Article archive - February 2018

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

The cast of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet performs on Friday, January 12.

February 6, 2018

By Kenny S.

The Wilson Area Intermediate School Drama club performed The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet in January. The performance was the result of four months of practice, learning lines, building scenery, and practicing lighting and sound cues. My personal review of the play is positive but the actors may need to have more time to practice.

The play was about two people from different families, the Monotones and Capitulates, who wanted nothing to do with each other. They fell in love, and had to hide it from their families. So far, this just sounds like Romeo and Juliet, but the drama club's play was a bit different, since all the lines rhymed like Dr. Seuss.

All of the seats were filled for the play, but some did have personal items on their seats. The play was delayed a short bit due to the actor playing Romeo, who got sick while he was in school, but the play itself was still amazing.

As for the actors, most of them did quite well but there were some pauses from time to time since the actors did forget some of the lines, but I couldn’t name them specifically.

All of the crew did well, but the lighting made it so it was hard to see what was going on. This was partially due to some of the props being shiny and the light was very bright.

The play over all was amazing and the Romeo backup was very well played off with no indication that the main actor was missing, except for the well hidden script book.

The next drama production will be on April 20-21. It will feature the fifth and sixth grade cast and crew performing the play Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens. Tickets will go on sale for this production in April.

THEME DRESS DAYS MAKE GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL MORE FUN

WAIS students show off their festive apparel on Holiday Hat and Headband Day on December 20.

February 6, 2018

By Sabrena E. and Lillian W.

In addition to Warrior Spirit Day on the first Friday of every month, the Student Council sponsors 1-2 theme dress days each month. These theme dress days are a chance for students to show their school spirit, have fun, and express their unique style.

In December, many students and staff participated in Holiday Hat and Headband Day. Holiday Hat and Headband Day, on Wednesday, December 20, allowed students to wear festive Christmas hats in school. Students showed their Christmas spirit, and enjoyed wearing Christmas-y outfits and getting their picture taken. The day also coordinated with the 5th and 6th grade sing-along Holiday concert, so the atmosphere that day was definitely jolly!

In January, the Philadelphia Eagles earned a spot in the Super Bowl. To honor this accomplishment, the Student Council added a theme dress day called "Team Jersey Day." While students could wear a jersey for any favorite team, many chose to dress in Eagles gear. However, it seemed like even more students wore Eagles gear on Monday, the day after the team won Super Bowl 52. One seventh grade student, Casey B. (who usually roots for the Cowboys) was wearing an Eagles shirt, although he insisted, "It's just for ONE day!"

Theme dress days definitely add fun and spirit to a regular school day. The next theme dress day will be on Wednesday, February 14. The WAIS Yearbook staff is sponsoring a "Hooray for Hollywood" theme Dress Day. They are encouraging students and staff to dress their best and be red-carpet ready with a stylish Hollywood ensemble! Your glamorous outfit will help the yearbook staff take some great pictures for this year's Hollywood-themed yearbook.

WAIS students cheer on their favorite teams right before the Superbowl with a Team Jersey Day .

DECEMBER AND JANUARY WARRIORS OF THE MONTH HONORED

The January WARRIORS of the month pose are presented with certificates by members of district and school administration.

February 6, 2018

By the Scribbler Staff and the Warrior Wake-Up News Crew

Two more groups of students have been honored for displaying the WARRIOR traits. These students set a great example for the rest of the school by being welcoming, aspiring, responsible, respectful, inspiring, open-minded, and reliable.

In January, Caron F. Cruz S.-R., Conner A. and Eric S. were selected as WARRIOR of the month. The fifth grade Warrior was Caron F. He was nominated several times this year. Mrs. Sneeringer says, “Caron is respectful every day. He always says please and thank you and will help his fellow classmates without being asked. He is responsible and reliable because he is always doing the right thing and listens, pays attention, and participates daily. He is an excellent role model to his peers.”

In sixth grade, Cruz Santos-Rodriguez was nominated by Mrs. Corriere, who writes, “Cruz is new to our school this year, but has not wasted any time taking on our WARRIOR values. We can always count on a friendly hello with a smile each day from Cruz. He is responsible and reliable with his school work, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his peers and teachers.”

