Zoos Are Good....

Zoos Do More Good Than Harm

Well, zoos do do more good than harm in my mind. For one, zoos have changed since they have been around a long time.
Their living environment has changed. Instead of all the iron bars and cement cages, their habitats look and feel more like their natural living environment. Also zoos use their habitats to bring back endangered species by breeding them and then releasing them back into the wild. There is this one true story where they brought back the Pere David’s deer from the brink of extinction. The deer had ceased to exist in the wild but some zoos in Europe and China had them, they then released some of them into the wild and now they are self-sustaining. Also, zoos have changed their methods of getting animals. Instead of capturing them from the wild, zoos now get their animals from other zoos and through captive breeding programs.
Some zoos have taken abandoned animals that wouldn’t have a home if they hadn’t taken them. Take the Baltimore Zoo and the Detroit Zoo for example. They both took in polar bears rescued from a traveling circus; the Bronx Zoo took care, and is still taking care of a snow leopard cub, Leo, in 2007. Zookeepers now understand that many animals need activities to keep them from being bored and mental deterioration. That’s why sometimes you see monkeys playing with toys and tigers “hunting”. Many zoos even contribute to the care of the animals wild natural habitats. The Toledo Zoo is helping restore butterfly habitats in Ohio, and the Bronx Zoo has put more than 3 million dollars toward conservation projects in Africa.
Zoos give scientists an opportunity to conduct research. According to Jennifer Horton, an environmentalist and journalist, in 2002, zoos participated in 2,230 research projects and conservation projects in 80+ countries.(Horton, 2011)
The information that they gathered helps them develop new medicines an improve animal health; besides all the good things that zoos have for animals they help people too. Zoos educate and give children a fun way to learn. Children aren’t the only ones to learn either, zoos aim programs toward adults and teens too. Zoos teach people about what animals need and that conservation is important and why; when people get exited enough they just might be more towards donation to conservation projects. Just another good thing about zoos.
While I’m here telling you about all the good things about zoos there are people who will argue that zoos are bad. Animals like zebras, giraffes, gazelles are ment to run around, and while the habitat that zookeepers are just beginning to understand, and it is very hard to replicate the environment in which they naturally live in.
It is an on going debate in whether zoos are good or bad. It all depends on what zoo you are talking about and whether you are talking about a random zoo animal or a random wild animal a thousand miles away.


Horton, J. (2011). Are zoos good or bad for animals?. Retrieved from http://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/zoos-good-or-bad1.htm

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Why gum should be allowed in school (Charlie)

In most middle schools, gum chewing is not allowed. The reasons for this is because many people think it is nasty, distracting, and will be stuck in places that you will end up putting your hand in. Today, though, I’ll show you why gum chewing should be allowed in all schools. Some recent studies have proven that chewing gum can help. In a test at the Baylor College of Medicine, 108 kids (ages 13-16) were separated into two groups. One group was given gum, the other not, and the two groups were followed for 14 weeks, always keeping the pattern for homework and tests. The scores showed that the kids who chewed gum had a 3% better score than the rest of the kids. The gum kids also had better concentration and longer attention spans. Gum tests have shown that not only concentration and attention spans were affected. A test at the University of Northumbria showed that it improves memory, like the short term memory of recalling words, names, or phone numbers. Again, the difference was very noticeable.
It has been proven that there is an explanation of why gum helps. We’ve even learned about it in Science. When you do some form of physical exercise (running, jumping, and in this case, chewing) your body pumps blood faster, trying to get oxygen to the parts of the body that need it to provide energy. When you chew gum, a lot more oxygen comes through your body. The brain loves this oxygen, and it seems to make your mind work better.
I’ll disprove another assumption that most people think; that gum damages teeth because people are chewing it for so long. There is sugar free gum, and even regular, sugary gum only does minimal damage to weaker teeth. Nothing that can’t be scrubbed of by a good toothbrush. The sugar free gum does no damage at all. Gum can even clean off the pieces of food from your teeth after you’ve eaten lunch, clearing junk that could wear away the outer covering of your teeth. It strengthens your jaw muscles, making it easier for you to eat other foods.
Many teachers think that most gum chewers will stick it under desks, or on walls, or something like that. Many kids though, say they would never do that if they didn’t have to hide it. Teachers also think that gum is too loud, even though it is barely recognizable unless if it is being smacked or blown into a bubble. If that happens, then the teacher can just tell the student to chew more quietly.
Another great reason to chew gum is that people really do enjoy chewing it. People like the taste of the flavors, the constant motion of the chewing, and because they know that chewing gum can help you in school. If the gum becomes a distraction, then the teacher can tell them to be quiet or to spit it out. I’m not saying there won’t be consequences for abusing gum chewing. Very few kids, though, have it explained to them why gum is not allowed in middle schools. If someone could explain the consequences (like a ban if gum is misused) then maybe kids would use it much more responsibly. The high schools allow gum, and they seem to have few troubles with gum.
I myself chew gum very much. Whenever I play sports, I ritually get two pieces of gum. It really seems like I do better when I use it, and I can’t imagine I’ll ever stop (it’s like when my favorite team scores a lot of runs to take the lead, and I’m afraid to change my position on the couch). I bring gum with me to school, too, to chew during our breaks (and I think teachers and students would prefer it if the kids’ breath smelled better than a sewer). As far as I know, when I was chewing gum, or when I gave it to someone else, the gum never became a distraction. I wish that I was able to chew it all the time, because I always feel more comfortable with it.
Gum is a great way to enhance concentration, and kids should be able to take advantage of it. Many tests have proved how much it helps their concentration, attention, and memory. That three percent difference shown in the test can be for many kids the difference between an A or a B, or even the difference between a pass and a fail. As long as the privilege is not abused too much, then gum should be allowed in middle school.

Lebron Best Player of His Era?

Lebron Best of His Era?

One of the first questions I had to ask was who would be the other candidates for the title, best player of LeBron James’s era (2003-2004 season to present day). One of the immediate candidates was of course the Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant. Another person would be Steve Nash, the only other player of his career to achieve more than 1 MVP was Steve. Other candidates include, Derrick Rose of the Bulls, KG of the Celts, Kevin Durant or the Durantula as he is also know as, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavs, Lebron’s current teammate Dwayne Wade, and finally Dwight Howard who has won three straight Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Another question that I had to ask was out of the candidates who owns a championship ring. Out of the candidates the most rings a player has is, Kobe Bryant who has 5 championships under his belt. Now, I know that ring mean a lot to how good a player is but really I’m talking about skill and being a great teammate. Let’s just compare some of their stats, head to head, points per game, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, blocks, steals, and turnovers;
Kobe (in the order that I listed): 25-5-5-.454-.828-.2-1.2-2.96.
Lebron: 28-7-7-.479-.744-.8-1.7-3.3.
Those stats sway towards Lebron to me, especially the 28-7-7 compared to the 25-5-5. What do you think? Okay, back on topic the other candidates with championship rings include, KG, Tim Duncan, and Dwayne Wade.
Now out of those players that have won rings, let’s take a look at who they had on their team and then look at who Lebron has had. Kobe; Kobe played with Shaq when he was in his prime and put up 30 points, 14 boards, and swatted 3 blocks per game, pretty good, right, oh yeah he won the MVP that year also. KG; well let’s just say that he played with the best three point shooter ever and a very good other man called Paul Pierce who won the Finals MVP the year they won the title. Tim Duncan; Tim won 4 NBA titles, very nice, yes, but he had two All-stars with him. The All-stars were none other than Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili who has proven himself to a very exceptional clutch shooter. The last Finals winner in Lebron’s era is Lebron’s now-teammate Dwayne Wade. Wade won the Finals in the 05-06 season but had a very nice supporting cast including, Shaq who averaged a double double in the playoffs, Udonis Haslem who almost had a double double in the 05-06 playoffs, Jason Williams and Antoine Walker both put up double digit points, and great leadership from Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning.
Now, let’s look at the best team of Lebron’s the 06-07 team when he reached his first NBA Finals. The best teammate he had was Larry Hughes who went for 15-4 (ppg followed by apg) and then Ilgauskas who went for 12 points and 7.7 rebounds. Now to me that sounds like two all right role players but not starters on an NBA Finals caliber team. I believe that Lebron in the 06-07 season had one of the worst supporting casts of any team ever to make it to the Finals.
Let’s turn our attention to Lebron James career achievements. Lebron is the youngest player in NBA history to score 10,000 points and the third quickest (fewest amount of games) behind Wilt the Stilt and MJ. Lebron has 7 all-star appearances in 8 years in the league. Lebron has won MVP twice. He has the 3rd highest ppg in NBA history (27.8). LBJ has the highest efficiency rating (26.9) among active players and second all-time behind MJ. He was compared to the ABA Doctor J, Bo Jackson, and the ’92 Pippen by Bill Simmons in his book “The Book of Basketball, the NBA According to the Sports Guy” (which is pretty cool considering who he is). NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2004. All but his rookie season he was awarded an All-NBA either 1st or 2nd team accolade. Also Lebron is the only player ever to avg. at least 26 points 6 rebounds and 6 assists in their career. There are way too many so I had to stop there on one of his greatest accomplishments. The list literally goes on forever.
After all of my research and after finding some great accomplishments such as the one about Lebron being the only player ever to avg. 26-6-6, I have definitely decided that he is the best player in his era. After all he is only 26 and in the NBA players typically reach their “prime” between the ages of 28-32 so just wait he may just go down in the books (if he wins some rings) as the greatest NBA player.

