Ms. Festa zooms in on Waldo photography

By Stephen Doak and Kyle Ghormley

Are you good at art and photography, or do you want to get better at those? If you do, then you should come to Waldo Middle School and check out the best artist I know, Ms. Festa. (She is really goooooooooooooood, I mean it.)

We got together with Ms. Festa and asked her some questions. She likes teaching, but it's challenging. She teaches art and photography. She does not plan on working anywhere else besides Waldo. Her favorite staff person is Sally White. (Another great teacher.)

Her full name is Lori Festa. She liked art ever since she could hold a pencil. If there was anything that she could do to improve her teaching experience, she would get her own classroom. She was at El Porado High School in New Mexico before coming to Salem. She also teaches computer art.

The students enjoy what she teaches. In photography class they learn how to log photography, they look at famous photographers, and they take pictures of nature, students and events.

Thank you for reading another story from Kyle and Stephen. Thank you again.

My Days

By Gavin Fowser

Happy and nice
Crazy but fun
Boring and gray
Gleeful and gay
Lots of work
No work at all
Good grades
Bad grades
Nice days
Bad days
Sunny days
Rainy/cloudy days
These are my days

Ms. Avison shares about new class, pregnancy, and herself

By Ann Weathers

I went down to Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, Jana Avison, to interview her about her new class on computers, and I asked simple questions about this interesting blend. This is a sneak peak interview:

Reporter: What is this class about?
Ms. Avison: It’s a regular 6th grade block class, Language Arts and Social Studies. The only difference is it's the same work, just on computers.
Reporters: Is there anything unique about a class on the computer?

Mrs. Avison: Well, we are able to do more research and it’s easier to let them do their work on their own.
Reporter: How does it help the students' skills?
Mrs. Avison: Well, they learn more about technology more easily, and learn more about exploring the Internet.
Reporter: What does the class revolve around?
Mrs. Avison: We use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, no printing, the use of Gmail, and Internet at ton!

Our last question before the interview was:
Reporter: How do you feel about this exciting class?
Mrs. Avison: I think it’s really great, and the kids seem to be really into it!
That was our story on the class on the computer!

In further Ms. Avison news, she's having a baby!

Ms. Avison isn’t only a great teacher but she is going to be a great mommy! We hear she is going to have a baby boy, so we interviewed her. Here is the scoop:

Reporter: How far along are you?
Mrs. Avison: I am now just 21 weeks.
Reporter: When do you think he is due?
Mrs. Avison: I am due around March 7, around spring!
Reporter: What is the baby’s full name?
Mrs. Avison: We are naming him Finn Tokola Avison; Tokola is the father, JJ's mom’s maiden name.
Reporter: What are some characteristics you wish your baby will have?
Mrs. Avison: I want him to have curly hair, be creative, and like to read a lot.
Reporter: How do you feel about having your first baby?
Mrs. Avison: I feel super excited! I feel really, really, excited!
That is the end of our interesting interview with Ms. Avison!

Sixth graders favor pizza, nachos, Avison, Kriens

By Jessica Zamorron and Karina Mendez

We interviewed sixth graders to listen to what they like about Waldo and what they dislike. Here are some things that they said:

David Aragon said, "I like Waldo better than elementary school because
Waldo has better food."

We asked him what is his favorite subject and he said, "I like Social Studies and P.E."

We asked him if he liked Waldo lunch or elementary lunch. He said, "Waldo lunch because Waldo has better pizza."

We also asked him if he could change anything about Waldo what would it be?

"I wish it would be less crowded."

Finally we asked him who is his favorite teacher and he said, "Ms. Avison."

We interviewed Greselda Mantero and we asked her does she like Waldo or elementary better.
She said, "Waldo because I get to see more of my friends."

We also asked her what are her favorite classes and she said, " FACS, Social
Studies and Language Arts."

Third we asked her if she likes elementary lunch or Waldo lunch.

"I like Waldo lunch."

Next we asked her who is her favorite teacher and she said,
"Ms. Avison, because she is fun."

Last we asked her what would she like to change about Waldo.
"I would like to change dress code."

We interviewed Alejandro Garifas and asked him if he like Waldo or
elementary better. He said, "Waldo, because it is fun."

We also asked him what his favorite classes are and he said, "P.E., Language Arts and Industrial Technology."

