Creative Writing
A Day in the Life of a Chromebook
By: Chromebook #3455
Cloe Dingfelder
Oh, hello! I am Chromebook #3455. It’s nice to be able to finally introduce myself to you. Do you not know who I am?! How rude. Anyways, I am YOUR Chromebook. I try as hard as I can to make your school day efficient. It’s a lot harder than you think. I’m constantly trying to load in the blink of an eye. You humans should not expect us to work so quickly! This morning made me think. It made me think about very important topics, and I thought I should share it with you. You might want to get comfy- it’s going to take a while.
Today, in Marlboro Memorial Middle School, you took me out of the case. The wind blowing on my screen after all that time being in the case feels amazing every time. You did the daily do-now, blah blah blah, work work work. You were on a Google Doc, writing about… stuff. Then, you pressed on the “h” key. But no “h” was showing up on my screen! You were so angry at me! I tried so hard to make an “h” show up on my screen! I tried to make all of the little pieces of machinery work, but I just couldn’t do it.
It really wasn’t my fault. I did the routine I usually do when you press the “h” key, but it did not work. You threw your arm up in the air, waiting for the teacher’s assistance. I'm not sure why you children can’t solve these problems on your own. When the teacher came over, you complained to him about me. “Mr. Teacher, the key doesn’t work! The computer isn’t working,” you said to him anxiously. The teacher pressed on my “h” key, and it worked! But you still blamed me! I don’t think you were pressing the key hard enough. And that was just the start of the day.
Just about an hour ago, during science, you took me out once again. I tried to look past what had happened the last period, so I displayed a nice bright screen and forgave you. But you didn’t forgive me. You told the boy next to you about what happened this morning. He answered with, “Yeah, my computer does that too. Annoying, isn’t it?”
Annoying? I thought. I can’t believe these humans think we’re annoying! Too bad we can’t tell them.
The period went on. Everything was going normally. Well, it had been, but when you pressed the spacebar, it didn’t work. I had a really bad morning. And of course, you got angry again.
You threw your hands up in the air with a very annoyed look on your face. You told the boy next to you what happened. Then he said, “Yup, annoying Chromebooks. Just go ask the teacher.” Once again, he called me annoying. Now I was annoyed. You humans do not even try to solve the problem before you ask a teacher. The teacher came over, pressed some buttons, and the spacebar worked again.
Now, just a few minutes ago, the next period started. It was ELA class. You took me out, opened me up, logged onto Google Classroom and here you are.
When did I write this, you ask? While I was in sleep mode. It is against the Computer Code to interact this way with humans, but it had to be done.
Anyway, I hope you learned a valuable lesson from reading this. We Chromebooks deserve respect! We work so hard for you humans, but you don’t appreciate or thank us. Chromebooks are an important part of the school day, after all. So goodbye for now, young owner. Because my battery is going to die in seven seconds. You always forget to charge me! Six, five, four, three, two, and one. I’m dead.
A Day in the Life of a Chromebook!
By: Guilah Ben-David
Oh my gosh! A whole day of kids working on me. Guys, have you no heart?! I need a break! That’s precisely why I deserve a recharge. I am going to tell you about my day. My boring, broken, yet fun day.
Okay, I’m so pumped! I’ve been recharged and I’m so ready for the day. My owner has decorated me so I don’t appear boring and so I don’t come across as dull. Some have decorated me with flowers, dragons, anime, even food! Yes, yes, my owners do have awesome taste.
The first time I was opened, I had to type a bunch of stuff, Google, even go to these websites called Nearpod, Achieve 3000, and Study Island, but anything for my owner’s studies!
It’s only 3rd period, and I am so close to being completely demolished! I’ve been hit through the countless floods of children flowing through the crowds like it’s the jungle and every student is on his own.
Ah, while those little monsters are at lunch I can have some peace and quiet in this locker tucked in- ah! I thought that rest just started I guess not, time for more hitting… It was nice knowing you world won’t be here for the end of the day though…
Sometimes, my owner’s are a little mischievous and go on websites when they are not supposed to or I just got it wrong and they are allowed to, look I am just a chromebook, cut me some slack, ok?
Ok, about only 50% in me, do you know what that means?! That means that about only 50% of me is still alive, I am practically dying! Well, atleast it’s time for me to return home either in this chrome cart where I reunite with my brothers and sisters or I come home to this magical big mase where I have the whole time to myself being an only child.
Ok, time for the same thing tomorrow.
*☆*A Day in the Life of a Backpack*☆*
By: Daniela Butkovic
The sun is finally rising. I’ve been sitting in this one spot for a while now, completely ignored, waiting in the dark for something to happen. Now I hear footsteps, probably my owner coming to get ready for school. He walks around, usually out sight, eating and doing the other boring stuff he does. It really is boring just waiting for something to happen.
