Mustangs media outlets thrive at Waldo

By Monserratt Castro & Giang Nguyen & Anali Juarez

We wanted to profile the news classes here at Waldo where students write many interesting and fun stories to share with other students and teachers. If you like writing stories, you should definitely join the news production class. There are two news classes here at Waldo. One is for JGEMS and one is for Waldo. Mr. Jones teaches for Waldo and Mrs. Carver teaches for JGEMS. We interviewed the two teachers about their classes:

(MM = Mustangs Mirror + MT = Mustang Times)

Q: Who usually writes the stories?
MM: The students in News Production class always write the stories.
MT: Students in my journalism class write all the stories.

Q: What do you guys usually write about?
MM: Any stories that students come up with involving Waldo.
MT: The students all come up with the ideas, which are things that middle school students are interested in.

Q: How many stories do you need to write to get an A?
MM: About 4 stories.
MT: About 2 for an edition. We also have writing assignments in class.

Q: Where do you guys publish your stories?
MM: In a website at http://mustangsmirror.blogspot.com/
MT: In the Mustang Times newspaper.

Q: Why do you guys write stories?
MM: So students can know what is happening in our school or any other places.
MT: Because it is fun to tell a story, and we hope students like to read them.

In conclusion, we want people to know that there are two news classes in our building. If you write the stories required, then it's pretty easy to get good grades. It's a fun class because you get to go around the school and interview people. Check it out!

Salem Art Association showcases students' work

By Lupita Gonzalez, Corinne VanLier, and Bernice Garcia

Do you love to draw, paint, or anything else that has to do with art? Do you want to show it off? Then the place to be is at the new art show with all of your paintings, drawing, and other art. Want to see more things that might go on at the Bush Barn Art Center? Then you could go to there web site at http://www.salemart.org/ for information about Salem-Keizer art on display through April 11.

We asked Sandra Burnett, Executive Director of the Salem Art Association, about the ongoing show. This is what we learned.

Q: What is the goal of the art show?

A: Our goal is to harness the power of the arts to enhance creativity, improve lives and foster a more vibrant and connected community. Join us in exploring the arts and local history – we’ll all be richer for the experience.

Q.What's the most people that have been in the Art Show?
A: In terms of artists, we have some art shows that feature artwork by several dozen artists, and other art exhibitions that showcase many works of art by just one artist. In terms of visitors, I’m not sure if I know the show with the highest visitor attendance to a show, but there were 671 visitors to the opening reception for our recent Kindergarten-5th Grade exhibition and dozens more came to see the show in the days following the opening. We have a total of approximately 10,000 visitors to our galleries each year.

Q: Is there a limit of people that can be in the Art Show?
A: The limit is determined by how many works of art we can hang on the wall and exhibit on pedestals. The more works of art by each artist, the less artists we have room for. So the number of artists changes with each exhibit.

Q: Is it for everyone or only for elementary, middle, and high school students?
A: Some of our art exhibitions feature artwork by students and other exhibits feature artwork by adults. We offer both kinds of exhibits.

Q: Do you enjoy seeing this artwork?
A: Yes, it’s fun and exciting to see different kinds of artwork.

Q: How long has this show taken place?
A: The Bush Barn Art Center has been hosting art shows for more than 40 years.

Q: Is it only here in Salem, or is it in other places too?
A: We only host art exhibits here in Salem, and we like to feature artwork by local artists.

Q: Can people just enter, or do they have to get nominated or something?
A: We have both kinds of exhibits. A show in which artists are nominated is called an invitational show. A show in which artists apply is called a juried show.

Based on what we saw at the website, there are many talented artists showing their work from here in Salem. If you go, then we hope you enjoy it and please let us know how about what you saw on your visit.

Latino Studies helps to broaden understanding

By Jennifer Lopez

I'm taking Latino Studies this year, and I like the class because I think it's good to know about Latinos and Hispanics. One interesting thing that I've learned is that there are millions of Latinos around the world and their cultures are very diverse. I decided to interview Ms. Sasaki about the Latino Studies class that she recently started.

