STINGRAY TIMES
Volume 3, Issue 4
January/February, 2015
A New Year
Laser Light
Show
By: Tristen G
By: Giselle D. & Emily F
The Laser Light show was a fun way to raise
awareness to Black History Month. On February 12,
2015 the Laser Light Show was presented at
Matapeake Middle School. Here, a man used lights
and music to create representations and educate
students about the importance of black history
month. The laser light show operates with only one
laser that creates an optical illusion by quickly
moving around the screen. The laser only has three
colors, the primary colors, which mix together to
create thousands of different colors. During the
show we learned about people such as Rosa Parks,
Ray Charles, President Obama and many other
famous African Americans. The PTSA raised the
money for the school which allowed us to have the
assembly.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 – Laser Light Show
1 – A New Year
1 – Testing Tips
2 – Safe Snow
2 – Snow Day Activities
2 – Polar Bear Plunge
2 – MLK Day
2- Mr. Olinick
3 – Dr. Holocker
3 – Terror Attacks
3- Weather
3- Candy Poll
When starting a New Year many people have a “New year’s
resolution” or a goal to accomplish during the New Year.
Every person has something they want to accomplish in the
New Year. Common resolutions are to lose weight, volunteer
to help others, quit smoking, get a better education, get a better
job, save money, eat healthy food, get fit etc. New Year’s is
December 30-January 1. In Times Square in New York City,
a glass ball gets dropped in the center of Times Square at 12:00
am, to celebrate the New Year. New Year’s dates back 4,000
years in the time in Babylon.
A Few Resolutions
Mrs. Walsh: My New Year’s Resolution is to spend more
time travelling and exploring new places with my family. The
best way to achieve a goal is to plan ahead. So, as a family we
are currently discussing where we want to go and what we
want to do. We will then compile a list of everyone's hopes
and develop a plan to make it happen.
Ms. Hausburg: My New Year's Resolution is to cut out wheat
gluten and be gluten free. It will help me be healthier, have
more energy, and lose some weight. It is not an easy resolution
because wheat gluten is in so many things I enjoy eating like
breads, pasta, and pizza! The first step of my plan involved
removing all the things in my house that had gluten in it like
cookies, crackers, and bread. My second step is not to buy
anything with wheat gluten. Another hard part is when I go
out to dinner with friends. That will be the real test!!
4 – Our School Nurse
4 – Flu Prevention
4 – Super Bowl XLIX
4 – Conditioning
5 – Horoscopes
6- Special EditionAfrican-Americans &
US Presidents
Testing Tips
By: Jennifer D.
1.) Pay attention in class
2.) Take good, thorough notes
3.) Review a little every night
4.) Complete all homework
5.) Organize your time to have time to study
6.) Ask questions if you are confused
7.) Stay relaxed during the test
8.) Don’t spend too much time on one question
9.) Don’t rush
10.) Read the entire question
11.) Pay attention to hidden key words
12.) After you have finished, go back and check over to make
sure nothing is left blank and to check for careless mistakes
that you may have made
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR GRADES AT THE PARENT PORTAL LINK ON THE MMS WEBSITE!
USE YOUR SCHOOL USERNAME AND PASSWORD.
Stingray Times 1
SAFE SNOW
Polar Bear Plunge
By: Kira T. & Lauren B.
By: Casey S.
Since 1997, Maryland has been continuing its annual
tradition of the MSP Polar Bear Plunge, which is held at
Sandy Point State Park on January 24th. Anyone who wants
to take a plunge into the Chesapeake Bay can do so by
donating a minimum of $75 and registering online or paying
at Sandy Point. The goal of this fundraiser is to raise money
for the Special Olympics- an organization who provides year
round athletic training for people with special needs. You
can register by yourself or start your own plunge team to
raise even more money. All participants will receive a plunge
shirt. Matapeake Middle School’s NJHS team will be
participating this year on the Cool Schools Day, January 30th.
Stuck in the snow? Trapped in your house? Here are some
tips to keep your winter warm and safe.
