A Mario Loiederman Middle School
The Lion’s Den
Volume 1, Issue 4
April / May 2010
Spring is Finally Here!
A Tribute to Brian Betts
Parents, students and teachers have all
By Maria M. Guerrero
shared accolades about Brian.
He was
relentless in reaching his students, he
inspired everyone around him, and there
was no end to his sense of humor. Ms.
Serino has shared that “Mr. Betts was a
founding member of the Loiederman staff,
a true visionary behind our whole school
magnet program and a beloved member of
our school community at large. In the fall
of 2007, he welcomed our current eighth
grade class as their grade level assistant
principal and helped them launch their
middle school careers.
He then became
the
of
founding
principal
Shaw
School at Garnet-Patterson in D.C.”
Middle
I don’t
know if we can fill the vacuum that Brian
left. He will be dearly missed by all of his
students, parents, colleagues, friends &
family members. We love you Brian.
Mane Events
1. Brian Betts
2. Brian Betts
3. Brian Betts
4. Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
4. Earthquake of Mexico
4. Disaster in Haiti
5.
5.
6.
6.
China’s Earthquake
Chile’s Earthquake
What is Mother’s Day?
Cubs Thoughts on MSA
7. Creative Corner
8. Horoscope
9. Sports
Students and Parents Reminisce
"I remember when I always got
in trouble and Mr. Betts would
never yell at me. He would say,’
Karen you need to change the
way you act.” I never listened to
him. But now I think I’m going
to listen to him and move
forward with life. Rest in peace
Mr. Brian Keith Betts.♥ "
"Brian Betts you were one of the best
things that ever happened to my children.
You guided them, joked with them, and
taught them life lessons that will remain
with them for always. Plus, you were
there for me. God Bless You Brian for all
your strength and love you gave each life
you touched. You will be missed....but
your legacy of education and love of all
will go on. "
Even people who didn’t know him
commented: "... I'm not going to
pretend I knew Mr. Betts at all. But
from what I've read on this page, in
articles, he seemed like a great guy
and was much-loved, and I'm
absolutely devastated. I hope his
family, friends, co-workers, and
students find the solace they need
somehow; solace I know is not easy to
find, solace I still have not found. ..."
"I remember in Neillsville,
you would always make sure
I was in PE class and in Math
class. You made sure, that
every student in your
classroom learned what you
taught, no matter if it took
more than one day to teach it.
You made sure that your
students were successful. You
are
the
best
teacher/
coach/leader/principal
that
anybody could ask for. You
definitely taught me a lot and
I will miss you, but you are
never
forgotten.
Keep
watching me! R.I.P Brian
Betts"
Mr. Bett, Me and you were
very close. You were on me
always about my work and
you made me make Honor
Roll. I always felt you cared
and you did! A great man
lives with me in my heart, and
that’s Brian Betts. My old
Administrator
from
Loiederman MS
- Briana Marreo
The Lion’s Den 2
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero
Brian Betts,
Eliot Pfanstiehl
President and CEO of the Strathmore Hall
Foundation, Inc
and Alison Serino
The Lion’s Den 3
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
By: Destinee Oliveros
Earthquakes occur because of the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are composed of the
crust and upper mantle rock which is lighter than the denser mantle. Rising and falling convection
currents in the mantle cause slow movements in the plates. The source of the heat driving the
convection currents comes from residual heat from the Earth's formative processes, pressure from
gravity, and from radioactive decay of elements.
Convection currents inside Earth provide the mechanism for plate motion.
The Disaster in Haiti
The Earthquake of Mexico
by: Daryl Vargas
By Gisselle Urias
A
7.2
magnitude
earthquake hit the Mexican
Peninsula of Baja California,
killing two people and
causing tremors as far away
as Nevada. Some people
were trapped in their homes and a state of emergency
had been declared.
The quake struck about 16 miles south-west of
Guadalupe Victoria in Baja California, according to the
US Geological Survey. It was the worst quake to hit
the region for many years, officials said.
Rescue teams sent digging equipment and sniffer dogs
to the worst-affected areas of Mexicali from the
nearby city of Tijuana.
There were power cuts everywhere. Hospitals and
public buildings were evacuated in Mexico's Baja
California state.
In January 12, 2010, energy
waves caused by an
earthquake shook Haiti and
caused a big disaster. More
than 300,000 people died
and many families were
separated. The United
States helped Haiti by giving them food, shelter, and
goods. The earthquake was 7.0, and it was very sad.
Loiederman Middle School helped Haiti by collecting
$1,325.47. An earthquake
is when the earth shakes
and buildings fall. It
happens when energy
waves shake the ground.
The Lion’s Den 4
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero
China’s Earthquake
Chile’s Earthquake
By: Steven Vilacorta
On April 13,
2010 there
was
a
terrible
earthquake
in Beijing,
China. The
earthquake
killed
at
least
400
people. There were at least 10,000 injuries.
