BranNDAN D. Wins Spelling Bee

January 11, 2019

By MJ R. and Lacey S.

Last week, the Wilson Area Intermediate School held our annual spelling bee, and Branndan D. , a sixth grader, was the winner.

Wondering what a spelling bee is? A spelling bee is a competition where you spell certain words. If you get the spelling right, you move on to the next competition. Students started with a mini spelling bee in their classroom. The students who won the classroom bee advanced to the school bee in the auditorium. The word that Branndon spelled to win out of 30 competitors was "garbanzo." If he can not make it to the regional bee, our representative will be Christopher D. who came in second place.

MJ R., a fifth grader, told us about his experience in the spelling bee. MJ was eliminated on the word "pleats" when he spelled it "pleets". MJ shared that his friend, the winner for the classroom, was too nervous to compete, so MJ (who was the classroom alternate) got to participate. MJ made it through the third round, even though he was also nervous. "All of us were nervous," he explained, "but the person reading the words calmed us down."

What will happen next? As the bee winner, Branndan will now take a written exam. If he passes, he will go on to the regional competition at Northampton County Community College. With his win at WAIS, Branndan earned a $50 dollar gift certificate from the National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations on your excellent spelling skills, Branndan!

Introducing the December Warriors of the Month

January 11, 2019

By Akim G. and Jaylen L.

Every month, the principal and teachers select four students to honor with the Warrior of the Month award. Last week, the winners for December were announced.

In fifth grade, Akim G. was selected. He says, “I was warrior of the month and I am proud to be the warrior.”

Mr. Burden and Mrs. David shared that, "Akim exhibits all of the Warrior Traits on a daily basis. He extends himself to others, listens closely in the class, and contributes to conversations. He also knows how to make others' day." Akim is thankful to his teachers for their kind words.

The sixth grade warrior is Landon F., who nominated by Mrs. Fenton and Mrs. Tereska. According to his teachers, Landon is a hard working student who goes above and beyond and doesn't let anything get in the way of his achievement. He is also kind and respectful to others.

Seventh grade Warrior of the Month is Abigail F. Mrs. Petty nominated her, explaining, ""Abigail approaches all tasks with a positive attitude and constantly aspires to do her best. She goes above and beyond to challenge herself, and she shows a great desire for learning. She motivates and supports others by lending a helping hand and offering words of encouragement. Abigail serves as an excellent role model for her peers as she displays all of the Warrior traits each and every day."

Lastly, in eighth grade, we have Melissa S. Melissa was nominated by Mrs. Austin, Mr. Falcone, AND Mrs. Wohlbach. Their nominations described Melissa as someone who is, consistently helpful, friendly and trustworthy both in the classroom and around the school. Melissa is an extremely dedicated individual who puts 100% effort in to all her endeavors. She adds a great deal of enthusiasm to the classroom and truly enjoys all the activities, sports and academics encountered at WAIS. Melissa is a true warrior who is an asset to our school!

Remember, you can always be the next Warrior of the Month - just work hard and show those WARRIOR traits.

WAIS STUDENTS RAISE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO SUPPORT CHILDRENS' HOSPITAL

January 25, 2019

By Brianna P., Chris G., and Brianna W.

Wilson Area Intermediate School students participated in Pajama Day on Friday to support sick children.

Pajama Day was an activity where teachers and students could wear their pajamas to school! In order to participate, students had to wear a special "thank you" sticker. What was the reason for the stickers? First, the stickers let teachers know if you were allowed to participate. Wearing a sticker showed that you donated to the Lehigh Valley Children's hospital. Any student who donated got to wear cozy pajamas.

Why did Student Council and National Junior Honor Society sponsor a pajama day? Chris G. says, "We picked a Pajama Day because it lets kids be be comfortable and warm!"

Sixth grader Lillian agrees that pajamas help with the school temperature. She says, "It's the one day a year I can sweat instead of freeze."

Her classmate Brielle agrees that pajamas keep you warm. She wore her warm fleece pants expecting Mrs. Tereska's room to be cold. However, on Friday it happened to be warm. Luckily, Brielle's main reason for participating wasn't to stay warm. She says, "I like to help people."

All of the students at WAIS must like to help others, because we raised more than $400 dollars to support the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital. This local hospital heals, comforts and cares for the children of the area, and our donation will help them care for their patients.

Great job, WAIS!

BOYS' MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL SEASON FULL OF EXCITING MATCHUPS

January 25, 2019

By Kailee J. and Juliana J.

The middle school boys' basketball team is having an exciting season. The basketball team has a hard earned current record of 5-2 (A team) and 6-1(B team).

According to Brian S., the team practices everyday after school except for Sundays. Brian, a point guard, loves shooting. He has been playing for about 5 years, and enjoys playing for the team. He is proud of their record.

His coach, Mr. Falcone, agrees that the season has been going well. He said that the team works very hard during practice. They do layups, high knees, and lots of other drills.

One of Mr. Falcone's most memorable games was a victory over Southern Lehigh few years ago, but the team is making plenty of memories this year. Anthony S. advises students to see for themselves. He is very enthusiastic about the team's intense games, and suggests, "You gotta go to a game to understand - it's crazy!"

Thanks to their hard work and talent, the team is in a great position to finish the season on a positive note.

SNOW DAY SURVEY RESULTS

Last week, Brooke H. and The Scribbler Staff asked you a few questions about winter, and particularly, snow days. Here are the results of that survey!