Coming up:
Covid-19 Vaccine, Lockers gone, and backpacks
School News
More Space in the Hallways
By Lexi Sommers
The lockers are gone now we have more space in the hallways. Looks like students are going to be using backpacks instead of lockers at Creekwood Middle School.
If you haven’t noticed, the lockers are gone. This happened over thanksgiving break. You might have seen the workers with lockers in their trailer if you were at Creekwood over the break. Why the lockers were taken out, is so we can do more things in the hallway. For the dance department, they are now using the hallways for practice or just dancing. The classes that do activities in the hallway now have more space. At other schools in the district, there are no lockers. They have tables and seating in the hallway. Although Mr. Winicki said he did not take out the lockers due to Covid-19, it does help with social distancing. Now students can follow social guidelines better with no lockers. For severe weather drills or the real thing, we have more space in the hallways. There is now less space for students to lean up against the lockers, but now there is less of a chance of lockers falling on you.
We asked Mr. Winicki why he took out the lockers. "For as long as I've been principal at the school I've never seen a student without a backpack, so students will be using backpacks forever. Depends on what people may want to do with the wall space or if a teacher has an idea for the wall space, but for now, no, we are taking out the rest of the lockers. The main reason for taking out the lockers is that a lot of classes do learning activities in the hall with pieces of paper on the wall and I wanted to give them some space. Visiting other schools has a kind of seating in the hallway to do that work. Ultimately I want to get some type of flexible seating in the hallway, so the groups can work better and more comfortably in small groups. Atascocita Middle School (AMS) took their lockers out more than ten years ago. If we are able to get the furniture for the flexible seating area I think it would provide opportunities and options for teachers and students'', said Mr.Winicki. We also asked eleven students if they prefer backpacks over lockers. Ten said they prefer backpacks and one said they prefer lockers. I hope you like backpacks because that’s what we are going to be using for now.
.jpeg)
Sports
Basketball Season Coming Soon!
By: Carson Thomas
Nerves are high as tryouts begin for basketball, this marks the beginning of a whole new sports season for Creekwood, and people are excited.
Tryouts are a three-day process including various drills and a large amount of scrimmaging. The drill that we did the most was four corners, this drill consists of a player going in for a layup or jump shot, passing to someone in the corner, then getting a pass back and scoring. Another really common drill is the 16’s. They consist of running down the court and back twice in 16 seconds. After these drills coaches reserve an hour for scrimmaging, they pick even matchups to see players perform on an even playing field. Eli Schmuck who plays small forward was someone who played well in tryouts, he had great court awareness and defense, and was pretty solid at getting past defenders and scoring. When asked about his season predictions, Eli said this. “I think we’re going to win a lot… 5-3 or 6-2 would be a good record for this season.”
No matter who made the team we’re certain the Colts are going to do great this season, with our tremendous team chemistry, and coaching staff guiding us to win.
.jpeg)
Basketball season: Update
By Erin Flannigan
After tryouts, 27 girls made the team including Ashley Prevot, Cheyenne Bozeman, Hailey Carlson, and others. They all agreed that the tryouts went well and they had fun. Tryouts consisted of shooting drills, stretching, passing, and other drills.
Coach Oakley and Coach Matejka will be coaching this season's 8th-grade teams.
For the first day of tryouts, it was mostly drills and an introduction to the new season.¨The first day was fun, the drills were easy, overall the first day was easy and fun” quoted by Ashley Prevot. The type of drills the girls worked on involved shooting, passing, and helped develop teamwork. For Ashley, her favorite days were the 2nd and 3rd days of tryouts.” The second day was more drill but we started to scrimmage. Scrimmages are really fun for me because I understand the sport so it's easy and enjoyable” that was what Ashley thought about the 2nd day. The 2nd day was Ashley’s favorite day of tryouts. Day 3 was scrimmaging, scrimmages are games that are unofficial and are usually played during practice. At the end of day 3, the girls found out whether or not they made the team or not. They would get a letter and would have to open the letters off-campus. Unfortunately, some girls didn't make the team, but they would go into what is called off-season where they are getting ready for track season.
That's what happens at tryouts, most girls had fun and enjoyed their time playing. Good luck Lady Colts!