Q: Why did you decide to teach this class this year?
A: There is a large number of Latinos at Waldo, but not a lot of them have opportunities to see themselves in the curriculum.

Q: What is Latino Studies?
A: Latino Studies is about the history and culture of Latinos. It also focuses on Latino issues such as education, immigration, and culture identity.

Q: Why do you think it's important for students to know about Latino Studies?
A: Latinos are a growing population in the U.S. It's important to have understanding and awareness in our society.

Q: Do you think it's important to know about Latinos?
A: Yes.

Q: What changes have you noticed about Latinos?
A: I have noticed that students have become more aware and empowered to take action.

I would recommend Latino Studies to all students at Waldo because they can learn more about a growing population in our country. Ms. Sasaki is a good teacher for this class because she knows how to explain ideas and catch students interest in this important topic.

Book Bucks reward achievement

By Jessica Zamarron

At Waldo Middle School we provide something called a "Book Buck." A Book Buck is kind of like a dollar. For every "A" you earn on your report card, you get a dollar off from the book fair. All you have to do is get your report card and show the librarian your report card. You can spend Book Bucks on books.

I interviewed Mrs. Nelson (the librarian) and here are the questions:

Q: What is a Book Buck?
A: "For every A on your new report card you get to spend $1 in the book fair."

Q: Why do we provide Book Bucks at Waldo?
A: "It is a nice way to reward students for working well in school."

Q: How long has Waldo provided Book Bucks?
A: "About five years."

Q: Has it helped increase the number of As?
A: "Yes, by about 400 As."

As you see, the Book Buck is a great way to reward students with As. So come to conferences and spend all your Book Bucks! I know that I'll be there, and I'm looking forward to getting that new book!

Teacher shares stories of French journey

By Maria Mota and Esmeralda Ramirez

What a great temporary teacher!

Here at Waldo in Room 102 there’s a new temporary teacher covering for Mr. Stroup, and that teacher's name is Mrs. Gicquel. She’s a great teacher, and unlike many teachers at Waldo she has taught classes in France. We asked her some questions about her journey.

"What is it like to be a teacher in France?" we asked.
"Well, middle school kids are a lot more annoying in France!" she answered.

She also said that she likes her job here at Waldo because she has awesome students. She likes being a teacher here, too, because she is allowed to teach different subjects. Additionally, she likes the staff here. Also, she likes Waldo’s dress code.

We asked her why she decided to become a teacher, and she answered that she became a teacher because she wants to be a positive role model for kids. She also wants to keep kids out of trouble.

Then we asked if she was planning to stay a teacher here in Salem next year, and she said definitely... but let’s hope your principal offers me a job!

Short and Long

By Gavin Fowser

Short seems long.
Long seems short.

The longer/ older you get,
The shorter days, months, and years get.
Class can seem sort.
Class can seem long.

Days can seem long.
Days can seem short.
Minutes can seem like hours,
Hours can seem like minutes.

Seconds can feel like minutes,
Or just seem like seconds.

Short is long,

Long is short,
In a way it's all the same.

Spring soccer storms into Waldo

By Heriberto Padilla

There is a new team at Waldo Middle School. It's a new soccer team with many people; it was announced last week. Many people joined the soccer team to win. Others joined because they like soccer. I bet that soccer is much more popular than Waldo’s basketball team. Here are some questions that I asked Ezmeralda Elliot.

Q: Can any gender play in the soccer team?
A: Yes, but we do need at least 15 girls to make a team.

Q: When does it start?
A: Practice began on March 10 and the first game will be on April 13.

Q: How many teams are there going to be?
A: One for sure, and two if we're fortunate.

Q: Where will the soccer field be?
A: They will practice here at Waldo, and games will be away.

Q: What will the uniforms look like?
A: The design has not yet been picked out.

Q: How many people are there going to be in each team?
A: There will be 15-18 players.

