Hello Bobcat's Meow Fans!
Our blog will be taking on a new look in a new place very soon. We will be branching out into two blogs called Shout! which will be news and events at GBS from an 8th grade perspective, and Game Face, which will be all about active kids at GBS and what they do.
We're in the planning stages of those blogs right now, but we hope to launch them both ASAP! Stay tuned!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Marvelous Mariposa
By: Matt Davis
On Thursday June 10th, Mrs. Blanchette's and Mrs. Ripley's classes headed off to the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough. The 6th grade went to the Mariposa to learn about the history of our area and South America.
Ms. Cullinan was telling me some info on the Mariposa and this is what I got. A lady named Linda Marsella went all around the world picking up artifacts. Linda Marsella loved kids, she traveled all around the world just for kids to learn and respect other cultures. On January 1st 2001 David Blair and Linda Marsella built the Mariposa. It was finally done and open by January 1st 2002.
Our grade learned about South America. There is almost a whole floor with folkart and artifacts from South America. The Mariposa is very hands on. For example, there is a sign that reads, “Please try on costumes!”. There are also a ton of puppets to go along with the costumes. The most hands on part of the museum is the instruments. The have hundreds!
That's all have to say about the Mariposa.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Summer Vacation
By Emma Kendall & Julia Cooper
Ashley Ruston said " I am going to MA to visit my Gram's cottage."
"I am going to Maine to hangout with the pigeons!" Anonymous exclaimed.
Another kid said, "My dad is planing a secret vacation for us [ our family ] ."
"I hope to visit my new nephew in Florida, go to Chicago with my daughter, and visit the beaches of Maine, " Mrs. Ketchum replied.
Reilly McCarty told us "I am going to field hockey camp, working with my dad, camping, going to Maine, going to Hampton, and hanging with Ivy and friends."
"[I'm] hanging with her best friend Reilly, camping, going to Hampton," Ivy B. said.
Lexie also said, ''I am going camping, going to Hampton and Maine."
"I am going to Boston then flying to LAX then to Sidney Australia then to Brisbane Australia then to the Australia Zoo, then back again for my make a wish!" Julia Cooper exclaimed.
''I'm going crazy,'' exclaimed Mr. Ketchum.
Chelsea B replied, ''I am going to Maine and Pennsylvania."
"I am riding four wheelers and dirt bikes,'' said Jeffery P.
Collin B. stated, ''I am going camping in Maine."
''My mom is doing Days of Summer [Camp at the Rec] so I am doing that,'' commented Carly S.
''I am going camping and horse back riding camp for 2 weeks'' said Brianna L.
Hannah F. stated, '' I am going to Florida for 2 weeks''.
Cameron said, '' I am having a friend come from far away''.
''I am going to sleep in late,'' replied Zoey.
Emma said, ''I am going to Maine, Vermont, and horse back riding camp.''
Well we got lots of replies on where people are going. From all of the people we have heard from, Julia is going the farthest. The closest place people are going is their home. What ever you do this summer have fun doing it!
Hope you have fun in the sun!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Summer Fun
by Andrew Hunt
What do you like to do during the summer? Well, there are many things that you can do. There's biking, swimming, and roller hockey. Those are just a few out of the dozens that you can pick. I think that all of the summer sports are fun so you should try some too. Colin, a 5th grader, says “ I like to swim and go on bike rides.”
Do you get bored during the summer? Then you should go for a bike ride. Biking is a great way to get out of the house away from all distractions. If you don't like biking, you could get a pair of roller skates and roller skate around for a little. It may be hard at first, but it is also fun to try out. Cameron, a student here, said “I like swimming because if it's a hot day, you can cool off.”
Don't like the sports we just mentioned? Then try taking a walk. It's fun to see all the different things that are outside. You can see birds flying above your head and hear woodpeckers hitting trees. Mrs. Gnade, a teacher at GBS, says “Hiking is my favorite thing over the summer because I like being outside in nature.”
Anything there that interests you? Then try it when you have time over the summer. I heard it's going to be great.
We Can't Be Silent About Silent Movies!
By Colin Brinkley
Do you like movies? I am sure you said yes, but how about SILENT movies? If you're in E.L.P, than you had a free ticket to see Buster Keaton and other people in 3 funny, old movies that are silent, with music by Jeff Rapsis! We watched Lizzies of the Field, Mooney Mariner and the last is Cops. Hope you were able to come 7th and 8th block on Monday, May 24th!
So, who is Buster Keaton anyways? Buster Keaton was an old actor who was famous back in his days. He was born on October 4th, 1895 and died on February 1st, 1966. So that means he was 70 years old! Buster Keaton was married 3 times. He was married to Nataline Talmadge (1921-1932), then Mae Scriven (1933- 1936) and Eleanor Norris (1940-1966). He was acting from 1898–1966. So he was a actor around the age of 3 until around 68. Thats around 65 years!
Now, lets see who Harold Lloyd is! We didn't get to see Harold Lloyd, be he was famous, too. Harold Lloyd was like Buster Keaton, a old actor who was famous a long time ago. He was born on April 20th, 1893 and passed away on March 8th, 1971. So that means he lived to be 77, and would be 117 if he was still alive! He was married to Mildrid Davis from 1923, February 10th – 1969, August 18th, sadly her death. Harold Lloyd was an actor from 1913-1969, exactly 50 years! He also got the “1953 Lifetime Achievement”!
We know who our actors and performers are, so how what did people think about the movies?
“Very fun and interesting” said Andrew Hunt, a member of E.L.P. Magazine.
“Good sound affects, and basically, the actors faces told the story.” said Arielle Garner, another member of Magazine.
