Buzzin’ Around the World

All students at Asa Clark participated in the preliminary rounds of the National Geography Bee in early December. The National Geography Bee is a nationwide event that provides students the opportunity to increase their knowledge about the world through a fun and competitive manner at three different levels, including the school, state, and national level. Sixteen students advanced to the school’s final round for the opportunity to take a qualifying test to compete at the state level.  Each student continued to demonstrate their knowledge about the world and how it works. It was a series of events that included hard thinking, as well as, many laughs!

Pictured from left to right: Neelay (2nd place), Tyler (1st place), and Noah (3rd place).  (posted by Ms. Bartoszewski)

Mysteries Beyond the Blue Sky

by Nedda B.

Author’s Note: This poem is following the style of a sonnet poem, but it has a little twist on it. Instead of going ABABCDCDEFEF... This poem will go AABCCDEEF… I want you to figure out what the setting is to the poem, so your mind can focus on some of the deep meanings hidden within the poem. Have a blast!

Beyond the blue sky
there up high.
Is a mysterious place.
Objects flying around.
Some even coming down,
to crash into our beautiful planet.

The atmosphere, black as ink
makes you think.
What is this place?
The things you are about to see
mixed like objects in the sea
Are grand, spherical, celestial bodies.
Some made up of gas.
Some you can touch when you pass.
Being thousands of miles apart,
the climate can change.
Leaving Earth estranged.
To have different species roaming around until they fall down.

There is no air
accumulating there
So it sounds as quiet as being
ten feet under water.
Below the yachter.
With the orbs spinning
1,040 miles per hour.
Might make you feel sweet and sour.
Plus, remember…
There is no oxygen
Which gives you no option
To breathe.

Without a big, white suit,
You could be the same as a pruned fruit,
that no one desires to be.
No gravity to let you stand
Upon the land
While Earth is safe and secure, to allow you to walk around and be pure.

(posted by Mrs. Whelan)

What is it like being a new student?

This year, Asa Clark Middle School welcomed over 25 new students. Each student had a different perspective of what it was like to be a new student at Asa, meaning that this year there were over 25 different perspectives! Here is one perspective of what it was like to be a new student:

“Being a new student can be very scary for some. You have to make new friends, meet new teachers, learn new curriculum, and, for some, move to a new house. This happened to me only a few weeks ago, but I had friends that knew me from sixth grade when I moved.  So, I got a head start by already knowing kids that went to Asa, but I still had new teachers and new curriculum to learn. The teachers and students of Asa made me feel very welcomed on my first day back to Pewaukee. They understood that I had to learn how everything worked here and they showed me the ropes. Overall, this is a great school with great staff and great students.” -Vaughn (posted by Ms. Bartoszewski)

Morning Music

Asa Clark Jazz Band plays for students before Thanksgiving break.

The Past & The Future

by AlGene C (posted by Mrs. Whelan)

When I was younger I lived in Cleveland, Ohio, on a busy street called Detroit Road.I didn’t have many friends and then had no one to talk to. My parents were always too busy and my sisters hated spending time with me. So like most small, 4 to 7-year-old children, I made my own friends. But I failed, for my imagination was set on creating worlds with characters of my own design. Most of the time I was flying. Even though I wasn’t there I could feel the wind blowing through my hair; the clouds as I glided through them, the small drops of water tapping my face. Yes my images were small, but to me they were my only true place to be and not be alone at the same time. Then I moved for the first time.

New house. New people. New neighbors. New everything. My sisters and I weren't affected that much. For we were too young to realize what happened. But at that moment I found my first acquaintance, and his name was  Anthony. Now he wasn’t a real friend he was more like a TRAP to me; his words were like fire and actions like bricks raining from the sky and crashing on my head. I always was the player two in our crimes. We would run from the man behind the huge pine trees. I thought we were having fun. But I was the one taking the punishment. I was the one that was unhappy. The one that was left in the snow crying. The one with the black eye, and the blood-covered nose. Then a ray of light shined on me with one word. -----Moving. At the time I didn’t know why he was so mean and still considered him a friend. So as a result, on that single day when I got into that car to move away, I cried as I said good bye. For I had no one else to go to. No one to laugh with, no one to spend time with. Again I was alone. Even though I was finally free from that horrible experience, I didn’t feel good about it.

