Matador Winter 2010

- THE MATADOR REPRESENTS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO GRACEFULLY DISPLAYS COURAGE AND DISCIPLINE WHILE UNDER THE TREMENDOUS PRESSURE OF CHALLENGING THE BULL. HERE AT BARTON IT IS ONE OF OUR GOALS THAT BY THE TIME STUDENTS GRADUATE THEY WILL EXHIBIT THOSE CHARACTERISTICS OF “THE MATADOR.”

2 THE MATADOR

CONTRIBUTORS Barton Elementary Principal Frank Gettridge Assistant Principal Angela Higginbotham

KARELLE WOODALL

Barton Elementary Business Manager Charif Hachim True Star Staff Executive Directors DeAnna McLeary J. Na-Tae’ Thompson Managing Editor Edgar Molina

ZORAYA LOGAN

Editorial Coordinators Kathy Chaney Veronica Harrison Art Direction Design and Illustration Angel D’Amico-Bauer Celebrity Booker Randy C. Bonds

KEAVERY WOODALL Please Let Us Know Your Thoughts On The Matador Magazine Contact Us: Email Truestarjr@truestarmagazine.com

Photo Coordinator DeShaun Adams Barton Elementary School 7650 South Wolcott Avenue Chicago, IL 60620-5299 (773) 535-3260 THE MATADOR 3

Welcome to

I

want to express my excitement as we welcome Clara Barton Elementary School’s first student created magazine, titled “The Matador.”

The Matador represents an individual who is able to display courage, grace and discipline while under the tremendous challenge of defeating the bull. Here at Barton our students represent that individual. Everyday our students are faced with challenges, be it academic, communal, or personal. As our students are faced with those challenges, we hold the expectation that they will display courage, grace and discipline while working to achieve their dreams.

Our mission at Barton is to Involve, Inform, and Inspire. The first edition of “The Matador” aims to accomplish this mission. Our students are able to achieve extraordinary things provided they receive appropriate and positive support.

4 THE MATADOR

I am especially proud of the three students who committed themselves to the task of creating Barton School’s first magazine. I congratulate Keavery Woodall, Karelle Woodall, and Zoraya Logan on their exciting accomplishment. The Barton staff is extremely proud of the job you have done.

I praise these three students and the rest of Clara Barton’s students for what they have done and for what they are about to do!

Frank L. Gettridge PRINCIPAL CLARA BARTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WINTER 2010

15

7

11

9

CONTENTS

TRUE STAR JR. 7

BARTON BLVD. 6 UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS AT BARTON

PLAY BY PLAY 12 FOOTBALL

BY KARALLE WOODALL

BY KARALLE WOODALL

BY KARALLE WOODALL

BY ZORAYA LOGAN

KARALLE’S THOUGHTS 9 YOUTH AGAINST VIOLENCE

SWAGG STATION 14 BARTON’S YEARBOOK 15 BARTON’S YEARBOOK

8 TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

AT BARTON

13 DOUBLE DUTCH

BY KARALLE WOODALL

BY KEAVERY WOODALL

BARTON BULLETIN 16 TOP 10 MOVIES 2010 17 TOP 10 VIDEO GAMES OF 2010 18 TOP 10 PERFORMERS OF 2010

SPEAKER BOX 11 SAVVY & MANDY

WORDS 19 BARTON WINTER FEST

BY KARALLE WOODALL

20 POETRY 21 POETRY 22 POETRY

JUNIOR ACTION 10 BEING JUDGED

ON RADIO DISNEY

TRUE STAR RADIO

WORD SEARCH

TRUESTARIS.COM TO DONATE TO TRUE STAR FOUNDATION, VISIT TRUESTARFOUNDATION.ORG

THE MATADOR 5

BARTON BLVD.

UniverSoul Circus At Barton T

BY KARALLE WOODALL

he biggest thing happened in October, the UniverSoul Circus came to Barton to give us a sneak peek of the performances while they were here in Chicago for a few weeks. Barton is one of the few schools that got a chance to have the circus come to them, instead of the school going to Washington Park to see them, although some of the primary grades got a chance to go see them under the Big Top. The sneak peek was for all the older kids in the school. Some students also got a chance to go on stage. Sounds of people screaming and sights of people jumping out their seats were memories that will last at Barton forever. The school’s auditorium was packed.