Homework should be limted

I think that homework should be limited. We’re having to much and its stressing students way out. We are always worrying if we can get it done in time, if we are going to get in trouble, or will if effect our grades. As a student, I know how the feeling is. Some days i’m so packed with homework. Than I get frustrated. Not only that studies show that homework does improve some unit test scores. Also, studies show that that middle level students that have homework exceeding over 90 minutes just “drop off”. [Harris Copper]

Here is a situation that happened to me that might help you understand. Last week (it was late in the week), I got assigned a writing and reading project. Science questions and I had to finish my reading goal. That night I was really stressed out and got very frustrated because I had a hard time figuring out my writing project. The next day I was worried all day that I was going to get in trouble because I wasn’t able to finish it all.

I know that teachers don’t mean to stress us out. They just want us to have a good eduction and exceed in life. All they have is good intentions. But it’s getting out of hand. Students are having 1 to 2 hours of homework a night and sometimes more. The homework has sky rocketed since the 1990’s and is getting higher. A recommendation that I would say is that the teachers communicate on homework so we wont have so much.

Thank you so very much for listening and hope that you will really think about this.

Homework Should be Banned by Jessica L.

Some say homework should be banned. Well, if you ask me I would completely agree and I’m sure most kids would to. I not only dislike homework but after researching there are facts that support my opinion of banning homework. Iconic figures that support my topic would include Ted Turner, Liz Claiborne, Whoopi Goldberg, Albert Einstein and Howard Stern but I’ll get to them later. Plus time spent doing homework could be put to more physical and fun activities or focusing on dilemmas or other family problems. Also I would like to point out homework is seen as an annoyance and an added stress for kids.

So back to the iconic figures. As you may know Ted Turner, Liz Claiborne, Whoopi Goldberg, Albert Einstein and Howard Stern didn’t excel in school but still managed a profitable adult career.There school failure reflected on the fact that school and school homework they were assigned was not completed.Well, it could be that many people are forcing students into a “good student” mold which suppresses the students learning. According to a PhD named Robert McCall many or most underachievers catch up to the achieving peers later on in life. Meaning homework doesn’t effect our adult future.

I would also like to go back to the point of time spent on homework is time that could go towards family time and physical activities. I would like to begin by stating a quote by Melissa Cooper a NCTE-middle school teacher. She says quote “Many of them have outside obligations like sports or babysitting, and many are dealing with some heavy-duty stuff outside of school. Who wants to worry about algebra when your mom is dying or you don't know when you're going to eat next?” To me this statement is so very true and so very touching because really, who wants to work out math problems when they could spend that time with a relative for the remaining time that loved one has left. Plus people are telling kids things like “You need to spend more time outside” or “Stay physical” but really what student has time after completing the pile of homework they were assigned. And factor in the time it takes for them to eat a good meal, get a good night sleep, and build a bond with family. There really isn’t much time for homework. Homework sets this kind of barrier that limits out side of school activities.

Sleep is also very important for students and homework limits sleep time. According to The National Sleep Foundation Statistics found that 22% of children fall asleep doing homework. And 80% of teens do not get the recommended amount of sleep which cause at least 28% to fall asleep during school which then causes more homework.

Next I would like to go back to the added stress and annoyance it puts on students. So basically teachers are assigning homework that a child doesn't want to do. Student much rather be playing and living there child hood. So what are they not going to do. Thats right there homework. So in simple terms there setting students up for failure. Plus I would like to point out that since they don’t want to do it, in a hurry to complete there assignment those students will resort to cheating to get the job done.

I would also like to counter argue an immense point for the “pro” homework people. They say homework improves test scores. Well according to a study done by a researcher named Harris Cooper who wrote “Homework Research and Policy: A Review of Literature” there are increases in some students test scores but there is no proof that the increase is caused by homework.

Based on the information that I have presented I can conclude that I am a believer in the ban of homework. Well think about it. Would you want the burden or stress of homework when you should or could be with family members or outside playing and being physical. And remember even though you might not excel in school, or you just can’t seem to stay on top of your school work doesn’t mean you can’t be an Einstein when you grow up.



Cooper, H. (1994). Concerns affecting homework. Retrieved from http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/plato1/constructhome/page7.html

Debatable Topic- Cell Phones in Middle Schools

Okay so I am a kid. I LOVE my cell phone. I wanted to talk about having cell phones in school and all of the benefits of it. Cell phones are important to today’s society. 84%of students ages 11-15 have one. When you are in danger or need help you can dial 911, anywhere. When you need a ride from school you can call up your parents or friend to give you ride. When I started researching the topic, of Cell phones in school however, here’s what I found out.

Cell phones should not be allowed in middle schools.They have been seen to be disruptive in past years, with them ringing in class and people concentrating on their conversation instead of the lesson. Imagine, you are in class, trying to concentrate on a test and the person sitting next to you’s cell phone rings. You completely lost your train of thought.

Also tests could be cheated on. People could text their friends for answers to questions on exams or tests, or even take a picture of their quiz and send it through picture message and they could get answers back. With smart phones you have the ability to do “Hands Free” an app that you can talk to people and they can dictate the answers to you. Newer mobile devices have the internet, which is great, you can find out anything in the blink of an eye. But this is a set back to having them in school, you could easily cheat! Old and new mobile phones have calculators too, this should be a worry for all school who are allowing these devices in school, math tests would be a breeze, but it isn’t fair to others.





Students could take unwanted or inappropriate pictures of students and post them online and humiliate them. The internet again on cell phones is huge pictures could be updated from the cell phones camera to Facebook or MySpace. Cell phones could cause rumored violence or threats through cyber bullying. in recent years a girl killed herself because she was so nervous to go to school because she had been threatened to be beat up via text message on her cell phone.

Also new research is being done by Dr. Michael H. Repacholi, Occupational and Environmental Health, World Health Organization, that cell phones, the higher radiation they have, there are more chances of developing cancer. Michael H. Repacholi, Occupational and Environmental Health, World Health Organization.

So lastly, I just have to say that middle schools shouldn’t allow cell phones. Who wants brain cancer? Who wants to be interrupted during a test? Can’t you just use the school phone to make connections with your parents during emergencies? Cell phones are important you can’t deny that, but they are not appropriate for a learning environment.

