Issue 2-November

TECA Times

HORIZON.COM

HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION

INFORMATION BUDDY CLASSES SCHOOL EVENTS AND STAFF

LEARN ABOUT CORDYCEPS! BOOK REVIEWS AND MORE!!

FEB 2017

WHAT IS A BUDDY CLASS?? ¿QUE es una clase de compañeros?

rted! !! buddy classes have sta de compañeros!!

Comenzaron las clases l. A “buddy” is a ther class from a different grade leve ano with ed tner par is ol scho the Every class in r grade . For example, last ain activities by students from an olde little kid that is taught how to do cert . For Thanksgiving the wflakes out of salt and watercolors sno e mad they k, brea ter win re year befo appreciate each other. older buddies to show how much they younger buddies gave card’s to the rente. Un “compañero” otra clase de un nivel de grado dife con iada asoc está ela escu la de e Cada clas eñan cómo realizar ciertas diantes de un grado superior le ens es un niño pequeño a quien los estu erno, hicieron copos de nieve ado, antes de las vacaciones de invi pas año el plo, ejem Por . des vida acti regalaron tarjetas a Gracias, los compañeros más jóvenes de ión Acc de Día el a Par as. arel con sal y acu trarles cuánto se aprecia. sus compañeros mayores para mos

#HALLOWEEN

For this year's Halloween, we walked aroun buddies, and on d the school b each corner w lock with our e received candy was really fu from staff and n walking ar parents. It ound the sch Afterwards, w ool block wit e went back to h our buddies. the school yard field and ate ou and we sat dow r candy while n on the soccer getting to know our buddies bet ter.

Para Hallowee n de este añ o, caminamos nuestros comp alrededor de añeros pequeñ la escuela co os y co n mpañeros gran recibimos dulc des y en cada es del personal esquina y de los padre por la escuela s. Fue muy div con nuestros er ti d o caminar compañeros p patio de la es equenos. Desp cuela y nos se u és vo lv imos al ntamos en la nuestros dulces cancha de fútb mientras conoc ol y co mimos íamos mejor a nuestros amigos .

High School Applications

By Ximena Avila TECA Times staff

For middle school parents wondering about high school applications, this article will give you an overview of the SFUSD and private school application processes and teachers' advice on what you should do to ensure you are prepared for this milestone in your child's life.

SFUSD application The first step in applying to an SFUSD high school is to list the top 5 schools you want your child to attend. Be sure to know what requirements are needed in the application to the school; for example, Lowell and SOTA have an additional application process. The second step is filling out the application, which can look very difficult, but don’t worry, our school has an amazing team of counselors who can help you every step of the way.

What documentation will you need to apply for at SFUSD? The first thing you need is a copy of your child's birth certificate and proof of your address. For example, you can use a utility service contract, statement, or payment receipt from PG&E cable or garbage within 45 days. The final thing you need is a copy of the parent's or caretaker's picture ID. l choo nd s e t t and A uses o h w open le shado u d e . sch days

PRIVATE SCHOOL APPLICATION The first step in applying to Step one of the application process is going to a private school is to pick the website of the school you want to apply to the type of school you and looking for the application Step two is to fill want your child to attend. out the personal information, and as a parent, You can pick from private you don’t need to do this; your child is the one independent schools or who should do this, and if they do, they should private religious schools. use their email, not their TECA email. Step three is Take note that there are to answer the questions that are asked, and when girls-only schools and you do this, check in with a teacher. Step four is boys-only schools. to talk to your counselors about it and check in with another teacher. You need letters of Some private recommendation from your teachers. The last schools have step is to submit it. online applications, while others have paper applications.

Check if they have any other requirements, like a video, a form of art, or an interview.

Ke use ep tra ck rn pa ames of ssw a ord nd s.

you email Use an ntly. freque check

CHARTER SCHOOL When applying to a charter school, they have a APPLICATION website called SchoolMint, and the first step is to make an account. To do that, you go to their website t family timnes taond Se ptio al uss o the actu disc r and select Let Talk. Step two is to fill in your o f oa t e k l im a set t ation. T , or ic hers appl or, teac r o personal information. Step three is to select the sel lts f coun ted adu lp. s e u h r number of students You will put a 1–20,000 score, t additional and then it will ask for organization school or district names You will put the name of our school Thomas Edison Charter Academy Step four is to select the areas you are interested in, and if you want to receive emails from SchoolMint, you can check the little box shown there. Step five is to answer the security question and verify. The last step is to finish the sign-up and wait for SchoolMint to email you.

