The Week of February 3rd, 2020

Kobe Bryant Passes away at age 41

By: Henry & Brendan

On January 26th, NBA legend Kobe Bryant passed away at the age of 41.

Bryant and his daughter Gianna were on their way to her youth basketball tournament at Mr. Bryant’s academy in Thousand Oaks, California. They were flying in a Sikorsky Nine helicopter when it was descending up to avoid a cloud and crashed into a mountain. All of the people aboard the helicopter were killed instantly when it crashed in the foggy hills near Calabasas, California at around 10:00 A.M on Sunday.

The nine victims of the helicopter crash are Gianna’s basketball teammate Alyssa Altobelli, her mother Keri, and her father John. A basketball assistant coach, Christina Mauser, was also killed in the crash, as was Payton Chester, another basketball teammate, and Payton’s mother, Sarah. Shortly after the crash, when friends of Kobe’s found out, they were heartbroken (see below).

The legendary Los Angeles Lakers player, Kobe was a five-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. The day before Kobe died, he congratulated Lebron James, who recently passed him on the all time scoring record. After Kobe’s death, Lebron said that he would carry on Kobe’s legacy.

Kobe was honored in many recent events including the Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, and the Grammy’s. The world was shocked by Kobe’s death.

reactions to kobe's death

By: James G. & Anthony

Kobe Bryant was such an inspiration to not just Los Angeles, not just California, not just the U.S.A, but to the world.

After the news of his death came out, many celebrities took to social media to share their reactions.

One person was former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki on Twitter. He said, “This is hitting me really hard. I will always remember coming home after games so I could watch you dominate in the fourth quarter! You inspired so many around the world, including me. You will always be missed You will always be remembered You will always be loved Rest In Peace with your angel Gigi. Deepest sympathies to Vanessa, the girls and all the friends and families of the lives lost that day!”

Another person is Barack Obama on Twitter. He said, “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

Alex Ovechkin said “I’m so heartbroken. Can't believe… Blessed to have a chance to meet you. RIP Legend. Patriots QB Tom Brady said, “We miss you already Kobe”.

Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe’s former teammate said, “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi and my brother Kobe Bryant. I love you and you will be missed.

Another person was an inspiration to Kobe, Micheal Jordan. He said “ I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe- he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply- and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”

Our condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. It wasn’t just Kobe and Gianna that died there were many more. Their names were: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Peyton Chester, Ara Zobayam, and Christina Mauser.

We here at the Hoffman News Team all send prayers and love to the Bryant family and the families of the people on the helicopter. You will all be missed gratefully. Rest in peace.

Kobe Bryant the father

By: Sydney & Kyla

As we mourn the loss of Kobe, it is another passenger on board who also deserves to be highlighted. His daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, was only 13 years old at the time of the crash.

In the years after his retirement from the NBA, Kobe was constantly seen working with Gianna on her own budding basketball career. In fact, the day of the crash, Kobe and Gianna (as well as the other people on board) were on their way to her basketball tournament.

Much of the coverage of Kobe talked about how he loved being a father more than anything else. As great as a player as he was, he was an even more inspiring father.

When we think of this sad day, we will not only think of Kobe, but also his daughter Gianna. We will never stop loving what they did.

Kobe's incredible career

By: Rowan

One of the best basketball players ever. Kobe Bryant. Dead.

The news shocks us, as it was so unexpected and so sad. But let's take the time to remember one of the most talented basketball players ever.

Born August 23, 1978, Kobe Bryant was very talented from a young age, learning basketball from his father, also an NBA talent. But it was in high school that he exploded, becoming one of the few NBA players ever to get drafted out of high school. He was originally drafted 13th by the Charlotte Hornets, but was traded to the Lakers.

Kobe was always known for his insane work ethic. He was committed and he never gave up. He was a five time NBA champion, winning with the Lakers in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. He won the NBA MVP in 2008 after an astonishing year, and was an NBA MVP finalist in 2009 in 2010. Let's not forget he also won two gold medals for Team USA. Kobe was also an 18 time all star.

Some of his greatest feats on a court were the game he scored 81 points, the second most in NBA history. In his last game, he scored 60 points, finishing his career as the 3rd all-time scorer in league history.

Kobe was an amazing player and person.

We will never forget # 24/8. Kobe forever.

super bowl 54

By: Chase and Lewk (with late, live coverage from Mr. P)

On Sunday, February 2, 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. It is their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years.

Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, the MVP of the game, passed for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He also rushed for 44 yards. Meanwhile, San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 210 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.

Super Bowl 54 was neck-and-neck the entire way. After a tight, defensive struggle in the first half, the game was tied 10-10 at halftime, only the 4th time that has ever happened.

The game came down to an exciting 4th quarter, the 49ers leading 20-10.