Be sure to limit any running you may have to do outside.
Not only does it make you sweat, which can freeze your
skin, but if there happens to be any hidden “black ice”
around, you might just be the one to find it. If you ride in a
car with an adult, be sure to have plenty of time to get to
where you are going, otherwise rushing in a vehicle while it
is snowing can cause many car accidents. Try avoiding
riding in a car is possible. When you are in the car be sure
to keep food and water and a first aid kit. Finally be sure to
keep a full tank of gas.
To keep warm, follow these tips
Z ·
Wear lots of layers.
·
When you shiver think of it “as a warning sign”,
your body’s temperature is dropping, you need to
find a warmer place.
·
Being “well-fed” will help you better handle the
cold temperatures. Also stay hydrated.
·
Be prepared. Bring an extra set of mittens, a hat,
dry clothes, and warm blankets, (if needed).
·
“A good pair of waterproof boots are essential.”
·
Wear a hat and mittens, you can lose body hear
from any exposed skin.
·
Mittens keep your hands warmer then gloves do.
·
Wool, cotton, and fleece are the best materials to
wear this winter.
·
Wear a scarf.
·
Keep your fingertips, ears, and nose covered when
you go outside.
·
Keep your clothing dry, the wet clothes can make
you even colder.
·
Tea and hot chocolate are good to drink in the cold
weather.
·
Exercise will keep you warm, opposed to sitting
around all day.
·
MLK Day
By Alex E. & Liza S.
This year, the national holiday, Martin Luther King Day
(MLK Day), falls on the 19th of January. MLK Day is
always on the third Monday of every January. Martin Luther
King Day was created to commemorate MLK for his
consistent bravery, perseverance, and efforts to stop
segregation (which was eventually a success after he died.)
People all over America come together to celebrate and
remember the great man that changed the course of
America’s future. At the White House Rose Garden on
November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill,
proposed by Representative Katie Hall, creating a federal
holiday to honor King. It was observed for the first time on
January 20, 1986.
Welcome Mr. Olinick
Snowy Day Activities
By: Harper R.
By: Karenna K. & Rachel R.
It’s winter, so it’s very cold outside. Of, course, the best thing
about winter is SNOW! If you’re feeling stuck on a snowy day and
don’t know what to do, here are some things to get you having the
best snow day ever! One thing you could do is go outside and build
a snowman or snow-fort. Another thing to do, if you aren’t an
outside person, is stay inside and make hot cocoa! Something you
could do with your family or siblings is have a friendly snowball
fight! Again, if you aren’t quite an outside person, you and your
family could play video games or watch a movie and sit next to the
fire. If it’s one of those days that too windy to play outside, you
could play board games or even make up a game to play.
Something fun to do could be going outside and going ice
skating! Almost anything you can think of on a snowy day could
be fun!
Q: What class will you teach this year?
A: Special Education
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: Be out on the boat.
Q: Are you excited to work at Matapeake Middle
School?
A: Yes.
Q: What message do you have for new students?
A: Work hard and try your best.
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
A: Inspiring the youth to excel not just in the classroom
but as a person.
Stingray Times 2
Straight From Dr. Holocker
Terror Attacks in France
By: Julia B. & Kristi L.
By Hanna P. & Charlotte K.L.
We are more than halfway through the 2014-2015 school year.
We, the students, have made many improvements but also have
some things we could improve on. In an interview with Dr.
Holocker, we asked her about these student improvements, she
said, “I think the care of the Chromebooks has really improved
since we got them at the beginning of the year. At first we had a
lot of screens that cracked but now that everyone is getting use
to them and using them more carefully we are seeing less
damages.” She also mentioned some things that the students can
improve on. “Charge your Chromebooks at home at night! Put
it in your Google Calendar as a daily homework
assignment. This is the one thing I would like to see improved
for the rest of the year and for next year.”
We now have had many events leading up to the end of the
school year since we started in late August. For example we have
some PARCC tests and finals that we have been practicing for.
