october 3, 2019
Volume 4, Issue 1
Where in the World
Can You Grow Gold?
Canola fields in bloom among the hills in Luoping, China.
In eastern Yunnan, the quiet county of Luoping, China, explodes with a golden hue as the canola flower makes it's annual debut. This flower is grown and harvested to make canola oil, a versatile cooking oil used in many different dishes and culinary techniques. Much like the lavender fields of France, in recent years the Chinese canola fields have become a tourist destination for those who want to walk among rows of earthly sunshine.
A Little Humor
by Wyatt Bevis
Two giant wind turbines are standing in a field.
One turns to the other and asks, “What kind of music do you like?”
The other one says, “Well, I’m a huge metal fan.”
What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?
“Aye, Matey!”
Why did Adele cross the road?
To say hello from the other side.
When the librarian bumped her head, she had no one to blame but her shelf.
SDMS Swimming
by Avery Wuestefeld
It was a season of new beginnings for the SDMS swim team. The swim team, under first year head coach Chelsie Collins, had a very exciting and successful season. Overall, the boys won 6 out of 8 meets, and the girls won 3 out of 8 meets. The boys relay consisting of Evan Schwipps, Brogan Wilson, Camdyn Dausch, and Garrett Collins broke the SDMS record in both the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay. Garrett Collins broke 8 out of 10 individual middle school records! Relay winners of the season included: Sarah Bruce, Kyleigh Berry, Sylvea Kraemer, Sidney Watkins, Maddison Kaiser, Ben Borntrager, Garrett Collins, Camdyn Dausch, Evan Schwipps, Brogan Wilson, Cameron Cheek, and Carson Cheek. Great job, Squires!
Juuls in our schools: A Health Crisis
by Mary Hallgarth
Since it’s the twenty-first century, I am 100% sure you know someone who vapes. Juuling and vaping have become an increasing problem in schools around the country in recent years, and this epidemic continues to spread.
A lot of nicotine related drug companies have been advertising to young adults and teenagers like ourselves. It saddens me to think that there might be students that read this article with a Juul in their pocket and nicotine in their system. Vaping and smoking is terrible for your health, and it’ll destroy your body from the inside out.
According to the Center for Disease Control, one Juul pod contains the same amount of nicotine as in 20 cigarettes, which is a lot for one tiny pod. Although vaping products are often erroneously advertised as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, there are extreme health hazardous associated with inhaling these chemicals. I’m sure you’ve heard of the teenager in Illinois that was killed due to vaping related injuries, and if that doesn’t scare you, I don’t know what will.
I’m sure one of the only reasons the majority of teenagers vape is because of the flavors. Wouldn’t everyone wanna try something new to the market that tastes like raspberry lemonade or apple pie?
If you really want something that tastes like a mango, just go eat a mango. Not that hard, guys. I know I wouldn’t want any of my friends that Juul to get a respiratory infection because of it and neither would their families. Just remember that using a Juul is NOT cool.
Book of the Month
by Avery Wuestefeld
This month's featured book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This is the 3rd novel in the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. The book takes place in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where Harry Potter is in his third year of school. Harry's third year of school does not start out the way he had hoped, and he faces many challenges. To find out about the challenges Harry faces check out Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Meet Your Teachers
Mr. Selmeyer
Years teaching: 17
Years teaching at SDMS: 6
Classes taught: I taught 8th Grade Choir from 2006-2010 and now teach the entire 7-12 Choral Program
College(s) attended: Northern Kentucky University
Favorite thing about SDMS: The students I get to work with at SDMS I get to keep at SDHS!
Favorite snack: I pretty much like all food!
Favorite movie/TV show: Boy Meets World
Favorite hobbies: I love watching NKU Basketball! Season ticket holder
What is something most people don't know about you? I traveled to Europe with my college choir back in 2000.
Favorite quote: “Dream! Try! Do Good!” -Mr. Feeny
Mrs. Helton
Years teaching: 33
Years teaching at SDMS: 5
Classes taught: 7th and 8th Grade Math
College(s) attended: Manchester College
Favorite thing about SDMS: All the neat students I get to meet is my favorite thing about SDMS. The cafeteria provides great meals. My co-workers are the best around.
Favorite snack: White cheddar popcorn
Favorite movie/TV show: NCIS and Survivor
Favorite hobbies: Hanging out with my grandchildren
What is something most people don't know about you? My role model for my life is my high school coach.
Favorite quote: "If it is to be, it is up to me."