Reviews
Santa’s North Pole on screen
By: Gracie Worachek
The new 2020 movie Christmas Chronicles is now out and available on Netflix with a paid subscription. Christmas Chronicles was filmed in Vancouver and directed by Chris Columbus. One of the main characters, Santa Claus, is played by Kurt Russell and his wife Goldie Hawn who plays Mrs. Claus, so Mr. and Mrs. Claus in Christmas Chronicles already have the chemistry, so it makes the movie that much better. I watched the movie myself with my family and I think it was a great movie as long as you have seen the first one that came out in 2018. Christmas Chronicles does have a lot of fantasy at the core. I interviewed Lexi Sommers, a 7th grader at CMS. And she said, “I believe it was a good idea to make the 2nd movie because the first movie was really good and it gives me more Christmas movies to watch.” Also, she said that “ I enjoyed the first movie better because it was more eventful but the second one was still very good to watch. She would also recommend the movie to other people. Like all Christmas movies they have their pros and cons in Christmas Chronicles 2, they can make the audience see the face of Santas workshop and elves. But also in this movie, it can also change a lot of what kids have heard in stories about Santa Claus. And give them a whole new perspective on his workshop and other details. But it is still a very great movie to watch and also keeps you wanting to watch. I believe you should watch this movie because lots of other people have. And it is a movie that makes you want to watch it and that is probably why they made a second movie. You can see Christmas Chronicles on Netflix and trailers on Youtube. And if you like the first and second Christmas Chronicles they might be making a third movie in 2021.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
NBA 2K21 Review
By: Aidan Thompson
NBA 2K21 is almost the same as NBA 2k20. EA Sports was on a roll the past couple of years, but this year’s NBA 2K21 is just a letdown in my opinion compared to last year’s major success. The only really fun parts about NBA 2K21 is the MyCareer story mode and the new graphics in the games. The MyCareer mode has a new storyline and they made it easier to level up in the high school and college parts of the storyline. The game does have all 30 teams and they’re players, stadiums, and mascots. It came out in early September as it represents the NBA’s 2020-2021 season. It just isn’t as fun because usually, they will add new modes or features. But, this year all that they added was an upgraded MyCareer. The MyCareer mode has a new storyline and they made it easier to level up in the high school and college parts of the storyline. My first impression of the game was how short the trailer was for it, and how much of the game was exactly like the trailer. Usually, I don’t see that with EA Sports games in the past. They will normally just have small parts that actually look like the gameplay. I say this knowing that they were trying very hard on 2K21 and the trailer that only ended up being one minute and fifty-five seconds long. The game came out over a month later than the last two games. The game really reminds me of NBA 2k15...it is very similar to the game that came out the year before. NBA 2K15 however, set the bar low for the great game that 2K put out the following year. So, maybe this is the case here. Maybe 2K22 or even 2K21 NextGen will be as good as 2K16, if not better. The really strong points of the game are, like I said, the improved graphics, new animations, and MyCareer mode. The weakest part is how little they changed the game, it is almost exactly the same as 2K20. “For years, playing the latest version of NBA 2K has felt like getting proposed to with a ring of cubic zirconia. Every year, your partner tells you the diamond is coming, but instead, it’s just a bigger, shinier ring of cubic zirconia,” says the Washington post about the game.
In conclusion, NBA 2K21 is a good game. It just does not live up to the expectations that NBA 2K20 left the consumers with. Having two identical games in two consecutive years is just not going to make people want to buy the game.
Clubs
Nano Whrimo
by: Tyler Parker
There is a time of the year where some people dedicate a whole month to writing stories which the school takes to an advantage which makes the writing program Nano Whrimo. Nano Whrimo was made for students who have a passion to write stories that the schools will read in order for you to win and also have a chance for your book to be published which also means that other people could see your masterpiece that you took time to write. But here's the catch, When you enter the contest you are up against other people from schools and states cause this contest is actually national which means you'll be up against other students and schools so make sure you're ready to write and type.
There are also ways to get better at your writing skills by attending meetings that you can go to after school that will help you with your literary skills so you can get better at writing which increases your chances of winning. Some students like the program so much to where they say that they wish every school had Nano Whimo, that way other schools and students can have a chance at winning and having fun while they do it.
But you also have to remember that if you ever want to join Nano Whimo that you should also give thought to the fact that it's not for show, but that it is mostly for people who have the passion to write and for others who want to get better at grammar and write their own stories. So remember that the next time Nano Whimos in town or at your school, try and join if you have that passion to read.
Technology
Virtual Christmas Ideas
By: Nathaly Salas
Christmas will certainly look a lot different this year, but that’s no reason to cancel the festivities. Whether you’re avoiding traveling this season or doing your part to social distance, virtual Christmas parties are the perfect way to stay connected while apart.
