a w s d the best literature on the block the...
TRANSCRIPT
Interesting
Facts
By Trinity
In the UK, it is
illegal to eat
mince pies on
Christmas.
A flock of
crows is
known as a
murder.
Human saliva
has a boiling
point three
times higher
than water.
Recycling one
glass jar can
save enough
energy to
watch TV for
three hours.
A small child
could swim
through the
veins of a
blue whale.
Volume 8, Issue 4
A W S D
February 2016
The BLOB
The Best Literature on
the Block
Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing By Tessa
Standardized testing. Practically everyone
has taken the OAKS tests: math, reading,
and science in 5th grade, but recently
schools have introduced Smarter Balanced
tests. Smarter Balanced does essentially
the same thing as OAKS but scores on a
different scale and asks for more student-
generated answers. In addition, Smarter
Balanced asks for students to complete
two performance tasks, one in math, and
the other in reading. For reading, students
are asked to use materials given to them
by the test to formulate an essay using
information gathered from the given re-
sources. In math, students are asked to
solve a problem with multiple steps, such
as plan a park path or give how much ma-
terial is needed for any given project.
Studies show that standardized tests have
not helped aid the education system of the
United States and have even pushed the
U.S. further down. Also, standardized tests
do not fairly test a student’s ability and
discriminate toward those who are not flu-
ent in English. These tests narrow the cur-
riculum taught in American schools as
well. Instead of a wide spread of instruc-
tion, teachers tend to teach what is on the
test rather than prepare students to move
up in the world with a solid education.
Speaking of instruction, boring test prepa-
ration cuts into the time teachers have to
teach subjects students will actually use
later in life.
On the upside, standardized tests are just
and a reliable assessment of a student’s
skill level. With all the regulations piled on
top of testing, it is incredibly hard for any-
one to cheat. To go along with that, all the
students are given the same test, give or
take, making it a fair accurate assess-
ment. Needless to say, when you weigh the
pros and the cons, the cons outweigh the
pros by a longshot.
So, with the cons outweighing the pros,
why does the American education rely so
heavily upon standardized testing? Mainly
for the reasons previously listed: they are
fair and, for lack of a better word, stand-
ard. Standardized tests pose as an easy
way to evaluate students and give accu-
rate placing in classes as well. However,
what these tests do not measure is any
quality that is not directly related to math,
science, reading, or writing. Smarter Bal-
anced will not tell you if a student can cre-
ate amazing artwork or if they can pick up
a musical instrument and learn it quickly.
These tests only show who can solve a
math problem, who can write an essay, or
who can analyze a reading passage.
Should we actually continue to use stand-
ardized tests? The cons definitely over-
shadow the pros and most people say no
but the reality of it is if we were to remove
Smarter Balanced from the system, then
another test would be put in place. That
being said, it is likely that something will
change in the future with the amount of
controversy about standardized testing
across the country. Standardized testing in
a way has taken over American schools,
but will likely continue to be used.
Page 2
Dear Bloberta
Sports By Trinity
February 2016
By ?
Dear Bloberta,
Lately, it feels like my parents won’t stop fighting. A lot of the time it’s just for stupid
little things, but I can’t do anything to intervene. Sometimes they go without speak-
ing for days while living in the same house. I’m afraid they’re just staying together so
it’s better for me, but it’s not. I don’t like seeing them both so unhappy. What can I
do?
Sincerely,
Afraid
Dear Afraid,
It can be very hard to be stuck in the middle when your parents aren’t getting along.
The most important thing to do is communicate with them in the best way you can. If
they’re really fighting, either go to a friend’s house or find something you like to do
to get your mind off of it. If you feel you need to, ask them if you can sit and talk with
them about it. It’s important to understand they might be going through a difficult
time and they’re just doing their best. In the end, it’s most important that you com-
municate and keep an open mind toward them.
Sincerely,
Bloberta
The junior high Tigerscot basketball teams according to Mrs. Dennis have
had a tremendous amount of improvement. Dennis also says, " A-team's
greatest strength is being able to play as one and not always arguing. B-
team's greatest strength is effort and strong defense. C-team's greatest
strength is always giving 100 percent in every game." All the teams have not
won many games, but they have all had fun this season. The managers were
Tenley A. and Samantha W. They have both done phenomenal jobs at keep
the scores straight.
