DFY-IT X's Out Drugs
By Jack Larlee
DFY-It X week at Sierra Vista starts on March 24 and ends on the 28th. It is an event to raise drug and alcohol awareness throughout the school. Students will wear different colors different days to signify “X-ing” out certain drugs. The whole school will participate in this event.
This is the first time DFY-It has done X week at Sierra Vista. On Monday students will wear green, Tuesday orange, Wednesday purple, Thursday red, and Friday black. Students that wear all of the colors will be entered into a raffle and might win an iTunes gift card. There will be a lunch time activity on Tuesday to help raise awareness of X week. Mrs. Knolls said, “X week is a week to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.”
DFY-It hopes to raise drug awareness to Sierra Vista students. This event will show the dangers of drugs to Sierra Vista students.
This is the first time DFY-It has done X week at Sierra Vista. On Monday students will wear green, Tuesday orange, Wednesday purple, Thursday red, and Friday black. Students that wear all of the colors will be entered into a raffle and might win an iTunes gift card. There will be a lunch time activity on Tuesday to help raise awareness of X week. Mrs. Knolls said, “X week is a week to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.”
DFY-It hopes to raise drug awareness to Sierra Vista students. This event will show the dangers of drugs to Sierra Vista students.
Sierra Vista Dances the Jig
By Cameryn Gonzales
On Monday March 17, 2014, Sierra Vista ASB held an activity on the outdoor stage. The activity was to see who could do the best Irish jig. Both students and teachers competed. The teachers that competed were Mrs. Marsh, Mrs. Velazquez, Mr. Drabinski, Mr. Harper, Mr. De la Cruz, Mr. Isquierdo, and Mr. Ballard. The students that participated were Alex Balentine, Logan Shepard and Shane Halstead.
Mrs. Terranova, the ASB director, helped organize the activity. She said the activity was, “a dance off, but it’s the Irish jig.” The winner received a pot of chocolate coins. Mrs. Terranova said that the “ASB committee came up with idea.” ASB judged the contest.
The winner for the teachers was Mrs. Marsh, and the winner for the students was Shane Halstead.
Mrs. Terranova, the ASB director, helped organize the activity. She said the activity was, “a dance off, but it’s the Irish jig.” The winner received a pot of chocolate coins. Mrs. Terranova said that the “ASB committee came up with idea.” ASB judged the contest.
The winner for the teachers was Mrs. Marsh, and the winner for the students was Shane Halstead.
7th Graders Enter Bookmark Contest
By Sean Elmore
The bookmark contest is for every seventh grade English student. It started 16 years ago. The contest is judged on a picture 7th graders draw and a quote from their book. Students must follow the standard regulations for the bookmark contest. Drawings must be done in blue or black pen, be original, and have a title, name and the name of author on the back.
There are over 600 students who have entered. Seventh graders had to turn it into their English teacher, and the teacher will choose 5 bookmarks from each period and will choose how to grade the assignment for the class. The top 25 are picked for the contest and then 8th grade English teachers choose finalist. The top 5 winners get a gift card to Barnes and Noble.
Mrs. Fullemen, who is in charge of the whole contest, said, “This gives kids the chance to be creative.” Cody Malaki, student on Titans, did his bookmark on Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. “It was pretty fun being creative. I would love it if I could do it again!” says Cody.
There are over 600 students who have entered. Seventh graders had to turn it into their English teacher, and the teacher will choose 5 bookmarks from each period and will choose how to grade the assignment for the class. The top 25 are picked for the contest and then 8th grade English teachers choose finalist. The top 5 winners get a gift card to Barnes and Noble.
Mrs. Fullemen, who is in charge of the whole contest, said, “This gives kids the chance to be creative.” Cody Malaki, student on Titans, did his bookmark on Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. “It was pretty fun being creative. I would love it if I could do it again!” says Cody.
America Celebrates Irish History
By Cameron Daggs
Do you know what St. Patrick really did? He chose to put traditional Irish culture and their language into his Christian teachings along with many other things.
St. Patrick was born in Britain to rich parents at the end of the fourth century. When he was 16, Irish raiders attacked his family’s house and then took him prisoner. He was moved to Ireland where he was held captive for six years. While he was in captivity, he worked as a shepherd as far away from people as possible. Since he was so lonely, he turned to religion and became a Christian. After more than six years, he escaped from slavery. Supposedly, God spoke to him in a dream and told him to leave Ireland.
