Edison Middle School
September 2007 Volume 1
A NEW LEADER FOR EDISON
By Emma Littleton
As you might have noticed, Edison has a new principal this year and her name is Stacey Vernon. To find out more, I went to the source, the principal's office. No, I was not in trouble, I would be interviewing her. Mrs. Vernon was born in Anchorage, Alaska. She speaks fluent Spanish and spent a year at the University of Madrid. Mrs. Vernon has been at Edison for eight years and before that, she taught at Memorial High School. Her first job ever was at a popcorn store! When I asked her what her favorite thing about being principal was, she answered, "Hmm...gosh, I don't know yet, it's very busy. I like the challenges." I asked her what she thought about uniforms and she answered sincerely, "Uniforms help the new students feel like they belong." Mrs. Vernon said one of the new responsibilities that she has that she has never dealt with before is controlling the school's budget. Mrs. Vernon sounded like a promising new principal with fresh ideas.
In Memory of Mrs. Green
By Lauren Pasco
Mrs. Green died Wednesday, August 22, after struggling with cancer. Mrs. Green had been a teacher for a great number of years. She taught at a school in Wisconsin for three years. Then, she taught at Carver for fourteen years. This would have been her second year at Edison. She had degrees in both French and German. Ms. DeSantiago, the high school Spanish teacher, said that Mrs. Green, "Was very determined to make sure her job got done so everyone could learn.” She also stated that what she will miss most about Mrs. Green is, “Her positive attitude. No matter how bad things were for her she never let it show,” and the fact that Mrs. Green, “Always had a smile on her face, always.”
Ms. Isaacs, the middle school French teacher, said Mrs. Green, “Was not only sweet, but tough." Ms. Isaacs said this in regard to the fact that while battling cancer, and being in a great deal of pain, Mrs. Green never complained. Mrs. Yevtushenko, the middle and high school Russian teacher said, "She was full of energy and ideas." Mrs. Yevtushenko also said, "If we had more teachers like her it would be good for our schools." What Mrs. Yevtushenko will most miss about Mrs. Green is, "Her optimism". An interesting fact about Mrs. Green that Mrs. Yevtushenko told me is that, "When her son decided to take tae kwon doe, she did also." Mrs. Green collected a library of foreign language resources that her husband is now donating to Edison. She is leaving behind a husband and a college-age son.
Bejing Balooza
By Paige Lonnergan
The Chinese Exchange students are here! They arrived on Friday, August 31 at about 2 PM. This group is the fifth group to come to Edison from our sister school, Beijing #166. There are eight students and two teachers. Their names are Jenny Tao-teacher, Meng Dan-teacher, Cai Yi (Teddy), Lu Yuchen, Liu Xiwen (Debbie), Wang Tang (Ben), Cao Wei (Emily), Shen Chen (Jane), Song Qianyun (Suzy), and Yang Manou (Bethany). On some days they will travel around with their student host. The exchange students have lots of fun activities planned. They are going to go to football games, museums, and other cool things. Edison students will be traveling to Beijing #166 in the Spring of 2008. If you see any of these students be sure and say "Ni Hao"(Hello!).
ENTERTAINMENT
For the First Time: A Middle School Play!!!
By Giselle Willis
Want some entertainment? Crave a first time experience? Then get ready for the first middle school play!! It’s called Hometown Summer and instead of the usual high school actors, we’ve got sixth, seventh, and eight graders playing the parts. Try-outs are the last week of September for anyone who’s interested. The play itself will be November 15 and 16. The play is about a family whose father originates from Oklahoma. When the family decides to move back to OK, the father has to confront old memories, while the children get used to a new life. The director for this play is none other than Mrs. Griffin. She says that she got the play from a drama teacher at Holland Hall. Mrs. Griffin herself used to be a drama teacher at Jenks. The play will only be showing after school, and you have to buy tickets to go see it. Still, it would be worth it to witness the first middle school play. There are fifteen parts in the play, and the whole thing takes place in Oklahoma during modern times. So be sure not to miss out on THE FIRST MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAY AT EDISON!!!!
Who Is Mrs. Moore?
By Jacob Mahmood
I wanted to know a little bit about the new band and orchestra teacher so I asked her some questions:
Q: How do you like it at
Edison?
A: I love it, it’s a great place, and I am proud to be here. I’ve heard so many good things about this school, and I hope I can carry on the good things I’ve heard about Mr. Smith.
Q: Is it easier to be a band teacher than an orchestra teacher?
A: No it is equally challenging to teach band and orchestra.
Q: What do you think about your classes?
A: All my classes are just wonderful. I am very pleased to have them.