While I was dealing with the problem at home I was also dealing with a new school. A school that talked about how you could be anything but made it to the point you were nothing. The teachers were hypocrites; they would say stand up to bullying but not help when they saw it. They would punish you for being weak or scared. For me, the detention room was my class. I would be punished for the things I didn’t do. If it was for yelling @#%# in the lunchroom. Or saying that I was going to kill a kid. I had no friends in that hole. I was alone. No teachers to help me. That's the thing about teachers. They don’t understand kids and what they're going through. They don't understand how much pain I was in. Always living in fear of the sport kids. I had no talents. No special abilities. I had nothing. They made me felt like nothing. It hurt and no matter how hard I tried it wouldn't go away. I was crushed to the point I again felt that I wasn’t needed in this world. There was a guidance counselor that was supposed to help. But instead of stopping the real problem she made it seem like I was the problem. Why didn’t you do this?  Well, you did do this. My parents were the same. When I did stand up for myself I still got in trouble. But then the golden word appeared again.  -----Moving. The word that set me free again.

Now I am here, talking about the past - how it hurt me, and how I wish it never happened. The past is the past. After that third time moving I had lost all hope for a happy life.

Then I got to my new school. It was my first day of third grade. I was alone... I hadn't made any friends, nor did I want to. I had no skills. No similar interests of other boys. While some played football, I played. I was in the still in the sky. Then I met people. I slowly started to come out of my bubble. I knew it would take a long to to keep popping my bubble. Even now I still have parts of it floating around me. Yes I did find people that blew a new one around me. But I pushed through it. I learned to look at the bigger picture.

Don’t take pity on me. Learn from me. Learn to stop looking in the past, and start looking into the future. Yes the past has shaped me into the person I am today. Even though i’m still finding myself I know that. Sometime, somewhere I will find who I am. So if you're having trouble with your past. Stop. Take a moment, and think about the future. For staying in the past will get you nowhere. Take it from me. It’s difficult I know, but you will find yourself.

Gratitude

"The only person that I can depend on and love and know that that person will always be there for me is my ​m​om. She will always be the person I appreciate the most. No matter what, she tries her hardest to keep me happy, to keep me loved, and most of all just be there for me when I need her the most. I am so thankful for everything she has done for me even if it is just saying "hi" every day. I am so thankful that she tries to set a good example for me and my family. So the one person I appreciate the most is my mom and I’ll  love her forever." - Dalten

In addition to their many responsibilities as library secretaries, Lynn Turba and Beth Doome, asked the Language Arts teachers to have their students reflect upon the concept of gratitude. All students and staff were then encouraged to share their thoughts on autumn-colored leaves. If you happen to be in the library, take a few minutes to read and enjoy all the wonderful things our students are grateful for. (posted by Ms. KBD)

The Very Caring - Catherine Canning

“How can I start this off? There are so many things that I can say about Mrs. Canning and how she helped me grow as a student. When I first met her she was a very welcoming person to Asa. Those first time jitters, Mrs. Canning made it better. She would use humor, something I will always remember about her. Although her technology skills weren’t always at her best, she always had a positive attitude. Mrs. Canning is many wonderful things. She is kind, encouraging and lovable! Mrs. Canning has helped me was a student, just by following her lead. Even if she doesn’t understand somethings, or can’t get something to work, she always problem solves. I don’t think I have ever seen Mrs. Canning be negative about anything. She is always positive, and it really shows through to her students. Mrs Canning always has a positive attitude and is always shining bright! We will forever love Mrs.Canning and we hope to see her around during school!” - Fiona and Hadley

“The best part of subbing is the variety - everyday is different and interesting. After being in the one system for an extended time, I’ve enjoyed the rapport that I have developed with the staff and students. It really is a satisfying experience.” - Mrs. Canning

Catherine Canning has been subbing for the Pewaukee School District for nine years. Prior to subbing for us, she taught Reading, Language Arts, American History, Geography, and Ancient History at Holy Apostles. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Canning was an assistant basketball coach and served as secretary, then president of the Holy Apostles Athletic Association. (posted by Ms. KBD)

Stuffin’ the Bus with Homemade Fleece Blankets

Ms. Flynn and her resource students focused on helping others as they created four beautiful tie-blankets for the “Stuff the Bus” community fundraiser. Think how warm and appreciative the recipients of these blankets will be as the Wisconsin weather turns chilly! Want to know how to create a tie-blanket, visit with Ms. Flynn or one of her resource students. (posted by Ms. KBD)

Nouchi's Quote of the Month

"Perhaps we are afraid to reflect because we must confront 

our faults and our flaws." - Nouchi W. (submitted by Mrs. Whelan)

Honoring Ashlyn

If you had an opportunity to watch our Pirate Dancers perform this fall, you may have noticed their wonderful new uniforms. Through the many heart-felt donations that were received by the Flegel family and Asa Clark Middle School, new uniforms were purchased  to honor their friend and classmate Ashlyn Flegel. These uniforms were specially designed with a beautiful, blue-embroidered heart at the end of one sleeve.

