a w s d the best literature on the block the...

Interesting

Facts

By Trinity

In the UK, it is

illegal to eat

mince pies on

Christmas.

A flock of

crows is

known as a

murder.

Human saliva

has a boiling

point three

times higher

than water.

Recycling one

glass jar can

save enough

energy to

watch TV for

three hours.

A small child

could swim

through the

veins of a

blue whale.

Volume 8, Issue 4

A W S D

February 2016

The BLOB

The Best Literature on

the Block

Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing By Tessa

Standardized testing. Practically everyone

has taken the OAKS tests: math, reading,

and science in 5th grade, but recently

schools have introduced Smarter Balanced

tests. Smarter Balanced does essentially

the same thing as OAKS but scores on a

different scale and asks for more student-

generated answers. In addition, Smarter

Balanced asks for students to complete

two performance tasks, one in math, and

the other in reading. For reading, students

are asked to use materials given to them

by the test to formulate an essay using

information gathered from the given re-

sources. In math, students are asked to

solve a problem with multiple steps, such

as plan a park path or give how much ma-

terial is needed for any given project.

Studies show that standardized tests have

not helped aid the education system of the

United States and have even pushed the

U.S. further down. Also, standardized tests

do not fairly test a student’s ability and

discriminate toward those who are not flu-

ent in English. These tests narrow the cur-

riculum taught in American schools as

well. Instead of a wide spread of instruc-

tion, teachers tend to teach what is on the

test rather than prepare students to move

up in the world with a solid education.

Speaking of instruction, boring test prepa-

ration cuts into the time teachers have to

teach subjects students will actually use

later in life.

On the upside, standardized tests are just

and a reliable assessment of a student’s

skill level. With all the regulations piled on

top of testing, it is incredibly hard for any-

one to cheat. To go along with that, all the

students are given the same test, give or

take, making it a fair accurate assess-

ment. Needless to say, when you weigh the

pros and the cons, the cons outweigh the

pros by a longshot.

So, with the cons outweighing the pros,

why does the American education rely so

heavily upon standardized testing? Mainly

for the reasons previously listed: they are

fair and, for lack of a better word, stand-

ard. Standardized tests pose as an easy

way to evaluate students and give accu-

rate placing in classes as well. However,

what these tests do not measure is any

quality that is not directly related to math,

science, reading, or writing. Smarter Bal-

anced will not tell you if a student can cre-

ate amazing artwork or if they can pick up

a musical instrument and learn it quickly.

These tests only show who can solve a

math problem, who can write an essay, or

who can analyze a reading passage.

Should we actually continue to use stand-

ardized tests? The cons definitely over-

shadow the pros and most people say no

but the reality of it is if we were to remove

Smarter Balanced from the system, then

another test would be put in place. That

being said, it is likely that something will

change in the future with the amount of

controversy about standardized testing

across the country. Standardized testing in

a way has taken over American schools,

but will likely continue to be used.

Dear Bloberta

Sports By Trinity

February 2016

By ?

Dear Bloberta,

Lately, it feels like my parents won’t stop fighting. A lot of the time it’s just for stupid

little things, but I can’t do anything to intervene. Sometimes they go without speak-

ing for days while living in the same house. I’m afraid they’re just staying together so

it’s better for me, but it’s not. I don’t like seeing them both so unhappy. What can I

do?

Sincerely,

Afraid

Dear Afraid,

It can be very hard to be stuck in the middle when your parents aren’t getting along.

The most important thing to do is communicate with them in the best way you can. If

they’re really fighting, either go to a friend’s house or find something you like to do

to get your mind off of it. If you feel you need to, ask them if you can sit and talk with

them about it. It’s important to understand they might be going through a difficult

time and they’re just doing their best. In the end, it’s most important that you com-

municate and keep an open mind toward them.

Sincerely,

Bloberta

The junior high Tigerscot basketball teams according to Mrs. Dennis have

had a tremendous amount of improvement. Dennis also says, " A-team's

greatest strength is being able to play as one and not always arguing. B-

team's greatest strength is effort and strong defense. C-team's greatest

strength is always giving 100 percent in every game." All the teams have not

won many games, but they have all had fun this season. The managers were

Tenley A. and Samantha W. They have both done phenomenal jobs at keep

the scores straight.