One of the most spectacular parts of the performance was when lady performers went on stage and flipped the drums with their feet. It was amazing to see such an incredible performance take place at the school. Barton students were gracious to get the special performances and have the UniverSoul Circus be a part of such a special school day.

6 THE MATADOR

THE MATADOR 7

Teacher’s Spotlight

Mrs. Maureen Belanski

BY KARALLE WOODALL

M

rs. Belanski is a wonderful teacher. In college she decided that she wanted to help kids by teaching them and encouraging them stay out of trouble. She enjoys her job because she “always wake up in the morning realizing that it’s a new day and always comes to work with a positive attitude.”

Mrs. Belanski wants her kids to remember that she always had a sense of humor and she hopes to teach them to remain positive, even when it is difficult.

8 THE MATADOR

“I HAVE WITNESSED MANY OF MY STUDENTS CHANGE FOR THE POSITIVE,” said Mrs. Belanski.

Mrs. Belanski understands situations kids go through and cares for them. She knows kids do not ask for the lives some of them have and wants them all to know that she has, and always will be there for them.

Thank you Mrs. Belanski… for everything.

KARALLE’S THOUGHTS

Youth against

VIOLENCE Y

BY KARALLE WOODALL

outh violence has become an important topic in today’s world. Not only is it an issue across the country, but in our local Chicago communities as well. Many kids are being killed because kids don’t know how to control their anger, or they feel that that person has done something wrong to them.

They feel that a particular person deserves to suffer the consequences. I don’t think this is right.

In my opinion, I think it is time for youth to stand against violence. You don’t have the right to take away someone else’s life. I also see on the news that kids are committing suicide because people want to harass them, hit them and spit on them. The bullying must stop. It is time for us young people to take back our communities by doing more positive things and treating one another with more passion and respect. Our generation needs to stand up and stop killing each other. It is time.

Are you ready to stand up against violence?

THE MATADOR 9

Being

JUNIOR ACTION

JUDGED

BY KEAVERY WOODALL

H

ave you ever felt like you were being judged just because of the way you look? The way you talk?

No matter what mean and cruel things people have to say about your appearance, your speech and how you express yourself, never be afraid to just be you. Just express yourself for the way you are.

The Matador asked a few people to see how it feels being judged and to see what could be done.

10 THE MATADOR

Aaron Wallace told me he feels weak and powerless in all of his strength. He said something to me that made me feel sad for him.

Aaron had told me that he “can’t fight back with all of his will.”

I tried as hard as I could to put myself in his footsteps. I did and then never wanted to walk in Aaron’s footsteps again. That’s why students hate bullying and want it to stop. Being judged is petty and senseless. Bullying is wack, but getting an education isn’t.

RADIO DISNEY’S Savvy & Mandy:

SPEAKER BOX

Two outstanding sisters

The Matador: How are you two different?

Savvy: Mandy is older and she is a blonde and she is shy and she is a big goof ball Mandy: Savvy is all out there and she always has something to say but that is why I love her.

The Matador: What makes you two girls different from other singing groups?

Savvy: The both of us are getting better at writing our songs because when we came into it we were good at it but now we are a lot better at it.

The Matador: Who has influenced the both of you to become talented singers?

Mandy: Every since we were little we had always loved to listen to music and dance to it but both of us love Hayley Williams and Christina Aguilera.

The Matador: How does it feel to work with all theses stars?

Mandy: It is really cool because we get to talk to our stars that we really admire and look up to and that is really cool.

Q & A BY KARALLE WOODALL The Matador: When you two are on stage and you feel that energy, how does that make you feel?

Savvy: It’s the best feeling in the world because before we even go on stage it is like we can hear the crowd calling our name and that just gives us more power to get up there on stage and do a wonderful performance.

The Matador: When you see your fans how does that help you strive to continue to do something you love?

Mandy: It makes us feel real good and we never thought that our music will have everyone like they just want to get up and start dancing. So that makes us feel on top of the world.

The Matador: Looking into the future, how do you all want to be remembered?