Miss Cornett
Years teaching: 6
Years teaching at SDMS: 2
Classes taught: Science
College(s) attended: Northern Kentucky University
Favorite thing about SDMS: Working with all the staff
Favorite snack: Goldfish
Favorite movie/TV show: Friends
Favorite hobbies: Coaching volleyball and dance
What is something most people don't know about you? I used to be a nanny in New York.
Favorite quote: "Live, Laugh, Love"
Mrs. Bevis
Years teaching: 20
Years teaching at SDMS: 20
Classes taught: Language Arts
College(s) attended: Northern Kentucky University and Indiana University
Favorite thing about SDMS: My favorite thing about SDMS is getting to see "light bulb" moments after a student has been working hard and realizes he or she gets what I've been teaching.
Favorite snack: Simply Jiff
Favorite movie/TV show: You've Got Mail/Friends
Favorite hobbies: Reading and making Pinterest creations
What is something most people don't know about you? I wanted to be a primatologist.
Favorite quote: "Children are not distractions from more important work. They are the most important work." - C.S. Lewis & "Nothing will work unless you do." - Maya Angelou
Mrs. Johnson
Years teaching: 25
Years teaching at SDMS: 3
Classes taught: Administration
College(s) attended: Indiana State University
Favorite thing about SDMS: Students and Staff
Favorite movie/TV show: The Blues Brothers
Favorite hobbies: Playing the piano and singing
What is something most people don't know about you? I once sold vacuum cleaners door to door.
Favorite quote: "You can't change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails."
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
by Diane Tolentino
Meet Mr.Pallada, who was chosen for The Squire Times Teacher Spotlight! He is the band director for both the middle school and high school band, and although this is his 16th year of teaching, this is his first year teaching at SD. Mr. Pallada teaches with great enthusiasm and has so much charisma that it transcends towards the students; you can clearly tell how passionate he is about band. He definitely does not like quitters and will push you to try your best. He works to make his students be better musicians and only wants the best for them.
Tolentino: What inspired you to choose this profession?
Mr. Pallada: My high school band director was my biggest inspiration to become a teacher. He was such an integral part of my development as a musician and as a teacher. He is still a great influence even today.
Tolentino: Why did you decide to go to SD?
Mr. Pallada: This is a great caring community with a long rich history. When the opportunity arose to teach here I jumped at the chance. I look forward to being part of SD's future and growing the band department
Tolentino: What were your first impressions on SD?
Mr. Pallada: It reminded me a lot of where I grew up in northern Indiana. I lived in a similar community and attended a school of relative size. Coming to SD gave me the feeling of returning home.
Tolentino: Do you like teaching at SD so far?
Mr. Pallada: YES!!! I love the enthusiasm of the students I have in my classes and their eagerness to learn. I also appreciate the welcoming nature of the faculty and administrators. I'm proud to be part of the SD family.
Tolentino: What are your plans for the SDMS and SDHS band programs?
Mr. Pallada: I look forward to picking up where Mr. Reynolds left off and taking the band to new and greater heights. We will be striving hard to grow the band department over the next few years to make it one of the best in the Tri-state. In addition, we plan on taking the band on exciting trips to places like Disney World, the Indy 500, and other unique destinations.
Tolentino: What got you interested in band?
Mr. Pallada: I have always enjoyed music, and my band director showed me how much fun it was to play and perform all types of music.
Tolentino: Do you prefer to play a certain instrument over others?
Mr: Pallada: I am a trumpet player originally, so that is my first love.
Tolentino: Other than band, do you have any hobbies or interests that you would like to mention?
Mr. Pallada: I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family, biking, Dr. Pepper, and everything Marvel.
Labor Day
by Zoey Heizer
Labor Day is a national holiday where we celebrate hard work and the Americans who have and continue to build America. It is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. This year, Labor Day fell on September 2. Labor Day always falls on the first Monday of September in the United States. On Labor Day, many parents and children have the day off from work and school, giving them a three-day weekend. A lot of people have their friends and family over for parties and cookouts, and some attend Labor Day parades.