The last practice was extremely exciting and a little sad for the eighth grad-

ers. The eighth graders got to pick which activity they wanted to do, they

mostly played bumb. The last game was at Central, sadly all teams came

away with a loss. Even though they ended the season with a loss everyone

is happy with the way the season went and had fun playing this year.

Monthly Poll

Tip of the Month By Cade

By Jazlynne

Volume 8, Issue 4

Spring is just around the corner. With Spring on

its way, you should start getting your gardens

ready. You should probably get your seeds and pot-

ting soil in advance. Also, start preparing a spot

for your garden to grow. You

should till your fresh soil and

plant your seeds. With some

water and sunlight, soon you

will have fresh garden items in

no time.

Top Ten By Jazlynne

February 2016

Top Ten Franchises Top Ten Songs

1. Dutch Bros. 1. “Love Yourself”-Justin Bieber

2. Taco Bell 2. “Here”- Allessia Clare

3. Subway 3. “One Call Away”- Charlie Puth

4. Wal-Mart 4. “Hands To Myself”- Selena Gomez

5. Denny’s 5. “I Mean It”- G-Eazy

6. Chick-Fil-A 6. “In The Night”- The Weeknd

7. McDonalds 7. “My House”- Flo Rida

8. Maurice’s 8. “Stressed Out”- Twenty One Pilots

9. Rue21 9. “Jumpman”- Drake & Future

10. Hollister 10. “Die a Happy Man”- Thomas Rhett

Top Ten Junk Foods Top Ten Shoe Brands

1. Pizza 1. Nike

2. Donuts 2. Adidas

3. French Fries 3. Jordan

4. Cheeseburgers 4. Converse

5. Ice Cream 5. Vans

6. Chips 6. Lebron

7. Nachos 7. Toms

8. Chicken Nuggets 8. Uggs

9. Flaming Hot Cheetos 9. KD

10. Top Ramen 10. Keds

Life Hacks

Recipes By Cassie

Volume 8, Issue 4

By Cade

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose

flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375ºF.

2. Mix sugars, butter, vanilla, and egg in large

bowl. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt (dough

will be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips.

3. Drop dough by a rounded tablespoon about 2

inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown

(centers will be soft). Cool slightly; remove from

cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

Calendar By Cloe

February 2016

March 1st Zero Discrimination Day March 8th International Women’s Day

March 10th World Kidney Day March 14th Pi Day March 17th Saint Patrick’s Day

March 22nd World Water Day

March 27th Easter

Volume 8, Issue 4

Fabulous Faculty

By Kaeleh

Blast From the Past By Kaeleh

Our Fabulous Faculty this month is

Mrs. Calvert because she is excellent

while working with students. Mrs. Ves-

cio said, ”Whatever I ask her to do,

she will get it done.” She does a great

job at keeping our library clean. Mrs.

Calvert loves being with the books

and the kids. This is Mrs. Calvert’s

third year working at our lively school

and we hope to have her for many

more years to come.

Mr. Bartron then… ...Mr. Bartron now

Megan then… ...Megan now

Fact or Fraud By Ellie

February 2016

Yay or Nay By Ellie

Is it true that Daddy-Long Legs are the most venomous spider, but

their fangs are too small to break human skin? The truth is that

these eight-legged pests do not have fangs or venom glands, making

it impossible for Daddy-Long Legs to poison anyone. There has never

been any known case of a Daddy-Long leg biting

a human. Because of this, the only way for peo-

ple to know if this is truly a deadly pest would

be to milk them and inject the venom into a per-

son’s veins. Since there is no scientific proof of

the Daddy-Long Leg being venomous, it is a

myth.

Lately, the subject of carrying purses

and smaller backpacks around from class to

class has been of interest to several students

and teachers. It is understandable that they

are not allowed for certain safety reasons,

such as fire hazards and the issue of carrying

phones. But there are also many benefits, like

carrying books to class so kids are not tardy

after stopping at their locker and carrying per-

sonal items. Mr. Bartron says he is open to the

idea of purses because they are much smaller,

but he doesn’t think there would be enough

room in the class for backpacks. He also un-

derstands that phones would be an issue, but

if a student got caught, they would have their

phone taken to the office and Mrs. Vescio

would determine their punishment. On the oth-

er hand, Mrs. Culham believes that purses are

unnecessary because they can only carry so

little. But she thinks backpacks would be ac-

ceptable so kids can carry their books without

stopping at their locker and end up being tar-

dy. Marcelino B. from the 8th grade said, “Girls

should be allowed to carry purses so they can

carry their lip balm and other needed items.”