Debate Topic-Homework should be banned, By Julia Eleanor Zavaleta 7L

Why homework should be banned-Julia Zavaleta 7L

Why should homework be banned? That is the question, here’s my point of view on this issue. Homework does have some plus sides, but it also has many down sides. One of them is that homework can keep you up all night, especially when you have several big projects due, on the same day! And as many of you know, staying up all night weakens your immune system making you more prone to diseases, and having diseases can make you miss school that can give you more homework.

But that is only one reason I feel that homework should be banned. If homework was banned, I know that I would be outside getting exercise and being more active, along with many more students. But instead I get cooped up inside doing homework, also, along with many other students. Another reason that homework can be unhealthy is that, when students get home they get a snack and do their homework. And when you are eating and concentrating on something you don’t even notice when you get full, so you will keep on eating and eating until you get done with your homework. And that type of thing can cause obesity.

When students have to much homework, they can spend hours and hours doing it,they can even spend all night doing their homework if they have enough! So they loose concentration and students can start getting tired. Especially when you have major projects due. I feel that if teachers and sports coaches communicated with each other, so that practices, projects, and homework wouldn’t get in the way. I feel it would help so much, and students would get their homework done. And they would get higher scores on it.

I know that not all teachers do this, but some do push you to do extra curricular activities. Those after school activities can put some students back on homework, students need that after school time to work on homework. Which brings me back to this, if coaches and teachers communicated that could make such a big difference!

So to wrap it all up, homework can be good, and it can raise test scores. But if teachers let up on it a bit there would be no harm done, and students would be outside getting exercise. And younger people in general may just be a little more fit. And students wouldn’t be so tired and they may get higher grade averages from not being so stressed out the night before.

Gum Chewing in Middleschool- Hailey Craig

Chewing Gum in middle schools, an act that has been prohibited for quite a while. Most kids in their preteen to early teen years enjoy chewing gum, as do many other age groups. If the middle school that a student attends does allow chewing gum, some teachers may be strongly opposed to the idea. With the strict rule of no chewing gum in middle school, the facility is not allowing the students to receive the benefits that gum chewing gives. I would like to list those benefits, and resolve any situations that may come up if the rule of gum chewing is allowed.

The company that produces wrigley gum performed a study on the benefits of hewing gum in class. It was headed by Craig A. Johnston who has a Ph.D. for children's nutrition research center Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. This took place from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 22, at the American Society for Nutrition in 2009. they found the following research.

The researchers found that students who chewed gum showed an increase in standardized testing scores, and their final grades were better than those who didn't chew gum. If chewing gum increases grades, shouldn't we be able to chew it in school? Isn't school all about grades? Not only do schools want to give their students a start at life and a brighter future, but seeing their school as one of the top schools in the area grade wise, it wouldn't only be rewarding to the teachers for doing exceptionally at their jobs, but to the students, who got fabulous grades to help set a good model for younger students.

they also found that students who chewed gum during math class for fourteen weeks and while doing homework had an extreme increase in their standardized math test scores compared to those who didn't chew gum. Chewing gum has been scientifically proven to increase memory, thus making you remember those pesky math drills better. the motion of chewing gum exercises a part of the brain, which increases blood flow. From personal experience, I know on Monday mornings it's hard to zone in on those two step equations. getting blood flowing through your body wakes you up and makes you more alert, thus helping you stay focused. Summing up everything I just said, Chewing gum makes raises grades because it makes you more alert, focused, and increases memory.

Another experiment was held also. At the university of Northumbria in Great Britain in 2001, Professor Andrew Scholey performed a research project to figure out the benefits and effects of gum chewing. He took three controlled groups of people, and had them all take the same test. One group chewed gum during the test. Another pretended to chew gum, just acting out the movement of of chewing, and the last group kept their jaws and lips still. After the test, Scholey found that things were revealed about gum chewing. The gum chewers doubled the scores of those who kept their jaws still. The group who didn't chew gum but still moved their jaws improved, but not as well as those who chewed for real. they did significantly compare to those who did nothing at all.

Scholey found that there are insulin receptors in the brain, on both right and left hemispheres. When the insulin went into the grooves of the hemispheres, they excite the parts of the brain cause attention, comprehension, and memory. The insulin is caused by the chewing movement, and the body getting in sync, and the body being fooled into thinking that real food is coming. Insulin is released because insulin's job is to control glucose in the blood, so if the brain believes that you are going to receive food that contains glucose, it creates insulin. So, therefor, chewing increases attention, comprehension, and your memory.

So, what about gum on the floors at school? Under the desks or chairs? Every school has those few who are "rebels." If schools allowed gum chewing, they could have a meeting at the beginning of the school year, like a laptop meeting, to discuss the penalties and rules of chewing gum on the school property. If students are continually caught being irresponsible with the subject, ban chewing gum for a week. try to pinpoint what class and/or what person seems to be causing the most issues. If it is a specific person, and they get caught numerous times acting irresponsibly, it could end in a demerit and/or detention. If it is a more general group, say a class, have meeting with that class and explain the rules once again. Explain that chewing gum is a privilege, not a right. If necessary, make up a contract having all students agree to the rules and agree to accept any punishment that may come their way resulting from their actions. That way, they can't have the excuse of "you never said that" or "that's not what I heard." It would be practically fool proof. Until people turned in their contracts, they would not be allowed to chew gum.

Middle schoolers love chewing gum, and we all love it for different reasons. It tastes good, it makes your breath smell good, and for a teachers benefit, it would most likely keep kids quiet during class. they will be busy chewing away. There are so many benefits, and if gum chewing was allowed, those students could achieve those benefits. The school could even do a test sort of thing. They could consider it a research project. For one week, allow middle schoolers to chew gum. If everything goes smoothly, it should be okay. If it's a disaster, well, it wasn't a good idea. So, with all the good things that could come of it, why not give it a try? You may be surprised at what us pesky kids could accomplish.

Works cited

Lind, AE. (2009). New study shows chewing gum can lead to better academic performance in teenagers. retrieved from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub releases/2009-04/epr-nss041709.php

wnchsler, HB. (2006). Forget what you heard in school, chewing gum activates your brain. retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Forget-what-you-heard-in-school,-Chewing-Gum-Activates-You-Brain&id=198507

Persuasive Essay: Music Education In Schools. Justin Brown

We all know that music education has a lot of pros and some cons, but why do people have to focus more on the cons rather than the pros? I’m not sure if I’m the only one thinking this but it clearly doesn’t make sense. The benefits of music education far out weighs the number of cons!

I have heard, and read, only one con that music education brings. It’s “Music education takes time away from students core classes and negatively affects their learning.” I very much disagree with this over used statement. If someone can provide evidence that supports this, then I will gladly tip my hat to them but I have found no such evidence. On the contrary, I have found statistics that prove that music education has positive effects on students and makes them more academically and emotionally stable, intelligent, and even healthier than students who don’t participate in such music education.

According to Gregory Blankenbehler, a music educator with over 25 years of experience performing and teaching music from PitchPerfectPublishing.org, he says that on average, students with music education have had 27% higher math scores, 57 points higher on SAT’s and 46% higher IQ scores.(Blankenbehler, 2010) That’s a great reason to use some class time for music education. He also says that students with music education experience the lowest rate of gang activity and substance abuse. And the list goes on! Music participants receive more academic awards for grades over B’s, 73% of teens who play an instrument are less likely to have discipline problems, students who are rhythmically skilled also tend to better plan, sequence, and coordinate actions in their daily lives, and music educated students show less test anxiety and performance anxiety than other students.

Another benefit I would like to point out is that music education not only helps young and older students but adults and elderly people as well. According to Pitch Perfect Publishing, it has been tested and proven that music education lessens depression, loneliness, stroke, pain, migraines, and stress. It also helps Alzheimer's patients lessen agitation, increase focus and concentration, enhance ability to respond verbally and behaviorally, and have better social interactions.

