SEVENTH GRADE HOLDS THIRTEENTH ANNUAL PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST

October 31, 2019

By Ivonnie H. and Sydney P.

On Friday, October 25, the seventh grade held their Thirteenth Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. The contest gives seventh graders a chance to show their creativity with a fun fall activity. The only rules are that you cannot carve your pumpkin, and the pumpkin design must be school appropriate. Any art media is permitted, just NO PUNCTURING THE PUMPKIN!

There were several categories for the contest:

• Original Pumpkins: Anything goes, just be unique!
• Pumpkin Pair: You can Work on 2 pumpkins with a partner, but you also have to use your creative juices to think of things that go together, for example, a Romeo Pumpkin and a Juliet pumpkin!
• Animal Pumpkins: Go onto the wild side and create an animal pumpkin!
• Character Pumpkins: Show off your favorite literature character!
• Holiday Pumpkins: Wanna honor a holiday? This one’s for you!
• Biggest Fan Pumpkins: Show your team spirit with a sports pumpkin!

Students voted on the submitted pumpkins and winners were selected. The winners of the contest were a leaf orange red eyed creature, which was voted most unique. The best character went to a nicely painted Minion. The spookiest award was given to a “Scream” pumpkin, while most artistic went to a detailed pumpkin featuring Charlie Brown and his friends. The best animal goes two sparkly kittens, one black and the other blue. The funniest goes to a portrait of Mr. Brady, in pumpkin form! Biggest fan goes to a softball pumpkin of the PA Panthers, and you might want the best object to eat at teh ball game - it's a popcorn pumpkin! Best Pumpkin Pair went to a Gru and a Minion pumpkin from the movie Despicable Me.

Finally, the best overall pumpkin goes to a pumpkin at the spa, with cucumbers over its eyes and a towel on its head! All of the winners will be getting prizes at the upcoming seventh grade award ceremony.

WAIS STUDENTS COVER THE SCHOOL IN PINK TO SUPPORT MAKING STRIDES OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

October 31, 2019

By Brooke H., Makenna S., and Chris G.

On Wednesday, October 23, students and teachers were encouraged to wear pink to support those with breast cancer. The week before the event, NJHS and Student Council members set up two stands for donations. You could donate $2 and get a bracelet, and $1 to get a bead necklace, or 50¢ for one sticker. All proceeds go to…. Making Strides of the Lehigh Valley! An 8th Grade student said she was wearing six different shades of pink because she wanted to support her school and people with breast cancer. “I wore a pink breast cancer sign on my shirt in two different shades of pink,” said 6th grade student Mackenzy B. Pink Out Day was an amazing hit this year! Thank you to everyone who showed off their Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness!

Band Names Officers for 2019-2020

October 21, 2019

By Aamna J. and Iyanna A.

The WAIS Band recently held elections to choose their officers for the year. The band officers are the President, Hans K., the Vice-President, Jennifer S., and two librarians, Tessa F., and John D.

The band is for students in fifth through eighth grade. Each grade has band once a week, plus lessons. Chris G., a sixth grade trumpet player says, “I joined band because It is an amazing opportunity to interact with friends! The concerts are amazing and the band just performs amazingly.” Students who are in band choose an instrument. You can join band by going to our band teacher, Mr. Alercia. He will ask you what instrument you want to learn, and he may have you try to make noise with a mouthpiece to see if it is the right instrument for you.

The band's first concert is December 12. This is their winter concert. They are also practicing for the Veterans Day assembly in November.

WILSON WARRIORS FOOTBALL HAS EXTRAORDINARY SEASON

October 21, 2019

By Aaron M.

This season, the Wilson Warriors middle school football team, and especially the defense, has been extraordinary. Until week 5 the Warriors did not allow any points scored. Overall, the football team as been a very excellent team.

Coach Brandon Tigar explained why the Warriors are able to be so successful.

How has your team been doing?

A: Our team is very talented this year. We started the year very strong and have faced some challenges here towards the end. We currently have 5 wins and 3 losses. Each week, we look to learn from our mistakes and work on our weaknesses so that we continue to get better.

How many players are on your team?

A: Our team currently has 21 players. We have 17 from 8th grade and 4 from 7th grade. The 8th graders have done a nice job leading the team and the 7th graders have worked hard to learn from the 8th graders. The 7th graders will take over as the leaders next season.

Is your offense good?

A: Football is a team sport. If all 11 players on the field are doing their job, our offense has been very successful in moving the ball and scoring points. However, if one or more of our players is not successful in doing their job, it affects the entire team and our offense does not move the ball and score points. Overall, we have been successful on offense this year, both running and passing the football and that is attributed to our offensive line, backs, and receivers.

How are your wide receivers?