Ms. Rogers Homeroom: Mr. Johnson, kjohnson@teca-sf.org

Mr. Reekers Homeroom: Mr. Daniel, dgallego@teca-sf.org

Ms. Lloyd Homeroom: Ms. Soriano, msoriano@teca-sf.org

Solicitudes de escuela secundaria Por Ximena Ávila, redacción de TECA Times

Para los padres de escuela intermedia que se preguntan acerca de las solicitudes para la escuela secundaria, este artículo les dará una visión general de los procesos de solicitud del SFUSD y de las escuelas privadas y los consejos de los maestros sobre lo que deben hacer para asegurarse de estar preparados para este hito en la vida de su hijo.

Solicitud del SFUSD

El primer paso para solicitar ingreso a una escuela secundaria del SFUSD es hacer una lista de las 5 mejores escuelas a las que desea que asista su hijo. Asegúrese de saber qué requisitos se necesitan en la solicitud a la escuela; por ejemplo, Lowell y SOTA tienen un proceso de solicitud adicional. El segundo paso es completar la solicitud, lo que puede parecer muy difícil, pero no te preocupes, nuestra escuela cuenta

las ta a Asis de adas tas jorn i b er tas a ela y r e u p escu e de la e días d m a r prog mbra. so

con un increíble equipo de consejeros que pueden ayudarte en cada paso del camino. ¿Qué documentación necesitará para solicitar en el SFUSD? Lo primero que necesita es una copia del certificado de nacimiento de su hijo y un comprobante de su dirección. Por ejemplo, puede usar un contrato de servicio público, un estado de cuenta o un recibo de pago de PG&E cable o basura en un plazo de 45 días. Lo último que necesita es una copia de la identificación con foto del padre o cuidador.

o en emp el ti utir las a c disc a el blez Esta ia para tablezc ión s il c fam nes y e aplica la io n c a u r p n a o o lto po p le c adu tiem al. Hab stro o ener re mae ra obt ro, a seje al. za p con onfian dicion a c a d de u y a

SOLICITUD DE ESCUELA PRIVADA El primer paso para solicitar ingreso a una escuela privada es elegir el tipo de escuela a la que desea que asista su hijo. Puedes elegir entre escuelas privadas independientes o escuelas religiosas privadas. Tenga en cuenta que hay escuelas solo para niñas y escuelas solo para niños.

Algunas escuelas privadas tienen solicitudes en línea, mientras que otras tienen solicitudes en papel. Verifica si tienen algún otro requisito, como un video, una forma de arte o una entrevista.

de tro e s i g re es d un br y e m v . o io Lle os n uar eñas l us ras nt co

El primer paso del proceso de solicitud es ir al sitio web de la escuela a la que desea postularse y buscar la solicitud El segundo paso es completar la información personal y, como padre, no necesita hacer esto; su hijo es el que debe hacer esto, y si lo hace, debe usar su correo electrónico, no su correo electrónico de TECA. El tercer paso es responder a las preguntas que se le hacen, y cuando lo hagas, consulta con un profesor.El cuarto paso es hablar con sus consejeros al respecto y consultar con otro maestro. Necesitas cartas de recomendación de tus profesores. El último paso es enviarlo.