Lead by Coach Miranda Kozlik, the Pirate Dancers devoted practice time to writing thank yous and sharing a picture of the new uniforms with all individuals who donated. Special thank you to Mandy Faller from EmbroidMe for generously donating the embroidered hearts. “I've absolutely loved having the opportunity to coach these girls. They are all such sweet and hard working young ladies with a lot of talent!” - Coach Miranda Kozlik

In addition to purchasing new Pirate Dancers uniforms, donations have also been used to support the dance team as they head to competition on Saturday, December 10 in Watertown. (posted by Ms. KBD

Art Class Turned Upside Down

Art Exploration students experience the work of Renaissance artist Michelangelo  in a whole new way. After learning about the Sistine Chapel, students get the chance to create artwork just like Michelangelo. They taped a piece of paper on the underside of tables, counters, etc., and drew while lying on their backs. (posted by Ms. Gruepink)

Frapps + Lemonade + Donuts = Dollars for the United Way!

Students in Introduction to Business were given an opportunity to practice their business skills while attempting to raise money for the United Way. Working collaboratively in groups of three or four, students created and presented the following business elements to their classes: partnership agreement, business plan, flyer, 30-second commercial, and a presentation. Each class then analyzed each business idea to determine which they felt would be most successful. The following businesses won their class votes: Frappicream, Lemony Fresh, and Donut Sale. Congratulations to these three businesses who raised over $300 for the United Way!  Big thanks to all the parents, students, and teachers who contributed to their success! (posted by Ms. KBD)

Yearbook Field Trip

On Tuesday, October 25th, the Yearbook class attended a field trip at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee hosted by Josten's Yearbook Company. Students participated in various workshops including Yearbook Basics, Design Trends, Photography and Photo Selection, and much more. More than 12 different schools from Wisconsin also participated in the workshop. Overall students learned many new skills and generated great ideas to incorporate into our school's yearbook. (posted by Ms. Gruepink)

Go Orange: UNITY DAY!

On Wednesday, October 19th, students and staff joined other communities and schools in the nation to celebrate Unity Day. Students and staff wore orange, recognized each other for random acts of kindness, and united together with friends for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. It was a day that we all came together against bullying, and showed that Asa continues to be a safe and supportive school environment.
(posted by Ms. Bartoszewski)

Preparing for Competition

Asa Clark Middle School decided to transition from the FIRST LEGO League to the VEX Robotics Competition this year. This transition provides our middle school students an opportunity to apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) principles to a more rigorous competition that mirrors working in a related industry. Robotics has thirty students all progressing through the VEX Robotics Competition. Students are applying gear ratios, mechanisms, and stability through their builds. They are then using a C-based programming language to both autonomously drive their robot and maneuver their chassis through user-controlled tasks. Ultimately, all four teams are preparing for their first competition on November 12 at Xavier Middle School in Appleton. Advisors for Robotics Club are Scott Roehl and Ron Johnson. (posted by Ms. KBD)

"I decided to join robotics because I want to be an Engineer, and I like that we have the opportunity 
to practice and learn these skills in the Robotics Club." - Evan R. 

An essay about tolerance, as a country, and as a school

by Valerie W.

Everyone gets that feeling of butterflies flapping in their stomach, palms sometimes start sweating buckets, you start shaking and that one thing is all you can think about. It can happen to anyone, not just in a sports game. It can be waiting for a test result, finding out what part you get in a play, or going to present something in front of your class. When you win or get the grade, or part you wanted, you just want to celebrate. Celebrate with your friends, teammates, or new cast. A whole layer of stress just lifts off your shoulders. No matter who you are around when something amazing happens, you are ecstatic. Even if you show it to someone that you aren’t that great of friends with, it still is exciting. Leroy Butler explains this in his piece that he wrote. It is all about how sports can bring us together. “You and anyone around you might be all but blood enemies. Yet here at the game, you’re all in it together. You’re on the same team.” Throughout the whole piece, he talks about how sports can bring people together and teach them things about life as well. I feel like Leroy Butler is trying to show teens around the world that we need to stop focusing on why we don’t like some people and more about putting ourselves in each other's shoes.

Our world has changed so much with people judging others about more and more things that shouldn’t matter. For us teens, we don’t like some people because they did something that was totally rude in 3rd grade, or possibly spread some secret rumor about you in 5th grade, or maybe that person just isn’t in your group of friends. Why can’t we just go back to how it was in kindergarten: be friends with everyone, have a kind heart, and just be curious about everything? As we get older almost every teenager either gossips or just makes fun of one another. Leroy Butler stated that  “We’re all God’s kids, and I think He wants us to play nicely together on this playground called Earth, and not hurt one another.” We need to take this into consideration and live everyday as if we were young.