In seventh grade, Conner A. was nominated by Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Cunningham. Since the first day of school, Conner has been a consistently strong and motivated young man. He is always respectful to both peers and staff and demonstrates total commitment to his academics. Conner is driven to achieve and help others. He is truly a model student here at WAIS!

Eric S. was nominated for the eighth grade by Mrs. Wohlbach. Eric is truly an all around model student! His display of character is not only a great benefit to him, but to our school environment as well. Eric is a hard working student who is committed to his endeavors and will persevere with all he encounters. He is helpful to others and serves as a wonderful role model for his peers. Eric is loyal and participates in many school sports, activities and clubs. He is a very conscientious, empathetic, selfless student who consistently works to bring out not only the best in himself, but the best in all those around him!

Earlier, in December, Jayla B., Hailey B., Josiah H. and Brett T. were honored.. Jayla B. was nominated by Mrs. Housel for the fifth grade. Mrs. Housel says, “Jayla is a polite and friendly student and peer. She asks questions and is willing to help whenever she can. She always has a smile that welcomes anyone in! Jayla consistently demonstrates the qualities of a Warrior.”

In 6th grade, Hailey B. was nominated by Mrs. Partridge, who writes, “Hailey demonstrates many of the characteristics of a warrior. She is a dedicated student who puts attention and focus into each assignment. She is able to balance staying academically focused with also being kind, friendly, and respectful to both her classmates and staff. She is just an overall great student and role model in our class.”

The 7th grade honored Josiah H. He was nominated by Mrs. Allen. Josiah was new to WAIS this year. His pleasant personality is contagious. He constantly shows a positive attitude. Josiah always shares a "Good Morning" or a "Have a good evening". He is on time and comes to class prepared. Josiah shows respect towards teachers and other peers. He offers help and encouragement to other students. Although, he is new to Wilson, we believe is a true Warrior!

And finally, in 8th grade, Mrs. Merida nominated Brett T., explaining how teachers have noticed Brett helping a new student open his locker every day. The other student's English is improving, and Brett has consistently taken time each day to talk to the student and assist him with his locker. He demonstrates multiple qualities of a Wilson Warrior each day!

Over sixty students have now been nominated as the WARRIOR of the month. WAIS students clearly demonstrate the WARRIOR values consistently.

THERE'S SNOW TIME LIKE WINTER!

WAIS students celebrate the snowy season.

February 6, 2018

By the Scribbler Staff

WAIS students and staff stayed home for three days so far this winter because of snow. We have also had several late starts and early dismissals.

Andrew J., an eighth grade student, says, "I do not like snow days because they are cold, but I like them because they are fun and we don't have school." Most of the students the Scribbler staff interviewed agreed with Andrew.

Dylan P. likes to sled and have snowball fights on snow days, but sometimes he just plays video games. Other students, like Austin M., will stay inside or go outside depending on the weather. Teachers like snow days, too. Mrs. Wells likes to watch movies, but she points out that snow days would be more fun if they didn't have to be made up. That's why she prefers delays or early dismissals.

Mrs. Wells' comments point out the negative side of snow days. When snow days happen, it takes away our summer break. Instead of getting out on May 31st, students' last day is now June 5, assuming we don't have any more snow days after today, February 6. If we do have more snow days, we get out even later, and might even lose spring break! Still, it is important to have snow days when the weather is bad. We need to keep students and staff safe and off the dangerous roads when the weather conditions are poor.

As our superintendent, Mr. Wagner says, "Please stay warm and safe."

#SWEETTWEETS #FUN @WAIS

WAIS students send encouraging messages to classmates, faculty, and staff during the No Place For Hate Sweet Tweets activity.

February 13, 2018

By Samantha M. and Teagan W.

Would you like it if you got complimented on social media? Well, WAIS students are making Sweet Tweets to compliment other students, teachers, or staff to let them know that they are doing a great job here at WAIS.

According to Mrs.David, the 5th grade guidance counselor, the people that run ‘Sweet Tweets’ are Mrs. Pietrouchie, Mrs. David, Mrs. Harron, Mrs. Riehl, No Place for Hate, and Aevidum.

