Winter 2022 Edition

The Howler Winter Edition

Different December Holidays

By: Mabry Sykes

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday It is known as the festival of lights During the eight-day celebration, a candle is lit each night, and gifts are exchanged. Hanukkah will begin on December 18th and will finish on December 26th in 2022.

What are Some Hannukah Traditions?

Each night a different candle is lit using the candle in the center. Once the candle is lit, some families place the menorah in the window. A menorah is a nine-branched candle holder that is used throughout Hannukah. Some families exchange gifts each night as a part of their celebration. Another common tradition is eating fried food. The oil used to be used to light the menorah candles but now it is just used for cooking some common foods. Potato latkes and jelly donuts are common food eaten during the celebration of Hannukah.

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. This is a seven-day celebration. It is a celebration of African-American heritage. Candles are lit during the celebration to represent the seven basic values of their family lives.

What are Some Kwanzaa Traditions?

For the celebration of Kwanzaa, candles are lit to represent family values. The Kinara holds the candles. The candles are black, red, and green. On the first day, the black candle is lit, on the second day the red candle is lit, and then on the third day, the black candle is lit. They alternate lighting the candles black, red, and green for the seven nights. Another tradition is exchanging handmade gifts.

Outdoor Winter Activities Outdoor Winter Activities

By: Natalia Castillejos- Ramírez

Ice Skating Ice Skating

One activity that you can try out is Ice Skating It is a perfect sport that you can enjoy with your friends or your family. It does take a little bit of practice and balance. However, you can probably master it in no time.

If you want to go ice skating somewhere close to MT, you could go for a free Skate at the KC Ice Center They have ice skates that you can rent if you don't own a pair. If you want to go ice skating somewhere with a bigger rink, then the Crown Center is the perfect place for you. The Crown Center is open for ice skating from December- March

"Ilikehockeybecauseit'sa veryfastsportandit'svery physical"

-ConradK8th

"Thebestthingaboutice skatingiswatchingthe professionaliceskatersice skate."

-SarahRutkowski8thgrade

Hockey Hockey

If you already know how to ice skate well then maybe, you can attempt learning playing hockey Hockey is more aggressive, but it is still fun Just make sure to keep a good balance and be an excellent team player. If you think that Hockey could be a good sport for you, but you've never played before you should go to one of the KC Ice Center's free classes. (They don't have them very often so be on the lookout)

Snowball fights Snowball fights

Having snowball fights is the best activity to do with your family. You and your siblings can team up against one another, then throw snowballs at each other. If you don't have any siblings, you could still have a snowball fight with a group of friends. For Snowball fights you could go to a park that's close to your house or your backyard

-Ellagift8th

-AriannaZaderenko8th

If you are scared of heights, then this activity might not be for you. However, it is still a fun activity to enjoy. You can go sledding by yourself or you can ask some people if they want to tag along You can try to see who sleds faster and who runs back up the hill faster. A park in Shawnee that has a great reputation for sledding (as well as other hiking, paddle boarding, etc.) is Shawnee Mission Park.

By:MollyHillner

Notetaking is an essential skill to have as a middle schooler. In classes such as science, social studies, and English language arts students are often asked to take notes during lectures. Many students either don't know how to take effective notes or go too far with the aesthetics (fonts, calligraphy, colors, diagrams, etc).

What'sthebestwaytotakenotes?

The best note-taking style depends on the note-taker and how your teacher/lecturer is teaching. If your teacher is talking at the speed of light and everything is important, it is best to summarize what they are saying and add in the details after class or at home. You could also ask a classmate for help in getting the extra information you missed. If your teacher is stopping between different topics it should be easy to get down all of the information you need on the subject. Now, let's focus on the note-taker. If you are a person who doesn't care about note taking you probably aren't reading this, but if you are I would just write down the basics of what your teacher is saying and use a simple layout. Bullet points are a great and simple way to organize your notes. If you are a person who loves to take aesthetic notes, you should write down all of the important information you need to know and rewrite your notes later. This insures that you have enough time to write down all of the important information while still having aesthetic notes.