Finally he comes over to me. Up I go, off the ground, and onto his right shoulder. Out the door we go, and I’m bouncing uncomfortably on his back. Oh well. Better than sitting around all day.
We stand around for a while, waiting for the bus. I get to inspect everything at the bus stop. There are some really tall things that look kind of like my owner, but also a couple tiny things that look like smaller versions of him.
The bus gets here, and we get on. I bang against the seats as we advance along the aisle. Ugh. Now I’m swung off his shoulder and set on the disgusting floor of the bus. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce. I’m jostled about as my owner chats about meaningless things called “celebrities” with others of his kind.
When we get to school, I’m swung back up and banged against the seats once more. It really does get annoying. It’s kind of like he doesn’t think I’m living at all! I’m slammed by a wave of other things that look like my owner, as well as other backpacks! How rude of them.
We get to my owner’s locker, where I look out at the constant flow of things-that-look-like-my-owner. I’ll call them… people. So, I watch these… people… as my owner opens a locker. It takes longer than usual. He must be having trouble. Watching people is more fun than sitting in that stupid thing.
He finally gets it open. Dang it!
Something exciting was just happening, too! One of the people fell over another one ,and a bigger people started yelling at the smaller people. I’m wrenched away from the scene and put into the darkness.
I open my eyes. Wait a minute… I’m not supposed to have eyes! Then I realize I’m a lot higher off the ground than I’m used to. I look at myself. I’m a people! I look around and notice that I’m at my owner’s house. On the table sits a backpack. It has everything my owner likes on it. Oh, wait. It probably is my owner! We switched places! Now I can show him what it’s like to be abused.
I walk away, leaving him there, and do fun things really close to him. I eat where he can see me so that he will be jealous that he can’t eat. I turn on the TV that’s behind him so he can’t watch. Then I bake cupcakes and eat some of them. They taste good. It’s weird how normal it feels to do people things when I’ve always been a backpack. I look at the clock. Bed time, apparently. I leave without a glance.
The next day is school. Time for revenge. I over-stuff my owner/backpack with books like he always did to me, and make sure to put him in a really uncomfortable position. When we get on the bus, I make sure to bump him into every seat.
As I set him down on the floor, I see some other people come over. It seems like they were also backpacks. We talk about how annoying people can be, and what else we can do to show the people what being a backpack is like.
When the bus ride ends, I once again bang my owner/backpack into every seat. I enter the building and somehow know which locker is mine. I open it as quickly as possible before shoving my owner-backpack into the locker.
The rest of the school day passes in a blur of classes. I make sure that my trips to the locker are short in order to bore the owner-backpack as much as possible. That’s what he did to me. I want him to understand perfectly what my life was like every day.
The end of the school day comes, and I grab my owner-backpack out of the locker. After the bus ride home, I set him down. Then I do homework while doing my best to ignore him sitting next to me. Afterwards, I leave him there and go to play.
Suddenly, a bright light wakes me. I am inside a locker, which my owner has just opened. I have been dreaming of revenge all day. If only it wasn’t a dream…
He swings me out, and we proceed down the crowded hallways, banging into everything. We get on the bus, and I get banged into more seats. I get to listen to my owner talk about “celebrities” more. Boring.
Once we get inside my owner’s house, he sets me down. He ignores me as he does homework, as he plays, as he eats. Typical. Every day is the same.
As the sun sets, I know I’ll be neglected for a while. I start dreaming again, this time about a paradise where backpacks can speak and move independently… If only.
Fitbit Race
By: Sabrina DiMaggio
My homework finally finished, I check my Fitbit to see how many steps I took today. I only took 2,000 steps so far today, and I need to reach 10,000 steps. I turn on the T.V. and start jogging in place to get more steps. 2,001 steps... 2,002 steps...
Then I remember that my friends and I are on a challenge to see who can get the most steps in one day. I start jogging faster. I need to get the most steps today.
All of a sudden, I am outside on a track with my friends standing next to me. Thousands of people are all around us, sitting in benches and chairs. News reporters from around the world are talking into microphones, with cameras all around them.
“Now we are at the race to find out who, out of these five friends, is going to get the most steps today,” the news reporter announces. The crowd is loudly chanting all of our names.
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Illustrated by: Nivi
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Then the countdown starts. The crowd shouts, “3, 2, 1, run!”
We all sprint, with me in the lead with 2,900 steps. I run and run, my legs carrying me forward. Soon enough, we are all tied with 8,000 steps. I try to run faster, but my legs won’t go any quicker. I start slowing down, my legs not moving. Suddenly, I want to sit down in front of the T.V. and stop running. No, I think. I have to keep running! I have to reach 10,000 steps first!