SOLICITUD DE ESCUELA CHARTER ilia

n fam po e Al postularse a una escuela chárter, sy l tiem pcione a e a c las o ara l blez ir p a t t o u s p c E dis n un iem para ezca el t able co tienen un sitio web llamado de bl l. H ulto d a esta ión rea o a o r u c t y a s a d SchoolMint, y el primer paso es crear caopnlicsejenroz,ampaaera obntaeln. er io ia adic conf una cuenta. Para hacer eso, vaya a su sitio web y seleccione Dejar hablar. El segundo paso es completar su información personal. El tercer paso es seleccionar el número de estudiantes Pondrás una puntuación de 1 a 20.000, y luego te pedir los nombres de la organización, la escuela o el distrito Pondrás el nombre de nuestra escuela eo orr c que un o a s c Thomas Edison Charter Academy El i U ón ctr es con e l e is a cuarto paso es seleccionar las áreas rev uenci c fre que te interesan, y si quieres recibir correos electrónicos de SchoolMint, Puede marcar la pequeña casilla que se muestra allí. El quinto paso es responder a la pregunta de seguridad y verificar. El último paso es finalizar el registro y esperar a que SchoolMint le envíe un correo electrónico.

Salón de clases de la Sra. Rogers: Sr. Johnson, kjohnson@teca-sf.org

Salón de clases del Sr. Reekers: Sr. Daniel, dgallego@teca-sf.org

Sra. Lloyd Aula: Sra. Soriano, msoriano@teca-sf.org

Hispanic Heritage Festival

By Harrison, TECA Times Reporter

Me Pinatas

The art class made beautiful sugar skulls

The event kicked off with an incredible dance performance by TK and Kinder students, serving as a beautiful introduction. The third-grade students followed, showcasing their singing talents with enthusiasm and skill.

Surprisingly, all the students conducted their performances very well, with no interruptions or out of order moments.

The fourth grade students brought an educational aspect to the celebration, using colorful posters to represent various Hispanic countries while singing in unison.

A smaller group of fourth graders took the stage to enlighten the audience with interesting facts about renowned Hispanic individuals. Students from Ms. Baer's class united for a lively dance performance, adding a dynamic element to the event.

The celebration concluded with a final group of fourth graders who presented creatively by swaying their signs in a wave-like motion, adding a nice touch to the performance.Following the performances, guests had the opportunity to enjoy a gallery walk and some delicious food outside with music. In the hallways, many art projects, created by various students. The Hispanic Heritage Festival was amazing and everyone seemed to work very hard on all of their projects.

Some of the candy they gave out

Mr Ngo eating food

LA DIA DE LOS MUERTOS TECA STAFF: ABBIGAIL TOME DIAZ

Why do people put up ofrendas?

Ofrendas are when Hispanic people would celebrate and embrace the dead and the cycle of life. It is believed that during Dia de los muertos the people who What is the difference between Dia de los

have passed would come

muertos and Halloween?

back to earth and enjoy the

The Day of the Dead is for people to

offering that their ancestors

welcome their families who have died.The

would put out for them to

dead can enjoy food and drinks that their

welcome them back home.

families prepare for them and place on an altar. The Day of the Dead is to celebrate the circle of life and that we should value death instead of being afraid of it because

festival, a pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer where people would light bonfires and dress up in costumes to scare away spirits.The Day of the Dead and Halloween are complete opposites because the Day of the Dead welcomes the spirits of your loved ones and Halloween was meant to scare away the spirits.

Muertos come from?

Dia de los muertos started about 3,000 years ago in Mexico, which first started with the Aztecs, Toltec, and Mayans starts on November 1 and ends one November 2. Dia de los muertos was dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, also known as lady of the day. It is said that she watches over people's bones who have already passed.

Ofre What is the real meaning of Dia de los muertos?

Each of the items would

Dia de los muertos is about

have a specific and special

remembering our ancestors and all the

meaning to the person who

we are all going to die someday, that death has passed. is natural. Halloween is an ancient Sahian

..Where did Dia De Los

good times we had with them. While mourning is normal, we should also be happy that they're in peace and not have to worry about anything. Dia de los muertos gives us the chance to meet our own family; even if it though we can't see them, we can feel their presence. Death isn't something to be scared of, it's natural everyone will pass that we should just live life and have fun.

Thomas Edison Charter Academy

HALLOWEEN AT TECA

By Vanessa Paige Crothers, TECA Times Staff

TECA IS CHANGING With a new principal comesa new tradition! Halloween at TECA is changing the Thriller dance and the little parade in the yard are getting replaced with something much bigger and better! This year we are taking the parade and making it even better so it isn't only a little parade inside the school yard; instead it is a big parade around the whole block. TECA is also going to be doing a carnevale for the first time!!

