Issue Number Three June 2011 Panther Paws, Jr. The official newspaper of the Midland Park Middle School Volume 1, Issue 1 Cookies For a Cause! In this issue: • Cookies for a Cause By Dan C. started off with a spark • Summer Fun Ideas Chocolate chip of commitment from • American Idol 2011 cookies, oatmeal cookies, Mrs.Vannelli. It Friday that ended the • MPHS Concert Band sugar, brownies, cakes, continued to grow as the fundraising week, there • MPHS Chorus lollipops…could the React/Interact Club got was a big pep rally that students of MPHS ask involved and then it Andrew attended. for anything more from became a reality. For 5 Having Andrew walking Top 10 Downloaded Songs their community? full days the students around the gym and Spring 2010 Through a fundraiser baked, bought, and sold knowing that each and entitled “Cookies for a cookies. At the end every student in MPHS Cause,” the students of there were just some made some sort of Midland Park High crumbs left over … and a contribution to this week School helped raise over whole lot of money. is a source of pride for $5,000 for The students involved MPHS. neuroblastoma research worked very hard to It’s quite amazing to in honor of Mrs. make this a success in think that one cookie can Goodell’s son Andrew. honor of Andrew. The make a difference in a The entire community entire community came child’s life – and that was involved in this together to make it all lesson was learned by exciting event. The idea so special. On the every student at MPHS. Osama bin Laden – Killed by US Forces By Staff Writers that the United States World Trade Center in The man who led the has conducted an New York City on al-Qaeda terrorist operation that killed September 11, 2001. organization blamed for Osama bin Laden,” the On the eve of bin the deaths of thousands president said, “a Laden’s death, a team of of Americans – has been terrorist who’s specially trained U.S. killed by U.S. military responsible for the military officers known as forces in Pakistan. murder of thousands of Navy SEALS stormed his President Obama innocent men, women and compound in residential announced bin Laden’s children.” Pakistan, according to the death in a late television In al-Qaeda’s most Associated Press (AP). announcement on May 1st, horrific attack, the After a 40-minute battle, 2011. “Tonight, I can group flew two hijacked bin Laden was dead, along report to the American passenger jets into the with one of his sons, two people and the world other men and a woman. Page 2 of 6 Panther Paws, Jr. American Idol – 2011 Season These past couple of years the judges have had a "save" By Rachel Agnello rule. If a contestant got Did you like this year’s voted off, he/she had a season of American Idol? chance to be saved. The There were so many great artist would then have one Scotty McCreery singers! Auditions were more chance to sing his/her held all over the country; best, and hope that the and as we know from the judges decide to “save” shows -- some were good him/her. This season’s save and some were really, was used on really bad. This year’s Casey Abrams; James Durbin season had more viewers than any previous season. They also had two new judges: who later got voted off anyway. He was so shocked and Hailey Reinhart grateful to be able to stay another week. Jennifer Lopez and What draws people to this show is that there are many different types of voices. Scotty McCreery who was Lauren Alaina. only 16 had a deep country voice. James Durbin had a The winner was announced Steven Tyler. rocker voice. This year’s on May 25th and it was competition was fierce! In Scotty McCreary! Both added a great the end, the final four came Congratulation Scotty! addition to the panel. out to be: Panther Paws, Jr. Page 3 of 6 Crisis in Joplin, Missouri – In Words and Pictures By Staff Writers Joplin,” city manager Mark and broke gas lines. Rohr told reporters at a President Obama issued a The 2011 tornado season is news conference. statement following the going to go down as one of The tornado moved deadly twister. “The federal the worst on record. through the city and cut a government stands ready to On May 22, 2011, a path over six miles long and help our fellow Americans as devastating twister hit a half-a-mile wide. Its needed,” Mr. Obama said. Joplin, Missouri. To date, destructive path knocked As the city of Joplin has the death toll there stood down power lines, ripped