Westfield Schools

Shamrock Star
Volume 2, Issue 1 1/13/2012

Special points of interest: Movie Reviews Dear Abby-now Catherine andCara Continuation of Document X our short story feature Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Neu Should we have a Middle School Soccer team?? Christmas Song Mix-Up

Movie Reviews
Dragon Ball Z Kai-Good morning fellow students, this is my first review in the newspaper. My review today will be on Dragon Ball Z Kai. Dragon Ball Z is the original anime; and its much better because it gets more into the storyline. Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remake of DBZ, therefore its remastered. I recommend it to anime fans. But, expect plenty of action, violence, humor, and characters to remember.

by Aaron Arlington

Update on Dear Abby

The Ren and Stimpy Regular Show- Good Show- Good afterday, isnt it? Regular noon to everybody! Show, the show that Ren and Stimpy are shows true comedy. two trouble-makers But its definitely that you cant miss! not regular! The Although I have show is about Mornever seen it, I have decai the blue jay, heard great things and Rigby the racabout it. Stimpy is coon, and their very hyper Chihuahua, unusual adventures. and Ren is a really Muscleman is my dumb and psychofavorite character pathic cat. Expect because he always plenty of laughs, says MY slapstick violence, MOM!!!! for no and naughty humor. apparent reason. That makes the show funny. Expect nonstop comedy, some action, and a deadly enemy in every episode.

Hi everyone! We have some exciting news here at the Shamrock Star office! Our author of the Dear Abbey article has moved on to bigger things. Abbey moved to New York to write for Glamour magazine. She will no longer be able to write for our school paper. We wish her the best in her new career. The main point of this article is to welcome our two new write ins article authors, Catherine and Cara. Theyre two members of WMS! Send them your questions! Theyll eagerly be waiting to help!

Dear Catherine and Cara

Dear Catherine and Cara, Theres a girl that I really like, but I dont know how to tell her. What should I do? Signed,

Dear Troubled Lovebird, Most boys are afraid to do this in person because theyre afraid of what their friends might think. This makes them scared and they do it over text. That tells her, that you dont care THAT much about her. If you REALLY like her, go up to her in person and have a talk about it. This will let her know how much you really care. Good luck! Catherine and Cara

Quotes of the Month By: Hollyn Keith The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart. ~Helen Keller~

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over it became a butterfly. ~Proverb~

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch a smile a kind word a listening ear an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring all which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia~

Interview of the Month: Mr. Neu By: Jocelyn Grider and Myana Strickland Mr. Neu is the 7th grade Voyagers social studies teacher. If you did not know Mr. Neu is color blind. He has been teaching at Westfield for two year. His favorite old time band is The Beatles, go Beatles. As a kid his favorite
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class was Physics. He went to Ball State University. His favorite number is 5. He has two pets, they are dogs. His favorite sport to play is basketball. Last year he was the coach of the Golf team and the girls High school basket-

ball team. He is a great teacher.

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Document X Continued
Chapter Two
Finally! said Jackson aloud. He had just exited the Language Arts room, where he had spent the entire class either glaring at Bethany or making up comebacks to her occasional insulting remarks. Shes such a show-off, he said to himself. Bethany had known almost every answer to every question the teacher asked and, much to Jacksons dislike, was reading a book that was three inches thick. It wouldve been fine if they had been friends, but they werent, and it wasnt. No homework help for Jackson, unless he could find a way to change her mind about him. Bethany had tried to focus on her vocabulary, but found it impossible to stay on track when a boy who didnt even know the difference between a synonym and an antonym was sitting only three feet away from her. If Jackson was in anymore of her classes, she would be miserable, and so would Jackson if she had anything to do with it. She walked to her second period class without stopping at her locker because she had brought her supplies for her first three classes with her. As usual, she wanted to be early. She waited in her social studies classroom for five minutes before the bell rang. Students flooded the room, the teacher close behind. She listened to him drone on about all the rules. He then passed out a paper with a list of more rules. She knew this teacher was going to be strict, so she decided that the best idea was to get on his good side. She wondered if Maddie would have this teacher. She wasnt very good at social studies, and Bethany could imagine what humiliation she might have to go through. Okay, class, before we start our first chapter Im going to give a little oral pop-quiz on countries capitals. Ill first give you some hints and I advise you... Bethanys mind started to wander, but nobody would be able to blame her. Her social studies teacher spoke with a very monotonous voice and was hard to listen to. Then, the teacher called out her name. So, Bethany, whats the capital of the Czech Republic? All the students in the room who knew Bethany started to smile. They all knew it was nearly impossible to trick her. Prague, she said, suddenly snapping back into focus.