Q: What is your favorite part of teaching overall?
A: I love being with kids; it’s great. Any teacher will tell you they teach for the kids, not the money.
Q: Do think there are good teachers here?
A: Oh, yes I do. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the teachers here.
Movie Review: Hairspray
By Morgan Edwards
Hairspray, a remake of the 1988 movie original, is the story of young Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), set during the racial tensions of the early 1960`s Baltimore. Tracy is a joyful girl who wants nothing more than to dance on a local teen TV show, especially with heartthrob Link Larkin (Zac Efron).
As she follows her dream, she also leads others to not judge a book by it cover, becoming instrumental to integrating the TV show. With an ensemble cast and an upbeat soundtrack, this is a fun, light-hearted movie with a great message. I think everyone should go see this movie!!!
Paving Paradise To Put Up A Parking Lot
By Adam Brimer
Bell’s. Anyone who doesn’t know the name is not a true Tulsan. Since 1951, Bell’s Amusement Park stood in Tulsa’s Expo Square. It was a great amusement park for a little town, but about six months ago it was torn down to be replaced… with a parking lot.
In a telephone interview with Mr. Robert Bell, owner of Bell’s Amusement Park, he said that Bell’s is still planning to reopen. He doesn’t know when or where yet, but he claims to be looking for a new location here in Tulsa. Bell said he doesn’t know why Bell’s had to close. According to the Tulsa World, the county decided that they could make more money off of a parking lot. According to Bell, the amusement park paid more rent than Big Splash and Drillers Stadium put together to have that little corner of Expo Square. The county also wanted to have it ready for the fair. Bell says that the park has been in his family for 4 generations, so it has lots of family history to it. He says the thing he will miss most about it, though, is seeing the kids enjoying the park.
This year will be the first Tulsa State Fair without Bell’s. There has been lots of talk about how the fair will go without Bell’s there to add extra fun. Even if Bell’s doesn’t manage to reopen, it will still be remembered as Tulsa’s best little amusement park.
RANDOM THINGS
Dear Herbert
Hello, Edison students! This is Herbert, if you didn't already guess from the title in bold print...I know that everybody wants to know who I am. So, I'll tell you - I am a drawing on Mrs. Griffin's wall, and I come to life at night. I am also responsible for the possessed staplers and chalkboard in her room, not the ghost of Shakespeare. He haunts the auditorium. Anyway...as some of you already know, I enjoy giving advice. (I think my advice is pretty good, too.) I will be answering your questions throughout the year.
Dear Herbert,
I'm having some problems with my friends and boyfriend. Everything was fine at first, but now they are fighting like crazy. My best friend was going out with someone, but they broke up. Then I guess he said something that made her mad. She came and basically yelled at me for what he said. She refuses to be near me if he is and it is really hectic. Then other friends said he said things. I'm not sure who is telling the truth because all have lied a little to me at some point. I really need help...I'm so confused about who to believe and what to do. What do you think?
Sincerely,
The Confused and Floating Mind
Dear Confused and Floating Mind,
Middle School can be a confusing time. You have to learn who to trust. Have you known your friends longer than your boyfriend? If you haven't known this guy as long, you may need to listen to your friends. Your friends may be trying to help you by telling you things, even though you don't want to hear them. I would recommend thinking this through and giving the situation time. After all, you are still young. Enjoy hanging out with your friends and being a kid.
Sincerely,
Herbert
HOVERCRAFTS?
By
Astro Jetson
You've seen the movies and TV shows. A futuristic family driving a vehicle that floats inches from the ground, moving weightlessly, as smooth as a glider and as fast as a Ferrari, being chased by Imperial Stormtroopers and Sith Lords. It turns out it might be just a few years away, unless the new president reveals he/she is a robot. An Israeli inventor named Rafi Yoeli is working on a hovercraft for the military called the X-Hawk, but it won't be ready until 2010. His first idea was a flying sports car, so it could be just a couple of years after that when a practical hovercraft is made.
10 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CAFETERIA FOOD BESIDES EATING IT!
By Michelle Buzlea
#10- YOU CAN USE THE CHICKEN FRIED STEAK FOR HOCKEY PUCKS TO PRACTICE HOCKEY.
#9- YOU CAN SELL IT ON EBAY
#8- THIS IS CLASSY, BUT DANGEROUS...START A FOOD FIGHT!!!
#7- FLING IT AT PEOPLE (WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING!)
#6- YOU CAN USE THE WHEAT ROLLS AS BASEBALLS.
#5- STUFF IT INTO YOUR FRIEND'S LOCKER!
#4- THROW IT AT THE WINDOW FOR TARGET PRACTICE!