This is a photo that was taken on Halloween of people playing the doughnut game at the carnival.

These are some people at the carnivale dressed up as chickens

CARNEVALE

PARADE At the parade we walked with our buddies around the block and different TECA organizations that were giving out candy. Lots of the parents were waiting outside to see us in the parade. At the end of the parade everybody had so much candy, some people even started trading their candy or just giving them away because we got so much. I can't wait to see how going to be even better next year!

At the carnevale there were so many fun things to do, there was a doughnut eating contest, goodie bags and pumpkin race. In the younger kids’ area, there was a balloon challenge, a eating fruit roll up challenge, a rings challenge and musical chairs.My favorite part was the haunted house. It was awesome! There were scary balloons and decorations, and some of the staff were in there scaring people. It was so fun!!

by aldo

whats your favorite halloween cady

I'm Adriana and I'm in 7th grade. Any kind of chocolate.

I'm Antonio and I'm in 7th grade. Well, my favorite Halloween candy is Kitcat.

My name is Drew Tuomey and my favorite Halloween candy is its Kitcat bars.

My name is Will and my favorite Halloween candy is definitely sour patch kids.

My name is Yeira Padilla, and I'm in 7th grade. My favorite Halloween candy are gummy bears.

My name is Christian Delgado. I'm in 8th grade. My favorite Halloween candy is candy corn.

My name is Miss Madi and my favorite Halloween candy is Twix.

My name is Oscar, and I'm in 7th grade. My favorite Halloween candy is Reese’s pieces Halloween edition.

What is STEAM?

By Yeira Padilla-Arteaga, TECA Times staff When someone brings up the elective STEAM, some people might need to learn what STEAM is, or what it stands for. For starters, what does STEAM stand for, and what's the point of it?

STEAM stands for: S=Science T=Technology E=Engineering A=Art M=Math STEAM focuses on sparking imagination and creativity through the arts in ways that naturally align with STEAM learning. So let's see what STEAM has been working on and learning this quarter.

STEAM will be working on coding and creating interactive stories, this program is called Scratch. Scratch allows students to create their own interactive stories, games, and animations, and to share each other's ideas for people to see, and experience.

This quarter, STEAM will be learning about a website called Tinkercad, a 3D modeling program running in a web browser. It has become a popular platform for creating models for 3D printing as well as an entry-level introduction to constructive 3D printing and designing new projects.

It is an easy-based 3D design and modeling tool.

STEAM is interesting in its own way and it’s such an interesting elective. It really has its unique features, such as its engineering process. It’s quite useful because you can use these skills for almost everything in life. If you never chose STEAM for an elective, then you should give it a go, try something new.

Sports

November Edition | page 1

Guide To Real Madrid 23/24 R

eal Madrid definitely disappointed last season finishing in 2nd in the La Liga table right behind FC Barcelona, their bitter rivals. In the Copa Del Rey, they were severely disappointed in losing to the Atheltic Club. In the Champions League, they lost horribly in the semi-finals to Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate. They did win the Club World Cup beating Al-Hilal in the final 5-3, and last year’s UEFA Super Cup, but other than that mostly nothing from Los Blancos last season.

RReal Madrid are playing in the Copa Del Rey, the Supercopa De España, and the UEFA Champions League are all heavy favorites in all competitions; they have already kicked off their Champions League campaign with 4/4 wins and haven’t lost or tied any of their matches.

The other competitions will be played later on.

Important Signings For Real Madrid

J

ude Bellingham is their most expensive signing this season by a landslide, the 20-year-old has been signed for €103.00m from German club Borussia Dortmund. He impressed immensely last season for Dortmund and the England National Team, he’s already had impressive stats this season and is one of the brightest and most promising midfielders/players in the entire world.

K

A

Arda Guler is the most promising player from Turkirye, and Real Madrid has snatched him up for €20.00m from Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Arda Guler is another midfield sensation who has incredible dribbling and knowledge of the game, Real Madrid wanted to take the talent before any other club could beat them to it, he is injured as of writing this.

epa Arrizabalaga, otherwise known as Kepa, is a replacement for goalkeeping legend Thibaut Courtois, Courtois suffered a massive injury and Real Madrid needed someone to play goalkeeper. Kepa was loaned from English club Chelsea with a €1.00m fee. Kepa has a good save percentage and Real Madrid didn’t overpay and played it smart, getting a respectable goalkeeper.