begins its long road to at 122. And officials homes from their recovery, the thoughts of all expected it to rise. foundations, tossed cars in Midland Park High School “It is indeed a sad day in the air like Matchbox toys students are with them. Page 4 of 6 Panther Paws, Jr. And the Band Played On … By Caitlin S. performed Oh the Places held in Memorial Hall. You'll Go, Shenandoah, and The performing The different performing American Riversongs. ensembles included the ensembles in the band After their concert they Middle School Concert program have been working walked to the 9/11 Museum Band, the High School hard to perfect their notes and then to Times Square. Wind Ensemble, the and crescendos and Later that night they went to combined bands, the High ritardandos. They displayed see the play How to Succeed School Percussion the results of all of their in Business without Really Ensemble, and the Jazz hard work on May 20th and Trying starring Daniel Band. Band Director Mr. May 26th. Radcliffe from the Harry Marks and his student th On May 20 , the members Potter movies. teacher, Mr. Shur, of the middle school and high Within a few days they all conducted the pieces. school bands performed their found themselves sitting on The concert was a very combined concert in Battery stage playing a concert. The successful and enjoyable Park, New York. They concert, on May 26th, was night. And the Chorus Sang On … By Kathryn A. chorus have been Kaytlynn K., Catie G., practicing and working Rachel A., Kathryn A., This year’s Spring Chorus hard on these songs in Brianna D., Caitlin S., concert was held on May 12, their daily rehearsals. Dan C., Michael H., and 2011, and once again the In Be Still Nightingale, Jonathan T. All of the students’ vocal talents were there was a 7th grade soloists that performed enjoyed by all! soloist: Paulina H.; In did an amazing job! Mrs. The repertoire this year Don't Laugh at Me, the Halliwell is the director included: I’m a Believer, soloists included Michael and her students are Hallelujah Chorus, Every H., Catie G., Dan C., appreciative of her Night When the Sun Goes In, Gemma L., Brianna D., efforts in making music Be Still Nightingale, Don't Kaytlynn K., Caitlin S., come alive for them! Laugh at Me, and Riversong. Rachel A., and Kathryn The members of the At the end of the concert a A. Middle School Chorus group of Eighth graders At the end of the hope that you enjoyed performed Send It On. (You show, the group of the show as much as may have heard that song on eighth graders that sang they enjoyed presenting Disney Channel or on the Send it On included it to you. radio!). The members of the Panther Paws, Jr. Page 5 of 6 Advice for Future 8th Graders – From the 8th Graders th We asked the current 8 *Keep all worksheets and notes *Ask your teachers for help. graders for some advice on and study guides for the final th how the current 7 grade exam. *They are here to help you. th could be successful in their 8 grade year! Here are 20 *Do homework. *Be organized. pieces of advice that will help *Try hard even if you don’t *Be prepared. you navigate your final year in know it. Effort is important! middle school. *Be respectful. *Study hard. *Don’t slack off because it’s *Participate. easy to fall behind. *Pay attention. *Don’t try to sneak cell phones *Stay focused. – all the teachers have good *Keep up with projects. Don’t wait until the last minute or eyes! *Get on your teachers good else you will end up with 4 sides. *Read the books that are other projects to do all at assigned. once. *Don’t argue with teachers. *Balance time with your *Get involved in school sports *Don’t copy other’s work. friends and school work. or clubs. Advice for Future 7th Graders – From the 7th Graders th Hey upcoming 7 graders, we know you’re nervous *Remember the dress code. about coming up to MPHS. Here are some tips *Don’t try shortcuts on projects. It doesn’t from us to you... work. *Always pay attention. *Stay organized and always be prepared and have *Follow directions. your supplies. *Think about your decisions. *Study really hard. *Let the good times last. *Don’t slack off- school gets harder each day! *Don’t procrastinate. *Don’t be disrespectful because there are *HAVE FUN! detentions. *Don’t whine. Just do the work. *Always have pens and pencils with you. *Don’t get lazy. *Respect classmates and teachers. *Be responsible. Don’t be afraid of the older kids.