Also, two 6th graders thought that the idea of

carrying bags would be a good option so they

wouldn’t have to stop at their locker during

every break. How do you think purses and

bags would affect

being in the class-

room?

Volume 8, Issue 4

Student of the Month — February

By Hadden

4th Grade ~ Brennan 5th Grade ~ Cameron R

6th Grade ~ Theo

7th Grade ~ Lebraun 8th Grade ~ Cameron C

Did You Know By Cade

February 2016

By Tenley

What happened on this day in history?

For a long time, Valentine’s Day has been a day set aside for love and en-

dearment. In fact, this romantic tradition dates back to the Roman ages. One

of the most popular tales is of a Saint called Valentine. During his time, Em-

peror Claudius II was the emperor of Rome. Unfortunately, he had a habit of

getting into hostile situations and not having the soldiers to defend his em-

pire. Claudius II assumed that no soldiers were joining his army because they

didn’t want to leave their wives at home, so he banned marriage and canceled

any already-made engagements. However, St. Val-

entine and another priest called St. Marius contin-

ued to marry people in secret. Eventually, both

were caught and executed, but it is said that St.

Valentine became friends with his jailer’s daughter

and left her a note signed ‘From your Valentine.’

Did you know that the Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg is

giving away 6.9 billion dollars to charity? The charity is

called The Giving Pledge; there are more than

50 donors including George Lucas and Mi-

chael Bloomberg onboard. Many other people

are also onboard with The Giving Pledge.

Mark started Facebook when he attended

Harvard University. When he first launched

Facebook in his dormitory, he soon spread Fa-

cebook to his fellow classmates. He now has

become a huge success.

Volume 8, Issue 4

Collage

By Hadden

Wacky Laws By Jazlynne

February 2016

Student’s Choice

By Cassie

Virginia Edition

In Culpeper, Virginia, it is illegal to wash a mule

on public sidewalks.

Norfolk, Virginia’s citizens are not allowed to

spit on seagulls.

Any person who owns a pool risks a $2,500 fine

for not closing the gate to the pool when they

get done swimming in Frederickson, Virginia.

No animal may be hunted with the exception of

raccoons on Sundays until 2 a.m. the following

Monday.

The Super Bowl is the championship

of American Football. The Super Bowl 50

was scheduled for February 7, 2016. The

super bowl is now an unofficial national

holiday, named Super Bowl Sunday. The

Super Bowl has frequently been the most

watched American television broadcast of

the year. The game also the most watched

sporting event in the world. In 1960 the American Football League (AFL)

was formed. The AFL viewed heavily with the NFL (National Football

League) for both players and fans. They reached a merger agreement that

was to take effect in the 1970 football season. The merger made it so the

champions of the two leagues were going to compete against each other

in a championship game that came to be known as the Super Bowl.

Volume 8, Issue 4

Word Games

By Cloe

Volume 8, Issue 4

Captain Obvious By Trinity

Take your current age, now subtract two. Now add two,

that’s your age.

People are born without clothes.

You know it is cold outside when you walk outside,

and it is cold.

Every 60 seconds a minute goes by.

Athlete of the Month By Hadden

Charli ~ 6th Grade ~

B Team Basketball

Ellie ~ 8th ~ A Team

Basketball

Carissa ~ 6th Grade ~

C Team Basketball

Brain Teasers By Cloe

BLOB Staf f

201 5-2016

J a z l ynne

Cas s i e

C loe

J ade

Cade

Ten l ey

Tes sa

Kae leh

Emma

Hadden

E l l i e

Tr in i t y

Sponsor: Mrs. Turner

Editor: Emma

http://wms.ath

west.k12.or.us

Answetr: The man was bald Answer: Windows

Brain Teasers

A man was outside taking a walk, when it started to rain. The man

didn’t have an umbrella and he wasn’t wearing a hat. His clothes got

soaked, yet not a single hair on his head got wet. How could this

happen?

What ancient invention allows people to see through walls?

Volume 8, Issue 4

Don’t forget to give your

$12 to the office so they

can order a yearbook for

you. Yearbooks come out

at the end of the school

year.

Keep your grades

up, the social is

coming and it

would be a bummer

if you missed it.

Don’t forget the Penny

Drive is coming soon.

Remember to bring in your

pennies.

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