It looked like the Chiefs were on their way to points, when Mahomes threw his second interception of the game. The 49ers couldn't capitalize, and the Chiefs responded with a huge touchdown with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Once again, the 49ers gave the ball up on downs, and the Chiefs marched down the field with a convincing touchdown to take the lead 24-20 with just under 3 minutes left.

On their final drive of the game, the 49ers pushed to midfield, only for Garoppolo to get sacked at the worst possible time. All the Chiefs had to do was get a first down to seal up the game, but running back Damien Williams plowed into the end zone to make it a convincing 31-20.

This year, Jimmy Garoppolo had a bounce back year after the 49ers went 4-12 in 2018. On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to the AFC championship game for the second year in a row.

The Kansas City Chiefs were in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1970. This year the Chiefs went 12-4 landing them in the top of the AFC West. In the playoff seeding, the Chiefs were the number 2 seed in the AFC, which gave them a bye in the wild card round. In the divisional round, the Chiefs beat the Houston Texans 51-31. In that game, Patrick Mahomes threw for 321 yards and 5 touchdowns, also running for 53 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. In the championship round, the Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans 35-24. In Terms of stats in that game, Patrick Mahomes threw for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns, and led the team with 53 rushing yards.

The San Francisco 49ers were in the Super Bowl for the first time since in 2012. The 49ers had a 13-3 record and won the NFC West. In the NFC playoff seeding, the 49ers were the number 1 seed, also granting them a bye in the first round. In the divisional round, the 49ers beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-10. In that game, Jimmy Garoppolo passed for 131 yards and 1 touchdown. In the championship round, the 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20. Against the Packers, Jimmy Garoppolo passed for 77 yards and 0 touchdowns, but in the running game, Raheem Mostert had 29 carries for 220 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Research corner: the super bowl

By: James and Nico

Research Corner, Season 3, Episode 1. The Super Bowl is the topic that everyone’s talking about and here is the ultimate guide to the history of America’s favorite sporting event.

The NFL was founded in 1920 and had 12 teams before the 1960 season (the Chicago Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Colts). In 1960 the AFL was formed, and after the 1965 season the teams in each league began to take shape.

But it was after the 1966 season (in which the Atlanta Falcons joined the NFL) that the first AFL-NFL World Championship was held. Tickets cost $12 (really?) to go to the game. (Now tickets cost $3,000 at least.) In 1967 NFL champion Green Bay Packers defeated AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 and defeated the Oakland Raiders 33-14 the next year. In Super Bowl III the New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts 16-7 for the first world championship victory by an AFL team. This was an upset, as AFL teams like the Jets were considered to be inferior, and the Colts were considered to be the greatest team in NFL history to that point. After the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in the fourth AFL-NFL World Championship, the AFL and NFL merged into one league, and the term Super Bowl was coined by Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt. The results of the Super Bowls afterward can be seen below.

The Baltimore Ravens (2-0 in Super Bowl games), along with the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (each 1-0) are the best Super Bowl teams by win percentage. The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots have each won the Super Bowl six times. The Patriots are also tied for most Super Bowl losses, with five, along with the Denver Broncos. The Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Detroit Lions are the four teams unlucky enough to have never played in a Super Bowl.

That’s all from James and Nico this week. See you in a couple of weeks, on Research Corner.

World news

the coronavirus

By: Lucy, Sydney & Brielle

The Coronavirus is a sickness/virus that has widely spread throughout China and other countries. It is a respiratory illness that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. There are many different types of this disease.

Some cases of this virus are mild, such as the common cold. In a more serious case, it can lead to pneumonia. You would most likely get the virus at a young age. So far, 160 people have died from the virus. Chinese officials confirmed Wednesday that the number of people infected by a new form of coronavirus in the country has reached 5,974.

The first case of Coronavirus was in 2012 and only few people had it, but now it is an outbreak, and about 9,800 cases have been reported.

So many people have the Coronavirus in Wuhan that they have had to build two more hospitals with an estimate of 1,500 beds. The virus is currently in four continents.

According to cnn.com, nearly 60 million people have been under partial or full lockdown in Chinese cities for a week. Several countries are sending planes to evacuate foreign citizens under lockdown in Wuhan.

On Thursday, the first human-to-human transmission of coronavirus was documented in Illinois. The 61-year-old woman has been quarantined, to control the infection, at St. Alexius Hospital in Hoffman Estates. Her husband started showing symptoms two days ago and was immediately hospitalized. Although this is literally very close to home, officials have urged us not to worry.

Australian wildfires

By: Annabel

The fires started on July 2019, and as of this reporting, 28 people have died, and over 3,000 homes have been destroyed. In December 2019, the smoke in Sydney, Australia was 11 times the hazardous level, as high as it has ever been. In New South Wales, more than 100 fires are burning!