And Sweden? Stockholm. London? he said, trying to give her the slip.

A computer, he continued, cannot draw inferences or form theories based on this knowledge like humans are able to do.

There is no capital of London, because London is a city. London is the capital of England, she said, noticing the annoyance in her teachers eyes. She was certainly not on his good side, but she wasnt doing anything wrong, so he couldnt punish her. But the hard stare she received from him was enough to put her on edge. She made a mental note to be extra careful around her social studies teacher. ~~~~~~ Jackson entered study hall right before the third-period bell rang. He noticed a seating chart on the teachers desk, and found his seat. He was sitting next to a girl named Madeleine White, who had a long, coffee-brown pony-tail trailing down her back, and sparkling green eyes. He saw a silver-chained friendship bracelet around her wrist, and thought that it would be a nice conversation-starter. He pointed to it and said, Who has the other one? My friend, Bethany. She never wears it, though. Her wrists are too small, she said with a smile and a shrug. Bethany! Could this be the Bethany he met in his language arts class? Bethany? Bethany Wilson? he asked, suddenly hopeful. Yeah, thats her. How do you know her?

We met . . . earlier today . . . during first period. Jackson was shocked at his stroke of good luck. I dont know very many people here. I just came to this school. Really? What school did you go to? Sandy Heights Middle School, he said. Wow. Thats at least forty-five minutes away. Why did you move? Umm, my parents got a divorce, he replied, trying to sound as innocent as possible. Oh, Im sorry to hear that. Thats okay. Oh, Im not sure that I caught your name, she said, trying to change the depressing subject. Jackson. Jackson Reed, he said. Oh! Nice to meet you Jackson. Im Madeleine White, but most people just call me Maddie, she said. Then, realizing that Jackson probably didnt have many friends, she said, Would you like to sit with Bethany and me at lunch? Ah! The exact words Jackson wanted to hear! The only thing he had to do now was to keep from smiling to widely. Thanks! That would be great, he said, trying to conceal his joy. Maybe he would be able to make up with Bethany if he was already friends with Maddie. Just then, the bell rang. Both of them noticed that they got no work done, but, considering it was the first day of school, they didnt have much to do anyway. Great! See you then! said Maddie, as she scrambled to get her materials together. They both rushed out the door. ~~~~~~ Jackson got through fourth period without any problems and met up with Maddie outside her locker to go to lunch. While Jackson went through the lunch line, Maddie sat down with her packed lunch at a table close to a window. She saw Bethany walk into the cafeteria, and motioned for her to come sit down. Hey! I really wish you were in more of my classes! said Bethany as she sat down. Yeah, me too. At least were in the same science class! Thank goodness! I wouldnt be able to get any decent grades if you werent! Thats not true. You just wouldnt get 100% on everything, said Maddie with a grin. Thank you for your modesty, said Bethany. They both started laughing. Everything was going great, but thats when Jackson showed up. Jackson! Over here! Maddie waved to Jackson. He walked over to their table and sat down. Whoa, whoa, whoa. What on earth do you think youre doing? If Im not mistaken, I believe that Im sitting here, said Jackson, referring to Bethanys answer when he asked the same question. Hey! Nobody quotes me without asking me first, especially you! Well, Im sorry, Miss Wilson, but I was just making a statement.