Savvy: We want to influence everyone and let them know that when you think that you are alone you are not. There is somebody always that will love you and inspire you to be great.

PLAY BY PLAY

Barton Bulls

A

BY KARALLE WOODALL

t Clara Barton, football is one of the most important sports at our school. We are an undefeated team this year.

Last year we didn’t have a team because the players grades weren’t that great, so the football season was canceled. That only made our talented players more dedicated to pick up their slack and do better in school.

Each player knows what they have to do to stay on the team. They have to get good grades and be dedicated, especially since, for many of them, it’s their last year at Barton.

12 THE MATADOR

2010

Now, the players’ grades are good and so is the team.

Barton’s quarterback, Demetrius Lane is a star player, and is always on top of his game. His team includes great players too, such as Jerome Jessup, Chris Dixon and Pierre Washington.

Their dedication to the team has led to a rewarding season.

The Barton Bulls are back with pride. The team is better, faster and more aware of what could happen if their grades slip again. That is just one way Barton shows the value of education and the passion for sports.

The Art of

DOUBLE-DUTCH What makes a good double-dutch player? The girls on the Barton Bulls Double-Dutch team tell us how!

1. Sportsmanship is important: Even

when the team loses, smile and honor your competitor’s win. You cannot always win, but having fun is most important.

2.

Perseverance: Double-dutch turners and jumpers must stick it out, even when they are tired, keep going. This shows commitment to your team.

3. Dedication: Coming to practices and

team meetings are important. Even if you have good skills, you have to remember to stay in touch with your team and what is happening.

4.

Good health and eating habits: Double-dutch is a vigorous sport. Jumping and turning a rope at a long period of time can be physically straining. So, eating and exercising is important and will make a better player.

5. Ability to learn new and exciting

techniques: Learning cool skills for the rope will make your team stand out and be unique.

Being willing to learn and try new things make a quality player.

BY ZORAYA LOGAN

6. Ability to watch and learn from

other jumpers: A player that watches their opponents and other team members to help them get better is a smart player. Learning from other jumpers can sharpen your skills and give you ideas about improving your skills and coming up with your own style.

7.

A passion for the sport: To be a good player, you have to want to do it. If double-dutch is a sport that you enjoy, you will very likely be very good at it.

8. Great team player: Be there for your team no matter what. You are one part of a larger group and you have to be responsible and do your part for the team.

9. Be proud of yourself: No one can

cheer you on like you can. Enjoy the sport and encourage yourself to do better and you will improve.

10. Get into the sport: Don’t just play the sport, learn more about it. Do research and go out to tournaments that you are not even playing in. The more you know about double-dutch, the more you will love it!

THE MATADOR 13

SWAGG STATION

BARTON’S YEARBOOK 2010 S

ETE

THL BAR ’S A N O RT

BA

STS RTI

A N’S

TO BAR

14 THE MATADOR

M

’S S

TON BAR

TS

PAN TY AR

S

ON

N IC

O SHI BAR ’S FA N TO BAR

THE MATADOR 15

BARTON BULLETIN

Top 10 Movies

of 2010

T

he big screen seems to have gotten even bigger this year. Movies for this year’s junior audience spanned from action to animation, romance to horror. Regardless of its category, each movie landed its place on the top ten list‌

10. How to Train Your Dragon 9. Toy Story 3 8. Step Up 3D 7. Lovely Bones 6. Takers 5. Twilight Eclipse 4. Just Wright 3. Shrek Forever After 2. Karate Kid 1. Paranormal Activity 2 16 THE MATADOR

Top 10 Video Games

B

y the control of your fingers, video game characters came to life this year. Just when you thought you’ve found your favorite, another hot video game released. As your fingers did the playing, and your mind cracked the codes, the best of the best helped create not only a competition of winners, but a competition of video games.