I try to move, but my body won’t cooperate. My legs feel like they are about to collapse. I have 9,250 steps, so I am still in first place, but only by 300 steps. I am stuck in the middle of the track, with my body unwilling to move.
Inexplicably, my friends start to slow down, too. Before I know it, all of my friends are frozen in the middle of the track, not running, looking as though they might collapse with exhaustion. I look at the scores, and we are all tied with exactly 9,253 steps. There are five more seconds left in the race. Four more seconds... three more seconds...
I have to get the last step. I force myself to get one more step at the last second. The crowd roars. I won the race! I got 9,254 steps, when everyone else got 9, 253 steps!
I am the Fitbit champion!
Flash Fiction: Two-Sentence Stories
Two Sentence Horror Stories
By: Daniela Butkovic
It’s not that I don’t know how to survive on my own. It’s just that I don’t know how to survive on my own while facing a giant fire-breathing dragon.
Everyone’s heard stories about the zombie apocalypse. None of them are anywhere near as scary as the real thing.
Two Line Story:
By: Samantha Matthes
I look towards the corner of my room where the dolls from my childhood lay. Then I hear a loud thud and turn back around, and there is one less doll in the pile.
Two Line Story:
By: Neha Gardilla
You are watching a movie and see the evil beast pouncing forward on the TV. Then you see the demon coming closer and closer to you on your 2D screen, and suddenly, you feel the heat of another body right next to you.
Two Line Story:
By: Sabrina DiMaggio
You turn on the TV with your brand new iPhone 6, and the person on the commercial informs you, “If your brand new phone cracked for no reason, come on down to PhoneRepairHouse and we will make your phone look brand new for just $800!” You look at your phone, and it has a huge crack slashed across the screen.
Two Sentence Spookies
Scary Stories in Just Two Sentences
By: Cloe Dingfelder
As I walked down the quiet street, it suddenly wasn’t so settling. A large spiked bird, perched on a tall tree, was screaming in a voice which sounded exactly like my best friend’s.
I woke up in the morning with a sharp tugging feeling on my head. Just then, my hair started to disconnect from my head and fly towards the door.
*Horror in Two Sentences
By: Shruti Kedharnath
I looked through the keyhole. I saw an eye.
Clubs
Clubs That Make an Impact on Our Community
By: Cheryl Jeffrey
The 2015 Students Change Hunger Challenge swept through our school, and this year, dinner was on Memorial! The Builder’s Club, a club that mainly does work for charity, kicked off some of its own events for the Hunger Challenge. This year, the Builder’s Club collected food items and hosted a raffle. Anyone who handed two items to a Builder’s Club member would receive a ticket to enter into the raffle to win various prizes. They also encouraged homerooms to bring in items to contribute to the Hunger Challenge, and collected a huge amount of food for local families.
Inside The Magazine
By: Nicole Strashnov
Since October 7th, all 42 kids who signed up for the magazine could not wait for our first publication, and here it is! Many people made this possible, but the Digital Magazine would like to recognize two very special people, and that is Mr.Bucci and Miss DiDonato, who put in the time and effort to make this all possible.
Students in the magazine love being here. Rhea Kripalani and Timothy Qian from the technology group say, “It's enjoyable” and “It's fun.” They love being in this club and are eager to share that their group is planning to make press badges for everyone. When asked what they were looking forward to most, the tech students shared their excitement to get the pictures onto the magazine and format it.
In the journalism group, Neha Gardilla and Cheryl Jeffrey couldn’t stop talking about much they were looking forward to seeing it published and seeing the finished product of the magazine. When the interview finished, Cheryl said, “It is a really nice club where you get to express your ideas and see how people respond to your work.”
Creative writers answered the questions a little differently. When asked what they are looking forward to most, instead of saying the first publication, they said making friends and to write more than they already do. They are also planning to write lots of poems and short stories. One creative writer, Phoebe Chen, shared that she will be writing poems about overcoming fears. Creative writer and editor Amisha Singh shared that, “It is relaxing because it lets me express my thoughts in a new way.” This is what the magazine does- it definitely enhances your writing skills, but mostly it makes you love writing.
No matter how good or bad you are at writing, the Digital Magazine embraces everyone, and by the end of the year, you will be a pro!
YEARBOOK CLUB!
By: Nicole Strashnov
Yearbook Club is a fun club for all students grades 6-8 who like photography, working on the computer, and layout design. The Yearbook Club’s advisers are Ms.DaCosta and Mrs.Alfano, who have been thrilled with making the yearbooks and getting to know the dedicated staff who meet every Tuesday on a weekly basis. This club makes all of the pages you see in the yearbook each year and have a blast doing it.