A: A lot of people think wide receivers just run routes and catch the football. Wide receivers on our team have to be good blockers as well. Our wide receivers have done a nice job executing our offense this year. They have caught the ball and blocked very well and they continue to improve. They are definitely one of the strengths for our team.

Is the defense good at pass protection?

A: Our defensive scheme for defending the pass has been successful all year. We play a zone defense that turns to a man defense based on the routes of the offense. It sounds complicated, but it makes things simple for our players because they are given only 4 rules.

Is it hard to get touchdowns defensively?

A: It is difficult to score defensively in the sport of football. However, our team has been particularly good at scoring on defense this year. We have a few interceptions and fumbles that have been returned for touchdowns.

Do you have the top defense?

A: Although our defense is very good, I do not think we have the top defense. Our players do a good job each week of learning about the other teams offense and executing our game plan. We have shown that if each player does his job on the field, that we can be successful.

What was the hardest team you have played against?

A: Catasauqua was the best team we played so far. Their kids were very big, fast, and strong. Before we played them, we were undefeated and had not been scored on. Unfortunately, we lost to them 41-8. There were a lot of good lessons that we learned from that game though. Most importantly, we used that loss, and our others to help us get better.

Do you like the uniforms for your team?

A: Our middle school football team gets “hand-me-down” uniforms from our high school football team. This year, the high school team got new uniforms, so we got their old ones. For us, this was exciting because they were new to us! We have a few uniforms that we can mix and match to create different color sets that we wear for home and away games.

Are your fans entertained by the games?

A: Our fans are great. The players really enjoy seeing their family and friends in the stands. I think it shows a lot of school spirit and may even motivate them a little more to be successful.

We are grateful to Coach Tigar for giving us this behind the scenes look at the football team. Best of luck in the rest of your games!

YOUR THOUGHTS

October 21, 2019

Here at Scribbler, we like to know what YOU are thinking! We often publish surveys to get quotes and information for future articles. This time, we are asking you to tell us your thoughts about school! Fill out the survey below, and look for answers in upcoming stories!

STOMPING OUT BULLYING AT WAIS

October 15, 2019

By Akim G., Tosin O., and Mikaila

This week, the students of Wilson Area Intermediate School participated in a spirit week to Stomp Out Bullying. Each day, students participated in activities to show our support for ending bullying in our school.

On Monday, October 7, the first activity we did was wearing blue to show that we want to help kids that have been getting bullied.

On Tuesday, October 8, we then had "do a good deed day." On this day, each student was encouraged to do a good deed including helping others in multiple ways.

On Wednesday, October 9, we had "stomp out and sock it to bullying day." On that day, we wore crazy socks (or different patterned or colored socks) Mikaila, a sixth grade student who wore crazy socks said she wanted to show that she appreciated what the school was doing.

Thursday, October 10 was compliment card day. Each student and staff member wrote a compliment to a fellow peer or teacher. Akim, a sixth grader, participated in this event to show how much he cared about his friends.

Friday, October 11 was "superhero day" which involved students and teachers dressing up as superheroes. Payton said she dressed up as a super hero because she likes to participate in things.

We did all of these events because we want to help kids whom are being bullied. Remember to stand up for people who are being bullied and be kind to others!

UNDEFEATED FIELD HOCKEY TEAM WINS YET ANOTHER GAME

October 15, 2018

By Sofia H. and Timothy M.

The WAIS Girls' Field Hockey team has started our year off with a bang! With yet another undefeated season, they have blown us all away with their herculean endeavor. As if they are playing the game by themselves, not one team has scored against them all year, and they’ve been able to maintain a score up to 14-0. According to Halle W., if the team doesn’t give up another goal, they will be the first field hockey team in Wilson history since 1978 to do it! We here at Scribbler congratulate the girls on their fantastic season, and we wish them many more undefeated games! Keep it up!

CATCHING UP WITH THE CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

October 15, 2019

By Brooke H. and Chris G.

The WAIS Girls and Boys Cross Country teams are dedicated athletes that meet everyday after school.

These proud athletes from the boys' team include John D., Giovanni D., Marcus D., Chase E., Aayush K., Hans K., Shaan M., and Brier M.

Ava B., Sophia B., Davene J., Samantha M., Riley S., Lillian W., and Makayla W. represent WAIS on the girls' team. Riley S. joined the team because she says, "I felt it would improve my soccer skills and stamina."

The athletes put in great effort to run every day, and to compete in meets on Tuesdays versus schools from around the Lehigh Valley. They are coached by Mr. Falcone.

THE BREAKFAST CLUB REALLY DELIVERS

October 8, 2019

By Jessica B.

The Breakfast Club is a new organization of seventh graders. Each morning, these students deliver the breakfast meals to their fellow students. Seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Cunningham, is in charge of the Breakfast Club. The club runs from 7:25 am up until the homeroom bell rings.

