Benchmark Tests Prepare For STAAR

An online student publication of Melissa Middle School Volume 6 Nov. 18, 2016

By Neemah Mureithi Students in seventh and eighth grade took Benchmark tests to prepare for the STAAR exams. Taking this exam gives teachers the opportunity to see where students

are academically, in each subject tested. MMS has a high percentage of passing students, according to Jim Miller. “For students this is just a dress rehearsal so if you don’t pass it’s just a warning,” Jim Miller said.

By Ethan Henderson MMS Performing Arts presents The Ash Girl Dec. 1, 7 p.m. at the High School Cafeteria. This performance is a sneak preview of their UIL competition production scheduled for Dec. 3 at Princeton High School.

aCTORS To perform SneakPeek of The Ash Girl at HS

“Having the opportunity to get in front of an audience before the competition should give the actors and techies a chance to get the kinks out,“ MMS Director Louise Hickey said.

“There is nothing like a live audience to inspire the players,” she added.

Veteran actor Mattie McGrady rehearses the leading role for The Ash Girl. Photo by Louise Hickey

By Brianne Finnell

MMS Band will march in the annual Melissa Christmas Parade on Dec. 3 at 6:00 p.m. with many of the town’s groups and organizations. A holiday favorite, “Jingle Bells,” is one of the songs they will play, as they perform through the streets.

Clubs and organizations may participate by contacting the Melissa Chamber of Commerce.

Before the parade, there will be activities including the Reindeer Run, which starts at 5:15. The event offers entertainment for people of all ages.

Do you like math and engineering? These robotics students do. Last Wednesday, the MHS Robotics team swept many students away with their robot they built themselves. During all middle school lunches, the club members explained what they do in robotics. They brought a robot they

built in the club, made to herd pigs and pick ears of corn. The creative team used squeakers shaped as pigs for herding and cylinder shaped foam as corn. Rick Gagarin, the robotics coach, wants all the 8th graders to join robotics club next year so the Melissa High School Robotics club can continue.

Robotics Recruits Students

Court In Session

Melissa High School Robotics Team builds robots.

Cardinals Ballin’ For Basketball Season The Cardinals begin their Basketball season with tryouts and big expectations for the upcoming year. Hard work is the remedy for success, according to Coach Crossland. “My goals for the season are to get better every week and to win the District Championship,” he said. As the season begins,

the Cardinals strive to improve and succeed by working hard and putting in their best effort on and off the court.

By Ashley Vasquez

By Alexis McCombs

Graphic art by Ethan Henderson & Colton Thomas

Cardinal Basketball season begins this week.Photo By Brianne Finnell

Flexibility is a key to Ashton Fisher’s and Maisy Gustavson's talent. These students at MMS are both unusually flexible.

“I’ve been able to do this talent for about five years and I don’t know anyone else that can do it,” Maisy Gustaveson, 6th grade student, said. Ashton Fisher seems to be one of the few with this same extraordinary flexibility. “Well I’ve known how to do this since I was three years old. I don’t know anyone else that can do it,” Fisher said. While being flexible has often been a good trait in problem-solving, these students bring a whole new light to its meaning.

MMS Students are FlexibleBy Mia Rodriguez

Maisy Gustaveson, 6th grade student, showing off her strange talent. Photo by Kate Fletcher

Ashton Fisher, 6th grade student, showing off his strange talent. Photo By Kate Fletcher

Can You do ThIS?

potatoes, mashed potatoes,etc. Now we get to the best part, the dessert. The best pie flavors are pumpkin, pecan, and apple.

Thanksgiving has many fun facts such as that the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving every year. The first Thanksgiving had no turkey.

By Mackenzie Wilkie

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends. Some traditions of Thanksgiving are families travel to different places to go and see other family members. The traditional food stays the same such as turkey, stuffing, sweet

Thanksgiving Traditions

Graphic By Ethan Henderson

When You Wish Upon A WishboneThanksgiving Dreams

“My Thanksgiving wish is to have my great grandma travel safely to get to our Thanksgiving dinner.”

- Brooklee Waltrip

“My Thanksgiving wish is that everyone in my family will be able to sit down and enjoy each other's company. “

- Ashton Mitchell-Johnson

“My Thanksgiving wish is to be with my family and appreciate all they’ve done for me.”

- Grace Lofaro

“My Thanksgiving wish is that all the homeless people have food.”

- Cole Milburn

“My Thanksgiving wish is that my grandfather can spend time with us this Thanksgiving because he is sick.”

- Cayden Cooke

“My Thanksgiving wish is to eat a bunch of food and go to my family’s house.”

