¿Hablas español? Language program for kids takes flight in Issaquah
January 31, 2012
Students in Marta Ramos’ first-level Spanish class take a make-believe shopping trip to Spain for an educational game to help them with clothing vocabulary. By Celina Kareiva
Students riffle through articles of clothing in “La Tienda de Ropa,” a make-believe clothing store in a first-level Spanish class.
“La bufanda!” and “El vestido!” they shout as their teacher instructs them to repeat after her.
Newcastle Elementary School organizes inaugural geography bee
January 31, 2012
Winner Colby Vuong has chance to enter state competition
Colby Vuong, a Newcastle Elementary School fifth-grade student, waits to reveal his answer to a written question during the final round of the school’s Jan. 13 National Geographic Bee. By Christina Lords
Just slightly and not at all.
That’s how much runner-up Bridget Ury and first-place winner Colby Vuong said they studied for Newcastle Elementary School’s National Geographic Bee — which concluded in a showdown of 14 contestants vying for the top spot in front of their instructors, classmates and family members.
Newcastle Mayor Rich Crispo and Deputy Mayor Lisa Jensen served as official judges at the Jan. 13 event.
Each fourth- and fifth-grade class held a geography bee of its own — sending two representatives of each class to go head to head with their peers for the school’s National Geography Bee.
“These questions were a lot harder than the ones in class,” Ury said. “Then we had multiple choice answers of A, B, C, D … here you just pretty much had to know them.”
Because Newcastle Elementary’s bee is a part of the National Geographic Bee, Vuong will have the opportunity to take a written test to qualify for the state bee.
Vuong and Ury, both residents of Newcastle, represented the top-two qualifiers from Mariel Hanna’s fifth-grade class.
The other 12 participants were Olivia Lesnik, Andre Wax, Brooke Ury, Dillon Gyotoku, Joey Eigo, Trisha Jaggi, Tristan Brecht, Jacob Robblee, David Heyward, Toshin Rao, Tommy Todderud and Nathan Jackson.
Local students compete for slots in high-tech aerospace residency
January 31, 2012
One memorable assignment so far was designing a space shuttle, according to Spencer Schiefelbein.
“I really like my robot,” Alison Chiu said.
Both age 16 and juniors at Skyline High School, Schiefelbein and Chiu are just two of five Issaquah School District students taking part in this year’s Washington Aerospace Scholars program. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say, they hope to take part in the program scheduled for this summer at The Museum of Flight in Seattle.
Starting near the end of December, students accepted into the first round of the program have been completing essay, math and graphics projects every other week, said Melissa Edwards, WAS director.
Learning delayed by snow days
January 31, 2012
Hall Monitor Michael Payant Liberty High School
As a senior at Liberty High School this year, I often feel I have experienced about everything there is to experience in high school.
I have seen nearly every school sports team play, seen multiple school drama productions, participated in numerous band concerts, attended numerous school dances, taken many of the most difficult classes Liberty has to offer and seen many things I could never have imagined.
Yet a couple weeks ago, as semester finals were set to begin, it started snowing. After having Monday off for Martin Luther King Jr. day, the snow gave us Tuesday off, and then Wednesday, and then Thursday and then Friday. A whole week off, during finals no less.
Suddenly, teenagers around Issaquah turned back the clock. As snow built up, student stress everywhere melted away, and we were all little kids again.
Cramming for social studies became “Snowman-building 101.” Cramming for physics became a real-life application of physics — sledding down snow-covered hills.
Though many of my senior peers are counting down the days until they get to fly away and start their post-high school lives, the snowstorm a few weeks ago brought us all back.
In a world of ever-mounting pressure, college applications, job interviews and a fast-approaching future, the early January snowstorm gave us all one last chance to turn back the clock and be kids again at least one more time before we have to grow up.
Feb. 1 Student Crossword Puzzle
January 31, 2012
Energy Crossword Puzzle — Feb.1
Fair or not, sports bring in more money than arts
January 24, 2012
Katie Sutherland Eastside Catholic High School
After continued cuts in funding for budgets that support high school art programs nationwide, an important question has been raised in the minds of students: Do high schools devote a disproportionate amount of their focus and money to athletics? Opinions are split on this issue.