DoAestheticNotesHelpYouStudy?

Well, it really depends on how you take your notes. If you are only focusing on the colors and aesthetics they don't really help you. Aesthetic and colorful notes do help boost creativity and inspiration which helps motivate you to study. If you have colorful and visually pleasing notes you will be more likely to study, but is it worth all of the time and effort? That is up to you/the note-taker. Just remember, aesthetic notes aren't for everyone!

Aesthetic Notes VS. Normal Notes

By: Molly Hillner

ProsofAestheticNotes

Nicenotesarealotmoreorganizedandthishelps youfindtheinformationyouarelookingforvery easily.Somepopularnote-takingmethodsarethe CornellMethod,OutlineMethod,BoxingMethod, etc.Thesemethodsmakestudyingmoreefficient andclean.Theyprovidealotmoreinspirationand helpboostproductivityaswell.Aestheticnotesare veryfuntocreatesincetherearesomany drawings,fonts,andcolorsyoucanuse.

ConsofAestheticNotes

Theconsofaestheticnotesareprettybasic. Aestheticnotestakealotoftimetomake,you can'ttaketheminfastlectures,andifyoudon't taketheminaneffectivewaytheyarenotvery usefulwhenitcomestostudying.Themain downfallofAestheticnotes

TryingOutAestheticNotes

I was a little skeptical when I tried aesthetic notes since they don't always work for everyone, but I actually had a lot of fun taking these notes! It was a lot of fun to use all of the different graphics and colorful pens. I can also see these notes being a lot more effective when studying. They are very organized and visually appealing. When taking these notes I used the outline method. For the color scheme, I decided on a pastel blue color and used my calligraphy skills for the title. I definitely recommend trying out aesthetic notes!

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By: Max Ha By: Max Ha

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Most Popular Christmas Movies

By: Adair Lee

Any movie starring Will Ferrell is sure to be a hit, especially this heartwarming and hilarious movie about a human elf! Will Ferrell or "Buddy the Elf" embarks on a journey to New York to find his biological father after recently finding out he is in fact not an Elf. ELF is a great movie to watch and is known all around the world for its charm and playfulness. Zoey says, "ELF is defintely my favorite christmas movie and I watch it every year " ( 8 )

HomeAlonehastobeoneofthemost iconicchristmasmoviesyoucouldwatch. Withalittleboybeingforgottenona familytrip,hehastoschemetofightoff burglarswithhisintelligenttraps."It'sa veryfunnymovieandIloveallthetraps theboyhas."Mollysays(8). Ialways enjoywatchingthismovie,it'sverywitty andisloadsoffuntowatchwithyour familyorfriends

It wasn't a winter break party in elementary with out this movie Polar Express is a christmas classic starring Tom Hanks as the narrator as we follow a young boy onto a train in the middle of the night on christmas eve, he adventured all the way to Santa Clause in proof that he is real. I personally never understood this movie, but it's still very entertaining and definitely a movie you should watch. Lucy says, "This movie is really cute and I enjoy watching it with my family " ( 8 )

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, is my favorite christmas movie It's a bit older, rated PG-13, but is super hilarious and has the funniest story line. Starring Chevy Chase as a hard working dad trying to have a magical christmas with his relatives. Everytime this movie comes on I always watch it."It' a great holiday movie and I never get tired of watching it." Mabry says ( 8 )