He is injured as of writing this.

Out of The Blue: Cordyceps *Out of The Blue will explain to you in full detail about something completely random!

By Oscar - TECA Times Staff You’re a worker ant who just found some fresh jelly. You begin eating that jelly, which you figure a human had probably dropped. One of the other worker ants, which is your sister, like everyone else in the colony, also discovers the jelly, and starts eating it with you.

Once you finish feeding yourself, you return to the den. You pass by your fellow sisters going to the dead carcass of a cockroach. That corpse is food for you and your family, back at the nest. However, they need help from everyone available to take the body back home, especially if there is another ant colony trying to get their hands on the roach as well.

But, for some reason, those ants seem to be controlled by someone, or something.

They climb up to the tallest point of a flower, and stand there, watching your colony trying to bring the roach back home. Almost if something were to be commanding them to do that.

Five hours later and the whole roach has been taken inside the nest. There your sisters and queen feast on it. You would, as well, however you’re currently satisfied with the gelatin you had eaten.

Night falls upon. But the work doesn’t stop. Some of your sisters report the body of another cockroach near-by. Since you’re still active, you are forced to help bring the food home. As you and a few of your other siblings make their way to the roach, you spot one fellow ant climbing a small flower. You would ask why, but you can’t from that far. You can only watch as they finish climbing the flower, make it to a leaf, and stop there.

You wonder what your fellow ant is doing, though the horror that unleashes next answers your question.

You look below. The shadow of that ant is cast on the ground. Even if you try to avert your eyes, you will still see your sister’s shadow, becoming overtaken by some strange force, and then dying, there at the top of that flower, and afterwards unleashing a long mushroom-shaped stick from its body.

That’s when you realize: your sister has been killed by Cordyceps.

You go scout up that plant in hopes of finding your sister’s corpse. I think this is it: the carcass of your sister, still attached to the leaf, with the culprit still emerging out of your sister’s body.

Meet Azurey!!!

We’ve hired this tiny hermit crab to help us on Out of The Blue! From now on, you can expect to see him throughout all of the following Out of The Blue articles. He will help explain the topic we’re talking about, give you some related fun facts, and well, really just be here like a mascot.

He has the ability to talk. You will know when he’s talking when you see a speech bubble. He’ll give you a demonstration right now!

I can get started with a fact! Did you know Out of The Blue refers to the ocean? That’s the whole reason I was hired: to fit in with the theme!

Let’s go back to Cordyceps! Allow me along with my buddy to explain to you in full detail!

To make things more interesting, let’s pretend Cordyceps is in a mission...

...Starting with step 1, as it plans its invasion, step 2, as it invades and kills, step 3, as it reproduces to continue its cycle, and step 4, when we realize we can actually befriend Cordyceps?

I - Explaining the Infiltration

Cordyceps come in many shapes and sizes; and quantities too! There are over 750 species that have been identified, and every single one acts nearly the same. They completely overtake the bodies of the insects, or hosts, they infect.

In biology, the “host” is an animal that a living organism lives and thrives in. That living organism can range from a lot of things. That could be bacteria, fungus like Cordyceps, and maybe, even other animals (such as parasites)! For example, I often become a host of isopods, along with my family...

II - Infiltration The only way for Cordyceps to attach to the host is through its spores. A spore can travel far since they’re very tiny, microscopic, in fact. Because of this, when they catch wind, they flow with it. That same wind can take them a great distance away, and so, throughout its journey, the chances of encountering any possible hosts is great.

Whenever it does find and attach to a host, the spore will germinate.

Yeah! An isopod is a type of organism that attacks other animals in order to live. You can think of them as leeches.

They are similar to Cordyceps, except Cordyceps doesn’t attack outside on the skin, it attacks inside.