However, some students are still stressing out over them! So we
interviewed Dr. Holocker to see what she had to say. Her advice
was to “not stress over these tests, do you best and try,” she says,
“But know that these tests are in the ‘trial phase’ which means
there may be problems with them. Do your best because we see
the results but do not worry about them! You will do great!” The
PARCC practice assessments are on March 9 and March 12. The
actual PARCC tests are March 17-19 and March 24-25.
Additionally, the topic of recent snow days came up. “I had to
work on the snow days.” Dr. Holocker tells us. “When schools
are closed, Mrs. Kovach, Ms. Diviney and the custodians have
to still come to work. We use the time to get done all of the things
that we do not have time to do during the regular school day
when the school is full of people. Use use this time as ‘catchup’ time!”
Lastly, this month, February, is Black History Month, so we
asked Dr. Holocker who she thought was an inspiring African
American. Here were her thoughts: “There are so many, but I
think the one African American person that I think has been very
inspiring in my life is Dr. Ben Carson. Being a world renowned
pediatric neurosurgeon has not changed his humble ideals and
his priority to family and education. Dr. Carson does so much
for education and he truly believes that all children can succeed
no matter what their physical environment is. I have read all of
his books and I have heard him speak on many occasions. He is
truly a gifted surgeon and a wonderful human being.”
On January 8th, a deadly terrorist attack took place in Paris, France.
The terrorist’s target was the office of the magazine titled Charlie
Hebdo. The two gunmen shot and killed twelve people. Four of the
magazine's well-known cartoonists, including its editor, were among
those killed, as well as two police officers. This incident is considered
to be the deadliest attack in France since 1961.
The terrorists were armed with assault rifles and are highly
dangerous. The gunmen stole a car on January 9th at 8:30 a.m. (French
time) and fled to a nearby office building.
Police are outside the building where at least one of the terrorists are
with a suspected hostage. The police brought professional negotiators
although the gunmen seem to refuse to make any deals.
The terrorists were captured and put to custody. There were five total
people arrested linked to the terror attack. Hayat Boumediene, one of
the gunman’s widow, was allegedly an accomplice but crossed the
Syrian border before authorities could make a call.
The terrorists were Islamic and witnesses overheard them yelling,
“We have avenged the Prophet Muhammad” and “God is great” in
Arabic. The terrorists are suspected to be influenced by Al Qaeda and
Isis.
People worldwide have been rallying behind those killed, waving
signs or wearing shirts with the phrase “Je Suis Charlie” or “I am
Charlie”. Rallies and ceremonies have taken place in city streets where
candles were lit and pencils were placed on the street to represent that
the innocent people in the Charlie Hebdo office had nothing but
pencils to defend themselves. The newspaper plans to release a new
paper soon in which the proceeds will go to the families of those who
died during the attack.
Candy Poll
By: Taylor P.
Some students in Matapeake Middle were asked “What
is your favorite Valentine's day Candy?” The choices were
chocolates, nerds, lollipops, sweethearts, tootsie rolls,
M&M’s, PEZ, and Other. The 33 students that responded
voted mostly for chocolate (39%), followed by other (some
of which were chocolate candies, 24%), then lollipops
(7%), M&Ms (6%), tootsie rolls, sweethearts, and nerds
tied, all with 1 vote, (3%), and in last place, with no votes,
PEZ. The second question was “what kinds of types and
flavors of candy do you most?” where people could have
more than one answer, included hard, soft, sweet, chewy,
sour, salty, chocolatey, and other. The results were
chocolatey (58%), sweet (55%), sour (45%), soft (42%),
chewy (39%), hard (30%), salty (15%), and other (12%).
Weather
By: Riley F.