I know some of you are saying to yourselves that we have to cut music education because we can’t cut anymore teacher’s salaries, we can’t cut anymore faculty positions, and we need more funding for core classes. I’m saying that music education should become a core class. With all of the benefits I have listed above, it does not make sense to cut music education.

During an average music class, students are learning history, math, and reading. Music education incorporates history because somehow, music has been changed throughout the years by someone or something. Mozart is a great example. He was called the world’s best musician. He came up with new tones, playing styles, and rhythms that have changed the way music is played and written forever. Math is a huge part of music. You need a way to count rhythms and measures. Reading is also an important part. There needs to be some way of reading notes, so why not use letters. Almost all of the core classes are incorporated in music education, another reason to not cut it!

To wrap this up, I would like to ask you a question. What do Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and Steven Halking have in common? They were all musicians! Coincidence? Certainly not.



Works Cited:

Blankenbehler, G.B. (2010). The importance of music education in public schools. Pitch Perfect Publishing, Retrieved from http://pitchperfectmusic.org/articles/importance-music-education-public-schools/

Blankenbehler, G.B. (2010). Studies showing the benefits of music education. Pitch Perfect Publishing, Retrieved from http://pitchperfectmusic.org/articles/studies-showing-benefits-music-education/

Did Operation Iraqi Freedom do more good than harm?

Did Operation Iraqi Freedom do more good than harm? Did the benefits outweigh the bad? Here’s the cold hard truth.

We all love America, right? I know I do. Think about it, all those American soldiers, dead. How can anything good come from thousands of body bags containing young men being sent back to the States? You might say that they consciously knew what they were doing, and that it may lead to death, and that is true. But its not good, is it? It’s not something you would want to go through, the loss of a loved one, right?

Saddam Hussein was the Iraqi dictator when we invaded them. Of course, all of you probably know, he was quite brutal. In fact, he had one of the worst human rights records in the world. He reminded many people of the WWII era Russian dictator, Josef Stalin. In fact, Saddam said that Stalin was his role model. So, needless to say, it was necessary to attempt to free Iraq when Saddam may have had WMD [Weapons of Mass Destruction]. We found he did not have any, but when he had ties with terrorists, he probably could have had easy access to them if he really wanted to. Anyways, we took him and his Ba’ath government down, but nothing good came from it other then one terrorist down. [yet with others in the Middle East, did it really matter that only ONE was dead?] You might say “We took him down! That’s what we wanted to do! We did everything that was promised!” but you forget the cost of that, perhaps this war didn’t effect you personally, but it affected many families personally when they are missing a loved one, forever. You can’t sit there and say that this war was absolutely positive 100% when these men are dying and lives are being changed perpetually.

Some might say that America does no wrong. The government does everything right. But if YOU say that, do you think sorrowful families and dead people are ‘benefits’ from this? Is high taxes good? How about the fear in Americans that terrorists will attack again? Are these good things? No, absolutely not.

In total, the death count was 2,119,087. That being both American, Iraqi, and Insurgent troops. That was in seven and a half years of war. Think about all those families, missing someone at the dinner table, because they were killed, or because they were in service for however long. Would YOU want your Father, Mother, Son, or Daughter to be missing from the family, for months to years at a time, or worse, forever?


Operation Iraqi Freedom, was necessary, but it was costly, it fueled our debt, and the gas prices. According to www.usmilitaryservices.com, in 2008, the United States spent 5,000 dollars per second on military efforts in Iraq. In 2009, it was 7.3 billion dollars per month, and the cost to deploy ONE soldier to Iraq, 390,000 dollars. Keep in mind, the taxpayers [you or your parents] are the ones paying for this, and the thing that came from this was death to soldiers. Again, is this what you call “doing everything right?”

In conclusion, I personally believe that Operation Iraqi Freedom had nothing beneficial come from it. The only results were negative. I would like you, to ponder on what I have said, and I am sure that you will agree that Operation Iraqi Freedom had many negative effects. Because, if you love America and agree with what it stands for, would YOU want all of these men gone, lives cut short? I think not.

Why do we pick on the Pitbulls?

Pit bull Appreciation

Pit bulls have been put down for a while. In the beginning of the 20th century, they were the most popular breed of dog in the world. But afterwards, into the end of the 20th century, they were given the title of “Dangerous” and “Killers”. According to the ASPCA website, ” No other breed of dog has experienced as many discrimination's and misconceptions as has the Pit Bull. ” They were deemed the most vicious dog breed on the planet. This is NOT true. They were and still are a very intelligent and loyal breed of dog,and even though their size and looks might intimidate you,they are the perfect family dog.

Myth One:A pit bulls jaw will lock once it has “latched onto” you or another object.This is impossible. Although the pit bull has a strong jaw,as well as many other dogs,it is impossible for the jaw to “Lock” in place. The way this myth came into play was because a pit bull,or any dog trained to attack,is trained to rip and tear.In a video I watched on pit bull fights,they fight to save themselves.They can grab ahold of their opponent by the neck,and kill,yet,so can any other good sized dog,but who is picked as the most dangerous?The pit bull,just because of the past of dog fighting for the breed.

Myth two:Pit bulls are aggressive towards other dogs as well as humans and other animals. Untrue. According to my classmate Jessica,” Pit bulls are not as bad as people make them out to be. I have a three year old pit bull retriever mix named Sadie. She may look aggressive but she’s not. She is the friendliest dog I have ever owned. She has never bitten anybody in my family in less it was a play bite but she knows what hurts and what doesn’t she would never cause anyone or anything any pain not even a fly. And the aggressive towards other animals I have two other dogs and a cat and she doesn’t bother them at all.”Bit bulls only fight when they need to survive,and it is the only was to stay alive.They Don’t fight for their own profit,humans fight for money,but they don’t get hurt,the dogs do.

Myth Three:Pit bulls are a danger to society and should be euthanized for he safety of the community. Why should we kill an innocent animal for being alive?You wouldn’t kill your house pet,your poodle,your german shepherd,Chihuahua.If you wouldn't do that,then why would you kill a pit bull?Just because of their past?In a shelter in texas, out of the 1.4 million dogs euthanized in the shelter, .7 million were pit bull types.That is half for the dogs that were killed.And why you may ask?because nobody wanted them because of what they had heard about them.

Altogether A pit bull is the future wonder dog.They are being trained as seeing eye dogs and they save people and animals.Once,A pit bull saved 30 people,29 dogs,13 horses,and a cat during a flood in south Carolina. If that is not a wonder dog,then what is?A pit bull is just another breed of dog,and no matter what the past of the breed is,they should not be put down just because of what we,we the humans that force the dogs to kill,make the dogs do,for us to make easy money.A pit bull is just another type of dog,and there is no evidence that can make a pit bull any different from all the other dogs.

The Osama bin Laden Death.

Dear Whoever,

In the New York Times Student Opinion, there is the article, “What is Your Reaction to the Death of Osama bin Laden, by Holly Epstein Ojalvo. It is about last week, when the President announced that bin Laden had been killed by U.S. soldiers. Bin Laden had been behind the 9/11 attacks, and had killed thousands of people. Almost ten years later, he was found and killed in his compound in Pakistan.

I am quite pleased that bin Laden has been killed. I won’t feel sorry that a mass murderer is dead. It is a better thing for the world, because he was such an important part of Al-Qaeda. Hopefully there will be no retaliation.

From,

Charlie

Summary:

Dear Reader,

According to the New York Times Student Opinion Page, Article “What is Your Reaction to the Death of Osama bin Laden?” The article is asking your opinion on the death of al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden. The article goes on to talk about what made bin Laden the #1 man on the wanted list by telling the reader about the 9/11 incident. My personal opinion is that I am very happy that the United States has killed the most wanted man on earth. I’m joyful that we have one less terrorist left on earth and hopefully this starts a chain reaction that eventually causes the fall of al Qaeda. This was a great event for the USA and a great event for the world and the war on terror.

Sincerely,

Jared B.

"What Would You Do With a Gap Year?"

