Bullying: Are We Doing Enough?
Holiday Traditions
Get to know the Steel Armadillos
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Club News Page 4
Issue 1 Volume 1 November 30, 2016
the Bolt
Butcher Educational Center :
three programs, one family
proudly produced by (MS)2TC eighth grade ELA students
MSVPA to perform Broadway musical, 1776 by Sam Liccardello & Abby Nacker
Eighth Grade Public Relations Initiative by Celina Ibri, Isha Khan, & Jordan Preston-Forte
"For ten years King George and his Parliament have gulled, cullied, and diddled these Colonies with their illegal taxes... and when we dare stand up like men, they stopped our trade, seized our ships, blockaded our ports, burned our towns, and spilled our blood!" On December 9th and 10th, come see MSVPA’s production of the historical and comedic musical,1776. The morning cast will have two performances on December 9: a matinee at 8:00 am and an evening performance at 7:00. The afternoon cast will perform a matinee on the 9th at 12:30 pm and again on the 10th at 7:00 pm. The matinees are both free, while presale tickets for night shows are $5.00. Purchasing a ticket at the door on the night of the show will cost $7.00 - which is still a bargain, considering the talent on display. The musical 1776 is a mixture of two genres: historical fiction and comedy. It's a story of how the Declaration of Independence and free American people came to be, while showcasing the history and historical Continued on page 10
The AM Newspaper staff
The eighth grade Middle School Math Science Technology Center, a.k.a. (MS)2TC, has a mission: to inform everyone about the program outside the walls of Butcher. How will this be accomplished? Well the eighth grade has been divided into three groups: Yearbook, Newspaper, and Website. Each group has a different approach. The yearbook will be capturing all of the special moments of the year; the newspaper will be reporting about what's going on at school, and the website will be keeping everyone updated on a day to day basis. Using each of these groups, the eighth grade hopes to inform others about the program.
The yearbook group has been working hard to make the yearbook a good-looking and purposeful one. So far they have been using their initiative to begin taking pictures and videos. Layout design editor Brendan Evert has been using his time transfering the images to each of the "spreads" or facing pages in the yearbook. Amaya Tomma, a "native" student, explained that some videos will be connected to photos in the yearbook. This is all made possible by using an app called Aurasma, which operates much like a QR code. You'll need to use the app to scan a yearbook picture, then voila - a video begins playing. The yearbook group has been Continued on page 15
A Knight's Guide to Conquering Butcher Castle by Mia Simon, Anthony Smith & Jacquelyn Wrubel
Adventure into the Butcher Educational Center, where all your academic dreams come true! Well, it’s not that easy, but this guide will surely teach you how to conquer the empires of this school. Think about it as if you’re a brave knight, and you are about to cross the bridge to the dragon’s keep. If you’re going into it with the expectation that you will be able to just slide by and do the minimum, but come out alive, you’d better turn around and run right now because you won’t even get past the bridge. Now of course attending Butcher isn’t as hard as slaying a dragon (though some students might disagree), but you have to approach both the same way. As an adventurer you’ll need to start with an armada of tools, both mental and physical. Teachers and students said keeping organized was a great success tip for Butcher students. To help with this, having a "trapper keeper" is an option. If you have your different books and folders in one spot, it is easier to keep track of homework. Continued on page 5
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Issue 1
Are we doing enough to prevent bullying in schools? Yes, we do...
No, we don't...
by Mikayla Tansil
by Sydney Gregory
Have you ever been bullied At age 13, would you ever think before? Bullying has always your best friend would commit been a problem within schools suicide? Cyber bullying and and workplaces around the physical bullying is a worldwide country. And now, because of issue. Every year, over 3 million being online, anyone can get students get bullied in schools. bullied anywhere, even if they To add to that, 160,000 high aren't in school or at work. Our school kids skip school. Over world has become an 6,000 students commit suicide interconnected web on and because of hurtful comments Original work by Andrew Hemstreet, seventh grade student at offline. More can be done to and physical abuse by others. MSVPA and winner of the BEC anti-bullying poster contest stop bullying, in all of its forms, As students, what are we doing story on page 14. in school because bullying is to solve this problem? Are our happening more and that some people in the schools believe we efforts effective? Every year schools try to find new should too. innovative ways to encourage students not to bully and to not be a bystander when they witness it happening. Cyberbullying, a type of bullying, is at an all-time high. In a study Assemblies, projects, pledges, and poems are just some of from the Cyberbullying Research Center, 15,000 middle and high the things schools have students do to represent school students were surveyed. Their research shows ,in the anti-bullying. end, the change of how many students are being bullied online roughly from one year to the next. In 2007, only 18.8% of Every school year, anti-bullying is discussed. So are students claimed to have been cyberbullied while in August of different ways of preventing bullying. Different students 2016 33.6% said the same. This chart shows that through the were asked what their take on this issue is. “No matter how years, cyberbullying has become more widespread in the middle hard they (adults) tried, they don’t understand that people and high school years and needs to be brought to more people's will still continue to do it (bullying),” Nico Batkoski, an attention. Also, a study was done by David P. Farrington, the eighth grader here at (MS)2TC states. Ethan Holmes, a Professor of Psychological Criminology at Cambridge University. Butcher native explains, “They overstate bullying every year; He was trying to prove showing the effectiveness of programs to it’s getting old.” Each year an anti-bullying pledge or stop school bullying from happening. In his study, he found that, promise is taken stating that they will not bully; but what is out of the 44 evaluations they used in this study, school bullying a piece of paper doing to solve the problem? Later into the decreased by 20%-30% and victimization decreased by 17%-20%. year, kids forget about what the pledge was about in the This means that school programs have been proven to help first place and it starts to become irrelevant to kids who lower the amount of bullying happening in schools. And the don’t witness bullying. In elementary school, kids do special more we do, the better. projects like draw pictures to represent anti-bullying and even wear the colors orange and black. Is this just an Secondly, we aren't the only ones, as students at Butcher agree. excuse to show school spirit and take out class time to Nabil Mahdi, an 8th grader at MS2TC explains that, "I think we draw pictures? Are the anti-bullying assemblies even should have more bullying talks, because when you talk about beneficial? Multiple students were asked to see what they bullying more, the anti-bullying message gets in your head and thought. “Same thing every year, like it’s pointless,” Madison you remember it longer. Because of this, if you're ever bullied, Meadows an (MS)2TC student explains. The same you'll already know to talk to an adult, or if you're a bully, you'll information is being said, just how school rules are given know to stop". As he suggests above, we should talk about and stated at the beginning of the school year. Anti-bullying bullying more so that if you are ever being bullied, you can easily should not have to be something students constantly need walk away and know what to do from there. Ryan Wirebaugh, a to be reminded of, but a set expectation of simply how sophomore from Warren Mott explains that, "I believe that we others should be treated. But not all of us thought the same should have more anti-bullying talks because, based on my thing, a number of students also believe that the personal experience, without these talks, bullying can get out of assemblies are “Good for getting out of class,” as Mia hand. That leads to low self-esteem, and other negative feelings. Simon explains here, or they are “Nice to hear, and the Continued on page 14
Continued on page 14
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Issue 1
Natives Call Butcher Home by Chelsea Aiken, Maria Bonucchi, Bianca Hami, Abigale Pulliam
Is it fantasy to believe a school can exist without bells and classroom walls, and where "failing" is actually encouraged? This describes the environment of Butcher Educational Center, but more importantly, the life of a "native." Being a native is so much more than projects and assignments. It is about friendships and building bonds, while pushing oneself to go beyond mental boundaries. The High School Musical song "Can I have this Dance" explains a wide range of things. The song lyrics, "and with every step together, we just keep on getting better" explains what the life of a native is. It explains the bond between natives simply in one quote. To be a "native" at Butcher is to participate in both programs. But what really happens in a natives life? A few native students wanted to share their perspective of what being a native really means. Eighth grader Ethan Holmes believes that natives become a close group of friends. “We’re all one huge
family. There is always someone to talk to or relate to.” Abby Nacker states a similar thing. Her favorite part is how there is no judgement within the natives. “in both (MS)2TC and MSVPA I can express myself.” Students who apply to be in both programs usually add in the factor of loosing friends at home schools. All of the interviewees said how loosing friends is not the problem but making too many friends. Since students are at Butcher in the morning and the afternoon, they get to make friends from all four home schools in both programs. Alex Marek believes that a full day of being a native is difficult but fun. He discussed how there is a lot of homework but everything is done creative and collaboratively. Particular note was taken to Jacquelyn Wrubel. Throughout the whole interview Jacquelyn said how much she loves performing in MSVPA and loves to be challenged in (MS)2TC. At the end of her interview, she said “I broke my back with my backpack.” This shows one of the downsides to being a
Eighth grade native students Alex Marek, Abby Nacker, Ethan Holmes, and Jacquelyn Wrubel
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native student. The homework is overloaded. Although being a native affects the students and their curriculum, it affects the teachers too. The teachers have a different type of relationship with the students that attend Butcher all day compare to those who don’t. Mr. Bullis has pointed this out during his interview. Mr. Bullis–the eighth grade language arts teacher–loves the idea of having students at Butcher all day. “It makes it easier for me to communicate with students. I can go right to their classes and talk with them no matter what the time of day.” Mr. Bullis also thinks that native students gain more experience with time
How we celebrate the holidays by Garrett Forrest, Nick Lang, & Jessica Wick The BEC is quite a diverse place. There is a multitude of nationalities and religions represented throughout the school - which provides the opportunity for students to share their unique holiday traditions and experiences. Let's dive deeper into some of these joyous and long-standing Butcher holiday traditions.