Whenever an isopod attaches to me or my family, specifically Bopyridae–which is the name of the isopod that attacks us, he drains all of the nutrients we need for survival. It hurts and weakens us, since he takes the important nutrients me and my family need for survival.

One cute isopod you may know of is what most call a “rolly-polly.” That really is cute. But have you looked at the family members of this tiny creature? One of them includes none other than the very own..

...Isopod Bopyridae It is unlikely they attack me, but other members in my family, such as shrimp, are usually victims of these. They establish themselves under the gill flaps of shrimp.

Fortunately, there have been attempts to stop them from attacking our family.

Yes, however, unlike Cordyceps, an Isopod will only drain your nutrients. You can still live without them. But Azurey and his family members still has a very slim chance of death. That’s not the case with Cordyceps. Whenever one of them attaches to an insect, it’s almost guaranteed to be game over for the new host. That brings us to our second step: Infiltration.

Spores are like the “babies” of a fungus, that are “still in the womb.” Many other organisms produce fungus, it is not just Cordyceps. There are other fungi that produce spores. There are also algae, certain plants (such as mold), and bacteria that create spores.

Since spores act like “babies,” they will become grown-ups. But in this case, a grown-up is the fully developed organism that produced that spore. And then that grown-up will make babies himself, and the cycle will repeat.

Continuing this idea that a spore is a “baby,” whenever one germinates, that means they are finally giving birth to. Now they are welcomed to the world— but they quickly become killers.

The word germinate means to release shoots. Shoots is the plural form of chute. A chute is a tube-like opening in order to pass something through a surface. Can you guess why Cordyceps would need to do that?

One popular form of shoots are the roots of a plant. They pass through the surface of the dirt beneath them to absorb water. Does that give you a better idea as to why Cordyceps may need to create shoots for themselves?

If not, remember how Bopyridae stole the nutrients of my family just so he could live?

Cordyceps steals the nutrients of its host, just like an isopod steals the nutrients of Azurey. However, it does so in the inside of the host’s body. When it germinates, Cordyceps will release root-like shoots that will provide the fungus the ability to drain all of the nutrients from its victim. Those roots are called mycelium. Think of them as regular roots for plants, but for fungi, such as Cordyceps.

On top of that, they don’t serve to extract water from the soil. However, much like roots, mycelium extract nutrients from the soil, by releasing digestive enzymes that can help decompose and break down organic matter. Organic matter is anything dropped from other organisms, such as droppings (excrement) of, let’s say, a cow. Fungus would use their mycelium to break down that excrement and then eat it for vitamins, and usually, they feast on something that isn’t alive.

But that’s not the case for Cordyceps. It enjoys eating things that are alive, when it releases mycelium into the host’s flesh, penetrating it, and slowly, slowly, replacing the victim’s flesh for its mycelium. As it does that it also replaces or disables some of the nerves the host has. It ensures a sneaky yet hurtful overtake, because as it replaces the nerves, it also gains control of the host’s body, forcing them to climb to a tall surface, where there, the host will be killed.

As the mycelium grows, something else also rises in power. It’s the fruiting body.

III - Repeating the Cycle The fruiting body, which is actually named ascocarp, is the “main part” of a fungus. Yes, a fungus may have its mycelium which are part of it, but the true leader is the ascocarp.

In your standard mushroom, which is a fungus, the fruiting body is that umbrella-shaped structure that emerges. See how it can qualify as the “main part” of a fungus? You can just imagine it as the biggest part.

For Cordyceps that fruiting body is (also) the umbrella-shaped sticks. If you recall the picture of the fallen ant, you will see those same white sticks forming out of it. That’s the fruiting body. It emerges from the host’s body when it is defeated at the top of a tall surface.

But other than causing a horrifying scene, it also causes the cycle to restart once again.

Attached to the fruiting body are perithecia. Perithecia is the plural form of perithecium– they are microscopic flask-shaped things that emerge from the ascocarp/”main part.” Those are responsible for producing the spores so Cordyceps can continue its legacy, attaching and attacking hosts, over, and over again.

IV - Befriending The Killer I’m sure you’ve heard of the name Cordyceps before reading this article. If you do, then you’ve most likely heard it when watching the movie The Last of Us. But there is nothing to fear about Cordyceps invading your body, since it’s practically impossible for that to happen.

