Tuesday, September 23, 2008
School Community Council Meeting on October 1st
Springville Junior High School's Community Council will meet Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 3:30 in the media center. We will be discussing last year's End-of-Level and UPASS results. The public is welcome to attend.
Honors English
by Darryl Barnes
SJHS Staff Writer
Honors English is a class devoted to studying advanced literature. It is a class for those who wish to learn more about or pursue a career in literature more thoroughly.
In this class they have an enjoyable time studying traditional and classical texts and doing a follow-up assignment. “We study advanced literature and learn the basics of writing,” stated Dallin Droubay, a ninth-grade honors English student.
Students get into honors English by completing the summer assignment (reading books and e-mailing the authors), and achieving a high GPA. They also need to have a teacher recommendation. “Anyone can join the class, but needs the teacher’s approval, and needs to do the summer assignment., explained Delon Lier.
The importance of this class is to give those who wish a chance to get an extra helping of English and thereby are able to get into universities and dive into a career. In fact, the public met and decided that we should have this class as an elective for those who are shooting for a higher interest and understanding of English.
They start the day by reading the class/teacher chosen book, and then they move to similar texts, followed by research and an assignment based on the books or texts they have read. In this class, they also study traditional texts (Frankenstein, Romeo and Juliet, Dracula, the Odyssey.)
The students taking this class all agree that it’s awesome. They say the teacher, Mrs. Rice is the best. She can be totally serious one moment, and joking around the next. The students all agree that this is a fun and challenging class.
The behavior of the class is no different then a normal English one. The class has its up and downs. The students know when to joke and when to be respectful; so overall it’s a good class. “The behavior is much better and everyone is more responsible and listens,” said Alyssa Payne.
Mrs. Rice taught many of the 8th graders last year, and so when the administration asked her to teach honors, she was really excited and agreed.
Honors English is a wonderful class and there have been many recommendations. All the students think that this class can help them, and they are glad they took it.
SJHS Staff Writer
Honors English is a class devoted to studying advanced literature. It is a class for those who wish to learn more about or pursue a career in literature more thoroughly.
In this class they have an enjoyable time studying traditional and classical texts and doing a follow-up assignment. “We study advanced literature and learn the basics of writing,” stated Dallin Droubay, a ninth-grade honors English student.
Students get into honors English by completing the summer assignment (reading books and e-mailing the authors), and achieving a high GPA. They also need to have a teacher recommendation. “Anyone can join the class, but needs the teacher’s approval, and needs to do the summer assignment., explained Delon Lier.
The importance of this class is to give those who wish a chance to get an extra helping of English and thereby are able to get into universities and dive into a career. In fact, the public met and decided that we should have this class as an elective for those who are shooting for a higher interest and understanding of English.
They start the day by reading the class/teacher chosen book, and then they move to similar texts, followed by research and an assignment based on the books or texts they have read. In this class, they also study traditional texts (Frankenstein, Romeo and Juliet, Dracula, the Odyssey.)
The students taking this class all agree that it’s awesome. They say the teacher, Mrs. Rice is the best. She can be totally serious one moment, and joking around the next. The students all agree that this is a fun and challenging class.
The behavior of the class is no different then a normal English one. The class has its up and downs. The students know when to joke and when to be respectful; so overall it’s a good class. “The behavior is much better and everyone is more responsible and listens,” said Alyssa Payne.
Mrs. Rice taught many of the 8th graders last year, and so when the administration asked her to teach honors, she was really excited and agreed.
Honors English is a wonderful class and there have been many recommendations. All the students think that this class can help them, and they are glad they took it.
Glory and Woe - Art Show
self-pruner by Jethro Gillespieby McKenna Gleave
SJHS News Writer
Jethro Gillespie is Springville Junior High’s beloved art teacher. We are extremely proud to announce that he will be displaying his new works on Friday, October 17, 2008. He will be part of the gallery stroll held inside “Signed and Numbered,” under Slowtrain Records, at 221 East 300 South in Salt Lake City.
For the past three months Mr. Gillespie’s time has been spent working on pieces for his show, “Glory and Woe.” The pieces being featured are about sadness, struggle, triumph and exaltation. He says, “It’s the space I find myself in between being a saint and a sinner…. Life as I understand it.”
Backtracking to his childhood he recalls being encouraged by his parents after he drew a picture of Jesus during a family activity one night. “My mom says everyday after that when my dad would come home from work and I would have 30 to 40 new drawings of Jesus to show him.” “Glory and Woe” is based on his experiences with life, people, and spirituality.
All his pieces came from the heart. He believes that an artist’s job is to portray a message, as pure and true as he or she is able.
Every third Friday at “Signed and Numbered” there is a gallery stroll featuring several artists. Mr. Gillespie would like to encourage any who can to come view his works and others. He well be selling original pieces, as well as copies.
Math Genius Comes to Teach at Springville Junior
Miss Gee teaching Math 7.by Maddie Patten
SJHS Staff Writer
She’s super smart at math. She graduated from BYU with a major in mathematics education. She teaches seventh grade math and pre-algebra at Springville Junior High. That’s right—I’m talking about Miss Gee.
Miss Gee came to teach at Springville Junior High in the middle of last year after the other Math 7 teacher left. She had just returned from her mission and needed a job, so she was glad to come to this school and get started. “It was a little different because I wasn’t here at the beginning, and I had to find out how much the students really understood,” she said.
All through junior high, high school, and college, Miss Gee spent a lot of time tutoring her friends and others. She thought it was fun to help others understand and enjoy math. That’s how Miss Gee decided to become a teacher.
