Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School, Port Washington, New Yorkwww.portnet.k12.ny.us/weber/clubs/spartantimes

1st Place Winner of the Newsday In Education Journalism Award 2012

Spartan Times

Simply The BestVol. 11, Issue I Semester I 2014

In This Issue......Pages 1-6 Weber NewsPage 7 Drama Club NewsPages 8-10 Random Things and Quirky DingsPages 11-12 Cartoons and PuzzlesPages 13-back Spartan Sports

Do you like walking inside or outside? This year, there is a new policy regarding walking outside to class between the main building entrance and the portable classrooms. Students are not allowed to walk from class to class by going outside. Stu-dents have different opinions about this controversial policy. Recently, I spoke to some sixth graders who like this policy. They claim it could be unsafe to walk outside. Stu-dents could slip, or if there is harsh weather, students can hurt themselves. There could also be a stranger outside. On the other hand, some students dislike this idea. Red house students state that it is a little easier to get to the band room by walking outside. Kayla, a Green House stu-dent, says, “it is easier and quicker to walk outside.” What do you think about this policy?

A New Policyby Jaime L.

Ball Ban Bliss or Bust?by Noa S.

Washington Times, Yahoo news, Huffi ngton Post, CBS lo-cal, Fox News, News12 and Bleacher Report all reported on the “no balls rule” last October. Although Weber Middle School recess rules made national news, let’s step back a bit.

On September 30th, Weber’s Principal Mrs. Rodahan, made an announcement about a new rule banning hard balls. After further re-view, Weber’s Adminstrators announced that foam and Nerf -type balls were permitted. The students didn’t like that very much! Some of the kids thought that they had restricted their free time. “They say we have freedom here…” said a girl named Natalie. continued page 2

Boom Boom Boomerang!by Anna D. and Hannah G.

Congratulations Carrie Palmer Weber!Weber was redesignated as a 2014 Essen-tial Elements School To Watch by the New York State Deparmtne of Education!

In early December, Mrs. Schrauth’s fi rst pe-riod class (pictured) went to the front fi eld and had a boomerang throwing contest. This boomer-ang throwing contest was based on a lesson they had been working on, “The Abooriginal Paintings.” continued on page 2

Science Olympiad Team Places FOURTHIn New York State Competion!

by Coach J. Grande On Saturday, April 5, 2014, Weber’s Science Olympiad team showed once again why they are the best and hardest work-ing team in Nassau Coun-ty by fi nishing fourth at the 2014 New York State Science Olympiad Com-petition in Rochester. Out of 25 events, the team won 11 medals. The

team medaled in Boomilever, Can’t Judge A Powder, Crimebusters, Dynamic Planet, Green Generation, Helicopters, Meteorology, Road Scholar, Rocks and Minerals, Robocross, and Write It! Do It! The team qualifi ed for the State Championship af-ter coming in fi rst place for the sixth time in seven years at the Regional Championship at Weber Middle School in Feb-ruary. They won an astonishing 17 medals out of 20 events. Team 2 impressed all by winning third place with 12 medals. The team’s coaches Mr. Buchman and Mr. Grande are very proud of the accomplishments of this outstanding team. The team celebrated their win with a fi -nal meeting and party on April 10. All team members attend-ed, as well as students who are interested in next year’s team. Pictured are team members and coaches with their medals and trophies. Congratulations to all!

photos courtesy: Mrs McAuliffe

WEBER NEWS

Spartan Times 2013-2014

Staff Reporters, Photographers, and Artists:Noa S., Anna D., Hannah G., Hannah D., Jaime L., Ross K., Jordan M., Justin K., Lois C.,

Maggie C., Nora J., Caroline M., Madeline M., Julia R., Caitlin K., Vanessa B.

Freelance writers and Photographers:Mr. Grande, Mr. Santoli, Mr. Cain, Ms. Kiriannis, Ms. Gill, Ms. Lindstadt-Iurka, Ms. Bocchino, Ms. Peraza, Mr. Wolfert, Mr. Facciola, Mr.