Third we asked him what lunch does he like better, Waldo or elementary. He said, "Waldo
because they have bigger nachos."

If he could change anything about Waldo it would be the "dress code because it
is dull."

We asked him who is his favorite teacher and he said, " Ms. Avison because she is fun."

Justice Gonalves said, "I like Waldo because I get to see all of my friends."

We asked her what are her favorite classes, and if she liked Waldo lunch or elementary lunch better. She said, "My favorite class is Language Arts, and I like Waldo lunch better."

Last we asked her if she could change anything about Waldo what would it be, and
who is her favorite teacher.

"I would change dress code and my favorite teacher is Ms. Avison."

This is our interview about sixth graders. A lot of them don't like dress code
and their favorite teachers are Ms. Avison or Ms. Kriens.

Ropes Course builds leadership skills

By Angie Vital Torres

Currently at Waldo there is a class called Leadership, and every year they go on a field trip to the Ropes Course. This is in Salem, only 20 minutes away from our school. Some of you might be wondering what the Ropes Course is. I interviewed two students from the Leadership Class and the teacher, who is Ms. Swinnnerton.

These are the questions that I had asked Ms. Swinerton:
Q: What is the ropes course?
A: "The ropes course is somewhere we go to interact with each other and to learn how to work with each other."
Q: When are you all going to leave and come back?
A: "We are going to leave around 8:00-9:00 a.m. and come back at 2:00 p.m."
Q: What kind of activities are the students going to do?
A: "Some of the activities that we’re going to do are the ropes course, Flying Squirrel, and the Zip Line."
Q: What is the Flying Squirrel?
A: "The jumping squirrel is when you’re attached to a harness and everyone is hanging on to a rope and they shoot you up 42 ft. up in the air."
Q: What about the Zip Line? What do you do there?
A: "The zip line is really fun! Again you’re strapped to the harness and you climb to the top of the tree and they have to attach you to a wire. Then you jump off the tree and slide down. It's super fun !"

After interviewing Ms. Swinnnerton I interviewed two students from that class. They were Diego Rodriguez and Monica Ochoa. These were the questions that were asked of them both:
Q: What do you expect to do in the ropes course?
A: "We think that we're going to be jumping in the air and climbing a lot of trees and building our leadership skills."
Q: Do any of you know what kind of activities you will be doing?
A: "Both of the teachers were talking about all of us getting to go on the Zip Line and on a Big Swing"
Q: Are you guys scared to go on those rides?
A: "Yup, were kind of scared to be going up in the air but we’re excited at the same time. I know that we’re going to have fun."
Q: I heard that you all will be learning how to work in teams and with one another. What do you think that will be like?
A: "I think that it’ll be a good chance to interact with people and to work together since we’re going to be in this class for the whole year."

That was the information that we got from interviewing Ms. Swinnnerton, Diego, and Monica. From what I heard the teachers and students are very enthusiastic about going to the ropes course. They’re also very excited to be going as a group and to be learning how to work together to build their leadership skills. I hope that they have a good time and that some of the other students from Waldo will go to the ropes course as well.

Students Get Into the Groove at Waldo Dances

By Ana Barajas

You enter the gym. Lights are flashing and music is playing. Excitement is rushing through the air. The scene is awaiting your arrival. Will you answer its begging call?

Many students don’t like school. Just ask any normal Waldo student hoping for the bell to ring soon. There are a few ways Waldo tries to make school fun so that students will have the chance to get a great education by coming to school. One of those things is a way for students to express themselves, and to hang out with friends. It is the school dance. About every month, a dance is held in the auxiliary gym, or also known as the "outside gym", letting the students in at 2:45pm, and letting them out at 4 p.m.

O.K., so now you know when the dances begin and end. Another thing that may be the #1 thing to know is how to get tickets. To get into any dance, you must have a ticket. To get a ticket, you have to go to room 209 or 211 and pay $3 for a single ticket. On the day of the dance, before you walk through the doors, a teacher/staff with ask you for your dance ticket. Once you give up your ticket, you will be allowed into the dance to join in the fun with your fellow Waldo students. If, for some reason, you were not able to buy a ticket of your own before the school dance began, you can still buy a ticket at the door, but it will cost $4 alone. Last year, you could buy a ticket during lunch. Now, you must buy a ticket before school starts or after school.