Day
Thurs,
Feb. 26
Fri,
Feb. 27
Sat,
Feb. 28
Sun,
Mar. 1
Mon,
Mar. 2
Tues,
Mar. 3
Wends,
Mar. 4
Temperature
Rain
Percent
Forecast
AM
clouds/PM
sun
Partly
Cloudy
20° - 30°
20%
17° - 30°
0%
21° - 30°
0%
32° - 38°
20%
31° - 44°
60%
33° - 37°
70%
Rain/Snow
28° - 39°
20%
Mostly
Sunny
Sunny
Mostly
Cloudy
AM light
rain
Source:
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/21666:4:US
Stingray Times 3
\
Super Bowl XLIX
Our Nurse: Mrs. George
By Hanna P.
By: Molly C. & Sophia P.
On February 1, one of the greatest nights of the year for
American sports took place. Super Bowl 49 was played at the
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The two
teams, the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots went
head to head for the title of Super bowl champion.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and his offensive coordinator,
Darrell Bevell, secured the title of most lame-brain call in Super
Bowl history as Seattle, 1 yard away from victory, inexplicably
fell to the Patriots, 28-24. on first down, Seattle smartly gave the
ball to Marshawn Lynch, a.k.a. Beast Mode, who powered off for
4 yards to the 1. Still holding a timeout and the clock running, it
was time for Lynch to run again. Only this time, Wilson
surprisingly set up in the shotgun and forced a shallow pass over
the end zone toward Ricardo Lockette. Butler was there again this
time, only he didn't tip the ball, he intercepted it to give
New
England the victory in yet another pulsating end to a Super Bowl.
To some, the Super bowl isn’t only about the game. Katy
Perry’s amazing half time show set a high standard for the next
contenders with her amazing effects and overall hype. Katy
surprised us all with a crumbling checkerboard floor, dancing
sharks, four quick changes, shooting stars, and her amazing
entrance on a gigantic silver tiger. Katy was also joined by Lenny
Kravitz, and a throwback with Missy Elliott.
The commercials are also a big deal for the Super bowl. This
year the ads were further away from the humorous side than
expected. There were controversial ads in the breaks such as the
NFL’s ad addressing domestic violence and abuse. Nationwide
also had a depressing ad about a little boy talking about all the
things he will never do, because he died in an overflowed
bathtub. Go daddy had to remove their original ad, a puppy
breeder who loses a puppy. The puppy finds his way back home
to find that he was already sold. Many said this was encouraging
all the wrong things, and was replaced.
Healthy Conditioning
By: Rachel G. & Danielle K.
Q: How long have you been a school nurse?
A: I have been a School Nurse since 1984. [31 years]
Q: How long have you worked here at Matapeake?
A: I have worked at Matapeake since it opened. [8 years ago]
Q: What do you like most about being a nurse?
A: I like helping people, I like talking to teens, and teaching them
how to take care of themselves. For instance, instead of just caring
for a student and not having the student explain how and why the
student learns nothing but when I show a student how to clean a
cut and bandage they then know how to do it for themselves. [Did
you know that the bubbles from peroxide come from oxidation and
will clean a minor cut? The chemical formula for peroxide is H2O.
if you release the extra O molecule through exposure to air, water
is left.]
Q: If you could have another job, what would it be?
A: If I was not a School Nurse I would be a U.S.A.F Nurse so I could
help other people, serve our country and see the world. That was
my original plan but I met and married my husband in college, so
that just shows you “Love Trumps All” when you’re young and in
love!
Q: Do you have any tips for staying healthy at school?
A: Eat a balanced diet, exercise several times a week, get at least
8-10 hours of sleep every night, and most importantly when in a
community setting like school - try to not put your hands around
your nose or mouth during the day, and always wash your hands
before eating.
Flu Prevention
By: Bethani D. & Hannah S.
During the winter season, it is important to take precautions
to avoid illness. The flu, or influenza, is an infection of the
nose, throat and lungs and spreads very easily, especially
during winter. Some tips for avoiding the flu are: avoid close
contact with people that are sick, stay home when you are
sick, always cover your mouth and nose while coughing and
sneezing, make sure you wash your hands after touching your
eyes, nose, or mouth, and lastly, always practice good health
habits by eating nutritious foods and drinking plenty of
fluids. Flu prevention is an easy and effective way to stay
healthy, so make sure you follow these tips!