Miss Gee just got engaged, and she is getting married in November. Next year, her fiancé will start optometry school in Tennessee so she will move there with him. She explained, “I had planned on staying longer, but I will be moving to Tennessee next year with my fiancé. So this will be my last year at this school.”
Not a lot of people think about what teachers do when they’re not teaching school. Well, Miss Gee enjoys playing the piano or violin, hiking, biking, and just being outside. She also loves to swim and usually goes swimming in the mornings before school.
Talking to Miss Gee, you can tell that she loves and understands math and enjoys teaching. Her students will all miss her when she leaves next year.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Parent-Teacher Conference to be held on October 2
Parent-Teacher Conference at Springville Junior High School will be held on Thursday, October 2nd from 3:30 to 8:30 in the boys' gym. Please come and visit with your child's teachers. (Please note the schedule change -- Parent-Teacher Conference will not be held on September 25th, as publicized in the registration packet.)
Boogie on in to the SJHS Dances
by Whitney Norman
SJHS Staff Writer
SJHS has many fun possibilities, but one of the most popular events is the dances. The Springville Junior High’s dances are from seven to nine o’clock p.m. They are held at the boy’s gym, and the dance that’s coming up is on October 30th.
The students at SJHS have a lot to say about the dances. Two new seventh graders, Hayde Blanco and Vincent Hutchinson, told me about several things they like and dislike about the dances.
“I get to hang out with friends, and go crazy,” Hayde said. She also said that the dances are fun because of the loud music, and it’s hot in the gym. She just wants to go wild! She wants to change two things about the dances, too. “No slow dances! They should have a free snack bar with drinks and stuff.”
Vincent Hutchison has some likes and dislikes on the dances, too. He said that the dances were fun. “You get to know other people. Like boys talking to girls, and girls talking to boys,” Vincent said that that was one of the things he liked. But he wants to have more time to dance, and a bigger space.
Autumn Hathway is an eighth grader at SJHS, and she has some things to say about the school dances. She said it would be more fun if people go out and dance and she also said that people complain about the hip hop and rap music.
“I think they’re fun! They are like a big party,” Phoenix Mackley enthused. Phoenix is also an eighth grader, and a big fan of dances. “You get to hang out with all of your friends, and there’s loud music!” But Phoenix also had some dislikes about the dances. She said that there should be a bigger variety of music, and the dances should be on Fridays.
“They’re a lot of fun. I really enjoy/recommend them,” D.J. Barnes, another eighth grader said. “I have so much fun there. Not to mention that my friends and I go around goofing off and having a good time.”
We know that the eighth graders like the dances, but they do have some items on their wish list that they want to change, but what about the ninth graders? “I think that they are awesome because you can go hang out with friends and dance and show off your ‘moves’,” Eric Mageno, a ninth grader said.
When I talked to the administrators about the dances, Principal Rolfe said that he thinks that it’s a great opportunity for kids to get together, and that there are a lot of parents and teachers there for supervision. He feels really good about dances, and they are fun. Mr. Knudsen also added that the dances help kids with sociability. Principal Rolfe also wanted to add that of all the schools that he worked at, dances at SJHS had to be the safest and the best.
SJHS Staff Writer
SJHS has many fun possibilities, but one of the most popular events is the dances. The Springville Junior High’s dances are from seven to nine o’clock p.m. They are held at the boy’s gym, and the dance that’s coming up is on October 30th.
The students at SJHS have a lot to say about the dances. Two new seventh graders, Hayde Blanco and Vincent Hutchinson, told me about several things they like and dislike about the dances.
“I get to hang out with friends, and go crazy,” Hayde said. She also said that the dances are fun because of the loud music, and it’s hot in the gym. She just wants to go wild! She wants to change two things about the dances, too. “No slow dances! They should have a free snack bar with drinks and stuff.”
Vincent Hutchison has some likes and dislikes on the dances, too. He said that the dances were fun. “You get to know other people. Like boys talking to girls, and girls talking to boys,” Vincent said that that was one of the things he liked. But he wants to have more time to dance, and a bigger space.
Autumn Hathway is an eighth grader at SJHS, and she has some things to say about the school dances. She said it would be more fun if people go out and dance and she also said that people complain about the hip hop and rap music.
“I think they’re fun! They are like a big party,” Phoenix Mackley enthused. Phoenix is also an eighth grader, and a big fan of dances. “You get to hang out with all of your friends, and there’s loud music!” But Phoenix also had some dislikes about the dances. She said that there should be a bigger variety of music, and the dances should be on Fridays.
“They’re a lot of fun. I really enjoy/recommend them,” D.J. Barnes, another eighth grader said. “I have so much fun there. Not to mention that my friends and I go around goofing off and having a good time.”
We know that the eighth graders like the dances, but they do have some items on their wish list that they want to change, but what about the ninth graders? “I think that they are awesome because you can go hang out with friends and dance and show off your ‘moves’,” Eric Mageno, a ninth grader said.
When I talked to the administrators about the dances, Principal Rolfe said that he thinks that it’s a great opportunity for kids to get together, and that there are a lot of parents and teachers there for supervision. He feels really good about dances, and they are fun. Mr. Knudsen also added that the dances help kids with sociability. Principal Rolfe also wanted to add that of all the schools that he worked at, dances at SJHS had to be the safest and the best.
Friday, September 19, 2008
New Yearbook Teacher
The SJHS Yearbook Staff: Alyssa Payne, Ms. Neeley, Sammie Schroeppel, Kyle Gashler, Leksi Rosenberg, Emma Graves, Aleks Newman and Alli Udall.SJHS Staff Writer
Ms. Neeley, a teacher at the Springville Junior, High was asked to be the new yearbook teacher in late March, after last year’s yearbook teacher left. Ms. Neeley said, “I was really excited to teach yearbook, but I was also nervous. I was on yearbook staff when I was in junior high, so I knew it would be really fun, but I was nervous about everything that I would have to organize.”