A number of school buildings collapsed and
witnesses reported that some students had
been killed and others were trapped in the
rubble. A lot of workers were also running to
release water from a reservoir in the disaster
area where a crack had formed after the
quake to prevent a flood, according to the
China Earthquake Administration. That
earthquake flattened several schools, killing
thousands of students. Some people were
dead and some of the other people were
trapped in other places, together or
separated. The poor students just got up and
were yet to go to class when the quake
happened.
The 2010
Chilean
earthquake
occurred off
the coast of
the Maule
Region of
Chile on
February
27, 2010, at
03:34 killing about 1000 people. It had a
rating magnitude of 8.8. The cities
experiencing the strongest shaking were
Arauco and Coronel, Chile. The earthquake
was felt in the capitol of Santiago at Mercalli.
Tremors were felt in many Argentine cities,
including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza
and La Rioja. Tremors were felt as far north
as the city of Ica in southern Peru (approx.
1500 mi./2400 km). The earthquake
triggered a tsunami which devastated
several coastal towns in south-central Chile
and damaged the port at Talcahuano.
The Lion’s Den 5
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero
What is Mother's Day? FOR KIDS ONLY!
By: Steven Villacorta
Cubs Thoughts on MSA:
By Steven Villacorta
"Mother's Day" was mostly marked by women's
peace groups. The majority of countries that
celebrate Mother's Day do so on the second Sunday
of May. Mother's Day celebrations include moms
being treated to breakfast in bed, receiving
bouquets of flowers and being pampered all day
long. To start a good Mother's Day you have to
follow at least 5 steps:
1. Give her a good breakfast in bed.
2. For lunch or dinner take her to a restaurant.
3. Send her flowers.
4. Be creative. Ask yourself what your mom
would really like to do and do it!
5. Make sure your reward is seeing the smile
on her face, or the grateful tear on her cheek.
It will make it all worthwhile!
I felt bad about
MSA because I
was scared to fail
it, or worried I
would have to
take
reading
again
in
8th
grade.
One
strategy I used
was reading the
question
first
then going to the
passage to look
for the answer.
Karen Berrios
I don't want to take
the MSA test
This MSA test is not
needed. We already
take test in school.
The MSA is a big
boring test.
The MSA is going to
be a hard test.
Study hard for the
test. Use the 50-50
strategy and read
the questions first.
I hate the MSA. I
already go to school
and I take tests to
show what I already
learned.
Kids these days
By Chopper Carter-Sehelpte
Back in my day, we showed ROAR behavior by not talking
while the teacher was talking. But then again, kids these
days don’t have teachers with yardsticks!
But in case some L-M-S teachers haven’t “ruled” it
out…remember to be respectful and raise your hand when
you have something to say or ask!
The Lion’s Den 6
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero
Fragile Hearts
By Hannah Ferster
The sun shone harshly down on the backs of
two girls walking to school. The shorter one
had olive skin and dark brown, curly hair.
She was smaller than the other one, who
was tall and had dirty blonde, wavier hair.
“By the way, nice outfit, Eve,” the
dark-haired one said.
“Thanks, Laecie,” the blonde
replied. “It took an effort to get, but I did
it.”
“Nice work. It looks great!” Laecie
answered with a smile.
“Thanks. Think Laura would like it?”
Eve asked, biting her lip.
“Yup, she’ll love it,” Laecie
answered.
“Thanks. What about Nick?”
“Guys don’t notice what you wear.”
“Yes they do.”
“No, not unless you came to school
dressed up in, like one of those puffy hot
dog costumes. Which, I’m pretty sure is
against the school dress code.”
The girls laughed and continued
with their chatter as they walked through
the school doors, ready to face whatever
challenge was ahead of them.
“Eve, what’s the answer to number five?” a
nasal voice called out. Eve knew instantly
that the voice was Laura’s, the school diva.
“I dunno. Why should I know?” she
answered, even though she really did know
what number five was. Thirty-two. “X”
equals thirty-two. She thought. This is so
freakin easy.
“Nick, what’s the answer to number
five?” the teacher, Ms. Orange challenged.
“Uhh… thirty-two?” Nick replied
uncertainly. Eve smiled.
“Yes, correct,” Ms. Orange said,
“Finally!” Nick yelled jokingly.
Eve laughed with the rest of the class,
as the nervous butterflies in her
stomach fluttered around. They always
acted this way around Nick.
“Now, with a partner, solve
questions six through fifteen,” Ms. Orange
instructed. There was a shuffle of papers
and chairs as the students rearranged
themselves with partners.
Eve slowly moved her desk to face
Laura’s.
“Okay, so…” She was interrupted by
a voice behind her.
“Hey, Laura can I work with you?” It
was Nick.
“Yeah, sure Nick. Need any help on
these? I’m pretty good at polynomials.”
Eve couldn’t believe this. Laura knew
how Eve felt about Nick, but of course,
that wasn’t stopping her from flirting with
him. Eve was invisible, it didn’t matter that
she’d had a huge crush on Nick for almost
two years now. Who cares about how Eve
felt? It was all about Laura.
