Editor- In-Chief

Kristin Gunn

Reporters

Michelle Phillips

Robin Lazelle

Jacob Hicks

Dale Colbert

Advisor

David B. Nicol  Are you stressing out over the upcoming holidays? Are you sick of worrying about spending too much money, or picking out the wrong gift? Maybe your Christmas tree decided it wanted to fall over in the middle of the night. Holiday stress can have many people feeling down in a time when everyone has this big expectation that the world is supposed to be cheery. If you are stressed and feeling upset, don’t worry because you’re not alone. Here’s a few tips to try and make your holiday season a more manageable one.  >If you’re worried about the money being a problem, set yourself to a strict budget. You’ll feel a lot better about not spending too much.     >If you’re afraid to get the wrong gift for someone, simply have them give you a list. If they’re the kind of person who likes to be difficult and say “I don’t care,” then just get them something easy. Maybe something they have collected over the years, or picture of the two of you in a nice picture frame. Remember, it’s the thought, and not the price tag, that counts.     >If you’re worried about all the baking that has to be done, get some friends and throw a 'Holiday Baking Party' or if you’re a parent the kids always like to help. You could change just a boring baking day into a fun filled event; just use your imagination.     >Some people get worried about having to spend time with relatives that you may not exactly like.  Suck it up, the holidays are about family; plus, your parents are

going to force you to go anyway. Figure out something fun you all can do or bring a few cousins outside and do something active.     >Not having any family to spend the holidays with can also have you feeling really stressed out, and perhaps lonely. It’s okay though; call up a few friends. There is always someone who is in the same situation as you. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it; the Holidays are a time of happiness and spending time with others. Whether it’s baking cookies together, opening presents, or even getting take-out and catching a movie; you can make your holidays special.  Holiday stress can also have you a bit depressed. Maybe you just broke up with your girlfriend/boyfriend. Maybe you just had someone you were close to pass away. When something like this happens, it’s easy to become depressed about the upcoming holiday. Just remember that they wouldn’t want this to affect your happiness and would want you to enjoy yourself. Holidays are supposed to be about having fun, and spending time with family and friends. Remember the good times you had with them, but also make some more fantastic memories with the people around you.  It’s okay, just take a step back and breathe.  If you really get into a space where the stress, lonliness or depression are just too much, seek help from friends, family, teachers, ministers, or professionals.  Don't let the Holidays get you down!

Stressed about the Holidays?

DECEMBER 22, 2011 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4

“Press about Wildcat students”P.A.W.S

The holidays approach and we are in the last week of school for 2011. In honor of this, student council thought up a fun way to get everyone geared up for Christmas. At this Friday’s assembly, all the advisories are supposed to dress up their advisors in “light” themed Holiday attire. It could be something about Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years, or even a popular Christmas cartoon like Rudolph or Frosty! At the assembly, there will be the usual teacher and staff announcements before the unveiling. All the participating advisors will strut their advisory’s creation down the runway for the students and three judges, and get us in the Holiday Spirit. The winning advisory will win a pizza party from Mr. Morse, and the advisor will win a "Grand" prize. After the 'Runway' winner is announced, everyone will be asked to gather for some treats and warm drinks to welcome in the holidays before winter break. We hope the rest of your year is fun and safe!

Project Runway: Holiday Style

FROM THE EDITORIf you have any ideas for polls, an article or cartoon you’d like to submit, or if you need advice from Bo Trust, come visit Mr. Nicol or myself to talk about being featured in our bi-weekly newspaper.

Be Careful Driving!As you know, the holidays are quickly approaching. Everyone is excited to begin their favorite winter activites, whether it’s snowboarding, basketball, skiing, sleeping, skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, etc. Winter is almost always a fun time of year with lots of cheer, and time to spend with family and friends. The only downfall to winter is the challenging road conditions. You’re probably already saying to yourself, “I know to be careful on the roads of Vermont.” With all the motor vehicle accidents that have happened in the last couple of years, however, and a slippery winter approaching, we can not stress the need to be ready for an accident or breakdown enough.  In fact, last Sunday morning they closed route 9 from accidents due to black ice. A student on Thursday morning, driving to school after the winter storm, slid off the road from ice and hit a tree on someones front lawn. Luckily, he only had a minor injury in his hand.           If you are driving this winter, make sure you;

• Buckle up.• Have a safety pack in your car,

including bottled water, blankets, emergency flares, some non-perishable food, snow boots, and either sand or kitty litter.

• Have snow tires on your car.• And, make sure it’s up to date

on its maintenance.

To everyone who is driving, have a good, safe winter and a happy holiday.

Give Thanks This Holiday Season

A few days ago I went holiday shopping for my family and friends. I wasn't going to go shopping in the first place; I hate it. I realized I had to go get something for the people I care about, however, so I decided to brave the mall.  Going there just made me so much happier about the situation....not!  I walked into the stores and there were people running around like their heads were cut off. Everyone was trying to find the best sale, and the best item.   I noticed that people were just being rude and had no consideration for others. They were trying to get through, bumping and shoving others.  I just put up with this and got done and out of there as quick as I could.

  I think, for the most part, we are too greedy and selfish, and too focused on ourselves.  In my opinion, instead of everyone rushing out into the stores this holiday season and fighting over the best sales and complaining about gifts they’d been given, we should take a step back from all the commercialized holiday season hype. How about we think about the people in our community who have nothing? There are people that don’t have money to buy presents, or even food. There are people who don’t even have a home this season. There are also those who don’t have their loved ones to spend this wonderful season with.   So this Holiday, take a moment to think about those people that suffered from Irene, the

FIND THIS:Be the first to tell Mr. Nicol where this is in the school, and you will win a prize!

 Dear Bo Trust,          I don’t understand all the big deal about the holidays! Yeah I like the presents, but I really hate all the family get togethers and bonding junk! How do I get through it? Sincerely,         Son of a Scrooge

Dear Bo Trust,          There is this crazy girl who cheats off of my tests! Normal people only know about ¾ or more of the answers on their tests. So for the answers she doesn’t know she copies them off of me. She ends up looking smart while I look dumb! Sincerely,         Wild Child

Dear Son of a Scrooge,          Holidays aren’t ‘bout the presents ‘r the decorating ‘r the food. Holidays are s’posed to bring ya closer to yer family an friens. Do ya know the reason you really celebrate the holiday that ya do? I’m not gunna go in ta details ‘bout all the holidays cause I don’t wanna offend no one. Google the holiday ya celebrate. Maybe you’ll appreciate it a little more. Ya only got one family, spen some time with ‘em. Imagine all the people who lost their family’s fer whatever reason… Just be glad that yer not in their shoes. Be thankful that ya have a lovin family and show ‘em how much ya care. Happy holidays! Good luck with the family! Always here ta help,         Bo Trust

 Dear Wild Child,          If ya want ‘er ta stop copyin yer tests then sit somewhere she don’t in class. I s’pose if ya have a cer’in seat in class then that could be a problem. Tell yer teacher that you got a problem with yer seat ‘r tell em’ that there’s an issue if you don’t wanna go all out an tell em’ that she’s bein a cheater. I think yer best option is to tell yer teacher that this fella’s cheatin off yer tests. That way you wont haf ta sit next ta ‘er no more. Good luck to ya and don’t be ‘fraid to speak up to yer teacher! Yer frien,         Bo Trust

homeless, those out of work, those who are injured or sick, those families who tragically lost family members and are grieving. This community has been through a lot over the past year, so take a moment, just a moment, to think of those families this holiday season and to be grateful for your own.