During winter it is important to keep your body healthy and strong. However, the cold weather can prevent some people
from conditioning and exercising. According to our own physical education teacher Mr. Schulte, some good exercises to
stay fit during the winter are bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, planks, etc, which are good because
they require a minimal to no equipment requirement. Running programs are also a good way to condition for sports
because it helps immensely with the cardiovascular endurance. It is also important to treat your body well by eating
healthy.
A good way to stay healthy is by following the MyPlate guidelines, which can be found at
www.choosemyplate.gov.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that your body requires different amounts of calories depending on the activity
level. When your body is less active, you need fewer calories while a more active body requires more. There are many
ways to stay active during the winter, and these are a few guidelines to help. Mr. Schulte wants us to keep in mind though,
that at this age we should not be concerned with increasing the size of muscles. Instead, we should be focusing on
strengthening the joints and connective tissue, as well as getting the muscles to work more efficiently because these help
with our bodies growth and development.
Stingray Times 4
Horoscopes
Source: http://www.astrology.com/2015
By: Eveyln G.
Capricorn:
Dec 23- Jan 20
There is a huge plot change for you this
year, the past two plus years, taught you
everything there is to know about deep
feelings, letting go and resourcefulness.
You've been putting a tremendous amount
of energy into your career and life goals
and committing to the long haul. This has
served your career well.
Aquarius:
Jan 21- 19 Feb
The pressure is finally easing up in 2015.
You may feel a bit beaten down, but all the
more strong and mature as a result. You
can bid farewell to the constant testing and
hardships that you've braved and
conquered. This year is finally bringing the
fruits for all of the arduous labor you've so
devotedly mastered.
Pisces:
20 Feb- 20 Mar
Get ready for love, romance and glamour
galore in 2015, Pisces. You've got so much
going for you in the realm of partnering and
fusion. You're an irresistible siren with
power to your own discernment, dear. You
have enough magic to go solo.
Aeries:
March 21-April 19
2015 is about becoming innovative and
reconnecting with your spiritual path in a
new way. Travel is in your future and you
will be reshaping your entire philosophy
and worldview while finding important
mentors, and guides. You've learned the
hard way what it means to be too trusting
in that naive Aries way. You're stepping
into the fiery fierceness of your most
authentic self this year, Aries! Own it! Live
it! Love it!
Taurus:
April 20-May 20
Magic is yours for the making in 2015! A
year for reconnecting to your roots of
strength and creativity in preparation for a
steamy little romantic cycle that kicks off
this August. You're ready for a reprieve and
some serious vacation days. 2015 is sure
to deliver this and more!
Gemini:
May 21-June 21
Double hurray, all of that diligence and
handwork is totally paying off in 2015,
Gemini. You've fought your way through
enough bumps and bruises on the road to
success over the past few years, and now
you're ready to truly claim your foothold
and take your vision to the next level. One
of your strongest assets in 2015 is your
mind. The more you're willing to take risks
with your long-term goals and dreams in
2015, the more generous the payback.
Cancer:
June 22-July 22
The year starts off with quite a turbulent
bang, Cancer! To call the onset of 2015
emotionally loaded is an understatement.
You've reached the final stage of the
evolutionary push with self, career, family
and relationships. You've certainly had
every nerve and sensitivity tested over the
past few years.
Leo:
July 23- 21 Aug
The royal treatment continues, Leo! You
still have the glorious power of Jupiter in
your sign for the first half of the 2015, so go
ahead and rock that joie de vivre that you
rock so well. As sad as it may seem to part
ways with the generous abundance of the
big jovial planet in your sign this summer,
you can take comfort knowing that the
second half of the year will bring you luck
and abundance in the financial department.
Virgo:
Aug 22- Sep 23
Your star is totally rising in 2015, Virgo!
Although you will have to be patient until
the second half of the year for the real
fabulousness to kick in, it's so worth the
wait. It gives you plenty of time to do your
favorite thing: prepare, prepare, prepare.
Use the first half of 2015 to work and
rework your dreams.