So movies, quiet and loud, all came from the silent movies, which are all # 1!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
When Students Fly
by Emmasae Hallen
Students flying? Do they have wings? No..... Do they have jets? No...... Do they have Mr. Bolduc to teach them to fly a plane? YES!
Aviation Club, which is run by the fantastic Mr. Bolduc, it is almost over and there is only one more meeting to go, June 15th. Mr. Bolduc wants to set up a field trip for the club to go to a Young Eagles meet sometime this month.
What is Young Eagles? Young Eagles is a program that if you are between the ages of 8 and 17 years old, wants to offer you the chance of the lifetime. Learn more at http://www.youngeagles.org
Did you know that Aviation club is open to ALL kids.?The club has had kids that were home schooled and even kids is 3rd and 4th grade. This year he has one 5th grader, three 6th graders, one 7th grader and three 8th graders. “They can come when they want,” Mr. Bolduc said, “I know they have sports and things so if they can't make it than thats fine with me.”
Aviation Club introduces the principles of flight, and puts students in the cockpit with Microsoft Flight Simulator. “It's a great experience for learning the techniques of flight,” Levi Clark said.
So join Aviation Club, students really can fly.
Students flying? Do they have wings? No..... Do they have jets? No...... Do they have Mr. Bolduc to teach them to fly a plane? YES!
Aviation Club, which is run by the fantastic Mr. Bolduc, it is almost over and there is only one more meeting to go, June 15th. Mr. Bolduc wants to set up a field trip for the club to go to a Young Eagles meet sometime this month.
What is Young Eagles? Young Eagles is a program that if you are between the ages of 8 and 17 years old, wants to offer you the chance of the lifetime. Learn more at http://www.youngeagles.org
Did you know that Aviation club is open to ALL kids.?The club has had kids that were home schooled and even kids is 3rd and 4th grade. This year he has one 5th grader, three 6th graders, one 7th grader and three 8th graders. “They can come when they want,” Mr. Bolduc said, “I know they have sports and things so if they can't make it than thats fine with me.”
Aviation Club introduces the principles of flight, and puts students in the cockpit with Microsoft Flight Simulator. “It's a great experience for learning the techniques of flight,” Levi Clark said.
So join Aviation Club, students really can fly.
A Silent Movie ?
Yes, a silent movie. On Monday the twenty-fourth of May, 2010, some of Great Brook School walked down to the town hall to see three silent movies. One of the movies was the Moony Mariner. The Moony Mariner was about a guy going to the moon. It was a great movie even though it was silent.
You could actually know what the movie was about. The movie is about a sailor who sailed the seven seas. When he comes back to marry a woman he loves he has to go to the moon. The one twist is he does not know that it is a rocket ship, he thinks its a regular ship. On the way to the moon something goes wrong with the ship and lands in a Turkish spa.
The sailor thinks he is on the moon. When he sees people in the spa he thinks they are aliens. He accidentally went into the girls part of the spa. After that the cops start chasing him. When he gets out of the spa he runs into a blast zone and gets blasted all the way back to the house.The people there think he came back from the moon and he ends up marrying the girl.
Ms. Cullinan said “I thought the movie was really ridiculous. I liked seeing a Turkish spa since we don't really have those anymore, and I enjoyed the movie”. A student from 7th grade named Andrew Hunt said, “That movie was really funny”. Everyone thought that Billy Dooley's makeup was girly but that was because it was stage makeup and was not made for movies. That was about Moony Mariner.
You could actually know what the movie was about. The movie is about a sailor who sailed the seven seas. When he comes back to marry a woman he loves he has to go to the moon. The one twist is he does not know that it is a rocket ship, he thinks its a regular ship. On the way to the moon something goes wrong with the ship and lands in a Turkish spa.
The sailor thinks he is on the moon. When he sees people in the spa he thinks they are aliens. He accidentally went into the girls part of the spa. After that the cops start chasing him. When he gets out of the spa he runs into a blast zone and gets blasted all the way back to the house.The people there think he came back from the moon and he ends up marrying the girl.
Ms. Cullinan said “I thought the movie was really ridiculous. I liked seeing a Turkish spa since we don't really have those anymore, and I enjoyed the movie”. A student from 7th grade named Andrew Hunt said, “That movie was really funny”. Everyone thought that Billy Dooley's makeup was girly but that was because it was stage makeup and was not made for movies. That was about Moony Mariner.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Fun In The Sunshine
by Angie L.
Everyone here at GBS is getting geared up for a tidal wave of fun at the end of the school year! Nobody is more anxious than the eighth graders, who are ready to say goodbye to Great Brook. Most of us will be going to ConVal High School in Peterborough.
Upcoming events this June are:
June 9th – Fly up day. Fifth graders give their fourth grade buddies a tour of GBS.
June 10th – Student congress elections. Seventh graders eligible to run for president!
Also on June 10th, sixth graders will visit the Mariposa museum.
June 11th – Students flaunt their talents at the variety show!
Also on June 11th, the eighth grade semi-formal dance.
15th – Sixth graders go to Adam's Playground as an end-of-year special.
17th – Students of the Year (SOY) go to Canobie Lake Park.
18th – Eighth graders go to Seven Maples Campground (which has an arcade and a heated pool!)
21st – Eighth grade celebration (a.k.a graduation) and the last day of school for eighth grade.
22nd – Finally, the much-anticipated...
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (for 5, 6, and 7)!!!
“I'm not coming to school on the 21st OR the 22nd, because technically I'm a freshman and I don't have to come to an eighth grade class!” eighth grade JT Clough said. “But I'm coming to the celebration because there's food.”