Even if Christmas is one of the most popular holidays among the students, not everyone who celebrates it practices the same way; some people celebrate different versions of the common holiday. Aleksandra Gryko from MMSTC says, “On continued on page 13
management, new technology, and skills such as presenting. Mrs. McVicar–the Integrated Performing Arts teacher at MSVPA–believes something similar to Mr. Bullis. Native students get more freedom with projects and assignments or so she says. “I feel like in both programs the students get a deeper meaning of the content... being here all day is a privilege that requires hard work and passion. Each and every one of these students have both.” Ms. Spahich–the MSVPA and (MS)2TC counselor–has her own perspective on the topic. She believes natives have a different type of pressure, but they receive it in an open way. Overall, being a native takes a lot of work. Projects are assigned at the same time, large tests occur. But natives get large grasps if the content. They are not afraid to express themselves within their work and their personality. Being a native is more than just going to a right brain program and a left brain program. It develops friendships that will last a long time; and skills that will last even longer.
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Issue 1 Butcher Educational Center CLUB NEWS
Robotics
Debate
Bridge Building
by Ethan Holmes & Jayson Wawrykowicz
by Nico Batkoski
by Avi Michel & Matt Noor
What do you think of when you think of robotics? Probably not a group of teenagers. The Steel Armadillos are a group of MMSTC students passionate about building and competing with big steel robots. The Steel Armadillos started back in 2002, which means they’re actually coming up on their fifteenth year. We got in touch with some of these students to go deeper into the world of this bizarre, yet highly competitive team of robot-building rock stars. Ian B, a 15-year-old programmer from Sterling Heights High School elaborated, “six weeks every year we have to build a robot to perform a specific task.” He also explained that, “'Build team' builds a chassis for it, our 'electric team' wires different components of the robots together and gets everything to work, and 'programing team' writes code to make the robot actually work and perform the tasks we need it to.” Due to the Armadillos long-standing success, a junior team - called the Armadillo Pups - was created this year. This group of equally passionate 7th and 8th grader students participate in a yearly event called FIRST. “FIRST Robotics is a national organization started by Dean Kamen, that basically takes a STEM approach to competitive robotic game.” explained Mr. Mike May, mentor of the Pups. Continued on page 16
Most people love to argue. There is usually not a place where you can argue and debate without getting scolded. At Butcher we have Ms.Gale’s Debate Club! At Debate Club we students show up every Thursday (now Wednesday) to discuss issues you probably wouldn’t talk about with your teacher during school hours. For the first 2 months they debated the presidential candidates, but now since the election is over the Debate Club is transitioning into issues such as the death penalty. There is finally a sanctuary for students to openly talk and debate political topics without being shushed, scolded, and ridiculed because of their ideas.
The goal is simple, but the correct path to achieve that goal may be debated. In April 2017, Butcher bridge-building teams that meet all requirements will proceed to the state final competition in Grand Rapids to test the capacity of their bridge against efforts from other teams from around the state. This competition has been put together by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), will test students’ ability to craft, complete higher level math, and use advanced blueprint software. Teams of three will face many challenges, but are hoping to learn from mistakes made in last year's competition.
The Debate Club also helps the students of Butcher learn about the topics we discuss. Before every debate Ms.Gale provides information on the topic. They learn about the stances of the presidential candidates, the pros and cons of the death penalty, and other
Since 2004, MDOT has offered TRAC (Transportation and Civil Engineering) to schools in MIchigan. TRAC’s continual goal is to bring hands-on education designed for integration into science, math and social science classes to schools of Michigan - and they do it at no cost to the participating schools. TRAC hopes to connect kids to the work world, and inspiring students to consider careers in transportation and civil engineering. Butcher's team mentor, Ms. Michaelson, believes that this program is perfect for students interested in civil engineering, providing them with experience and knowledge of working in the field. Kushi Mann, a former competitor and ninth grade MMSTC student, enjoyed her experience so much last year that she is participating again
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For many students at Butcher, Debate Club is a place where you can openly talk politics without getting scrutinized. Amaya Tomma who regularly attends Debate Club said “I like that I learn new things about politics and confidently speak about them in the real world while still having fun with my friends.” Without Debate Club students would even think of politics or any of the sort. It opens up a new horizon on politics and students.
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Issue 1 A Knight's Guide to Conquering Butcher Castle ... continued from page 1 by Mia Simon, Anthony Smith, & Jacquelyn Wrubel
Mental tools are another big thing at Butcher. Make sure you are carrying an open mind. Any curve balls can be thrown at you; you may be asked to create a haunted house, join a robotics team or spell your name with your butt. If you expect to live a normal school life, you’re wrong. Another thing to remember is to challenge yourself. If you’re used to using Powerpoint, try iMovie! Write a song! Write your paper in poetry format! Teachers love creativity and it will always keep your fellow classmates engaged. What’s an adventure without some magic and potions? Your group of friends is one of the most vital things to survival; a knight can not travel alone. Think of the Knights of the Round Table, they were men who protected their kingdom and went on daring adventures while staying together. All three programs think teamwork is an important skill. When being able to choose your partners - strategize! If you know one of your friends is good with writing, choose them for narratives. But, if the project is more for building, make sure you choose someone that you know works well in that field. Some projects do not offer aspiring knights to have the luxury of self-selecting partners, but for this, there are still many ways to work. There should be two goals in for everyone in the group: play to advantages and get to know each other. The first thing you should do is
collaborate as a team and find out what people are good at, if you know someone is a great artists, put them in charge of art pieces. That same person might be not that good with presentation skills, but, there could be someone else in the group that is phenomenal. There’s a very slim chance groups will only possess one singular talent. Here it is, the big one, everyone was expecting. But, shockingly many students wanted tips on this. Procrastination. It gets students nowhere but behind. Teachers enjoy piling up work, it will turn into a stress-fest for you. Would a knight in shining armor wait for the dragon to come to him? No. The easiest way to avoid this is plan out. The day you receive the project guidelines - plan what you want to do and who is doing what. Make goals for what you want done each day. Make sure to give yourselves breaks though; giving yourself too much work will make you want to procrastinate more. If you do participate in this, but you find yourself giving up before the goal is done. Write down more than you think you need. That way you get done what needs to be, while still following your brain's commands. If a problem for procrastination is your group members don’t want to work with you, you’re working with the wrong people. Get them on their feet, text them or call them, tell them how urgent it is. This is going to affect your grade and theirs. If they still don’t do anything, talk to your teachers. Most of them here will understand it will effect
your partner(s)’ grades. The last thing to help would be work every day, even if it’s just a little bit. By heeding this sage advice, you will surely be able to slay that dragon without wait! Of course a hero never asks for help, right? Wrong! Where would Link be without Navi? Tony Stark without Jarvis? Batman without Albert? Some silly knights here in Butcher Castle are too proud to ask for help, but then often go into a test confused! As Mr. Mutschler of MSVPA says, “Dig
Deep!” Mrs. Withrow, also of MSVPA, says that students should know that, “Asking questions is a card you can use any time.” Knowledge is key. With all of your necessary advice you’re ready to take on Butcher! Now put on your shining armor and go outside! See the light reflect off of it! Oh wait, it’s still dark outside, thanks to early school times. Nevertheless, you’re ready to start that new project, give that presentation, and take that test! Venture on hero!