In fact, the reason Cordyceps can even attack insects is because their immune system is awful– when compared to ours, at least. The immunity system in a human can completely obliterate Cordyceps, if it somehow manages to make our way into our body.

Matter of fact, Cordyceps can only help our immune system. It’s digestible for us humans!

Bet you didn’t know that!

Cordyceps has been used in Chinese medicine for a long time, with some records going back to the year 1757. It’s used to boost the immune system, energy, strength, and kidney effectiveness.

And since Cordyceps possesses the ability to interfere with the brain of an insect, it also affects ours. But not by mind controlling us.

Instead, it actually prevents us from being mind controlled, in a way. It helps us increase blood flow into brain cells, and thus mental fatigue becomes no more, or less. That, if ever needed, can prevent us from being mind controlled.

Could it be the ultimate counter against it, coming from an organism that specializes in mind control? How ironic.

Voice Over! by Maki Minami Review written by Candy Girl, TECA Times staff We all have dreams of becoming something when we get older, like a famous artist, a doctor, a voice actor, etc. The book is about how hard a girl works and makes sacrifices to make her dream come true. Her name is Hime Kino and she is a voice acting student at a high school named Holly Academy.

She had some trouble making the voices, like instead of doing a kind girl voice it will sound like an old grandma, until one day when they were doing a play one of the actors wasn't there so she decided to do the voice and it sounded so beautiful.

If this really interests you, then go and read the book at the library. It’s in the manga section, right next to the Zelda manga. There you will find Voice Over! (yup, that is the title of the book). I hope you will have fun reading the book and see you next time. ^^

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One of the festivities held towards the end of the year is Thanksgiving, along with October and Christmas. However, it seems that we all ignore it. Sure, we may throw a diner with our friends and family, but do you know why?

In the year 1621, the Wampanoag tribe hosted a meal with the English colonists. They did this in an attempt to form peace with them, since the events that had happen since their arrival clearly indicated they weren’t here to create any peace. The Wampanoags also had hosted the meal for other reasons, too. They believed they had to celebrate the blessings they had received from their gods and goddesses by throwing one huge feast consisting of the fruitful harvest those same gods and goddesses had gifted them.

As to what that harvest was, and what they ate along with it in that meal, well, you’ll have to find that.

CORN BREAD

DEER

TURKEY

CORN

BASS

LOBSTER

PORRIDGE

COD

WILDFOWL

POTATOES

Book Reviews!

By Adriana Velasco Teca Times staff Ground Zero

Ground Zero is a novel written by Alan Gratz. It is a historical fiction book that takes place in two times and places: New York at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and Afghanistan on September 11, 2019. Eleven year old Reshima has grown up in an environment full of war. A battle starts in her village and she finds a wounded American soldier named Taz. She helps him at the risk of putting both of them in danger.

Brandon was nine years old when he accompanied his father to work on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Suddenly, an airplane crashes into the tower making the whole place chaotic and dangerous. Can Brandon and his father escape? This novel is exciting and fast paced. It will keep your attention throughout the whole book. Alan Gratz has a talent for writing historical events in such a realistic and touching light. Both stories are bittersweet and speak of hard times in life. A trigger warning would be that this book obviously deals with a serious time in history, so it may be hard to read for some people. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and I think it is best for people 12+.

Sorcery of Thorns

Sorcery Of Thorns by Margret Rogerson is a fictional book by Margret Rogerson. It is told from the perspective of apprentice librarian Elisabeth Scrivener. She grew up in the Great Library of Summershall, one of the 6 Great Libraries in Austermeer. The libraries were built to hold dangerous grimoires (books that are alive and have minds of their own) and detain them from hurting people. One of Sumershall’s most dangerous grimoires escapes and Elisabeth tries to stop it. In the process she destroys the grimoire and gets accused of treason. She is taken to the city of Brassbridge to get questioned and see if she is indeed a traitor. Sorcery of Thorns is a fantastic novel. From the excellent world building to the amazing characters, the book is exceptional. The magic system is entirely unique, I’ve never read something quite like it. It has everything a marvelous fantasy novel should. I would say the age rating for this book is 12+ due to some fights, if you like books, magic and libraries I would absolutely recommend this book to you.