ChristmasChroniclesisanewer Christmasmoviethatquicklybecame someofpeoplesfavorites.Itisabouttwo siblings,thebrotherstrugglingtobelieve inChristmasmagic,andthesistertrying toconvincehimthatSantaisreal ChristmasChroniclesisagreatmovie, andevenhasasequel,thoughit'snotas goodasthefirst "Idon'treallylikethe plot,ittakeskindalongtobuilduptothe point"Maciesays(8) Ican'timagineaChristmaswithoutthis movie.TheGrinchesspunkwasperfectly matchedbyJimCarreyasheplaysthe Grinch.TheGrinchisoneofmypersonal favorites,Idon'tknowonepersonwho hasn'tseenatleastoneoftheversionsof Dr.Seuss's'HowtheGrinchStole Christmas',Maxsays,"Ireallyenjoythe plot,andhowthecharactersare portrayed"(8)

Trending Winter Clothes

By: Zoey Jennings

Plaidpajamapantsarealsooneofthemostpopularpantsrightnow! Theyareknownformorethanjusttheircomfort Peoplelovethese becausetheymatchalotofclothes,theyareperfectfordayswhenyou don'twannadressup,andkeepyouniceandwarminthewinter!Plus theresoldatabunchofdifferentstoresandaresupereasytofind!

TheLululemonScubaisanotherwell-knownsweatshirtthatis becomingverypopularveryquickly!Peopleoftenwearitoverthe alignedtanktopandhaveitasanoff-the-shoulderlookorjustwear itbyitself!ThescubaisalsooneofthecomfiestsweatshirtsIown withbuilt-inthumbholes,amazingquality,andtheperfecthoodto staywarmforwinter!

TheNirvanasweatshirtisrecentlygainingpopularityduetothe uprisingstyleofwearingbandt-shirtsandsweatshirts Evenifyou don'tknoworlikethebandit'sagreatwaytokeepcozyinthewinter whilebeingstylish Itcomesinblack,green,andpink Itissoldat urbanoutfitters!"Ireallylikethissweatshirtbecauseitssupersoft andoversized"Adairsays!

ChrisHemsworth ShocksFans

Popular actor and model Chris Hemsworth, known for films like Spiderhead, Extraction, and best known as Marvel's Thor, recently received shocking news.

Chris Hemsworth while filming one of the final episodes of his new Disney+ show, Limitless, discovered that he has an 8/10 chance of getting Alzheimer's on both sides of his family tree. His grandfather also came to be diagnosed, which increased Hemsworth's physician, Peter Attia's, attention. The actor decided to take a break from the screen and spend time with his family back home because the thought of not remembering the things he loved/the people he loved the most scared him. Thinking about the clip of his diagnosis, editors were wondering if they should cut it. Hemsworth made it a point to keep it in. To be real, and as a health enthusiast, to show others to care about their wellbeing. Attia continues to show him how to value his time and new ways to value his health. He, besides Hemsworth, is the most prominent on the National Geographic show.

now

Limitless is one of those challenge documentaries that shows a guy who is a health addict and seems to have everything in order but needs improvement It shows how Chris has weaknesses, especially in stress levels from the first episode He also shows weakness in cold weather, which slowed him down They had to spend more months filming, to give him time to train for the rope climb Chris Hemsworth is a strong, healthy guy, but he has a lot of room to improve, and National Geographic helped him realize that to help the viewers focus on that.

Chris Hemsworth isn't just an actor He is a health coach of his own service called Centrfit, a model for Hugo Boss, an influencer, and more He has well over 54 million fans that were saddened by his news The break, however, won't affect his modeling or health coach careers as of right

By: Lucy Suman

Santa Tell Me- Ariana Grande

MT CHRISTMAS COFFEE SHOP

Peppermint Mocha

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Chai Tea Latte

Strawberry Acai Refresher

Pumpkin Loaf Sugar Cookie Latte

Toasted White Mocha White Mocha

5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

MTMS Christmas Traditions

Some fun Christmas traditions that are very popular around MT are, putting up a Christmas Tree, Having a family dinner, Making Gingerbread houses, matching Christmas pajamas, and many more! Let's see if any students have some uncommon or different traditions.

Many students like to start celebrating Christmas after Thanksgiving to give the other holidays more attention. It seems like students have different traditions too. Let's take a look at how MTMS celebrates Christmas.