“Wow, you smell good.”
“Oh, thanks. It’s this new perfume I
just got. Your hairs a little weird there…
here. Perfect.”
Eve couldn’t believe what she was
hearing. She looked around the room, for
some reassurance, help, an idea, a sign,
anything to save her.
“Wow, Laura. You’re so smart.”
No! She’s not! I’m the smart one!
I’m the one who taught her this stuff! Eve
thought.
“Wait, what’s your phone number
again? I think I lost it…”
Eve felt like she was going to cry.
No, not here, she thought. I could ask to
go to the bathroom, and then…
Ring! Saved by the bell.
TO BE CONTINUED…
The Lion’s Den 7
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero
Horoscopes
From astrology.com
Edited by Hannah Ferster
yourself. It’s a good time to start one, or to form a partnership to
explore such possibilities. You can launch almost anything now!
Aries (March 21- April 19): Indulge your social side this month
— in fact, get out there and really mix it up with someone new! You
should be able to get your friends to see that there’s far more going
on in the world beyond your circle.
Scorpio (October 23- November 21): Exercise could be on your
mind — spring is almost here, after all — and your head is in the
right space to get started on a new fitness routine. You should be
able to make it stick long enough to count.
Taurus (April 20- May 10): Someone is rushing you, but you’re
just not having it. You may get nasty if they keep the pressure on, so
it may be a good idea for you to remove yourself from the situation
temporarily.
Gemini (May 21- June 21): You’ve got to make sure that you’re
pushing forward with your big plans this month. If you don’t take
initiative, someone else will — and that could mean that you’ve got
to take the back seat for a while!
Cancer (June 22- July 22): You feel rushed today — so much
so that you may try to cut corners. That is a bad idea right now,
because shortcuts are sure to lead to dead ends. It may feel like
failure, but the slow road is the best way.
Leo (July 23- August 22): It’s one of those times when you’re
sure to learn new things, no matter what. See if you can position
yourself in such a way that you’re getting the latest on whatever
topic interests you most.
Sagittarius (November 22- December 21): Your energy is much
more youthful than usual, even if you’re still rather young. Indulge
your inner child and eat what you want, do what you want and stay
up late. It should go well for you.
Capricorn (December 22- January 19): Your responsible ways
are making life a little easier for you this month, so see if you can
take care of business a bit more visibly now. Things are certainly
getting better for you — and those around you!
Aquarius (January 20-February 18): You feel like a battery this
month, charging people up and letting them go on their way. Most
folks are grateful for the energy you provide, but the lazy might start
to grumble somewhat when you rouse them.
Pisces (February 19- March 20): Your attention is drawn to a
person or topic that might not have every held you before — but you
can’t look away this month! This could signal the beginnings of a
huge change in your life, if you want it.
Virgo (August 23- September 22): Your high spirits may come
across as sass or even contrariness, but you’re just having fun. You
may want to ease up if someone starts to take offense, as your
inclination may be to escalate.
Horoscopes from astrology.com
Libra (September 23- October 22): Business matters are on your
mind right now, even if you’re not in business
The Lion’s Den 8
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero
Life of Lionel Messi
Life of Salvador Cabanas
By: Steven Villacorta
By: Steven Villacorta
Lionel Messi began playing soccer at a
young age and his techniques were
quickly identified by Barcelona. In
the 2006–07 season, Messi
established himself as a regular
first team player and scored
fourteen times in twenty-six
matches. Messi scored five goals in a
week leading Barcelona to the top four in La Liga. All his
fans were excited because Messi got his team,
Barcelona to La Liga. Messi's jersey number is 10. He
scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a Copa Del Rey tie
against Atlantico Madrid which Barcelona won 3–1.
Messi ranks as one of the top players in soccer.
Although Messi is married, he doesn’t have any kids
yet.
Cabanas full name is Salvador Cabanas
Ortega. He plays on a team called
America. He was born August 5, 1980 in
Paraguay. He was the best player on the
team. Cabanas’ wife is Lorgia Maria
Alonso. His two kids are: Santiago, 8, and
Mia, 3. On January 25, 2010, a tragedy
struck. Salvador Cabanas was shot in the back of his
head and the bullet kind of reached his brain. Every one
was worried about him except for the two murderers.
He is transferred to a hospital in Argentina. In March
2010, he gave an interview thanking all of those who
had prayed for him.
Life of David Beckham
By: Steven Villacorta
David Beckham’s full name is David Robert Joseph Beckham. Beckham was born on May 2,
1975. He was born in London, England. Ever since Beckham was 9, he played on a team
and he was one of the best players there. When he grew up he became famous because of
his style and his amazing goals. Beckham used to play on New England’s team, but people
got mad at him so Beckham quit. Now, Beckham plays on Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckman has a
wife named Victoria Adams. Beckham’s kids are named Brooklyn, 8, Romeo, 5, and Cruz, 2.
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The Lion’s Den 9
Sponsor: Ms. Guerrero