First up on the list is Gingerbread Wars, one team will send each of your participants a festive gingerbread kit in the mail. Your kits must include gingerbread people, icing, candies, and everything else you want to add. Then, on the day of your event, your team will log into a video conference room where a small team of elves will lead your group through fun holiday-themed team building activities and competitions. Gingerbread Wars is a 90-minute event that's fun, high-energy, competitive, and offers a merry good time for your remote team. You will need about two weeks to ensure your team receives the gingerbread kits in the mail, so you may wanna start early. What about the naughty list icebreaker? Does it sound interesting? How you play is every team member starts the game by holding up ten fingers. Each team member takes a turn making a statement starting with “You are on the naughty list if…” If a team member has committed the act, the team member will lower one finger. The game continues for a set number of rounds, or until only one person has fingers in the air. Whoever still has fingers up at the end of all rounds wins the game! I can guarantee you will have a great holiday with these great ideas but something that would make it even better would be playing Name the Tune: Holiday edition! Technically someone would think of a song related to Christmas and start making the melody, everyone else will have one minute to guess what it is and if they don’t, the player gets 60 points. For the rest of the people, they will get points by how much time is left when they guessed it. For example, someone guesses the tune with 14 seconds left therefore the person gets 14 points. The first person with 1000 points wins! “Oh I remember that game, there's actually a TV show that my parents used to watch when they were young. It’s a fun game but I think the rules are different, either way, people should play it more often” From Tamara Riddle
Even with these game suggestions, always make sure you look the part, make the party more interesting, and come in a Santa suit or be one of his elves. Or maybe you don’t want to be there, come dressed up like the Grinch and steal someone who dressed up as a reindeer.”I think dressing up would be nice and all but some people may not be able to afford it, well I guess they could do a low budget or a closet cosplay if they want, it's up to them” From Tamara Riddle.
.png)
Social Issues
A School For Students
By: Kamaiyah Ticer
School is the place people often go to learn and develop other life skills to help them make it through life. School might even be a safe haven or a place for students to be able to escape their lives at home and learn. However, there are some things that students would like to change schools. Sometimes students feel as if there are things that schools should do to make it better not only for present students but future students as well, and I believe they should at least be regarded. As a student, I've paid attention to discussions that I've had with my classmates about school. I've seen that everyone has something they feel schools need to change or need in general. I believe that when it comes to teaching, schools do pretty well in that area, but when it comes to teaching us the tools we'll need as we get older and letting students branch out more, I feel that schools are lacking that kind of encouragement for students. From plenty of discussions for class and my thoughts, I've learned that kids want schools to give students the time to express themselves/relax. In attendance, we often discuss different topics that are important to us, and one day the theme just so happened to be about how we would like to change schools to make them better. Many students said that students should have a period for students once or twice a week, where they can have time to relax, talk, do work, draw, or whatever it is they want to do to spend that period. As I see it, this was a class for students to be able to have the freedom and make their own decisions, which is something that they don't always have and could potentially teach them how to make decisions of what to do. Students also said they wanted a period where they could talk to each other or a teacher about their problems and be able to have that support and encouragement. Others wanted a class that taught different cultures from all around the world so people can learn/be aware of the people around them. These class ideas showed me that students want schools to teach other things that could be important to understand by the time they're an adult and understand what things are possibly causing so many problems today in society. I even personally interviewed a student that goes to the school, Lillie Moore. I asked her questions that related to making changes to schools. She responded by saying that she would like kids to be able to go outside more. That way, they can get the sunlight they need (can prevent children from needing glasses or needing strong prescription glasses) after playing video games and looking at screens all day. She also said that if she were running a school, she feels that her students would learn more about recent history and not just older history, especially with everything that's going on now, like the Black Lives Matter campaign and the virus. She also responded to my question of what she doesn't agree with, but schools do by saying assigned seats. She responded by saying that sometimes she doesn't agree with teachers having assigned seats for classes. Although sometimes sitting next to your friend can be distracting, sometimes it's the comfort of sitting next to your friend that helps you make it through the school day. I believe that these things should get paid attention to and taken into account. Not only because they could do so much for students, but also for others that aren't students All around, I feel that there are some changes/adjustments that students believe would be for school, and I think so as well. If people could at least listen, there could be some outstanding changes and impacts. Not only would those impacts affect the students, but possibly the world.
Change is Coming
By: Mya Flores
The second semester of the year is approaching. Many students will have a changed schedule. We sat down with Desahre Cabrera, to ask what will be changing in the upcoming semester and how she plans to cope with it. Changing a schedule can be difficult especially if you grow a close relationship with your peers. The day when we come back from break is gonna be like the first day all over again.
We come back on January 5, 2020, that is a Tuesday. This day is when students will get a new schedule. It can be difficult making new friends, especially if you are a new student at Creekwood middle school. Middle school can be difficult on its own. Students are figuring out who they are and middle school is also a mood swing central. Drama is also a big thing in middle school. But at the end of the day, we all are family here at Creekwood Middle School. This change that is coming is a new start with not only teachers but with fellow peers.