10. SPLIT/SECOND 9. X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE 8. URBAN TERROR 7. CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2 6. RAGING BLAST 2 5. TRON LEGACY 4. HALO REACH 3. BIO-SHOCK 2. RAW VS. SMACKDOWN 2010 1. NBA 2K11

THE MATADOR 17

Top 10

Performers of 2010 T

he world of junior performers this year just keeps turning as younger people take the stage. Singles by our favorite artists and movies by our favorite actors has had us all grip the arms of our seats and boost up our volume in our headphones. And as the world continues to turns, the list gets longer…

10. VIVI BROWN 9. KEKE PALMER 8. DEMI LOVATO 7. AMANDA COSGROVE 6. JADEN SMITH 5. WILLOW SMITH 4. MILEY CYRUS 3. THE JONAS BROTHERS 2. TAYLOR SWIFT 1. JUSTIN BEIBER 18 THE MATADOR

Barton Winter Fest

BARTON CHRISTMAS FUN IPOD SNOWFLAKES

BLACKBERRY FAMILY GIFTS KWANZAA SNOWMAN

BULLS FLIPCAMERA HOLIDAY SEASON THANKFUL THE MATADOR 19

WORDS

Who Am I?

BY SHAKYRA EPPS

Who am I? I am the rose that blooms in a garden of weeds I am the daughter of Nicole The oldest sister of four I am yet to be Counting on me is my family A long time ago We used to pick Where the cotton grows We fought for freedom When hatred tried to lock us down Imprisoned We stood our ground to fight We are powerful Queens and Kings I am the granddaughter of Priscilla The same name out the bible They share the same personality Mentality and Reality I am a hardworking student A singer of new songs A conqueror of negative energy And a creator of worlds With my imagination And my pen I am the one you’ll see in TV shows The one that God knows The one that makes your heart glow A rare rose 20 THE MATADOR

I am the center of the world We call ours The special one you appear to be You hate me You can’t admire You don’t know what is burning Like fire in me I live and see I live and learn That’s all you care about Is to watch me burn But I will succeed I will stand my ground I won’t let anybody Run me over in this town Because I am not was I am yet to be I am a phenomenal queen This is how I grow Thought I should let you know I am what people say I’m not A knot you turn me into Did I mention?

I don’t need attention To keep my reputation In my world I don’t need a crowd To be loud Or show out I make my own voice I make my own noise I’m getting older now Been done playing with toys Who am I? I am the rose that blooms In a garden of weeds

Who Am I?

BY DEANDRE SCOTT

I am the cloud that blocked the sun The sacred peace that made my people feel like fleece.

I am the crane who stood on water But secretly floated on my great Loving, Father.

I am the card player who gambled twice.

I am the tension I am the wise fool The grand intervention I am the irritation made the people flee the nation I do not just exist I thrive

I Am

BY MYANNA CHESTER

I am the sunlight bringing warmth to your heart.

I am that girl strong in power and mighty like Harriet Tubman

I Am

BY TYSHAWN WILLIAMS Who am I? I am an intelligent student I am a warrior for GOD I am the star of hopes and dreams watching over you I am a person you can depend on I am the sprit that haunts you at night The destroyer of worlds I am the deliverer of darkness, despair and depression I am the Master Builder I am determination burning in your heart I am the planet protector I am the storm that blows out your lights Someone who can punch you into oblivion transform into a lion make people run for their lives I am the brightest most trusted angel in heaven I am me and you can’t change that

I am the prettiest girl that you’ll ever see I am smart, playful I am a girl that can lift you up when you are down I am a girl that reassures calms your fears and brings you peace

THE MATADOR 21

I Am

BY TAMARA HATCHER I am a 13 year old wonder of the world.

A writer of Twilight books.

I am a daughter of Kenyath Deleon a hard working woman Manager at Au Bon Pain Loving, caring just like me.

She takes pride in her work I am a sister of Tamara Hatcher Auntie Singer of love songs I am the girl who likes to sing in the house, car, shower, anywhere I am a school girl Smart, kind, I love to play football I might be a girl but I know how to run just as hard as the boys I am me Tamara Hatcher And don’t you never forget it!

I Am

BY DEMARI FORD I am the true, new, blue boy who has a clue.

My arms are long like used shoes, I stand tall before you all The game is like paper and plastic like sleeping in a casket I am the moon and sun what’s the difference at sight?

The moral of the story is that the game is on life support So stand at attack

22 THE MATADOR

THE MATADOR 23

24 THE MATADOR