Many people at MT celebrate Christmas differently, Some people don't celebrate it at all. Traditions can come in all different forms.

Mental health awareness

By: Ella Gift

Whyismentalhealthawareness important?

You can't physically see it, so it is important to look for the signs to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Whatisseasonaldepression?

Seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in the fall and winter. It is caused by the lack of vitamin D from the gloomy days and cold weather.

HowcanIsupportmentalhealth awareness?

Just talking about mental health helps You can also send nice notes to your peers. If you want to support an organization, you can go to the links for Carl's Cause and Nick and Jake's. There are many other organizations to support too like NAMIWalks.

Howtopreventseasonaldepression:

Taking vitamin D or going outside even if it is cold and gloomy are ways to prevent seasonal depression. Diets, exercising, and seeing friends are also great ways to boost your mood.

Carl'sCause:

Carl's cause is a local organization that supports mental health. Carl was only 27 when he died of suicide on June 23, 2017. Carl's parents, Bob and Kelly Specht, started an organization to end the stigma around mental health. They are committed to suicide prevention efforts in Kansas City

Mental health awareness

By: Ella Gift

Thestigmaaroundmentalhealth

Whatisstigma?

Stigma is disgust or disgrace towards a certain topic, circumstance, or community.

Whyistherestigmaaroundmentalhealth?

For many people, it is an uncomfortable and foreign experience to talk about their problems. People can also be bullied for being different from others. It is great to reach out to loved ones or a therapist. Men are a common victim of this because of the societal views of a man having to be strong.

Howtoendthestigma:

Educating others on mental health is a great way to help. Embracing your mental health is a great way to help. You can also support an organization like Carl's Cause. The unnecessary separation between mental and physical health

Funfacts:

Green is the color for mental health awareness. May is mental health awareness month September is suicide awareness month. Yellow is the suicide awareness color

If you are ever having negative thoughts, especially about hurting yourself or someone else,

can always speak to Ms. Olson

"It is hard to talk about mental health because it is not visible, but we can end the stigma by talking about it" - Ms. Olson

you

Tyler the creator was born on March 6, 1991, he was born in Ladera Heights, California His debut started with the song 'Yonkers'. He has won 2 Grammys, a BRIT award, an MTV video music award, and 3 BET hip-hop awards. He also designs the covers for his posters and created all of his clothing and other merchandise.

Tyler, The Creator

His most popular release 'IGOR' got him to the top of the pyramid of artist popularity this album has a count of 12 songs with the popular release of 'EARFQUAKE', but my favorite album is Flower Boy, and my favorite song is '911/ Mr Lonely' Featuring Frank Ocean and Steve Lacy This is my favorite song because of the hyper beat sounds, with different types of sounds and mixes that make the song so different from other songs Flowerboy does not only feature these artists but also Kali Uchis and rex orange county.

Maddy Mahoney- 8/10. "It's just the vibe. Steve Lacey and Frank Ocean balance each other out, and they work out with Tyler. It gives an R&B feel, and not a basic rap feel."

Ella Grace 8 5/10 "I like how he used different beats and the different voices used worked well together. The lyrics I liked as well and that there are different tempos that were created throughout the song".

Mikayla turqueza 5/10/ "I don’t love it but I like It because it has a great beat with the flow and the lyrics are great "

Ways to make money during the holiday season

By: Alexssa Varguez

With the holiday season coming up, buying gifts for yourself or others gets expensive pretty quickly. So what are some ways to make some extra money over the holidays?

Shoveling snow can be a great way to make some money and help out your neighbors. Many people do not like shoveling snow because it is very physically demanding, so you can use it to your advantage. You can charge by the hour or by the size of the driveway. You can also use a snowblower which would be way easier if you already own one.