When asked how he felt about eighth graders graduating a day earlier than him, Colin Brinkley said, “Normally I wouldn't mind, but since I have some friends in eighth grade it kind of makes me a little mad.”
It isn't just the kids who are ready for vacation – lots of teachers feel like they need a break from school too! “It's been a great year,” said Ms. Cullinan, the ELP teacher. “Now I'm looking forward to spending lots of time with my daughter at Gregg Lake.”
Although no teachers are retiring this year, there will be some changes. Ms. Bundy, one of the fifth grade teachers, will be teaching sixth grade. Ms. Darling, the eighth grade language arts teacher will be leaving because there are a lot less eighth graders next year, therefore less demand for teachers. Many kids are hoping to see her at ConVal.
Several eighth graders are experiencing mixed feelings. Triston Spaulding said, “I'm kinda glad, kinda not because we're going to a new school and we'll be the little guys again.” Lots of eighth graders feel this way. “It's going to be weird going to school with the same towns we've been in competition with for four years,” said an anonymous source.
Regardless of what's going to happen next year, we all deserve a nice, relaxing break. So have fun in the sun, but don't take it for granted, because the beginning of the next school year will be here before you know it!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Silent Movies Review
by Liz Chase
What are silent movies? On Monday May 24, almost half of the students at Great Brook went to the Antrim Town Hall to see silent movies. Silent movies are just movies from the 1920's without sound and people come and play music for the movie.
The silent movie that I liked was Cops staring Buster Keaton, and the other movies were A Mooney Mariner staring Billy Dooley and the last one Lizzies of the Field staring Billy Bevan.
This movie Cops is based on Buster trying to impress a girl that he likes, but she rejects him because he is not wealthy, so he tries to find away to get the girl that he wants. But, his plan fails and he is chased by a whole town of cops. My favorite part of the movie was when Buster is turning a corner and as he is putting his hand out. A mean dog bites his hand!!
8th grader Jt Clough said “I liked it because it had no stuntmen, it was all true.'' A lot of the students liked the part of the movie when buster is on the ladder and the cops play seesaw and Buster stays right in the middle were he thinks he is safe ,but he isn't, so all the cops come after him again. 8th grader Angie LaFave said, “ I liked how Buster stole the wallet and did tricks so that he could keep it.” 7th grader Andrew Hunt said, “I thought it was really funny, especially since none of the cops could catch Buster.” So that is what this movie was about, hopefully next time we can see other silent movies like those.
CO2 Cars
by Andrew Hunt
Are you wondering what kids have been doing in Mr. Sweeney's room? Some kids in 7th grade have been building Co2 powered cars. What is a Co2 powered car and how long is the track? Well this article is talking all about Co2 cars. Joel, a 7th grader, said “[It was] very interesting [and] definitely fun.”
A Co2 powered car is a type of car that uses a Co2 cartridge that, with enough pressure, will launch. The cars are made with wood and the Co2 cartridge goes in a hole in the back of it. You are the one who designs your own car so if you haven't been in 7th grade yet you may want to start thinking, especially if you're in 6th grade.
The cars have two screws with loops in line on the bottom of the car which helps steer it. There's fishing wire that the cars have on the bottom of the screws and that makes the cars stay in control. The track is 65-70 feet long and the average car goes 20mph or more. The race track is in the gym and this race there are 30 cars and 95% of them will actually make it to the finish. The track has two lanes which have fishing lines to control the car to the finish.
Dillon, a 7th grader, said “It was fun and just fun to learn how to make CO2 cars.”
Some of the designs were really creative because one person made a rainbow that looked cool but kept getting disqualified by falling over. Some other creative designs were a skateboard ramp, swiss cheese, and a soda bottle.
And they're off! The Co2 cars were great. The fastest car was Mr. Sweeney's car and it traveled the whole distance in just a half a second! The fastest car made by a kid was Joel's car that went the whole distance in 57 hundredths of a second. The average speed for his car was 71.77Mph.
I asked Mr. Sweeney about why he does this project and he said “[It is] so kids can learn to use the machines, and to learn about materials. It is also to learn about aerodynamics, mass speed and drafting and it is also fun.”
The kids in 7th grade thought that the Co2 cars were really fun and it was a cool project.
Are you wondering what kids have been doing in Mr. Sweeney's room? Some kids in 7th grade have been building Co2 powered cars. What is a Co2 powered car and how long is the track? Well this article is talking all about Co2 cars. Joel, a 7th grader, said “[It was] very interesting [and] definitely fun.”
A Co2 powered car is a type of car that uses a Co2 cartridge that, with enough pressure, will launch. The cars are made with wood and the Co2 cartridge goes in a hole in the back of it. You are the one who designs your own car so if you haven't been in 7th grade yet you may want to start thinking, especially if you're in 6th grade.
The cars have two screws with loops in line on the bottom of the car which helps steer it. There's fishing wire that the cars have on the bottom of the screws and that makes the cars stay in control. The track is 65-70 feet long and the average car goes 20mph or more. The race track is in the gym and this race there are 30 cars and 95% of them will actually make it to the finish. The track has two lanes which have fishing lines to control the car to the finish.
Dillon, a 7th grader, said “It was fun and just fun to learn how to make CO2 cars.”
Some of the designs were really creative because one person made a rainbow that looked cool but kept getting disqualified by falling over. Some other creative designs were a skateboard ramp, swiss cheese, and a soda bottle.
And they're off! The Co2 cars were great. The fastest car was Mr. Sweeney's car and it traveled the whole distance in just a half a second! The fastest car made by a kid was Joel's car that went the whole distance in 57 hundredths of a second. The average speed for his car was 71.77Mph.