In yearbook Ms. Neeley teaches the students about taking good pictures, making creative layouts, and organizing the yearbook. The students of yearbook staff are in charge of designing the yearbook, taking and editing pictures, giving surveys, picking the cover design, and deciding on the theme.
Every year there is a new yearbook staff. This year there are seven students. We had the chance to interview three of those students. We interviewed Allison Udall, Alyssa Payne, and Kyle Gashler. Allison Udall said that she likes taking yearbook because there are a lot of good kids in that class. Kyle Gashler said he loves taking yearbook because it gives you a sense of accomplishment. “Yearbook is not an easy class, in the beginning it’s easy, but it gets harder throughout year,” Alyssa Payne explained.
Springville Junior High Recycles
Springville Junior High's journalism class recycles paper throughout the school.Left to right: Kristi Hatch, Maddie Patten, Abi Santiago, Shayla Tanner, Maddi Dayton, Sarah Fawson and Brooke Caswell.
by Abi Santiago
SJHS Staff Writer
Recycling is a big step for us to help out with global warming. Recycling is taking a product you won’t use anymore and use it for something else. It’s very important for everyone to recycle. At Springville Junior High, each classroom has a recycling box. Teachers encourage their students to recycle all their old assignments.
“The attitude of people saying, ‘Just one can won’t make a difference’ is not true. It will make a difference,” the art teacher, Mr. Gillespie, said. Shayla Witney, a student at Springville Junior High said, “It’s important to recycle because if you don’t then everything just goes to waste.”
Students recycle anytime they can; they say it’s safe for the environment. “It’s important that we recycle everything we can so we can preserve our resources,” Mrs. Murdock, the finance secretary, said. She gets a check every month from recycling that helps support the journalism class. The money from recycling provides funds to buy equipment such as cameras and computers for the journalism students to use.
Recycling other products, like soda bottles saves energy when you use it to make new products. We can all prevent that if we just all put in the effort to recycle and not litter. We have a dumpster at the south side of the school, and everyone is invited to come and recycle your paper, like newspapers and old phone books. One person can make a difference.
SJHS Staff Writer
Recycling is a big step for us to help out with global warming. Recycling is taking a product you won’t use anymore and use it for something else. It’s very important for everyone to recycle. At Springville Junior High, each classroom has a recycling box. Teachers encourage their students to recycle all their old assignments.
“The attitude of people saying, ‘Just one can won’t make a difference’ is not true. It will make a difference,” the art teacher, Mr. Gillespie, said. Shayla Witney, a student at Springville Junior High said, “It’s important to recycle because if you don’t then everything just goes to waste.”
Students recycle anytime they can; they say it’s safe for the environment. “It’s important that we recycle everything we can so we can preserve our resources,” Mrs. Murdock, the finance secretary, said. She gets a check every month from recycling that helps support the journalism class. The money from recycling provides funds to buy equipment such as cameras and computers for the journalism students to use.
Recycling other products, like soda bottles saves energy when you use it to make new products. We can all prevent that if we just all put in the effort to recycle and not litter. We have a dumpster at the south side of the school, and everyone is invited to come and recycle your paper, like newspapers and old phone books. One person can make a difference.
SJHS Brings Fiddler on the Roof to the Stage
by Brooke Caswell
SJHS staff writer
Lights! Camera! Action! This year Springville Junior High is putting on the play Fiddler on the Roof. It is being produced by Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Gleave and Mrs. Bailey. It will be coming to the stage October 8th through the 11th, at 7:30 each night.
Mrs. Walker, the director, is in charge of all the acting and the script. “Mrs. Walker is hilarious, and she is not afraid to show how she wants it done,” says villager Alyssa Nance. “I love directing the play every year. I love it so much; I even directed the play last year when I wasn’t teaching school! It’s a lot of hard work…but I like how it turns out, and I like how the students grow from the experience,” says the director, Mrs. Walker.
The actors attend practice every school day morning at 6:00 a.m. until the start of school. The cast also has practices on Saturday afternoons to practice the whole production all together. The actors have rehearsed dances and songs until they can’t get them out of their heads.
The cast is trying to make the play as realistic as possible. Some villagers in the play say that the costumes and sets are going to make the play as realistic as they can. The parents have been putting in tons of work for the sets to be perfect.
“I know that the play will be a success; we have an excellent cast and a wonderful staff,” said Mrs. Walker. Some of the cast members said that the cast is wonderful, some of the members even said the main characters voices are funny; they sound just like the movie. “Luckily, the kids are so well behaved that it is easy to keep them organized,” Mrs. Walker continued.
All the actors and actresses want as many people to come as possible. The cast and directors need our support to do another play next year. Tickets will be on sale at the door to the play on October 8-11 at 7:30 pm.
SJHS staff writer
Lights! Camera! Action! This year Springville Junior High is putting on the play Fiddler on the Roof. It is being produced by Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Gleave and Mrs. Bailey. It will be coming to the stage October 8th through the 11th, at 7:30 each night.
Mrs. Walker, the director, is in charge of all the acting and the script. “Mrs. Walker is hilarious, and she is not afraid to show how she wants it done,” says villager Alyssa Nance. “I love directing the play every year. I love it so much; I even directed the play last year when I wasn’t teaching school! It’s a lot of hard work…but I like how it turns out, and I like how the students grow from the experience,” says the director, Mrs. Walker.
