POCS Press
“Our goal at the POCS Press is to be informative, inclusive, and honest while sharing with the POCS community.”
“Our goal at the POCS Press is to be informative, inclusive, and honest while sharing with the POCS community.”
Thestudentofthemonthis…SidneyRoss!! Sidneywasgiventhisawardforbeingkind withoutanyoneaskingherto.She'savery helpfulstudentandherteacherssayshe'sa greatexampleofaleader. HerearesomefactsaboutSidney!
Q:What'soneofyourhobbies?
A:Ilikesleepingandswimming.
Q:What'syourfavoritefood?
A:Anythingwithpotatoes.
Q:What'syourfavoriteshow?
A:AgentsofShields
Q:What'syourfavoritecolor?
A:Yellow!
Q:Favoritethingaboutyourself
A:IthinkI’mtall.
Q:Ifyoucouldgoanywhereintheworld wherewouldyougoandwhy?
A:Icelandbecauseitscoldandverygreen.
Herearesomethingsstudentsandstaffhavetosayabout Sidney!
Mrs.Sawyer:Sidneyiskind,funny,hardworking,andI lovethatshehasapositiveattitude.She'soneofthose studentswhoisaquietleader.WhatImeanbythisisthat sheleadsbyexamplebutinaquieterway.She'sagreat friendandheargreatthingsbeingsaidaboutSidneybyher friendsandpeers.AnyonethathasSidneyintheircircleis lucky.
Mr.Pitchford:Sidneyisaperfectrolemodelandstudent wholeadsbyexampleintheclassroom.Shealwayshasa smileonherface,andneverabadwordtosayabout anybody.Sheconstantlyworksaboveandbeyondonallher assignmentsatschool.Ineverseeherupsetorinabad moodtowardsherpeers.She'sveryrespectfulofschooland thelearningenvironment.Ienjoyherinclassverymuch.
Maci:She'sverysweet,veryhelpful,andcaresabout others.
Charlie:She'sareallygoodfriendandisalwaysthere tomakeyoulaugh.
Bailey:She'snice,kind,respectful,silly,andgoofyin agoodway!
Harlyn:Sidneyisalwaysputtingasmileontheirface, hilarious,andoneofthebestpeopleI'vemet.
Grace:She'sfunny,nice,andreallysmart.
Adriana:She'sreallysmartandverywillingtohelp.
InterviewwithMrs.Worstell:
Q:HowlonghaveyoubeenateacheratPOCS?
A:IhavebeenateacheratPOCSfor16yearsthisyear.
Q:What'syourfavoritethingaboutPOCSandwhy?
A: Ireallyenjoyworkingwithmiddleschoolstudents becauseitsfuntoseethewaytheythinkandtheway theylearn,andithelpskeepmeyoungatheart.
Q:Whatwasyourdreamjobwhenyouwerelittleand why?
A:Iwantedtobeateacherbecausemymom andbothofmygrandmotherswereteachers.
Q:Whatisyourfavoritesubjecttoteach?
A: Itsadebatebetweenmathandhealth,butIreally enjoyteachingmathbecauseIlikemakingitconnect andeasytounderstandforthe7thgradersandIlike teachinghealthbecauseIthinkit'sreallyimportantto keepstudentssafe.
Q:Canyoutellmeaboutyourself?Whatareyour hobbies?
A:Ilovetoread,Ireadallthetime.ButIalsoliketodo thingsthatgetmeoutsideinthefreshair. IloveHiking, ridingmybike,kayaking,camping,anythingthatgets meoutdoorinnature.AthomeIalsoenjoycooking.
Q:Whattypeofmusicdoyoulike?
A:Ilikealotofdifferenttypesofmusic,currentlyItend tolikepop.
AndIalsolikeoldermusic,classicrockkindastuff.Ilike brunomars, Mileycyrus,BillieEilish.
Q:Whatenrichmentsdoyouteach?
A:IteachhealthandfirsttrimesterIhelpoutwith culinary.