I asked Mr. Sweeney about why he does this project and he said “[It is] so kids can learn to use the machines, and to learn about materials. It is also to learn about aerodynamics, mass speed and drafting and it is also fun.”
The kids in 7th grade thought that the Co2 cars were really fun and it was a cool project.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The 4 most wacky Activities Done by G.B.S. Students Over April Vacation!
by Colin Brinkley
Number 3: Jamie Ammon played game called Narnia, based on the hit movie, with 7 other girls!
Number 2: Austin Stacy was watching daycare children. He said a word, and all of them kept on repeating it over and over!
And... what you have probably been waiting for... put your Bobcat paws together for...
Number 1: Jack Vance had seen a man on the street singing Frosty the Snowman!
If you did anything interesting, wacky, weird, or silly things that was not put here, I am sure your friends would love to here about them, if I did not put them in. But congratulations to the kids who are in here! You had SUCH a weird vacation!
*The Bobcat's Meow does not endorse calling strangers! Ask your parents before exchanging any personal info with people you meet online!
So, did everyone enjoy April vacation? What are somethings you did? Were they fun, exciting, sad (I hope not!), or even just plain out weird? Well, what this is all about, The 4 most interesting, wacky, weird, or silly things done by our local G.B.S. Students!
Number 4: Cameron Ibach called his friend, who lives all the way down in Illinois, that he met in a game called LittleBigPlanet! [Editor's note: Please see disclaimer at bottom of page!]
Number 3: Jamie Ammon played game called Narnia, based on the hit movie, with 7 other girls!
Number 2: Austin Stacy was watching daycare children. He said a word, and all of them kept on repeating it over and over!
And... what you have probably been waiting for... put your Bobcat paws together for...
Number 1: Jack Vance had seen a man on the street singing Frosty the Snowman!
If you did anything interesting, wacky, weird, or silly things that was not put here, I am sure your friends would love to here about them, if I did not put them in. But congratulations to the kids who are in here! You had SUCH a weird vacation!
*The Bobcat's Meow does not endorse calling strangers! Ask your parents before exchanging any personal info with people you meet online!
Football's Back!
By: Matthew C Davis
Football's back in 6th grade! On April 26th, at recess, we got the nice surprise of being able to play football.
Mr. Ketchum was waiting for us to get outside. All the footballers met Mr. Ketchum in the new field for football. He explained all the new rules then we started playing.
Kevin Foley said, “Football's fun, but I dislike the new rules.”
The new rules for 6th grade football are pretty different.
1.No contact
2.Flags not 2-hand touch
3.Ten yards for one first down
4.Only five players on each team
5.Others will be subs
6.Subs go in after every four plays
The reason we lost football in the first place was because we played too hard and tackled. After that, some students met with Mr. Elder and Mr. West. They told Mrs. Ketchum to have students write out some new rules and she would show them at the teachers meeting. The other 6th grade teachers accepted the rules. The next day in class Mrs. Ketchem told us that after the upcoming April vacation, we could play football at recess.
Eli Rokes said, “ It was worth the effort!” If we follow the rules, we can all keep playing.
To this day, I play football just like 10 to 20 others!
Football's back in 6th grade! On April 26th, at recess, we got the nice surprise of being able to play football.
Mr. Ketchum was waiting for us to get outside. All the footballers met Mr. Ketchum in the new field for football. He explained all the new rules then we started playing.
Kevin Foley said, “Football's fun, but I dislike the new rules.”
The new rules for 6th grade football are pretty different.
1.No contact
2.Flags not 2-hand touch
3.Ten yards for one first down
4.Only five players on each team
5.Others will be subs
6.Subs go in after every four plays
The reason we lost football in the first place was because we played too hard and tackled. After that, some students met with Mr. Elder and Mr. West. They told Mrs. Ketchum to have students write out some new rules and she would show them at the teachers meeting. The other 6th grade teachers accepted the rules. The next day in class Mrs. Ketchem told us that after the upcoming April vacation, we could play football at recess.
Eli Rokes said, “ It was worth the effort!” If we follow the rules, we can all keep playing.
To this day, I play football just like 10 to 20 others!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The All-State Music Festival
By Emmasae Hallen
Saturday, May 15, 2010, eleven lucky students were chosen to go to the All-State Music Festival. Unfortunately 4 student didn't go because of the funeral of the loving Bekah L. Warren.
So what is All-State? All-State is a concert that a few kids from band, chorus and orchestra in each school are chosen to go to. Each musical group will get kids from in the Southwest District in NH. Hundreds of students go and play the songs they are assigned. This year we have some GREAT musicians. Here are the students.....
Band: Ben Wescott (8), Baritone Sax
Tyler Aborn (8), Tenor Sax
Emmasae Hallen (8), Baritone Horn
Joe Edwards (8), Trumpet
Alternate:
Beth Cheaney (8), Alto Sax (didn't go)
Chorus: Sally Paquette (8), Soprano
Nicole Tatro (8), Soprano (didn't go)
Liz Durgin (8), Alto (didn't go)
Ty Doncaster (8), Bass
Joel Barwood (7), Bass
Orchestra: Timothy Hollingsworth (8), Violin (didn't go)
What does alternate mean? Beth Cheaney is the only alternate this year. An alternate is if a musician does not show up or if they can't go the alternate will go instead. Beth is doing this because she went last year as well. But, she didn't go anyway because of the funeral. Beth said, "I went last year and I had a good time, so I went to the funeral instead this year."
What music did they play? Each musical group plays different music.