Some information has support. I asked Ms. Swinnerton (room 209) a few questions about the specific dance that was held on September 25th, 2009 and about just all of the dances as one. Here were the answers and questions that were asked:

Question: "Do you have control over how often we have school dances?"

Answer: "Not really. It occurs once a month, though."

Question: "Why is there a dance every month?"

Answer: "Well, there are grade teams like the SEALS and BEARS, etc. so each grade team holds a dance."

Question: "Do you have control over the budget of the dances?"

Answer: "No, not really. Each grade team has most, if not all, control of the dances."

Question: "Some students have suggested a fog machine and a bubble machine. Do you see these as future additions?"

Answer: "They could be. Just that they’ll have to let people know."

Question: "Do you anticipate themed dances?"

Answer: "Well, there’s a Halloween dance on October 30th."

Question: "A few students thought themed dances would be an exciting addition. Do you think that if themed dances were to happen, that students would want to go to the school dances more often?"

Answer: "I think so, because people would be able to get out of dress code and be in costumes."
Question: "How do you think the dances help students?"

Answer: "It is a way to show their fun side without getting in trouble."

Question: "Is there a profit made from the dances? If so, where do the profits go to?"

Answer: "Part of the money goes to the DJ, and the snacks. The rest goes to the grade team for field trips for that grade team."

The Halloween Dance is just around the corner, and we'll hope to see you there!

Are Vampires Swooping in at the Library?

By Ana Barajas

You have probably heard of the Twilight craze since the movie came out on November 21st, 2008. Many teens have bought the book(s) after they have seen the movie. But there is a question you might not have thought about: Is Twilight (or any book in the series) the most checked-out book at the school library here at Waldo? I have asked the school librarian what the top four most checked-out books are.

"Well, there’s the Vampire Diaries, Hunger Games, Thirty-nine Clues, and Twilight is coming in fourth place," Ms. Nelson said.

Okay, so Twilight is in the top four. But could Twilight have a part in making The Vampire Diaries the number one checked-out book at the library? One thing you might not have known was that The Vampire Diaries is now a T.V. series, just one more possibility to sparking more interest to Waldo students. Here is a summary of The Vampire Diaries:

In the first book, you are introduced to Elena Gilbert, a popular high school student in the small town of Fell’s Church, Virginia, and her friends Bonnie, Meredith, and Matt, along with Caroline, Elena’s old friend who is now her competition. As their senior year begins, Elena pursues the mysterious new guy in town, Stefan Salvatore. Stefan’s resistance is met with Elena’s determination, and she eventually discovers his secret: Stefan is a centuries-old vampire. As Elena and Stefan fall in love, strange attacks begin to happen in the town while a dark stranger appears to Elena. He is later appeared as Stefan’s older brother. What will happen when he steps in?

Another question I asked Ms. Nelson was what were the newest books being added to the school library. Here is what she said: "We have added a ton of new books this year. There’s Zen and the Art of Faking It, The True Meaning of Smekday, The Juvie Three, ‘Audrey, Wait!’, and Scat."
Do some of the titles seem interesting? Who knows, maybe they will be one of the most checked-out books among the next few months!

In your opinion, which do you like best: the book or the movie? I asked Ms. Nelson that same question and she did not hesitate to answer.

"The book is always better!" she said.

Peer Helpers lend a hand at Waldo

By Ana Barajas

For 7th and 8th graders, they will most likely know what a Peer Helper is. Being a Peer Helper is not available for sixth graders, so they might not know as much. Here is just some information on being a Peer Helper, and what Peer Helpers do.

My name is Ana, and I am a Peer Helper myself. When asking Mr. Sackley, the seventh grade counselor, what Peer Helpers do, he replied, "A Peer Helper does many things. They can talk to students when a student has a problem dealing with personal life, such as a girlfriend or boyfriend break-up, school, or any other problems a student might have. Peer Helpers can also make banners to put up all over the school. And since I can’t be there every time to direct a new student to their classes, Peer Helpers help new students get their locker open for them, and take them to their classes so they don’t get lost. Being a Peer Helper is just one of the many ways Waldo offers that allows students and to help Waldo become a great and friendly environment."

Now that we have a teacher’s take on the thought of Peer Helpers, what about a real Peer Helper? This is what I think about helping my peers:

I enjoy being a Peer Helper because I really like to get involved and help people, and I think this is a good way to express it. I also like to help students with social problems. I learn about them, and I like to give advice and help them. Realizing real issues people I am around and pass by every day (of school) shows what is behind the silence.

