Volume 1, Issue 2

January 2010

Highlights in this Issue: • Student

Council Vice President’s

Update • Snows Days • Orange & Blue Book Reviews

Contributors:

Alex Sestak

Brian Gay

Sara Hamlin

Terri-Lee Bixby

Monica Johnson

Susie Lu

Aishwarya

Suresh

Julie Kittleman

Mark Mero

View more footage taken during Mero’s Presentation. Go to Video Clips on The Heart of Soule Mainpage.

8340 Soule Road Liverpool, NY 13039

We’re only on the Web!

See us at:

www.liverpool. k12.ny.us/webpages/

srmnewspaper/

Soule Road Middle School

WWF Wrestler Grapples with Substance Abuse and Tragedy

By: Shuting Lu

Welcome to The Heart of

Soule Online

Student Newspaper!

J.Zolick

G. Watson

On November 24th, 2009, Marc Mero, a former wrestler who just so happened to have graduated from Liverpool High School, came to Soule Road Middle to talk about the choices we make. He created an organization called “Champion of Choices”, which goes around the country teaching teens about the ways that their actions will affect their future. Marc Mero used events that occurred during his early years to teach us about these ideas. For instance, he used his parent’s divorce to show us unfortunate things which may happen that you have no control over. He also told us that he used to keep a diary of things that he greatly desired, which he still has up to today. Using himself as an example, he told us that it would be a very smart idea to write down both your dreams and goals like he did. This way, you would be able to know what you are inspiring for. Also, you are probably more likely to actually achieve these dreams or goals if you have them written down, even though they might seem too crazy to ever become reality. Using his life experiences as examples, he reinforced many other ideas, which are likely to help us in our lives, current as well as future. Marc Mero showed us that the actions we do will likely impact others lives. We could bully someone, or help them, and by helping them, we are able to gain a friend for life. He said, “People will forget what we did or said, but not the feelings that we made them feel.” To help us grasp this concept, he talked about the past, when he was not a very nice person, and he used to beat up his family, and how he feels about it now. He also said something along the lines of, “Precious stones live forever, while sticks burn up.” Would you rather be a stick of wood, or a precious, lovely gem? Continued Page 3

Heart & Soule/ Volume 1, Issue 2 / Page 2 of 5

Why is it that when a student says “gym”, all some kids think about is showing up, not doing anything and getting a ninety? Whenever parents see their kid’s report cards, the last class that they check is gym. I think that gym should be taken more seriously. One reason gym should be taken more seriously is that gym is a test of your physical abilities. It can help you know if you are healthy or unhealthy. Also, gym is important to people who don’t play an after school sport because gym may be the only exercise they get all year. Why do people go to a “gym” anyway? To get in shape! The same objective should apply in “gym” class. Many parents, teachers (and some students) will argue that school is supposed to be based on a learning environment. However, recent studies have shown that active kids are more likely to gain more information and improve learning with physical education. Parents will also say that kids are so excited to go to gym as their next class so they don’t focus in the class they are already in. That is true, but many kids have gym first block so they go to gym, wake up then go to other classes. Also for the kids who don’t have gym first block, our school and many other schools switch the order of our classes from week to week. So one week they will miss some class work in English and the next week Science, but that same week they do well in English. Gym is also important because it works on team building and also individual fitness. When you read all the big news, child obesity is a huge problem. It works on things that later in life will be useful, such as understanding how to take care of your body and when and what to eat. Gym is a very important part of our educational program. It is the class that balances fun and competition with sitting and listening. Also many kids like me have ADHD so getting rid of our energy is an important learning process. As you can see gym should be taken more seriously!

Gym Class Should be Taken More Seriously! By: Alex Sestak

“Life is precious.

You make your own life

and choices. Others can’t do

it for you. Dream big

to be a champion.”