Dear Reader,
The main idea of the passage “What Would You Do With a Gap Year” written by Holly Epstein Ojalvo discusses how Gregory Kristof took a year off from education and put off his freshman year in collage. He wanted to take a load off and live exciting experiences, and he has lived those in China.

My comment on this includes that in my opinion, Gregory should have waited till he was done with schooling to take this time off. The idea of the gap year is entirely new to me, but I think that he should have found love in his life before an experience that thrills him, like rock-climbing in China.

"What Annoys You?"

Dear People of the blog,

The article “What Annoys You?” by Katherine Schulten is about what the word annoyance really means. Like some believe it’s the weakest form of anger, overtones of disgust, and even panic. Also, if there is an annoying situation, like if you need all six colors of M’n’M’s to make a rainbow and you realize you just ate the last green one, and you just get frustrated.
My opinion is that this article has many logical viewpoints and ideas. I happen to agree with most of them. Many people get annoyed in many different ways, and I do believe that many different forms of annoyance do exist. Who knows, we never may be able to find one logical definition to the word annoyance that is applicable towards all forms.
Just for good measure, things that annoy me are the following:
. The M’n’M’s thing listed above
. When people sing a song you love a kill it
. When you start making brownies then realize you don’t have any eggs (happens to me all the time)


Sincerely,
Hailey :)

The New York Times and Our Opinions

PUBLISH YOUR STUDENT OPINION HERE IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO GET ON THE BLOG AS A CONTRIBUTOR. LEAVE IT UNDER COMMENTS.

Forgetting Cursive?

Dear Reader,

I recently read a article on the New York Times Page that talked about students and adults forgetting how to use cursive.The constant computer usage is causing us to have less of a need to use cursive.Instead of writing letters,we just send emails.Not only are the students forgetting,but some adults,such as Alex Heck,age 22,had not been able to read his grandmothers last wishes,because he could not read the cursive she had written in.This is causing more of a chance of forgery in handwriting.I think that it should be a must learn lesson in middle level.

Jewelia

Summary and Opinion

Dear Editor,

In the article I read, the topic was about whether or not Obama should have released photos of Osama bin Laden’s body. The topic is up to debate because some say that a photo would convince all that he was really dead, but on the other hand; Mike Rogers, a representative from Michigan says “Imagine how we would feel if al-Qaeda killed a military or political leader from the US and posted pictures on the internet. We shouldn’t show pictures because it could endanger our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

I believe that Obama should post pictures of Osama bin Laden’s body because it would prove to everyone that he is dead. I mean, sure, the al-Qaeda members may become enraged that we posted pictures of their dead leader, but I believe that they are probably drained of morale. I mean if they had killed Obama per se, then our country would’ve been shocked and stunned and it may take a little while to “get back into it.” So I believe that they wouldn’t show any signs of enragement and even if they plan on doing so, it is hard without their mastermind, Osama bin Laden.

Sincerely, Gordon

What Annoys You?

Dear Reader,

The article “What Annoys You?” by Katherine Schulten is about what gets inside your head and annoys you to the point of being crazy. Like an annoying sound or act. For example, a fly. Small and harmless, but the constant buzzing and landing on you can bring you to your boiling point.

This is what annoys me...

I get really annoyed quite quickly, especially when someone purposely does something that they know I can’t stand. Like when people eat, they scratch their plates with their forks. The sound just drives me to the boiling point. It’s just so annoying and makes me mad! Another thing that makes me angry is when I’m talking and laughing with a group of friends when we’re not supposed to and a teacher yells at me for talking. I know I have a loud voice, but it’s very irritating when I’m the one that gets picked out from the group and is threatened with demerits or warnings. And, I love it when other kids in my class can get away with certain things. Their is a group of girls in my class that like to take pictures of themselves in the bathroom. It is sooooo annoying. They grab all their buddies and run into the girls bathroom where they take pictures of themselves in the mirror. They can even skip study hall and stay in there for like half an hour and no one realizes their gone. It’s just stupid and aggravating.

Sincerely,

Justin

The New York Times and Grade 8 Opinions

Eighth Grade Writers post here!

Grade 8 Takes a Position on "School's in for the Summer"

How To Access Your Web Noteshare

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on RSU24 bookmark (upper left gray area)
3. Click on Technology tab
4. Click on "Links and Resources"
5. Click on "RSU24 Noteshares for Viewing"
6. Bookmark this site.
7. Find the Noteshare for your class and click.
8. Enter "hgs" as password.
9.Find your own Noteshare and click.
10. Use your password to open your Noteshare.

Best Wishes. Working with technology can be frustrating. Breathe.

Longer Break

Dear Editor,

I think that we should have a longer break in the Fall and Spring and a shorter break in the Winter. In the Winter no one wants to go outside anyway and in the Spring and Fall kids want to be outside as much as possible.
In the Winter no one wants to go out into the cold air and stand around doing nothing for ten minutes. In the inter all we can do is stand around on the pavement waiting for the snow to melt away.
At the beginning and end of the year we can play kickball, run around, swing, sit and talk on the bleachers, and lay on the grass. Those are just some of the things we can do outside.
As you can see, we can do much more in the Fall and Spring than we can do in the Winter. Which is why I think that we should have a longer break when we have things we can do outside and a shorter break when we can do nothing.

From,
Jacob

None For The Show letter to the editor 2

I Think killer whales should be returned to the wild and set free. I don't agree with your out of the times statement though, because I thing a lot of people would like to see a whale at sea world. Though I do think that killer whales belong in their natural habitat. Whales are mammals too and they should be treated as such. I agree that their tanks are too small for them an that is another reason they should bring them back to the wild. I have seen their tanks and I don't think the sea dwelling creatures like how they have limited places to swim. 

I do not have complete sympathy for them either though. I was deeply saddened when I heard about the four people who died in cause of the black and white beast. I think the trainers for the whales should have some kind of protection against the whales if they are pulled under. It's so sad that a whale killed it's trainers, even if it thinks it's playing with them it's still not right. Like what I always say, Never bit the hand that feeds you. Then to think of telling the families you would have to tell, what would you say, 'I'm sorry but your son/daughter was drowned by a whale they were training'? It's horrible, just horrible.

If you think about it, what would the people who watch the shows really want? Higher prices on tickets so they can watch a killer whale suffer and destroy human life, or pay less with minus the killer whale, still having a good time and less life would be lost. I mean, is that really what the KILLER means in killer whale? I hope it's just a coincidence.

~Shelby

                         Maria Libby 8L   

               March  8, 2010                  

               Final Draft

           

We Need Our Laptops Back

     At the beginning of our eighth grade year, we were given brand new, one-thousand dollar laptops. We all were very happy to have a new tool to use at school. As the year has gone on the attitude has changed a bit towards the use of the computers. Several students have been using them for things other than school. Such as facebook and checking personal email. After some of the middle level teachers found this, they proposed that the laptops remain at school until after February vacation. Well, when we all came back from our break, the seventh grades and eighth grade were not given the right to take the laptops home as they were supposed to. Now there has been a lot of talk about when we are going to get them back. Here is mine opinion.

   Okay, I understand that some students are misusing them, but why should you punish everybody? I am one of many students that have been using them correctly and I used the computer for my homework every night. I don’t think that we should have them taken away if certain people’s homework is being completed. There are students making honor roll and working hard to succeed and sometimes it is hard to do that when you can’t bring your laptop home.

 As I started discussing in my previous paragraph I have noticed that I have had a harder time completing my school work. For all of my classes we use them and when homework is assigned, it is very frustrating and stressful to do at school because I know that I only have my hour of study hall to complete things from five classes. Usually we have some homework in all five subjects.

Also, I would like to say that it has been a big help so far this year having these laptops. It has been such a help looking for research and examples. I really think that it is too bad that the teachers here can’t trust us with our school computers. We do a lot of slideshows using the application Keynote and write a lot using Pages. Actually right now using our laptops has been very helpful in our Wabanaki studies, and our science inventions. We also use Noteshare which is a program where us students are able to see interact with each other and our teachers.