What's the deal with the Thunderbolt? by Mr. Kevin Bullis In the early 1980s, the Warren Consolidated School Board decided to close the "Home of the Thunderbolts" - Butcher Junior High. For many years, the Thunderbolts were rivals with Hartsig, Melby, Fuhrmann, Flynn, and other current WCS middle schools. Since some MSVPA and (MS)2TC students now attend Butcher for all six classes, the Thunderbolt has made a comeback after a 34 year hiatus. While Butcher doesn't offer sports teams for native students, the Thunderbolt gives an identity to students who attend school here all day. For a more detailed history of Butcher, please visit www.ms2tc.com, as eighth grade website students have been working on a history of the building. To purchase your Butcher Thunderbolt http://www.toolsportandsign.com/BUTCHERTHUNDERBOLTS_c303.htm .
gear,
visit
Edition #2 of The Bolt will be published in January 2017. If you would like to submit original student writing to be considered for publication in the next edition, please email Mr. Bullis at
[email protected]
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Issue 1 Staff Profiles by Genna Gaitan & Madison Meadows
Mr. Bullis: (MS)2TC What do you teach? Eighth grade ELA. I'm also the advisor for each of the public relations groups: newspaper, website, and yearbook. How long have you been teaching? Since 1997, so about 19 years. Where else have you taught other than Butcher Educational center? Warren Mott High School, Sterling Heights High School, and Safety Harbor Middle School (in Florida). If you weren't a teacher, what would you be doing? I'd be a journalist or an entrepreneur. Before becoming a teacher, have you always pursued a career in education? In eighth grade, I wanted to be a journalist, but in high school, I realized I wanted to become an English teacher. Can you demonstrate or describe a talent of yours? I'm also a real estate agent... would you like me to sell your house? What is a favorite food of yours that some might consider "nasty"? I love grilled octopus with lemon, and I enjoy almost all types of sushi. If you were to wear the same outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? A t-shirt, board shorts, and flip-flops. Favorite Novel? The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Series by Steig Larsson and Songs of Fire and Ice Series by George R.R. Martin. Coffee or tea? Black coffee, all the way. Cats or Dogs? I am 110% for dogs; I despise cats. Favorite music? Anything that fits my mood. How do you de-stress? I love being by the water, sleeping, golfing, and being surrounded by friends and family. Favorite Public Figure? John Oliver, a comedian, political commentator, and television host. Name an experience that has helped you become the person you are today? After graduating from high school, I moved to Florida to go to college, so I had to support myself miles away from "home." I "grew up" quickly as a result of my move.
read more about Mr. Bullis on page 11
Ms. Gale: MSVPA What do you teach? Eighth grade U.S. History How long have you been teaching? This is my twelfth year. Other than Butcher Educational Center, where else have you taught? I taught at Cousino High School and Carter Middle School. If you weren't a teacher what would you be doing? If I wasn't doing this, I would like to be a travel journalist. Before becoming a teacher have you always pursued a career in education? I always wanted to be a teacher. Can you demonstrate or describe a talent of yours? I can wiggle my ears. Sometimes I do it in class to freak the kids out.. What's one of your favorite foods that some might consider to be nasty? I really like lima beans. I also really like brussels sprouts. If you were to wear the same outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? Oh, so easy! It'd be sweatpants, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. Favorite novel? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I read it every year. Coffee or tea? Coffee with just a little cream and a little sugar. I can't function without it in the morning. Cats or dogs? Neither because I'm allergic to both. So I'll sneeze if I'm around either. Favorite type of music? I love country. How do you de-stress? I either go for a run or eat. Favorite public figure? Rachel Maddow, news anchor. Favorite season? Spring for sure. Favorite snack? Pez, they're my absolute favorite. Name an experience that has helped you become the person you are today? I think my college experience just in general. It really crafted me into the person I became. How do you react when you see a student being bullied? I would definitely intervene, and I get disappointed in people.
read more about Ms. Gale on page 11
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Issue 1 Staff Profiles by Genna Gaitan & Madison Meadows
Mrs. Gravel: MMSTC What do you teach? Ninth and twelfth grade IDS (interdisciplinary studies) How long have you been teaching? 24-25 years Where else have you taught other than Butcher Educational center? Community High School, Howe Military Academy, and Warren Mott High School If you weren't a teacher, what would you be doing? I would be working at a juvenile correctional facility. Before becoming a teacher, have you always pursued a career in education? I always wanted to be a teacher. Can you demonstrate or describe a talent of yours? I love to repair things. What’s a favorite food of yours that some might consider to be nasty? I like eggs and ketchup. I also love Wendy's fries dipped in a frosty. But I really hate vegetables. If you were to wear the same outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? I would wear leggings, tall boots, and a long sweatshirt. Also, I'd put my hair in a ponytail. Favorite Novel? To Kill A Mockingbird by Lee Harper and To Pray For Owen Meany by John Irving . Coffee or Tea? Coffee with cream, half and half Cats or Dogs? Both Favorite Music? Country How do you de-stress? Exercise Favorite Public speaker? Barack Obama Favorite Season? Summer Favorite snack? Cheez-its Name an experience that has helped you become the person you are today? When I was in high school, seeing kids being picked on really motivated me to become a teacher to help prevent all the sadness I saw going around. It helped me shape who I am as a teacher because every student has a different story and it's important not to judge. It's important to take them where they're at and help them improve.
read more about Mrs. Gravel on page 11
Ms. Greenshields: BEC What do you do at the BEC? I am the security guard. How long have you been working? Since 1999 so about 17 years Other than Butcher Educational Center, where else have you worked? Warren Mott High School, Flynn Middle School, and Susick Elementary If you weren't a security guard what would you be doing? Phlebotomist, or a blood drawer Before becoming a security guard have you always pursued a career in this work? I taught special education before becoming a security guard. Can you demonstrate or describe a talent of yours? I can tweet like a bird. What's one of your favorite foods that some might consider to be nasty? I love raw mushrooms . If you were to wear the same outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? Anything black Favorite Novel? Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen Coffee or tea? Tea Cats or dogs? Dogs Favorite music? Hip-hop, The Beatles, and Top 40 of today How do you de-stress? I drive down to TJ Maxx or Marshalls by myself, I just get so happy walking down the aisles of products on clearance. What was your biggest academic struggle in grade school? Math Favorite season? Spring and Fall Favorite snack? All sorts of chips that are crunchy. Name an experience that has helped you become the person you are today? Just being a mother in general really has made me become the person I am right now. How do you react when you see a student being bullied? Not well, but I then need to find the source of the bullying.
read more about Ms. Greenshields on page 11
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Issue 1 A Day in the Life
Ever wonder what life is like for a Butcher student? by Sophia Benigni, Anisha Hussain, Ruhi Hoque, Joslyn Pizzimenti
Believe it or not, it's almost December, and each program at Butcher is hard at work. The educational system at Butcher is quite different from those in other schools. From switching schedules to solving real world problems, students get a unique experience in different programs focusing on talents that the kids share. For Butcher students, coming to these programs is just a normal part of the day. The majority of students know what goes on in their own programs, but not in others. If not all the students know, then surely parents don't know, and what about others who don't go here? They've probably wondered about it and are curious to know what goes on in a school such as this. As most of us know, there are three programs at Butcher; (MS)2TC, MSVPA, and MMSTC. There are also students who go to (MS)2TC and MSPVA who are called "Natives." Each of these programs definitely provide
their own challenges. Many of the students believe that managing your time is VERY important here. Sydney Gregory, an 8th grader from the (MS)2TC program, states, "(The hardest thing) for me personally, homework because I do a lot of things outside of school.'' Maddie Burgin, a senior from the high school MMSTC program says, "Well it's definitely a lot of work, and you have to really learn to manage your time effectively so you don't get overwhelmed.'' There has been a theme of time management when it comes to the biggest challenges faced here, but it doesn't stop there. We received answers that involved a different personal challenge. Tyler Gottschling, an 8th grade native believes that his current challenge in MSVPA is, 1776, the play that they are preparing for. This process involves memorizing lines and creating big monologues.
"You're working harder and learning a lot in a shorter amount of time. (A disadvantage) is that you usually don't get to see friends from your homeschool.'' Balancing school and social lives can be tricky, especially if you're a busy person. Ysa Tancongco, a native, had a positive comment only. ''VPA for the most part is a really fun experience.'' MSVPA does seem like it would be a fun program to be a part of. As for teachers, we interviewed an MMSTC teacher, Ms. Gravel, and we asked her if there were any disadvantages to working here. She told us, ''The early morning hours which is very difficult for me, but it's not that bad.'' That's relatable, waking up early in the In addition to asking our morning can't be anyone's interviewees what their biggest favorite thing either. Mrs. Toy, a challenge is, we asked them 7th grade ELA teacher had about the pros and cons of something different to say. ''It's going to Butcher. Sydney says, a lot of work, I'm definitely working all day long and going home with a lot of work, but no there aren't many cons. It's definitely that the benefits out way the drawbacks.'' That’s probably true for any student or teacher here. There will be challenges and drawbacks, but it will all have been worth it in the end. As we have seen, there are both positives and negatives in going to Butcher, but how are the programs the students are in different from their homeschools? Jakira Ahmed,
an 8th grade MS2 student told us, ''It's different because everyone here is more close and friendly, and no one cares about anyone else's business. Educational wise it's more advanced.'' Maddie from MMSTC says, ''Well everything here is faster paced, the whole environment's different, and everyone here is kind of friendlier with each other. We're closer, in general.'' We also asked her if she went to MS2, but she said that it didn't exist when she was is middle school. Now, asking Natives about how MSVPA is different from their home schools wasn't an option, so we asked some people from both the MS2 program and VPA program about which one they liked better. Ysa replied, ''I would probably say VPA. But in terms of teachers, it would be balanced.'' Tyler also said,'' I like both (almost) equally, but if I had to choose one for a half day, I'd choose MSVPA." Along with there being different environments in homeschools and the programs, there are always life lessons being learned by students and teachers alike. From what we've heard, students at Butcher have learned some valuable things. ''Well, probably a big one is that there is always more than one continued on page 20
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Issue 1 Sixth Grade Students Begin Year at Tamarack by Gianna DiStefano & Claudia Rajski
As many may know, in the past two years, the present (MS)2TC sixth and seventh graders have gone to Camp Tamarack. This is a beginning of the year field trip for incoming sixth graders. This trip was taken for various reasons, according to the students and teachers that have visited Camp Tamarack so far. This trip was three days and two nights long. It challenged the students which many took advantage of and enjoyed this aspect of the trip. The purpose of going to Camp Tamarack was to get students entering the program a taste of coming out of their comfort zone and working with others according to Mr. Bullis, an (MS)2TC ELA teacher. Many students who participated during the trip have said that the trip did serve its purpose and have helped them with challenges that they faced since they have been at Butcher. Tiana Hayes, a current sixth grader from Mrs. Barnes' math class mentions that any team activity definitely brought her out of her comfort zone. This is because Tiana says she is used to working with a partner or by herself since she often liked to take control to get the project done correctly. Now looking at a seventh graders view point, a student from Mrs. Toy's ELA class, Arianne Cabeje also shares with us her perspective. Arianne says that something that brought her out of her comfort zone at camp was "Meeting new people because you have to live with them for 3 days!” she
Above: students build a raft and test it in the lake. Below: campfire songs and smores are enjoyed by all. Right: brave souls attempt to dominate the tango tower.