The last practice was extremely exciting and a little sad for the eighth grad-
ers. The eighth graders got to pick which activity they wanted to do, they
mostly played bumb. The last game was at Central, sadly all teams came
away with a loss. Even though they ended the season with a loss everyone
is happy with the way the season went and had fun playing this year.
Monthly Poll
Tip of the Month By Cade
By Jazlynne
Volume 8, Issue 4 Page 3
Spring is just around the corner. With Spring on
its way, you should start getting your gardens
ready. You should probably get your seeds and pot-
ting soil in advance. Also, start preparing a spot
for your garden to grow. You
should till your fresh soil and
plant your seeds. With some
water and sunlight, soon you
will have fresh garden items in
no time.
Page 4
Top Ten By Jazlynne
February 2016
Top Ten Franchises Top Ten Songs
1. Dutch Bros. 1. “Love Yourself”-Justin Bieber
2. Taco Bell 2. “Here”- Allessia Clare
3. Subway 3. “One Call Away”- Charlie Puth
4. Wal-Mart 4. “Hands To Myself”- Selena Gomez
5. Denny’s 5. “I Mean It”- G-Eazy
6. Chick-Fil-A 6. “In The Night”- The Weeknd
7. McDonalds 7. “My House”- Flo Rida
8. Maurice’s 8. “Stressed Out”- Twenty One Pilots
9. Rue21 9. “Jumpman”- Drake & Future
10. Hollister 10. “Die a Happy Man”- Thomas Rhett
Top Ten Junk Foods Top Ten Shoe Brands
1. Pizza 1. Nike
2. Donuts 2. Adidas
3. French Fries 3. Jordan
4. Cheeseburgers 4. Converse
5. Ice Cream 5. Vans
6. Chips 6. Lebron
7. Nachos 7. Toms
8. Chicken Nuggets 8. Uggs
9. Flaming Hot Cheetos 9. KD
10. Top Ramen 10. Keds
Life Hacks
Recipes By Cassie
Volume 8, Issue 4 Page 5
By Cade
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose
flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
Directions
1. Heat oven to 375ºF.
2. Mix sugars, butter, vanilla, and egg in large
bowl. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt (dough
will be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips.
3. Drop dough by a rounded tablespoon about 2
inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown
(centers will be soft). Cool slightly; remove from
cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.
Page 6
Calendar By Cloe
February 2016
March 1st Zero Discrimination Day March 8th International Women’s Day
March 10th World Kidney Day March 14th Pi Day March 17th Saint Patrick’s Day
March 22nd World Water Day
March 27th Easter
Volume 8, Issue 4 Page 7
Fabulous Faculty
By Kaeleh
Blast From the Past By Kaeleh
Our Fabulous Faculty this month is
Mrs. Calvert because she is excellent
while working with students. Mrs. Ves-
cio said, ”Whatever I ask her to do,
she will get it done.” She does a great
job at keeping our library clean. Mrs.
Calvert loves being with the books
and the kids. This is Mrs. Calvert’s
third year working at our lively school
and we hope to have her for many
more years to come.
Mr. Bartron then… ...Mr. Bartron now
Megan then… ...Megan now
Page 8
Fact or Fraud By Ellie
February 2016
Yay or Nay By Ellie
Is it true that Daddy-Long Legs are the most venomous spider, but
their fangs are too small to break human skin? The truth is that
these eight-legged pests do not have fangs or venom glands, making
it impossible for Daddy-Long Legs to poison anyone. There has never
been any known case of a Daddy-Long leg biting
a human. Because of this, the only way for peo-
ple to know if this is truly a deadly pest would
be to milk them and inject the venom into a per-
son’s veins. Since there is no scientific proof of
the Daddy-Long Leg being venomous, it is a
myth.
Lately, the subject of carrying purses
and smaller backpacks around from class to
class has been of interest to several students
and teachers. It is understandable that they
are not allowed for certain safety reasons,
such as fire hazards and the issue of carrying
phones. But there are also many benefits, like
carrying books to class so kids are not tardy
after stopping at their locker and carrying per-
sonal items. Mr. Bartron says he is open to the
idea of purses because they are much smaller,
but he doesn’t think there would be enough
room in the class for backpacks. He also un-
derstands that phones would be an issue, but
if a student got caught, they would have their
phone taken to the office and Mrs. Vescio
would determine their punishment. On the oth-
er hand, Mrs. Culham believes that purses are
unnecessary because they can only carry so
little. But she thinks backpacks would be ac-
ceptable so kids can carry their books without
stopping at their locker and end up being tar-
dy. Marcelino B. from the 8th grade said, “Girls
should be allowed to carry purses so they can
carry their lip balm and other needed items.”