The actors attend practice every school day morning at 6:00 a.m. until the start of school. The cast also has practices on Saturday afternoons to practice the whole production all together. The actors have rehearsed dances and songs until they can’t get them out of their heads.
The cast is trying to make the play as realistic as possible. Some villagers in the play say that the costumes and sets are going to make the play as realistic as they can. The parents have been putting in tons of work for the sets to be perfect.
“I know that the play will be a success; we have an excellent cast and a wonderful staff,” said Mrs. Walker. Some of the cast members said that the cast is wonderful, some of the members even said the main characters voices are funny; they sound just like the movie. “Luckily, the kids are so well behaved that it is easy to keep them organized,” Mrs. Walker continued.
All the actors and actresses want as many people to come as possible. The cast and directors need our support to do another play next year. Tickets will be on sale at the door to the play on October 8-11 at 7:30 pm.
SJHS Choir Teacher Returns
by Jacob Simmons
SJHS Staff Writer
After taking a year off as Springville Junior High School’s choir teacher, Mrs. Walker, decided to come back.
Just last year Mrs. Walker decided that she needed to stay home with her grandson, so she quit teaching. Mrs. Bailey, a good friend of Mrs. Walker, took over. Mrs. Bailey did double jobs, teaching three periods at Mapleton Jr. High and three periods at Springville. She had decided that it was just too hard to try to work at two different schools, and act like you knew what was going on at both. “Your car becomes your office! It’s nice to have one place to call home,” said Mrs. Bailey.
After taking the year off, Mrs. Walker decided she really did miss teaching choir and wanted to come back. Mrs. Bailey wanted to go to one school, so it all worked out perfectly. Towards the end of the school year, it was announced that Mrs. Bailey was leaving, and going to Mapleton full time and Mrs. Walker was coming back to SJHS.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be back! The students at SJHS are the best in the world,” said Mrs. Walker about coming back. “I missed the students way too much.”
While Mrs. Walker was nothing but happy, Mrs. Bailey had mixed emotions. She was very happy to have one school that she could really jump into. She now teaches Service Learning, and is helping out on coaching the tennis team. On the other hand, she was very sad about leaving SJHS and the many students that she had come to like. “I will miss my students from Springville, but I know that they are in great hands with Mrs. Walker.”
Some students are still sad that Mrs. Bailey left, but happy that Mrs. Walker is back. However, a lot of them are able to see Mrs. Bailey at the SJHS/MJHS play, Fiddler on the Roof. The play is being directed by Mrs. Walker, with Mrs. Bailey helping out with singing. Both teachers have also planned many activities for both of their choirs to do together.
SJHS Staff Writer
After taking a year off as Springville Junior High School’s choir teacher, Mrs. Walker, decided to come back.
Just last year Mrs. Walker decided that she needed to stay home with her grandson, so she quit teaching. Mrs. Bailey, a good friend of Mrs. Walker, took over. Mrs. Bailey did double jobs, teaching three periods at Mapleton Jr. High and three periods at Springville. She had decided that it was just too hard to try to work at two different schools, and act like you knew what was going on at both. “Your car becomes your office! It’s nice to have one place to call home,” said Mrs. Bailey.
After taking the year off, Mrs. Walker decided she really did miss teaching choir and wanted to come back. Mrs. Bailey wanted to go to one school, so it all worked out perfectly. Towards the end of the school year, it was announced that Mrs. Bailey was leaving, and going to Mapleton full time and Mrs. Walker was coming back to SJHS.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be back! The students at SJHS are the best in the world,” said Mrs. Walker about coming back. “I missed the students way too much.”
While Mrs. Walker was nothing but happy, Mrs. Bailey had mixed emotions. She was very happy to have one school that she could really jump into. She now teaches Service Learning, and is helping out on coaching the tennis team. On the other hand, she was very sad about leaving SJHS and the many students that she had come to like. “I will miss my students from Springville, but I know that they are in great hands with Mrs. Walker.”
Some students are still sad that Mrs. Bailey left, but happy that Mrs. Walker is back. However, a lot of them are able to see Mrs. Bailey at the SJHS/MJHS play, Fiddler on the Roof. The play is being directed by Mrs. Walker, with Mrs. Bailey helping out with singing. Both teachers have also planned many activities for both of their choirs to do together.
What happened to the chimney at SJHS?
by Eric Mageno
SJHS Staff Writer
Why is the chimney at the junior high gone? Well, I did some investigating and found out from the school janitor, Mrs. Bell, that the chimney was moved because of earthquake danger, because if it fell down it would crush junior high students. It was too tall to stay up in an earthquake, so the district hired contractors to take the chimney down.
Mrs. Bell explained that before the chimney was taken down it was a vent pipe for the boiler system at SJHS. The chimney was removed last year during Christmas break so that it would not be a distraction to students working in class.
SJHS Staff Writer
Why is the chimney at the junior high gone? Well, I did some investigating and found out from the school janitor, Mrs. Bell, that the chimney was moved because of earthquake danger, because if it fell down it would crush junior high students. It was too tall to stay up in an earthquake, so the district hired contractors to take the chimney down.
Mrs. Bell explained that before the chimney was taken down it was a vent pipe for the boiler system at SJHS. The chimney was removed last year during Christmas break so that it would not be a distraction to students working in class.
Say Hello to the 7th graders
Seventh graders Zach Hansen, Austin Jensen, Jessica Mensivar and Courtney Taylorby M. Dayton
SJHS Staff Writer
It’s a new year at the junior high filled with new faces. This year, like every year before, 6th graders flock from different elementary schools and from different walks of life and come together to form what the junior high 8th and 9th graders call the “seveys,” or in adult lingo, kids going into 7th grade. Their first year in junior high is crucial to how the rest of their junior high years go. According to 7th graders Max Schreiner, Aspen Miller, Griffin Park and Courtney Taylor, it’s going pretty good!
