THEROADRUNNER
J. Frank Dobie College Prep Academy
Austin, Texas SI SE PUEDE
PHOTO BY RAYAN BENDRIS
Rayan Bendris
By Rayan Bendris
By Arlette Medina Salazar
THEROADRUNNER
J. Frank Dobie College Prep Academy Austin, Texas SI SE PUEDE
Publications Department
1200 E Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78753
-Staff Writers-
Yahaira Bello Reyes
Rayan Bendris
Allison Garcia Campuzano
Antonella Fernandez
Amelia Gonzales
Paul Gonzalez
Jose Mexquitic
Arlette Medina Salazar
Evelin Paola Ponce Aguilar
Ivy Sanchez
Jesse Vazquez
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Roadrunner is published by the newspaper students at J. Frank Dobie College Prep Academy during the school year. The publication strives to meet the highest ethical and professional standards for news and advertising. It will strive to be an inclusive publication free of prejudice against race, creed, national origin, people with disabilities, or gender. Information in this publication is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Neither the newspaper staff, the adviser, Dobie Middle School administration, nor Austin ISD can be held responsible for errors or omissions in content. All editorials are the sole viewpoint of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the organization.
Dobie
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: VALENTINE’S DANCE
By Antonella Fernandez and Allison Garcia
Get ready to dance the night away under twinkling lights, enjoy the sweet treats, and make magical memories at the most romantic event of the year, our Valentine’s Dance Join us at the Valentine’s Dance on February 14 from 3:02 to 3:50 at Dobie Middle School. Flying solo? No worries, grab your friends and hit the dance floor! Bringing that special someone? Get ready to twirl them under the dazzling lights. This night is all about fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
“I'm going with my couple to spend quality time and make special memories together.’’ 7th grader Erick de Jesus said. Dress to impress, and strike your best pose at the photo booth. This is one night you won’t want to miss! Grab your tickets now! Let’s make this Valentine’s dance the most wonderful night of your life.
After much anticipation, our amazing fine arts teachers came up with the wonderful idea of hosting a Valentine's dance, giving us a special opportunity to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Their thoughtful planning and dedication made this event possible, allowing students to enjoy a fun and memorable experience to bring our school community even closer.
Dance teacher Diane Araujo came up with the fantastic idea of hosting a Valentine's dance to raise funds for new cheer uniforms. Most students and teachers didn't expect a Valentine's dance this year, especially since the event didn't occur last year. The surprise made it even more exciting for everyone involved
“I did not expect there to be a dance because there wasn't one last year,” 7th grader Roshawn Brown said.
There will be fun activities at this Dobie Valentine’s dance, including a photo booth by Digital Media teacher Clarence Connor. Each photo will cost one ticket. Want to make your night even sweeter? 8th-grade science teacher Sarita Rani and her students worked together to create special goodie bags, including four tickets for the photo booth, a teddy bear, a flower, chocolate kisses, and candy hearts for the price of five dollars!
“The Valentine’s Day bags are a fundraiser for the 8th-grade class so that they can go on an endof-the-year field trip.’’ Math teacher Ethan Smetana said
Photograph by Rayan Bendris A planning session of the Valentine’s Day dance.
Dobie News
ARE YOU READY FOR STAAR?!
By Ivy Sanchez
On December 11th and 12th, students took the Reading and Math MAP test. On April 8th, we'll be taking the Reading STARR, and on April 23rd, the Math STAAR test. The Interim STAAR tests are practice tests so students and teachers are prepared for the STARR, the main thing is for everything to run smoothly.
"My advice is to not get intimidated whenever you see a lot of words on a math problem, look for the numbers and look at the answers, see what you are actually doing before you get worried, and use all your resources you have.” 8th grade Math teacher Ethan Smetana said.
If students can participate in their schoolwork and work hard this year for the second semester, they can improve and be prepared.
Photograph by Ivy Sanchez A student’s test screen for STAAR testing
B E G I N N I N G
BAND
P R O C E S S
By Yahaira Bello Reyes
This year, new students had the option to pick 4 electives to be in, like theater and orchestra. Some got lucky to be a part of or decided to be in the band program.
There are 3 steps that Alana Urbano and Noah Cisneros use to start off the process of band.
“Sometimes it goes based on just scheduling. You are given the instrument that we have available at the time. We try our best to give everybody an opportunity to play everything once. To start off the school year off, we do testing, based on how many people selected that instrument in each class, we start to sort them out.” Assistant Band Director Noah Cisneros said.
The band's second step is teaching them about their instrument.
“We start off with these fantastic videos that a teacher before me showed. That showcases each one of the instruments first by family and then by instrument individually. I love the videos because it's not an adult showing you about the instrument it's kids showing them, which sparks interest with a lot of our young learners,” Band Director Alana Urbano said.
They've kept track of all beginning band students these past few months.