Madeleine watched in awe as the two argued. Umm, did I miss something? she said at last. I am not sitting here if you dont stop it! said Bethany angrily. Perfectly fine with me! replied Jackson, even though it really wasnt. He didnt know what to think at this point. Guys, calm down. Bethany, what the heck is going on? This egotistical young man here has decided to make my life as miserable as possible! Oh, yeah, describe me using a word I dont even know! complained Jackson. Bethany gave a smart-aleck grin. Jackson, when you said that you met Bethany during first period, you didnt exactly mention this, said Maddie. I thought she would get over it! said Jackson defensively. Apparently not! What did you do to make her so upset? Why dont you ask her? Shes the expert on everything. Bethany rolled her eyes. Bethany, what happened during first period? Oh, nothing, except that he lied to me and , I didnt lie to you! I was simply trying to make pleasant conversation. Yeah, right! You just said that to cover up your ulterior motive! What is that supposed to mean? Agh! Youre hopeless. Okay, you two seriously need to calm down. Why dont you guys eat your lunch and start over? Its okay with me, as long as Jackson doesnt talk. Bethany! whined Madeleine. Sorry, she said. They both reluctantly started eating their lunch. The silence was too much for Maddie. So, Bethany, what do you want for Christmas? Bethany was about to answer when Jackson laughed. Is your calendar messed up? he asked. Its the middle of August! Jackson, we go through this every year. Maddie likes to be prepared for things, so she gets everyones Christmas presents as soon as possible, explained Bethany, picking up an orange. She began peeling off its tough skin. Thats not weird at all, Jackson said sarcastically. Hey! said Maddie. At least she doesnt buy everyones presents the day after Christmas, joked Bethany, more to Maddie than to Jackson.

Thats just insane, Jackson remarked. Dont be mean, Jackson! Im not being mean! I just think its strange that someone should buy presents for someone the day after it happened! Oh, come on! You probably dont get presents for anyone! Thats because I had so many friends, I couldnt afford to get presents for them all, said Jackson simply. Bethany threw her orange peel at him. You couldve made them cards. Im sure youre capable of some consideration. Making cards is lame, he replied. Bethany threw her orange at him. I guess you cant! I stand corrected! Youre sitting. Bethany was looking around for something else to throw at him, but Maddie intervened before anything else could be said or thrown. Bethany, youre lowering yourself to his level. Dont let him take control of your mind! said Maddie, shaking Bethanys head. Youre absolutely right. I shouldnt be acting like the toddler he is. Im sorry, Maddie. What about Im sorry, Jackson? said Jackson. What about Im sorry Bethany? she replied. What did I do?! Guys, youre doing it again! Just then, the bell rang. Bethany was the first out of the cafeteria. Whats wrong with her? asked Jackson. Jackson, I dont think she likes you very well, answered Maddie, following Bethany. Jackson left through the other door. ~~~~~~ Maddie couldnt believe what had happened during lunch as she walked to her computer class. She was so focused on the rivalry between Jackson and Bethany, she ran right into the person coming around the corner. Oh, Im so sorry! said Maddie as she bent over and picked up the books that had been dropped. Oh, no. It was my fault entirely. I sincerely apologize, he said. At first thought, Maddie thought she had run into a language teacher, but when she looked up at eye level, she saw no one. Confused, she looked down and saw a boy who was about a head shorter than she was. He had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, but you could barely see them behind his thick, oval-shaped glasses. Would you happen to know where the computer class is? the boy asked. Yeah, I'm headed there now. You can walk with me if you want. I'm Madeleine White. Nathan Roberts. Pleased to meet you Miss White. Maddie was slightly shocked as his formality. It's Maddie, she said.