STEM Club
By: Tim Qian
STEM Club teaches students about science, technology, engineering, and math. In STEM Club, students investigate how to solve problems. They can then design and test theories and experiments. For example, one such challenge is building a boat out of tinfoil that can hold 50 pennies. STEM Club is run by Mrs. Wilczak in room 113. This engaging club makes students really think about and analyze how the world works.
News
Frogbridge Fun!
By: Emily Gao
In September, the entire 6th grade had an early field trip to Frogbridge Day Camp. Everyone had a blast getting to know their new classmates and teachers while participating in fun activities. At Frogbridge, there were basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, a soccer field, a rock climbing station, a gaga pit, bumper cars, bungee jumping, mini golf, a dining pavilion, and much more.
The whole ride there, the students on the buses chattered excitedly as they thought about the prospect of finding new friends and getting to know each other before the year started. When they got there, they all sat restlessly in their seats as the camp’s director explained the day’s agenda. Before the director could say “Go,” all the 6th graders eagerly sprinted off.
Everywhere at Frogbridge, students laughed and shouted as they hung out with old friends and began making new ones. Some stuck to one station, and others roamed all around in search of new games. Before they knew it, the whistle blew and lunch was served.
The students scarfed down their lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, and eagerly went to play more games. Once again, everyone enjoyed themselves. The thing that brought them back, though, was the possibility of ice cones! And they indeed were treated with cookies, ice cones, and more drinks.
Finally, after some more time of having fun with their friends, the students gathered together so that interactive group games would be arranged. As they tromped towards the soccer field with the directors in front of them, all of them finally realized how good the day was. Many made new friends, and found some new things they liked to do.
At last, the day had to end. After being treated to ice cream cones, the students departed to their buses. All the way home, students once again talked about how successful the day was and how they would love to do it again.
In school the next day, the 6th graders realized that the visit was about more than just having fun. At Frogbridge, they suddenly eased into the idea of being middle schoolers. No one was scared out of their minds at the idea of middle school because they now gratefully embraced it. Also, no one felt left out-many had found new friends at Frogbridge.
Most of all, students thought it was an excellent start to 6th grade. Usually, field trips happen at the end of the school year. This time, though, it was at the beginning, and it set the tone for a great year to come for the class of 2018.
Fantastic Field Trip
By: Cheryl Jeffrey and Neha Gardilla
The Frogbridge fun
The Frogbridge fun
Has just begun
Riding on the bus
Making a fuss
Drinking cola
And laughing with Mrs. Denicola
Playing volleyball
Frogbridge fun for one and all
Preparing for High School
By: Alexis Bonilla
As the oldest of the school, eighth graders prepare to make their departure into high school. They say goodbye to old friends, teachers, and classmates in order to head to the high school of their choice. Students have the option of applying to a variety of high schools and academies in the Freehold Regional District or the Monmouth County Vocational School District. There are also the handful of students applying to private schools, such as Christian Brothers Academy. However, if a student does not wish to apply, or does not have an interest in any particular high school, he/she will go on to reside at the home high school, which, for us Lions, is Marlboro High School.
The application process includes various meetings that explain options that are available to the future-freshman. Most of these meetings take place at the end of the previous year (seventh grade), late September of 8th grade, and throughout most of October. These meetings consist of speakers coming into the school to inform the students about the various choices that are available to them.
The eighth grade guidance counselor speaks with students to explain what they need to do to apply and answer any additional questions. If the student decides to go to said high school, he/she must attend the open house to not only learn a bit more about said school, but also to get any more information that would be needed for applying.
For the Monmouth County Vocational School District, the applicant is required to attend the open house. At the open house of said school, a specific code is given out to each student who attends, to ensure that the student was there. When filling out the online application, the code is required to create and submit an account.
“The whole application starts in October and ends in December, for Freehold. As for Monmouth county, the process starts in October and ends on January 23 , the day of the test. Freehold informs their students about whether they have been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted (the waiting list to see if something opens up) in February 2016. Monmouth's applicants find out in March,” states Mrs. Negron-Santana, the current eighth-grade guidance counselor, regarding how long the whole application process takes.
Once the online applications have all been submited by their final due dates (Monmouth :December 11th 2015, Freehold: November 16th 2015), applicants register for the required testing. Freehold’s testing date was December 1, 2015, and Monmouth's is January 23rd, 2016. Good luck to all 8th graders as they prepare for high school!
The School’s Democracy
By: Neha Gardilla
Student Council is a great way to get involved in your school. This is a club of students who were selected to be the class representatives for their grade, class, and school. They come together and talk about issues in the school and ways to raise awareness of different events that happen at MMMS. It teaches kids that they have a voice and that their voices will be heard.
