The Cordova Courier
COUGAR U: WE ARE THE KEY!
The Key to : Pride, Academics, & Well Rounded Students
http://www.mcsk12.net/schools/cordova.ms/site/index.shtml
OCTOBER 2014
Principal Spotlight
6th Grade Student Spotlight
Mrs. Beach was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. She is
married and has two daughters. One of her daughters
is in high-school, and the other is in college. She also
has two pets: a bird and a dog. One of her favorite hobbies is solving Sudoku puzzles. She is also a fan of football and baseball. Mrs. Beach has been in education for
twenty-one years. Algebra
1 is her favorite subject.
She is a big University of
Memphis fan. She loves
teaching and loves being
a principal. Welcome!
CMS is so happy you are
here.
Katrina T. is from the Philippines. She moved to Memphis 6 years ago. Her hobbies include community service, volunteering at the Memphis Zoo, and collecting
rare rocks. She has cat and a dog. In
her spare time she enjoys riding her
bike, roller blading, and taking karate
lessons. She hopes one day her extended family in the Philippines will be
able to move to Memphis so they will all
be reunited.
Teacher Spotlight
Mr. Kemmerer is from Chicago, IL. This is his third year
in Memphis but first year at CMS. He teaches Algebra I,
Honors Math, and Geometry. He loves teaching because
he enjoys seeing kids understand math concepts. He
has more children than he can count on one hand. His
hobbies include karate which he has a black belt, and
playing his guitar. His favorite thing to do when not in
school is to hang out with his wife, Mrs. DuWalt. His
favorite thing about Cordova Middle is that we have a
leader that has a positive direction that we are moving in.
His three words to describe
himself are: tenacious, drive,
and bullheaded.
Mr. Kemmerer, welcome to
CMS!
7th Grade Student Spotlight
Mary S. traveled quite a bit during summer break. She
went to Hershey, Pennsylvania and visited the Hershey
Chocolate Factory. She visited the factory twice. She
also went to Manhattan, New York and went to the Natural History Museum , strolled by Central Park, and also
rode on the underground Subway. She
went to visit her aunts, uncles, and cousins in Morristown, New Jersey, St. Louis,
Illinois, and Lincoln, Nebraska. She was
gone a total of five weeks! Mary has a
busy summer on the road. Besides her
hobby of traveling, she is also a
pianist.
8th Grade Student Spotlight
Lanyce W. is a CMS power 4 position basketball star athlete. She
never stops trying at anything. She wants to accomplish many
goals. She has big dreams of one day becoming WNBA player or
a vet so she can help sick or injured animals. She also won 2nd
place for her CMS art work in 6th grade.
Her hobbies include basketball, volleyball,
track, and art. She is an honor student
and is really determined to succeed.
Lanyce is originally from Chicago. She
misses the Chicago pizza and bbq but
she has made Memphis her home!
October 2014
Sun
Mon
5
6
Tue
7
F a l l
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Library
card day
2
3 Dress for
Success Day
4
8
9
10
11
B r e a k
6 t h
–
1 0 t h
12
13
14
15 Report
Card issued
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24 Wear Pink Day,
25
Honors Assembly, 6th
& 8th health screenin
26
27
28 Explore
Test
29
30 National
31
Candy Corn Day
November 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 School
Beautification
Day 9:00am
2 Daylight Saving 3
5 5pm Basket-
4
9
16
6
7
8
ball @Snowden
time-Fall Back 1
hour
10
5pm Bball
@Kate Bond
17
11
12 Progress
13 Optional Open 14
Day/ Students out
Reports Issued
House 6-7pm
18
19
20 5pm Home
Veterans
15
21
22
28
29
Bball vs. Kingsbury
23
245pm Bball
home game vs
Craigmont
30
25
26
27
Thanksgiving Break 26-28
T
H
E
Animal Lovers
Beach Body Exercise
A
R
T
BFF
C
Brain gamesPuzzles & Teasers
CCBB (games)
Checkers
O
R
N
E
5th Place
By: Amina A. 8th grade
R
Chess
Computer Coding
Beautification
Newspaper/
Yearbook
Cooking
Creative Crafts
CSI
Drama
ED Games
By: Sophie D. 8th Grade
By: Ryana W.7th Grade
Girls Rock
Guitar
Karate
Kiwanis Builders
Knitting
Math Counts
FEATURED CMS ARTISTS
Riley L. is a 7th grader and is in Mrs. Spillman’s Advanced Art
class and comes from a very artistic family. Her sisters are
artists and her mother is a professional photographer. Riley
works very hard everyday in art and is one OUTSTANDING ARTIST!
