Douglas Middle School Newspaper 

Staff Member: Ashton Keeton

Black Friday is a well-known day. Black Friday comes from 1950s Philadelphia, where local police used the term to describe the chaotic, heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic the day after Thanksgiving, caused by holiday shoppers and crowds coming in for the annual Army-Navy football game. The saying Black Friday actually comes from the days when people would flood the streets for football games and shopping. Hence, the police called it “Black Friday”, like dark or overwhelming. Later, the companies wanted to make it more positive, so they popularized the explanation that it was old accounting practices, where losses were written in red ink and profits were written in black ink. 

One thing you might not know about Black Friday is that it is completely USELESS! When Black Friday prices hit and everything is “discounted” it almost always is just the original price of the objects but in the months leading up to Black Friday, companies raise prices very sneakily ; this is usually invisible to you when you shop on amazon or at a store every once in a while but the prices usually raise by half the fall down so they can say “50% off!”, when that is the normal price.

Staff Member: Olivia Spradling

World Kindness Day is an annually celebrated holiday that takes place on November 13th. Introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, the holiday highlights good deeds and encourages a more compassionate global community. World Kindness Day is recognized worldwide in countries like Japan, Canada, Australia, and the United States. The World Kindness Movement actively collaborates with GentleBooklets, encouraging countries all around the world to participate in the project. The books written include Nigeria, Italy, India, and Australia, telling the story of how kindness is given and received globally. World Kindness Day was inspired by the 1997 Tokyo Conference. This small movement gathered organizations from around the world who shared the same ideals to spread global positivity. After this global movement, the first World Kindness day was introduced on November 13th, 1998. So, how can you contribute to World Kindness Day? Even little things like holding the door for somebody can make a difference. Other ways to let your compassion shine brightly can be as simple as leaving an encouraging note for a friend, leaving a small tip, donating to your local food pantry, shelter, or charity, and picking up litter in your neighborhood or public spaces. 

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Staff Member: Colton Laing

Did you know that November 27th is National Craft Jerky Day? This day celebrates the hard work and dedication of the families who still hold the tradition of making craft jerky. We can also help support this day by buying from local jerky makers instead of buying from the big factories. Craft jerky is a very good gift for the holidays because it is consumable and will not get it in the way after Christmas passes. 

November 27th is also home to national Bavarian Cream Pie Day, which recognizes a pie that is creamy yet delicious. It is also a gelatin based cream, while Careme might not have invented Bavarian cream but he has perfected it.

On the day before the 27th it is National Cake Day which brings attention to a delicious dessert that is brought to birthdays, celebrations, showers, weddings, retirements and anniversaries to give a sweet message. Additionally, some variety of liquid, such as milk or water, creates a batter. A leavening agent such as yeast or baking powder helps the cake rise. Flavorful ingredients are often added.  They can also be covered in art by fondant or frosting but any way you eat it it is still absolutely scrumptious. These are the national days for November 27th and 26th.

Staff Member: Jacob Rast

As the season turns to winter, the flu becomes a large challenge to everyone in the cold. Nobody likes the feeling of a runny nose, or feeling like your head is pounding against a wall. That’s exactly why preparing for the flu will help you avoid those conditions during this festive November. To not catch it in the first place, you can wash your hands (for 20 seconds in lukewarm water), wear a mask, and get an annual vaccination. If you want to go extreme, staying away from people who are sick is one of the most effective ways to not be ill. Symptoms include headaches, coughs, and the common cold (or fever). 

More dangerous conditions such as pneumonia, ear infections, and fatigue are also seen when ill with the flu. If you have any of these symptoms, it is very likely you have the flu, but there is a way to get rid of it. Getting the proper rest is mandatory to have when sick, along with hydration. Taking medication can be another great way to get rid of the flu, with the consent of an adult or guardian. Taking in fluids and getting good sleep allows your body to fight off the infection, and replace lost fluids while sweating from a fever, and help with a runny nose.

Staff member: Lyla Leigh 

Around Thanksgiving is an amazing time to donate to charities. Thanksgiving can be a hard time for those who don’t have access to food and those without a family to spend it with. One charity to donate to around the holidays is Feeding America. They make special Thanksgiving packs for Thanksgiving. The packs include a turkey and other ingredients to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal. According to Feeding South Dakota, “Over the school year, we distributed 188,351 packages of food to children across South Dakota through the BackPack Program.” One way to donate is online at Feeding South Dakota.

Another charity to donate to is the Salvation Army. During Thanksgiving they donate over 600 Thanksgiving baskets!  The Salvation Army states, “More than 2.56 Million people received holiday assistance nationally in 2025.” If you would like to donate, or maybe you want to sign up to help, visit The Salvation Army website. There are many more charities to donate to. I recommend finding one you love! Happy Holidays!

Staff Member: Liam Kennedy

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and celebrates all Veterans of the United States. Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first introduced in 1918, became a legal federal holiday in 1938, and was then renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Every year, Veterans Day falls on the 11th of November. If November 11th falls on a weekend, then the federal government observes it on the nearest weekday. This year, 2026, Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, so it will be observed on November 11th.

 A little bit of history about why Veterans Day occurs on November 11th is that, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany was signed. Every year, on Veterans Day at 11 AM, there is a national wreath-laying ceremony to honor those who served.

Veterans Day is an important time to show gratitude and appreciation for those who served our country. There are often parades and events that show gratitude to the veterans. Schools often have veterans come over and talk about their experiences and why it is so important to show appreciation. Some businesses also often give discounts to show their appreciation towards veterans. Overall, Veterans Day is a great time to show your support for veterans all around the country.

Staff Member: Lexi Foster 

Hunting season is in full swing and is a big part of many people’s lives in South Dakota. For many people, hunting has been in their family for generations, and they started hunting at a very young age. But for others who may be new to hunting, it can be hard to find a place to start. Fortunately, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks offers beginner-friendly courses for anyone interested in hunting and everything else related to it. Even if you are a seasoned hunter, they also offer hunting books on the updated laws and regulations that help keep everyone safe and ethical. It is always a good idea to check those laws before you head out the door to hunt. 

One of the most popular courses that the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks offers for youth is their Hunter Safety Course. The main goal of this class is to teach safe and ethical hunting. The Hunter Safety Class involves learning about different firearms, ammunition, how to use those firearms safely, ethical hunting, hunting rules and laws, survival skills, and conservation. These courses are offered online or as a three-day class at the outdoor campus in Rapid City. Both courses require youth to attend a range day at the end of the class, where they will show that they can handle firearms safely, cross fences safely, and pass the hunter safety test. Once you have completed the Hunter Safety Course and passed the test, you will earn your Hunter Safety License. This is a great opportunity for youth to learn about hunting, whether you have hunted many times or are just starting. Also, youth who want to hunt without a mentor tag must have a Hunter Safety License, which means passing the Hunter Safety Class. If you are interested in taking a Hunter Safety Course, more information is on this link: https://gfp.sd.gov/hunter-education/ 

So whether you are headed out the door to hunt for the hundredth time, or are just starting, remember to check on the hunting laws and regulations provided by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and that safety is the number one priority. It is also important to teach youth about safe shooting and hunting. Youth are the future of hunting and will continue to follow safe and ethical hunting principles as long as we educate them. Happy Hunting!