Ialsodomathsupport.IusedtodoyogaandIwouldlove to teachitagainiftherewasmoreinterestforstudentsto takeit.
Q:Doyouhaveafavoritemovie?
A: Idefinitelydon'thaveafavoritebutIdefinitely doloveanykindamoviethatmakesmelaugh,like comedy.
WhatstudentshavetosayaboutMrs.Worstell: Angie:Shedoesareallygoodjobatexplaining things.
Kayla:Ienjoyeddoinghealthwithher.
Taylor:Shewasverycalm.
Jayden:She'sagoodhealthteacher.
Chelsie:She'sveryhelpfultoherstudents.
Bryan:She'sgoodatmath.
Cody:She’sagoodhealthteacher.
Val:She'sveryniceandshealwaysusedtohelpme withmyMathiaandshealwayslookedoutforme.
Giuliana:ShealwayshelpsmeonMathiawhenI needit.
Israel:She'sreallykindandacknowledgesyour feelings.
Javi: Shehelpsmewithmyworkalotandshe’s verycooperative.
Irene:Shealwaysgaveusgoodopportunitiesfor communityservice.
Charlie:ShehelpsyouwithMathiaifyouneedhelp.
Angelee:Sheputseffortintohelpingyou.
Mrs.McDonough:She'sareallygoodpartnerteacher andshealwayshelpssupportmeandthestudents.
Macy:She'sveryhelpfulandnice.
Robert:IloveherpersonalityandIlovehowkind sheis.
Kayla:She'sreallyniceandIlikethatshehasher roomopenforlunch.
Lehjin:Whenyouaskforhelp,shewillhelpyou.
Camilla:Shegivesyouasecondchancetorevise yourworkandsheiscaring.
Mrs. Sawyer was chosen as teacher of the month for a million reasons. She has proven to our school that she is worthy of this award and much more. Mrs. Sawyer has shown how hardworking, yet dedicated, she is to teaching, so this award goes out to her!
Let’s get to know Mrs. Sawyer!
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 6th year of teaching.
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: I love to be outdoors, going to the beach, lake, or going on a hike.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you travel, and why?
A: This is a tough one because I’d like to travel to a ton of different places, but I think Australia or Asia are at the top of my list right now.
Q: What made you decide to get into the teaching act?
A: I was inspired by many of my teachers growing up. I was inspired to get into teaching because I wanted to make a difference in students lives like some of my teachers did for me growing up.
Q: What is your dream dog?
A: I would love a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle.
Q: If you could have any job in the world what would it be, and why?
A: Besides teaching, I would like to be a travel blogger. I don't know how much money they make but it would be a fun job.
Here's what some of Mrs.Sawyers fellow staff members have to say about her!
Mr.Pitchford: Mrs. Sawyer is very nice, and always has a smile and cheerful personality. There's never a day I notice she is grumpy or upset about her students or job. I feel very fortunate to have her as a teaching partner.
Mrs.Meyer: Mrs. Sawyer is a kind person, she cares about all teachers and staff. You can tell she invests all her time in teaching. We have similar personalities and I feel like it's just easy to connect with her. We spend our lunches together, it's just enjoyable to talk and share about each other's life, she also gives good advice which can be very helpful at most times.
Mrs.Cahill: She’s honestly such an amazing person if you get to know her deep down.
Mrs.Brandenburg: Mrs. Sawyer is kind, collaborative, supportive and a great listener. She has wonderful ideas and lifts others up. She is also a wonderful friend. I am proud to know her, call her my friend, and work with her. :)
Here's what some of Mrs. Sawyer´s Block 1 has to say about her!
Jackie: Mrs.Dolan is always sweet and understanding, overall shes amazing.
Tatianna: She's very kind and understanding.
Makayla: I love that she is very kind and understanding and always hardworking. She's an amazing at teacher, and is amazing at teaching and she is so inspirational. She really touched my heart as a teacher. She's also very amazing and super pretty.
Maya: She's amazing, kind, and she always helps me as well as answering my questions.