“I chose to join breakfast club because I wanted to help other people,” says one member. Some members are looking for a way to enter the school building early. Others just enjoy spending time with their friends.

If any teacher would like to have their breakfast meals delivered, all you have to do is contact Mrs. Cunningham. Did we forget to tell you? It’s free! One seventh grade teacher says, “The breakfast club is really convenient. I like that my breakfast is taken care of each morning, and I don’t need to do anything. Last year, the bags were sometimes left in our room until third period! It’s nice to see the seventh graders provide this service to the teachers and students of WAIS.”

“It’s nice I don’t have to walk down there,” says sixth grade student Jeffrey.

“For the most part it’s really great, except that one time when our breakfast didn’t get delivered because there was a room mix-up,” adds eighth grader Brooke.

If you are interested in helping the Breakfast Club, wait until you are a seventh grader, and ask Mrs. Cunningham how to be involved.

Warrior Spirit Day HAS WAIS STudents SHowing OFF Their Blue and Gold Pride

October 8, 2019

By Aamna J. and Iyanna A.

On Friday, October 4th, WAIS students celebrated our monthly Warrior Spirit Day by wearing blue and gold.

Warrior Spirit Day is a very important day because it makes WAIS a more happy place. It makes people feel more welcomed and special when they see everyone so into school spirit. It shows that everyone in WAIS sticks together at all times.

We asked students why Warrior Spirit Day is so special. A student in 5th grade, Mikaila B. said, ”It is special because it shows that we like school and we support our school and the teachers.”

Isabella. P agreed that the day shows that you are supporting the school. Sydney P. added, "It gives you a new perspective about the school."

Warrior Spirit Day is all about you. Be sure to wear your blue and gold for our next Warrior Spirit Day on November 1!

September Warriors of the Month Announced

October 8, 2019

By Jared H., Brianna W., Chris G., and Makenna S.

The Warriors of the Month are students who have been recognized for showing the WARRIOR traits, which include being Welcoming, Aspiring, Respectful, Responsible, Inspiring, Open-minded and Reliable. The students who showed these traits will be rewarded with their picture on the wall showing that they became the Warriors of the Month. They also received a commemorative coin on Friday, October 4.

In fifth grade, the September winner is Levi W., who was nominated by Mrs. Housel. She says, "Levi is always a respectful and polite classmate, but he went above and beyond to help a new student in our class! What a great Warrior role model for our new student!"

Mrs. Austin nominated the sixth grade winner, Rayna Maldonado. Mrs. Austin says, "Rayna is cheerful and considerate. She always shows enthusiasm for learning. She consistently sets a positive example in the classroom by offering assistance to her classmates and the teacher. She frequently offers to stay after school to help organize the classroom work centers and supplies. She is an example of a true Wilson Warrior."

The seventh grade is represented by Taryn Marshall. She was nominated by Mrs. Cunningham, who states, "Taryn is consistently helpful and reliable in my classroom. She takes it upon herslef to put chairs up, plug in Chromebooks, or do anything else she notices is amiss. It is truly rare to encounter a young person that is so conscientious without any requests from an adult, but Taryn is definitely one of those go-getters."

The eighth grade winner is Damien Gibbs. According to Mrs. Austin, who nominated him, "Damien consistently follows all rules and procedures. He is a conscientious and focused student. He displays a quiet humility but is also caring enough to express concern for others. Damien sets a positive example for his peers on a regular basis.

Congratulations to these students. Keep showing the Warrior traits everyday!

NEW CLUBS AND WAIS FAVORITES Start up FOR 2019-2020

October 1, 2019

By The Scribbler Staff (special thanks to Aayush K., Makenna S., Akim G., Chris G., Jeffrey, Hayden E., Keira S., and Ivonnie H.)

WAIS students have even more after school options this year as they return to school. The district has added several new clubs and restarted many favorites from previous years. All WAIS students in grades 5-8 are encouraged to find a club to join, and get connected!

One favorite club from the previous year is Yearbook. This club is advised by Mrs. Silfies, and meets on Thursdays after school. According to Grace H., she would join this club because she "wants to make cool pages of the yearbook."

Another returning club is Drama. Mrs. Korin and Mrs. Boucher meet with actors and crew on Mondays and Wednesdays to rehearse two plays each year. The seventh and eighth grade play happens in the fall, and the fifth and sixth grade play happens in the spring. Akim G. is looking forward to joining this club because he joined last year and "it was fun."

The WAIS studio welcomes earlybirds who want to share the news on Warrior Wake-Up. Mrs. Austin is the advisor and meets with club members every morning from 7:10-7:55 to prepare the day's broadcast.