When asked what they liked about being in the seventh grade, Courtney Taylor responded right away, “Being with my friends.” Along with being with friends a definite plus of being in junior high are lockers, more lunch choices, more electives and a wide variety of teachers. Students are grateful for a change of scenery and a new beat to march to, especially because of the increased amount of freedom, and according to Aspen Miller, more interesting subjects.
Although they love it at the junior high there are a few minor complaints voiced. For instance, sports enthusiast Griffin Park wishes that they had practice for sports teams during school so after school was freed up for other things. Along with this complaint comes a small objection from Max Schreiner; when asked what he didn’t like about the junior high he simply replied “being called a sevey.” Unfortunately this is a nickname that has been around as long as dirt and will probably be around a lot longer. So with no further ado, the junior high gives a big Springville Knights welcome to the seveys!
The Girls Tennis team starts with a flare, defeating Payson
by Zachary Nemelka
SJHS Staff Writer
The team only had a couple of weeks to pick 18 girls for the Varsity and Junior Varsity tennis teams. Around 23 girls were competing for the single and double spots on the teams. The team only had a couple of weeks to prepare for a tough match against Payson’s tennis team, and they have a long season ahead. The girls have to play five tough matches and district playoffs as the other girls tennis teams are trying to get ahead of our girls tennis team.
As the girls prepare for these matches ahead, Coach Rice must compare them to past teams he has coached. “The team looks good. This is the most girls we’ve ever had on the team,” he said. He then explained that there are dedicated girls on the team. But the team doesn’t have some of the 8th grade girls who are now 9th graders. “Some of the girls on last years team would’ve really improved our team if they were on the team this year,” Coach Rice explained.
Coach Rice has some concerns about coaching. He is worried the courts are not in good enough condition. There are many chances of getting injured. “I tell my players that not every school has a grass court," Coach Rice said as he gestured to the abundance of weeds surrounding the court, "There are cracks, bumps, and glass on the courts.” If we decided to fix the courts we won’t end up with injured girls.
For the first couple of weeks in practice the team had challenge matches. They were trying to advance to a better ranking on the team. Coach Rice would watch the girls play and would give tips when he saw a place for improvement. He would also watch for players that had good sportsmanship, because tennis is a gentlemen’s sport where you are kind and courteous to your opponent and where you should always use proper etiquette on the court. After the girls finished the challenge matches, the team moved into drills and improving their techniques.
The reason Coach Rice decided to coach the girl’s team was because he played tennis when he was young, and he coached in California. “I also find it amusing the manner in which the girls get excited and celebrate simply for winning a point… after every point won. The guys don’t do that,” Coach Rice commented. He also enjoys helping people learn how to play something that they can do when they are older, not just in their youth. Coach Rice hopes that it will help them to be active, later in life not just now.
SJHS Staff Writer
The team only had a couple of weeks to pick 18 girls for the Varsity and Junior Varsity tennis teams. Around 23 girls were competing for the single and double spots on the teams. The team only had a couple of weeks to prepare for a tough match against Payson’s tennis team, and they have a long season ahead. The girls have to play five tough matches and district playoffs as the other girls tennis teams are trying to get ahead of our girls tennis team.
As the girls prepare for these matches ahead, Coach Rice must compare them to past teams he has coached. “The team looks good. This is the most girls we’ve ever had on the team,” he said. He then explained that there are dedicated girls on the team. But the team doesn’t have some of the 8th grade girls who are now 9th graders. “Some of the girls on last years team would’ve really improved our team if they were on the team this year,” Coach Rice explained.
Coach Rice has some concerns about coaching. He is worried the courts are not in good enough condition. There are many chances of getting injured. “I tell my players that not every school has a grass court," Coach Rice said as he gestured to the abundance of weeds surrounding the court, "There are cracks, bumps, and glass on the courts.” If we decided to fix the courts we won’t end up with injured girls.
For the first couple of weeks in practice the team had challenge matches. They were trying to advance to a better ranking on the team. Coach Rice would watch the girls play and would give tips when he saw a place for improvement. He would also watch for players that had good sportsmanship, because tennis is a gentlemen’s sport where you are kind and courteous to your opponent and where you should always use proper etiquette on the court. After the girls finished the challenge matches, the team moved into drills and improving their techniques.
The reason Coach Rice decided to coach the girl’s team was because he played tennis when he was young, and he coached in California. “I also find it amusing the manner in which the girls get excited and celebrate simply for winning a point… after every point won. The guys don’t do that,” Coach Rice commented. He also enjoys helping people learn how to play something that they can do when they are older, not just in their youth. Coach Rice hopes that it will help them to be active, later in life not just now.
New Teacher Debuts at Springville Junior
by Ethan Trunnell
SJHS Staff Writer
Mr. Mikesell is a new English teacher at Springville Junior High. He has taught at Payson Jr. High and a high school in Idaho. Mr. Mikesell takes his job very seriously; his motivation is making sure that kids have a good experience and a good time. He attempts to achieve this goal daily.
Often a good teacher is determined by what his pupils think of him, I asked several of the students he has in his 8th grade classes what they think of him. “He’s the best teacher ever!” Jacob Simmons exclaimed. He has obviously made a great first impression for the students of SJHS.
To many, the class is just plain fun. The 8th graders' first assignment was to bring bubbles and frisbees to class. Then they went outside and blew bubbles and threw the Frisbees. The kids then returned to class and began to write descriptive poems using the five senses.
