March 2017
Issue 3
THE REBELS PAMPHLET The official student-run newspaper of OLMBS School.
History Club Students Go To Regional History Competition by Simon Szalla
Newspaper Staff Georgia Horgan Gabrielle Barch Jada Jackson Julianne Zenewicz Justine Spinelli Logan Fitch Maria Fabregas Maria Poydence Marisa Ostrosky Mary Smith Matthew Danielson Olivia Susa Samantha Edwards Samuel Wygonik Savanah Ord Simon Szalla Stephanie Vojtilla
Moderator: Miss Calligan
Georgia Horgan, Simon Szalla, and On March 4, the students in Sam Wygonik at the competition History Club went to National History Day (NHD) at Heinz History Center. This year the theme was “Taking a Stand in History.� Eighth graders Anthony Salem, Carlo Venturini, and Jack Ford did an exhibit on the Boston Tea Party. Seventh graders, Simon Szalla and Sam Wygonik did an exhibit on the Cuban Missile Crisis. Rylan Zale also did an exhibit, on Levi Coffin, an abolitionist. Georgia Horgan did a documentary on the Free Speech Movement. Logan Fitch did his paper on Amelia Earhart. Sixth graders, Ethan Zale and Damian Moore did an exhibit on Jane Adams. Although the fifth graders, Vinny Putignano, Gabbi Balog, and Jennifer Phan, could not compete in NHD, they still made exhibits for the school History Fair on March 16. To prepare for the NHD, Mr. Swalga, the History Club moderator, let his club members come into school early and stay late the week before the competition. During this time, the NHD participants designed their exhibits, papers, and documentaries, and worked on their bibliographies. At the competition, Georgia Horgan placed first in the category of individual documentary. Simon Szalla and Sam Wygonik placed third in group exhibits. All three students will be headed to the state Sam Wygonik and Simon Szalla with their third competition in May. place exhibit
Issue 3
March 2017
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
OLMBSS Continues to Incorporate Technology in the Classroom by Marisa Ostrosky and Olivia Susa In the past five years, our principal, Mr. Davis, has extended our reach into technology. There have been many improvements in the way classes are conducted, since technology has provided greater ease in accessing educational tools. The school is already more advanced than many others, and there are still improvements being made. In recent years we have been provided Smart Boards,chromebooks, and Kindles. The lockers have helped to declutter hallways. Smart Boards, along with chromebooks, have assisted in giving interactive lessons and providing visual aid. More recently, we have acquired new computers in the computer lab, proving that the school still continues to make technological advancements. This is evidence of how the desire to improve cannot be assuaged. This school takes any opportunities to advance, along with attempting to educate students in the world of technology. Technology helps students beyond the years spent in school. Being skilled in the area is useful in both daily life and future careers. The opportunities supplied by the school help to initiate an admiration of the way the world has advanced and develop the skills needed to keep up.
Science Club Students Attend PJAS by Logan Fitch On February 4, 2017, the OLMBSS students went to the Duquesne University campus for PJAS. Pittsburgh Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a competition where seventh and eighth grade students present their science projects to a panel of judges. Many OLMBSS students went to the competition. Annabelle Butts (8th grade), Andrew Salsgiver (8th grade) both won third place prizes. Marisa Ostrosky (8th grade), Stephanie Vojtilla (8th grade), and Zachary Balog (7th grade), and Samuel Wygonik (7th grade) won second place prizes. The students began work on their projects in September. To complete their project, they had to follow the scientific method and create a presentation to show the judges. Now that PJAS is over, the science club members will be working on their projects for the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF), another science competition. Mrs. Stough, the moderator of Science Club says that her Science Club members have been working on the presentations since September. “I wish my students had more passion and devotion in future projects,� Mrs. Stough commented on the topic of what she wanted her students to work on in the future. Congratulations to the students who participated in PJAS!
