Our cool school
Hoopin' it up with Ms. Lang
By Maddy Fitzgerald
Q: What were your expectations going into the basketball season for your first time coaching?
A: I would say I had hopes more than expectations. I was hoping to start setting up a program, to better prepare our players for high school basketball. High school plays faster and more intense than how we played last year. I hoped that this improvement would help make the team more competitive during the season.
Q: What is one thing that you wish would have done differently this past season?
A: I wish I reached out to the high school coach sooner. He was able to give me good drills and plays to do with the team. I think at the end of the season, when we used his drills, it made the players take practice more seriously.
Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching?
A: I love the girls on the team! I enjoy working with them on something that is a passion for both of us. Basketball is a great game and I like being able to help the players improve and get to the next level.
Q: What are your expectations for next season?
A: Unfortunately, a large part of our team from this year is graduating. So we will have many new players to work with next season. I am hoping tryouts go well and we can jump right into the season with intensity. I will be looking to my returning players to help step the team up quickly.
Q: During tryouts, what were you looking for in a player?
A: A positive attitude goes a long way at tryouts. Some things that you are asked to do during tryouts are hard and can put people out of their comfort zone. If a person gives it a try and improves over tryouts, then that says a lot about them. However, at the end of the day basketball is a sport, so I am looking at their skills in dribbling, shooting, defending, and working as a team. Grades and comments from teachers are the last part that go into my selection. School comes first and I want a respectful and hardworking team on and off the court.
Q: Was there one thing that happened this basketball season that made you proud to be a coach?
A: There were so many things.
Q: Is there anything else you feel you haven't covered?
A: I am looking to try and do some conditioning in the fall next year, before the season so if anyone is interested in trying out for next season, they can look for more information when we get back in September. It won’t mean you will make the team, but it will help you with tryouts and getting to know other girls that you have something in common with.
Q: What were your expectations going into the basketball season for your first time coaching?
A: I would say I had hopes more than expectations. I was hoping to start setting up a program, to better prepare our players for high school basketball. High school plays faster and more intense than how we played last year. I hoped that this improvement would help make the team more competitive during the season.
Q: What is one thing that you wish would have done differently this past season?
A: I wish I reached out to the high school coach sooner. He was able to give me good drills and plays to do with the team. I think at the end of the season, when we used his drills, it made the players take practice more seriously.
Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching?
A: I love the girls on the team! I enjoy working with them on something that is a passion for both of us. Basketball is a great game and I like being able to help the players improve and get to the next level.
Q: What are your expectations for next season?
A: Unfortunately, a large part of our team from this year is graduating. So we will have many new players to work with next season. I am hoping tryouts go well and we can jump right into the season with intensity. I will be looking to my returning players to help step the team up quickly.
Q: During tryouts, what were you looking for in a player?
A: A positive attitude goes a long way at tryouts. Some things that you are asked to do during tryouts are hard and can put people out of their comfort zone. If a person gives it a try and improves over tryouts, then that says a lot about them. However, at the end of the day basketball is a sport, so I am looking at their skills in dribbling, shooting, defending, and working as a team. Grades and comments from teachers are the last part that go into my selection. School comes first and I want a respectful and hardworking team on and off the court.
Q: Was there one thing that happened this basketball season that made you proud to be a coach?
A: There were so many things.
- I was really proud of the girls, in our second game of the season against Dag. The girls played as a team and worked really well together. The Dag coach even warned other teams about us because, they were such a threat.
- I was also really proud of how the girls handled themselves in the games against Lincoln. Both games started to get dirty, and some of the opponents were trying to start problems. The WMS girls kept their heads together and played with heart and dignity. They proved in those games that they can play with class and that is something to be very proud of.
- Last, of course was 8th grade night. The 8th graders worked so hard this year and played with such heart, so that was a bittersweet but very proud moment.
Q: Is there anything else you feel you haven't covered?