Also, two 6th graders thought that the idea of
carrying bags would be a good option so they
wouldn’t have to stop at their locker during
every break. How do you think purses and
bags would affect
being in the class-
room?
Volume 8, Issue 4 Page 9
Student of the Month — February
By Hadden
4th Grade ~ Brennan 5th Grade ~ Cameron R
6th Grade ~ Theo
7th Grade ~ Lebraun 8th Grade ~ Cameron C
Page 10
Did You Know By Cade
February 2016
By Tenley
What happened on this day in history?
For a long time, Valentine’s Day has been a day set aside for love and en-
dearment. In fact, this romantic tradition dates back to the Roman ages. One
of the most popular tales is of a Saint called Valentine. During his time, Em-
peror Claudius II was the emperor of Rome. Unfortunately, he had a habit of
getting into hostile situations and not having the soldiers to defend his em-
pire. Claudius II assumed that no soldiers were joining his army because they
didn’t want to leave their wives at home, so he banned marriage and canceled
any already-made engagements. However, St. Val-
entine and another priest called St. Marius contin-
ued to marry people in secret. Eventually, both
were caught and executed, but it is said that St.
Valentine became friends with his jailer’s daughter
and left her a note signed ‘From your Valentine.’
Did you know that the Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg is
giving away 6.9 billion dollars to charity? The charity is
called The Giving Pledge; there are more than
50 donors including George Lucas and Mi-
chael Bloomberg onboard. Many other people
are also onboard with The Giving Pledge.
Mark started Facebook when he attended
Harvard University. When he first launched
Facebook in his dormitory, he soon spread Fa-
cebook to his fellow classmates. He now has
become a huge success.
Page 12
Wacky Laws By Jazlynne
February 2016
Student’s Choice
By Cassie
Virginia Edition
In Culpeper, Virginia, it is illegal to wash a mule
on public sidewalks.
Norfolk, Virginia’s citizens are not allowed to
spit on seagulls.
Any person who owns a pool risks a $2,500 fine
for not closing the gate to the pool when they
get done swimming in Frederickson, Virginia.
No animal may be hunted with the exception of
raccoons on Sundays until 2 a.m. the following
Monday.
The Super Bowl is the championship
of American Football. The Super Bowl 50
was scheduled for February 7, 2016. The
super bowl is now an unofficial national
holiday, named Super Bowl Sunday. The
Super Bowl has frequently been the most
watched American television broadcast of
the year. The game also the most watched
sporting event in the world. In 1960 the American Football League (AFL)
was formed. The AFL viewed heavily with the NFL (National Football
League) for both players and fans. They reached a merger agreement that
was to take effect in the 1970 football season. The merger made it so the
champions of the two leagues were going to compete against each other
in a championship game that came to be known as the Super Bowl.
Volume 8, Issue 4 Page 14
Captain Obvious By Trinity
Take your current age, now subtract two. Now add two,
that’s your age.
People are born without clothes.
You know it is cold outside when you walk outside,
and it is cold.
Every 60 seconds a minute goes by.
Athlete of the Month By Hadden
Charli ~ 6th Grade ~
B Team Basketball
Ellie ~ 8th ~ A Team
Basketball
Carissa ~ 6th Grade ~
C Team Basketball
Brain Teasers By Cloe
BLOB Staf f
201 5-2016
J a z l ynne
Cas s i e
C loe
J ade
Cade
Ten l ey
Tes sa
Kae leh
Emma
Hadden
E l l i e
Tr in i t y
Sponsor: Mrs. Turner
Editor: Emma
http://wms.ath
west.k12.or.us
Answetr: The man was bald Answer: Windows
Brain Teasers
A man was outside taking a walk, when it started to rain. The man
didn’t have an umbrella and he wasn’t wearing a hat. His clothes got
soaked, yet not a single hair on his head got wet. How could this
happen?
What ancient invention allows people to see through walls?
Volume 8, Issue 4 Page 16
Don’t forget to give your
$12 to the office so they
can order a yearbook for
you. Yearbooks come out
at the end of the school
year.
Keep your grades
up, the social is
coming and it
would be a bummer
if you missed it.
Don’t forget the Penny
Drive is coming soon.
Remember to bring in your
pennies.
Advertisements By Cassie