Science Club Members, Stephanie Vojtilla, Marisa Ostrosky, and Annabelle Butts at PJAS
March 2017
Issue 3
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS OLMBSS Annual School Science Fair by Stephanie Vojtilla
On February 22, the school science fair took place in Patterson Hall. Judging took place in the morning, and during the evening people were able to walk around and look at the boards. Students in fifth through eighth grade began preparing their science fair projects in September. As a part of the science curriculum, the students followed the steps to the scientific method and created boards to display their research. In the eighth grade the winners were Nevaeh Ewing, Reagan McGough, and Tabitha Forester. The winners in Seventh grade were Isabel Godinez, Arden Verner, Simon Szalla. The winners for Sixth grade were, Michael Imler, Noelle Bigenho, and Justine Spinelli. The fifth grade winners were Anna Kreinbook and Mariana Williams, Jennifer Phan, and Ali Gillette. The winners were announced in the evening.
OLMBS Hosts Annual Fish Fry Every Friday in Lent by Justine Spinelli
The annual Lenten fish fry runs every Friday until April 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 in the evening. The fish fry is a major fundraiser for the parish. Students can volunteer to help with the drive thru and clear tables. Some popular items include the fried cod sandwich, mac’n’cheese, and potato and cheese pierogies. Please come and support OLMBSS at the fish fry.
Fish Fry Menu
March 2017
Issue 3
STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATE Coverage of 2016 - 2017 Student Council events
Student Council President: Ally Swierczewski Vice President: Georgia Horgan Treasurer: Samuel Wygonik Dance Committee Chairperson: Nevaeh Ewing Commissioner of School Spirit: Marlee Sholtes Commissioner of Service: Maria Fabregas Commissioner of Publicity: Rhiannon Litz Recording Secretary: Tabitha Forster Corresponding Secretary: Hannah Kipp Representatives: Michael Imler, Rachael Babinsack, Iliana Riesterer
Student Council Spirit Wear Sale by Samantha Edwards
OLMBSS Student Council is currently having a spirit wear sale at the end of every month. This sale will end in April. Spirit wear is clothes that have our school name on it. This clothing is red and white. They are selling sweatshirts, jackets, hats, and more. The papers for spirit wear go out on every end of the month. All the money raised will go to student council. Student council will use the money for things that will benefit the school. Wearing these clothes is a great time to show off your school spirit.
T-Shirt
Beanie
Student Council Sends Care Packages to Homeless Shelter by Maria Fabregas
The Student Council’s service project was donating care packages to homeless people. Kids from all grades donated items that we need such as underwear, gloves, deodorant, and soap. Large duffle bags and backpacks were donated as well. We filled the bags with the items, and the bags will be given to the Wellspring Drop-In Center. This service project will help many homeless people in need in our area.
Middle School Students Attend Candyland Dance Moderator: Mr. Swalga
by Maria Poydence On Friday, March 17, the Dance Committee sponsored the third dance of the year for middle school students. The theme was Candyland, and the decorations were inspired by the board game. St. Joe’s graduate, Jake Hayes, was the DJ for the dance. This dance was planned by Dance Committee Chairperson, Nevaeh Ewing and Dance Committee Group C.
Issue 3
March 2017
SPORTS Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball by Samuel Wygonik
This year, the OLMBSS Rebels had great basketball seasons. Both the girl’s Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams went undefeated throughout the course of the season. “The girls played well this season,” Varsity Coach Jonczak remarked on his team’s victorious season, “I’m very proud of all of them.” The girl’s JV team lost in the first round of the playoffs to Saints Peter and Paul School. The varsity won their first game in the playoffs, but lost in the second round to Our Lady of Fatima. They were both awarded Section B champions. Additionally, on March 17, the JV girls won first place in St. John Bosco School’s March Madness Tournament. The boys Junior Varsity and Varsity teams also had great seasons. The JV team went 6-6 while the Varsity team went 5-7. “We did well, but we couldn’t capitalize on good opportunities,” boy’s basketball Coach Imler says on his team’s efforts this season. Neither teams went to the playoffs, but they all had great seasons. Congratulations to all the teams and their wonderful seasons!