The whole club meets one Thursday a month. An additional Thursday is scheduled for the executive board members. If needed, they also meet other days. The president of the school is Sophie Genovese-Mester, and she works alongside vice president, Kush Chaudhari. They are helped by secretary Lexie Sherman . There are seven people in the executive board and 31 kids who represent their homerooms.
All in all, Student Council is an inspirational club. It is a great way to boost students’ self esteem and let their voices be heard. It also teaches important skills that students need in life. Student Council is a great club that you should think about joining next year!
One Item Can Make a Difference
By: Sophia Tedesco
In November, the 6F homeroom representatives and some members of the Difference Makers came together in the school’s main entrance during 8th period to finish something called “Canstruction.”
The Difference Makers is a group of students that work to make a positive change in society. Some of the things that they have done are the “Canstruction,” the Hunger Challenge, and the Quad Competition. The “Canstruction” is the construction created by taking all of the food collected from the Hunger Challenge and Quad Competition and making a picture out of it.
The picture that was made was a plate and utensils. This image represented this year’s slogan, “Dinner’s on Memorial.” While some of the 6F representatives and members of the Difference Makers worked on the “Canstruction”, others made and hung posters. The rest of the group decorated bins with construction paper and markers. Those would be used to put donated food from people who went to see the Cinderella show, put on by the Drama Club. 
DIY-Apple Roses
By: Nicole Strashnov
DIY-Apple Roses
By: Nicole Strashnov
Ingredients-
- 1 red apple
- sheet of pastry dough
- cupcake tin
- pizza cutter
- ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons apricot preserve
- rolling pin
- Take your red apple and cut it in half. Then core it.
- Once it is cut in half, cut it very thin, almost like a paper-thin slice.
- Next take a bowl (that is microwave safe) and fill it with water and juice from ½ a lemon.
- Put in the apple slices and microwave for 3 minutes.
- Put in a strainer to get all the water off.
- In a separate bowl, take 3 tablespoons of apricot preserve mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and mix it together so it is not very chunky.
- Set that aside and get the pastry dough. Put some flour on it and take your rolling pin to spread it evenly.
- Once it is spread, take the pizza cutter to cut six pieces horizontally.
- Put on the preserve, and then layer 7 apple slices on each piece.
- *Add some cinnamon for taste-sprinkle some on the apples.
- Fold up the bottom half of the dough and roll to make a rose.
- Put it in the cupcake tin and bake at 375 for 35-45 minutes.
- *For a little extra, sprinkle on some powdered sugar when done.
*optional
Halloween: A Spooky Night
By: Simran Gohel
On October 31st, middle schoolers around town dressed up in costumes, collected candy, went to parties, or even hung out at home. This was a Saturday for students to remember, and they had a blast!
Students from Marlboro Memorial Middle School were asked what they did for Halloween, and they shared their different experiences.
Allan Zhang answered, “I went trick or treating in the morning with my friends and family. In the afternoon, I was invited to a party.”
Timothy Qian, Anisha Singh, and Riya Malik all identically responded, “I went trick or treating with friends.” Other students shared that they carved pumpkins with friends. In sixth grade, ELA teachers brought their students to the library to share stories about monsters with their peers. 7th and 8th graders also had a great time dressing up in school.
In conclusion, Halloween was an amazing time for many students both in and out of school. All in all, Halloween was a great success!
Winter Holidays
By: Naia Rosario
Winter is a season of many holidays, and two of these are Christmas and Hanukkah. Many people celebrate these holidays, but few know the true history behind the traditions.
Many people celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Across the world, billions of people celebrate this cultural celebration. A lot of people call it Christmas, but it also has many other names. In Europe, they call it Noel, Nativity, and Christmas Yule. In many Spanish countries, it is referred to as Navidad.
There are many different traditions and customs that people participate in on Christmas Day. In some places, people carol, give gifts, exchange Christmas cards, and go to church. Many people have a big feast with their loved ones to memorialize the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25.
Those who follow Judaism celebrate Hanukkah in the winter. Hanukkah is also called The Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. On these eight nights, many people light candles each and every night on the menorah. Other Hanukkah festivals include spinning the dreidel and preparing certain foods with lots of oil to commemorate the oil burning eight days.The name “Hanukkah” derives from the Hebrew verb meaning “to indicate.” On these eight nights, most people will also give gifts.
Sports
Bump… Set… Score!
By: Samantha Matthes
The MMMS after-school Volleyball Club has been enjoying bumping, setting, and serving all over the volleyball court this year. Although the students that took part in the program are upset that it ended, the winners still proudly roam the school. The 2015 intramural volleyball winner is the Princeton Tigers. The sixth graders are happy to keep the ball rolling by starting a new volleyball unit in gym.