He traveled back to Britain and got another dream from an angel to return to Ireland again and to become a missionary there. There he began religious training which lasted for 15 years. He became a priest and started to convert the Irish to Christianity. St. Patrick did not get rid of all of the Irish traditions though. The Irish honored their old gods with fire so St. Patrick lit bonfires during Easter.
Jordan Bullard said, “I don’t know why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but I know it is celebrated in Ireland.” No matter who you are St. Patrick’s Day is a day where we honor St. Patrick and have fun eating corned beef and doing little jigs.
St. Patrick was born in Britain to rich parents at the end of the fourth century. When he was 16, Irish raiders attacked his family’s house and then took him prisoner. He was moved to Ireland where he was held captive for six years. While he was in captivity, he worked as a shepherd as far away from people as possible. Since he was so lonely, he turned to religion and became a Christian. After more than six years, he escaped from slavery. Supposedly, God spoke to him in a dream and told him to leave Ireland.
He traveled back to Britain and got another dream from an angel to return to Ireland again and to become a missionary there. There he began religious training which lasted for 15 years. He became a priest and started to convert the Irish to Christianity. St. Patrick did not get rid of all of the Irish traditions though. The Irish honored their old gods with fire so St. Patrick lit bonfires during Easter.
Jordan Bullard said, “I don’t know why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but I know it is celebrated in Ireland.” No matter who you are St. Patrick’s Day is a day where we honor St. Patrick and have fun eating corned beef and doing little jigs.
A Showcase of Talent Comes to SV
By Katie Marino
Soon at Sierra Vista, there is a talent show where all of the students come together and showcase their amazing talents. Everyone has something that they’re good at, and with a lot of courage, you can make yourself shine.
Auditions will be held on March 31 in the MPR. Mrs. Terranova and the ASB students are organizing the event. You cannot wear any inappropriate clothes or costumes and you cannot bring any dangerous things (fire, knives, snakes, etc.) and your act must be school safe. “We don’t want anything that’ll burn down the school,” said Mrs. Terranova.
This isn’t the first talent show, so Mrs. Flaherty named some memorable performances. One was Elijah Soronio, who played the piano and sang. Another memorable performance was a girl named Sarah, who did a traditional Brazilian Dance.
This talent show will be a contest. It will be judged by Mrs. Iacenda, Mrs. Terranova, and Mr. Crawford. The best performer will be rewarded a $50 gift card to the Westfield Mall. Second place will get a $15 gift card and third place will get a $5 gift card.
No matter what your talent is, everyone will enjoy a wonderful display of skills. If you want to try out, you should go to the MPR on March 31 and have a chance for everyone to see you shine. Who knows, you could even win the grand prize!
Auditions will be held on March 31 in the MPR. Mrs. Terranova and the ASB students are organizing the event. You cannot wear any inappropriate clothes or costumes and you cannot bring any dangerous things (fire, knives, snakes, etc.) and your act must be school safe. “We don’t want anything that’ll burn down the school,” said Mrs. Terranova.
This isn’t the first talent show, so Mrs. Flaherty named some memorable performances. One was Elijah Soronio, who played the piano and sang. Another memorable performance was a girl named Sarah, who did a traditional Brazilian Dance.
This talent show will be a contest. It will be judged by Mrs. Iacenda, Mrs. Terranova, and Mr. Crawford. The best performer will be rewarded a $50 gift card to the Westfield Mall. Second place will get a $15 gift card and third place will get a $5 gift card.
No matter what your talent is, everyone will enjoy a wonderful display of skills. If you want to try out, you should go to the MPR on March 31 and have a chance for everyone to see you shine. Who knows, you could even win the grand prize!
Eighth Graders Prepare for High School
By Madison Pedersen
At Sierra Vista, another school year is coming to an end. The eighth graders are preparing for high school. Sierra Vista’s eighth graders walked up to Canyon High School to get a feel of what the high school experience feels like. On March 21,2014 students and teachers of the eighth grade walked up to Canyon High School.