says this was a very weird and scary transition for her since she is not used to sleeping over other people’s houses. At camp, she had many new faces that she had to get used to but she accepted the challenge! Since the current eighth graders didn’t have a chance to go to Camp Tamarack, various students including Fara Stanczak, a student from Mr. Bullis' ELA class, have said that the team challenges at camp would have helped her get used to out of comfort zone activities like The Fluid Power Challenge or the Rube Goldberg Machine activity at Butcher with working within a new group and accepting many new challenges. Another question the students answered was if the experience at Camp Tamarack has helped them with any projects at (MS)2TC they've participated in so far. A majority of the students said it did for the fact that the camp trip was able to teach them skills such as team work and collaboration as mentioned earlier. A student, Nickolas Yang from Mrs.
Michaelson's Science class had said, "The camp experience was able to help us collaborate with one another." By having the students go to this camp during the summer they are able to create bonds of trust and learn new skills from one another before the school year starts. Tiana Hayes also mentioned that the first activity at camp was based on teamwork which really helped her because in science they are continuously working with their whole table on assignments. A student from seventh grade, Trevor Doral in Mrs. Toy’s ELA class had said," Yeah in the beginning of sixth grade we were given a project based on that camp." This shows that the students were then able to strengthen their new skills and apply them to curricular activities. Lastly, an eighth grader, Lauren Hyatt from Mr. Carron's Math class mentions that if they had gone to camp it would have helped her because they do a lot of group work and it would have helped her know her peers better when working as a team.
The teachers were also asked a couple of questions and their opinions on camp since many teachers also went to participate with their new students! Mr. Bullis was asked: "Did watching some of the student’s personalities or mindsets in certain activities help you teach in a different way?” He responded with "It definitely helped shape instruction for the first few weeks of the school year." Mrs. Toy was also another teacher that answered one of the questions. She was asked "Based on your intentions, do you think camp helped the new sixth graders in any way?” She replied that in her experience, the first couple of days of each school year were a little easier, I bet, because the students knew their teachers. Also, we have some common experiences that are fun and memorable." Overall, this camp experience has benefited a majority of the students and teachers. It demonstrated many new skills and involving lots of activities including group work, while still having a fun time with memories to look back on!
Breakfast at Camp Tamarack, celebrating Fred's birthday.
while
Page 10
Issue 1 MSVPA to perform 1776 ... continued from page 1
characters that students learn favorite scene would probably about in school. be the opening scene with the song “Sit Down John” because One theme that is consistent it shows emotion and throughout the play is expresses the feelings for John "dealing with disagreement." Adams being obnoxious.” “People have their opinions. Moments and characteristics Stay passionate about yours,” like these are where one can suggests Jacquelyn Wrubel, relate to the show. Jacquelyn who plays John Dickinson in Wrubel, who plays Dickinson in the afternoon cast. the afternoon says, ”This show gives them personality that Another prevalent theme is they don't have in history working through adversity. books. You can relate to Everyone misses their family characters who died 200 years and it was not a comfortable ago.” Bianca Hami, who plays or easy time for Colonial Abigail Adams, also feels the Americans. same way. She despises John Dickinson, but wouldn't have The roles are the congress thought twice about him if she members, President John didn't connect with these Hancock, Secretary Thomson, colonial characters through the a custodian, the wives, Abigail show. Adams and Martha Jefferson, a leather apron, a painter, and Both the morning and a courier. afternoon cast have made comments regarding how the Maria Bonucchi, who plays audience will react if they are Marta Jefferson in the not used to seeing their family morning cast says, “My member or friend on stage.
Above: Cast & crew members Lorna Floqi, Maria, Bonucchi, Amber Elderkin, Bianca Hami, X, Gabe Banish, Abby Nacker, and Ethan Holmes take a time out from rehearsing.
Left: Cast members rehearse while Ms. Kattula and students provide necessary feedback.
Ainsley Miller plays Bartlett in the morning and she says that her favorite part about being in the show "Is simply being in the show itself. I love being my character -it’s a different kind of character that I have never had to portray before!" Ashton Schroeder plays President John Hancock and agrees by stating, "everyone becomes a new person on stage." Sydney Gregory, an eighth grade theater student exclaims, "I'm excited to see this live on stage and to see my friends from school in a different way." Cast members also have their opinions on how the show is coming along. Wrubel says "the things that we have spent our time on and polished such as the opening scene look amazing!" Everything is coming along for both casts as far as getting through and polishing the heavy content pieces in the show. Although the cast and crew received their scripts on October 7th, rehearsals started on the 13th, after a table read of just running lines on Monday through Wednesday. According to the director, Mrs. McVicar, the cast is all expected to be off of the script and on memory before Thanksgiving. After school there have been some rehearsals to work on different scenes more in depth. Cast members voiced their opinions during the interviews. The following comments were asked to remain anonymous. "School rehearsals are great because we get a lot done and we have finished most of the big scenes, but the little scenes haven't been blocked
Above: Crew members Olivia DiSanto & Maya Pierce prepare the set for a dress rehearsal. Below: Daniel Baker, Nico Batkoski, & Rahat Adnan build a backdrop.
yet." Another said, "I love this musical, even though I didn't at first, but with a little more than a month until performance, I'll admit I am a little nervous." Besides the time until the performance, the cast is looking forward to performing and are hoping the audience is looking forward to seeing it live! Besides the cast, MSVPA has an amazing crew that makes the set, costumes, props, and runs the lights, back stage, and everything that the actors and actresses need to put the show together. The morning MSVPA students who are not in the cast is responsible for crew and props such as costumes, books, and making other props that are necessary for each scene. The afternoon MSVPA students not in cast are responsible for set design and sales. They advertise, make posters, and spread the word about the production. Cast and crew look forward to delighting you on the ninth and tenth of December.
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Issue 1 Staff Profiles ... continued from pages 6-7
Mr. Bullis
Ms. Gale
Mrs. Gravel
Ms. Greenshields
How do you react when you see a student being bullied? I get upset and try to intervene immediately. I get angry because I was bullied as a kid in elementary school, and it bothers me but I did learn from it. When I see a student being bullied, and it's obvious and apparent, I try to step in and make sure it doesn't happen anymore.
What would be your actions towards a student that is having trouble accepting themselves? I would try to help them see their strengths. Everyone has a talent of their own.
How do you react when you see a student being bullied? I become enraged, internally but then I have to remind myself that that bully is probably being bullied themselves. And then take action and just try to help the situation instead of adding more anger to the situation. I try to empower and sympathize, and then teach a better way to handle the situations.
What would be your actions towards a student that is having trouble accepting themselves? I would first talk to the student 1 on 1 and then send them to the counselor's office.
What would be your actions towards a student that is having trouble accepting themselves? I would try to help them understand that things change, people change, situations change. In middle school, the life they know now is not forever. Students and connections they have today are probably going to be gone once you switch schools. Stay patient and continue to be yourself. If you were to rid the world of any of its problems, what would it be and why? I would say how people treat one another. There is a general lack of respect for other lives, and if I could wave the magic wand I would definitely make it to where there is not so much hate in this world. So, rid the world of its plentiful hate. What's your philosophy of teaching? Clear expectations, setting goals, mutual respect, and student centered. Students should learn content through a "hands-on" approach while developing life and social skills.
If you could meet or revisit anyone who was passed away, who would it be, and why? Thomas Paine, author of "Common Sense;" he changed the course of American History and in turn helped shape the world to be as it is now. If you could meet 2 historical figures , dead or alive, who would it be and why? I would like to meet Abraham Lincoln, that'd be my number one. Also, I’d really like to meet Clark, as in Louis and Clark. What was your biggest academic struggle in grade school? I had to work twice as hard in math. It didn't come naturally, I can't visualize answers like other math wizards can. If you were to rid the world of any of its problems, what would it be and why? I would love to find a working solution to the Middle East's multitude of problems.