Shackel, Mr. Lennon, Ms. Portmore-Davies, Ms. Friedman, Isabelle V., Mrs. Drexler, Ms. Galante, Ms. L. Nutter, Weber H.S.A.Printer: Richner Publications Advisor: Mrs. S. McAuliffe

Vol. 11, Issue 1

In an interview on October 7, Mrs. Rodahan explained the ban. The roof construction made the recess area smaller,” she said. “It’s making it easier to get hurt. A girl has gotten a black eye and kids who haven’t even been playing get knocked over.” When she grew up in Brooklyn they had to make fun for themselves, she said, suggesting students “be more creative” with their games. “We used to be able to make up several games just with bobby pins.” The story lingered on national television. Saturday Night Live even called us the “Oh Geez Be Careful School for Weak Children.”Soon after, Superintendent Mooney announced that when construction ceased the ban would be lifted. Although it started out small it became big news. Be grateful that soon recess will return as the weather improves, but will the ban be lifted?

Ball Ban Bliss or Bust?continued from page 1

Page 2

Kindling The Motivation To Readby Mrs. Peraza

Thanks to a grant from the Port Washington Education Foun-dation, over 400 ELA Workshop students of Mrs. Peraza, Ms. Duffy,

Ms. Kornfeld, and Mrs. McAu-liffe were introduced to Kin-dles in the classroom this year. Teachers saw a dramat-ic increase in students’desire to read with them. Most of the students were ex-cited and eager to read us-ing the Kindles. They found

the e-reader easy to manipulate and loved the built-in diction-ary feature. ELA Workshop teachers felt that even their most re-luctant readers were suggesting titles of books to download! Digital technologies are so appealling to today’s youth. Kindles in our classrooms have certainly been a fac-tor in motivating our tweens and teens to read more!

pictured: 6th grade students using Kindles in the classroomphoto courtesy: Mrs. McAuliffe

Mrs. Schrauth’s class painted made-up or real Australian animals and then added some de-tails which had special meanings. The boomer-ang throwing had a lessons incorporated into the fun: math, science, social studies, and language arts. Students had to fi gure out which angles to hold and throw the boomerang, so that it would come back to them (math). Students had to fi gure out the right weath-

er day and wind speed (science) The history of the boomerang was discussed (social studies), and directions needed to be read or words were written (lan-guage arts).

“It was really cool and once in a life chance, “said Caitlin.

“It helped me understand the lesson more, “ said Noa.

They were being safe, but at the same time they had fun participating in the

boomerang throwing contest and lesson! Photos: Mrs. Schrauth

Boom Boom Boomerang!continued from page 1

Weber Earns Top Honors in Math Olympiad Tournament

by Mr. Wolfert

Weber Middle School placed fi rst in the fi fth annual 7th and 8th Grade Math Olympiad Tournament, sponsored by the St. Mar-tin de Porres Marianist School and hosted by Kellenberg Memorial

High School, on March 10.The fi ve-member team took top honors after compet-ing against approximately 40 teams. Participants in-cluded seventh-grader Joseph M. and eighth-graders Anna F., Sarah F., Julia R., and Sherry S. The teamwill now

advance to the state tournament at the Museum of Math-ematics in New York City. A date for the event is pending.“I could not be more proud of these students,” said Weber teacher and Math Olympiad coach Adam Wolfert. “Our accolades were due to their hard work and perseverance. This is very exciting for all of us.” photo courtesy: Mr. Wolfert

Semester I 2014

WEBER NEWSVol. 11, Issue 1

No Texting and Driving Slogan ContestWinner Announced!

Girl Scout Troop 410, with help from the Peer Leadership Club, announced the winning slogan of the “No Texting and Driving”

slogan contest:

One Text, One Call, Could Wreck It All!

Congratulations to Mrs. Imriani’s homebase!

Look for this slogan posted around town soon!