Q: Do you have to pay for soccer?
A: There is a $10 fee (still undecided).

Now you know about the Waldo Middle School soccer team. You can decide whether joining the soccer team or at least supporting Waldo’s soccer team sounds like fun.

Ms. White shares secrets of the green thumb

By Kenny Ingham

Gardening is the practice of growing and caring for plants. Gardens can vary from tiny window sill flowers to big green gardens. Plants are used in many ways such as for medical use, eating, or even for selling to make money.

There are many different types of gardening. Residential gardening is when someone starts a garden in a window sill or a roof or maybe a balcony. Indoor gardening is where you have a garden in your own home or in a green house.

Native gardening takes place when plants that only come from that area or are native to the land are planted in a garden. Water gardening happens when you plant plants in ponds or streams near by. Community gardening is where a community can come together and all care for plants together.
We have a community garden because it belongs to the school and students. They will harvest the food there when it’s ready. The difference between farming and gardening is farming is on a larger scale and is used to make a whole lot of money. Gardening on the other hand is on a smaller scale and money can be made on a smaller scale or the vegetables can be harvested for personal use. Also, gardening uses less tools. Here are some responses I wrote when I inerviewed Ms.White, the gardening teacher:

Q: Why do you like gardening?
A: “The food that’s sold in supermarkets isn’t as healthy as growing it naturally.”
Q: What is your favorite part of gardening?
A: “Teaching kids how to grow their own food.”
Q: “What is your least favorite part of gardening?

A: “Trying to keep kids on task."
Q: What is your favorite plant?

A: “Kale, because it provides tons of nutrients, especially calcium."
Q: How can you tell if a plant is edible?
A: “Don’t eat it if you don’t know.”

There you have it...a little bit about gardening. If you would like to learn more, then sign up for Life Science and Ms. White will show you the ropes.

Students learn about others at Haiti Cultural Day

By Heriberto Padilla

There was a massive earthquake in Haiti this winter, and now US troops are going to Haiti to help. Many people worry about the people in Haiti . Last week at Waldo Middle School there was a guest speaker to tell us about Haiti Cultural Day, and Waldo teacher Jason Jones coordinated the event.

Here are some questions and answers that I asked Mr. Jones and Beth Kowal.

Q: What is Haiti Cultural Day all about?
A: "Haiti Cultural Day is an opportunity for students at Waldo to learn about Haiti and Dominican Republic cultures. It is a chance for students to explore history, politics and the geography of Haiti ," said Beth Kowal from Willamette University's Language in Motion program.
Q: Is the name actually Haiti Cultural Day?
A: "Yes, we decided on that name before the event," said Mr. Jones.
Q: Why is it important?
A: "It is very important to learn about different cultures. When students are aware of people and places different than their home culture, they can see the many special things about cultures. People can continue to learn more in classes, from books and from people from different cultures," said Beth Kowal.
A: Will there be a guest speaker?
Q: "Yes, Megan Delph, a student from Willamette University who lived in the Dominican Republic and has friends from Haiti will present," said Beth Kowal.
Q: Will Haiti only have one important day?
A: "This is the first time we're doing it because the earthquakes just happened. We might do it again next year," said Mr. Jones.

I was one of many students at Haiti Cultural Day last week, and I think it was important because we learned about other cultures through stories, music, and food. Haiti was once a wealthy country that has fallen on hard times, and I hope that it will become successful again in the future.

The world remembers great Olympic games

By Kenny Ingham

The Olympics have just drawn to a close on Feb. 28, 2010. The U.S.A had 13 bronze medals, 14 silver medals and 9 gold medals for a total of 36 medals. The Olympics first began in ancient times, like when Hercules was around according to mythology. After completing the 12 labors, Hercules built a Coliseum in honor of the Olympics and his father Zeus.

Since then, people have competed in the Olympics. It is held every four years for the summer and winter Olympics. According to mythology, Hercules was the one who started the whole every four year deal, and since then that tradition has not changed.