This makes me think about the famous Chicago Fire that happened in 1871 that burned the WHOLE city! The temperature rose higher and higher, and changed the future of the city forever. Eventually, everyone had to help out with re-building. Let's hope that is not the case in Australia!

Wildfires are not exactly uncommon. In fact, they occur in Sydney every summer. However, this summer has been worse than any other! A heat wave in December broke the record for the highest temperature with an average of 120 degrees! Over almost 18,000,000 acres have burned so far!

Climate change and drought have contributed to these fires. Also, a firefighter shortage (there has been a 10% reduction in the past 10 years).

Let's hope this crisis ends soon.

new gaming consoles

By: Lewk

Some of you might know the new gaming consoles coming out Christmas 2020: the PS5; The XBox X Series; and the Nintendo Switch Pro.

Here are the pros and cons of all of the upcoming gaming consoles.

PS5

Pros: First, it has amazing graphics!! 8K with television support. Solid straight drive for faster loading times. It has PSVR2 (that stands for PlayStation virtual reality with 7K graphics).

The PS5 Will have dualshock controllers, so when you're driving on a rocky road in GTA5, your controller will really feel like it will be on a rocky road.

Cons: The PS4 had a lot of power, but the PS5 appears to have a lack of power. The PS5 will have a price of so far $499, but there are rumors that it could cost as much as $599.

Xbox X series

Pros: The X series will simply be called XBox, and will have 4K visuals at a consistent rate of 60 frames per second. With 8K and 120fps capabilities, the Xbox council will look like a PC counsel. With an XBox elite controller, this will sell for $499.

Cons: The price will be very high, like the PS5, but Microsoft will not raise the price.

Nintendo Switch “Pro”

Pro: Rumors have long been flying about a Nintendo Switch Pro (or Nintendo Switch 2), which would bring new features to Nintendo’s games console.

The pro will come out will be around summer of 2020, so it can get a head start before the Xbox and PS5. The price will not be the same as the Xbox or PS5; it will only be $399.

Cons: There has been a lot of news that the pro might not be very pro at all (nowhere near as capable as the other two systems).

Which gaming system are you most excited about?

SCHOOL NEWS

teacher of the week: Mrs. bosco

By: Jillian

When did you start teaching?

I started teaching in 2011.

Why did you choose PE?

I chose PE because i really enjoy moving and playing different sports. I grew up playing a bunch of sports, and they have been a big part of my life

What sports did you play growing up?

I played soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball and swimming.

What is your favorite game to teach?

My favorite, I would have to say, my favorite sport to teach is soccer because I played that the majority of the time growing up. I played soccer in college, and it was a big part of my life. I like to share my passion for soccer with other people

When did you start teaching at Hoffman?

I started teaching at Hoffman 6 years ago, and I used to transition between Hoffman and Henking.

What inspired you to start teaching?

My mom and my aunts were all teachers so that sparked my interest in teaching, as well as my love of fitness and sports.

What job would you choose other then PE teacher?

Oh wow, I would probably be some kind of fitness trainer or own my own gym.

What do you like about teaching?

I like working with kids to help inspire them to try different things in hopes of them finding an activity to do for their lives. The best thing to see is students running around and having fun working with all the students in their class.

fairy tale corner

By: Haley & Andreea

[Each week, Haley and Andreea will bring you an installment of their six-part fairy tale]

“Did you see that, McKenzie?!”, asked Cole. McKenzie looked back to see Cole, staring off into space, in the middle of the farm.

“Are you okay?” McKenzie jokes. “There was this glowing door thing but it was only there for like a couple minutes, please believe me.”

While McKenzie really didn’t understand, Cole, on the other hand, could barely explain what he had seen himself. He could have sworn it was a portal, and he had seen something on the other ‘side’, but he couldn’t decide what it was (or maybe he was just hallucinating, he couldn’t tell for sure).

At school, Cole could not stop thinking about the other day. While Cole and McKenzie were at separate classrooms, (being twins, they couldn’t be together since they might cheat, using ‘twin telepathy’). As he continued thinking about it, he found it less and less believable. Or, that is, until he saw it. . .

five healthy foods

By: Keira

Any day an average person would rather choose a bag of tortilla chips than your leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. It's not surprising. But is it healthy? No. Can I never eat it again? You can eat it, but not always. Would you eat Candy Bars all day long or broccoli all day long? “Oh, Candy Bars all day long.” Nico B. said instantly. “Candy Bars!” Brielle D. and Sydney S. replied. “It’s yummy.” “Ha ha ha ha ha Candy Bars!” James G. snickered. And trust me, I love Candy Bars too. But I can choose something healthier.

#1 Salads

What a perfect way to get healthy foods in the scrumptious salad. And don't forget the best part, dressing. How do you make this scrumptious salad?

#1 Get Dino Kale leaves, tomatoes, croutons, feta cheese and olives.

#2 Combine into a big bowl.

