December, 2007
Team of the Month
Sapphire
By Anna Greene and Kayla Simpson
The Team of the Month is the 8th grade Sapphire team. Mr. Day answered some basic questions about their team.
When we asked what he thought of his students this year he said,” They’re a pretty good group.”
The team will be going to the Bear Tooth Theater on the 19th and they have a Talent Show on the 20th. The Sapphire teachers include Mr. Brown, Mrs. Miller-Jones, Mrs. Herrell, Mrs. Bjornson, and Mr. Day, who was kind enough to let us give him a short interview.
Baggy Pants: Cool or Out? By Anna Greene
What are baggy pants? Baggy pants are usually loose fitting jeans that kind of hang off the hips. Sometimes it seems like the back pockets aren’t in the right place. I think this is an issue that should be addressed as it is not only a hazard while working or walking down the hall, but it’s also considered a gang symbol in many places. In case you are wondering what a gang symbol is, it’s a symbol or article of clothing that is related to some sort of gang.
The school may not enforce it as a gang symbol, but that’s how it all started. You may wonder how it started off like that? It started when men would come out of jail with baggy pants since no belts are allowed. They liked the look and it stuck like glue. Then, as most fashion statements do, it spread across the country.
Even if that doesn’t change your mind, in my opinion it looks like your bottom is at your knees. No joke here! Not only that, but the embarrassment of your pants at your ankles isn’t worth the style. Then of course, how can you run if you have to hold on to your belt loops? So put on a belt for school, and also in public. Oh, and don’t forget to keep those boxers hidden, regardless of the cool design on them!
Celebrations at Holiday Season
By Mariah De Jesus
There are different types of celebrations around the Christmas holiday. Many people in the world have different cultures and special celebrations. Everyone has their different ways and belief of life. Here are some examples of celebrations.
In Brazil, Father Christmas, whom most of the United States call Santa Claus, is called Papai Noel. Many different Christmas customs are similar to the USA or the United Kingdom. For people who have enough money, the special Christmas meal is chicken, turkey, ham, rice, salad, pork, and fresh and dried fruits.
In New Zealand, Christmas starts for them with gifts under their tree to be opened Christmas morning. They celebrate with a Christmas lunch either at home or at their parent’s house. It consists of turkey or chicken with all the trimmings eaten, then there’s teatime. In the evening, they have a Bar-B-Q for friends and family to get together.
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration. The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles, which are the foundation of the celebration of Kwanzaa.
The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st. They always celebrate in a decorated room. The African color scheme includes black, red, and green.
The important idea about these different celebrations is that they are unique and represent the different way of how everyone expresses their religion and belief. Different celebrations make us all unique. Here in Anchorage, we have a variety of culture and beliefs. It’s important to keep that in mind during the holiday season.
Horoscopes By: Marisabel Esparza
Sagittarius (Nov. 22- Dec. 21) Happy Birth Day Sagittarius! This month you will have plenty of good fortune! Enjoy these days and have fun with your friends.
Scorpio (Oct. 23- Nov. 21) To avoid bad luck, be sure to be nice to everyone! Make sure you get your holiday greetings cards done. After all, they can’t write themselves.
Libra (Sept. 23- Oct. 22) This month you should focus a little more on your schoolwork and a little less on hanging out with your friends. It seems as though missing assignments marks are taking up your progress reports.
Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan. 19) That special someone you are attracted to would like to get to know you better. Get a group of friends together and invite this person to go to the movies. Just have fun!!
Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18) You seem to be spending a little too much time on schoolwork and not enough with friends. So plan some time for you to do something with your friends this weekend.
Pisces (Feb. 19- Mar. 20) You might find yourself with friendship problems this month. To avoid fights with a friend try being extra nice to them. They may be having a tough time right now.
Aries (Mar. 21- Apr. 19) This month some family problems may come up, in order to avoid them you may want to work on your communication skills with your parents.
Taurus (Apr. 20- May 20) This month you should have some fun! With the holiday season coming soon you need to get out and about. Hope for some snow, and be sure to get that holiday wish list going. Be sure to get things done on time.
Gemini (May 21- June 21) According to the stars, a challenging class could be in your future. Be sure to study for all upcoming test/quizzes and make sure you’re caught up with your homework.
Cancer (June 22- July 22) You might have some bad luck this month, The star chart shows that you haven't been too nice to your family lately. Be sure to focus on being nicer to friends and family.
Leo (July 23- Aug. 22) Be sure to keep track of the money you spend, because if you don’t set a budget, sooner or later you might find yourself broke.
Virgo (Aug. 23- Sep. 22) The Stars show that you get along with a Capricorn. In fact, it is very likely that the person you have a crush on is a Capricorn. Have fun this month!