By Sammy - Co-Editor-in-Chief 

Hello! My name is Mr. Myles, and I’m excited to be the new Health Education Teacher here at Olson Middle School. As a health teacher, my role is to help students like you learn about making healthy choices that can improve both your physical and mental well-being. In class, we will cover a variety of topics, including nutrition, exercise, mental health, safety, decision-making, and the importance of healthy relationships. We’ll also explore how habits like good sleep, stress management, and setting goals can contribute to your overall health and happiness.

I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and working together to make health and wellness fun and informative. My goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing, learning, and growing. Health education is not just about facts and figures—it's about developing skills that you can use throughout your life to make positive choices.

I'm so happy to be part of the Olson Middle School team. It’s an honor to join a community that values education and personal growth. I’m eager to help you build the knowledge and habits that will set you up for success, both in and out of school. Let’s make this year a healthy and exciting journey together!

By Jaden H. Co-Editor-in-Chief

On Friday, December 20th, Olson Middle School’s Hmong students and their families came together to celebrate the vibrant and meaningful tradition of the Hmong New Year. This annual event, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year, was filled with cultural performances, traditional food, and community spirit.

Hmong New Year, or Nyob Zoo Xyoo Tshiab, is a significant celebration in Hmong culture. It is a time to honor ancestors, wear traditional clothing, and participate in festive activities. At Olson, students showcased their pride in their heritage by wearing beautiful huab tais (traditional Hmong clothing) and sharing aspects of their culture with their peers. The event featured traditional Hmong dances, music, and games, allowing everyone to experience the joy and unity that comes with this special time of year.

A highlight of the celebration was the Hmong folk dance performance, where students danced in traditional groups, often symbolizing unity and respect. Guests were also treated to delicious Hmong foods, including egg rolls, sticky rice, and a variety of savory meats and vegetables. These dishes provided a taste of the rich culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Teachers, parents, and fellow students all attended the event, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for learning and connection. The celebration not only highlighted the importance of preserving cultural traditions but also fostered a sense of belonging and pride among Olson’s Hmong students.

This year’s Hmong New Year celebration at Olson Middle School was a beautiful example of how cultural diversity enriches the school community, offering all students a chance to learn about and appreciate the traditions of their peers. It was a joyful occasion that helped build stronger connections across cultures within the school.

Jaden H.  - Creative Writing

I have always had imaginary friends, but my experience was different from what most kids go through. While other children casually concocted fantastical companions, I could see mine—brilliantly vivid and ever-present. When I told Momma and Granny about my encounters, they glanced at me with concern, assuming I was merely a child with an overactive imagination. But deep down, I knew what I saw was real. The only one who truly understood was my best friend, Anastasia—though I affectionately called her Ani. 

Ani wasn't just humoring me; she saw the ethereal beings too. Her belief didn’t stem solely from our friendship, nor from my stories about conversing with her deceased grandmother, or even the night I coaxed the ghost lurking in her basement out into the open. It was an intrinsic connection, a shared gift that bound us together in a world where the unseen was as tangible as the air we breathed. 

“Opal, when will you stop gazing at nothing and start paying attention to my class? I do not have all day,” Mr. Lloyd, my math teacher, barked suddenly, breaking me from my reverie. His stern voice echoed in the classroom like a clap of thunder.

“I'm s-s-sorry, sir,” I stammered, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Just as I regained my focus, the shrill sound of the school bell rang, signaling the end of the period. I quickly gathered my things, excitement bubbling within me at the thought of seeing Ani again.

As I rushed down the hall, I spotted Ani racing toward me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. We had a sleepover planned for tonight, and I could hardly contain my excitement. Our moms were going out for dinner, leaving us home alone for the evening, which meant we could explore whatever we wanted. 

Once we arrived at my house, Ani and I sprinted toward my bedroom, giggles swirling in the air. My little sister, Emerald, trailed closely behind us, her curiosity evident. But as I stepped into my room, my heart dropped. 

Standing there, in the corner by the window, was the ghost of a woman, her eyes glimmering with a haunting sadness. Before I could even process the scene unfolding, she reached out and grabbed my wrist with an icy grip, sending a shiver racing down my spine. Time seemed to freeze as we stared at each other, the weight of unspoken questions hanging heavily between us. I knew deep down this encounter was about to lead us down a path of discovery—one that intertwined with the mystery of my great-aunt, who had gone missing at just seventeen. No one knew what had happened to her, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps the answers lay somewhere in the ethereal realm.