#3 pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the bowl and stir.

#4 (optional) get salad dressing.

#2 Yogurt Parfait

Another easy lunch or snack choice that is healthy. But how do you make this very easy yogurt parfait?

#1 Get yogurt (like strawberry, cherry, vanilla, coconut, plain), fruit (berries, honey, OK, honey's not a fruit but whatever, and bananas), and granola. (Granola bar are fine to.) Oh and make sure you cut the fruit.

#2 combine and mix.

#3 serve.

#3 California Toast.

A little harder to make, but still a very healthy choice. A multi step if you're ready to go past yogurt parfaits and salads, then try this one.

#1 Get avocados, Lime juice or lemon juice, salt, pepper, bread and olive oil.

#2 Cut bread into thin one inch pieces. Toast it in the toaster.

#3 Take the outside of the avocado off. And put it in a bowl and smush.

#4 now pour a 3 tablespoons or more of the lime or lemon juice in. Then put some salt and pepper in. Finally, add ½ tablespoon of olive oil in.

#5 spread the avocado spread on the bread.

#4 Avocado salsa

Get your fiesta on with his avocado salsa. Unlike salsa you have had in the past, this one is extremely healthy with vegetables and of course avocados. This one is great for parties and easy to make. Want to try?

#1 Grab ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ avocados, parsley or cilantro, lime juice, tomatoes and onions.

#2 Get a bowl and cutting board and cut the avocados, onions and tomatoes. You may want to ask for help. Cut into small squares. and put into the bowl.

#3 Now cut parsley or cilantro into small bits and drop in bowl.

#4 Pour 2 Tablespoons of lime juice in and serve.

#5 Fruit Oatmeal

Our last and final one is Fruit Oatmeal. It's probably the easiest one for it has really three steps. Let's begin.

#1 get a packet of oatmeal and fruits like strawberries, bananas, Craisins or raisins. Or all if you want.

#2 Follow the instructions on the oatmeal packet.

#3 Cut the fruit and put in the oatmeal. All done.

See, that was easy.

would you rather?

By: Henry

Hello everybody! This week's Would You Rather:

Would you rather skydive, or have to sit on a couch for 24 hours?

Would you rather have to touch a rat, or a dirty pig?

Would you rather have to be a turkey, or a chicken?

Would you rather have to eat a banana with the peel, or an orange with the peel?

Would you rather have to sing for 24 hours, or stand straight for 24 hours without moving at all?

Would you rather have your body be at -5 degrees, or 150 degrees?

Holiday Fun: Valentine's day

By: Sandra & Emely

Valentine's Day is a special time of the year, the time where you share love. Now, when you hear the word love, you might be disgusted to hear that word, but don't worry, that also means loving your parents, and almost everyone you know. And if you're a girl, your dad can probably buy you CHOCOLATES! Oh and TEDDY BEARS, and even spoil you! (but don't feel bad, if you're a boy you get the same love and care)

In school, you might have a festival celebrating Valentine’s Day. In Mr. Johnson's class, we might have a party! If you do have a party, there might be fun games and food, which is the best in my opinion. Oh, and we can't forget that we can give gifts to each other because our friends are the reason we are happy. And don't forget you can go to school dressed in Valentine's clothes like wearing a heart headband, and dressed in red.

On Valentine's Day, you might get to play games. For example, this game is the most common in some parties, it is called Hot Potato. But best of all you get chocolates, and gifts from your friends and family members. Or if you'd like, you can chill in your bed, watch videos and eat the candies!

We hope this information helps you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

movie of the week: "willy wonka"

By: Da Gurlz

Brielle: Hi, welcome back! It's session 2!

Sydney: Hi and welcome back to MoTW! We're excited for session 2! Thanks for reading our stuff!

Lucy: Hi aliens! Welcome back to lunchboxes season 2!

Brielle: *glares at lucy* Welcome to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, you mean.

Lucy: Yup that's what. By the way, they made a two!

Sydney: What?

Brielle: Yes, and Willy Wonka is so creepy.

Lucy: No, he is an alien.

Sydney: I don't know- wait waa?

Brielle: I'll ask Mr. P. Mr. P, is Willy Wonka creepy?

Mr P: Johnny Depp? Yes.

Lucy: Oo I know Johnny Depp! Isn’t he in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

Sydney: *looks at lucy as if she is crazy* That's what we’re talking about!

Lucy: Ohhh I thought we were talking about the alien invasion that was going to...

Brielle: Ok!

Lucy: The movie is about a boy named Charlie who goes to a chocolate factory where kids get tempted. BAN CHOCO MILK KIDS!

Brielle: Ummmm…Ok watch the movie to find out the rest.

Sydney: Ummm...

Lucy: THE ALIENS ARE COMING!!HIDE ME!

[Ed. Note: I have no idea what's going on anymore]

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