WAIS students of ALL grades filled out the “Sweet Tweet” on February 9th, 12th, and 13th. Students received pretty paper hearts in class and a worksheet to develop their tweet. (Like tweets online, students had a limited number of characters to write their message.) Once the draft looked good, they wrote their message in the heart. On February 14th (Valentine’s Day), students will deliver their Sweet Tweet to the recipient.

It is important for everyone to do kind things. Mrs. David says, "Kindness is contagious.” She wants everybody to feel cared for, acknowledged, appreciated, and accepted. In that spirit, the Scribbler staff would like to add:

@MrsDavid Always lets us interview her for Scribbler! #biggestfan #alwaysmakestimeforstudents #thanks

@NoPlaceForHate @Aevidum @MrsRiehl @MrsPietrouchie @MrsDavid Creating a positive place to learn! #yougotourback #welcoming #openminded #warriorwords

HAPPY SMALENTINE'S DAY!

From the looks of the two busy Smalentine stands, many WAIS students will be receiving sweet (smelling) treats on Wednesday!

February 13, 2018

By Sabrena E. and Lillian W.

Smalentines are now for sale in both lobbies in the morning for $1.00 each to support student council activities.

What are smalentines? Koda B., a student council member, says, “Smalentines are pencils that smell like a food. They make festive ones for the holidays.” These pencils are normally called Smencils, but when you send one to a friend for Valentine's day, they become Smalentines.

Students buy Smalentines so they have a good smelling pencil to use in class, or to give to a friend. Smalentines come in a clear tube with a picture of the scent or a festive picture for the holiday.

Abymarie C. bought a smalentine to make her friend happy. She bought a blueberry pencil for Kaiden S., which she picked out herself. Brielle H. bought her smencils because she likes to buy them and she likes the smell. She bought 2 pencils for herself: a chocolate smencil and a root beer one. Teagan W. bought a very berry smencil for her friend, Keira W. Finally, Samantha M. bought her smencils for her best friend, but she didn't stop there! She bought 15 total smencils for friends and for herself.

Join in on the fragrant fun and support your student council by purchasing a smencil in the lobby. Happy Smalentine's Day to all!

VOTE FOR WILSON AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MANUFACTURING VIDEO!

Jessica K., Katelyn K., Marissa S., Emma M., Harrison B. and Logan W. pose during their visit to the Victaulic company.

The Wilson Manufacturing Club has been working very hard to produce a great video for the "What's So Cool About Manufacturing?" contest! We want to get as many votes as possible to win the viewer's choice award.

Please go and vote at…..

https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/lehigh-valley/

GO VOTE NOW!!!

(And look for a feature article about the manufacturing club, along with results of the competition, here on Scribbler Weekly on Tuesday, March 6.)

BE A HEART HEALTHY HOOP HERO

February 20, 2018

By Patty S. and Kailee J.

Hoops for Heart is an event that occurs once a year in WAIS. Some might wonder why this experience was created. “It is to promote heart awareness,” says former coach, Anne Skutches, “and physical activity.” The benefits of participating in this program are that you will apply your basketball skill and get a nice challenging workout.

The Hoops for Heart was originally invented as a Jump Rope-a-Thon, which was created by Jean Barkow in Milwaukee in 1978. Mrs. Barkow was a PE teacher, and a friend had suggested for her to do an event that assists the community for the National Physical Education and Sports Week activities. Barkow decided to create a Jump-a-Thon. “I think it is fun,” gym teacher Micheal Falcone says, “because anytime we can help kids in need, that is a good thing. Also, it is a fun way to help all of our students stay active, and it is structured differently than our normal PE classes, so it is something unique to look forward to!”

Hoops for Heart will take place from February 26 to March 5 in the gym and the cafeteria. A new addition to Hoops for Heart was added this year: you may now swim if you don’t want to play basketball! All of the money raised from this event will benefit the American Heart Association.

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD (AND THE WAIS YEARBOOK STAFF!)

WAIS students show off their fabulous fashions on the red carpet.

February 20, 2018

By Cruz S., Savannah P., and Abymarie C.