Libra:
Sep 24- Oct 23
Relationships and communication are the
top two headlining contenders for your life
script in 2015. You will continue to have the
North Node of Fate in your stars for one
more year. This is a cosmic and
evolutionary push to do your Libra
balancing lessons, and to do them well
Scorpio:
Oct 24-Nov 22
You're finally breaking out of the dark
tunnel of transformation that seemed to last
for an eternity. Instead of feeling like a
ghost in your own life, you're going to
reincarnate into greatness. The overall
theme takes a dramatic turn from all of the
loss, letting go.
Sagittarius:
Nov 23- Dec 22
You were born to be wild, Sagittarius, and
this year you'll be back in your favored
rambunctious saddle. After surviving the
past few years of feeling pent up, frustrated
and in the longest darkest, tunnel of the
unknown, you're so ready to break on
through to the other side. To say it's a
totally new you is no exaggeration. You've
been shedding layers upon layers of your
old, false self in order to make room for this
glorious.
The History of Saint Valentine
By: Mackenzie B. & Alyssa L.
Maybe Valentine’s Day is not all about flowers, candy, and romance but more of the history of St. Valentine. Did you
know that Cupid was the Roman god of love? Empire Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome in order to
lessen the attachment of the strong men needed to fight and their families. Valentine was a Cristian priest and was punished for
his teachings. When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head
cut off. On February 14, Valentine was executed, not only because he was a Christian, but also because he had created a miracle.
He supposedly cured the jailer's daughter of her blindness. The night before he was beheaded, he wrote the jailer's daughter a
goodbye letter, signing it "From Your Valentine." Another myth tells us that this same Valentine, loved by all, received notes to
his jail cell from children and friends who loved and missed him. St. Valentine was punished for creating a miracle and
encouraging love and marriage.
Stingray Times 5
STINGRAY TIMES
Volume 3, Issue 4.5--Special Edition dedicated to African-Americans and U.S. Presidents. February, 2015
Rosa Parks:
The woman who stood up and sat down for what she believed in.
By: Emily F.
Rosa Parks was an activist against racial discrimination. Rosa is well known for
her rebellion on the Montgomery bus, or the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Basically,
Rosa was asked to stand up (she was in what was considered a white person seat).
She decided to act upon this command and stand up for what was right. Rosa stayed
in her seat and refused to get up. She was arrested and took the punishments, but
didn't change her opinions on segregation and apartheid. Rosa Parks is a very
inspirational woman and encouraged others to stand up for their ideas.
Grover Cleveland
By: Molly C.
Grover Cleveland was the 22nd president of the United States. He was the first Democrat
elected after the Civil War. Grover Cleveland was the only President to leave the White House and
return for a second term four years later. He gained quite a reputation as a fresh-faced politician who
fought corruption and patronage. In 1881, he became Buffalo’s mayor and in 1882 he came New
York’s governor. Cleveland was also a teacher at the New York Institute for the Blind in Manhattan
before deciding to pursue a law career. Later on in his presidency, he was considered a boring president
who vetoed almost everything. Historians rank Cleveland as an average President at best. While
Cleveland does get credit for restoring the power of the presidency in the 1880s, his misunderstandings
about political systems and an economic depression in 1893 saw Cleveland’s Democrats lose power
quickly and his political career ended.
Harry S. Truman
By: Jennifer D.
Harry S. Truman was our 33rd President and ran from 1944 to 1952. After World War 1, he was
chosen to run for one of the three county-judge positions in Jackson County. He was elected Judge,
which was an administrative rather than a judicial and was defeated when he ran for second term.
Ran again in 1926 and became a presiding judge. Held this position until he became Senate in
1934 and helped Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s new Deal projects. He gained support from public
and was announced as Vice President to Roosevelt. Truman was initially reluctant to become Vice
President, but campaigned strongly once he received the nomination. Frank Delano Roosevelt and
Harry S. Truman were elected on November of 1944. Truman took the oath to office on January
20, 1945. He was sworn into Presidency on April 12, 1945, after Frank Delano Roosevelt died of
a massive stroke. On March of 1952, he announced that he would not run for reelection. He died
on December 26, 1972 and was buried in the courtyard of the Truman Library (which is what he
had built as a Presidential library).