What would be your actions towards a student that is having trouble accepting themselves? I would give constant reinforcement and positive comments. I would also help them see the good in themselves. If you could meet or revisit anyone who was passed away, who would it be, and why? Robin Williams because he spent his life making people happy yet he died in such a state of sadness. I would like to help him.
If you could meet or revisit anyone who was passed away, who would it be, and why? My grandma because she was a saint.That lady was the most generous, beautiful person in the whole world. If you were to rid the world of any of its problems, what would it be and why? Injustice to all people. When it's raining and I'm commuting to work in my warm car, and I see a shivering child walking to school just breaks my heart.
If you could meet two historical figures, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Barack Obama because he's truly amazing and has broken through so many boundaries. Also, Hillary Clinton because I would like to know if she is actually corrupt.
(MS)2TC Students of the Month for November Congratulations to the following (MS)2TC students for being awarded November "Student of the Month." These students will be featured in the next edition of The Bolt.
8th grade AM: Nina Ysa Tancongco
8th grade PM: Genevieve Myers
7th grade AM: Leah Mosier
7th grade PM: Julianne LeClerc
6th grade AM : Tansim Uddin
6th grade PM: Vincent Gibala
Page 12
Issue 1 Student Reviews
"I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside. It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt." Adelina Amouteru, from the book The Young Elites by Marie Lu, is done suffering at the hands of others. After surviving the deadly Blood Fever, which swept all throughout her nation, affecting mainly children and killing adults, Adelina was left with pale hair and one remaining eye. She had become a malfetto, who are victims that were marked by the Fever, before she had even reached 10 years of age. It was soon realized that some people had recovered from the illness with strange powers as well, ranging from controlling the rain or animals to producing fire. Adelina's father was embarrassed and ashamed that she not only tainted their family name, but did not even turn out to be one of the Young Elites, which is the name for malfettos who gained these abilities. Since his hope for Adelina being SOMEWHAT useful was crushed, he developed resentment for her. He hadbegun to act cruel towards Adelina, even permanently breaking her
The Young Elites by Ruhi Hoque finger. He showed affection only to Violetta, her younger, "perfect" sister. For years, a vengeful hate was festering in her heart, caused by her jealousy for Violetta, her grief over her mother dying by the Blood Fever, and her father's bitterness and dissatisfaction. One day, when she overhears her father making a deal with a wealthy man to sell her as a mistress, she snaps. Adelina attempts to run away, but when her father intercepts her in the dead of night, all her rage takes over and she ends up killing him. Not with her bare hands, but with strange shadows and illusions that seemed to have the face of demons and shrouded with a dark, despairing feeling. They caused him enough fright and pain to die. That is the moment when Adelina realizes she is one of the Elites.
they prepare to execute her, she mulls over how she could possibly have powers, since there were never any signs until then. But there was no time to solve the mystery, since it was time for Teren Santoro, the leader of the Inquisition Axis to end her life. But the second before Adelina meets her death, a group of people appear and save her. We come to know them as The Dagger Society, a group of Young Elites who want to overthrow the King and gain control over the Kingdom. They are led by Enzo Valenciano, the son of the late king and heir to the throne. He was banished from the palace by his sister, who is now Queen, after the revelation that he was a malfetto.
Betrayal, secrets, and hidden truths bind all these characters in a dark, twisted way that is unimaginable to Adelina, The Daggers, and even Teren. Everyone Adelina has ever cared about could crumble from her own destruction. This story is not of the hero, but the complex and corrupt character that is Adelina Amouteru. She is definitely unlike the ordinary heroine in most Young Adult books. We see her face many challenges in this harsh world, but the most grim challenge of them all is her own immorality. If you're tired of constantly reading about a bland, cliché hero who only cares about saving the world, then you will surely enjoy this novel. It is not like anything I have ever read, and I have read MANY fantasy novels. So will Adelina find peace with the Dagger Society? Will she ever be able to overcome her thirst for revenge? Everything is still unknown, but for one thing is certain. "Adelina has abilities that don't belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her."
The Dagger Society had saved Adelina in hopes of recruiting her and teaching her to control her powers. But plans don't go The novel opens up with our as well as they had protagonist stuck in her cold, wantedbecause of Teren confined cell, moments before Santoro, who was fiercely her execution. We learn that determined to rid the world of she had been imprisoned by ALL malfettos. While The Inquisition Axis for killing everything seems to be going her father months ago. While well at first, tensions are high. l The Whitney's menu features Eggplant Bruschetta, Calamari, Crab Cakes, Seafood Sauté, Filet Mignon, Twin by Lauren Farnsworth Lobster Tails, and the Tofu Portobello Tower. When I visited, I had the Beef Wellington, which was very Have you ever been to a restaurant that has flavorful and cooked to perfection. Although the food is secret rooms and passageways? How about expensive, it is definitely worth the money. While you dining with ghosts? The Whitney, on dine, piano music is performed live. Plus, the service Woodward Avenue in Detroit, is an elegant, there is fantastic, with very polite waiters and classy, and historic restaurant with tours of waitresses. mysterious chambers and tunnels that are said to be haunted by spirits. There is also an This restaurant is the perfect place for holidays, special amazing valet service right when you enter. occasions, or just for a fancy dinner. Whenever you find And as if that couldn't get any better, the food yourself in Detroit, make sure you stop by The Whitney! is excellent!
Let's Eat at The Whitney
Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com
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Page 13
Issue 1 Student Reviews
Battlefield One by Nico Batkoski
Imagine a game announcement that sent ripples in the video game world, filled you with joy, and will change the first person shooter and usher the genre into a rebirth. That game was Battlefield 1. Battlefield 1 is another entry in Electronic Arts yearly military shooter. This approach to the genre is different from recent iterations. Battlefield 1 is based off of World War I. The story mode follows multiple “war stories” from The Great War as it takes you from being a foot soldier in Saudi Arabia to dogfights over the skies of Germany. And of course multiplayer where you fight other players in different game modes, but does the unique theme mean that the gameplay is crisp and fun? I’m sad to say… absolutely not. The game is broken, the story is awful, and the multiplayer is the same rehashed mechanics. The campaign mode (story) is atrocious. It tries to play itself off as an emotional experience, as it should be be since it takes place during one of the most hard-battled and terrible wars in history... but they have so little character development that I do not care one bit. Since the story is split up, they don’t have room or time to make anyone care about them. Ugh! I can hear you say, “Buuuuuuuuut Nico! Shooters are mostly multiplayer focused, so no wonder it’s bad.” If the game is mostly multiplayer focused, they should just get rid of the campaign. Too bad it had so much potential with its setting and storylines. Battlefield 1 is a broken game. If you go online and look up Battlefield 1 I bet you will find countless videos on bugs and glitches. The fact that it is broken on day one makes it much worse. If the developers knew about them they could have delayed it a week to fix them and not worry about their precious release date. It is not just bugs either, from my experience I spawned in multiplayer on multiple occasions and got killed by an unseen sniper from miles away so they obviously need to nerf (fix) some gameplay issues. Now, the multiplayer is the same rehashed garbage that EA shells out every year. One would think that because of the WWI theme that the weapons and vehicles would be unique, but it is all cosmetic. They are just reskins of the same things from Battlefield Bad Company 2. Another awful aspect is the display. The health bar, ammo bar, mini map, etc. is so far apart that I have to turn my head to check my health. It’s actually a direct rip off of Star Wars Battlefront’s display. Multiplayer is actually worse than it previously was. Although I believe the game is very bad, I have to give credit where credit is due. When the game is not glitching out multiplayer is surprisingly slightly above average. It may be the same as previous entries into the Battlefield series, but the World War 1 skin and feel of the game makes the multiplayer a little bit fresh. Also, while Call of Duty is doing the futuristic world for the third year in the row Battlefield 1 is filling the “old war” genre which a lot of fans have been clamoring for. I am saddened to say that Battlefield 1 is a giant disappointment. The epic trailer set up expectations that could not be met. I cannot comprehend how EA "dropped the ball" with this effort. Unfortunately, I have to rate this 2 stars out of 5.
Holidays... continued from page 3 Christmas Eve there is a huge feast. At midnight my family and I would go to mass. We would open our gifts afterward.” This “Polish way” of celebrating Christmas is called Wigilia. Some people celebrate Day of The Dead which is largely celebrated in most regions of Mexico, but Patricia Leoncil, a sixth grade (MS)2TC student, is from the Philippines, where some celebrate the same way. Patricia says that “on Halloween we light candles and make altars for those who have passed.”