“I love what I do. I enjoy working with all of the children. I like being a positive role model for all of the students,” volleyball coach Mr. Hagensen said before the season ended. Accompanying Mr. Hagensen was the other volleyball coach, Mr. Bearse.
Many students are now encouraged to bring new friends to the program next year. One sixth grader new to the program, named Danielle Piscotti, said, “I am definitely going to do it again.” The MMMS Volleyball Club was definitely a great experience for the new sixth graders.
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| Illustrated by: Haddie Lyons |
This year’s Volleyball Club at MMMS was a big hit to all the students. Many of the students plan to come back next year with a friend to tag along. Overall, the volleyball coaches have made volleyball one of MMMS's amazing clubs.
Let’s Cheer For School Spirit!
By: Emily Gao
The winter season may bring snow and cold, but it also marks the start of cheerleading. Once again, Ms. Grevesen and Ms. Shatynski return to coach the team. This year, there are four captains that will also assist in training the team. Already, the group is in rigorous training, preparing to cheer on our teams at Marlboro Memorial Middle School.
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| Pictured: Lauren, Lyndsey, Julia, and Skylar |
According to Ms. Grevesen, cheerleaders need to be “enthusiastic, show school spirit, and be motivated.” Ms. Shatynski also added that they must have an attitude in which they “help not only themselves, but others as well.”
The captains agree as well. Eighth grader Julia Gershman stated, “The strongest asset of the team is that they should be determined, have lots of spirit, and most importantly, pay attention.”
According to 8th captain Lindsay Kiperman, she became interested in cheerleading when she was in 6th grade. Also, many of the cheerleaders stated that they benefit personally from cheerleading, which teaches them to be “self-confident...be loud, [learn] teamwork, and [have] spirit.”
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| Pictured above: Mackenzie and Hailey Illustration by: Haddie Lyons |
In the end of the winter cheerleading season, the coaches are always satisfied about how the cheerleaders perform. Mrs. Grevesen stated, “We are always surprised by how they perform, and we are always proud.”
Basketball Teams
Basketball Teams
By: Allan Zhang
The basketball program is one of the interscholastic sports offered during the winter season. Tryouts for the teams are held in November. Athletic ability, sportsmanship, and academic proficiency are important prerequisites for team selection. After a few days of tryouts, the cuts take place. After the cuts, the basketball teams are officially assembled for the year.
Games are played after school on a competitive level against other schools in the area. Currently, there are two boys’ basketball teams and two girls’ basketball teams. A boys’ 6th and 7th grade team and a girls 6th and 7th grade team are offered, as well as both boys’ and girls’ 8th grade teams.
Here are Mr. Pagliaro’s responses to a few questions about the basketball teams:
Q: How does it feel to be the coach of the basketball teams?
A: Mr. Styler and I take a lot of pride in being the coaches of Marlboro Memorial's [boys’] basketball teams. Through the hard work and dedication of our players, we get to witness how these fine qualities can help you to achieve success/
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| Illustration by: Haddie Lyons |
A: Basketball practices are Monday through Friday from 2:30 until 4:15.
Q: Are the members of the teams really enthusiastic about being on the teams?
A: The players work through an emotional tryout process to make the team, so once they have been named to the roster, they are highly motivated and excited.
Ms. Bruzzi is the coach of the girls’ 6th, 7th, and 8th grade basketball teams. The Lady Lions are dedicated to the success of their teams and work hard to do their best at every game.
Good luck to Ms. Bruzzi, Mr. Pagliaro, Mr. Styler, Mr.Fine, and the members of the basketball teams!
Wrestling
By: Allan Zhang
Wrestling is an activity open to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Wrestling is a winter sport, with daily practices and matches against schools in other areas. Our school will compete against opponents from places such as Tinton Falls, Marlboro, Point Pleasant, and many others. Besides the frequent practices and matches against schools in other places, there will also be four tournaments this year.
Every wrestler in our school gets to take part in the tournament on Saturday, January 30: the Red Division Tournament at Manalapan Englishtown Middle School. The winners from the Red Division then get to participate in the next competition on Monday, February 1st. This tournament is named the Monmouth County Tournament of Champions, and it also takes place at Manalapan Englishtown Middle School. The winners of that tournament will be selected to participate in the next one, which takes place on Tuesday, February 2nd. Finally, the winners of that competition will participate in the last tournament, which takes place on Thursday, February 4th. This is a competitive and intensive program for serious athletes across all 3 grades, and the ongoing process keeps wrestlers busy all season.