- Kendyl Stout

By Caylen Underwood and Liberty Davis

By Chau Hua & Annemarie Miller

The NJHS ceremony is a way to welcome new members to the program. The ceremony took place at the MMS Competition Gym, headed up by Susie Webb, NJHS adviser, who introduced each new member as they each came up to the podium to receive their certificate and goody bag. Judson Greer, NJHS president, started the ceremony with a welcoming speech.

NJHS Welcomes New Members

inducted, Judson Greer ended the ceremony with a few last words of gratitude and welcome as the crowd was dismissed for reception.

The rest of the officers gave their speeches about the five pillars of NJHS, which included scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. All the inductees then pledged to always follow and exemplify those characteristics that represents an NJHS member.

The ceremony continued with Susie Webb introducing the new initiates, while they each came up the podium to receive their certificate and goody bag. After everyone was formally

Photo By Carl Finnell

By Savanna Smith

Melissa Middle School is introducing a new service program called Reserve a Thespian. This program is being started to help the theatre students gain enough service points to allow them to be in

Susie Webb addressing new members.

Natalie Somers helps Savanna Smith carry her backpack. Photo by Annemarie Miller

Reserve a ThespianActors Begin Service Project on Campus

Drama Club next year, and to learn leadership skills. Some of the services they do are helping students carry their backpack, clean and organize items for a teacher, or deliver a singing telegram. This service will run through Dec. 16.

Webb and her husband heard great things about Melissa. “We wanted to be a part of what was happening here,” Webb said. ____________

“I love reading: where it takes me, who I meet, and what I learn as I read.”--Susie Webb ____________

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Webb is also the National Junior Honors Society Coordinator.

Susie Webb, a 7th grade honors and academic reading teacher, implements a variety ofactivities that keep all students actively engaged, according to 7th grader Logan Lowery.

“I like Mrs.Webb because she is always engaging with us whether it's a book or roasting other kids in class. It's just great,” Lowery said.

Webb has been teaching at Melissa for ten years.

By Sydney Enoch and Kate McMinn

Mrs. Webb introduces the Post Mortem project to her 7th grade honors class. Photo by Kate McMinn

Webb creates a positive atmosphere for the honor society. Seventh grader Kate Shaw enjoys the people in NJHS and everyone involved. “It's really fun having Mrs. Webb as the NJHS leader, because she makes everything feel more comfortable,” Shaw said. “She's also an awesome teacher, which makes it even better, and I'm really looking forward to doing all the activities and serving for her and NJHS. It's going to be an amazing year and I'm excited for it,” she added. Webb has a tremendous love for reading.

“I love reading: where it takes me, who I meet, and what I learn as I read. I want to help my students to really experience all they can through reading and enrich their lives,” Webb said.

A lifelong reader, Webb indicated that her favorite quote was by George R. R. Martin.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. A man who never reads lives only one.”

Webb’s Reading Wonderland

Evident to her students and colleagues, Webb certainly loves what she does. “I have two favorite parts about teaching- number one is the students I get to interact with every day; number 2, our staff is unbelievably supportive, fun, and absolutely all about the students and other staff members.”

Photo By Sydney Enoch

Susie Webb leads NJHS meeting. Photo By Brianne Finnell

Coffee with Clency

Starbucks quite often has holiday drinks and desserts.This Thanksgiving brought three new flavors of fall, including S’mores Frappuccino, Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino, and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino.

Out of these choices, which one sounds more appealing?

In the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino there’s nutmeg, cinnamon, and a lot of pumpkin spice, which might be strong for some people.

The S’mores includes graham cracker syrup, marshmallow cream, the Salted Caramel Mocha includes mocha sauce, toffee-nut-flavored syrup, milk, ice, and on top whipped cream, caramel, and sea salt.

So if you want a little excitement in this year’s Thanksgiving break, then get some amazing Starbucks drinks *winks*.

A coffee critique by Clency Richardson

Photo by Kenzie Frasier

Fall Flavors Brewing!

May The FOR Club Be With YouBy Neemah Mureithi

The FOR club members are going into action by writing positive notes on the sidewalk. This is to help kids start the day with a positive attitude. The

FOR club represents Friends of Rachel.

In addition, MMS is having the a Reindeer Run to support Rachel’s Challenge. The For club is trying to spread kindness and positivity all over the school.

Positive comments written on sidewalk Photo by Neemah Mureithi

By Aubrey Bell When I looked at

ScrLK key, I wondered what it was for. Mrs. Hickey gave her best guess, but was not certain of its purpose, either.