Band- Grizzly Bear Rag, A Day at the Zoo, Normandy Beach
Chorus- Cantante Domino, Jubilant Song, As Long as I Have Music, United We Stand
Orchestra- Blue Fire Fiddles, Bossa Verde, Rondeau, Hungarian Dance No.5
They played for 6 hours on Saturday, then they had their concert! "I had so much fun that I didn't want to leave!" Joel Barwood said. They did an amazing job and they all had a blast! "They sounded awesome! I can't wait till next year to hear them play," said Ms. Moran.
Great job All-State kids!
Saturday, May 15, 2010, eleven lucky students were chosen to go to the All-State Music Festival. Unfortunately 4 student didn't go because of the funeral of the loving Bekah L. Warren.
So what is All-State? All-State is a concert that a few kids from band, chorus and orchestra in each school are chosen to go to. Each musical group will get kids from in the Southwest District in NH. Hundreds of students go and play the songs they are assigned. This year we have some GREAT musicians. Here are the students.....
Band: Ben Wescott (8), Baritone Sax
Tyler Aborn (8), Tenor Sax
Emmasae Hallen (8), Baritone Horn
Joe Edwards (8), Trumpet
Alternate:
Beth Cheaney (8), Alto Sax (didn't go)
Chorus: Sally Paquette (8), Soprano
Nicole Tatro (8), Soprano (didn't go)
Liz Durgin (8), Alto (didn't go)
Ty Doncaster (8), Bass
Joel Barwood (7), Bass
Orchestra: Timothy Hollingsworth (8), Violin (didn't go)
What does alternate mean? Beth Cheaney is the only alternate this year. An alternate is if a musician does not show up or if they can't go the alternate will go instead. Beth is doing this because she went last year as well. But, she didn't go anyway because of the funeral. Beth said, "I went last year and I had a good time, so I went to the funeral instead this year."
What music did they play? Each musical group plays different music.
Band- Grizzly Bear Rag, A Day at the Zoo, Normandy Beach
Chorus- Cantante Domino, Jubilant Song, As Long as I Have Music, United We Stand
Orchestra- Blue Fire Fiddles, Bossa Verde, Rondeau, Hungarian Dance No.5
They played for 6 hours on Saturday, then they had their concert! "I had so much fun that I didn't want to leave!" Joel Barwood said. They did an amazing job and they all had a blast! "They sounded awesome! I can't wait till next year to hear them play," said Ms. Moran.
Great job All-State kids!
Independence Can Be Fun!!!
by Jt Clough
What is a independent study project? And where do you make them? Independent study project is a project that you work on by yourself or with an adult that you know. The independent project has to be very creative. Some of the projects already done are a sculpture out of cardboard and paper, a painting, collage and a bag made of CapriSun pouches!
The independent study projects are made in Ms. Bando's room. Students only make them in 7 and 8th grade.The independent study projects are really fun but they require a lot of work. Ms. Bando gives you ideas and supplies for your project. She encourages you to think outside the box.
Ms. Bando said, “There is no common project, everything is different”. She says she loves seeing the potential in the kids. Ms. Bando gives the kids 8 weeks to do the project. Most of the kids get their projects done in 4 to 30 hours. One of the most creative things Ms. Bando has seen was a sculpture made out of gas cans. An 8th grader, Emmasae Hallen said “ I liked them because they are challenging”. Another 8th grader Liz Chase said, “ I liked them because it gives you a chance to make stuff you don't make in school”.
Kids make all of these amazing things and they actually like doing this. They love making paintings, sculptures and everything in between. Now you know what an independent study project is.
Victory At Mount Monadnock
by Angela LaFave
Imagine trying to balance on the top of a mountain while 60-mph winds buffet you from all sides. Picture battling winds that can knock down a 200-pound grown man. That's exactly what happened on Thursday, April 29, when the eighth graders who stayed back from Washington DC had a memorable trip. We hiked Mt. Monadnock, which, at 3,165 feet tall, is the second most climbed mountain in the world.
The trail we took was called the White Dot Trail, which is shorter, yet steeper than its parallel trail, the White Cross Trail. There were many steep cliffs and walls we had to climb. Sometimes the cliffs were smooth from water runoff, and those were very difficult to scale.
As we neared the top, many were exhausted from carrying backpacks up the steep parts of the trail. Luckily, we had plenty of water and snacks to go around.
The terrain was getting rockier and much more slippery. Since it had snowed the previous day, there was a steady stream of water trickling slowly down from the summit, covering most of the footholds in cold water. We had to be careful not to slip as the climb grew steeper. A strong wind blew, which knocked some off balance. The wind was a dangerous enemy for those balancing precariously on narrow cliffs. Luckily nobody was hurt.
We were stopping to take a break when a man walked past, panting. The man was more than twice my weight. He said, “I was there for about a half hour but the wind was really throwing me around up there, so I came down.” This news caused most of the remaining hikers to turn back, leaving only me and my dad. We were exhausted after taking turns carrying the backpack, but we were determined with less than a mile to go. The wind knocked us over several times, and sometimes we accidentally stepped in small pools of water, unable to see the ground through the inch-thick blanket of pure white snow. However aggressive the traction on our shoes, it didn't matter because they were wet with slush.
We were supposed to turn back at 11:30, and it was 11:29. But the summit was in view, so near yet so far. Determined to reach it, we climbed faster up the steep rock face. Everyone who had made it was walking past. The “caboose” (Ms. Brown, guidance counselor) was right there in front, and you weren't supposed to go behind her.
This was it. We hadn't made it to the top. I turned around, defeated and exhausted.
Then Ms. Brown said, “Hey, the summit's right there if you want to keep going.”