A: I am looking to try and do some conditioning in the fall next year, before the season so if anyone is interested in trying out for next season, they can look for more information when we get back in September. It won’t mean you will make the team, but it will help you with tryouts and getting to know other girls that you have something in common with.
Should “Squishies” and “Fidget Spinners”
be allowed in schools?
By Julia Skrzyniarz
Squishies and fidget spinners have been a wild craze in schools, but the real questions are: Should they be allowed in schools? Are they a classroom distraction? Do they actually help students with stress relief?
Squishies were invented in Japan. They are made out of polyurethane, which is a foam commonly used in today's cars, and was used in World War II as a coating on planes. Squishies are meant to be a stress reliever. They can help with anxiety. Squishies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents. The scented ones are like aromatherapy with lovely smells that some people find soothing. Squishies can help a student calm down when dealing with stress or anxiety, but can they also serve as a classroom distraction?
Fidget spinners were invented in the United States and were also created to help with anxiety and stress. They are a two or three pronged object with a ball bearing in a circular pad in the middle, and they come in various shapes and colors. They spin between your index finger and thumb. You can do many tricks with them, but are they also a classroom distraction?
I polled four students here at WMS and their responses were as follows:
Q: Do you like Squishies or Fidget Spinners?
A sixth grade student in Cluster 8 said, “I like Squishies, but I’m not too fond of Fidget Spinners because my hair gets caught in them whenever I play with one.”
An eighth grader said, “I like Squishies, but dislike Fidget Spinners because they make a noise when they are spun.”
Q: Do you find either to be a distraction?
An eighth grader, “I don’t find Squishies a distraction, but the fidget spinners can be loud and distract some.”
An eighth grader said, “I feel like the spinners could be a distraction in class because some make loud noises, but Squishies don’t make any noise and they are soft to relieve stress.”
A seventh grader in Cluster 6 said, “I only find loud fidget spinners a distraction.”
Squishies and fidget spinners have been a wild craze in schools, but the real questions are: Should they be allowed in schools? Are they a classroom distraction? Do they actually help students with stress relief?
Squishies were invented in Japan. They are made out of polyurethane, which is a foam commonly used in today's cars, and was used in World War II as a coating on planes. Squishies are meant to be a stress reliever. They can help with anxiety. Squishies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents. The scented ones are like aromatherapy with lovely smells that some people find soothing. Squishies can help a student calm down when dealing with stress or anxiety, but can they also serve as a classroom distraction?
Fidget spinners were invented in the United States and were also created to help with anxiety and stress. They are a two or three pronged object with a ball bearing in a circular pad in the middle, and they come in various shapes and colors. They spin between your index finger and thumb. You can do many tricks with them, but are they also a classroom distraction?
I polled four students here at WMS and their responses were as follows:
Q: Do you like Squishies or Fidget Spinners?
A sixth grade student in Cluster 8 said, “I like Squishies, but I’m not too fond of Fidget Spinners because my hair gets caught in them whenever I play with one.”
An eighth grader said, “I like Squishies, but dislike Fidget Spinners because they make a noise when they are spun.”
Q: Do you find either to be a distraction?
An eighth grader, “I don’t find Squishies a distraction, but the fidget spinners can be loud and distract some.”
An eighth grader said, “I feel like the spinners could be a distraction in class because some make loud noises, but Squishies don’t make any noise and they are soft to relieve stress.”
A seventh grader in Cluster 6 said, “I only find loud fidget spinners a distraction.”
Q: Do you own any Squishies or Fidget Spinners?
An eighth grader said, “I own lots of Squishies and three fidget spinners.”
A seventh grader in Cluster 6 said, “I own two Squishies and three fidget spinners.”
Q: Do you have anything more that you want to tell me about these items?
An eighth grader said, “I like Squishies because they are fun and easy to make and are not as much a distraction [as a fidget spinner] because you can just squish them in your pocket.”
An eighth grader said, “I feel like schools should give them [students] a chance to use them responsibly, and listen to what the teacher says regarding the toys.”