Stingray Times 6
Andrew Jackson
By: Giselle Dye
Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States. He was born in March 15 1767.
With the help of Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson became president March 4, 1829 through March 4,
1837. During the Election of 1824 people believed that there was a corrupt bargain between Henry
and Jackson to help Jackson become president and Henry become secretary of state. Andrew
Jackson was known as the common people’s president. He was a democratic republican. Andrew
Jackson died June 8 1845.
Zachary Taylor
By Deanna J.
Zachary Taylor was president of the United States from 1849-1850 he was the 12th president of the
United States of America. Zachary was born on November 24, 1784 near Barboursville Vagina. He
led the States during the debate on slavery. Zachary die on July 9, 1850 from cholera morbus after
16 months of service.
Woodrow Wilson
By: Danielle K.
President Woodrow Wilson was our 27th President, he was born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton,
Virginia. He was a major politician for most of his life, until the year that he decided to run for
President. Woodrow Wilson was in office as President from 1913 to 1921, after that he continued his
life on as a politician. When he first started his Presidency he married a young woman, named Ellen,
and they were married up until 1919, when she died, he then remarried a young woman named Edith,
in 1922, the first year after his Presidency was up. Woodrow Wilson eventually passed away on
February 3, 1924, in Washington D.C. His grave is now located in the Washington National Cathedral.
Harriet Tubman
By: Mackenzie B.
Harriet Tubman was an African American bondwoman who escaped from slavery to become a leading
abolitionist before the American Civil War. She was born in Maryland in 1820, Dorchester County, MD,
and Harriet successfully escaped in 1849. In her life she led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom
along the route of the Underground Railroad. In early 1859, abolitionist Senator William H. Seward sold
Harriet a small piece of land on the outskirts of Auburn, New York. The land in Auburn became a haven
for Harriet’s family and friends. She spent the years following tending to her family and others who had
taken up residence there. In 1869, she married a Civil War veteran named Nelson Davis. In 1874, Harriet
and Nelson adopted a baby girl named Gertie. Surrounded by friends and family members, Harriet
Tubman died of pneumonia in 1913.
Mae Jemison
By: Isabelle K.
Mae Jemison, born October 17, 1956. She became the first African-American woman to travel to space
when she took off into space on September 12, 1992 aboard the Endeavour on mission STS 47. In
recognition of her accomplishments, Jemison has received several awards and honorary doctorates.
Grover Cleveland
By: Leah D.
Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. In an effort to clean up the government,
Cleveland vetoed much of the legislation that passed over his desk. He vetoed more than twice as many laws
as all the previous presidents before him. He became known as the "Veto President" which was also Andrew
Jackson’s nickname.
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Calvin Coolidge
By: Rachel G.
Calvin Coolidge was America's 30th President and was in office from 1923-1929. He lead
the nation through the 20's, a decade of social and cultural change. He took to office
following the death of President Warren G. Harding, whose administration was scandal. He
favored tax cuts and limited government spending, although some of his actions did
contribute to the Great Depression. During his term in office he signed the Immigration Act,
Indian Citizenship Act, and much more.
Beyoncé
By: Alyssa L
Beyoncé started out as one of the singers in a famous group called “Destiny’s Child” and once the group
separated, Beyoncé was a wonderful solo artist. Beyoncé is now known as an amazing and powerful woman,
along with the label of hero. Beyoncé currently lives in Bridgehampton, NY with Jay Z and their daughter
Blue Ivy. She inspires people all over the world and records outstanding hit songs/albums. Beyoncé’s first
debut solo album, “Dangerously In Love” (published by Michelle Williams on June 20, 2003) was a hit and
her and her music has grown ever since.
Martin Van Buren
By: Taylor P.