I did what any normal, curious person with time on her hands would do-- I played around with it. Nothing happened. I thought it meant Scroll Lock, but when I tried scrolling,

Student Answers ScrLK Mystery

Photo By Aubrey Bell

By Brenna SmithMelissa Middle School

wore blue on Nov. 14 to support National Diabetes Awareness Month. National Diabetes Month is observed every November in communities across the country.

Diabetes impacts millions of Americans. This year’s theme is Managing Diabetes: It’s Not Easy,

Campus Observes National

Diabetes Awareness Month

it did not lock the screen. I finally gave in and searched Google. This is what I found. ”When the Scroll Lock mode is on, the arrow keys would scroll the contents of a text window, instead of moving the cursor.” Well, there you have it. Mystery solved. I don’t know what that means, but I hope you do.

But It’s Worth It. People may continue their support throughout the entire month of November, by wearing blue. Talking about it to friends and family is also a good way to bring awareness to the community.

Students dress in blue to support diabetes awareness. Photo By Sydney Enoch

What Does This Button Do?

Adidas sells these shoes at most shoe and department stores, such as JCPenney, Academy, Kohls, Dicks Sporting Goods, Macys, etc. I personally think the Superstars are the kind of shoe that could go with any outfit you would choose to wear, in my opinion I think they might be one of my favorite shoes that Adidas has ever produced.

A Fashion Review By Kate FletcherKate’s Fashion Corner

Adidas Superstars are striped shoes that are worn all around the nation. The collection includes 35 models, including the plain white shoes with the black stripes on them you may see daily.

Consumers Run to Stores For New Adidas Superstars

MMS collects cans for food drive

By Chloe Gorman

MMS conducted a food drive, headed up by Student Council and Debbie Duguid.. Heidi Thompson’s class donated the most cans, with a total of 881. Second place was Taylor Rescnik’s class, with 761. Third place was Amanda Hardy’s class, with 390 cans.

Photo by Kenzie Frasier

The Superstar is being worn by 75% of all NBA players, which is proof of its revolutionary effectiveness.

All the cans donated will go to the Melissa Food Bank for people who can’t afford food. The food drive began on Nov.1 and ended on Nov. 16. MMS students competed to see which homeroom class could bring the most cans. The winner gets to go out to eat with Principal Jim Miller.

Melissa Cardinals’ Favorite Holidays My favorite holiday is Christmas because it’s the most fun and has a good meaning. The tradition we have is we go out to a light show.

My favorite holiday is Halloween because I get to dress up. Every year I go trick or treating!

My favorite holiday is Christmas because we get to put a lot of decorations and spend time with family.

My favorite holiday is

Thanksgiving because it’s

all about bringing the

family together as we have

a delicious meal!

My favorite holiday is

Halloween because you

get a bunch of candy, and

I like candy. Sometimes, I

go trick or treating.

My favorite holiday

is President’s Day

because I like presidents.

They do good stuff!

Allie Norton, 8th Grade

Cheyanne Kennedy, 6th grade

Emma Schooly, 7th grade

Nolan Somers 8th grade

Cade Gentry, 7th Grade

Russell Clark, 7th Grade

Article by Natalie Somers and Astrid Easton

Photos by Natalie Somers

Natalie and Astrid’s Survey Session!

My favourite holiday is May 4th, Star Wars Day. But nobody else cares!!!

May the fourth be with you.

Editor............................................................Brianne FinnellCopy Editor............................................Elizabeth ReynosoPhoto Editors……….…..Mya DeLeon, Clency RichardsonNews Editors….....…..Ashley Vasquez,Caylen Underwood Liberty Davis,Kate FletcherSports Editor…………………………...…. Alexis McCombsGraphic Artists……..…Colton Thomas & Ethan HendersonFeature Teacher…………..….Kate McMinn, Sydney Enoch

News Correspondents: Aubrey Bell, Jagger Burrus, Astrid Easton, Kenzie Fraser, Chloe Gorman, Chau Hua, Annemarie Miller, Neemah Mureithi, Mia Rodriguez, Brenna Smith, Savanna Smith, Natalie Somers, Mackenzie Wilke

Adviser………………………………………......Louise Hickey

SHOUT OUT! A Celebration of Cards Who Model Excellence

S/O to Katelyn Garza for always keeping the school looking good. Without asking, she helped clean the cafeteria and I witnessed her picking up trash in the classroom and the hallway. Way to take pride in your school!

--- Alexandria Eichel

S/O to Anna Gressett for making book reviews for QR codes. While visiting the library, students can use these QR codes to access book reviews on the back of some of our library books. --- Cari Montgomery

Happy Thanksgiving from The MMS Times Staff

Graphic Art

By Colton Thomas