“They started off the year really, really strong. We thought like they were going to be insane, and then in the middle, we thought they were gonna be very high-level musicians by the time it was the winter concert or even the next semester Overall, I'm impressed with how they read their notes and rhythms,” Cisneros said
Photograph provided by Dobie Band Head Band Director Alana Urbano gave a speech in between performances
Photograph provided by Dobie Band Mariachi students perform as Assistant Band Director Noah Cisneros introduces the mariachi students
Photograph provided by Dobie Band Band students wait to perform
WINTER CONCERT
R E C A P
By Amelia Gonzales
On December 12, 2024, students at Dobie Middle School performed at the Dobie Band winter concert in the big gym. The band groups that performed were symphonic band, beginning band, wind ensemble, and mariachi.
“I know that when we have a big event at Dobie, it gets pretty stressful. We are the second biggest fine arts program and the biggest performing program. But at the end of everything, I feel a huge sense of relief and am so rewarded by how good the students do. For example, I felt such a big difference with our Dobie wind ensemble.” Head Band Director Alana Urbano said.
The students performed in the big gym in front of family, friends, and teachers. Each of the students performed a Christmas song along with other band groups.
“I think I did okay at the concert, and I think that the beginning band and wind ensemble did well. I play the guitar, and we played Feliz Navidad at the winter concert.” 7th grader June Gonzalez said.
Mariachi played Feliz Navidad first after the Advanced band played The March of the Sad Santas. Then, all of the beginning band played jingle bells and Claire de la Lune.
“I played the trumpet, and I think I did okay because I messed up on a few songs. But I think the other band groups did well because they tried hard.” 8th grader Albert Rodriguez said.
The concert made people think differently about Dobie.
“When I first came to Dobie, I thought Dobie was ghetto because of what happened to my family. They said it was ghetto and that it wasn't a good school, and my teachers from my other elementary schools told me as well that Dobie was not a good school, but now, after all the fun activities, after-school programs, and band concerts I feel like Dobie is really fun and gives you a lot of opportunities to chase your dream.” 6th grader Anissa Cardenas said.
Photograph by Rayan Bendris Mariachi plays at the winter concert
Photograph by Rayan Bendris Assistant Band Director Noah Cisneros conducts band students.
On December 16, 2024, most fine arts students attended three elementary schools, including Hart, Graham, and Walnut Creek. They went to those 3 schools to persuade them to come to Dobie and join our fine arts program, with each fine art performing.
“I felt pretty good about going to the elementary schools. The kids were very excited, and the staff was really welcoming,” said Assistant Band Director Noah Cisneros.
Theater had a good response from the students. The elementary schoolers got hyped up from a stunt that the students Frayner Elvira and Jouse Vargas Mora performed.
“I feel that Frayners’ and Jouses' performance of the A and B scenes were phenomenal at the 5th-grade elementary tours. They really embraced what it means to pantomime a scene and to communicate with your scene partner.” Theater teacher Laney Gilbert said
Lastly, the band kept the elementary kids excited and participating.
“It was really cool to see them getting excited, just getting our name out there,” Cisneros said.
D O B I E
FINE ARTS
G O O N T O U R
By Arlette Medina Salazar
Photograph provided by Dobie Band Head Band Director Alana Urbano conducts the students as they perform.
Photograph provided by Dobie Band Band students wait to perform in front of elementary students
Photograph provided by Dobie Band Josue Vargas Mora and Frayner Elvira perform stunts
D O B I E ’ S 1 S T
DECEMBER SHOWCASE
By Rayan Bendris
Dobie’s Beauty Academy hosted its first December Showcase EVER! Cosmetology teacher Tatiana Brown-Gomez led the event with the help of countless staff members Other programs, such as culinary and mariachi, participated as well. Cosmetology had 45 minutes to do hair and makeup on mannequins. Guests were encouraged to walk around and ask the students questions as they worked.
“People were shocked! The cafeteria was transformed into a regal setting, similar to a prom. Nobody expected the event to be so regal, with the setting, the appetizers provided by Dobie's culinary program, and the mariachi playing in the background.” Brown-Gomez said.
As the Beauty Academy students worked in the back of the cafeteria, mariachi played Christmas music, among other songs
“I liked how different events were going on, and the photo booth stand where you could take pictures.” 8th-grade mariachi student Marjory Contreras Montoya said.
Dobie’s Beauty Academy is an afterschool program specializing in hair, makeup, nails, and skincare. The teacher, Ms. Brown-Gomez, thought it was a fun opportunity for kids to learn makeup and hair skills and show the community what the students have learned.
“I got to enjoy time with my friends. I liked doing the hair and makeup. We did double braids and neutral colors. I want to be a nail tech when I grow up, and it is my dream.” 6th-grade Cosmetology student Anissa Cardenas said.
Dobie’s Culinary program made delicious food, including mini baked potatoes, meatball skewers, charcuterie kabobs, strawberry brownies, and mini cheesecake bites.