Aside from teaching, Mr. Mikesell was married several weeks before school started to fellow teacher. He grew up in Pocatello, Idaho. His favorite hobbies away from school are skiing, four wheeling, and playing the piano; Mr. Mikesell has been playing the piano and taking lessons ever since he was a boy and he is now a semi-professional. He had a part time job in Pocatello playing for weddings and wedding receptions.
He will be a great addition to the staff and administration at SJHS. Welcome to our school, Mr. Mikesell.
SJHS Staff Writer
Mr. Mikesell is a new English teacher at Springville Junior High. He has taught at Payson Jr. High and a high school in Idaho. Mr. Mikesell takes his job very seriously; his motivation is making sure that kids have a good experience and a good time. He attempts to achieve this goal daily.
Often a good teacher is determined by what his pupils think of him, I asked several of the students he has in his 8th grade classes what they think of him. “He’s the best teacher ever!” Jacob Simmons exclaimed. He has obviously made a great first impression for the students of SJHS.
To many, the class is just plain fun. The 8th graders' first assignment was to bring bubbles and frisbees to class. Then they went outside and blew bubbles and threw the Frisbees. The kids then returned to class and began to write descriptive poems using the five senses.
Aside from teaching, Mr. Mikesell was married several weeks before school started to fellow teacher. He grew up in Pocatello, Idaho. His favorite hobbies away from school are skiing, four wheeling, and playing the piano; Mr. Mikesell has been playing the piano and taking lessons ever since he was a boy and he is now a semi-professional. He had a part time job in Pocatello playing for weddings and wedding receptions.
He will be a great addition to the staff and administration at SJHS. Welcome to our school, Mr. Mikesell.
Orchestra - Loved by SJHS
by Kristi Hatch
SJHS Staff Writer
Near the end of every year, students at SJHS choose the classes they want to take the following year. Among these options is the orchestra class. Mr. Samuel Tsugawa is the conductor at Springville Junior High School. He loves teaching orchestra and has been teaching for over twenty years.
Along with teaching at the Junior High, Mr. Tsugawa also teaches at Springville High School. He said that there are some pros and cons of having to go back and forth every day. “I get to see students for a lot of years, and I get to see different ages.” He also likes getting to know more faculty members. However, he doesn’t like keeping track of two classrooms. Mr. Tsugawa loves teaching orchestra because he likes watching students learn, and he gets to play all the different instruments.
Mr. Tsugawa loves to teach teenagers. “Teens are fun because they keep me young. They can do more things than little kids, and teenagers are fun and goofy.” He said he doesn’t think there’s anything he doesn’t like about teaching teenagers.
The orchestra students love having Mr. Tsugawa as their teacher. In his third period class, Alex Smith says, “He is funny and entertaining.” Elizabeth Elliot, an eighth grader also enjoys Mr. Tsugawa’s teaching methods.
In Mr. Tsugawa’s fourth period class, Julianna Sheffield said Mr. Tsugawa has helped her a lot with her sight reading and her rhythm. Michael Bartholomew, a ninth grader, said, “[Mr. Tsugawa has] pushed me to do better and do things I wouldn’t do on my own.”
All students really look forward to being able to play better and have fun. Michael Bartholomew also said he is really excited to go to Springville High School so that he can improve even more.
Springville Junior High School is happy to have Mr. Tsugawa as an orchestra director, and the students who have him love the work that he does.
SJHS Staff Writer
Near the end of every year, students at SJHS choose the classes they want to take the following year. Among these options is the orchestra class. Mr. Samuel Tsugawa is the conductor at Springville Junior High School. He loves teaching orchestra and has been teaching for over twenty years.
Along with teaching at the Junior High, Mr. Tsugawa also teaches at Springville High School. He said that there are some pros and cons of having to go back and forth every day. “I get to see students for a lot of years, and I get to see different ages.” He also likes getting to know more faculty members. However, he doesn’t like keeping track of two classrooms. Mr. Tsugawa loves teaching orchestra because he likes watching students learn, and he gets to play all the different instruments.
Mr. Tsugawa loves to teach teenagers. “Teens are fun because they keep me young. They can do more things than little kids, and teenagers are fun and goofy.” He said he doesn’t think there’s anything he doesn’t like about teaching teenagers.
The orchestra students love having Mr. Tsugawa as their teacher. In his third period class, Alex Smith says, “He is funny and entertaining.” Elizabeth Elliot, an eighth grader also enjoys Mr. Tsugawa’s teaching methods.
In Mr. Tsugawa’s fourth period class, Julianna Sheffield said Mr. Tsugawa has helped her a lot with her sight reading and her rhythm. Michael Bartholomew, a ninth grader, said, “[Mr. Tsugawa has] pushed me to do better and do things I wouldn’t do on my own.”
All students really look forward to being able to play better and have fun. Michael Bartholomew also said he is really excited to go to Springville High School so that he can improve even more.
Springville Junior High School is happy to have Mr. Tsugawa as an orchestra director, and the students who have him love the work that he does.
Swinging to Victory!
by Matthew Fitzgerald
SJHS Staff Writer
Swing! Smack! Fly! Putt! Jump for joy! These wonderful moments of complete bliss (and sometimes quite the opposite) are all part of what the SJHS golf team does a lot of. That is what’s happening now at many local golf courses including Hobble Creek, Gladstan, and Spanish Oaks. With Mr. Krebs (who has coached fourteen years) helping them swing their way to victory, this year’s golf team should be a success!