Martin Van Buren, eighth president of the United States, also known as “the Little Magician”
was known for laying the “foundations for the Democratic Party and the modern political
machine”, yet much of the US forgets of his existence. Born 1782 in New York state, The
Little Magician later helped to build the disciplined and well-organized democratic Party;
gaining him 85,000 more votes than Jackson in 1832. Finally, in 1837, he was elected
president and throughout his term (1837-1841) he avoided wars and faced a financial
crisis. However, throughout his presidency, he made several choices that many Americans
didn’t agree with, like the removal of Native Americans and his opinions on the annexation
of Texas; and thus, he was not re-elected. Martin Van Buren made many changes to the
American society, good and bad, so people should take the time to learn more about our
lesser-known presidents.
George Washington Carver
By :Kristi L.
George Washington Carver was born January 5, 1864 in Diamond Missouri. He tried to enrol in
two schools, one which refused to enrol him because he was an African American. He went on to
Iowa State College of Agriculture and became the first African American to attend there. He
graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science and a Master’s degree in Agriculture.
and went on to become a world-famous chemist who made important agricultural discoveries and
inventions. His research on peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other products that helped poor southern
farmers vary their crops and improve their diets. He developed more than 300 peanut - based
products and 118 sweet potato products. Soon before his death in 1940, George Washington Carver
donated his entire savings to found the Carver research center, for agriculture. On January 5, 1943,
he died of epiglottis, a throat infection. Although he is no longer living, his inventions live on
today. A monument showing Carver as a boy was the first national memorial constructed in honor
of an African American.
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Toni Morrison
By: Riley F
On February 18 in 1931, Toni Morrison, a famous African American author was born in Lorain, Ohio.
Originally born Chloe Anthony Wofford, Morrison had a love for literature and reading at a young age.
She grew up going to segregated schools and was the only African American in her entire class, as well
as the only one who could read. In her collage years Morrison changed her name to a shortened version
of her middle name, Anthony, and becomes Toni Wofford, later changed to Toni Morrison from marriage.
After the birth of her first son, Morrison joined a group where she worked on her first novel, originally a
short story.
According to the Times Magazine website, Morrison started to write because she wanted to read
a book, but realized that what she was looking for hadn’t been written yet. Because of this realization she
then decided that she had to be the one to write it. As a quote from Toni Morrison herself, according to
brainyquote.com, “If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must
write it.”
James K. Polk
By: Rachel M.
James K. Polk was born born in Pineville, North Carolina on November 2nd,
1795. He was the 11th president of the United States. On March 4th, 1845, Polk
was elected president. He served his term from March 4th, 1845- March 4th
1849. However, Polk was a “Dark Horse President”, meaning most people,
including him, thought he would not win. Some major accomplishments that
Polk had while he was president was he ended the dispute with Great Britain
over Oregon territory, reduced tariffs, established an Independent Treasury, and
took California from Mexico. James K. Polk only stayed in office for 1 term,
as he promised in his campaign, and died shortly after when he was 53.
Maya Angelou
By Julia Bentley
Just a child born on April 4, 1924 in Saint Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou soon
grew up to become a wonderful and well-known author, actress, dancer, screenwriter,
singer, dancer and poet. In the beginning of a hard life, her parents split up when she was
very young. It was difficult for her as a child and it became even worse, leading to being
traumatized when her mother got a disrespectful boyfriend whom sexually assaulted her
at age eight. This led to her to spending many years a virtual mute and pushed the rest of
her life in a bad direction. She became a homeless teen mother and additionally, a high
school drop out. At the same time she began talking again, she began to write and soon
had a book published “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” which is a famous written
recollection or memoir of her first seventeen years of life. She went on to writing
autobiographies as well as other poems and books - thirty-six different ones are
published. Two of her more known ones are “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore
I Die” and “On The Pulse of Morning” which she shared at President Bill Clinton’s
inauguration. Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014 in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina. Though, Maya Angelous had a tough life, she was remembered for being a
strong woman, with so much talent, in her mind and writing that will be remembered and
loved for years to come.
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