When we asked Desahre what will be changing in her upcoming schedule she replied, “ I will have new teachers and elective classes.” Many students will have a dramatic change in their schedule. When asked how she plans to cope she replied with, “ Trying her best and accepting the opportunity to make new friends''. We need to make the best of the situation.
Christmas break Dilemma??
By: Abby Fisher
Many of us love the excitement that Christmas brings. It is very easy to get off task. Procrastination is common for students and adults, especially during the last week before Christmas break. Creekwood Middle and other schools face this distraction all the time. Trying to learn and being excited is hard to work with. Before winter break, we have finals, quizzes, and other assignments that need to be done. Are you going to be able to get all your work done before Christmas break?
The Pony Express at Creekwood Middle School had a survey on Procrastination before winter break for the school to respond with. Our question was “It's the week before winter break and you have many assignments due and tests to study for. If you procrastinated, what would be your reason for doing so? What is your excuse?” 48% of students at Creekwood Middle responded with “I’m worried about something else other than my assignments.” 26% of students responded with “I'm focusing on some other activity other than my assignment”. 18% of students responded with I have "plenty of time. Finally 8% of students responded with “I "forgot" about my assignment.” in total 100% of students responded. This shows that procrastination is a problem and that it’s really hard to deal with. A reporter at Creekwood Middle school interviewed Samantha Head (eighth-grader at Creekwood ) and asked a few questions about procrastination before Christmas break. The first question was, “Do you feel motivated to learn before Christmas break?” Samantha replied with, “Not as I normally would because we go back on break in three weeks, so it's weird to be back knowing we're leaving soon again.” The second valid question was, “Why?” Samantha responded with, “We are leaving in two and half weeks now. So even though we are going to learn for these next two and half weeks we are going to be off for another two weeks.” The third question from the reporter was, “Do you feel distracted before the break?” Samantha responded with, “Definitely. It’s harder to focus because when you think about it, in those two weeks you don’t really think about school, you think more about not having to do school and sleeping in.” The final question was, “What would help you avoid that distraction and be focused to learn?” Samanth replied, “What helps me is remembering that we are at school right now and just need to make sure we are focused.”
Motivation is hard to keep up and procrastination does not help with that. There are many ways to help with procrastination and being motivated. “Commit to a task, promise yourself a reward, and ask someone to check on you.” www.mindtools.com lists more ways of being motivated. This is something that everyone deals with. So buckle up and get your work done because it’s not going to get much easier as we get older.
World News
Covid-19 Vaccine breakthrough
By: Olivia Roos
As Covid-19 is quickly becoming an issue again across the globe, the world is in desperate need of a cure. Luckily, there have been multiple breakthroughs in late Nov. 2020.
Firstly, one of the medicine companies that has had development in making a vaccine, is called Moderna. Moderna is an American medicine company. The so-called vaccine is called mRNA-1273. With U.S. hospitals setting records with 160,000 cases per day, along with the world losing more than 1.4 million lives from Covid-19. Experts are excited to see how the final test phases go. As far as numbers go, the vaccine is more than 94% effective according to Moderna’s official site. The medication also has flu-like side effects. Such as fatigue, runny nose, body aches, or headaches. However, the FDA has not yet approved mRNA-1273. If mRNA-1273 is approved by the FDA it should be out by Dec. 29, 2020. The second company that has had advances in a vaccine, is called Pfizer; According to Associated Press News, as of Dec. 1, 2020, the vaccine has been approved by Britain. Yet, it is still to be determined whether the Pfizer vaccine prevents people from spreading the virus with others when symptoms aren’t visible. Another question that hasn’t been answered is how long the vaccine lasts. Additionally, the vaccine has not been tested on children under 12 and pregnant women. Every country has different guidelines for approving medication and vaccination; So, neither vaccine is approved in the United States.
That is information related to Covid-19, hope you enjoyed it. That’s the scoop on the world for now!
.jpeg)
Opinion and Policy
Backpacks went viral
By: Hailey Luttrell
Why are backpacks so popular at CMS? Well stay tuned and keep reading.
This information came from the Creekwood homepage. Backpacks are not required at CMS but, we prefer you to wear them because it saves you so much time carrying your items to class. In 2020 we are not using lockers this year because of Covid-19 and you could use your backpack instead. So we interviewed Mr. Winicki about the lockers and backpacks and this is what he said, “Are students required to wear backpacks at cms?”. “ Well no but, it saves you time in the hallways carrying your stuff from class to class.”. “Why are we not using the lockers this year?”. “ Well because of Covid-19 we don't want to risk more infections touching the lockers and spread germs to each other.”.
I hope you liked the article. Have a Creekwood-tastic day!
