January 2013

The time of World War II was a harsh and bitter time for all who lived then, but one story  is better known than others: the story of Anne Frank. Anne Frank was a young girl when World War II began, and because of her family's religion she was forced go into hiding to avoid the Nazis that threatened her and her family’s lives. Going into hiding made a lot of restrictions for her and her family. She couldn’t leave the secret apartment above her father’s business, she couldn’t use water during the day, and she couldn’t throw stuff out because the workmen below may hear her family or have evidence she was up there. It was a very tough life for her and for many other Jews at the time; they constantly lived in fear. 

“She explains things really well. She’s fun, and has a good sense of humor,” said Emily Mason, an eighth-grade student at SJHS, when asked about Ms. Fausett, the new Foods teacher at SJHS. Ms. Fausett started out as a sub for Mrs. Luke while she was on maternity leave, but she is now teaching the morning Foods classes.  We are lucky to have her because Ms. Fausett is well trained and well prepared for this position.

What do a buffalo, a monkey, a horse, and pajama pants have in common? If you guessed that they all live in a jungle, you’re wrong. All of these are similar because they are all projects that can be made in Mrs. Bird’s sewing elective class at SJHS.

“I took the class because I wanted to develop a new skill that I’m actually going to use in real life,” said Sadie Mangum, an eighth grader in sewing class. ”I enjoy it because we get to learn while we talk to friends, which is really cool,” she said. Lizzy Brimhall, another sewing student, said, “I do [enjoy sewing]. It’s the silver lining in my day. I’ve made two bags, pj pants... I’m working on a stuffed animal seal right now. It’s really cute.”

Everybody has their own Christmas traditions.  In Mrs. Gleave’s math classes here at Springville Junior High School, they have a little tradition of their own.  Every year, right before winter break, Mrs. Gleave’s classes go around the school and sing Christmas carols.  The only catch is that they must make up parodies to their favorite carols, turning them into Christmas Math Carols.  The classes performed on December 20th, during each class period.

The Springville Junior High School band had their concert on December 12th, 2012. Seventh, eighth, and ninth grade bands all played in the concert. During the concert the bands played a wide variety of songs. The ninth graders played songs from the musical Wicked, and a Disney medley. The eighth graders played the Beatles and Christmas music, and the seventh graders played Queen songs and Christmas songs. According to Mr. Booth, the band conductor at SJHS, all of his songs are his favorite--he only does awesome music. According to Skyler Walser, an eighth grader in the band, her favorite songs was Greensleeves.

Mr. Nackos is an awesome substitute here at Springville Junior High School, and it seems like everyone here at the school has heard his cool name at one point or another. He is a big favorite among students and is often picked to sub by teachers. He has been a substitute teacher for nine years and counting, and he really seems to enjoy his job!

In Mrs. Murray’s teen living class at SJHS, students were given flour sack babies to carry around and take care of. Teen living students took care of the flour sack babies from December 10th through the 14th. Ricky Moala and Andrew Lewis, ninth graders in Mrs. Murray's class, said, “The purpose of it is to show that it is hard to be a teen parent if teen pregnancy happens.” According to Mrs. Murray, while students are in class, they can set their baby on their desk, by their desk, or in a designated nursing area.

The eighth grade girls choir (aka “The Knightengales”) practices at Springville Junior High School every Tuesday, but they aren't always cooped up here at the school. On December 18th, 2012, the Knightengales went on tour to elementary schools all around Springville! All of the girls participating were really excited, and after how hard they've worked, its easy to see why!