    All students have different opinions and this is mine. I know that things are changing and we are learning new ways of working things out. Hopefully when you read this, you are seeing my point of view and the values that us students have.

        

When I get home from school the last thing I want to do is homework. It might be different if it was just a page but I think we have too much homework.

For example, last Tuesday we had a game in Stueben, which is pretty far away. After the game I got home around 8:30 I was tired so I was gonna go to bed. I look in my bag real quick and remembered all the homework I had to do so I stayed up till 11 at night getting it all done! Then the next day I did terrible in school because I was so tired. 

We go to school for 7 hours a day. Our parents usually say “ don’t complain, we work all day”. Well, we go to school all day and we do just as much as our parents. When I come home I want to rest I worked all day in school but no I cant rest i have to do a few HOURS of homework.

Our “working” parents get to come home and rest. I think we should be able to just come home and rest too. I lose a lot of sleep because of homework. I stay up till late hours because I have basketball. So when I come home at eight at night from a game, I have to stay up till 11 getting my homework done. I wake up at 6 i need my sleep. When i come to school Im tired and its hard to listen and be alert causing bad grades. All this is caused because of homework.

Or maybe teachers can work out deals with the students. For example maybe if we are good in class we don’t get homework but if we are bad we get homework. I understand homework is kind of a tradition. My math teacher, for example, always says, “Don’t complain. When i was a kid i had 50 or 60 questions a night! That was her life 40 years ago but things have changed, we have technology making it easier to learn and personally having homework does not make me smarter. Usually it does not help me if I get stuck there is no one there to help me. Then when i come to school and say i didn’t get it. The teachers don’t believe me and say it was just a excuse.

One more thing homework causes a lot of stress especially when you don’t get it done. Man am, I scared when I forget to do a assignment. And like I said, I play basketball and if you don’t get your homework you get a detention. So when I forget to do my homework, I rush to get it done causing it to not be done right.

So all together i think homework is a bad idea and it causes all of these things maybe teachers could do the homework in class so they can help us.

Dear Teachers,
I don’t think we need to have homework almost every night. Kids play sports which take up time and have other things to do besides homework.
Why do we need homework if we just had a whole day of school? If we have sports then dinner, when do we rest? You can get more rest if you don’t have homework. When I get home after a full day of school, the last thing I want to do is homework.
I am okay with homework every once in awhile but everyday it just makes you overwhelmed. If we have homework, it should be in smaller amounts because we have lives outside of school too so we don’t have two hours every night to do homework and I do not want to stay up all night doing homework because then I am tired in the morning. If homework was in smaller amounts, that would be okay but teachers give us so much work it’s like they forget that we have other homework in other classes as well. When we add it all up, thats an hour or more of homework.
If I stay up too late doing homework I find myself making stupid mistakes and then the next day I’m tired the whole day. All day at school I am getting in trouble the whole day for being tired. For example one evening I had a game an I did not get home until almost nine. I realized I had homework so I sat down worked on my homework. We were assigned homework in almost every class that night and I did finish until ten thirty. When I woke up the next morning I looked at the clock an noticed that i was a half an hour late and found myself in a huge rush. I made it too school but the whole day I was tired an I knew it was because I stayed up to late last night. When we went over our homework I found that I had made careless mistakes. Thats what I hate most about a homework overload. Most of us are busy outside of school an it just makes everything harder after a whole day of school. During school we do a lot of work in each class so why should we have to spend a few hours after school doing more work.
I understand I am not going to be able to get rid of homework but I hope teachers at least consider this because I just want you to hear it from our point of view. The only thing that is good about homework is if you do well on it, can help your grade and that can be a good thing. I also know that it helps you build a good work ethic but we are going to be working adults someday too so we need to enjoy our time as a kid.
Those are my thoughts on homework. I am sure that most of the kids in my class agree with me. Sometimes homework can just be too much.
I do not think we should have a ton of homework every night. A little is all I am asking for. Teachers should just be a little bit more considerate when it comes to the amount of homework they assign.
Sincerely,
Jake

Let's Chew Gum Please! =]


Dear Viewpoints Editor,
There is a school rule where students are not allowed to chew gum during the school day, Monday through Thursday, eight o’ clock to three o’ clock and Friday, eight o’ clock to two o’ clock. I want to discuss this issue with you, editor, on my opinion of whether or not students should be about to chew gum during the school day or not.
First, my opinion is I think students should be able to chew gum during the school day hours. You are probably thinking, “Oh boy, here we go again.” But, don’t stress, I have many reasons on why students should be able to chew gum during the school day hours and you, editor, you won’t regret reading them at all.
My first reason that students should be able to chew gum during the school day hours is that it has officially been proven by scientists that students who chewed gum while taking their test got a higher test grade vs. to the students that didn’t chew gum while taking their test. So, that means the students who were chewing gum focused better and the gum stimulated their brains to function faster and more efficiently. Now, if middle school students here at Hancock Grammar School were aloud to chew gum, possibly they would focus more, get higher test grades, and better grades in general.
Another reason on why students should be allowed to chew gum during the school day hours is knowing how gum helps students focus, students wouldn’t be so off-task and noisy, they would be focused and listening intently to what is going on. Wouldn’t that be grand?
The third reason on why students should be allowed to chew gum during the school hours is gum helps control hunger and anxiousness. That’s great, huh? So, if students were chewing gum they wouldn’t be complaining on how hungry they were or anxious for break, lunch, or basketball practice. The gum would help them relax and feel content and full.
Wouldn’t that be tremendously amazing if every student in the middle school would be focused, doing their work, and getting great grades! Wow, just imagine that because of a piece of gum, a life savor, huh? Also, if there happens to be trouble with students putting their “ABC” gum under desks, tables, and other school properties, the whole middle school has to stop what they are doing and help clean up the mess. The teachers could give us three chances and each chance we fail, the whole middle school can not chew gum for two weeks and if we fail and hit three strikes. We have lost the ball game on not being able to chew gum for the rest for the year. So, Editor of Viewpoints, I hope I persuaded you to let us, the middle schoolers of Hancock Grammar School, chew gum during the school day hours.
Sincerely,
Karlianne Cameron Wilson

Let's Chew Gum Please! =]


Dear Viewpoints Editor,
There is a school rule where students are not allowed to chew gum during the school day, Monday through Thursday, eight o’ clock to three o’ clock and Friday, eight o’ clock to two o’ clock. I want to discuss this issue with you, editor, on my opinion of whether or not students should be about to chew gum during the school day or not.
First, my opinion is I think students should be able to chew gum during the school day hours. You are probably thinking, “Oh boy, here we go again.” But, don’t stress, I have many reasons on why students should be able to chew gum during the school day hours and you, editor, you won’t regret reading them at all.
My first reason that students should be able to chew gum during the school day hours is that it has officially been proven by scientists that students who chewed gum while taking their test got a higher test grade vs. to the students that didn’t chew gum while taking their test. So, that means the students who were chewing gum focused better and the gum stimulated their brains to function faster and more efficiently. Now, if middle school students here at Hancock Grammar School were aloud to chew gum, possibly they would focus more, get higher test grades, and better grades in general.
Another reason on why students should be allowed to chew gum during the school day hours is knowing how gum helps students focus, students wouldn’t be so off-task and noisy, they would be focused and listening intently to what is going on. Wouldn’t that be grand?
The third reason on why students should be allowed to chew gum during the school hours is gum helps control hunger and anxiousness. That’s great, huh? So, if students were chewing gum they wouldn’t be complaining on how hungry they were or anxious for break, lunch, or basketball practice. The gum would help them relax and feel content and full.
Wouldn’t that be tremendously amazing if every student in the middle school would be focused, doing their work, and getting great grades! Wow, just imagine that because of a piece of gum, a life savor, huh? Also, if there happens to be trouble with students putting their “ABC” gum under desks, tables, and other school properties, the whole middle school has to stop what they are doing and help clean up the mess. The teachers could give us three chances and each chance we fail, the whole middle school can not chew gum for two weeks and if we fail and hit three strikes. We have lost the ball game on not being able to chew gum for the rest for the year. So, Editor of Viewpoints, I hope I persuaded you to let us, the middle schoolers of Hancock Grammar School, chew gum during the school day hours.
Sincerely,
Karlianne Cameron Wilson