Muslims celebrate Eid after the month of Ramadan, which is kind of like Christmas. They exchange gifts and wear traditional Desi clothing, according to Nikki Qureshi, a student at MMSTC. “The prophet gave a sacrifice to God so people in mainly South East Asia give animal meat to the poor and overall just donate to people in need.” Jonas Keys, a Jehovah's Witness from M(S)2TC, who suggests “I do not participate in holidays, I just enjoy the two weeks off during the Christmas break, and spend time with my family.” Jehovah's Witnesses are known for public ministry, they openly share their beliefs about God. Some people do not openly practice a religion, such as Sarah DeSantis and Jacob Nadolsky from MMSTC. They say, “We don’t really have a religion, but we still celebrate Christian Holidays such as Christmas.” Sarah and Jacob are not alone in this practice.
Although there are so many variations of holidays, they do share one common trait that students agree on. They say that the holiday season should not only be focused around worship, but also around spending time with friends and family. Celebrations around the holiday season bring an opportunity for us to spend time together, not only as a way of worship, but as a way of bonding. Whichever your preference ... enjoy your time off!
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Page 14Issue
1
Bullying in Schools: Enough of the talk
Bullying in Schools: We need to do more
Continued from page 2 Continued from page 2 projects on anti-bullying Students who have With bullying talks, you at least these talks seem great, but represent peace at school”. experienced bullying before, have some awareness, so it's they just aren't as effective in Even though many students may have a different take on not as bad." As he states real life". As she explains, we didn’t think this way, do you what is being said. “I've been above, bullying causes should not have more talks know someone who is getting bullied before, and just these negative feelings about one's because they "aren't effective," bullied? talks alone aren't helping,” self and talking about it more but as explained previously, it states a CMS 8th grader Chris can help with those feelings. In has been proven that bullying If you were the one being Martinez. The talks that are closing, students believe that talks in schools can decrease bullied every year, would you done today can mean we should talk about bullying the amount of bullying in all think any differently about the something to fellow students more and the reasons why this forms. bullying talks and events? The who have been through the would help them in their staff at our school, and worst, but aren't reaching the personal lives. Bullying is a serious matter sometimes even police officers majority of students. In that needs more attention. come in to discuss why it is so addition to taking up class But there is definitely an Discussions have helped raise important to respect everyone time, the talks are even opposite side to this argument. awareness and provide and treat them fairly. The forgotten later on. I conclude Jessica Wick, an eighth grader support to those who suffer. projects that are done during that there are too many from (MS)2TC explains that, Now, more than ever, students anti-bullying month are a fun conversations about bullying "We should have less bullying need to know and understand activity, but they’re sending a in school. We as a community talks, because they aren't the consequences of hurting true message underneath should find more innovative effective. If a bully goes to others. We must do more to them. There can be a form of ways to solve this problem. these talks, they won't stop bullying now, so why bullying anywhere, physically, Such as doing so without automatically stop bullying; it's would we want to do less? or even online which is known wasting class time and being part of their nature. On paper, as cyberbullying. During the more effective on students. middle school age, we’re all Together We Stand getting social media accounts by Damon Clouse & Drew Marsili by Matthew White and cell phones. At these In October, which is considered "Bullying Prevention Month," Butcher assemblies, kids are reminded sponsored an Anti-Bullying Poem/Poster Contest. The winners of the I walk down the hall that everything which is put contest turned out to be seventh grade (MS)2TC student Matthew White online can be seen by others and seventh grade MSVPA student Andrew Hemstreet. Andrew created a Where a giant lurks, and even tracked. Does this poster for his contest entry and Matthew wrote a poem. stop us from possibly bullying Ready to attack. or make us think twice about it? “They make me scared to even Andrew bravely shared that he had been bullied once before, and that He charges try to bully someone online,” was his inspiration to participate in this contest, although he admitted to Ronald Sykes, a seventh grader enjoying art, as well. He hopes he will be able to help other people who At the poor little ant, here at (MS)2TC states. During are bullied. anti-bullying month students And we all stand by. were introduced to an Matthew believes it is important to show both sides: the bully and the anonymous messaging site for victim. Matthew participated in the contest because he wanted to When the giant charges our school district. If you ever commit to something he had a strong opinion on, in this case bullying. felt like you we’re being bullied Matthew drafted his poem in a week. He said it was about how an ant, In for the final attack, at school, this site was to be who represented a bullying victim, was getting bullied by the "giant" in our “escape route”, Jodi Samp, the poem, and other "ants" came and helped stand up for him. He We ants stand together, the assistant principal, at thought of the idea for the poem because bullies are usually shown to be Carter Middle School (CMS), bigger and stronger than who they pick on, so Matthew represented the Hand in hand, added. So far, the program bully as a giant, and the victim usually is weak or small, so he chose an hasn’t been used for anything. ant. And send the giant Even kids send silly messages away. that really have nothing to do These winning pieces will be made into a shirt to be sold, with all of the with bullying. profit being donated to a bully preventing organization of the winners'
BEC Anti-Bullying Contest Winners
choosing. Great job guys!!!
Page 15
Issue 1 Public Relations Initiative... continued from page 1
ELA 8 students spreading the love through yearbook, newspaper, and website diligently working on taking pictures in classes for all three programs (MSVPA, (MS)2TC, and MMSTC). Additionally the group is focused on taking pictures of events, daily life, and field trips. When we spoke with Daija Johnson, an (MS)2TC student, she told us about another yearbook tool. The ITouch. Which is the district Newspaper yearbook creator. While the students eighth graders are working hard collaborate while writing on their middle school portion, their the high schoolers are also newspaper articles. working on their half of the yearbook. The final paper will include information covering all three Since there's so much work that programs here at Butcher needs to be done in order to Educational Center. (MS)2TC, complete an organized MSVPA, and MMSTC. yearbook, students were divided into four groups: Groups have been constructing photographers/videographers, several interviews with writers, layout editors, and folio. students and staff from each The photographers and program to gain information videographers are currently that will be included in the taking pictures and videos of newspaper. All of the events at the school. The newspaper groups have been writers are working on the using their initiative to set opening message and of the goals for the newspaper and yearbook. To add to that, the themselves. For example, layout editors are setting up the meetings were held where design of the yearbook. students conversed with each "Everyone agrees that they other asking questions about would like to have an organized, the format and design of the well-crafted yearbook," says paper. Matt Noor, from the PM Alex Marek, another native (MS)2TC session, said that the student. main concept for the An additional team has been working hard in order to complete their tasks. The eighth grade newspaper groups. Each group, both AM and PM, have been putting their best effort in their work. There has also been collaboration with other groups in order to create this school newspaper.
newspaper is to make it technologically based and to resemble the variety of programs there are in Butcher. Other students were asked what their group was currently working on. Genna Gaitan from the AM newspaper said that she is working on the Butcher Staff Profile. "We interviewed Ms. Gale, Mr. Bullis, Mrs. Gravel,
and, Mrs. Greenshields." Mia Simon and Jacquelyn Wrubel are at the moment working on the Butcher Survival Guide. Communication throughout the groups is important and will continue to help the final newspaper get completed in a more efficient way. Some groups say that they still need time to adjust to their new groups, but are still getting work done by collaborating. "I'd say that my fellow partner helping me with the Butcher Staff Profile works very well with me," says Genna. Jacquelyn Wrubel also had something to add about here experiences with collaboration. She said, "I'm glad to work with some familiar faces and I know we'll all grow as a team." The overall goal for this paper was that it would be enjoyable and informational for everyone. Matt Noor also stated, "Our main goal is to have a dedicated group of people who look forward to reading our newspaper. Hopefully, this will be a great way to inform and educate students, staff, and other schools." Each student has put in effort, showed collaboration, and solved challenges in order to create this amazing paper. Lastly, website is the final group of the eighth (MS)2TC initiative. As you may know Butcher has two large website groups, one in the PM and one in the AM. The website groups both had a list of tasks to accomplish and have divided between AM and PM. The website has a plan on what
they want to do and how they're going to do it. Kelsey Mills and Sofia Nordaune were two students questioned. "What are you guys working on?" Sofia Nordaune responded,"So right now we are going to working on the questions for the interviews...we are doing daily episodes, so it's going to be a reality show called 'Keeping Up with the Butcher Kids'." The website's show will be posted weekly. Kelsey Mills was asked about when the website will be live. She said, it is planned to be live on 11/4. This was the same for the AM as well. We knew that the tasks were divided between both AM and PM. What will the group include in their website? Both Sofia and Kelsey said many things. The website will include many links that will help students. These links are for class schedules, bus schedules, and teacher web pages. As the group mentioned already there will be episodes as well as a place to buy Butcher gear. How was the progress for the website group coming along? Kelsey responded, "Cooperation is okay. We are doing research (and) divided ourselves for what type of school we are researching. We all get our stuff done." What future accomplishments does the group have? Kelsey and Sophia talked about how they wanted to keep the website updated. They plan to update it
Continued on next page
Page 16
Issue 1 Debate Club ... continued from p. 4
much needed information about important topics in our country. Nick Bommarito said “I like it (Debate Club) because we get to go more in depth about the election.” Debate Club helps students open their eyes and learn about political issues.
students were deep in discussion about their political views and opinions. Students were able to participate in a contest that predicted which states they believed would go toward which candidate to win candy. While students watched the polls, they enjoyed many different snacks and beverages. This party was a very exciting event, and made even politics sound fun!