Shelby: She's really nice and very understanding, I just think she is a kind person in general.
Asher P: She's kind and caring.
Here's what some of Mrs. Sawyers Block 2 has to say!
Sidney: I personally like that she is really easy when it comes to work.
Mason & Tyler: She's a good teacher, and really kind and caring.
Nebay: I´ve known Mrs. Sawyer since last year and I was also in her school newspaper last year and since then we've grown a bond between each other. She really knows how to go into depth and explain everything so that we know it and she's just a really amazing teacher and I think she's deserves this.
Adriana: I had Mrs. Sawyer as a teacher in 3rd grade. She’s proven to me that shes worthy of this award. I love her as a teacher because she's helped me improve on myself in all types of ways and I appreciate it. She's honestly such an honest and kind person so she really deserves this.
Layla: Mrs. Sawyer is always nice, she's caring, she grades fairly which is really nice for me.
Danika: I love Mrs. Sawyer, she was my teacher in 3rd grade so I technically grew up with her.
Maci: She's literally amazing, she's the bomb. Super sweet and gives good advice, helpful, and cares about me. Stella: She’s nice understanding, and easy to talk to.
Grace: Mrs.Dolan is helpful and supportive with others, and she's super pretty.
Questions:
Q:What'syourfavoritesubject?
A:Art,science,english
Q:WhydidyouwanttostartworkingatPOCS?
A:Wantedtotrysomethingnew.
Q:Whatmakesyoulikeworkingwith7thgradeand 8thgrade?
A:It'seasytogettoknowyouguysmore.
Q:Wouldyoueverwanttohelpinhighschoolorany gradelowerthanmiddleschool?
A:HighSchoolmaybebutI’mstilldeciding.
Q:Whatmiddleschoolandhighschooldidyougoto?
A:Middleschool:POCSandHighSchool:Piner
Q:What'syourfavoritehobby
A:Badminton,Tennis,videogames,anddrawing.
HowdoesMr.Aquinosupportyou?
Anayah:Heisthereforyouwhenyou needhim.
Beilul:Heisalwaystheretohelpand theretolisten.
Ngozi:HeencouragesmewhenI'm goingdownthetrail.Hetellsmetohave agooddayanditfeelsnice.
Robert:Heisniceandhelpful.
Lejhin:IfIaskhimforhelphehelpsme.
Chelsie:Hehelpsmeunderstandwhat I'mworkingon.
Jolie:HecomesandhelpsmewhenI needit.
Esther:Hegivesmeideasbyhelpingme becomeabetterrunner.
Ronen:HetutorsmewhenIneeditmost.
Kamila:Goodatexplaining.
Angelee:Heissuperniceandhelpsme inclass.
Kayla:HehelpsmewhenIneedit.
Charlie:InclasshewillaskifIneed help.
Giuliana:WhenIneedhelphewillhelp meinawaytowhereIunderstand.
Cody and I interviewed several volleyball players about why they joined the team and such. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to everyone in the boys volleyball team, but many people we interviewed had different opinions. Here's what they had to say:
Questions we asked:
What made you join the volleyball team?
HaveYou played before?
Would you want to pursue a career in volleyball?
Who is the best player on your team?
What do you think your record will be?
What team are you looking forward to playing against this season?
What made you join the volleyball team? HaveYou played before? Would you like to pursue a career involleyball?
Edward - “volleyball sounded fun”
Beckett - “volleyball sounded fun”
Adair - "I just really wanted to"
Caleb - “I thought Ramsey was playing”
Edward - “I played last year”
Beckett - “I played last year”
Adair - “No”
Caleb - “Nah”
Nate - "I joined because i'm the best in the school"
Nate - “No”
Aiden - “I just enjoy volleyball” Aiden - “Yeah, last year”
Edward - “Yeah”
Beckett - “Yes”
Adair - “Not really”
Caleb - “Nah”
Nate - “Maybe”
Aiden - “Not really”
Who is the best player on your team? What do you think your record will be?