Childhood obesity is a big problem in the

United States (no pun intended). Gym class

should help set patterns for healthy

activity for life-

Mero… Cont. from Page 1 What follows are some of the comments Mero made in his presentation. Mero tried to teach us using his own life as an example. It starts with a dream, and you will be able to gain a lot of things that you may not have thought was possible before. Believing is seeing, even if seeing may not be believing. You should listen to your heart, and it will lead you in the right direction. Making a living is not the same as living it. You can get many items that you think will bring you true happiness, while the things that you really need cannot be bought with any amount of money. If you are the one being bullied, you should know that everyone hurts sometimes, everyone cries and you should hold on. You shouldn’t let go. This idea was reinforced by a slideshow of people that he once knew, but had committed suicide at around our age. No matter how bad life is, hold on. Life has to go on, and it will indeed get better as time goes by. You shouldn’t be afraid to reach out for help if you are having family problems. Marc Mero reinforced these quotes by talking about his own losses, such as the death of his parents, as well as his sibling and friends. Life is precious, and you make your own life, others cannot do it for you. You have to think big, dream big, to be a champion. You should challenge yourself, make good choices, and be nice. You should think positively, so you are able to have fewer problems in your life. Many students commented after his presentation that it was quite a fun experience having a guest speaker at our school just before Thanksgiving Break. And, Marc Mero was probably one of the best we have ever had.

G. Watson

G. Watson

Her deaf-blindness was only the beginning of her victory. Her life did not start at her birth. Instead, after five years of mental and emotional isolation, it began at the water pump. For the first two years of her existence, Helen Keller was like every other two-year-old—energetic, carious and into everything. But when her visual, verbal and sound-filled world was stolen from her due to a life-threatening illness, she let herself go wild. She was the queen of Ivy Green, her plantation home in Alabama. And if you did not do what she demanded, you’d be beaten and bitten. She was very bright and she knew when she was in the wrong. She’d gloat and brag to herself. “Phantom,” as Keller later nicknamed her child-self, had control over her entire mind and anyone she was acquainted with. But when the rushing water poured from the pump, she sensed a connection. And as Anne Sullivan’s fingers spelled out its name into her palm, it finally…clicked. Her door to her mental prison opened. And Helen did not

Heart of Soule/ Volume 1, Issue 2 / Page 3 of 5

Orange & Blue Book Reviews

Books on the Brain? Join the Heart of Soule BLOG and share the books and authors that make you want to read more!

The World I Live In Reviewd By: Sara Hamlin

walk out…she ran. She ran and ran. Her arms out straight, blind eyes oblique and ears pricking with a new sound—the sound of communication and understanding. Writing more than three autobiographies, Helen Keller became widely known as an inspiration for both handicapped and able-bodied people. But The World I live In was and still is, perhaps the most prominent book she had ever authored. It was based on the articles she had written for the Ladies’ Weekly Home Journal magazine, while attending Radcliff College. (Shichtman, 28) The World I Live In is simply stitched with the finest memories. She writes in a very sophisticated manner. Its facts and descriptions are clear and so delicately weaved together, that the truth in the story almost seems fake. She gingerly clenches your heart, inviting you into her world. And carved within her wording, you can hear her silent voice. It is pure and innocent, with words so plain and firm, it can be comprehended by millions, young and old. It has touched the lives of millions, transforming the world’s perspective on the physically handicapped.

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light” -Helen Keller

In Tally’s world, once you are 16 you get to have an operation that turns you from a non-perfect “ugly” into a gorgeous stunning “pretty.” Tally is excited but her best friend Shay would rather be herself and stay in the outside world called “Smoke,” When Shay runs away to the Smoke, a secret society offers Tally a choice…find Shay and expose her world or, be an “Ugly” for life. Her choice shows the ugly side of the pretty world. Read this suspenseful novel and the sequels Pretties, Specials, and Extras , all by Scott Westerfield. By Monica Johnson

We have been doing a lot of work lately in Student Council. As you all know, we had a canned food drive. Your donations were greatly appreciated. We filled up four huge bins! Thank you for your support! For upcoming events, we are planning a spirit week during the week before winter break. Some of these spirit days include heart day, college sports day, or red, pink, and white day. If you have any good ideas, please speak with one of the student council officers. Your ideas will be put into consideration. Also, we are speaking of a dance or a sports clinic in the future. These things are not set in stone yet, so don’t get too excited! Finally, we realize that there hasn’t been a meeting in a while, and we apologize. This is due to the fact that the officers have been coming up with ideas to the rest of the council. There will be a full meeting shortly. Stay tuned. That is all for now. If you have any questions about future events, you can speak to Noelle Killius, Devin Murphy, Katie Bonner, or myself. Thank you for your support. –Brian Gay VP

SOUL POLL

What’s Your New Years

Resolution for 2010?