Armadillos ...from p. 4
MSVPA Election Party
“This year’s game, the goal involves having to collect whiffle balls, shoot them through, what they call a center vortex. The game is appropriately called 'velocity vortex.'”
by Lauren Farnsworth Ms.Gale, Debate Club advisor, held an Election Party on the night of the election. That might sound boring, but it was quite the opposite! Students, along with their families, were invited to celebrate the election and watch live. Not only was the party a blast, but it was a great experience, too. Rebecca Tozer and Anthony Smith, "native" students who attended, stated that it was an "excellent opportunity to learn how the election process works." while enjoying the evening with friends.
The Armadillos are learning valuable skills that they can Having actual debating skills use throughout their lives: and in Debate Club we also constructing machinery, wiring gain new skills. Sometimes we machinery, collaborating, and just have an open forum, but programing. Ian B proudly we also have days when we stated, “When I first started prepare by doing research the last year, I didn’t know a thing topics and organize an actual Now that the election is over, about code, and by the end of professional debate. We had 3 the Debate Club is discussing the year, I met so many other weeks where we divided up the issues impacting our country, higher level students who group into team Trump and like gun control and social taught me so much. Now I can Team Clinton and divided up security. On thing we all agree program a robot, which is As the results poured in, the the rebuttals and key points. on - we're tired of discussing pretty amazing to think about.” mood started to shift. Trump, a Republican, won over a few Claudia Rajski said, “I go to Hillary v. Trump! states including Ohio, Debate Club because I want to MSVPA Seventh Grade Update Wisconsin, and Florida, which get better at debating.” Debate by Alyssa Raine were typically Democratic in Club doesn’t only help students learn about politics it Other than the MSVPA eighth grade showcase 1776, the seventh previous elections. While the favoring Trump also helps them learn debating grade students "got into the act," as well. They performed their results "Fall Showcase" on November 16th and 17th, which represented continued, several students skills that we could use in life. what was learned in social studies this quarter. The play was set discussed their political views The Debate Club held an in ancient Egypt and Babylon, and combined short plays, and opinions. Most Clinton Election Party on the night of dramatic readings, and several choir numbers. The Egyptian supporters were surprised, and the elections. That might portion, "The Great Pyramid," was about the process involved in seemed agitated when Trump sound boring, but it was quite building the great pyramid of the Pharaoh Khufu, while including took the majority of the states. the opposite! Students, along the story of Osiris and the first mummification. Their second play Aurora Kaptur, another student with their families, were invited about Babylon, "The Code of Hammurabi," is about how and why that attended, was not thrilled to celebrate the election and the famous ruler created the world's first written code of laws. to see Trump winning over watch as the polls came in The actors were very excited about the show, but were more these states, either. And, of throughout the country. It was excited to show off what they learned. Hannah Palise stated, "I course, the Trump supporters very interesting to see how the learned that you need to project your voice and have a certain were practically jumping out of election progressed. Many stance on the stage instead of moving around." All in all, the cast their seats in celebration of was more proud of the work and effort they put into the final their winning candidate! product, rather than how good it was. There were more activities than simply watching the election. Students were able to every other day. Some ideas they have are weekly memes and comics. Including keeping the participate in a state polling weekly episodes updated, and more! prediction contest and also constructed a gingerbread The eighth graders have been off to a great start. The students have been working hard to White House. accomplish their goals for each group. In addition, the communication has improved and the final products are coming together. The groups have faced many obstacles, but have overcome them, This party was a blast! By all and will continue to do so in the future. With all the groups working hard and reaching their goals, accounts, "politics has never the Butcher community will be well informed. been so fun!"
Public Relations Initiative ...continued from page 15
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Meet the Bolt Newspaper Crew by Jon Becker & Peter Hermiz If you are wondering who’s in charge of this young and amazing newspaper staff… it’s the eighth grade ELA students! There are six newspaper groups in total in the (MS)2TC program that are working hard to bring you multiple editions throughout the year. In the morning, Butcher has the groups known as Comet, Meteor, and Eclipse. In the afternoon, the groups are known as Moon, Sky, and Sun. As of the first quarter, the afternoon newspaper and the morning has combined into one prepared and intelligent group. We are expected to write four editions this year for our newspaper so be prepared to read some stories. Abigail Nacker, an eighth grade student from the morning group, thought that our newspaper will be very successful. It will also be collaborative since we joined together as one group. Abby is The afternoon Bolt staff: Chelsea Aiken, Jon Becker, Maria Bonucchi, Damon Clouse, Natalie Cornish, Hovig also excited to write different types of articles. She commented, Danealian, Gianna Distefano, Nathan Dulecki, Lorna Floqi, Vanessa Francis, Connor Gipson, Bianca Hami, Peter Hermiz, Celina Ibri, Isha Khan, Akhil Mankad, Drew Marsilli, Salvatore Mazzola, Avi Michel, Ainsley Miller, Matt “It would be better to have the newspaper online since more Noor, Jordan Preston-Forte, Abbey Pulliam, Alsya Raine, Claudia Rajisk, and Joseph Sitto. people would be able to view it and it would save more money. James Chaney, eighth grade (MS)2TC student, believes the newspaper will help bond all three of Butcher's programs more closely together. Also, James thinks that the newspaper staff will be able to deliver a wide array of interesting articles that will appeal to a broad audience. James reasoned, "We thought about jokes and memes in the (first edition of our) newspaper; however, that got cut out... we mostly wanted serious topics too so we can attract a variety of age groups." The newspaper has an exciting future here at Butcher. In future editions, we'll be including creative pieces, original student writing, updates of what's going on in the building, school sports, club news, and other various articles. We are thrilled at the opportunity to provide the news to the greater Butcher community and beyond. Stay tuned for our next edition after the new year. Happy Holidays!
Gaga Ball - Sport of the Future? Ever heard about a game called Gaga Ball? Could Gaga Ball be the sport of the future? Nevertheless, it is a game enjoyed by many, yet some people have never played. The name "Ga-Ga" originates from the Hebrew language, meaning "touch-touch." This game was very popular on the playgrounds among Jewish children during the 1970s. Also called "Israeli Dodgeball, it has grown its reputation recently among summer camps around the world. With its fast paced gameplay and suspenseful moments, people might just find a vast enjoyment in this game. To begin a game, a person throws the ball into the center, but the ball is playable only after three bounces, and players may not leave the wall until after these three
bounces. On each bounce players yell "Ga" and on the last bounce they shout "Go!" Now the game really begins! To win, players must hit the ball with their hands towards other players. If the ball strikes the other players below the waist, the player that has been hit is out. However, if the ball hits the players above the waist, nothing happens. Players may hit the ball only once and the ball must bounce off of another player or the wall In order to strike the ball for a second time. The players who are out of the ring can hit the players that are still in and re-enter the game. Much like dodgeball, if a player catches the ball in the air the player who threw it is out. The last person standing wins. Because it uses inflatable rubber balls, the game is completely safe. If you
by Akhil Mankad, Sal Mazzola, & Ainsley Miller player or the wall in order to strike the ball for a second time. The players who are out of the ring can hit the players that are still in and re-enter the game. Much like dodgeball, if a player catches the ball in the air the player, the player who throws it is out. The last person standing wins. Because rubber inflatable balls are used, the game is completely safe. With larger groups, the octagonal pit can be made bigger, which allows for more players and consequently, more fun! However, If smaller groups are more your style, you can find hexagonal pits for small parties. According to another student Eric Mudd, "Gaga Ball is sort of like dodgeball but you stay in a pit and you have to stay in a pit and hit from the knees under. Other students at
parties. According to AM (MS)2TC student Eric Mudd, "Gaga Ball is sort of like dodgeball, but you stay in a pit and aim under the knees." Other students at Butcher have described it as "athletic," "entertaining," and even "nervewracking." Some students have been playing Gaga Ball for a while now at places such as summer camp and school. According to (MS)2TC student Sydney G, "It is a game of skill and quickthinking, and I hope everyone gets a chance one day to play!" Mr. Eric Mudd says that "Gaga Ball is a fun game to play with friends." " It is a really fun and athletic game and most of all it is a good exercise" says eighth grade student Akhil Mankad. The future is now for Gaga Ball!