The results of my poll revealed that some students believe that both Squishies and fidget spinners can be helpful, but, between the two, fidget spinners pose more of the distraction. For more information on this topic, visit the links below.
An eighth grader said, “I own lots of Squishies and three fidget spinners.”
A seventh grader in Cluster 6 said, “I own two Squishies and three fidget spinners.”
Q: Do you have anything more that you want to tell me about these items?
An eighth grader said, “I like Squishies because they are fun and easy to make and are not as much a distraction [as a fidget spinner] because you can just squish them in your pocket.”
An eighth grader said, “I feel like schools should give them [students] a chance to use them responsibly, and listen to what the teacher says regarding the toys.”
The results of my poll revealed that some students believe that both Squishies and fidget spinners can be helpful, but, between the two, fidget spinners pose more of the distraction. For more information on this topic, visit the links below.
Mr. Weber's new STEM Lab
By MollyAnn O’Malley
Recently I had the time to interview Mr. Webber, our technology education teacher about his new classroom design and curriculum. Over the summer Mr. Webber's classroom was redesigned and turned into a state of the art STEM lab. When we met he was very excited to share about this new classroom, new equipment and of course his new STEM curriculum.
Q: What is STEM?
A: STEM is project based teaching which incorporates science technology engineering and math. I like to say that in our class we use our brain and tools to create things.
Q: Whose idea was it to create a STEM lab?
A: It was a collaboration starting with Dr. Benigni and he wanted to provide 20th century learning environment for Washington Middle School students.
Q: Do you feel the new room is going to positively influence students and their learning.
A: Definitely, the room is going to let students create and innovate and supports project based learning.
Q: How do you feel about the changes to your classroom?
A: I have been energized about the changes in my classroom; I have been able to create new activities for our students which will help STEM based learning.
Q: What would you say is the biggest improvement to your room?
A: It's tough to pick one thing because the room itself has so many great changes, but if I had to pick one, it would be the addition of the CNC machine (computer numeric control), which introduces students to modern day manufacturing.
Q: If you can add one more thing to your room what would it be?
A: Technology changes too fast and we try to keep up with the changes right now I think the next big thing I would like to add to the tech ed curriculum are the design and use of drones.
Q: Is there anything else you want to tell us?
A: I'm excited to have a modern day technology based classroom and looking forward to creating with all the students at Washington Middle School.
Recently I had the time to interview Mr. Webber, our technology education teacher about his new classroom design and curriculum. Over the summer Mr. Webber's classroom was redesigned and turned into a state of the art STEM lab. When we met he was very excited to share about this new classroom, new equipment and of course his new STEM curriculum.
Q: What is STEM?
A: STEM is project based teaching which incorporates science technology engineering and math. I like to say that in our class we use our brain and tools to create things.
Q: Whose idea was it to create a STEM lab?
A: It was a collaboration starting with Dr. Benigni and he wanted to provide 20th century learning environment for Washington Middle School students.
Q: Do you feel the new room is going to positively influence students and their learning.
A: Definitely, the room is going to let students create and innovate and supports project based learning.
Q: How do you feel about the changes to your classroom?
A: I have been energized about the changes in my classroom; I have been able to create new activities for our students which will help STEM based learning.
Q: What would you say is the biggest improvement to your room?
A: It's tough to pick one thing because the room itself has so many great changes, but if I had to pick one, it would be the addition of the CNC machine (computer numeric control), which introduces students to modern day manufacturing.
Q: If you can add one more thing to your room what would it be?
A: Technology changes too fast and we try to keep up with the changes right now I think the next big thing I would like to add to the tech ed curriculum are the design and use of drones.
Q: Is there anything else you want to tell us?
A: I'm excited to have a modern day technology based classroom and looking forward to creating with all the students at Washington Middle School.
Get to know Mrs. Stair, school counselor
By Cristina Vegliante
Recently, I met with Mrs. Stair, our 7th grade school counselor to learn about her role at Washington and find out more about her. Currently, Mrs. Stair is supporting the 7th grade students and is promoting college and career readiness month.