Peer Mediation
Group
Project Citizen
Robotics
SECME
Science Club
Jada P. is a 7th grader and is quite an entrepreneur. Jada has her
own business making custom bows. Perhaps you have seen some
in school. See Jada’s Facebook page-a Little bit of Bowz or Instagram-Little_bit_of_bowz for more information!
Sewing & Quilting
STEM
Future Teachers
NJHS
NJBC
Student Council
Read n Feed
Sidebar Story
Headline
SCHOOL NEWS
Buy your yearbook for $40.00. Send order form and cash to Mrs. McFarland, room E14. (Order
form is on school website)
8th Grade—-put your baby picture in the yearbook! Send your picture with $3.00 to Mrs. McFarland,
room E14.
SEE CALANDER for other important dates or events.
http://www.mcsk12.net/schools/cordova.ms/site/calendar.shtml
Weird Facts
The Large Flying Fox Bat has the biggest wingspan of any bat, reaching 1.8 meters (6 feet) across! Its scientific
name is Pteropus Vampyrus. It’s diet consists of nothing
but fruit. Sweet!
The Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira
Kaempferi) has the longest leg span of any arthropod. It can reach up to 3.8 meters (12 ft)! Now that
is stompin!
The world's largest known spider is a male goliath bird-eating spider
(Theraphosa Blondi) found in Venezuela in April 1965. It had a record legspan of 28 cm (11 in) - sufficient to cover a dinner plate.
The largest pumpkin, weighing an astounding 2,032 pounds, was grown by
Tim and Susan Mathison from Napa, California in 2013. That is the size of an
adult giraffe which is 1 ton.
still holds the record from 1989. Gobble that up!
1. What loses its head in the morning
and gets it back at night?
2. What is as big as an elephant but
doesn't weigh a thing?
3. Why is the letter A like a
flower?
4. What runs around the house but
doesn’t move?
5. Take me for a spin and I’ll make
you cool but use me when its cool and
you’re a fool. What am I?
Answers:
1. a pillow 2.
an elephant’s
shadow
3. The B
always
comes after
it
4. A fence
5. a fan
The biggest turkey in the Guinness Book of World Records is 86 pounds. It
Riddles
Recipe Corner
Candy Apple Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
1 box fudge brownie mix (*choose one that uses oil, water, and
eggs)
 Mott's Applesauce (enough to replace ½ of the oil called for in
the brownies)
 Mott's Apple Juice (enough to replace the water called for in
the brownies)
 2 eggs



Caramel Filling
1 bag (11 oz.) wrapped caramels
⅓ c. half & half or whipping cream




Frosting
⅓ c. salted butter, at room temperature
4½ c. powdered sugar
¼ c. Mott's Apple Juice
1 c. Candy Apple M&M's, coarsely crushed in food processor
(continued)
Instructions
Brownies
1. Mix brownies according to package instructions,
replacing water with apple juice and half of oil
with apple sauce.
2. Pour half of batter into a parchment-lined 8 x 8
inch pan.
3. Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees.
4. In a microwaveable bowl, melt caramels and half
& half 2 minutes on high. Stir until completely
melted.
5. Pour caramel mixture over baked brownies and
top with remaining brownie batter.
6. Bake an additional 30-35 minutes or until
brownies are firm on top.
7. Cool completely.
Frosting
1. Cream butter in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add 2 c. powdered sugar and mix until combined.
3. Add apple juice and mix until smooth, then add
remaining powdered sugar.