In Cincinnati, Riverfest is a Labor Day Weekend tradition that started in 1977. Rozzi's Famous Fireworks orchestrates an indescribable pyrotechnic extravaganza over the Ohio River, playing to the thousands of awed spectators along the banks. Rozzi’s Fireworks even sets a firework over the bridge looking like a waterfall. Mostly all of the fireworks are set off a barge. Some local news stations broadcast the fireworks on TV. Riverfest allows the community to walk around town and watch the fireworks. Usually, there are over 2,500 boats at Riverfest to watch the fireworks. There are also typically over 500,000 people that attend Riverfest every year. WEBN is a radio station that plays and broadcasts the music set to the fireworks show. They broadcast the firework show on live television and on the Armed Forces TV network. This is done so the military that are overseas can watch the fireworks as well. This year was the 16th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta. There were at least 185,000 ducks that were dumped into the river. Some of the prizes won were money, but the first place prize was a free car. The money spent on the ducks goes to the Freestore Food Banks. The bands are Judan and the Lions, Stephen Puth, and the Public were just a few the musical entertainment acts that serenaded the crowds before, during, and after the fireworks.
When asked what they did over Labor Day Weekend, here are a few students' comments:
“I hung out with some of my friends and made bracelets.” -Erica Sizemore.
“I went to someone’s property and camped.” -Elle Rohrer.
“I went kayaking.” -Libby Bimrose.
workiversary
Mrs. Mitchell
by Emily Steigerwald
When it comes to who has been at SDMS the longest, it comes down to just two: Mr. Gardner and Mrs. Mitchell. For this issue, we will delve into Mrs. Mitchell, a veteran of sorts in the filed of education. In an upcoming issue, we will talk with Mr. Gardner: a veteran of education and the armed forces! Mrs. Mitchell has been working at SDMS for thirty years. She has not only taught language arts, but she also taught special education, math, science, and social studies. Mrs. Mitchell wanted to become a teacher at a very young age. When she was a child she loved going to school, and she also played school at home. Mrs. Mitchell helped her neighbor, who was a teacher, grade papers. Her aunt was also a teacher, so that inspired Mrs. Mitchell too. She attended the College of Mount St. Joseph for four years; Mrs. Mitchell also attended Ball State University for two years to earn her Master's degree. To any of the new teachers that are reading this, Mrs. Mitchell has advice for you! She says, “My advice to new teachers would be to ask for help from other teachers and to establish good relationships with your students. Teaching is a very rewarding career, but it is also a very time-consuming job.” Mrs. Mitchell also wanted to give advice to the students. She said, “Give your best effort every day. Go outside and play. Limit your time on video games. Treat others how you want to be treated, and get at least eight hours of sleep every night.” Mrs. Mitchell also loves the staff at SDMS. She thinks that they are always there for each other. “Our students are smart, fun, and mostly well-behaved. Our aides, lunch ladies, and custodians work really hard and really care about our students. We have a beautiful building and lots of fun sports, clubs, and activities for our students.” Mrs. Mitchell says. Here's to another thirty, Mrs. Mitchell!
Riverdale: Review
by Cameron Spence
The show Riverdale, which is a hit with many teens and adults, is based on the vintage 1940s graphic novel series known as Archie Comics. In this article, I will concentrate on the modern Netflix series. The series centers on the adventures of a group of friends, these being Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, Veronica Lodge, and Cheryl Blossom. The series centers around a small town with a dark past and an even darker future. At the start of the series, Jason Blossom, Cheryl’s twin brother, is murdered. After this major event, the storyline starts. Through the current 3 season series, you will be told the back stories of each character, and you will get a major dose of family drama. For Cheryl, it's the rich, drug-dealing father side. For the Lodge family, its the mob boss and business tycoon father Hiram Lodge. Jughead’s major drama is his alcoholic, biker father, who later cleans up his act and leaves the biker and gang life. Lastly, Betty has possibly the most family drama. For the sake of not spoiling the show, I won't dive into them. My hope for you, the reader, is that you check this wonderful series out; if you are into murder mysteries, betrayal, drama, and a good plot, I highly recommend this thrilling series.
Erin Pennington: SDMS Choir
by Jenevieve Deamron
Have you ever wondered what choir is like? Well now, thanks to an interview with Erin Pennington, you can find out! When asked what she liked about choir, Erin replied, “I really like the teacher, Mr. Selmeyer; he makes it really fun." The SDMS choir also have a great repertoire of songs they have been working on so far this year. “We are singing Go to the River to Pray and Rock n’ Robin.” There's also a lot to look forward to this year in choir. “I am really looking forward to the concerts,” Erin said. Surely not a surprise to our readers, but singing has long been a favorite activity for Erin. “I have been interested in singing for as long as I can remember.” Be sure to check out one of the choir's concerts this year and keep an ear out for the sweet melodies drifting down the halls of SDMS.