Q: What do you do as a school counselor?
A: I am here for all students to help them be successful. I work with lots of students on academic and social concerns that they might have. I also help students think about their future, possible carriers, and high school and college planning to help them reach their goal. It’s never to early to start planning for the future.
Q: What made you want to become a school counselor?
A: I used to be a teacher and I found myself always wanting to help students, so I got my masters degree for school counseling.
Q: What do you often talk about with students?
A: I often talk with students a lot about goal setting, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Q: Is it hard being a school counselor?
A: I love my job!! I enjoy being a school counselor so it makes it a lot easier especially because I LOVE Washington Middle School and my seventh grade students.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
A: My favorite part of my job is seeing students grow and learn new things each year. I also enjoy high school planning with students.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
A: Outside of school I enjoy hiking, especially in the fall. I also love to camp and travel.
Q: If you could visit somewhere that you have never been, where would it be?
A: I would visit the Galapagos Islands to see the turtles.
Q: If you weren’t a counselor, what job would you like to have?
A: If I wasn't a counselor I would love to be a travel consultant.
Q: What do you do on your free time?
A: I like spending time with my kids, Matthew and Madeline, and my dog, Lulu.
Recently, I met with Mrs. Stair, our 7th grade school counselor to learn about her role at Washington and find out more about her. Currently, Mrs. Stair is supporting the 7th grade students and is promoting college and career readiness month.
Q: What do you do as a school counselor?
A: I am here for all students to help them be successful. I work with lots of students on academic and social concerns that they might have. I also help students think about their future, possible carriers, and high school and college planning to help them reach their goal. It’s never to early to start planning for the future.
Q: What made you want to become a school counselor?
A: I used to be a teacher and I found myself always wanting to help students, so I got my masters degree for school counseling.
Q: What do you often talk about with students?
A: I often talk with students a lot about goal setting, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Q: Is it hard being a school counselor?
A: I love my job!! I enjoy being a school counselor so it makes it a lot easier especially because I LOVE Washington Middle School and my seventh grade students.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
A: My favorite part of my job is seeing students grow and learn new things each year. I also enjoy high school planning with students.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
A: Outside of school I enjoy hiking, especially in the fall. I also love to camp and travel.
Q: If you could visit somewhere that you have never been, where would it be?
A: I would visit the Galapagos Islands to see the turtles.
Q: If you weren’t a counselor, what job would you like to have?
A: If I wasn't a counselor I would love to be a travel consultant.
Q: What do you do on your free time?
A: I like spending time with my kids, Matthew and Madeline, and my dog, Lulu.
The power of girls volleyball
By Sami Park
This wonderful volleyball season defined teamwork. We have 18 spectacular girls who trained hard, did our best, and won. This sport is a sport where fitness meets fun, girls meet teamwork, and dedication meets awesomeness. We have a varsity team plus a junior varsity or JV team. We both rocked it and had so much perseverance. Varsity always played first at games while JV watched and boosted them up. We have so many amazing memories and all the girls loved it but, we could not have done it without our amazing coach, Mrs. Coon. Being all together was the most awesome thing ever.
Playing volleyball isn’t the only thing we were good at. We did a great job fundraising and raising money. As a team held a can and bottle drive to raise money for our team and we also gave Midstate Medical Center some of our proceeds. The money we contributed to Midstate was to help fight breast cancer. We also wore these super cool black breast cancer socks with the cancer logo on them, to help spread awareness about women with breast cancer. I had such a fun time helping others, especially since I did it with my team.
This season we played against many different schools such as Nathan Hale Ray, Dodd, DePaolo, Kennedy and our crosstown rival, Lincoln. Some of the games are only 15 minutes away, while for some we traveled as far as 45 minutes. On the bus, we all sang songs, giggled, and ate yummy boosters. Boosters are a snack that we always eat before a game. Two different team members are in charge of bring a snack to every game. The idea behind the snack is that they boost up our energy and our confidence. Mrs. Coon asks that we incorporate a catchy phrase to go along with our snack such as, “we have to pop the ball over the net”, for popcorn, or “we are gushing with awesomeness”, for Gushers, and many more fun slogans.