The Olympics have changed so much over the years thanks to Pierre de Couberton. He modernized the Olympic Games into what they are today. I asked people around Waldo some questions about the Olympics:

Q: What is your favorite event?
A: “Skiing!” Monica-library aide, 2nd period
Q: Do you want to be in the Olympics?
A: “If I was younger I would.” Ms. Nelson-librarian
Q: Do you know where the U.S. was in the medal standings?
A: “I don’t really know.” Justin-7th grade
Q: What is your least favorite event?
A: “Skiing!” Anthony-7th grade.
Q: Do you like the Olympics?
A: “No.” Anthony-7th grade.

So that sums it up. The Olympics are pretty big. Who knows? Maybe someday you could be in the Olympics!

Saint Patrick's Day is Coming!

By Kenny Ingham

Saint Patrick’s Day is almost here. It is celebrated on March 17th and it's a day of feast for those who celebrate it.

It all started with a patron saint named Patrick. He converted the Irish to Christianity. He used the shamrock to explain the idea of trinity to the Irish. He was honored with a feast and given his own holiday. The first American St. Patrick’s Day was held in Boston in 1737 when some Irish people showed the Americans their holiday tradition.

How big a deal is it in the U.S.A?
"It’s actually a bigger deal in America now than in Ireland because it gives us an excuse to party, so we’ve sort of Americanized it." –says Mr.Blommendahl, the social studies teacher in room 116.

Nowadays the holiday is not as religious as it was long ago, but it’s still celebrated by many. I went around and interviewed people to get some pretty interesting responses:

Q: If you could change one thing on St. Patrick’s Day, what would it be?
A: “We all get money!” Alex-7th grade
Q: What do you do on St. Patrick’s Day?
A: “I pinch people if they aren’t wherein green.” Jake -6th grade
Q: Are you Irish?
A: “A little bit.” Tyler-7th grade
Q: What else do you do on St. Patrick’s Day?
A: “Nothing much.” Anthony-7th grade

Also, the shamrock is the national symbol of Ireland. So that wraps it up. That’s St.Patrick’s Day for you, a big Christian feast. I hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day this year!

Mustangs hit the hoops

by Cristian Garibay and Jorge Romero

When writing this story we asked questions to Skyball players M-4 Makaichy and Isaiah Cooper. This is what we learned:

Q: How many people are on the team?

A: There are nine people on the team.
Q: What do you do to practice?

A: We do plays, layups, and scrimmages.
Q: How many teams do you play in a season?

A: We play ten games in a season.
Q: Who is the best player in Skyball for 7th grade?

A: M-4.
Q: Who are the coaches?

A: The coaches for Skyball are Lloyd and Andy Judson, who teach at a different school.

Season Report:

Skyball has been at Waldo for a long time. In the current season, the 7th grade team has been undefeated except for one loss to Parrish. So far in the white standards for 7th grade Waldo B team has lost only once. The team that is equal to Waldo is Claggett Creek. The best skyball match would be Waldo vs. Claggett Creek.

For the latest statistics about Skyball in Salem, please visit http://www.playskyball.org/

Waldo teams examined, discussed

By Jessica Zamarron

At Waldo Middle School there are six different teams. There are two for 6th grade, two for 7th grade, and two for 8th grade.

Two are for the 6th graders. They are LIONS Team and TIGERS Team.
The LIONS team is being taught by Mr. Sullivan, Mrs.Renfro, Mrs.Altermat, and Mrs. McMahon. The TIGERS team is being taught by Mr. Conwell, Mrs.Avison, Mrs. Forbes, and Mrs. Kreins.

The two teams for the 7th graders are BEARS and SEALS. The
BEARS team is being taught by Mr. Gerig, Mrs. Gunderson, Mr. Blommendahl,
and Mr. Jones. The SEALS team is being taught by Mrs. Sasaki, Mr. Larios,
Mrs. Whitley, and Mrs. Harlow.