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Catching up with (MS)2TC "Alumni" by Vanessa Francis & Fara Stanczyk Wouldn't you want a better chance for succeeding in the future? Well, if you're a student who does, then MMSTC is a great program for you! MMSTC is located in the Butcher Educational Center. If you have been thinking of attending the program, but don't have any information on it, pay close attention. Former (MS)2TC students who are currently attending MMSTC have answered some of the most basic questions which will help prospective students make decisions about their futures. If you're an (MS)2TC student who's thinking of attending MMSTC, then you may have wondered whether or not your experiences at (MS)2TC will benefit you at MMSTC. Patrick Ducusin, an "(MS)2" alumnus currently attending MMSTC, reports, "... I found out was that the teachers at (MS)2TC teach similarly to the teachers at MMSTC. It's more hands-on and not just copying from a book, which still happens in some high schools, including my own home school, Warren Mott." Dennis Hitaj, another (MS)2 alum and current MMSTC student, agrees. Hitaj also added that being an (MS)2 student made the transition from middle school to high school easier. When asked to compare and contrast the two programs, Hitaj said, "There's a lot more homework in high school. You really need to be organized. Use binders, and agendas. However, the teachers have the same philosophies such as growth
mindset and challenging yourself.'' So, if you're an (MS)2 student as of now, MMSTC will be easier for you and provide you an advantage over students that didn't go to (MS)2. Although it would be easier going to MMSTC if you went to (MS)2, it will still be difficult. Freshmen Khushi Mann mentioned, "...don't procrastinate, pay attention in class, take good notes, and study for your tests." These tips should help students get through everyday challenges that will come with classes. Some of those classes will be, "I.D.S., G.A.T, and biology. G.A.T is geometry, algebra, and transactions. I.D.S is interdisciplinary studies," according to Emanuela Joseph. While the program is challenging, which may cause frustration for some, there are definite benefits to it. Ducusin stated that being with the same people all year round is a good thing because "it provides a more family-like atmosphere." The program itself provides benefits towards college which were explained by Hitaj. "If there's a side by side comparison of somebody who has four years of MMSTC experience next to someone who didn't - with equal grades, the MMSTC student will usually receive more scholarship money for college." Going through these programs shows that students are willing to challenge themselves. Khushi Mann mentions that indeed the homework is more
(MS)2TC Alumni posing in Mr. Acre's class. These current freshmen were among the nearly 160 students who began at (MS)2TC in 2013-14. Their experiences in middle school were invaluable to help them get acclimated to life at MMSTC.
difficult and time consuming: "we have GAT homework everyday. If you get stuff done in IDS, you don't have any homework from that class." All in all, the struggle and amount of effort you put into the program and its classes will help in the future. Yes... MMSTC is a difficult program requiring organization, effort, and perseverance, but every former (MS)2 student interviewed recommended continuing on at Butcher after eighth grade. Who wouldn’t want a better chance for succeeding in their future? Well, if you're one of those students who wants to improve the chances of having a better future, then MMSTC is a great school for you!
Below: Former (MS)2TC student Ethan Price collaborates with others to complete one of his MMSTC projects.
Page 19Issue1 International News
CNN Comes to Butcher on Election Day
Edition #2 Preview
by H. Danealian, N. Dulecki, & L. Floqi,
by Ashton Schroeder
Edition #2 will hit "news stands" in mid-January. Here's a sneak peak into what the Bolt crew is working on for you:
Earthquakes Ravage Italian Towns and Countryside Imagine standing on your front lawn, surrounded by the rubble of homes, schools, and neighboring buildings. This is what you would have seen if you were in Italy on October 30, 2016. Around 2:40 AM, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit around 6 - 7 km away from Norcia, Italy. This earthquake injured 20 civilians and – quite fortunately – did not kill anyone. This is the fourth earthquake out of a series of other ones starting on August 24th, which in total killed 300 people. For Italy, these earthquakes have been the worst in 36 years. Many have been evacuated to shelters or hotels away from disaster. This has done a disastrous amount of damage to schools around the region, but despite such a grim event, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said that, "We will rebuild everything. We have the resources to do it."
*1776 recap *Original features
student
writing
*Handheld technology use in classroom debate *Fall/winter sports round-up *Butcher club updates Eighth grade native students Dominic Suliman and Ashton Schroeder meet with Jessica Schneider from CNN on Election Day.
On Election Day, while most Butcher students enjoyed their day away from school, CNN correspondent Jessica Schneider arrived at Butcher to cover the election. She spent most of the day interviewing voters outside of the building; however, she was able to take a few moments out of her busy schedule to be interviewed. Jessica and her crew specifically chose Butcher Educational Center over many other voting locations because she claimed that Butcher was "the best of the best." She suggested that she scoured the area for available, friendly, and organized voting locations. Fortunately for us, she wound up at Butcher. Schneider has been a journalist her whole adult life and shared some valuable tips for aspiring
*(MS)2TC "Student of the journalists: "take deep breaths, Month" update pause a lot, and write down what you're planning to say *Transformation of the BEC, before you say it." As a kid, through the ages Jessica always liked acting and (MS)2TC, and theatre, and also loved to write. *MMSTC, However, Jessica stated that MSVPA quarterly update deep down she always knew she wanted to be a reporter. *Student reviews Schneider started as a journalist in Albany, New York, *A visit with the Butcher pets and also went to law school. After getting her law degree, *Staff profiles she quickly decided that being a lawyer wasn’t for her. Eight *Memes that "rock" months ago, she was hired at CNN as a reporter. One of her *Principal's Perspective by Dr. biggest career highlights is to Neuhoff be featured in The Bolt. If anything is to be learned from *Butcher yearbook update talking to her, it's to always keep your options open. To *Exam preparation guide read more about Jessica, visit ... and many other features http://www.cnn.com/profiles/ jessica-schneider-profile
Purchase the premier edition of the Butcher Education Center yearbook - highlighting all three programs. Cost is $25 prior to January 1, 2017, $30 after the 1st. Get it today!!! Online orders only - use job number 13011517 https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob
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Life at Butcher... continued from page 8 way to look at things, like we do a lot of different types of problem solving in class like math, science and IDS,'' answered Maddie. IDS stands for interdisciplinary studies, which is a combination of math, science, technology, and language arts. Ysa revealed, ''One thing is to get yourself out there because it's a lot more fun to let yourself loose and show your true colors.'' This can be said for a number of situations. On another relatable note, Sydney replied, ''To be prepared at all times because they can definitely throw stuff at you.'' Yes, being prepared at all times is crucial and not just for Butcher. Jakira added, that ''Time management, how to make friends, and just to be a better person in general.'' These students all made valid points that many students who go here will be able to relate to. However, the teachers were asked a slightly different question, ''Have you learned anything from working at Butcher?'' Mrs. Toy said, "I feel like every time I do something at this school, I learn how much I don't know about English.'' Mrs. Toy explains that you can be successful while still having a healthy growth mindset. Also, Ms. Gravel replied to us by saying, ‘‘(I have learned) everything. I (used to be) an English teacher and now I'm teaching this technology class.'' This is additional proof that you can always learn something new. A big part of life at Butcher is the projects. For each program there are many big projects such as, the Field of Dreams (MS2TC), theatre plays
(MSVPA), and creating a haunted house (MMSTC). These projects are used to encourage students to think outside the box, be creative and obviously learn. Do students even enjoy these projects and do they learn from them? Sydney said, “Some of the projects I enjoyed, like Desmos, but other projects like the science fair, I didn't enjoy as much." Jakira replied with, "I don't like the fact that projects like PR groups are taking over to the point where we have to change classes.'' We also asked MSVPA student Ysa if the projects help her. She said "Yeah they do. They explain (certain subjects) when you're unsure". Butcher projects are very challenging, but are very helpful when it comes to fully understanding the topics we are learning about. Now you've gotten a little taste of life from the perspectives of all Butcher students and teachers. There may be some differences between groups and sections, but that in no way divides us. With closer relationships and lessons learned every day, we can overlook the early mornings and schoolwork to prepare for a bright future. We will surely leave this school ready to take on the world.
Bridge Building ...continued from page 4 this year while providing guidance as a student-coach to the (MS)2TC teams. Many difficulties arise when building a lightweight, yet strong bridge. The team suggests the rules for building the bridge are clear, but incredibly challenging. Ms. Michaelson suggests that the students struggle most with the computer program needed for designing, but teamwork is a strength for all Butcher teams. This year's end result needs to be a Truss bridge. This program has tremendously benefited students who have participated. When speaking about the state finals in Grand Rapids, Khushi Mann beamed about it all, "Dude, that place had 'lit' hotel rooms and the food was amazing. Oh... and the pool! Awesome!" She also described the competition as really "intense" and "really cool." Not only does MDOT cover costs of the the build, but also of the hotel rooms at the state competition. Ms. Michaelson stated that the "hands-on" civil engineering experience benefits all students who are looking into STEM-related jobs. Although only a few will win this competition and experience pure elation, those that pour their hearts and souls into the build will develop the skills necessary to make the world a better place. If you have any interest in the bridge building club, see Ms. Michaelson.
Left: MMSTC students demonstrate teamwork during the build.
Right: MMSTC students carefully design their truss bridge.
Left: Ellen Pierce and Selma Zuhric work on building a bridge of great design and strength.
Native eighth grade students Jacquelyn Wrubel and Gabe Banish rehearse for the upcoming performance of 1776.
On page 4: Ethan Price and Grace Orlando display the skills necessary to win the competition.
