowding cient china, where it was commonly sea, and other stomach problems. Gingerbread figures and their houses date used as a medicinal treatment for light Any way you see it, ginger is a great back to the 15th century, the first recorded root. instance of a gingerbread man was in the court of the queen of england elizabeth the 1st, she made cookies in the likeness of her and some of her guests to impress them. We don't really know what links them to Christmas, but we’re glad they are. Many people still make gingerbread men and houses today, maybe not as complex as they used to be, but still just as deli- cious. Richard kamin says that he and his family makes gingerbread men for Christ- ailments, and even today we use it mas ginger root was first discovered in an- occasionally for stomach pains, nau- Page 6 Newsletter Title

C HRISTMAS TREES By: Sophia Runyon Real trees can cost $40-100 ac- smell of the tree and the tradition with What do you prefer, a real cording to size. But real trees don’t last as my family… I've grown a love for Christmas tree or fake Christmas tree? long as fake trees but, depending on the greenery. ” About 21 people prefer fake Christmas trees all started in Germany. type of fake trees they can cost around because they don't make a mess, and “Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know $70-100 with or without lights, unless you last longer. But what do you think? it in the 16th century when devout Chris- buy them after Christmas and get a dis- tians brought decorated trees into their count. Jacob Mckay has read a lot of arti- homes.” According to History.com cles about the debate between real and (History of Christmas Trees). Germans fake trees, he thinks “ We should have also brought ornaments in 1890’s. Pre- fake trees, because they last longer and sents were originally put in the tree not they already come with lights.” But, 15 under the tree, because the toys and trin- people disagree including Mrs. Sheffler, kets were small enough. who prefers real trees “Because I like the

C HRISTMAS MOVIES!

By: Sara Rasmussen spirit, “I like Christmas movies because lives in “Halloween Town” but ends up it puts me in the spirit.” Now go cele- It’s the most wonderful time of the year and stumbling into “Christmas Town” and brate this wonderful season by watching decides to celebrate the holiday which it's time to celebrate! Grab your hot choco- some movies and remember to have a leads to some consequences. late and sit down with your family and Merry Christmas! watch a Christmas movie. Which Christmas The movie directed by Henry Selick movie should you watch though? To find seems to be very popular with lots of peo- out, we did a poll to find the best Christmas ple including Reyna Macabebe, “The movie. The movies that were included in the Nightmare Before Christmas is the best poll were Home Alone, The Polar Express, Christmas movie because Tim Burton is the Nightmare Before Christmas, The great.” We now know what the best Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf the Christmas movie is but why do people Red nose Reindeer, Charlie Brown's Christ- enjoy these movies so much. Maybe mas, Christmas Vacation, Elf, and Christ- adults like them because it reminds them mas Carol. From the huge list of festive of when they were children or maybe movies, most people picked the Tim Burton you're like Zoe Cole and you like the fes- movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The movie is about Jack Skellington, who tive movies because they put you in the

M USIC P RIDE

By: Lilliana Rushlow The world is full of music and love to listen in on it.People have favorite bands or singers they listen to, and the bands/ singers can vary in different style’s of music they make and some may love or like it. Lot’s of people like Twenty One Pilots and Panic At The Disco. The same amount of people like the kpop bands Exo and BTS. Six people like Melanie Martinez. These bands/singers are some of the popular music artists. Page 7 Newsletter Title

HOVERBOARD VS B OOSTER B OARD By: Maya Bailey thew Tran, and Sanjay Dastoor.The sin- you’ll fall.” If you could have one of Which one would you prefer for Christ- gle booster board will cost $999, the duel mas, a hover board or an booterboard? (two motors) cost $1,299, and the duel The hover board came out last year 2015 plus (two or more motors) will cost and the booster board came out in $1,499+. 2016.The hover board was created by Shane Chen,and they can cost up to Makenna Wiseman in 7th grade said $1,000. He created it in the west of the United States, he told producers that he that, “I would want a hoverboard instead hasn't became rich from it. Over 11,00 of a booster board because they are more companies in China are making them and fun and exciting.” Also, Amerie Clark in the first year the companies made mil- 8th grade said “I would want a hover lions. The booster board came out in board because it's fun and it's fun to think 2016. It is created by John Ulmen, Mat-

these, which one would T HE MUSIC 4 YOU to? you By: Kayla Kerr other genres including Reyna Macabebe, she stated ” I like What’s you're favorite kind of music? alternative music like Bishop Do you like rock, rap, pop or do you Briggs and Traye Sivan; I like like something different? Students said how loud the music is and the what there favorite kind of music was lyrics.” And some said they pre- and the most said there favorite was ferred pop over the others like alternative and pop and the less favorite Natasha Williams, she said “ I was country. The like pop because my whole fami- chart says the top music this year is pop ly has a thing with pop so I want and the top artists is Adele, Bryson to follow it”. Kids have also said Tilller, Twenty One Pilots, Justin there music taste has changed Bieber, and Drake; the top artists and over the years like Makayla music of the year of 2016. For Shumate Straub said “ My music choices Middle School the top was a tie be- has changed over the years. I use tween alternative and pop. Close behind to like pop like Owl City but now was rap. Less liked was country. Some I like alternative like Twenty One people preferred alternative over the Pilots.” What music do you listen C HRISTMAS IS COMING

By Tyler Begeman cause he has a job now away from on the same day. 4 Students were asked What do you want for Christmas? home. Eli Rowe wants money because what they want for Christmas Johnny Christmas is 6 days away Shumate Mid- he likes money. Gavin Kongeal wants Smith wants a laptop for Christmas so he dle School is in a very festive mood with Packer vs Lions Tickets. Mr. and Mrs. Clause coming next Fri- can fulfil his dream as a Youtuber. Curtis day and also seeing him in the movie elf Gayle wants to see his brother because he has not seen him in a long time be-

SHUMATE DOOR D ECORATING By: Sareena Newsome different kind of ideas the Shumate stu- ing to see but Chase Willburn 6th grade What kind of door decorating are you dents are doing to decorate the doors. had an interesting plan. “ We’re planning doing for the Shumate decorating con- There is one winner per grade and then on doing a neighborhood with Santa going test? We only have one more week to there’s one overall Champion. Let’s hope down the chimney with his feet hanging work on these doors. The decorating that everyone finishes on time. out from the chimney delivering the Christ- ends Thursday Dec. 22 . Then the Shu- Some people are getting a little tense mas presents.” Its very hard to make a new mate Student council will start choosing because of how far away they are from kind of idea for the decorating. Good luck the winner. It's always exciting to see the finishing. A lot of doors are very interest- Shumate! Who do you think will win? C REDITS

World News– Gunnar Dochnal, Joslyn Ferguson, Taylor Viers Community News– Sareena Newsome School News– Lauren Biddle School Sports– Joe Calus, Moriah Edwards, Alyssa Koons, Sidney Tolstyka, Alexis Howe College Sports– Madison Wiseman, Ben Tjernlund Pro Sports– Tyler Begeman, Gavin Kongeal, Ryan Slusarczyk, Cody Soblo, Jesse Dowding Reviews– Maya Bailey, Jada Davis, Kayla Kerr, Logan Kersten, Sara Rasmussen, Sophia Runyan, Entertainment/Fashion– Angelina Bodner, Adrianna Light Surveys– Lilliana Rushlow Student Spotlight– Karina McCullough Editors– Chelsea Bell, Elizabeth Gabbard, Hannah Petty