When I heard those hopeful words, all the adrenaline rushed back and I sprinted for a few yards until I came to a steep chunk of rock with no footholds. It was surrounded by two walls of stone. With my back against one wall and my feet planted on the other, I crab-walked straight up the cliff.
Within minutes I was at the summit. I surveyed my surroundings, feeling triumphant. It was a beautiful view; the lavender mountains in the distance, the lush green of the golf courses, and the sparkling blue lakes. I could see every car on the highway below, and our school bus parked miles away – a tiny yellow line amongst thousands of miles of view. It was a beautiful day. The sky was blue, streaked with white clouds that were lined with golden sunlight. “Okay,” my dad said. “This has to be way better than DC.”
A wild gust of wind came out of nowhere and knocked me flat on my back. I quickly stood back up and positioned myself so that the next gust of wind wouldn't do the same as the last one. When the next gust came, I stood my ground. Tiny chips of rock and glass struck my face. I stumbled over to a flat rock and crouched behind it, where the wind couldn't do any more damage. After a few quick snapshots my dad followed, along with Ms. Brown.
We were ready to climb back down. Panting, my dad said, “I think going back down is even more difficult than climbing up!” All the twisted ankles we endured on the way up came back at once when pressure was focused on them.
It took less time to get down, but it seemed like an eternity of pain and strained muscles. Finally we reached the spring, which was a meeting point for all of us. Everyone around me was exhausted, even the people who hadn't even reached the halfway point. I asked how far my friend had made it. “I was within 100 yards of the summit, and I am exhausted!!” she boasted. She told me where she stopped and turned around... which was more like a mile from the summit.
The next day, most people who climbed the mountain were absent. All the people who did go to school that day went around Antrim to pick up trash.
Out of 20 who stayed behind from DC, only 14 actually tried to climb the mountain. Out of 14 climbers, only 3 boys and 2 girls made it to the summit. So, congratulations to:
Corrine Frosch
Sean Campbell
Aaron Lakus
Storm England
and me.
Anybody who hasn't climbed Mt. Monadnock should at least try. It's a big challenge, a beautiful view, plus bragging rights!
FUN FACT: There are many people, young and old, who set aside time to climb the mountain every day!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dragon Aid (the Play with the Fiery Kick)
by Arielle Garner &
Emma Kendall
Did you see the play Dragon Aid? What did you think of it? The play was about a prince who turned into a dragon. 16 years later, the sister finds out her older brother is the dragon and he's in cahoots with the fake knight who is trying to marry her!
There were about 35 people preforming the play. We started practicing it on March 17th then we performed the play at the town hall in Antrim on May 16th and May 17th. We felt very rushed but it turned out great. Kids from GBS in the script writing class had written the entire play. Another group of kids in the costume design class had made, bought, found and borrowed every thing that was needed to put all the costumes, including the big dragon. Here are some comments of what people thought of the play:
''Back stage was really fun and I liked hearing the audience cheer.” said Arielle Garner.
"It was exciting to be able to be a part of the play. It was awesome to be able get up on stage'' said Emma Kendall.
Emma Kendall
Did you see the play Dragon Aid? What did you think of it? The play was about a prince who turned into a dragon. 16 years later, the sister finds out her older brother is the dragon and he's in cahoots with the fake knight who is trying to marry her!
There were about 35 people preforming the play. We started practicing it on March 17th then we performed the play at the town hall in Antrim on May 16th and May 17th. We felt very rushed but it turned out great. Kids from GBS in the script writing class had written the entire play. Another group of kids in the costume design class had made, bought, found and borrowed every thing that was needed to put all the costumes, including the big dragon. Here are some comments of what people thought of the play:
''Back stage was really fun and I liked hearing the audience cheer.” said Arielle Garner.
"It was exciting to be able to be a part of the play. It was awesome to be able get up on stage'' said Emma Kendall.
"I thought it was pretty fun. I liked performing in it'' said Brittany Labatt.
''I thought it was astounding! The actors where fantastic and the script writers and costume design did a great job'' said Mrs. Ketchum.
The play seemed to be a big hit! Everyone liked it. Everyone in the play enjoyed being a part of it as well. And the costume designers scriped writers did a fabulous job on evry thing.
Marching Band Is Marching on!
By Liz Chase
Marching band is when the concert band marches in different towns each year. The three towns we march in are Bennington, Antrim and Hancock. This years Memorial Day Parade is in Hancock. Mrs. Moncrief told us that we are going to get shirts that are red and we have to wear them with black shorts (if its hot out!).Also you need good marching shoes, and drink plenty of WATER and sun block and bug spray is required.!!!
What is marching band you ask?. Marching band is for all 6th- 8th concert band students. If you would like to do marching band you need a permission slip from Mrs. Moncrief and your lyre, a lyre is sheets that hold your music so it doesn't fall out while your marching. If you do not have a lyer you need to tell Mrs. Moncrief A.S.A.P! Because she is putting in orders for them very soon.
On Tuesday May 25th there will be an after school rehearsal for marching band from 2:30-4:00. On May 3,1 for the Memorial Day Parade, all marching band students must be at the Hancock elementary school at 1:30 to warm up, then the parade will start at 2:00. Mrs. Moncrief says that, '' I have been doing this for years now, and I think that all the students will remember this for awhile.'' 8th grader and flutist Daviana Penny says '' I love doing band and chorale''. Also 8th grader flutist Katrina Manalouise says '' I like band, but sometimes it's really hard with the notes.'' I am a flutist myself and I have been doing marching band for three years now. So, a reminder, there is marching practice on Tuesday the 25th. So come march with us, if it's too late, join next year.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Students of Excellence
By: Matt Davis
At 7:30 AM on Friday, April 2nd there was an assembly. There were a couple things that happened at that assembly. I'm writing about the students of excellence portion.