4. Frost cooled brownies and top with M&M's.
Spirit Week Candids
Fall Word Search
ADVICE COLUMN
Dear Cougar,
I need your advice…
Q: What do you do when a student signs up
for a club but doesn’t participate?
A: This happens a lot when a student signs
up for several clubs and their meetings are
on the same day. Perhaps they can alternate
meeting days.
Q: I broke my reading glasses again last
week in gym and I haven't told my parents
yet. What should I do?
A: Tell your parents right away. Explain
that you are sorry and you will try to be
more responsible in the future. Take care of
your eyes.
Q: I was told my best friend was talking bad
about me behind my back. What should I do?
A: Have you ever heard of gossip? Please ask
your friend if this is true and go from there.
Gossip only hurts people, so put a stop to it.
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CHESTNUTS
CORNUCOPIA
NOVEMBER
SCARECROW
THANKSGIVING
HALLOWEEN
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CIDER
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OCTOBER
TURKEY
World News
10. What is the capital of your state?
Associated Press
To be a U.S. Citizen...
Three former South Carolina governors are leading an effort to
have high school students take a citizenship test.
The following are 20 of the 100 questions on the that federal
officers use when testing immigrants seeking citizenship.
1. What is the supreme law of the land?
2. What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?
3. What is one right or freedom in the First Amendment?
4. What is the economic system of the United States?
5. Name one branch or part of the government.
6. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
11. What are the two major political parties in the United States?
12. Name one right only for United States citizens.
13. How old do citizens have to be to vote for president?
14. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their
democracy?
15. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
16. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
17. There were 13 original states. Name three.
18. Who was the first president?
19. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
20. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
7. What is the name of the president of the United States now?
8. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president? Critical thinking challenge: Why are people requesting U.S.
citizenship required to take a test and answer questions like
9. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
these?
To view answers see: http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/
study-test/study-materials-civics-test/100-civics-questions-andanswers-
FYI’s
Why Do Songs Get Stuck in our Head’s?
tweentribune.com
Smithsonian.com
Ah, yes, the evil ear worm, which sometimes has our hearing seemingly sticking on the same song, over and over. Polls show
that a stunning 90% of us have experienced these hearing parasites and nine out of 10 report having them at least weekly. Who
remembers these classic offenders? "Who Let the Dogs Out?" or "The Macarena," and my personal favorite, "Call Me Maybe."
So what does science tell us about this musical torture? Not a whole lot yet but we're working on it.
Some say ear worms keep our brains occupied when they have nothing better to do. Others believe that they cause a part of our
brain called the auditory cortex to itch, meaning we have to scratch it.
The oh, so helpful cures include singing the whole song to its end. Or occupying your poor brain some other way, such as solving puzzles.
Critical thinking challenge: How can your brain have an itch?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you still play with toys? We all are still kids at heart!
The Strong National Museum of Play houses the National Toy Hall of Fame. The following 12 toys are finalists for the 2014 induction to the Toy Hall of Fame:
1. American Girl Dolls
4. Bubbles
7. Fisher-Price Little People
2. Little Green Army Men
5. My Little Pony
8. Pots & Pans
3. Slip-N-Slide
6. Paper Airplanes
9. Rubic’s Cube
Inductees will be revealed November 6, 2014. Vote for your favorite toy by going to:
10. Hess Trucks
11. Operation
12. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
http://www.toyhalloffame.org/toys/2014-finalists/poll
More FYI’s see: tweentribune.com and Smithsonian.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are over 20 World Languages spoken at Cordova Middle School. Amazing!
Book Reviews
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This novel is a wonderful blend of Greek mythology and a teenage boy’s everyday struggles. This book is simply
amazing. The beautiful writing take you on a roller coaster of emotions. A must read!
If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
If I Stay was an amazing book! The characters, the writing, was just was just beautiful. You will fall in love with the
characters and cry for the characters.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This book is such an amazing book. It was beautifully written and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book is
achingly beautiful. You cannot put it down.
Music Reviews
“Maps” by Maroon 5
“Maps” is a good song with amazing vocals. You should listen to it. The lyrics are
amazing!