The last two teams are SUMMIT and CASCADES. The SUMMIT is being
taught by Mr. Berg, Mr. Bovee, Mrs.Temple, and Mr. Larios. The CASCADES
team is being taught by Mr. Withers, Mr. Light, Mr. Blommendahl, and
Mrs. Stickles.

I asked Mr. Sackley two questions and here they are:
Q: Why does Waldo have teams?
A: We have teams so teachers can meet and talk about the issues of
students.

Q: How long has Waldo had teams?
A: This is the second year doing teams.

YRCA gets kids reading nationwide

By Ana Karina Victoria, Rosio Lopez and Heriberto Padilla

Young Readers' Choice Awards is an important event for librarians from many schools nationwide because it is a time for kids to enjoy reading books. They can vote for the one they like the most. We went to ask Mrs. Nelson some questions about this event.

Q: What is the YRCA?
A: It stands for Young Readers' Choice Awards.

Q: Why should we vote?
A: Because it is important for a student to have a voice in
literature.

Q: What do we need to do in order to vote?
A: You need to have read at least two of the books on the list.

Q: Where can we vote?
A: In the library. You can see me or Mrs. Torres.

Q: What book is winning so far?
A: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Q: Which one would you vote for and why?
A: The True Meaning of Smekday, definitely!

So now that you know what the YRCA is, we hope you go and vote for your
favorite book that is on the list. We agree with Mrs. Nelson, The True Meaning of Smekday is a great book full of adventure!

Get ready for your auditions!

By Gavin Fowser

The upcoming play is going to be "The Audition" and they will perform it in the
spring. Dates and times haven't been determined yet; they will post posters
around the school with that information when it gets close to the time. Now here
is the synopsis: "A new theater teacher is bringing a production of A Chorus
Line to the high school. Though the hopefuls range from shy to outrageous,
and from diva-like to determined, everyone has a chance to step into the
spotlight. A hilarious and heartbreaking look at the madness of auditioning
and the actors who brave the process for that perfect part."

Now everyone in the Advanced Drama class has a significant part and will be working until
the end of May on memorizing lines, learning blocking, putting together costumes and the set, character believability, and speaking loudly and clearly. The show will be around 35 minutes long.

"Hopefully we will get a chance to perform it for some of the student body as well as for parents and the community," said Ms. Koenig. Now I don’t know about you, but I want to see that play because it sounds like a good play to me. So find the time to come see the play, or better yet see if your parents might take you. We'll see you there!

I also asked a performer some questions and this is what I got from Natasha Steel.

Q: Do you like the play? What do you like about it?
A: Yes. It’s exhilarating plus fun and I love the lines.

Q: What part do you play?
A: I play Carrie.

Q: Do you like your part?
A: Heck yes!

Q: How many people are in the play?
A: About 15 people.

Q: What inspires you to do these plays and take the time to practice your
lines?
A: The adrenaline you feel when your up on stage.

Q: What is it like to be in a play?
A: It’s fun and exhilarating and it gives you that feeling of accomplishment.

Pi Day celebrated at Waldo

by Heriberto Padilla, Rosio Lopez, and Ana Karina Victoria

Some people don’t now about Pi day. Most math teachers know about this day. But not many other people know about this day. Even Mr. Jones, 7th grade language arts teacher, didn't know what it was.

Here are some questions we asked Mrs. Gunderson:
Q: What is Pi Day all about?
A: Pi Day is the celebration of the mathematical constant Pi. Pi represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.
Q: When is Pi Day celebrated?
A: It is celebrated on March 14th (3.14), because of the value used to represent Pi.
Q: Who invented Pi Day?
A: The first Pi Day was celebrated at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988. It was started by Larry Shaw, a physicist who worked at the Exploratorium.
Q: Is Pi Day important?
A: Pi Day is important because it gives people an opportunity to celebrate the study of Mathematics and have fun doing it. It also makes people realize how hard it would be to calculate the area and circumference of circles without Pi.
Q: How is Pi Day celebrated and who celebrates it?
A: Mathematicians and other scientists celebrate Pi Day by eating pies, pizzas, or any other circular shaped foods.