Other returning clubs include Homework Club, Chorus, Buddy Up, Next Generation, Jazz Band, Student Council, NJHS, What's So Cool About Manufacturing, Running Club, Library Aides, French Club, and more. There are also some new clubs available, like Green Power, the St. Luke's Wellness Program, and the Multicultural Club.

And of course, there's Scribbler! We meet every Friday until 3:30 and are always looking for people to report the news and create art, recipes, puzzles, stories, and poems.

With all these choices, you are sure to find a way to get connected here at WAIS.

Field Hockey Team Off to A Good Start

October 1, 2019

By Payton H. and Aiden R.

Field Hockey season is underway at WAIS. The team's latest game was played against Pen Argyl, and they are currently undefeated.

Field hockey player Ava D. says she enjoys the sport because she "really like[s] playing, and it’s a lot of fun”. Field hockey players use a hockey stick with a rounded bottom, a hard ball, and cage-like goggles. The point of the game is to get the ball into the goal with the hockey stick.

The team practices every day in fall from 2:40-7:00 and is coached by Jason Causa. The players are proud of their strong start, and hope to finish out the season well. Field hockey is an amazing activity to join. It’s fun, healthy, and helps you to create a lot of friends.

DRAMA CLUB ANNOUNCES CAST OF FALL PLAY

October 1, 2019

By Savannah P. and Isabella P.

On Wednesday September 18, the 7th and 8th grade students of WAIS came together to audition for the fall play “A Family Reunion To Die For.” The auditions were held in the middle school auditorium where many brave candidates were tested on expression, presence, and voice.

The drama directors Mrs. Korin and Mrs.Boucher formed groups of two and three. They then gave each member an assigned part to read. Each group would go on stage and present their scene in front of the directors and the rest of the club. The regular audition finished in record time at about 3:30 so Mrs. Korin decided to do a callback. A callback is where you can reaudition for a better score. Each member of the club that was auditioning had the option to perform a solo paragraph in front of everyone. When the auditions were over, Mrs. Korin said that this will be one of the hardest cast decisions ever. Later that evening, at 6:00, the cast list was posted on waisdramaclub.org.

Savannah P., who earned the role of Christine, said, "It was an interesting and fun experience. I am very happy with the part I got. The auditions were a little nerve racking but not much since I have done it before."

Ivonnie H. was cast as the understudy to Christine explained that an understudy is where you learn another person's role in case the actor is not available. She added, "The auditions were really awkward, I was planning on getting a small part because I really just wanted to be part of the crew, although I am very happy that I was capable to get a large role."

Timothy M., who was cast as Freddie commented, "I was feeling a bit nervous but I was still confident in myself because I did it 3 years before."

Here are all the talented actors who were cast in the fall play. Be sure to get tickets in November to see the production!

Cast List:

St. Luke's Brings Wellness Program to WAIS Mornings

October 1, 2019

By Chris G. and Keira S.

Did you hear about the St.Luke's Wellness Program that the school is hosting? This program gives students, 5th-8th grade, the opportunity to workout and train it the mornings from 7:00-7:40am every Tuesday and Thursday until November 21st. Working out in the mornings could help with students’ attention level in school. This could potentially lead to higher grades.

One of the members was asked why she joined, and she told us that she heard from the school principal that working out could help with that attention level and could help with grades. She was inspired to join because she thought it was cool that the school was paying for this program that helps kids be more active.

The sessions will be held in the gym. Sadly, sign ups have already past, but you could always sign up next year. Remember, almost anyone can join. You just need to fill out a form and hand it into the office. For those who have already signed up, have fun! For those who didn’t sign up, try next year and get your workout on!

WAIS SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT LEAVES RIDERS SHAKEN

October 1, 2019

By Brooke H. and Desmond O.

On September 12, 2019, Bus 5 was coming down the intersection of Congressional Drive. Its brakes stopped working for reasons yet to be determined, causing the bus to hit a curb. The bus then rolled forward through the intersection on Cedar Park Boulevard. The bus driver skillfully and quick-wittedly navigated the bus into a nearby field where it then stopped.

Brooke H. says, "Thankfully, there were no deaths, and only 10 students were injured. They were taken to the hospital so they could be examined to make sure there were no serious injuries."

Tosin A., a student who was on the bus, shared what it was like to involved in the accident. She said, “The experience was shocking and terrifying. I also got annoyed the next day because people were making jokes about it.” Tosin said that only about 38 students were on the bus in question. She believes she felt uneasy before boarding the bus that afternoon. “I did feel something was off that day and I wanted to take bus 4.”

Thankfully, Tosin and the other students had no serious injuries. The worst injury, Tosin says, was a sprained knee. Everyone had to go to the hospital to make sure they were okay, and everyone was released to their families that evening.