What is Sign Language?

By Adriana Velasco Teca Times staff

Sign Language is a language expressed with the movement of hands and facial expressions. Unlike other languages it is communicated entirely by visual gestures. It is used by mute, deaf and hard of hearing people all around the globe. However, many people who are not mute and can hear well still study sign language in order to communicate with their community.

There is more than one kind of sign language, ASL (American Sign Language) differs from BSL (British Sign Language). This is because of the variation of the communities. Different places have different religions and cultures leading to differences in signing. An example of these differences is that those who use ASL sign the alphabet using only one hand, in BSL you use two. A ASL person who knows ASL might not understand a person who knows BSL. There are more than 300 different variations of sign language all over the world! These include NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language), ISL (Irish Sign Language), JSL (Japanese Sign Language), SSL (Spanish Sign Language), and many more.

BSL

HISTORY OF SIGN LANGUAGE Sign language has a very long history.

Before it existed, deaf and mute people couldn’t communicate with each other. They were treated horribly and were thought to be dumb. We didn’t have sign language until around the 1500’s when a Benedictine monk, Pedro Ponce de Leon, started developing a way to communicate with and teach his deaf students. Later in 1620, Juan Pablo Bonet wrote and published the first ever sign language alphabet guide. However, the real advancement in this language happened in Paris when a French priest named Charles Michel De L'Epee created a public school for the deaf.

Later in 1620, Juan Pablo Bonet wrote and published the first ever sign language alphabet guide. However, the real advancement in this language happened in Paris when a French priest named Charles Michel De L'Epee created a public school for the deaf. He also translated the entire French dictionary into a form of sign language and not just the letters, words too.

In the 1800’s the American adaptation of sign language was created by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. He made it because he wanted to help his neighbor's deaf daughter communicate, so he voyaged to Europe so he could meet up with Laurent Clerc who was a deaf sign language teacher. Together they made America's first deaf school and America’s own version of sign language.

HOW DOES SIGN LANGUAGE CONTRAST WITH SPOKEN LANGUAGES?

What exactly makes sign language and oral languages different? This is an excellent question! The most obvious difference is that oral languages are communicated with your voice and mouth, orally. And sign language is communicated through gestures and facial expressions. The most obvious difference is that oral languages are communicated with your voice and mouth, orally. And sign language is communicated through gestures and facial expressions. In spoken languages, people can understand what others are saying by their tone of voice. They convey how they are feeling with the emotion in their voice. That clarifies the meaning of what you have to say or how they are feeling. For example, if I were to say “Hello” in a harsh and edgy tone, you would be able to tell that I am mad and might not want to talk to you.

But in sign language, facial expressions show how one means for you to interpret a sentence. If they sign “Hello” with a big smile, you can tell that they mean it in a friendly way and that they are happy. In spoken languages, people can understand what others are saying by their tone of voice. They convey how they are feeling with the emotion in their voice. That clarifies the meaning of what you have to say or how they are feeling.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING SIGN LANGUAGE?

Sign language is not only meant to be spoken by the deaf, mute and hard of hearing, anyone can learn it. Learning sign language also has its benefits. You get to interact with a whole new community of different people! Learning sign language breaks the communication barrier between you and so many other people. With learning sign language you can make more friends and even get more job opportunities. You can be more inclusive since you can associate with this community. Second, learning sign language also refines your visual perception. Due to the fact that you have to be attentive and aware of the person who you are communicating with, because you need to pay attention to their gestures and facial expressions, your perceptiveness will increase significantly. This means you can interpret things earlier even whilst just looking at them.. Third is that you can interpret body language easier. This is due to the fact that sign language uses facial expressions, hand gestures and body language, learning this skill can add to your ability of deciphering body language.

Another way these languages differ is that the words in spoken languages are made up of letters in the alphabet. But in sign language, you don't spell out every single word, instead there are gestures to show what you want to say. Sign language is not only meant to be spoken by the deaf, mute and hard of hearing, anyone can learn it.

Learning sign language also has its benefits.