The golf team goes to a tournament about once every week. SJHS’s golf team competes in four tournaments, and there is also a district meet at Gladstan at the end of the season. There are five other schools attempting to better our school in this sport, but we only play two other schools in each tournament. The golf team actually placed second place in their first tournament!
To achieve that rank, that had to train hard at Hobble Creek Golf Course. Our golf team often goes up to its driving range or putting green to hone their skills. Through watching them play, Mr. Krebs is proud to announce that he thinks he has a great team. The team will only get better in the next couple years since they have a lot of 7th graders.
But why does our team like golf? “You are able to control your own destiny, and it’s constantly changing.” Mr. Krebs said. Through just about all of the interviews with golf players, I have discovered that they love golf because it is not just a physical, it’s very much a mental sport. Also, you can play golf for most of your life, unlike many other sports. I asked Coach Parker for any advice towards new golfers, and he said “Be patient; it’s a tough sport to master.”
SJHS Staff Writer
Swing! Smack! Fly! Putt! Jump for joy! These wonderful moments of complete bliss (and sometimes quite the opposite) are all part of what the SJHS golf team does a lot of. That is what’s happening now at many local golf courses including Hobble Creek, Gladstan, and Spanish Oaks. With Mr. Krebs (who has coached fourteen years) helping them swing their way to victory, this year’s golf team should be a success!
The golf team goes to a tournament about once every week. SJHS’s golf team competes in four tournaments, and there is also a district meet at Gladstan at the end of the season. There are five other schools attempting to better our school in this sport, but we only play two other schools in each tournament. The golf team actually placed second place in their first tournament!
To achieve that rank, that had to train hard at Hobble Creek Golf Course. Our golf team often goes up to its driving range or putting green to hone their skills. Through watching them play, Mr. Krebs is proud to announce that he thinks he has a great team. The team will only get better in the next couple years since they have a lot of 7th graders.
But why does our team like golf? “You are able to control your own destiny, and it’s constantly changing.” Mr. Krebs said. Through just about all of the interviews with golf players, I have discovered that they love golf because it is not just a physical, it’s very much a mental sport. Also, you can play golf for most of your life, unlike many other sports. I asked Coach Parker for any advice towards new golfers, and he said “Be patient; it’s a tough sport to master.”
Photography at SJHS
Photo of the week by Maggie McCauslandby Carolyn Brown
SJHS Staff Writer
Photography is a popular elective class at Springville Junior High. Students learn how to take pictures the professional way and enhance them with a program called GIMP. The students in the class take pictures of many things like portraits and landscapes. Right now the class is shooting pictures of babies. Soon they will be doing abstract themes. For example, they will be asked to take pictures of love, greed or fear. They get to go out of the classroom and take one set of pictures every week. “With week long assignments you get a lot more room to be creative,” says a ninth grader in the class, Kate Baxter.
SJHS Staff Writer
Photography is a popular elective class at Springville Junior High. Students learn how to take pictures the professional way and enhance them with a program called GIMP. The students in the class take pictures of many things like portraits and landscapes. Right now the class is shooting pictures of babies. Soon they will be doing abstract themes. For example, they will be asked to take pictures of love, greed or fear. They get to go out of the classroom and take one set of pictures every week. “With week long assignments you get a lot more room to be creative,” says a ninth grader in the class, Kate Baxter.
This class isn’t only about school though. “The internet is a visual thing, and everything is becoming digital. I think that students should learn how to use something that is becoming more popular every year,” says Mr. Gillespie, the photography teacher. Digital Photography is a new territory that has been gaining popularity for the last five or so years.
It is also popular among the student in the class. “It’s challenging but fun; every picture will be different,” says Phoenix Mackley an eighth grader in the class. The photography class is a really big hit at Springville Junior High.
Monday, September 15, 2008
SJHS Cross Country Team Competes in First Meet
The cross country team received a last minute pep talk from Coach Parker before heading off to Payson.The Springville Junior High School cross country team raced against Payson and Mt. Nebo Junior Highs on September 11, 2008 in Payson. The Springville girls dominated, coming in first place with 16 points; the second place team scored 56. In cross country, much like golf, the lowest score wins. The Springville boys ran an incredibly close race, coming in second—one point behind the first place team.
Thirty seventh, eighth and ninth graders participate on the cross country team and are coached by Carrie Parker, who is also a teacher at the junior high. To be ready to run 1.5 miles at each meet, Coach Parker trains the team to increase in speed and run longer distances. These two improvements are the most common among team members. “But the most important improvement is the runners’ increased self confidence and friends that come from being part of the team,” Coach Parker explained. A marathon runner herself, Coach Parker said, “I love to see runners learn to work through the tough moments of running, that’s what life is all about.” Her understanding of running both inspires and motivates her team.
We will have the opportunity to see the cross country team in action at their home meets on September 18th and October 9th. The team would love support from a crowd. “Racing is tough physically and mentally. There is nothing like having others helping you push through the pain,” Coach Parker said.
In addition to all the health benefits of running, the cross country team has a lot of fun together. It’s not too late to join the team—just go see Coach Parker.
Math Lab now open at SJHS
Ms. Gee, one of SJHS’s math teachers, is offering a math lab after school three days a week. The math lab is for any student who needs some extra help in math. The lab will be open in Ms. Gee’s room (61) Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2:40-3:30. Students are also welcome to come in and get extra help studying for their math tests.
Iowa testing to begin on September 22nd
Beginning on Monday, September 22 and running through Monday, September 29, 2008, all eighth grade students at Springville Junior High will take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The Iowa test measures achievement in reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies.
Students will be tested during their U.S. History classes. The Counseling Office would appreciate it if parent could avoid scheduling appointments for their students which would take him/her out of school during these times. If for some reason students are unable to attend all days of the testing, make-up days will be held.