As some of the current eighth graders know, last year the eighth grade students and teachers walked to the Edward’s theater to see the movie Lincon, this went well. Because the walk to the movies went well, Sierra Vista is walking to Canyon because Sierra Vista Principal, Mr. Crawford believes the eighth graders are responsible enough to do this. “This is the first year we are doing this. This is to create excitement in looking forward to high school,” says Principal Crawford. Students and eighth grade teachers that attended the even walked up the back way to Canyon through the residential neighborhood. Principal Crawford explained that most eighth grade students attended this event. There was several exceptions because of students that will go to Golden Valley. However, most students will go regardless of what high school they will attend. La Mesa Jr. High’s students that will be attending, Canyon came to this pep rally also.
Canyon High put this event together. There was a pep rally that lasted about 30 to 45 minutes. After that students learned about the sports and clubs that there are at Canyon. There are sports such as cheer, football, soccer, basketball, dance and many more. There are also over 50 clubs at Canyon.
After students went to the pep rally, Sierra Vista walked back down to our school. The trip only lasted about two periods. It went form A period to lunch. Student, Brianne Dudra says, “This experience will help us in high school. Because it will give us (students) an idea of what it will be like next year when we go there.” Overall, students thought that this trip was beneficial to their high school experience.
As some of the current eighth graders know, last year the eighth grade students and teachers walked to the Edward’s theater to see the movie Lincon, this went well. Because the walk to the movies went well, Sierra Vista is walking to Canyon because Sierra Vista Principal, Mr. Crawford believes the eighth graders are responsible enough to do this. “This is the first year we are doing this. This is to create excitement in looking forward to high school,” says Principal Crawford. Students and eighth grade teachers that attended the even walked up the back way to Canyon through the residential neighborhood. Principal Crawford explained that most eighth grade students attended this event. There was several exceptions because of students that will go to Golden Valley. However, most students will go regardless of what high school they will attend. La Mesa Jr. High’s students that will be attending, Canyon came to this pep rally also.
Canyon High put this event together. There was a pep rally that lasted about 30 to 45 minutes. After that students learned about the sports and clubs that there are at Canyon. There are sports such as cheer, football, soccer, basketball, dance and many more. There are also over 50 clubs at Canyon.
After students went to the pep rally, Sierra Vista walked back down to our school. The trip only lasted about two periods. It went form A period to lunch. Student, Brianne Dudra says, “This experience will help us in high school. Because it will give us (students) an idea of what it will be like next year when we go there.” Overall, students thought that this trip was beneficial to their high school experience.
Students Experience a Blast From the Past
By Alexa Palomo
All 7th graders here at Sierra Vista are doing a history project, what you are supposed to do is make a poster and a pop bottle person. The deadline for this is March 28th and the seventh grade teachers will see which of the projects are the best and they will be shown at open house for all parents to see.
Mr. Harper, a history teacher here at Sierra Vista, said that he thinks the students will enjoy doing this project. He also said, “We wanted to do something new. We heard about this and decided to do this project.” Mr. Harper said that it is hard to know for sure if students will enjoy it, but he thinks they will.
Lidoine Hernandez said “I think the project is very creative and artistic for students to do.” The person that she will be doing for her project is Martin Luther and that there is enough time to research and do the poster for her person.
Caroline Shoemake said, “I think there is enough time to finish the project, but I think that if we had just a little bit more time we could make our projects even better.” She says that since she is doing Queen Elizabeth that she will enjoy doing the project.
The project will be a museum at open house so that all parents could see the creative and artistic projects. The parents will be able to see all the things that the students have done throughout the year too.
Mr. Harper, a history teacher here at Sierra Vista, said that he thinks the students will enjoy doing this project. He also said, “We wanted to do something new. We heard about this and decided to do this project.” Mr. Harper said that it is hard to know for sure if students will enjoy it, but he thinks they will.
Lidoine Hernandez said “I think the project is very creative and artistic for students to do.” The person that she will be doing for her project is Martin Luther and that there is enough time to research and do the poster for her person.
Caroline Shoemake said, “I think there is enough time to finish the project, but I think that if we had just a little bit more time we could make our projects even better.” She says that since she is doing Queen Elizabeth that she will enjoy doing the project.