Another great way to make money is pet sitting. Over the holidays, many people go visit relatives or go on vacation, and can't bring their pets along. This is where you can help out while making some money. If the dog is used to staying in a kennel, visit them 2 to 3 times a day for 30 minutes to let them out, feed them, and play with them. If the owners are gone for 3-4+ days, they typically pay you $60+ which is a pretty good amount of money that takes you less than 2 hours of work a day.

Lastly, another way to make money over the holidays is to walk dogs. Many people are not motivated to give dogs the exercise they need in the colder months, so you can help. You can set up a schedule where you walk them once or twice a day for 5 days a week. Depending on the length of the walk you can charge $10 an hour or $5 for 30 minutes. This can make you up to $100 a week.

What's Going to Happen to Museum Connections?

By: Kennedy Botkin

OnOctober26th,2022thedistrictfirstbecameawareofthechargesagainstHilemanbytheJohnsonCountyDistrictAttorney’s office Immediatelyaftertheschoolhadthistosayaboutit,"Wedonottoleratesuchmisconductandhaveactedasquicklyas possibletocareforthoseinvolved,"Parentswouldlatergetanemailthatsaid,“Mr.Hilemanwillnotbereturningtotheschool district.Duetospecifictimelinesandproceduresregardingpersonnelmatters,theUSD232BoardofEducationwilltakeaction onhisemploymentatafuturemeeting”WithHilemanoutoftheclassandschoolpermanently,itleadsyoutowonder,whatis goingtohappentoMuseumConnections?Anybodywhotooktheclasscouldsayitwasdifferentfromotherclassesformany reasons Intheclassyoucandigthroughthedesksandfindartifacts,youwatchinterestingvideosandtheteachercouldlecture inawaywherethelearningfeltfun Asgrossasitis,youcouldsaythatnobodycouldteachthewaythathetaughttheclass So,whatisgoingtohappentoMuseumConnections?

What's Going to Happen to the Class?

Well, the class will still be here for the rest of the 2022-2023 school year. They are trying to get a teacher for the class, but if they can't, they are thinking of replacing it. If they do replace the EXPLO, the high schoolers will not be able to take this class here

Will I Still Have My Class Next Semester?

Formiddleschoolers,yes.Nextsemestereverypersonatthemiddle schoolwillhavetheclass,butjustwiththelong-termsub Forhigh schoolers,theywillfinishtheirclassfor1stsemester,butallstudents whowouldhaveit2ndsemesterwillbereplacedwithanewclass Therefore,theclassisnolongeravailableforhighschoolers

What Will Happen to the Artifacts?

SomeoftheartifactsHilemanownedwereborrowed frommuseumsorotherpeople.Thosepeopleareasking forthoseartifactsback,andtheschoolisworking throughsortingthemtogivethembacktotheirrightful owners Asfortherestofthem,thedistrictisseeing wheretherestofthemmayendup

Is the Sub Going to Stay Here for the Whole Year?

Thedistrictistryingtocreateasmuchconsistencyasit canwhileeverythingischanging Fornow,thesubstitute isgoingtostayhere,butthatcouldchange

Favorite Holiday Traditions Favorite Holiday Traditions

By: Kenadi Harris By: Kenadi Harris

Friends and family celebrate many different December holiday traditions like visiting extended family, baking festive treats and deserts, looking at Christmas lights

around town, and having holiday parties to celebrate this wonderful time of the year, as well as many different traditions.

What holiday traditions What holiday traditions What holiday traditions do you celebrate? do you celebrate? do you celebrate?

One tradition I celebrate is making Christmasthemed gingerbread houses for a gingerbread contest with my friends, says 7th grader Shiloh Wiseman.

A tradition I and my family celebrate is setting up and decorating my Christmas tree with my family says 7th grader Mckinley Dobbleraire.

What is your favorite What is your favorite is favorite tradition you celebrate? tradition you celebrate? tradition you celebrate?

My favorite tradition is making big family traditional meals with my older brother, 8th grader Hadley Liston says.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is doing karaoke with my family and using our screechy voices to sing, 7th Grader Levi Thatlor says.