Student Athlete Highlight: Ally Swierczewski: Varsity Girls Basketball
Student Athlete Highlight: Carlo Venturini: Varsity Boys Basketball
What will you miss from OLMBSS athletics after you graduate? Why? I will miss spending half of my Saturdays at the gym with my friends.
What will you miss from OLMBSS athletics after you graduate? Why? I will miss playing basketball and being in the game for almost the whole time.
Interviewer: Maria Fabregas
What is your favorite memory from OLMBSS athletics? My favorite memory is probably when I got to play up on Varsity as a 6th grader. Do you plan to play sports in high school? If so, how will your OLMBSS athletics experience help you? Yes, I plan to play basketball in high school. By participating in OLMBSS athletics I have learned how to play as a team.
Interviewer: Maria Fabregas
Ally Swierczewski and her parents at Eighth Grade Night
Carlo Venturini and his parents at Eighth Grade Night
What is your favorite memory from OLMBSS athletics? My favorite memory from OLMBSS athletics is when I played my first whole second half of Varsity basketball and getting my first three. Do you plan to play sports in high school? If so, how will your OLMBSS athletics experience help you? I will play basketball in high school. OLMBSS athletics helped me with practicing basketball.
March 2017
Issue 3
STUDENT COUNCIL Student Council Sells Popcorn at Lunch by Logan Fitch
Do you love popcorn? Student Council does! From March 6 to March 17, Student Council sponsored popcorn sales at lunch. Half a bag of popcorn was fifty cents. The Student Council made around twenty dollars per day. This was Student Council’s first time sponsoring popcorn sales. It replaced the February Sweet Treat Sales. Student Council saw this fundraiser as equally if not more successful as the annual sweet treat sale.
Red Out
Spirit Day
By Logan Fitch
by Georgia Horgan
At the first playoff game for the Girls Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams, on February 24, the Student Council sponsored a Red Out. The Red Out raised two hundred dollars for the American Heart Association. Additionally, the Varsity team won their playoff game and moved on to the next round of playoffs.
On Friday, March 3, the Student Council sponsored a Spirit Day in support of the Varsity Girls Basketball team, who had made it to the Varsity Class B semi-finals. Students were to wear Blessed Sacrament Spirit Wear or red. The Spirit Day raised one hundred and fourteen dollars for the American Heart Association.
Student Council Needs Your Help! Every year, Student Council uses the money it raises during the year to buy a gift for the school that will benefit the students. For example, a few years ago they bought new water fountains. Student Council wants to know your ideas for this year’s gift. Tell your student council representative or another Student Council member your ideas!
March 2017
Issue 3
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS Fifth Grade Students Gabbi Balog and Tyler Ford Being Presented the Everyday Hero Award
Fifth Grade Students Win Everyday Hero Award By Savanah Ord
This year’s Fifth Grade Everyday Heroes were Gabbi Balog and Tyler Ford. Every year, the fifth grade class picks a boy and a girl who demonstrate good character to be the Everyday Hero. On March 9, Gabby Balog and Tyler Ford were presented with the award.
Kids Helping Kids by Jada Jackson
This year’s Kids Helping Kids was spectacular. It took place in Patterson Hall during Catholic Schools’ Week. Kids Helping Kids is a PTK sponsored marketplace where the money
Third Grade Students Pose with Their Booths at Kids Helping Kids
Sixth Grade Students Pose with Their Booths at Kids Helping Kids
goes to a charity. Grades three through eight set up booths to sell toys, food, and games. Altogether the students raised a total of nine hundred and seventy dollars for the Try Life Center, an organization that helps pregnant women and new parents.