Edward - “Ronan”
Beckett - “Probably Ronan”
Adair - “Aiden”
Caleb - “Me”
Nate - “Me or Edward”
Aiden - “Myself”
Edward - “7-9”
Beckett - “7-9”
Adair - “Not sure”
Caleb - “0-12”
Nate - “At least 7-9”
Aiden - “6-3”
What team are you looking forward to playing against this season?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward - “RAMS
Beckett - “RAMS”
Adair - “Willowside”
Caleb - “Comstock”
Nate - “Any”
Aiden - “No idea”
Mrs. Wofford
What made you coach volleyball? "I love volleyball and i like seeing the kids improve"
How long have you been coaching sports? "20 years"
What sports have you coached? "Boys baseball, Girl softball, soccer for both, and both volleyball"
We asked 8th graders and teachers what advice they'd give 7th graders going into 8th grade.
Name: Mr. Aguilar
Advice: Try to be the best student you could be and build good habits.
Name: Mr. K
Advice: Don't worry about what other people think of you and don't compare yourself to other people and be yourself.
Name: Mr. Strasser
Advice: Do what you need to do. Handle your business. Work smart, be nice.
Name: Mrs. Sawyer
Advice: I would say, participate, ask questions, try your best. Try to get to know teachers and classmates, and enjoy the experience because you’re only in middle school once.
Name: Kira Bourland
Advice: Don't worry about what other people think of you and don't fall behind on your work.
Name: Edwin Castillo
Advice: Do your work and pay attention.
Name: Rose Patino
Advice: Don't procrastinate and get your work done ASAP.
Name: Tayonna Rohrbach
Advice: Stay on top of your work.
Name: Mrs. McDonough
Advice: Start the year off being organized and turn your work in on time.
Name: Mrs. Meyer
Advice: Don't be afraid to become a better version of yourself. Use what you've learned in 7th grade, both good and bad.
Name: Mr. Finnegan
Advice: Be ready to work hard and try to build a relationship with your teachers. Try your hardest, don't be afraid to ask questions and be brave.
Name: Marisol Dominguez
Advice: Go to the field trips and do all your homework.
Name: Addison Roberts
Advice: Don't procrastinate on anything. On your book projects don't procrastinate because it's a really big part of your grade.
Name: Addison Harold
Advice: Don’t worry too much about the people around you and just focus on your work and grades. Also, keep up with your work and try your best, don't procrastinate.
Name: Laya Wilgus
Advice: Don't start drama.
Name:Yamileth Fonseca
Advice: Pay attention to your classes and don't slack on school work.
Name: Janet Arcos
Advice: Do your homework.
Name: Edward Naepflin
Advice: Don't procrastinate.
Name: Christian DeGuzman
Advice: Don't procrastinate.
Name: Danika Clausen
Advice: Do not get involved with the 8th graders. Don't cause drama. Don't be rude.
Name: Cole Bourland
Advice: Pay attention to your teachers in class.
Name: Mason Kay
Advice: Don't wait to do your work.
Name: Tyler Vantrease
Advice: Get your missing work done.
Name: Viet Hai Tran
Advice: Don't be stupid and don't talk back to
Here is what some players on the team think!
Q: Why did you want to be on the flag football team?
A: Valerie - Because my friend is on the team.
A: Anabella - Because I like playing football and it's something I've wanted to do.
Q: What's your favorite thing about flag football?
A: Valerie - I like moving people out of the way to get the ball.
A: Anabella - Probably the running, I like running.
Q: Have you played flag football before?
A: Valerie - Nope never in my life.
Q:Doyoulikeflagfootball?
A:Valerie-Iguessyeah.It's ok.
A:Anabella-yea.
Q:Doyouthinkthatyouand yourteamwillbeabletowin games?
A: Valerie-Probably.
A:Anabella-Yes.
Q:IsMr.Aguilaragood coach?
A:Valerie-Yea.Ilikeboth coaches.
A:Anabella-Yes.
A: Anabella - I haven't played on a team but I play with my brother.
Q: Who are you wanting to play against?