Students of Excellence is a way of pointing out the students the excel in academics. Mrs. Ketchum keeps track of it. She has all the lists of previous assemblies. You can earn a excellence certificate from showing craftsmanship, academic achievement or citizenship. Each grade has a teacher who selects 5 or 6 students from there grade. The fifth grade teacher is Mrs. Bigford, sixth is Mrs. Ketchum. For 7th grade it's Ms. Leclerc and Ms. Darling for eighth. There is even a teacher for specials. That's is Mrs. Moran.
For this assembly's Students of Excellence there was a couple kids from each grade. Here's a list of the names:
Fifth grade – Dexter Ingalls, Michael Belliveau, Joshua Fowler and John Hardwick.
Sixth grade – Allison Fife, Michael Whitney, Courtney Lowe, Chance Brekka, Makenzie Christiansen, Russell Warren and Jordan Robertson.
Seventh grade – Jamie Ammon, Shauna Myers, Dominique Tarr, Matt Metzemaekers and Shauna Driscoll.
Eighth grade – Shania Langlois, Daviana Penny, Kelsea Colburn and Jesse Edwards.
That's all the students of excellence from April 2nd!
GBS Play This Weekend!
Come see Dragon-Aid, The Flavor with the Fiery Kick! this Sunday, May 16th @ 2pm at the Antrim Town Hall!
It stars some of our own journalists, as well as many other GBS students
Costumes, set crew and scriptwriting done by our own GBS students as well!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Exchange City
By Julia Cooper
Exchange City finally came for the 6th graders on May 12, 2010. 6th graders had to learn a lot of things before they go to Exchange City. For example how you interviewed for a job – everyone looks at a list with all of the jobs on it and choose your 3 favorite, then you interview for them. Some of the jobs are Policeman / Policewoman, DJ, Reporter, Mayor, Judge, Health Care person and others. You pretend you are a towns person and try things to make items sell for your business.
Some items are ‘hot’ so they sell faster because everyone wants it. ‘Not hot’ items sell slower because no one wants it. You might try to lower your price so that people will buy it. Because of that you have to choose a good price for things so you make a profit and sell the item.
You also learn how to make a check, deposit money, endorse a check, ands how to write all of this down in your checking account. You can only go to Exchange City one day in 6th grade. Exchange City is on 25 Granite Street in Portsmouth NH. When the 6th graders go to Exchange City they will get paid for the job they do in Exchange City money. You will get paid twice and be able to have a time to shop around and buy things from other shops.
According to the Exchange City Website, “Students will: Create job resumes and job applications, Have real job interviews, Become part of a business team, Develop a business plan, Develop a marketing plan, Make materials purchases, Produce real products, Price real products and services, Market real products and services, Calculate payroll expenses, Take on business accounting services, Use a personal checkbook, Make bank or credit union deposits and Make bank or credit union withdrawals.”
“Students and their businesses also: Fill out a business loan application, Take out a business bank loan, Write radio advertisements, Write newspaper advertisements, Design business signs and logos, Create business slogans, Pay taxes, Pay utilities, Pay rent, Repay commercial bank loans, and Make payroll.”
I talked to a few people in 6th grade to see how they felt about Exchange City.
“[It] is really an incredible hand’s on experience [and] is one of the best ways for kids to learn about economics” Ms. Rice said.
“My favorite part [of Exchange City] is to watch students to do their jobs and to shine in ways they do not in the class room,” Ms. Rice stated. “I love [Exchange City] but it is a long and exhausting day [for the students],” Ms. Rice added.
“I think it’s was fun because we acted like adults. It think it also help us understand economics better. I hope every 6th grade gets to do this it, was so fun! ” Anonymous exclaimed.
“I thought that it was a lot of fun because we got work/act like adults for a day. Now I know what its like to be a adult.” Another anonymous person announced.
I hope all the 6th graders had fun!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
"Paws" and See the Extended Paw Store Hours!
Hey look ! Now there is more time to get fun new toys fr
om the paw store!Did you know the paw store is now open from 1:40 to 2:05 as well as the regular times in the morning on Wednesdays? Jill Pierson, KJ Ammon, Lilly Holt, David Blanchard, Matt Metzemaekers, Mike Comeau and Alyssa Mackay are going to run it in the afternoon. There are lots of different and new toys to get now at the paw store. Take a look at these pics I took of the afternoon paw store.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Canned Food Drive
by Andrew
Are you wondering what your kids are meaning when they say “Can I bring some caned food into school?” Well then, you're reading the right article. The whole school of GBS are collecting non-perishable foods for the Antrim food bank. 5th grader Jeffery said “It's basically about to help out the community.”
The goal for the canned food drive is 2,316 and there are approximately 325 kids in the school. That means that every kid in the school need to bring in approximately 7 cans each. Thats not much to give up. Mrs. Welch said, “I think it makes students think that it's good to help the community.” If we get that goal, Mr. West will give a special prize to the whole school. Mrs. Kidd, the one who started this food drive, believes that the school can get 3,000 cans which means each kid must bring in approximately 9 cans each. The canned food drive will last until the 16th of April and Mrs. Kidd thinks that we'll reach our goal on the 14th because the whole school may bring in a ton of cans in on the last week. Mr. Winchester stated that “It's nice to have assistance when your in a hole.”
Thats the update on the canned food drive. Please remember to send in cans so we can reach our goal.