This is what we found out about Pi Day and how it is celebrated. I hope you can enjoy this day by eating circular foods. We know that we will for sure!

Medical Teams International helps students with dental needs

By Corinne Van Lier and Lupita Gonzalez

We heard that there was a dentist van in front of Waldo over the intercom, so my friend and I wanted to know more. We thought of some questions to ask the dentists. This is what we got back for answers:

Question: Why do you do this?
Answer: I took this job because of my faith in God.
Question: About how many kids have you helped?
Answer: About 11 people a day.
Question: What is the worst mouth you have ever treated?
Answer: Most teeth were broken off at the gum line. It was horrible.
Question: If you have bad teeth, does that affect other health issues in your body?
Answer: It does. An infection in the mouth can cause heart problems.
Question: Where else in the world have you guys helped with teeth?
Answer: Africa, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Sudan, Cambodia, Indonesia, SriLanka,Vietnam,Eurasia,Moldova, Romania, Uzbekistan, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Haiti, and many other countries.

For more information about Medical Teams International, visit their website at http://www.medicalteams.org/

Talented performer remembered for his work

By Gavin Fowser

What is it about Michael Jackson? It made no sense. What was it about him?
Why did people not like him when he was alive, but when he died it seems
like everyone likes him and wishes he were alive? I just don’t get it.

What is the difference between when you’re alive and dead. If you don’t like someone when they're alive, then why like they when they're dead? Don’t say you like them when they're dead. Say you like them when they're alive.

You see, I used to not like him because everyone told me bad things he did. But when I got one of his CD’s he sounded OK. So I did some research and I found out that he’s not that bad of a person. From that point on, I started to be a fan of Michael Jackson. I mean he did some bad things in his lifetime, but why can't people let it go and forgive him?

Why hold a grudge? Why don’t they look at him for who he really is? That’s like hating a
family member for something they did along time ago. It’s just not nice or healthy. Also, don’t pretend you hate someone because other people do. If your friends make fun of you, then big deal. That just means they're not that mature. Don’t hate him for the things he has done in the past. Let it go, and if you like him don’t tell people you don’t. Admit it, it’s OK and I don’t think we will ever know why people do this. It will always be a mystery.

Team Time facts investigated

By Thomas Larson and Alyssa Brown

We had some questions for Ms. Swinnerton about Team Time at Waldo, and here they are:

Why does Waldo do team time?
"It’s a chance to let students who need to catch up get caught up. Others can enjoy an activity."
When did team time start here at Waldo?
"Last year – little activities between different classes."
Do you like hosting Team Time?
"Yes."
Who has the most points?
"In descending order, 8th-Teachers-7th-6th."
What is the plan for the rest of the year for Team Time?
"April Spirit Week is coming up soon!"

Football fans reflect on a great Super Bowl Sunday

By Lupita Gonzalez & DaBina Donley

Did you watch the Super Bowl? Well the Saints won against the Colts! The score was 31-17! Great game! Here are some questions and answers that have to do with the Super Bowl.

Q. What did you eat while watching the Super Bowl?
A. Coach Ron: "I ate Costco hotdogs and Costco organic chips."
A. Big Mac: "I ate the whole nine yards of Mexican food."
A. Rigo: "I ate nachos."
A. Kenny: "I ate popcorn."
A. Danielle: "I ate pepperoni pizza."

Q. How did you feel about the winning team?
A. Coach Ron: "I feel great about the Saints winning!"
A. Big Mac: "I think they deserved to win."
A. Rigo: "I think they’re not good."
A. Kenny: "I think they’re great!"
A. Danielle: "I like the winning team."

Q. Who did you watch it with?
A. Coach Ron: "I watched it with friends and my wife."
A. Big Mac: "I watched it with family."
A. Rigo: "With family."
A. Kenny: "I watched it with my dad."
A. Danielle: "I watched I with my family."