We wish the best of luck to all wrestlers this season!
Poems
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
By: Roy Chen
Frosty, the snowman,
Was a jolly, happy soul.
But he didn’t always start this way.
You’ll soon see how it goes…
It all started like this…
It all started in the clouds
“Frosty” began as a tiny little speck;
a chilly snowflake, drifting in the wind.
He laid there like a unnoticed pebble,
waiting to be kicked like THWACK!
He would be unable to do anything
Gone forever, forgotten, buried.
He watched the children play in vain
until they saw him, thinking with rosy cheeks.
Eyes bright in curious contentment, they ran over,
Yelping, squealing and jumping in elated excitement,
Yelping, squealing and jumping in elated excitement,
they gently pick me up in their monstrously large hands.
and start rolling me around in the powdery, white snow.
I soon become a big white ball, but here comes more.
A smaller ball is placed on me, and then another.
I stand a whole five feet tall, proud and strong.
But the children were not finished with me,
and they get some friends and more supplies.
They found a big black button and two skinny sticks,
along with an old corn cob and some coal as black as a crow.
First comes the coal: Suddenly, I could see my snowy surroundings!
Next comes my mouth, more pieces of the dark coal. Suddenly, I can breathe!
Then comes the sticks: Suddenly, I can feel! I feel the burning cold snow in my hands!
Finally comes the button: it goes in the center, and suddenly, I can breathe in the brisk air!
And now I am finally complete. They clamor loudly over a name, but Frosty is the official one.
But now the happy children run away from me, down the bright street like angels. Away, forever.
I cry as sudden loneliness takes over like a tsunami wave, and frozen tears cracked on the pavement.
Crack! Clatter! Crack! Clatter! Crack! Crack! Crack! Clatter! Crack! Crack! Clatter! Crack! Crack!
But when I look up again, they are back with all their glee; this time, even more friends are here!
They all shout and scream as a taller girl wraps a striped rainbow scarf around my large neck,
and an adult as tall as me places a black top hat with a shiny white ribbon on my tiny head.
Instantly, I jump to life, and I actually start jumping and dancing! I go THUMP THUMP.
The children burst out like a fire, and I run around while the children chase.
We have fun for many hours on end. But when the shining sun comes,
I must leave like a stranded leaf on a windy day. Leaving forever.
The children pout and some even cry. I feel terrible for these kids.
But before I melt into a puddle, I say soothingly, “Don't cry,
I'll be back again some day!” And that is who I am.
Frosty, the snowman.
When Will He Come?
By: Shruti Kedarnath
The grass is closing its eyes
Everything is still
But there I stand
By the windowsill
Waiting and waiting
For him to come
And be there for us
Me and Mum
When will he come?
Where is he now?
Doesn’t he want to see me
Bend down into my little bow?
When will he come?
Where is he now?
Doesn’t he want to see me
Bend down into my little bow?
Mum comes by
Only to see me like a stone
She rests her chin on my shoulder
And speaks to me alone
“Why are you up, my sweetie?
Why aren't you asleep?
Why are you sitting so still
Without a single peep?”
I ask Mum
The thought that has nagged me night and day
“When will he come, Mum?
When will he finally stay?”
A tear trickles down Mum’s face
And I wipe it dry
“Why, mum, why?
Why do you cry?”
She shakes her head
And manages a weak smile
“Don't worry dear heart,
He will be here in awhile”
Right when I lose all hope
And start going off to bed
The door opens
And in shoots a head
A tired looking head
Sootier as he grows near
But the face wears a smile
And is still full of cheer
He twirls me around
Until we grow dizzy
And we both collapse
As he cries out, “Lizzie!”
Mum enters the room
Her hand flies to her face
And she runs to us crying
Covering Dad in an embrace
Though I did not know as we played
Marching in a line
Dad was a soldier
The country’s hero-- and mine
Vegetable Poisoning
By: Saanvi Nayar
I know it’s poison she’s feeding me--
Brussel sprouts and broccoli.
Vitamin B and Calcium,
Does she think I’m that dumb?
Stuffing spinach in my pork chop,
I cannot make my mother stop!
She hollers, “But it’s so yummy!”
I say, “My taste buds don’t agree!”
She persuades and pleads,
I’m convinced and say, “I’ll see.”
I bite an apple, my stomach feeling numb.
Then astonished, I say, “YUM!”
Grey
By: Noreen Siddique
Grey is a color of sadness,
Of sameness,
Of everything in between.
Often overlooked for its monotony,
The storms during the day,
Painting the skies different shades,
With bursts of light and rifts of yellow,
To return once again to follow
The grey clouds, the grey, the grey.