I shared my favorite part of being a Peer Helper, which was helping other students. As I hear every word they speak, I imagine myself in their place. I feel their strong feelings about the issues they share. By feeling as if you are the person experiencing, or has experienced, these problems, you can best make a good solution or a suggestion to help this problem or issue.

I have asked a few other Peer Helpers what they like about being a Peer Helper. Most replied by saying that they like to get to know the new students they take to classes. Introducing them to Waldo is one of their favorite parts.

"The new students look so curious, and nervous. Some of them look shy, but as they get into the routine, the shyness disappears! They also gain friends, which adds on confidence." This was shared by a Peer Helper who wanted to remain anonymous.

Many students around the world go to different schools, whether their parent or guardian found a job somewhere else, or for other reasons, Waldo makes it easier for the new students coming in to feel comfortable with the environment. Peer Helpers are students that can get along with anyone, and help anyone, ranging from 6th to 8th grade, boy or girl. Every secret is kept between the Peer Helper and the student when a student tells a Peer Helper. In my opinion, Peer Helpers are truly good influences to the students attending Waldo.

Students introduce new FACS teacher

By Stephen Doak and Kyle Ghormley

We were interested in a newer teacher this year. Ms. Evans is our new FACS teacher at Waldo.
We went straight to her to find out some interesting information about where she was before coming to Waldo.

We were wondering how she liked Waldo so far. This is what we asked her. We asked her: How do you like working at Waldo? Where were you before you worked here? What do you teach? Why did you want to work here? How many students all together do you have in your classes?

This is what we found out about her: She enjoys the staff and students. She was a student at Willamette University. She wanted to teach family consumer science. She works with good students. She teaches English, student cooking, and sewing. She teaches 187 students all together. She has no favorite student or staff.

Thank you for reading another of our stories and we hope to post more this year.

Ann's Assorted Advice for Students

by Ann Weathers

Every question asked about advice is totally anonymous. Some questions we got were these:
How are some ways to get homework done during school?

Answer: The best way to get homework done is to do it before school, during free time, or even lunch.

How are some ways to get better at a basic school subject?

Answer: Get help from a student tutor, Saturday school, or get help from a parent, friend, and maybe a teacher.

How do you get your grades caught up, if you are behind in a class?

Answer: Some ways to get caught up in class is to go to the class your behind in. Ask the teacher if there is anything you can do to get caught up For example extra credit work.

How do you work out things with your bf/gf?

You should either talk to him or her to solve what the conflict is.

Tip of the day:
Don’t get mad get glad!

If someone is trying to put you down. Don’t let them.

What do you do when the guy says he is leaving town and he can’t keep in touch at moments?
RUN!! When he says he won’t be able to talk, then he isn’t interested. Only for a little while he was in town.

If somebody wants to start rumors, and they spread, what do you do?

Face it, the only opinion is yours, your opinion is the one that matters, it doesn’t matter what people think of you. It’s up to you on what you do and if it bothers you confront the person who is starting it. But remember revenge isn’t the answer.

How do you find out how to know if your crush likes you?

If you like some one the best thing to do is to really get to know them. When the time comes you or that special someone will confront you and ask you a special question. The question can be something like, do you like me? But sometimes its in different ways.

How can you use your anger in your disadvantage? Like how can you use it in your way?

If you got some anger, and you are trying to find a great way to let it out and feel good about it, with out hurting anyone. Go to a gym, work out punch a punching bag around, but you have to remember if some one makes you mad, just restrain yourself against it, go to a gym…

Tip: If someone says something and it’s not true but you don’t know for sure. Then ask the person yourself.

How to stay out of trouble?

Well if you are getting in trouble the best thing to do is seek out why you’re getting in trouble, may I suggest, maybe its relatives or maybe friends…you figure it out, with your situation everyone has new ones. Also different ones.

How to stay away from people that are going to get you in trouble.

If you want to stay away from trouble, stay away from the people that get in trouble the most, like in class or in the hall way, even with their parent maybe.

How do you solve your problems as in choosing between two girls/ or guys.

If you want to solve some issues. Then ask yourself these questions. Which one knows you best, which one likes you more, just ask yourself questions about them and narrow them down.