Are you wondering what your kids are meaning when they say “Can I bring some caned food into school?” Well then, you're reading the right article. The whole school of GBS are collecting non-perishable foods for the Antrim food bank. 5th grader Jeffery said “It's basically about to help out the community.”
The goal for the canned food drive is 2,316 and there are approximately 325 kids in the school. That means that every kid in the school need to bring in approximately 7 cans each. Thats not much to give up. Mrs. Welch said, “I think it makes students think that it's good to help the community.” If we get that goal, Mr. West will give a special prize to the whole school. Mrs. Kidd, the one who started this food drive, believes that the school can get 3,000 cans which means each kid must bring in approximately 9 cans each. The canned food drive will last until the 16th of April and Mrs. Kidd thinks that we'll reach our goal on the 14th because the whole school may bring in a ton of cans in on the last week. Mr. Winchester stated that “It's nice to have assistance when your in a hole.”
Thats the update on the canned food drive. Please remember to send in cans so we can reach our goal.
Life of a Union Leader Newspaper
Life of a Union Leader Newspaper
The E.L.P Magazine class had plenty of fun on the 26th of March... we had a trip to to the Union Leader! The Union Leader is a newspaper company in Manchester,
New Hampshire. We saw how they make the article and print the paper! Now lets see... the life... of a... Union Leader newspaper!
While at the Union Leader Printing building...
1st,Write. 2nd, Type. 3rd, Edit. 4th, Print. Last, send!
If sent to a store...
1st, Receive. 2nd, Display. Last, purchase!
If sent to your home or once purchased from a store...
1st, read. Then keep!
or...
1st, read. 2nd, recycle. Last, reuse!
or...
1st, read. 2nd, thrown away. Then, last, sent to a dump.
Once at the dump...
1st, compressed. 2nd, buried. Oh no... GLOBAL WARMING! NOOOOO!
The paper they use:
That's only a MONTH supply!
Lets get some paper!
This is one of the machines that reach up and pull the paper off from those massive paper stacks you saw earlier in the article.
Comics!
Here is the sheet they use to make the comics, but this one has been framed in wood.
Being Printed:
This is only part of the machine!
More of the machine...
That's about half of the machine... there is some downstairs, too!
Like a roller coaster!
This machine comes down from above and picks up news papers and carries them to next room. But the whole belt is around 45 times larger.
Lots of advertising!
These are the advertisements that the hide in the paper! These are from Home Depot.
Lets read!
Now, after all of that, you read it! Picture credit below.
http://www.clipartof.com/details/clipart/23429.html.
Now that you know the every day Union Leader newspaper, do you think that you want to BE one?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Week Without 8th Grade
By Emmasae Hallen
No 8th grade? Most of the 8th grade students at GBS are on a class trip to Washington DC for 5 days. The Monday after vacation at 7:00 am is the departure time for a week without 8th graders.
Here is a schedule of what they are going to be doing.....
| Day 1 Monday April 26, 2010 | 7:00AM 12:00 PM 9:00 PM | Depart from school Statue of Liberty/ Ellis Island- eat lunch Check into Best Western- Arlington |
| Day 2 Tuesday April 27, 2010 | 7:00AM 8:30 AM 11:45 AM
1:00PM 2:00 PM 5:00PM 6:30PM 7:30PM | Breakfast at Hamlet in Crystal City National Zoological Park Group Picture at the Capitol Building, Capitol
Building Tour (inside) Lunch at Ronald Reagan Building Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House U.S. Holocaust Museum Dinner at the Pentagon City Mall Kennedy Center, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial |
| Day 3 Wednesday April 28, 2010 | 7:00AM 8:00AM
11:00AM 12:30PM
4:30PM 6:00PM
7:00PM | Breakfast at Hamlet in Crystal City Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima
Memorial National Archives Sightseeing on the Smithsonian Mall until
4:30PM. National Air & Space Museum,
Museum of Natural History Depart for Baltimore Arrival and Viewing of the halls at Medieval
times Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament begins |
| Day 4 Thursday April 29, 2010 | 8:00AM
9:00AM
11:00AM 12:15PM 1:30PM 3:30PM 5:15PM
7:00PM | Check out of the hotel and depart for breakfast
at the Hamlet in Crystal City Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean
Memorial, World War II Memorial National Cathedral, Embassy Row Lunch at Ronald Reagan Building Museum of American History Depart for Baltimore Check in at the Holiday Inn Express in
Baltimore Baseball Game: Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees with dinner |
| Day 5 Friday April 30, 2010 | 7:00AM 8:00AM 6:00PM | Breakfast at the hotel and check out Depart for home- Lunch enroute Estimated arrival in Antrim NH |
“Why are we going to these places anyway?” 8th grader Jesse Edwards asked. Ms. Doherty answered, “ To go see the museums are a valuable experience to these kids. Most of these things they are studying right now.” For example the they are learning about the Holocaust so they are going to the U.S. Holocaust Museum. Also their text books are called the American Journey so they are going to the Museum of American History.
When the students are not in their room they are not allowed to have their phones with them. They have to give their phones to their chaperones.
“I think it's dumb that they are taking our phones away. What if we need them?” Jack St. Jean said. If you are caught with your phone after they tell you to give it to them they call your parents. If they catch you again you could be sent home.
“I am really excited to go! This is my first year going on the trip but I remember when I went when I was in 8th grade. It was so much fun!” Ms. Leclerc said. This is Ms. Leclercs 1st time going, for Mr. Bolduc however has gone on this trip for 13 times.
It sounds fun doesn't it? Wish them well and have fun while they aren't here! Too bad for the unfortunate 8th graders that have to stay here at GBS while they others have fun on the trip. But they have some great plans for them to do here too.
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