A: Valerie - I don’t know.
A: Anabella - Umm, Windsor.
We asked Mr. Aguilar and Mr. K some questions, and these are their responses:
Mr. A:
Q: Do you like coaching flag football?
A:Yes I really enjoy coaching football. It is my favorite to coach.
Q: Have you taught flag football before?
A:Yes it is my fourth season coaching.
Q: Do you think you guys will be able to win games?
A: I think we are very capable of winning games but every game will be a challenge because football is the ultimate team sport.
Q: What's your favorite thing about flag football?
A: My favorite thing about coaching flag football is the unpredictability of the game itself.
Q: What team are you excited to play?
Mr.K:
Q:Whydidyouwanttobeanassistant coach?
A:BecauseIenjoycoaching.
Q:Doyouenjoyhelpingwithgirls flagfootball?
A:Ofcourse.
Q:What'syourfavoritethingabout flagfootball?
A:Thegameoffootballisvery unpredictable.
A: I am excited for our team to play against Technology Middle School because they have a really good coach.
Being a good friend means being trustworthy and not talking bad about each other behind their backs.
● Don't ever say anything bad about each other and be ruthless to them… Respect each other to avoid a toxic relationship.
● Always communicate with each other (communication is key! )
● Have trust and loyalty
● Be goofy and have a good time
● Spend time with each other outside of school to build a stronger connection
Toxic friendship relationship signs
● Jealousy
● Lying
● Disrespecting boundaries
● Always arguing about something
● Unreliable
● Bullying you
● Saying out of pocket things to you..
● Gossiping about you to other people and tending to spread rumors about you
Q: “What are signs of a good friendship or good things your friends do for you?”
A: Chelsea: “Being honest with each other and like not lying to each other.”
A: Charlie: “My friend Kamila always helps me with anything I ask for.”
A: Anayah: “Being there for you and your whole friendship.”
A: Angelina: “When they are loyal to you and check up on you.”
A: Mr K.: “Be there for them, respect them.”
Q: “What are toxic signs of a friendship?”
A: Irene: “Talking behind their back.”
A: Camila: “Giving bad advice.”
A: Angelina: “They talk doo doo about you in front of your face ”
A: Lehjin: “Does not communicate and whenever they see you they don't know you.”
A: Basketball for robotics
H: Basketball for gaming
R: Walking for P.E because why not more exercise
A: Soccer for gaming
M: Advanced math for gaming
S: Skateboarding for drama
C: Video games for Maker
D: Video games for drama
G: Running for drama
A: Soccer for dram
L: Campus clean up for gaming
L: Yoga for book club
K: Idk.
B: Camera interviews for robotics
A: Pottery for robotics
C: , Pottery for gaming
We counted up the votes for a new enrichment and the results we got were basketball. Basketball is loved by a lot of boys in the school and some people like to watch it. The second most voted new enrichment was soccer. A good handful of people like soccer in the school and I also personally think it would be a cool enrichment.
L: I think soccer should be an enrichment because its fun.
Q:Whatareyoulookingforwardtodoinginsummer?
A:Vicente-Iamlookingforwardtothesoccertournament
A:Alex-Paintball
A:Israel-Playingfortniteallday
A:Adair-Hangingout
A:Damaris-Idon'tknow
A:Alyna-Spendingtimewithsomeofmyfriends
A:Valerie-Sleepingin,notgoingtoschool,nohomework
A:Anabella-Sleepingandmakingmoney
Q:Areyougoingtotravelanywhere?
A:Vicente-No
A:Alex- MaybeMexico
A:Israel-MaybeMexico
A:Adair-Ihopeso
A:Damaris-IamgoingtoMexico
A:Alyna-I’mnotsure
A:Valerie-Idon’tknow
A:Anabella-Monterey
Q:Doyoulikesummer?Why?
A:Vicente-Yes,becausethereisnoschool.
A:Alex-Yes,becausethereisnoschool.
A:Israel-Ilovesummer,becauseyoucanplaywithwaterballoonsandgoinpools.