Gum in Classrooms

Dear Editor,
I believe that the students that attend Hancock Grammar should be allowed to chew gum during school. Don’t you? I mean, we have been asking for this right for a while and we still haven’t been granted our wish. Well, I think I have a really good argument. So first I’m going to back you up with the facts about chewing gum benefits. Now, I know that you are probably thinking, b-o-r-i-n-g! But in the long run, this could be helpful. When you chew gum, it sets your jaw muscles into motion. This, believe it or not, increases focus, concentration, and alertness. This could be really beneficial during class when you’re learning an new skill or even when you’re studying. Now, I’m sure you’ve heard that chewing gum can decrease appetite and reduce weight loss, right? Well, with obesity becoming a bigger issue in our younger generations, isn’t that a good thing?

Well, the learning part is over so you can sit back and relax and enjoy the rest of this. Imagine you’re sitting in class and the teacher is on one of her tangents. You keep fading in and out of focus, struggling to pay attention. Then your stomach growls, embarrassing you. Everyone looks at you. What can you do? You aren’t allowed to eat in class, although you wish you could. And you just can’t seem to pay attention! All you want is a sweet taste and a busy jaw. Ta da! Gum! Basically, us kids are just dying during class periods. Unfortunately, we’re bored and, most of the time, we don’t eat breakfast. We’re hungry and are suffering till lunch arrives and then we’re stuffing ourselves beyond belief. It’s unhealthy.

Last, but not least, we can be responsible. I’m sure that the main reason we are not allowed gum is because we won’t throw it away. They probably think we’ll drop it all over the carpets and stick it to the undersides of desks, right? Well, we have to talk about punishment. Okay, lets say that some chewed pieces of gum are found miss placed. We are punished with a week of no gum. If you are caught, you are involved in the removal of the gum, acting as a detention, after school and an unexcused absent for sports. I think if we have some penalties like this, our cause may be more convincing. So there you have it. All of my reasons we should be allowed to chew gum at school. You with me?

Sincerely,
Haley Sattler

Wearing Hats in School

Hi, I’m Juliana, a seventh grade girl who attends Hancock Grammar School. I think that all schools in RSU 24 should be allowed to wear hats in school. One day when we had hat day my class acted great that whole day. No one got any demerits and everybody listened to the teachers. I think it was because everybody wanted to be aloud to wear they’re hats. That was the best my class had been in a while. The three good things about my hat idea are...


If someone is having a bad hair day, has a cold or has a bad hair cut, then they won’t get teased and they’d be happier.

2) Students will remove their hats during the “Pledge of Allegiance, during assemblies, and if the hat it has any bad language, and the teacher can ask them to remove it.

The hats we wear cannot be insulting, and we must take the hat off if the teacher asks them to take it off. No listening to music with the hat on.


I know what you’re thinking. What if the student doesn’t remove their hat? Kids could also hide they’re face and it would be disrespectful. The teachers could give the student three strikes and they’re out! First, the teacher could put their name on the board. Next, if the student still refuses then give them a demerit, if the student is still resident then you can send them to the principal's office as a last resort.
Please consider these reasons and really think this through. I think this may improve student behavior.


Student,
Juliana

Recess for Middle Schoolers

Dear Editor,

I have an opinion and would appreciate it if you took the time to hear me out. I believe middle schoolers at Hancock Grammar School should have the opportunity to have recess and not just a ten minute break.

The first obvious reason is exercise. We all know and can stereotype teenagers. They all basically lounge around eating potato chips and watch t.v., right? Recess is a perfect time for exercise. Especially because at our short, ten minute breaks, many of us play kickball which proves that we actually like the exercise.
Now it’s time for the teachers. The only break the teacher’s get is during our ten minute break and lunch time, not to mention that some teachers are on lunch duty. But, I’m sure the teachers wouldn’t mind being on recess duty that much. It is a time to enjoy the fresh air and chat about the day while the kids get the exercise they need that they may not be able to get at home.

I know what you’re probably thinking. What with how short our classes are now, we just can’t possibly even think about making time for recess. I have taken this into consideration, and I think that getting rid of our ten minute break in the morning, shortening study hall, and shortening our first class will do. Besides, our first class seems to last forever meaning that there is enough time to be able to shorten it just a little bit.

But, let’s talk about being fair. I mean, c’mon now. While us middle schoolers are going through a constant nonstop routine, the little kids are probably enjoying themselves with their long recess. Also, they get long breaks between classes. Don’t you think it’s time for our share of fun again?



I hope you take my letter into consideration,

Regards,
Alycia W.

Self-injury Social Issue

Dear Editor,
Last week, I read an interesting article written by Theodore Beauchaine on February 1, 2010 titled, “Some kids hurt themselves to feel better” This article was stating that tweens, teens, and young adults physically harming themselves is becoming a social issue, and I definitely agree and have many good reasons to back up my opinion that it is an issue.

First of all, Self-injury Syndrome is when a human physically harms themselves to feel better or for other reasons. Cutting is one of the most popular ways, especially in girls, but there are many other ways it is done such as burning, drowning, hanging, suffocating, over dosing, and shooting. Would you really want to see your child or your best friend burn themselves with a BIC lighter or cut their wrists with a razor-blade? I think not. What is done for kids that DO hurt themselves? Sure, they put them into therapy, but some cases never get better. I believe that could be one reason that it is a social issue.

Another reason is that if teens have Self-injury Syndrome, they usually won’t listen to their parents frantically telling them to stop, because parents could be the cause or the teenager just doesn’t care about their parents opinion. They usually will just say, “Sure, yeah, whatever” but keep using or whatever it is they’re doing. They usually don’t like being told what to do by their parents, and might not even listen to their friends. It’s hard to stop once you know the adrenaline rush addiction has. They could never stop. Which also proves it’s a social issue, and that it definitely could be addressed to try to help stop it.

Finally, this mental state isn’t only physically scarring, but it will scar you mentally also. For life. Hurting yourself doesn’t do good things for your character. In the article, it told of one girl who cut her wrists when she was anxious. Sure, the bleeding will eventually stop and you may also eventually stop hurting yourself, but that will also always be a part of you. Those scars will be there for the rest of your life reminding you of your horrid past. That is a major issue, losing self esteem, and it takes a while to get back.

These are just some of my reasons that show that Self-injury is a major social issue, and I will stand by my opinion until the very end. It hurts, and nobody can change that. This is why I believe it is a major social issue. I believe we can make a difference in this, and we can do it if we all have any support at all. Will you support this cause, making the world a nicer place? Will you take action? Thanks for hearing me out, and please put in some consideration.

Sincerely,
Hannah Craig
Hancock Grammar School

Dear Editor of Viewpoints this is Ali

Dear editor of viewpoints,
I have a very strong opinion that middle schools should be allowed to have recesses every day for more that ten minutes and if you take the time to read my letter I hope that you would greatly consider this.

The talk is now that kids of this generation are way too over weight. Sitting in class all day will not help us. In the winter it is brutally cold here in Maine so I thing we could replace that recess outside with a game or active activity that everyone has to participate in the gymnasium. Why don’t teachers figure out a schedule and come up with a plan where kids can have time to run around and loosen up from a crazy morning of getting up and school work? I think it would be an awesome way to get active.