February 14 was the "Hooray for Hollywood" theme dress day at WAIS. The WAIS yearbook staff held this day for everyone in the school to dress up as Hollywood stars. Everyone who dressed up went to the library for a picture on the “red carpet. “It was a fun event,” said Cruz S. in 6 grade. This was the first time this event was held at WAIS and it was a success. The yearbook staff decided to sponsor this day to promote the theme of the yearbook, “That’s a Wrap.”

The yearbook staff has been working hard all year to get good photos because the yearbook needs to be finished soon. Right now, each homeroom is having their picture taken as a class. Once all of the pictures are taken, students edit each page to include pictures and information about what is happening in the school during the 2017-2018 school year.

Yearbook meets every Thursday in the library. Students got involved in yearbook in many different ways. Cruz S. said, “My mom read an email about a club called the yearbook club, so I decided to join.” Aiden H. joined because he enjoys clubs and wanted to be involved.

Has your picture been featured on a page in the yearbook? You'll have to check your yearbook at the end of the year to find out! If you haven't ordered your yearbook yet, be sure to pick up an order form from the spinny rack in the library.

GOODBYE TO WINTER?

Spring-like temperatures mean WAIS students will probably not be out sledding for the rest of the school year.

February 27, 2018

By Brielle H. and Samantha M.

Although spring is approaching, students at Wilson Area Intermediate School have enjoyed winter sports for the past few months. Many students have participated in winter sports such as sledding, ice skating, and downhill skiing.

How did WAIS students get involved in these sports? Some wanted to try a sport because family and friends told them it was cool and they should try it out. Halle W. says, “I tried snowboarding with my friends. I liked it because of the speed. The day you get the full way down the hill, you feel so proud. It’s awesome to feel the rush.”

Not every student has gotten to try all of the winter sports. Sabrena E. loves sledding with her family, but wants to try hockey and ice skating. She says, “I would want to try hockey because I think it would be fun to be skating on ice while hitting a puck in the goal. Ice skating is similar to hockey, but you are very graceful and elegant.” John D. has not played any sports, but he said that downhill skiing is fast and he loves to watch it.

In the past, WAIS has sponsored a ski club. In fact, Mrs. Silfies was the ski club advisor, but surprisingly, she was still not a good skier after she took ski lessons for 3 years. She said that she was better at sitting in the Lodge eating pizza and chicken noodle soup.

Of course, a lot of the WAIS students have watched the Winter Olympics. According to a survey, 81 percent of WAIS students have watched it. Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 81 percent of students have sledded. Sounds like 19% of WAIS students need to find a way to enjoy winter… next year!

THE DRAMA BEGINS

The crew has been working to build the dungeon scenery and Dr. Evil's thermal ray for the spring drama production.

February 27, 2018

By The Scribbler Staff

The fifth and sixth grade drama club has begun rehearsals for the spring drama production, Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens. The play tells the story of an evil supergenius who is trying to impress the Council of Evil... but three adorable little kittens keep getting in the way of his plans. Along the way, we meet several vampires, a witch or two, Frankenstein's creature, a mummy, a hunchback, and even a few werehyenas.

The actors auditioned for parts in January, and Ian F. won the title role of Dr. Evil with his expressive and loud audition. Sydney P., who plays one of the werehyenas, is rehearsing her lines, but is excited for her costume and make-up. She joined drama club because she was "looking for something really fun to do, and it gave [her] a chance to meet new people." Rehearsals started at the beginning of February. The directors, Mrs. Korin and Mrs. Boucher, are assisted by a group of talented 7th and 8th grade students known as "senior helpers". Senior helpers are intended to be kind, welcoming role models for the younger drama students. They help practice lines, create scenery, and build friendships.

The crew has made quite a bit of progress too. So far, they have painted Dr. Evil's thermal ray, which was built from recycled materials. While most of the crew enjoyed the painting, they didn't enjoy the smell of the spray paint! They also built a bookcase with a special interactive feature - but you'll have to see the play to learn more about that.

Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens will be performed on April 20 and 21 in the multi-purpose room. Tickets will go on sale after spring break, and will cost $4.