BOBBY ZYWICKI “To become a better citizen,

make the world a better place, and be nice to

everyone!”

CONNOR VAUGHN “I want to bring my grades

up and study harder. I want to make honor roll in 2010”

LIBBY CORLETT “I would like to become an even faster swimmer and

drop a couple seconds on my times”

KELSEY AUSTIN “My resolution is to improve

my artistic talent”

Student Council Update

BRIAN’s News

By: Aishwarya Suresh

PROJECT GREEN CLUB MEETS WEDNESDAYS

in Mrs. Miller’s room

In the next issue of The Heart of Soule…Speak Your Mind Editorials, Green Day, and the Scholastic Artist Competition. Have a story idea? Let your English teacher know! Writers are always welcome! The Heart of Soule, a member of the Empire State School Press Association is published exclusively online and periodically by the students of Soule Road Middle School, Liverpool Central School District. It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration, Mr. Sheitz or the adviser, Mrs. Colabello.

Who doesn’t love a snow day? The thought of not going to school because of the wintery weather makes some shout in their heads “hooray!” Although we’ve only had a two hour delay so far this school year, it doesn’t stop many from being supersistious when hoping for a storm that will close the schools. There are many different things students do to hopefully get a snow day. Some wear pajamas inside out and backwards. Some say they throw a pencil or ice cube out of the front door. Some say they place cotton balls in the freezer. Some students say they do all three just to hear or see Liverpool Central Schools…closed on the TV screen. Is there a way to prove these little gestures work? Of course not, but it is always worth a try for snow day lovers in Central New York. But, what do people do when the much anticipated snow day finally arrives? Eighth grader, Monica Johnson likes to sleep in. Raymond Theiss admits to playing video games like Modern Warfare II. Teachers take advantage of the day off too. Social Studies teacher, Ms. Pallotta, enjoys taking her dog Maya on a long run. Technology teacher, Mr. Stein, is always super excited on snow days. “Snow days are my favorite part of being a teacher apart from teaching the kids,” he said. The highlight of his day? Shoveling!

By: Terr i-Lee Bixby

WWI: Life and Death in the Trenches

In Ms. Pallotta’s social studies class, students recently learned about World War I. What it was really like in the trenches was explored when students took part in an activity to give a soldier’s perspective. On the stage in the cafeteria, students watched an old video showing scenes from World War I. The special effects and actors were not exactly the greatest but the trenches that the soldiers had to live and fight in were disgusting. Rats, lice, trench foot, chlorine and mustard gas were the biggest threats of the trenches. The video showed the trenches reeking of nasty smells and people lay dead everywhere.

The activity on the stage “was eye-opening” said eighth grader Endy Capeles. A maze of trenches was created on the stage. Students had to duck behind rows of boxes and lay flat on their stomachs to represent the dangers in the trenches. During this time, student “soldiers” wrote letters home to tell the truths of WWI not knowing if they would live or die. Soldiers in one trench then had a timer and when it got to a certain time they had to yell out “over the top.” Then everyone that was lying down on one side would go into “No Man’s Land.” Here, students died very easily. There were bombs and grenades all over the ground. There was a sniper shooting all the time. You had to try to cross over to the other side and duck under the “barb wire” but people from the other side would be “shooting” at you (with crinkled paper, of course). It was a creative way to show what it must have been like while fighting in the trenches. “I hurt my shoulder and flipped over” said Jessica Paccone. Overall, it was definitely better than staying in class and sitting in a seat watching a movie. It was a memorable activity but what the real soldiers had to go through can’t even be describe in words.

Meghan Brien and Delaney

Rogers write letters

home not knowing if they

will survive during the

trench warfare activity

By Julie Kittleman

Heart & Soule/ Volume 1, Issue 2 / Page 5

We’re Wishing for a Snow Day