Mustangs run their fastest for Cross Country

By Leslie Sanchez and Jennifer Roque Caballero

Interview with a male cross country athelete:
1. What is cross country?
It’s just something where kids can stay in shape and have fun running.
2. How long is cross country?
It’s like for 6 weeks and it ends October 26.

3. When was your first meet?
It was in September 28 and there was another one on October 5.
4. What days are practices for cross country?
Its Monday though Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5. What do you like about cross country?
It’s fun and easy to do. A lot of people really run the whole time in the meets.

Interview with Coach Rose:
6. Is it cool coaching cross country?
Ms. Rose loves it. She has 15 people who really work hard and want to stay in shape for others sports like volleyball, football, and basketball.
7. What grade do you have to be to get in cross country?
All grades including 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Interview with a male who is not in cross country:
8. Is Ms. Rose a good coach for cross country?
Yes, she is really nice and we enjoy being with her in cross country.
9. Why didn’t you join cross country?
Because I am not good at running.

Mustangs Heavyweight Football is Going Strong!

Come support your school. GO WALDO MUSTANGS there are 4 more games!!!!

By Trey Hargrove and Miranda Hernandez

Here is what we asked Mr. Withers:

Q. How do you feel about the team this year?
A. "I'm excited about a good group of kids. We'll see."
Q. Who do you think has most potential in being your best player?
A. "Everybody has a good chance to be a good player. Everybody is going to play (one or more positions)."
Q. Do you enjoy coaching the heavy weight team?
A. "I enjoy coaching. Heavyweight has good numbers.
Lightweight needs to get in shape." (just kidding).
Q. How do you feel about coaching with Mr. Light?
A. "It's lots of fun, good sense of humor, nice to teach with him
on and off the field."
Q. Did you play any sports in middle/high school?
A. "Yes. Cross country, baseball, basketball and track."
Q. Who do think Waldo’s toughest competition is?
A. "Every middle school will be a challenge."
Q.When and where is the first game for heavyweight?
A. "The first game is September 30 against Leslie. There are three games here at home and three games away."

These are our thoughts about the football team:
Trey: Well, um... good group of people. They work well together. They started off the season okay. They won the second game…and they're doing alright.
Miranda: Um well I'll start off by saying that I love them. They are like family to me. They are doing good so far...the players I most admire are my cousin Nick, my best friend Edgar, my homie BIG MAC and I guess Gabe. Oh, and I can't forget Big D (Diontray), but the whole team has a place in my heart(haha). Hope you guys do good the rest of the season!!!

Students survey school about overcrowding issues

By Gavin Fowser
and Cassandra Downing

This year at Waldo, we have heard talk of Waldo Middle School being overcrowded. It seems everyone at Waldo can tell that we are overcrowded. Buses have had to take stops for other buses that are overcrowded. Only a few days ago the bus that takes us home had 71 students on it. It can only hold 72 students on it.

Our morning bus still picks up 75 students. It can only hold up to 77 students, and the bus driver who is our friend is still asking to have another bus driver take a stop. We equally would like less students on the bus.

As you can see, Waldo has more students than expected. We interviewed Mr. Wolfe, and he even said we have more students than they expected this year. At this very moment they are working on fixing the overcrowding.

We also have more students than last year. We talked to some students, who said they thought we got way too many 6th graders. We asked 38 students if we are overcrowded and 77% said yes while 23% said no. Many students have had to change buses because of the overcrowding. At the rate we're going, it seems that if we get more students this year we the students and staff
will be in for it.

Roller Coaster Physics Thrills Mustangs!

Hi my name is Kyle Ghormley. My associate Stephen Doak and I were reporters Mr. Jones' News Production class. We sat down with the Rollercoaster Physics teacher, Mr. Lee, and asked these questions:

Q: What is Rollercoaster Physics for?
A: It’s an enrichment academy for math and science to see how physics applies to rollercoaster.
Q: Who can come?
A: Only 8th graders and its based on behavior, grades, and OAKS tests.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Its costs about $400-$450 per student.
Q: How long does it take to get there?
A: It takes 2 hrs on by plane, and about 3.5 hrs of research at the park.

I’m Kyle Ghormley and I’m Stephen Doak and that the way that physics applies to roller coasters!!!!!!! Thank you for reading this story!!!!!!!!!!