Regarding the extracurricular funding at Skyline High School, some students are outraged at the cuts made to the art program budget, complaining athletics get all of the money and attention. Although this seems unfair to students involved in art programs, athletics — specifically football — generate more school spirit, national attention and revenue for the school than art programs do.
The Spartan football legacy includes a state championship title this year and five additional state titles since 2000. Alumni like Jake Heaps and Kasen Williams, have earned Skyline national recognition. Supporting the team generates income via game ticket sales, concessions and spirit merchandise. Skyline, like many high schools in the country, relies on the success of its football and other sports teams for important funding.
Local high schools’ music programs shine
January 24, 2012
Early bird jazz band is in fine tune
Iman Baghai Issaquah High School
Most students dread the 7:25 first-period bell. But a small group of students might really dread the 6:25 zero-period bell. These students drag themselves to school in order to practice America’s music — jazz.
Under Issaquah High School Director of Bands Patrick Holen, the Issaquah Jazz Band is an audition group of about 25 members. They play a variety of tunes from the swing big-band era, Latin salsas and hard-driven rock music that allows members to fine-tune skills and awaken sleepy minds.
“The experience is worth the lack of sleep,” said Madison Kelly, a pianist and junior.
But the sleep deprivation does kick in at times, according to Alli Gillett, a guitarist and senior.
“The vibe is laid back and chill … though that might be because no one is really awake yet,” she said.
Junior Jack Gentsch chimes in that the students still work hard despite being tired.
How to get back on track with New Year’s resolutions
January 24, 2012
New Year’s Day is now just a distant blur in your rearview mirror, and if you’re anything like most Americans, your resolution has probably fallen by the wayside over the past few weeks. Whether you’re trying to get ripped, kick your “not addiction” to coffee or simply live a more wholesome life, hopping back on board the New Year’s resolution train can be done in just a few simple steps.
Michael Payant
1. Recall your resolution and write it down.
2. Find a friend, and inform this friend of your resolution. Then, whenever you are starting to deviate from your planned course of action, he or she can remind you about your shortcomings. Self-discipline is difficult; peer pressure is easy to submit to.
3. Get into arguments with your friend and blame him or her for your inability to stick to the resolution, even though you secretly know that you are just projecting your own feelings of disappointment.
4. After a brief cooling-off period, make up with your friend by giving him or her a batch of your delicious homemade cookies.
5. If applicable, attach barbed wire to anything you’re trying to avoid as part of your resolution. It will hurt when your eyes, hands, mouth or other sensitive areas are exposed to barbed wire but it will all be worth it.
The Hot List
January 24, 2012
TV: ‘Downton Abbey’
By Veronica Austin Liberty High School
The rich and dramatic period piece, has returned to PBS for its long-awaited second season. Set in Britain during World War I, the show follows the life of the Earl of Grantham and his aristocratic family, as well as their numerous servants, all brought to life by a talented ensemble cast. From the dignified butler, Mr. Carson, to the quick-witted Dowager Countess (played by Maggie Smith, better known for her role in the “Harry Potter” films), each character has his or her own complexity that makes the story feel like a genuine and honest portrayal of ever-changing life in the early 20th century. “Downton Abbey” is certainly something not to be missed. It airs every Sunday at 9 p.m. on PBS.
Movie: ‘War Horse’
Stephen Spielberg’s “War Horse” follows the stories of young Albert Narracott and his horse, Joey, as they struggle their respective ways through World War I. As expected, the film contains more than one tearjerker moment, but the story is well crafted, just as entertaining and dramatic as it is weepy. “War Horse” is a great and ultimately heartwarming adventure, which makes it worth seeing for anyone who remains a kid at heart.
Music: ‘Born to Die’ by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey, who became an internet sensation in late 2011 with her songs “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans” is set to release her debut album, “Born to Die,” at the end of the month. The first four songs of the album have already been released, as the “Lana Del Rey – EP,” a short collection that leaves listeners hungry for more. The soulful chanteuse, who could easily become the next (dare I say it?) Adele, is bound to be the next big thing.
Teen Talk
January 24, 2012
What is your favorite part of the Super Bowl?
Eastside Catholic High School
“My favorite part of Super Bowl Sunday is yelling at the TV with my family and my mom’s homemade chili.”
Lauren Auerbach, senior
“The ridiculous commercials are the second best part of Super Bowl Sunday. The first being the food!”
Julia Hormuth, junior