“I was excited about the December showcase because we made some cool appetizers!” culinary teacher Laura Smetzer said.
Special guests such as Superintendent Matias Segura and Trustee Candance Hunter also attended the showcase and were shocked at how impressive the girls were.
Photograph by Rayan Bendris
The cosmetology students pose for a photograph after their December Showcase.
Photograph by Rayan Bendris
A group of cosmetology students work on braiding hair on a mannequin.
Photograph by Paul Gonzalez
One of ACE's newest programs is Dobie Medical Academy. Wilton Harris and Rachel Frederick started Dobie Medical Academy. This program brings professionals to teach students different procedures. Special guests have included the Austin Fire Department, different dentists, Austin EMS, and many more to come in the future.
The Dobie Medical Academy teaches various things that can help a person So far, they have gotten through CPR, Stop the Bleed, First Aid, Reading Vital Signs, and Patient Packaging.
“I hope that we can show how remarkable Dobie and our community are and that we can put Dobie on the map. I want students to come to Dobie because they see how special learning is in our school,” Science teacher Rachel Frederick said.
The Dobie Medical Academy teaches students how to use various pieces of equipment, including a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, reflex hammers, and badges. The academy also has an actual exam table donated by the Austin Career Institute.
“One thing that I learned to stop [any type of] bleeding, you would have to put pressure on it.” 6th grader Rafael Merlin Hernandez said. These skills can help you in case of an emergency or have the experience you need to help you find a job in the future.
T H E
MEDICAL ACADEMY
By Rayan Bendris
Photograph provided by Dobie Medical Academy
Photograph provided by Dobie Medical Academy
E S L T E A C H E R S :
MAKING ENGLISH EASIER!
By Evelin Paola Ponce Aguilar
At Dobie Middle School, there are many students from different countries who speak Spanish. Most of them struggle with English, but it has become easier now thanks to some teachers who teach in Spanish. Among them are Angel Perez and Jose Rico, who support students who want, need, and should learn English. Their classes are a valuable resource for all of us who speak Spanish, helping us improve our skills.
¨Mr. Rico and Mr. Perez are the best teachers we have at Dobie. They have supported me so much and genuinely show interest in helping us with our learning. Thanks to them, I have improved a lot.¨eighth-grade student Hector Aguirre said
Each teacher has their own teaching style; some are strict, while others prefer to be more permissive.
I am funny when I have to be and strict when necessary as well. I think there are moments to celebrate with the students, and I do, but there are also times when I must be strict with them.”
These teachers have excellent academic preparation and work hard to help Spanishspeaking students feel more comfortable and supported.
¨My teaching style is to build a good personal connection with the students because I believe that when we connect our emotions, we can understand each other better,¨ Perez said ¨I chose to be a bilingual teacher because I know that Spanish-speaking students have great abilities, and I enjoy my job because I understand that they need someone who relates to them and feels the same way they do.¨
These teachers think that Spanish-speaking students possess great abilities that many fail to recognize due to the language barrier. However, they are eager to harness some of these students' valuable skills.
Photograph by Evelin Paola Ponce Aguilar Angel Perez helps a student in his ESL class
Photograph by Evelin Paola Ponce Aguilar Jose Rico poses for a photo outside his classroon
Roadrunner Rating
SHELL SHOCKERS GAMEPLAY AND REVIEW
By Jesse Vazquez
Shell Shockers is a game made by BLUE WIZARD.co. Shell Shockers is a multiplayer game with four game modes: Captula the Spatula, Teams, Free for all, and King of the Coop. Each game mode has different meanings. Captula the Spatula is about trying to capture a spatula so that your team gets extra points when killing the enemy team while you have a 2x multiplier damage. Teams mode is when you and your teammates kill the enemy team to gain victory. Free for All mode is when all players are enemies to each other. Last but not least, King of the Coop mode is where you and your team have to go to a specific area, and the longer you wait, the more points you get for your team.
Shell Shockers offers a variety of weapons such as The eggK-47/AK-47, The scrambler/Shotgun, The freeranger/marksman rifle, The Rpegg/Rocket launcher, The whipper/P90, The Crack Shot/sniper rifle, and the Tri-hard/Aug.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A NEW PLAYER.
You can sign up or continue as a guest or brand-new player. You are given 1,000 eggs to spend in the digital store in the game. If you are unfamiliar with what the word “eggs” means in the game, it means the currency. You will be put in a match with beginners. Also, as you progress, the matches will get harder.
CONTROLS/KEYBINDS FOR SHELL SHOCKERS.
W is to move forward, S is to move backward, A is to move to the left, D is to move to the right, R is to reload, SPACE is to jump, F is to melee, G is to inspect something, MOUSEPAD is to shoot, SHIFT is to aim, E is to swap your weapon, and Q is to use your grenade.