These tests will not determine a student’s class placement, nor can students pass or fail these tests. Test results yield information which enables comparison of individual students to that of other students nationwide. Such information can assist parents in planning to meet a student’s individual needs. We anticipate that the test results will be available in November, and a copy of 8th graders’ results will be sent home with the term 2 report card.
To have a great testing experience, students should:
Students will be tested during their U.S. History classes. The Counseling Office would appreciate it if parent could avoid scheduling appointments for their students which would take him/her out of school during these times. If for some reason students are unable to attend all days of the testing, make-up days will be held.
These tests will not determine a student’s class placement, nor can students pass or fail these tests. Test results yield information which enables comparison of individual students to that of other students nationwide. Such information can assist parents in planning to meet a student’s individual needs. We anticipate that the test results will be available in November, and a copy of 8th graders’ results will be sent home with the term 2 report card.
To have a great testing experience, students should:
- Get a normal amount of sleep before the test.
- Eat a good breakfast on the morning of the test.
- Listen carefully to the directions that are given for the test and follow them exactly. If the directions are not clear, ask the teacher to repeat them or to explain the directions again.
- Do your best. Even if some questions seem hard, carefully consider the possible answers and make your best choice.
- Help your child understand that an achievement test provides an opportunity to show what a student knows about particular subject areas. The test results can help parents and students identify both academic strengths and weaknesses.
- Encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and maintain a positive attitude.
- Reassure your child about the test-taking experience. Students who are calm and sure of themselves do better on tests.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Writing Lab is now open
Springville Junior High is now offering a writing lab after school four days a week. The writing lab is for any student who needs to make up or finish work on a computer. An English teacher will be in the lab to help students with any questions they may have. The writing lab is in room 20 and will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2:40-3:30. So, if you need to use a computer to work on an assignment, stop by the writing lab!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Schedule Changes for Springville Junior High
by Kristi Hatch
SJHS Staff Writer
What could you do with an extra hour after school? Some students do homework, some play video games, and others sleep. This year at Springville Junior High School, Wednesdays are “early out” days, which means that students get out of school at 1:55 instead of 2:40. This has been an adjustment from last year, when we had late start Wednesdays.
As a journalism class, we asked Mr. Darrel Rolfe, principal at Springville Junior, why the schedule changed. He explained that it changed because of teacher collaboration meetings. “The district met and looked at all the schools in the state that had early out and found that those teacher meetings had a much better turnout than late start,” Mr. Rolfe explained.
Teacher collaboration meetings are the reason that the junior high has early out this year, and had late start Wednesdays last year. Mrs. Hamilton, a teacher at SJHS, explained that the meetings are to help teachers better teach the students. Teachers also discuss how to “raise the success level of the students.”
Mr. Mark Bake, a vice principal at SJHS, has had a lot of experience with collaboration at the district level. “As principals, we manage collaboration and help teachers have a good experience. Principals become teachers, and teachers become students, so we become teachers of teachers. More importantly, teachers teach each other,” Bake explained.
The counselors at SJHS are also involved in collaboration meetings. Mr. Blakey, the 9th grade counselor at the junior high, informed us that the counselors have meetings of their own. They also have meetings with other school counselors in the district.
Everyone has their opinion on early out. Some people like it better than last year, others don’t. Sam Swasey, a ninth grader, said he likes early out better because he can sleep, read, and do homework with that hour. Sammy Curtis, also a ninth grader, agrees with him.
Everyone is affected by this change. Administrators hope that it will improve the teaching and make Springville Junior High School a better place.
SJHS Staff Writer
What could you do with an extra hour after school? Some students do homework, some play video games, and others sleep. This year at Springville Junior High School, Wednesdays are “early out” days, which means that students get out of school at 1:55 instead of 2:40. This has been an adjustment from last year, when we had late start Wednesdays.
As a journalism class, we asked Mr. Darrel Rolfe, principal at Springville Junior, why the schedule changed. He explained that it changed because of teacher collaboration meetings. “The district met and looked at all the schools in the state that had early out and found that those teacher meetings had a much better turnout than late start,” Mr. Rolfe explained.
Teacher collaboration meetings are the reason that the junior high has early out this year, and had late start Wednesdays last year. Mrs. Hamilton, a teacher at SJHS, explained that the meetings are to help teachers better teach the students. Teachers also discuss how to “raise the success level of the students.”
Mr. Mark Bake, a vice principal at SJHS, has had a lot of experience with collaboration at the district level. “As principals, we manage collaboration and help teachers have a good experience. Principals become teachers, and teachers become students, so we become teachers of teachers. More importantly, teachers teach each other,” Bake explained.
The counselors at SJHS are also involved in collaboration meetings. Mr. Blakey, the 9th grade counselor at the junior high, informed us that the counselors have meetings of their own. They also have meetings with other school counselors in the district.
Everyone has their opinion on early out. Some people like it better than last year, others don’t. Sam Swasey, a ninth grader, said he likes early out better because he can sleep, read, and do homework with that hour. Sammy Curtis, also a ninth grader, agrees with him.
Everyone is affected by this change. Administrators hope that it will improve the teaching and make Springville Junior High School a better place.
Upcoming Events at Springville Junior High
- Midterm will be on September 24th.
- Students won’t have school on Friday, September 26th due to the UPASS District Development Day.
- Parent Teacher Conference will be held in the boys’ gym from 3:30 to 8:30 on Thursday, October 2nd. Please come and visit with each of your child’s teachers.
- Picture retakes will be taken on Friday, October 3rd. Be sure to return the original picture packet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)