At our home games, we have someone sing the national anthem before the game. We have had many great singers volunteer for this honor. Each and every one of our games start at 3:30 PM and always end at different times depending on how fast or slow the game is going.
The games were fun and exciting to play but we also did many activities that can go under the fun category. On the day of a game, team members would dress up according to a theme picked by our captains. Some examples included twin day, mismatch day, USA day and sometimes we just dressed fancy. We had a volleyball party at one of our captain’s house where we made pink t-shirts and did many fun team building activities.
This year all the hard work in our practices paid off. Washington Middle School’s 2017 Volleyball team was the conference champions and we will receive the first gym banner. The varsity had a 8-2 record which included beating Lincoln twice. We finished our successful season by beating the staff in the “student vs staff” game. What an exciting game it was. This was the first year the students won.
After our last game against Lincoln, the whole team went together to McDonald’s. Lastly, we had a pizza party to celebrate our wonderful, fun season. When you mix eighteen girls, yummy boosters, teamwork, training hard, winning season and fun, how can you beat that? This volleyball team is not only a team, but a family. Come join this amazing sport and enjoy your incredible experience.
This wonderful volleyball season defined teamwork. We have 18 spectacular girls who trained hard, did our best, and won. This sport is a sport where fitness meets fun, girls meet teamwork, and dedication meets awesomeness. We have a varsity team plus a junior varsity or JV team. We both rocked it and had so much perseverance. Varsity always played first at games while JV watched and boosted them up. We have so many amazing memories and all the girls loved it but, we could not have done it without our amazing coach, Mrs. Coon. Being all together was the most awesome thing ever.
Playing volleyball isn’t the only thing we were good at. We did a great job fundraising and raising money. As a team held a can and bottle drive to raise money for our team and we also gave Midstate Medical Center some of our proceeds. The money we contributed to Midstate was to help fight breast cancer. We also wore these super cool black breast cancer socks with the cancer logo on them, to help spread awareness about women with breast cancer. I had such a fun time helping others, especially since I did it with my team.
This season we played against many different schools such as Nathan Hale Ray, Dodd, DePaolo, Kennedy and our crosstown rival, Lincoln. Some of the games are only 15 minutes away, while for some we traveled as far as 45 minutes. On the bus, we all sang songs, giggled, and ate yummy boosters. Boosters are a snack that we always eat before a game. Two different team members are in charge of bring a snack to every game. The idea behind the snack is that they boost up our energy and our confidence. Mrs. Coon asks that we incorporate a catchy phrase to go along with our snack such as, “we have to pop the ball over the net”, for popcorn, or “we are gushing with awesomeness”, for Gushers, and many more fun slogans.
At our home games, we have someone sing the national anthem before the game. We have had many great singers volunteer for this honor. Each and every one of our games start at 3:30 PM and always end at different times depending on how fast or slow the game is going.
The games were fun and exciting to play but we also did many activities that can go under the fun category. On the day of a game, team members would dress up according to a theme picked by our captains. Some examples included twin day, mismatch day, USA day and sometimes we just dressed fancy. We had a volleyball party at one of our captain’s house where we made pink t-shirts and did many fun team building activities.
This year all the hard work in our practices paid off. Washington Middle School’s 2017 Volleyball team was the conference champions and we will receive the first gym banner. The varsity had a 8-2 record which included beating Lincoln twice. We finished our successful season by beating the staff in the “student vs staff” game. What an exciting game it was. This was the first year the students won.
After our last game against Lincoln, the whole team went together to McDonald’s. Lastly, we had a pizza party to celebrate our wonderful, fun season. When you mix eighteen girls, yummy boosters, teamwork, training hard, winning season and fun, how can you beat that? This volleyball team is not only a team, but a family. Come join this amazing sport and enjoy your incredible experience.