We should have this time in the middle of the day so we can relax before the other half of the day so we can vent from everything. I know that my teachers get very frustrated with kids chatting in class. So social time at that recess could be very helpful to the teachers. Being in middle school I have noticed that many people are talking in class and not really taking the time listen and try to learn. Now with our new laptops people are caught up with them and not really focused in with that class period so maybe a little time to socialize and help talk there would be less talking and distractions in the class. This time outside could get a little noisy and very crazy so if things don’t go as it should, kids will either be sent inside or consequences will be decided if the time comes.

The third reason that I think that kids should get a recess is because we like to have fun , we like to run around and jump, play or even play a game of jumprope or basketball. Being in school for eight hours with very few breaks gets a little boring. We could refresh ourselves from school for twenty minutes or so.

I hope that people will take the time to recognize the help that this will bring to teachers and students. Thank you for your consideration and help.

Thank you,
Ali Bierman

We the people,Have a voice!

We the people,Have a voice! Don’t try to shut us up!
This is our country as it has been for hundreds of years, and now evil and corrupt politicians are trying to change all that! as the people of the united states of America we reserve the right to freedom of speech and now this right along with many others are slowly being taken away from us . This is not the way it should be! This is completely inexcusable and unacceptable! We must rise up as a people and fight for the rights that our honest and respectable founding fathers created and put in place so that we could be free and happy and able to make our own choices ! They based the constitution on these nine principles and twelve values. Thank you Glenn Beck for the following excerpt from your website the nine twelve project!

9 Principles, 12 Values


The 9 Principles
1.
America Is Good.


2.
I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.

God “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” from George Washington’s first Inaugural address.


3.
I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.

Honesty “I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” George Washington
4.
The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.

Marriage/Family “It is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. By a law of our nature, we cannot be happy without the endearing connections of a family.” Thomas Jefferson


5.
If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.

Justice “I deem one of the essential principles of our government… equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.” Thomas Jefferson


6.
I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.

Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness “Everyone has a natural right to choose that vocation in life which he thinks most likely to give him comfortable subsistence.” Thomas Jefferson


7.
I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

Charity “It is not everyone who asketh that deserveth charity; all however, are worth of the inquiry or the deserving may suffer.” George Washington


8.
It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.

On your right to disagree “In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude; every man will speak as he thinks, or more properly without thinking.” George Washington





9.
The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me

Who works for whom? “I consider the people who constitute a society or a nation as the source of all authority in that nation.” Thomas Jefferson
The 12 Values
* Honesty
* Reverence
* Hope
* Thrift
* Humility
* Charity
* Sincerity
* Moderation
* Hard Work
* Courage
* Personal Responsibility
* Gratitude

When you consider these things , how many of them do you think that the government still upholds? One, two,? Well some uphold (or try to anyways) these values but, most turn on this country and try to destroy this democracy that our founding fathers created! They sneak and connive and do not feel that the public deserves answers,and many faithful Americans are finally sick of putting up with their bull and lies!
    We will bond together and not give in to the major powers of the government.  The very people many believed good are now turning out to be liars and scoundrels! They have abused our trust and now they must pay the price for their crimes! The Constitution clearly states that the House from each sector of the United States is responsible for punishing members of the government for disorderly conduct and clearly they are no doing a very good job! You know today would be the best time for people to get involved in movements just like the 9/12 project! Things that are run by good honest christian men like Glenn Beck. ( By the way I am NOT Glenn Beck )
    Now some people think that I am weird since I am only 13, but I think that young people should get involved as they are the ones who are going to be taking care of this nations economy in just a few short years! Anyone who is able to should get involved in their country’s well being and make a change! A good one! One to influence the future of this country a better one! If America’s youth would just get up and make an effort to change the way our country is being run then America’s government would be a more honest thing! This country is now being over run with scum bags who want to make this free nation a communist one!
    Now is the time to get up and make a difference ! Just like the videos that Glenn Beck showed of the people taking advantage of their right to free speech. They sure showed that senator not to mess with the people!! these government “officials just don’t get it, Don’t mess with the U.S.!!!
    And about this new health care plan. You know how right now we have “Cash for clunkers”? How long do you think it’s gonna’ be before we have “Cash for Cripples”?! The idea that if my papa has a stroke or a heart attack and then be denied medical help because he’s going to “ die soon anyways” makes me want to punch someone right in the kisser! This is a horrible and cruel idea that should be completely erased!
    So now you know what we need . Your time is up . MAKE YOUR CHOICE.

Home work, is it really essential?

I have been told that parents and teachers are having a debate on whether or not homework is necessary for students to have. My opinion is that no students do not have to have homework. I feel that it takes away from the time students have to spend with their families. It also makes students like myself more stressed then they usually would be.

Homework is not necessary for students to have, in some cases it actually makes kids have lower grades. Like my friend Thomas Hall, he can do very well in school but he hasn’t any time for homework. Between him trying to make sure he is keeping his grades up and extracurricular activities. Having sports taken away because students “didn’t get their homework done” is really sad because it is taking away from that child’s ability to socialize and have a healthy body by being active.

Yes teachers may argue that homework is needed so that a student will be able to learn concepts easier but most kids just sit there staring at the homework and say “I already know this so why the heck am I learning it again?”

Homework also takes away from children's sleep time. They could have a learning disability, get home have some homework that they don’t understand and be really stressed because they can’t get the homework done. Then the next day get to school and be even more stressed because the teacher yells at them because they don’t have the work done. Homework isn’t all that it is cut out to be. That is how I feel.

Thank you,
Harry Larrabee

Laptop Restrictions at HGS

Dear Editor,
This laptop thing:  I think that the computer restriction is not effective. We should be able to take them home because if we can't,  you're basically making it harder for you because you can't assign assignments to us since we can't take them home. Yes, some of us use them for non-school related items but don’t make us suffer for their mistakes. You should make it so the people who didn’t do that can take them home,  and the people who abused them can't.

I think that we should be able to bring our computers home so that we can do our homework that we might have. Like this week we have a lot of homework to do on our laptops, but we can't take them home because we are not allowed, and the reason we are not allowed to is because our class and in the 7th grade class have been going on the inappropriate things for these laptops. Yes,they are for school, but I really really don't see the big deal.  It is not hurting anyone.  Yes there are bullies,but if teachers can see our computer’s then there are no worries.

Instead of searching our computers they take everyone’s away.  So obviously they can't see our computers because if they could then they would have.  Another reason,they said we don't take care of these computers.  Of course, we don't treat them with respect....well some of us  but most  don't.The reason fo this becuase anythng we do unless it is an assingment we get demerits for.If they didnt want us to to use them except for school work...then why would they put apps on them that are not school related.

So teachers shouldn't be able to give us demerits for it because it is the states fault.They could have removed items like OMNIDAZZLE and IPHOTO.But did they...NO.So we are basically able to use those apps.

Another thing,the rules change everytime.In the begging in the year we were able to get on those app’s.But now if we go on them we get into trouble.How can a teacher say Oh! you can go on theese app’s.But now that we have been here for alittle while we cant.So that is what i meant when i said they changed the rules.I now they can change it but they shouldnt just becuase it is half way into the year.

So i think that wee should be able to take these computers home,becuase we need them.Plus,if we cant take them home then the teacher’s have to suffer and change there schedule around.So i hope you will take this and change what you guy’s are doing.
Sincerly,
Christopher Maxwell.

Student Hood Policey

Some people think that by wearing hoods in school you could lose attention in class but it would be a lot better to let us wear hoods that get some people mad and not pay any attention at all because they’re mad.

I  know from experience that some people get really mad over something simple and rather not important yes, but for some people it somewhat meaningful to them and makes them feel better.  Wearing the hood feels kind of like a shelter to them.  People can’t see them and can’t judge them. 

Some times people just want to feel like they’re alone in their own little world because they’re sad, shy or just not feeling like being with anyone and I now that with a hood on you don’t fell like your with anyone or that your having so much attention to you. It just makes people feel better, especially if you want to be alone. Either way, that doesn’t mean that the person in the hood can see it’s just like a security blanket  thing. 

Middle school students should be able to wear their hoods in school.