#3- MAKE RAILROAD TRACKS WITH THE BACON!
#2- USE THE MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY FOR A PROJECT FOR ART!
#1- TAKE A BIG PLATE OF MASHED POTATOES, USE IT LIKE A PIE, AND THROW IT AT SOMEONE'S FACE!
Why do we have to tuck in our shirts???
By Kyla Rhoads
There is actually a reason why we have to tuck in our shirts. They do not do this just to torture us. It is a safety reason. It has been proven that kids can stuff just about anything in their pants, inside their shirts, etc. and then just pull over their shirt to cover it all. Dr. Zolkowsky, our superintendent, was worried that a student would get angry and pull out a gun or a knife. This reduces the chances of that happening by a lot. So, for the safety of everyone, please tuck in your shirts.
SPORTS
Edison Cross Country
By Nick Criser
The Edison Cross Country team did well in their last meet. It was at Mohawk Park, and it was the Edison Invitational. There were many big schools at the meet. There was Edison, Holland Hall, Jenks, Bishop Kelley, Broken Arrow, and Owasso. The Eagles had to run in the rain, and most of them liked it. The race wasn't timed, because the rain was getting harder, and they mixed them with the JV team. Since, that happened, there were no medals awarded to any of the runners.
Quotes from Coach
Forehand
By Myles Coen
“Guys, I can take you to the wall, but it’s you who’s got to find the will inside of yourselves to get over it.”
Go Eagles! Edison Eagles’ Football team has improved an incredible amount this year. I personally feel we have got a chance at city! The only losses the Eagles have received have been lost through mental errors. Coach Forehand says this is good because “mental errors are fixable.” I hope everyone comes to the games to cheer on the football team and let everyone know that the Eagles are coming!
THE SPORTS GUY
By Hunter Briggs
Ever since Appalachian State beat Michigan two weeks a lot of people have been asking this question. Well, my answer to this question is Yes! The Mountaineers have won the past two division 1-AA titles and they beat Michigan at the Big House. This is the first time a team from division 1-AA has ever beaten a team from division 1-AA. The upset the Mountaineers pulled of is the biggest in college football history.
Pom and Cheer may be a sport, but in many people’s minds it is not. In my mind, it is a sport; the girls have practices and competitions. On top of all that, they even perform at all the football and basketball games. Keep it up girls, you’re doing great!
I personally think that Oklahoma State University should be called T. Boone Pickens University. Many people donate money to the school, but the only person you hear about all the time is T. Boone Pickens. He has donated enough for improvements to the football stadium. After he did that, he even donated money for a new "athletic village". Maybe the Cowboys should be renamed The Oilers.
WHAT'S GOING ON???
Interview with a 6th Grader
By Olivia Blankenship
We all know how scary it is to start out in a new school, so for my article I chose to interview sixth grader Lily Mohn to see what she thinks about Edison so far, and how it is different from elementary school. Lily said she loves Edison and all of the wonderful teachers! She thinks the homework is fair, the food is good, and the classes are great. She said middle school is a lot different from elementary school because it is just so much bigger. She loves art, and feels the art program is very good, and will be taking art next year for sure! She also thinks that band and orchestra is good, and Mrs. Moore is a great music teacher! I hope that Lily and the rest of the 6th graders have a wonderful experience at Edison!
German Club
By Megan Carter
HEY! German Lovers! I’ve got just the club for you! Anyone can join! You do fundraisers, elect officers, and even go on picnics with other clubs! When you join German Club, you get to practice and use your German skills by going to German restaurants, and you get to carry on meaningful conversations! Broaden your German vocabulary and knowledge by joining German Club! Last year, members met every Tuesday morning before school, but no date is set in stone yet. Meetings generally last 30 minutes. Members met in the German room, 36-2. For more information, contact Mrs. Masters, in the German room, 36-2.
What’s Up With Girl Scouts?
By Emilee Ann Edwards
The Girl Scouts will be going to camp soon. They will be going to Camp Polly where they will learn survival skills, scrap booking, and just having a great time together. They will be going on Friday, Sept. 7. I have talked to one of the Girl Scouts and their leader, Mrs. Cullen, and they're excited. Let's hope that no injuries occur, and that they have a great time while they're gone.
Student Council
By Bailey Fent
It’s election time!!! Student Council is going to have their first meeting on September 19th. This meeting is open to all students interested in Student Council. If you would like to know more, contact Miss Johns, she is located in room 136. For those that may not know, Miss Johns is sponsoring Student Council this year. As of this months report they have not yet elected officers but that should be out in our next issue. One of the things that they are planning to have is a door-decorating contest for HOMECOMING!!! They are also planning on attending a conference, which is scheduled for November. I can’t wait to see what the Student Council has in store for us this year!!!