The project will be a museum at open house so that all parents could see the creative and artistic projects. The parents will be able to see all the things that the students have done throughout the year too.
Book Review: The Last Dog on Earth
By Kandace Moreno
Do you need to take a SRC test but you can’t find any good books to read? If you do then you should read The Last Dog on Earth, by Daniel Ehrenhaft. He has received the 2003 Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Young Adult Novel.
The book The Last Dog on Earth is about a teenager boy named Logan Moore who is an only child. He loves to build and make experiments, but has a habit of getting into trouble. Logan doesn’t particularly like anything, in fact he even made a” Things I Hate” list. When he was just 7 years old and now has to live with a controlling stepfather, Robert. Logan is always being compared to his neighbor, Devon Wallace and his dog Otis. Devon was always thought to be perfect kid by Logan’s stepfather and everyone else. While at a block party at the Wallace’s house Logan tries to use one of his inventions but it fails and ruins the whole party. As a result of that his parents are considering sending him to a camp. Instead he got a dog named Jack.
On June 15th there was a report about a dog going crazy and attacking its owner. After that the whole country had gone insane over an epidemic causing dogs to go crazy and attack until it runs out of energy and dies. Now even people are beginning to get the disease. Will Logan and Jack be able to survive and stop this epidemic from taking over the country?
The Last Dog on Earth is worth 13 SRC points and it is only 233 pages long. This book is not found in the Sierra Vista library but you can borrow it from the Santa Clarita library.
The book The Last Dog on Earth is about a teenager boy named Logan Moore who is an only child. He loves to build and make experiments, but has a habit of getting into trouble. Logan doesn’t particularly like anything, in fact he even made a” Things I Hate” list. When he was just 7 years old and now has to live with a controlling stepfather, Robert. Logan is always being compared to his neighbor, Devon Wallace and his dog Otis. Devon was always thought to be perfect kid by Logan’s stepfather and everyone else. While at a block party at the Wallace’s house Logan tries to use one of his inventions but it fails and ruins the whole party. As a result of that his parents are considering sending him to a camp. Instead he got a dog named Jack.
On June 15th there was a report about a dog going crazy and attacking its owner. After that the whole country had gone insane over an epidemic causing dogs to go crazy and attack until it runs out of energy and dies. Now even people are beginning to get the disease. Will Logan and Jack be able to survive and stop this epidemic from taking over the country?
The Last Dog on Earth is worth 13 SRC points and it is only 233 pages long. This book is not found in the Sierra Vista library but you can borrow it from the Santa Clarita library.
Seventh Graders Prepare to Select Next Year's Electives
By Morgan Bledsoe
If you are a 7th grader, you’ve probably been wondering what electives are available for next year in 8th grade. Next year, they will have cooking, video production, teen issues, yearbook, journalism, art, choir, band, ASB, music, and REACH.
Cooking is a class where students learn math and culinary skills, as well as how to prepare delicious meals. Video production is for students who enjoy creating and editing videos. They film small movies and edit them in class. Teen issues is the class where students talk with teachers about issues that teens face. The school newspaper doesn’t make itself, that’s the journalism staff’s job. They create the newspaper for all of the school to read and report on upcoming events.
Art is the class where students learn how to create paintings and learn artistic skills. Chloe Davidson said “I liked art because of the people in the class.” Do you have musical talent? Then maybe you should join band, choir, or guitar. Or maybe you like drums. Then you could join the schools drum line. REACH, or Avid as it was recently called, is for students who want to learn good college skills. ASB plans all of the school dances and activities. Without ASB, we wouldn’t have our holiday activities and spirit week.
Kaylee Weatherford, an eighth grader in yearbook said, “I like yearbook because of the people and all of the fun things we do.” Yearbook is made up of the students who learn how to create and edit a yearbook.
Seventh graders, there are a lot of electives available for next year!
Cooking is a class where students learn math and culinary skills, as well as how to prepare delicious meals. Video production is for students who enjoy creating and editing videos. They film small movies and edit them in class. Teen issues is the class where students talk with teachers about issues that teens face. The school newspaper doesn’t make itself, that’s the journalism staff’s job. They create the newspaper for all of the school to read and report on upcoming events.