Nathan, he replied. They arrived at the computer class just before the bell rang. They took the only seats left, two desks at the back of the room. Even though the bell had rung, the teacher still hadn't arrived. There was a note on the board that said Please turn on your computers. Nathan turned his on, and a bright blue login screen appeared. Maddie pressed the on button, but nothing happened. She pressed the button three more times before gently shaking the monitor, and saying (quite loudly), Why won't this thing work? Careful, Maddie. That won't make it turn on. Well, what will make it turn on? Maddie said with frustration. Lets see, said Nathan. Would you mind if I took a look at the functions? Be my guest. Would you mind moving over a bit? Nathan asked Maddie. She took a few steps back. To her surprise, Nathan moved her chair out of the way, and positioned himself underneath the desk. By this time the entire class had come over to see what Nathan was doing. He was checking all the wires and plugs to see if they were all in place, narrating the entire time. No one, not even Maddie, could understand his technological terms. About a minute later, the computer whirred to life, and Nathan came out from under the table. The class went back to their seats. How did you do that? Maddie asked. Nathan went on to explain exactly what he had done to fix the machine, and by the time the teacher entered the classroom, he had finally completed his story. ~~~~~~ Sixth period was science, the class that Maddie and Bethany were both in together. Maddie tried to get to class quickly because she knew that Bethany, who was early to every class, would be waiting for her. She walked into the science classroom and, sure enough, Bethany was already perched on one of the high, wooden stools. Instead of desks the classroom had six, tall tables with four stools surrounding each one. Bethany was seated at the one in the back, something Maddie always found annoying. Why do you always sit in the back? Because. Thanks for the answer. Your descriptive terms always astound me. Why, thank you. So, why do you always sit in the back? Before Bethany could answer, students began to arrive. Among them was Nathan Roberts. He spotted Maddie and waved. She invited him to come over. Whos that? Bethany whispered into Maddies ear shortly before Nathan came to the table. Bethany, she began, this is Nathan Roberts. Nathan, this is Bethany Wilson. Pleased to meet you Miss Wilson, he said, extending his hand, or do you prefer to be called Bethany? Bethany, she said, shaking his hand. A puzzled expression came across her face. Nathan took the stool next to Maddie. The teacher walked into the room just as the bell rang. She was about to start her lesson, when Jackson Reed came bursting through the door. Oh, surprise, surprise! Hes late, whispered Bethany.

Oh, thank you for deciding to join us, Mr. Reed. Theres an empty seat next to Miss Wilson. You have GOT to be kidding me! said Bethany under her breath, slamming her head against the table. Jackson looked at Bethany, wondering if this was good luck or bad luck. So, you must be the infamous Jackson Reed. Maddie has informed me of your many idiosyncrasies, Nathan whispered as Jackson took his seat. Infamous? Idiosyncrasies? Who was this guy? Jackson wondered if he could speak English. Even Maddie and Bethany had trouble trying to understand what he said. Whered you pick him up? whispered Jackson into Maddies ear. Maddie looked at Bethany, then at Nathan, then back at Jackson. Digital electronic intelligence course of study, she answered. Bethany gave Maddie a high-five. Jackson rolled his eyes. I hate to interrupt this joyous occasion, but Maddie, a computer is hardly intelligent. The machine itself has simply been supplied with data that makes it function, explained Nathan. Maddie stared right at Nathan with a face that suggested that she was having maybe a little trouble following him. A computer, he continued, cannot draw inferences or form theories based on this knowledge like humans are able to do. Well, most humans, at least, he said, glancing at Jackson. Bethany tried to hold back from bursting out with laughter. Also, dont you think we should be giving our undivided attention to our instructor? They all focused their eyes on their teacher, all except for Jackson, whose mind wandered from topic to topic, eventually hitting the subject of Bethany, and what he was going to do. Science class ended, but Jackson hadnt heard a word of the entire class

Why We Should Have a School Soccer Team By: Allyson McAtamney

Think about our school this way- we have a basketball team, we have a football team, we have a lacrosse team, heck, we even have a golf team! But we dont have a soccer team! I took a poll of the 7th grade Voyager team, and here are the re-

Results:
Do you play soccer? 23.4% said yes 76.6% said no Should WMS have a soccer team? 68% said yes 32% said no Would you try out for the team if we had one? 27% said yes 73% said no

Like I said before, there are many people that would agree, yet, there are many people that would disagree. It would be nice if we could make a difference about this. I think we should at least take it into consideration. So far I have found out that New Palestine, Lebanon, Park Tudor, and Sheridan have teams. If we can make a difference, that would be great too!

FOP Cops and Kids Program

By Kaelyn Billstrand On Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 Westfield Police Department joined in on its second annual holiday event that will help out several families that are less fortunate than others. The families will go to the Wal-Mart on 151 Street where they will buy objects that they need for this winter such as coats and shoes. WPD is going to be aided by Westfield Youth Assistance Program to choose families for this event based on their needs and situations. Donations will not be taken anymore for this year but you can make them for this event in 2012. These families this year will have very happy holidays.