Builders Club
By Grace Coen
There are many interesting and fun clubs here at Edison. One of these exciting clubs is Builders Club. Builders Club is a service organization. They do projects to help others, such as collecting glasses to send to Africa, collect toiletry items for the Day Center for the Homeless, and many others. “If you are interested in joining, the meetings are held at 8:00 a.m. twice each month (1st and 3rd Thursdays) in room 106”, says Mrs. Broughton, the Builders Club sponsor. Any 7th or 8th grader can join. If you are interested in joining see Mrs. Broughton in 106.
TSA
By Nicole McCowan
TSA (Technology Student Association) has already begun this year. Mr. Classen, the tech ed teacher, is the mentor for TSA. Mr. Classen says TSA, “teaches leadership skills and lets you work with your hands”. He says students in TSA, when given a job, must be able to deliver. Edison's TSA Club travels to other schools and competes for trophies. This means they occasionally miss school. TSA has been at Edison for two years and has really taken off. If you want to join TSA, they have meetings every Wednesday after school.The TSA team is:
Kaze Mauser 7th..........President
Jared Starkweather 8th..........Vice President
Adriana Ruiz 8th..........Secretary
Logan Bowe 7th..........Treasurer
William Rocha 7th..........Reporter
Alyssa Buzlea 8th..........Sergeant-at-Arms
Conner Manly 7th
Jordan Dapolito 6th
Ian McCampbell 7th
Kiah Orban 8th
Sebastian Pineda 8th
Ryan Starkweather 6th
MY 2 CENTS
The Price is Wrong
By Quinn Fields
For the first editorial of the year, I want to
bring up a subject that the recent news has made me aware of. We pay our
president $400,000 a year, our hardworking teachers a tenth of that, and the
soldiers fighting for our freedom about the same or less. So, why in the name of
Oprah Winfrey are we paying the people who play children’s games for a living
upwards of 10 million dead presidents a year? Lately, we’ve learned from the whole Michael
Vick dogfighting fiasco and Lance Briggs crashing his $300,000 Lamborghini (with
no traffic, then he abandoned the vehicle) that they don’t know what to do with
all that cash. I could make a list of hundreds of athletes from O.J. Simpson to
Pacman Jones of athletes who have misused their money, and thought they were
above the law, but there are more points to make. As a result of the player’s and coaches
salaries, ticket prices have shot up so you can’t get in to a football game for
under sixty bucks (even then the players look like ants); baseball game tickets
are less, but you won’t be able to tell if it is Derek Jeter or the Wicked Witch
of the West playing shortstop from the cheap seats. Not only do they not deserve
the money, but the fans suffer as a result. Recently, athletes have received so much money
and glory that aspiring athletes have been using illegal and dangerous drugs,
risking their health for a fat check and their name on a magazine. I don’t see
many people taking teacher steroids, but I haven’t been in the teacher’s lounge.
Now, with where sports is in our culture today, it would be next to impossible
to greatly decrease the salary of athletes as long as we keep buying tickets,
but it might be plausible to create a million dollar maximum a year. Sure, a
million bucks is still more than what the president makes, but at least they
won’t have quite as much money to throw around, and it might even be possible to
see a game for a decent price. In addition, all teachers and soldiers should
receive a minimum of $50,000. If these two things happen we will have inched
closer to the culture change that needs to happen, when our role models stop
being Michael Vick, David Beckham, and Kobe Bryant, and start being our parents,
teachers, and soldiers, the true superstars.
An Unjust Plan
By Morgan Jones
On the international news, China's government has decided to patrol illegal websites with little animated police in cars or on motorcycles that go across the screen. The animated police officers are to intimidate the user who is on the illegal site. As the animated figure goes across the screen, a text warning will be offered by the character. The text simply tells the user to mind the law and that the site is being monitored. Websites that are considered illegal are either politically or morally inferior to the communist ideals. This is wrong! People should have privacy while on the internet, or anywhere. No government should be allowed to ever control what people believe or have the right to do. By monitoring sites, it will keep the Chinese people in the dark. It would be like living inside of a virtual cage, where no news can be uncensored. The government won't allow people to go to overseas websites! That means that the Chinese won't get any updated news that the government deems inferior. The government shouldn't be allowed to do that, nor any government for that matter! This isn't right; someone should speak out against it! Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are two important things that this country is built on. It is too bad that other nations don't do the same. Hopefully, the Chinese government realizes their mistake, and corrects it!