Art is the class where students learn how to create paintings and learn artistic skills. Chloe Davidson said “I liked art because of the people in the class.” Do you have musical talent? Then maybe you should join band, choir, or guitar. Or maybe you like drums. Then you could join the schools drum line. REACH, or Avid as it was recently called, is for students who want to learn good college skills. ASB plans all of the school dances and activities. Without ASB, we wouldn’t have our holiday activities and spirit week.
Kaylee Weatherford, an eighth grader in yearbook said, “I like yearbook because of the people and all of the fun things we do.” Yearbook is made up of the students who learn how to create and edit a yearbook.
Seventh graders, there are a lot of electives available for next year!
Honor Society Students Saddle Up For a Tour
By Ava Jackson
On Friday, March 7th , Honor Society students visited the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles. Here the students went on tours of the museum. They saw famous artifacts, studied westward expansion, and even saw a couple of original paintings in the art gallery. Seeing these pieces of art was very significant. These paintings are featured in many 8th grade history books and few 7th grade history books.
Exactly one hundred students participated in this field trip. Some of these students included, Ben Cockarell, Josh Alvarez, and Caroline Shoemake. Ben’s favorite part of the museum was the gun exhibit. He says, “I had a lot of fun! I felt that it was very educational. I’m very glad that I went.” Josh enjoyed the trip and thought it was very educational as well. Josh stated, “My favorite part of the museum was getting to touch all of the animal furs.” Caroline was very entertained with her friends; her favorite part was seeing the running waterfall outside. Caroline explained, “I’m very glad I was able to go. I felt that it was very educational and I’m glad I got to spend time with my friends.”
There were 10 chaperones that attended, including Ms. Kontis, Mrs. Velazquez, Mrs. Fulleman, and some parents as well. Mrs. Velazquez said, “I had a lot of fun. It was very exciting to learn with my group.” It was the first year that she was invited because it applied to history. It was also Ms. Kontis’s first time going; she said she had lots of fun with her group. Most of the teachers and chaperones explained that it was great and almost a perfect field trip for the students. The 8th graders are learning about the Westward Expansion and this field trip was very significant for them. For most of the 7th graders that went, it will be a great start for when they learn about it in 8th grade.
This entire trip was planned by Mrs. Fulleman. She thought that it went very well. Mrs. Fulleman plans the Honor Society trips every year, and she makes it special and unique too. Last year the Honor Society spring field trip was at the science museum in the Discovery Center. Every fall Honor Society goes to the Ronald Regan Museum to do a wonderful simulation. Mrs. Fulleman said, “This field trip was for Honor Society to get a chance to do enriching challenges beyond the classroom.” Mrs. Fulleman’s been running Honor Society since 2006, so for about 8 years at Sierra Vista. Mrs. Fulleman was also in a tour group. She stated, “Our docent, Lew, was a retired orthopedic surgeon so he explained the medical procedures very well.” Mrs. Fulleman also said that she enjoyed talking with the chaperones too.
If you participated in this event, you should have received a coupon for two adults and four kids. This was provided by the museum because they appreciated how well behaved everyone was. If you didn’t have a chance to go on the field trip this year, try to in the fall semester.
Exactly one hundred students participated in this field trip. Some of these students included, Ben Cockarell, Josh Alvarez, and Caroline Shoemake. Ben’s favorite part of the museum was the gun exhibit. He says, “I had a lot of fun! I felt that it was very educational. I’m very glad that I went.” Josh enjoyed the trip and thought it was very educational as well. Josh stated, “My favorite part of the museum was getting to touch all of the animal furs.” Caroline was very entertained with her friends; her favorite part was seeing the running waterfall outside. Caroline explained, “I’m very glad I was able to go. I felt that it was very educational and I’m glad I got to spend time with my friends.”
There were 10 chaperones that attended, including Ms. Kontis, Mrs. Velazquez, Mrs. Fulleman, and some parents as well. Mrs. Velazquez said, “I had a lot of fun. It was very exciting to learn with my group.” It was the first year that she was invited because it applied to history. It was also Ms. Kontis’s first time going; she said she had lots of fun with her group. Most of the teachers and chaperones explained that it was great and almost a perfect field trip for the students. The 8th graders are learning about the Westward Expansion and this field trip was very significant for them. For most of the 7th graders that went, it will be a great start for when they learn about it in 8th grade.