Fourth Grade Students Pose with Their Booths at Kids Helping Kids
March 2017
Issue 3
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS Coverage of school-wide events
Donuts with Dear Ones
Coloring Contest Winners
by Gabrielle Barch
Chosen by Jada Jackson and Justine Spinelli
On Wednesday, February 1, the school hosted the third annual Donuts with Dear Ones. Donuts with Dear Ones is an event during Catholic Schools Week where students are able to bring someone in with them before school to share donuts with. Everyone enjoys Donuts with Dear Ones, because for many it is not often they get to have breakfast with busy relatives that work early in the morning, or maybe it’s because they have to catch an early bus. But despite all this busyness, bus-catching, and activities, families and friends come to Donuts with Dear Ones. I think it’s really sweet, but not as sweet as the donuts! Everyone likes this fundraiser and loves the donuts. It is personally one of my favorite fundraisers we have.
Gemma Hornack- 1st grade Jillian Bloch - 2nd grade Alex Godinez - 3rd grade Makenna Lilly - 4th grade Katelyn Myers - 5th grade Ella Venturini - 6th grade Isabel Godinez - 7th grade
Kid Says Interviewer: Julianne Zenewicz If you could cook a ham for Easter, how would you do it? Vienna (1st Grade) - Go to the store, let it thaw, then I would cook it. Alex (1st Grade) - Go to the store, stuff it, then cook it. Joelle (Kindergarten) - I would cook it with sprinkles, and then put chocolate in it. Lucas (Kindergarten) - I would put turkey and meat in it. If the Easter Bunny asked you to help him, what would you say? Vienna (1st Grade) - Yes! I would help him paint eggs, and deliver the eggs. Alex (1st Grade) - Yes! I would help him make the chocolate, and paint the eggs. Joelle (Kindergarten) - I would say ok. I would help him paint the eggs. Lucas (Kindergarten) - Oh my goodness! I would help his Easter friends. If there is a lost animal, would you help him get home? How would you help him get back home? Vienna (1st Grade ) - Yes, I would help him get back home because I would know where his home is. Alex (1st Grade ) - Yes, I would help him find his mom and dad. Joelle (Kindergarten) - I would probably find his mom. Lucas (Kindergarten) - I would probably just take care of him.
Issue 3
ACTIVITY
March 2017
Directions: Match the teacher with their baby picture. 6.
1.
2.
Miss Grande
7.
Mrs. Smith Ms. Culleiton 3.
Mrs. Thimons Mrs. Zhikharev
8.
Mrs. Bowser Mrs. Imler 4.
Miss Calligan
9.
Mrs. Stough Mr. Swalga 5. 10.
March 2017
Issue 3
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS History Fair by Stephanie Vojtilla
The annual History Fair was held on March 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 in Patterson Hall. Each class had a project displayed that they completed for their social studies class. There were projects on the American Revolution, United States Presidents, Native Americans, and more. Additionally, History Club displayed their projects they created for the National History Day competition earlier in March. At the History Fair, you were able to vote for your favorite project.
Fourth Graders Make President Scrapbooks for History Fair Projects by Justine Spinelli
The President Project is the annual fourth grade History Fair project. In the President Project, the fourth graders make a scrapbook about the president of their choice. This year’s winner was Luca Schiano diCola. All of the fourth graders did very well on their projects. Their favorite part was making it, learning about the president, and decorating the projects.
Activity Answers
Note from Editor I am very excited to be presenting the third edition of The Rebels Pamphlet to the Blessed Sacrament community. As always I am very proud of my newspaper staff for their dedication and hard work. Thank you to our moderator, Miss Calligan for enthusiasm and for letting us take over her room every Wednesday for the weekly meeting. A special thanks to all the teachers who participated in this months activity or took time out of their day to answer questions for articles. Finally, we would like to thank Mr. Davis and Mrs. Borland for all their support as we continue to work throughout the year. The next issue of the Rebel’s Pamphlet will be released in May. If anyone has any ideas for the final issue, do not hesitate to come to me or your student council representative. Thank you, Georgia Horgan, Editor
Organized and Created by Maria Fabregas and Matthew Danielson
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Miss Grande Mrs. Bowser Mrs. Smith Miss Calligan Mrs. Zhikharev Mrs. Stough Mrs. Thimons Mr. Swalga Ms. Culleiton Mrs. Imler