Until everything is once again the same,
From the beginning of day-
A glittering blackness
Only the Moon
By: Joyce Huang
The night was dark,
No light and no sound
On and on the silence dragged,
Only the moon hung from the sky.
Eerie sounds resounded
Through the silent night.
Crickets chirped,
Owls hooted.
All was dark,
Only the moon.
Trees swayed
Against the wind.
Leaves danced around
The jet black sky above.
Only the moon, the moon
Gleamed in the night sky.
Life In Our Senses
Life In Our Senses
By: Megan Xie
If life was a color,
It would be swirls of
bright yellow and dark blue and blood red
and hints of black.
If life was a taste,
it would be unpredictable-
you don’t know
what you’re going to
taste next.
If life was a feeling
it would be like feeling
joy, sadness, anger, and fear
repeating over and over again
for a hundred years.
If life was a smell,
it would be like perfume
sometimes it smells really nice and sweet
sometimes it really stinks
and sometimes you can’t smell it
when others can.
If life was a sound,
it would be
as loud as screaming
as soft as a child singing
as miserable as crying
and as scary as a monster’s voice.
Drama and Music
The 2015 MMMS Fall Play- Cinderella
By: Megan Xie and Emily Luo
Ryan Wasserman played Prince Phillip, dancing with Cinderella all night. Amy Amkhanitsky and Nikkoleta YanBeeber were the two nasty stepsisters, acting wonderfully to play their parts. Sophie Genovese-Mester played the ‘lovely’ mama of the two sisters. Lastly, Samara Atry and Adam Fiorito paired together, playing the fairy godmother and her trusty mime, Fellow. With hard work, they altered from just regular school children to skilled actors and actresses.
Mrs. Shatsky, director of Cinderella, says, “The cast is exceptionally talented. As the director, these students have turned my vision into a reality. From the first rehearsal all the way until almost opening night, it has been an amazing experience for the cast, crew, and directors.”
Ms. Maskery, the assistant director, also quotes, “In such little time, they really pulled it together.”
But it was not only the performers who made the play amazing- it was also the Art Scenery Club members who added the extra dazzle. From the white rose bushes to the background scenery, it really wouldn’t have been as fantastic if it wasn’t for them. Mrs. Tortora, the Stage Crew director, said, “When they were backstage, they did everything they needed to do to help the actors move the props.” In addition, the tech crew members made the production even better. They were in charge of the lights, camera, action! The music, the lights, and the microphones were all controlled by them. 
The rest of the cast has something to say, too. They’ve been through highs and lows, but persevered to put on a wonderful performance. “At first, when I entered the stage, I was scared,” says Kaitlyn Ingenito, who plays Mynona Mynette, “but I got used to it.” 
The actors have not only worked hard, but have also started new friendships. Alyssa Kiselev, who acted as Princess Lily explains, “It’s not just the acting, you also have to get close to your cast.”
The actors encourage everyone to tryout in the play next year. They think it’s a great experience and definitely an amazing enjoyment. “I’ve learned from this production that if you work hard, you can achieve great things,” explains Victoria Lawlor. “I just think that it’s a lot of fun, and I would recommend it to a lot of people. And if you work hard for it, you’ll be successful.”
Congratulations to all the hard work the MMMS Drama Club has done to make this production such a success!
Instrumental Music
By: Emily Luo
Marlboro Memorial Middle School is truly a musical place. The school offers three musical ensembles to students: band, choir, and orchestra. Mr. Goley is the band director, Ms. Winslow for choir, and Ms. Dinger for Orchestra. The ensembles are offered to all grades, 6-8. On December 3rd, the 8th graders had their winter concert, and on December 16th, the 7th graders had the opportunity to perform.
Mr. Goley, the band director, quotes, “Both grades did a great job. 8th grade was exceptional, and the 7th grade also did very well.” As for the sixth graders, they their concert was recently held on January 13th.
However, band, choir, and orchestra are not the only ensembles in which the students can participate. There are more advanced ensembles for the 7 and 8 graders, such as jazz band, Royalaires, and bell choir. Griffin Orchestra is offered to 6-8 with advanced skills in music. All of these ensembles (with the exception of bell choir, which performs at the 8th grade graduation) travel to Hershey Park at the end of the year to represent MMMS in a grand, competitive performance.
Band has a large genre of instruments to choose from: flute, clarinet, trumpet, drums, saxophone, and xylophone. All students are welcome to learn any instrument, including beginners. In orchestra, students have a choice of viola, violin, cello, and bass. The only instrument needed for choir is a voice! But choir does has different vocal parts, such as soprano and alto. Ms. Winslow helps students to find the vocal style that is best suited to their unique voices.
MMMS continues to be proud of all of its musicians and singers. Keep up the good work!
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