This entire trip was planned by Mrs. Fulleman. She thought that it went very well. Mrs. Fulleman plans the Honor Society trips every year, and she makes it special and unique too. Last year the Honor Society spring field trip was at the science museum in the Discovery Center. Every fall Honor Society goes to the Ronald Regan Museum to do a wonderful simulation. Mrs. Fulleman said, “This field trip was for Honor Society to get a chance to do enriching challenges beyond the classroom.” Mrs. Fulleman’s been running Honor Society since 2006, so for about 8 years at Sierra Vista. Mrs. Fulleman was also in a tour group. She stated, “Our docent, Lew, was a retired orthopedic surgeon so he explained the medical procedures very well.” Mrs. Fulleman also said that she enjoyed talking with the chaperones too.
If you participated in this event, you should have received a coupon for two adults and four kids. This was provided by the museum because they appreciated how well behaved everyone was. If you didn’t have a chance to go on the field trip this year, try to in the fall semester.
Families Experience Fun With History
By Bryce Baker
Do you know why we have workshops at Sierra Vista Junior High? We have them so students can work with their families and learn together, for almost all its departments. Mr. Harper, Mr. de La Cruz, and Ms. Hoggatt led the workshop. The workshop was on March 12th and was in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Mr. de La Cruz called the workshop, “An opportunity for the teachers to have a fun evening with parents and students.” And, “It’s really important for students and families to work together.” At the workshop students and parents had to do an art PowerPoint, timeline project, a claim sheet on the Beatles, and sculpting with Irish Spring deodorant soap.
At the workshop there was free pizza, chips and water. Some students said. Other students like Adrian Pagan said “I learned a lot and it was both interesting and fun.” A student Matthew Guerra said “It was fun and educational.”
The history workshop is to show parents what common core looks like, and have fun with the students and their parents.
Mr. de La Cruz called the workshop, “An opportunity for the teachers to have a fun evening with parents and students.” And, “It’s really important for students and families to work together.” At the workshop students and parents had to do an art PowerPoint, timeline project, a claim sheet on the Beatles, and sculpting with Irish Spring deodorant soap.
At the workshop there was free pizza, chips and water. Some students said. Other students like Adrian Pagan said “I learned a lot and it was both interesting and fun.” A student Matthew Guerra said “It was fun and educational.”
The history workshop is to show parents what common core looks like, and have fun with the students and their parents.
Library Offers New Books to Students
By Hanah Marazzito
Are students in need of new books to read? Sierra Vista will be selling books from the annual Book Fair in the library. Bestselling books like Divergent will be available to buy. Also, Scarlet, the second book from the Lunar Chronicles will be sold. Last year, Cinder, the first book was introduced to Sierra Vista.
The Book Fair comes to the library March 31st to April 4th. Students can stop buy during Open House to check out and buy some of the new books. Books are available online before and after the book fair, starting March 26th to April 14th.
English classes will be visiting the library and giving students a chance to see the books available to purchase. Mrs. Fulleman, the librarian, will be introducing books and telling students what they are about. This can give students an idea of what they might be interested in reading.
All proceeds go to buying more books for the library and paying for SRC tests, which cost $2 each. Mrs. Fulleman stated, “Promoting reading is number one.” She feels the Book Fair gives students the opportunity to buy books they are interested in and to get them to read more. Mrs. Fulleman also explains, “My goal is to earn profits of $2,400[for the library].”
The Book Fair comes to the library March 31st to April 4th. Students can stop buy during Open House to check out and buy some of the new books. Books are available online before and after the book fair, starting March 26th to April 14th.
English classes will be visiting the library and giving students a chance to see the books available to purchase. Mrs. Fulleman, the librarian, will be introducing books and telling students what they are about. This can give students an idea of what they might be interested in reading.
All proceeds go to buying more books for the library and paying for SRC tests, which cost $2 each. Mrs. Fulleman stated, “Promoting reading is number one.” She feels the Book Fair gives students the opportunity to buy books they are interested in and to get them to read more. Mrs. Fulleman also explains, “My goal is to earn profits of $2,400[for the library].”