Q. Where did you watch it?
A. Coach Ron: "I watched it in my theater room."
A. Big Mac: "I watched it at my uncle’s house."
A. Rigo: "I watched it at my house."
A. Kenny: "I watched it at my house."
A. Danielle: "At my aunt’s house."

Q. Did you like the commercials?"
A. Coach Ron: "They were okay. I liked the Tom Tebow one the best."
A. Big Mac: "I liked the Doritos one and the baby one."
A. Rigo: "I thought they were dumb."
A. Kenny: "I liked the Doritos one."
A. Danielle: "No, they were boring."

Q. Who’s your favorite player?
A. Coach Ron: "Drew Brees."
A. Big Mac: "Marques Colston."
A. Rigo: "Don’t have one."
A. Kenny: "Don’t have one."
A. Danielle: "I don’t have one."

We hope that you also enjoyed the game as much as the people we talked to. Even if you're not that much of a football fan, the Super Bowl marks a memorable time for friends and family.

Student problems evaluated by staff members

By Corrine Van Lier and Berenice Garcia

We know that kids are often getting in trouble because they make bad choices, and the school has been working hard to make it better. It helps to talk to parents, teachers, counselors and students about the decisions they make. We decided to interview Mr. Lonnie Wolfe and Ms. Sandy Ferdig about this subject.

Mr. Wolfe, Assistant Principal at Waldo Middle School -
Q: About how many kids come to your office because of referrals?
A: It depends, because some teachers send kids to my office with referrals. But I usually get more kids in my office in the afternoon.
Q: How many referrals have been given out so far this year?
A: So far this year there has been about eight hundred seventy-four.
Q: About how many referrals do you give out in one day?
A: I don’t really give out referrals, but I might give out about two or three referrals a week.
Q: Has the problem with the number of referrals gotten better since last year?
A: Well, it’s about the same number as what it was last year at the end of the first semester, but it has gotten better because now we give out referrals if students get caught skipping Homework Lunch or lunch detention.

Ms. Ferdig, Passroom Supervisor-
Q: How many kids get sent to the passroom?
A: Well, it varies. This week it has been from six to ten daily.
Q: How many referrals do you give out a day?
A: It depends on if the students are behaving like they are supposed to or not.
Q: Have tardies gotten better this year?
A: Not really. Well, it sort of depends on the students because some of them just don’t care.
Q: What has been the largest number of kids you’ve had in the pass room so far this year?
A: This year I have had sixteen students for In School Suspension, and one hundred twenty-seven students for lunch detention.

In conclusion, students' problems at school are about the same as last year. We think that students need to be more concerned about getting to class on time and maintaining appropriate behavior in the classroom. If you're having a lot of trouble at school and getting too many referrals, then we advise you to talk with your counselor about what you could do differently.

Geography teacher details path to success

By Giang Nguyen and Monserratt Castro

Geography student teacher Mrs. Cuanas began teaching the 7th grade geography class for the BEARS Team this semester. See what her career is like teaching at Waldo MS! She talked with us about her experiences with the students.

Q: How long do you have to study to become a teacher?
A: Five to six years, depending on the university program. In Oregon, the state requires a master’s degree to be highly qualified.

Q: Why do you want to become a teacher?
A: My prior experience was in family counseling and I decided to work solely with youth.

Q: So far do you enjoy teaching?
A: Absolutely!

Q: What inspired you to become a geography teacher?
A: I love learning about our past, present and future. My goal is to inspire students to feel the same way about their educational experience.

Q: What is it like when it is challenging?
A: It can become overwhelming, but you can use those moments to reflect and improve.

Q: Do you get along with the students?
A: 90% of the time.

Q: Why do you want to teach at Waldo but not other middle schools?
A: The District Coordinator determines where student teachers are placed. I couldn’t be happier with the students here at Waldo. They are unique!

Mr. Blommendahl is sure lucky to have her as a student teacher on A days!