Christmas PuzzleMixed-up Songs

Try and decipher these popular Christmas songs:
Do you perceive the same longitudinal pressure which stimulates my auditory sense organs? Frozen precipitation commence Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your yuletide season Have hitherward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief Exonerations to this orb The smog-less bewitching hour arrived (Turn to next page for answers) As the guardians of little woolly animal's protected their charges in the shadows of the earth Behold! I envisioned a trio of nautical vessels Proceed forth declaring upon a specific geological alpine formation Celebration devoid of color, rather albino, as a hallucinatory phenomenon for me

Book Review: What in the World Should I Read? By: Megan Jones
For this month Im reviewing the book Airhead by Meg Cabot (my favorite author). This book is about a not particularly girly, girl named Emerson Watts. She goes by Em and she likes to play video games with her best and only friend Christopher, with whom she is madly in love with. She is not exactly popular. One day Ems fourteen year old sister, Frida, wants to go to a new big companys (Stark) new store opening to see celebrities like the popular singer Gabriel Luna and the famous model Niki Howard. When Em is waiting with Frida to get Gabriel Lunas autograph, Niki Howard walks into the store and Frida starts slowly heading towards Niki for her autograph. At the same time a Stark protester walks in and shoots a big screen TV, thats hanging over Fridas head, with a paintball gun and the screen starts to fall. Em pushes Frida out of the way just as the big screen falls. After that Em wakes up in a hospital. After Em keeps asking and asking what is wrong with her and what happened(she cant remember) they finally tell her. It turns out that at the same time that the TV fell on Em, Niki Howard had a brain defect. Nikis brain was damaged, but her body was fine, while Ems body was damaged and her brain was fine. Stark saw this as an opportunity to save their model. Emerson Watts was officially dead and Niki Howard had amnesia. Yes, Em Watts had to become Niki Howard and take on all of her life. Nikis life includes her roommate Lulu Collins, Brandon Stark, and still going to school. Oh, and you know the modeling too. Plus, it turns out Robert Stark may not be what he turns out to be. So, while Em (or Nicky?) juggles all of this she also starts investigating Stark. Then her brother shows up (Nickis). It turns out their mom is missing. Now, if that wasnt complicated enough, there is still trying to have Christopher figure out that she is really his best friend Em Watts in Niki Howards body, while not directly saying it or facing a big lawsuit from Stark. How could that ever be resolved?

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Text Plus: unlimited socializing

By: Nicky Robinson This is one of my favorite apps. Are you one of those people who have an iPod touch but not a phone? And of course in a desire to text for free. Well may ii tell you this? Text plus is the app of you need. This app lets you text. Free. Completely free. Now if you want extra texting tones youll have to buy them yourself. I personally find the ones it has are completely fine, but its whatever you want. Yes you will need Wi-Fi for this app but you do get to text anyone. Also you can make your own account with your name and a username. Once you have created that you can tell a little bit about yourself. One thing I found interesting about this app is that you can make a community that is one specific topic like cows, airplanes, Coldplay, sports, or anything you would like. People can join your community. Anyone can or only the people you invite. This is not an app that you can call people on. Just texting. I give this app 5/5.

World Aids Day By: Abby Svendsen, Eli Schantz,

Vanessa Murcia,

and Max Trainor

get the facts, or get involved and aware you can go to http://aids.gov/world-aids -day/. In Indiana alone we have places where you can get HIV tested, housing for those with it, and special programs for those with AIDS. We can do so much to help people who are stuck with something they cant just shake

This month is world AIDS month. This AIDS day, though it has already passed month represents the horrible illness (it was on December 1), reminds everythat is running rampant throughout the body that AIDS hasnt gone away and world. There are around 33.3 million that people are still sick and dying from people worldwide it every day. People even that have AIDS and care so much in making around 25 million this problem go away, they have died because of 25 million people have died have even started websites it. In the U.S. alone, for it. They are also getting there are around one the White House involved. from Aids. million people that The president has made a have this sickness. proclamation saying that The worst part is that they will put forth their AIDS is NON-curable. This means once best effort into this and help those that you have it, youre stuck with it. World already have the disease. If you want to

Christmas Mix-up Answers

Answers:
Do you hear what I hear? Let it snow We wish you a merry Christmas Oh come all ye faithful Joy to the world It came upon a midnight clear As shepherds watch their flocks at night I saw 3 ships Go tell it on the mountain Im dreaming of a white Christmas