 I have talked to so many different people from different schools and almost every one of them said that there is a ‘popular’ group of kids that just seem like they have no heart. I am not saying that teens need to be best friends with everyone 24/7, just that they should remember that they are humans too and have feelings. Another thing mentioned in that piece of writing was how in a football game, people cheer together and laugh together for about 3-4 hours. None of that gossiping and talking behind people’s backs matters anymore, because we are all in the game together. With just this little bit of time in your week, this time should show how you should act at school, at practice, and at home.  Wherever you are, just don't forget about the time that you can share together.
As you can see, even just a small getaway like a sports game, or a trip to the past could change how you see things. We shouldn’t dwell on the past because today is in the present. Each year that I have gone to school, there seems to be more and more drama. I understand that some believe this is just how life goes, but why can’t all teenagers learn that it isn’t right. Life goes on, and I know that gossiping will never go away completely because it is something natural that some people do. However, people need to understand what it feels like to get talked about behind their back; it hurts. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is something very difficult, but it will help limit the amount of mean things that are said at school. (submitted by Mrs. Whelan)

Cross Country Team - Catch 'em if you can!

This year our cross country teams are being coached by Abby Bartz, Christina Callies, and Cathy Walz. You still have one opportunity to watch these young athletes challenge themselves to achieve their personal best time. Their last meet is the Waukesha Invite (Minooka Park)  - Wednesday, October 12 at 4:25 p.m. Go Pirates! (posted by Ms. KBD)

"Just Breathe" by Izzy Y.

Authors Note:  This short poem is my story about running cross country at Grant Park, where lake Michigan is right beside the course in the cool woods. This is one of my favorite courses, because it is so picturesque and the lake’s spray keeps you refreshed.

Left, right, left, right
My feet fall softly in front of each other
In, out, in, out
I breathe deeply through my nose

Leaves drift around me
As dirt loosens under my tired feet
In the distance I can hear waves
And Lake Michigan’s wind sweeps up it’s spray onto my face

Nature outlines my path
But it is beginning to blur as I grow weary
Mostly green with hints of red and yellow
Is the bleary picture that I see

I beg to stop, but I won’t
Controlled stubbornness is the only thing that drives me forward
Aside from my aching feet
I must keep on moving

I see a girl ahead
Our athletic shirts matchup
I pick up the pace
And she does too, pitter pat pitter pat

It’s me, I exhale
And she begins to slow down
Together we run through the trees
As we here cheers ringing in the outskirts of the woods

I continue running
And I see a mass of people ahead of me
I go a little faster now
The terrain is beginning level and only about 100 meters in front of me is the finish line

Faster and faster I run
Rapidly picking up speed as I zoom past the crowds
Closer and closer the finish comes
And I fly to the end and with nothing left...

I breathe
Just breathe.

(posted by Mrs. Whelan) 

Original Student Quotes

2 Shadows by Thomas Leuthard

Featured Author: Nouchi W. 

(posted by Mrs. Whelan)

"A shadow is known by its owner, for a face is all many look to see.

I know not what I want to be, but what I shouldn't become."

Student Book Review: Of Mice and Men

Review by Aiden Yauchler

Of Mice and Men is a book that you will get into right from the beginning and since it is only around one hundred pages, it will end very quickly. You will really get connected to one of the main characters, Lennie, and the ending will kill you. In a brief summary, this book is about George, a small but smart man, and Lennie, a living giant with the brain of a six-year-old. Lennie is one of the sweetest guys you will ever meet but he gets them in trouble a lot because he doesn't know his own strength. This is a book that you will not want to put down and one of my all time favorites. John Steinbeck is an amazing author with other great books like The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden, but this will definitely be one of the best books you will ever read.

(posted by Mrs. Whelan)

2 Students, 2 Viewpoints, 1 Asa Clark

Do you remember the summer before starting middle school, and all of the thoughts and feelings you may have had? Were you nervous for the changes, excited for new opportunities, or maybe both? Many students here at Asa had those same thoughts and feelings.

A seventh grader, Khadija, shared that at first she was nervous because switching classes every period was something new. Another seventh grade student, David, added to this concern, stating that he was nervous about getting lost. However, middle school also brought excitement. Khadija said she was excited because she had the opportunity to try new things here at Asa. In addition, there were a variety of electives that students had the option to choose from.

Now that a month has gone by since the first day of school, seventh graders’ thoughts and feelings about middle school have changed. David stated that the transitions from class to class are easier than he thought they would be. Khadija added that she is not as nervous anymore for the same reason. In addition, they are both more comfortable now that they understand the school layout, the rules, and where they are going.

As a seventh or eighth grade student, the transition to a new school, or even just transitioning from summer vacation to the beginning of a new year, can take individuals either a short or a long time to adjust. If the transition seems to be taking longer than hoped or expected, Khadijah encourages students to join a club to meet people who share similar experiences. One last thought from David is that he encourages students to keep trying hard. All in all, students may have similar or different experiences and opinions with the transition process. (posted by Ms. Bartoszewski)