A:Adair-Iloveitbecauseofthebeachandthesun.
A:Damaris- Idon’tbecauseit'stoohot.
A:Alyna-Yes,becausemybirthdayisinsummer.
A:Valerie-Yes,noschool.
A:Anabella-Yes,becauseitgivesmemoretimeforfriendsandfamily.
Q:Whatissomethingyoudon'tlikeaboutsummer?
A:Vicente-Idon't gettoseemyfriends.
A:Alex-Birds
A:Israel-Aftersummerschoolisgoingtostartagain.
A:Adair-Howhotitis.
A:Damaris- Idon'tgettoseefriendseveryday.
A:Alyna-ItgetsreallyhotsometimesandIdon’tgettoseemyfriendsfromschool.
A:Valerie-Idon’tliketheheat.
A:Anabella-Howhotitis.
Inhonorofthe8thgradepromotionIwantedtogatheralltheteachersandstaffandshowpicturesof themin8thgrade.AlsoIknowstudentarewonderingwhatteachersandstafflookwhentheywereour agesoherearesomepicturesofstudentsandstaffwhentheywerein8thgrade.
Mr.Pitchford
Ms.Worstell
Mr.Finnegan
-Bryan & Aleah-
By:1. Sequoia Burger | Sebastopol, Ca
2. Starks Steak & Seafood | Santa Rosa, Ca
3. Healdsburg Bar and Grill | Healdsburg, Ca
4. Ozzie’s Grill | Santa Rosa, Ca
5. Underwood Bar & Bistro | Graton, Ca
6. Butcher Crown Roadhouse | Petaluma, Ca
7. The Bird | Santa Rosa, Ca
8. Acme | Cotati, Ca
9. Bird and the Bottle | Santa Rosa, ca
10. Carr’s Drive In | Forestville, ca
1st In n Out: 33|Santino, Julian, Josue, Jade, Eyrene, Ramsay, Jace, Brianna, Aaliyah, Marco, Isaac, Emilio, Anthony, Edwin, Jaden, Gustavo, Dominic, Kyle, Christian, Sahir, Marisol, Cristian A, Cody, Val, Angelee, Alina, Kayla, Nebay, Charlie, Adriana, Kira, Mrs. Sawyer, Addison
2nd Five Guys: 3|Asher S, Mr. Adam, Mr. Aguilar
3rd McDonald's: 2|Camilla, Caleb
Other: 6
Briana M.
Alejandra O.
Anthony C.
Alina P.
Alicia V.
Giuliana L.
Anayah P.
Aaron H.
Jovanny G.
Carter K. Jaxon S. Asher
5/1 First Day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
5/3 All Community service hours due
5/8-5/10 8th Grade Trip
5/12 Mother’s Day
5/15 Open House
5/17 No school (E. C. D)
5/20 No School
5/27 Memorial Day
Editors
Nebay Berhane
Kira Bourland
Blanca Escutia
Co-Editors Publishers Photographers
GraceTuilawalawa ALL
Blanca Escutia
GraceTuilawalawa
Harlyn Menendez
Designers Creative Marketing Reporters
AngieAlvarenga
Teacher’s Assistant Teacher
Harlyn Menendez
Mrs. Sawyer (Dolan)
Bryan Martinez Para
Nebay Berhane
AngieAlvarenga
Adriana Ramirez
Cody Brannon
KaylaAlcantar
AngieAlvarenga
Adalena Behl
Ford Benedict
Nebay Berhane
Kira Bourland
Cody Brannon
Blanca Escutia
Valeria Escutia
Aleah Estada
Alyna Garcia
Chelsie Garcia Majia
Addison Harold
Lilly Iglehart
Angelee Keobounleuang Chum
Giuliana Lowery
Bryan Martinez Parra
Camilla Parra
Harlyn Menendez
Damaris Olea Flores
Adriana Ramirez
Charlie Rosas
Lehjin Saechao-Lay
Irene Sanchez
GraceTuilawalawa