“All About that Bass” by Meghan Trainor
This song is so good. I definitely recommend it. It is very catchy.
“Human” by Christina Perri
“Human “ is a very upbeat song. It has a great chorus. It is one of Christina Perri’s best songs.
Movie Reviews
The Giver directed by Phillip Noyce
rated PG 13
The Giver was very emotional . It was a very good adaptation. Brenton Thwaites, who played Jonas, was an
accurate representation.
The Maze Runner directed by Wes Ball
rated PG-13
The Maze Runner delivers some pretty amazing thrills, which are worth checking out. Meet 16 year old
Thomas. He wake up in an elevator with absolutely no memory of who he its. You will be delighted to know the sequel is already in production.
The Fault in Our Stars directed by Josh Boone
rated PG-13
The Fault In Our Stars is a good movie and has outstanding performances. This movie takes you on a roller
coaster of emotions. This movie definitely follows the book almost exactly. Personally, I prefer the book over the
movie.
If I Stay directed by R.J. Cutter
rated PG-13
If I Stay was sad, but a great movie. The acting was incredible. I highly recommend it.
SPORTS CORNER
Cheerleaders
Football
Sky F.
Travis D.
Mark N.
Taylor W.
Shamar B.
Gabriel H.
Keenan C.
Decorian J.
Savion T.
Mikyi L.
Brian N.
Devouncey G.
Marqavius L.
Eric B.
Joshua S.
Vernon D.
Ahkir M.
Jordan E.
Joshua S.
Michael S.
Kenny S.
Chad R.
Victor S.
Rodney N.
Taric G.
Xavier S.
Daniel W.
Hunter B.
Julian H.
Marcellus F.
Martavius T.
Nicholas F.
Demarco B.
Carrington L.
Ti’nya A.
Tereni B.
Mecca B.
Ta’nia D.
N’dia D.
Abigail F.
Hailey H.
Mikayal J.
Alexandria M.
Tierra M.
Nya N.
Jada P.
Jayla P.
Joslyn P.
Alexys P.
Jaliyah R.
Jazmine S.
Paige S.
Kyla T.
Skyelar L.
Kendall Y.
Samauria K
Cherrie L.
Leia L.
Boys Basketball
Volleyball
Bailey M.
Calysa W.
Jasmine S.
Lanyce W.
Lanetta W.
Meliane B.
Adriane W.
Kaila F.
Izari M.
Marquasia M.
Emilia H.
Evelyn O.
Carmyn H.
Tinaya W.
Manager: Madison G.
CONGRATS AND BEST WISHES TO VOLLEYBALL GIRLS
HEADING TO THE PLAYOFFS!!!!!!
Girls Basketball
Lanetta Williams
Alfred White
Rodney Newsom
Amigual Berry
Sky Forrest
Darron Faulkner (alternate)
Shamar Brown
DJ Jeffries
Kyus Carter (alternate)
Joe Cooper
Zytavius Sullivan
Jordan Stephens
Chris Issac (Manager)
Josh Stevenson
Carrington
Kameron Jones
Lanyce Williams
Samiyah Hopkins
Kenny Simmons (alternate)
Lunden Johnson
Briana Tipton
Madison Griggs
Marquashia Gregory
Destin Wells
Kyla Terry
JaNai Williams
Taylor Henry
Mikayla (Mya) Bobo
Andrianna Brown
My Tukufu
Cierra Drew
Jadian Hayes
Athlete Spotlight
Kenny Simmons is an 8th grade student at CMS.
He is from Jonesboro, Arkansas. He has been playing football for 5 years as a running back, kicker,
line backer, and a safety. The most serious injury
he has ever sustained during football is a broken
ankle. Kenny’s best game was against Snowden
and his worst game was against Kate Bond. His
favorite football team are the Steelers. His hobbies
include sports, TV, and music.
Kenny’s fantasy hero is Captain
America because he saves the
world. His favorite food is pizza
and Airheads are his favorite
candy. Kenny’s long term goal
is to be successful in life.