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Jon Batiste and Stay Human Band

Excite and Energize Weber Students!

The accompany photos tell the story! Jazz artist Jon Batiste wowed the crowd with a combination of jazz, and educa-tion throughout the live musical per-formatnce and epic fi nale. Mr. Batiste and Stay Human

Band shared their talents and their appreciation for the art of live music with students who were thoroughly impressed and excited to participate in such wonderful cultural exchange.Photo credit: Linda Nutter

Cannoli Time!

Thank you, Mr. Fac-ciola, for helping to sup-ply the delicious cannoli to our eighth graders, who had two fundrais-ing sales for their annual trip to Arthur Avenue. Two morn-ing sales proved to be just the pick me up treat for students and staff alike! To no one’s

surprise, the cannolis were sold out before 7:45 a.m.Proceeds from the sales contributed to the cost of the stu-dents’ trip to Arthur Avenue to experience Italian cul-ture through language interaction and cultural exchange. A BIG thank you too BOTH Mr. Facciola and Mrs. Morra, for this opportunity to share Italian delica-cies with our students during World Language Weekphotos courtesy Mr. Facciola.

Art Club Antics Mrs. Wright’s Art Club meets Monday aftertoons from 3:15-4:15. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are always welcome, whether you are artistically talented or feel you need to explore your inner artist. Club members are at it again! What are they up to now? Can you add a caption for this group picture? CAPTION:__________________________________________

Semester I 2014

WEBER NEWSVol. 11, Issue 1

Eighth grade students in Mrs. Bocchino and Mrs. McAuliffe’s combined period one Core Extension/ELA Work-shop class have explored controversial issues through debate (pictured). Thus far, single and double teams have debated ani-

mal rights, scientifi c, educational, and social issues that affect society both locally and globally. Students research topics, write speeches, engage in proper pub-lic speaking techniques, and display appropriate

sportsmanship as relevant topics are endorsed, rebutted, and de-bated with passion and knowledge. Currently, the class is preparing team debates in relation to the Weber Middle School Code of Conduct. Topics such as car-rying a cell phone, eating in class, dress codes, and harrassment will be researched and debated in the proper format during period one classes in early to mid-May. The students have been working tirelessly to research evi-dence that will support the team’s claims to hopefully secure a debate win for their team. Good luck to all teams!

Welcome Korean Visitors!

Last July, Weber Am-bassadors shared a won-derful afternoon during summer vacation to meet Korean middle school-ers visiting from Ham Yang. These visitors won a trip to tour the United States through the KISS Cosmetic Company, who sponsors the contest.(pictured, Korean visitors

and their new Weber friends). New student pairs enjoyed an afternoon ofcultural exchanges, games, tours of Weber, and lunch. Both groups of students brought a gift that rep-resents their culture, to exchange with their new friends. Also exchanged were cell phone numbers, group pictures, and home addresses, so that all stu-dents can continue their new-found friendships. This yearly summer collaboration between We-ber Middle School is possible through the yearly commu-nication between KISS Cosmetics and Principal Rodahan.

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THREE CHEERS FOR SCHOOL SPIRIT!

The yearly Pride In Port parade is a community event that We-ber students are proud to be a part of. This year, Mrs. McAuliffe rallied students to march proudly with the Weber Middle School banner and four house colored fl ags. Thanks to all students (pic-tured) who showed their school spirit and marched with Weber.

Hip Hip Hooray!Hip Hip Hooray!Hip Hip Hooray!

DEBATES IN ACTION

Six Mix Lives On!by Hannah D.

One Weber tradition that is an eagerly anticipated event for our newest students is the twice a year Six Mix Dance On Friday October 18, 2013 from 7:30 to 9:00 the Six Mix took place in the place in the all-purpose room. The music was loud and the room was packed with more than 200 kids! “I think the music was too loud and it was too crowded, but I had fun” Lois said.

“The six mix was a blast! I had so much fun dancing with my best friends!” Anna exclaimed. The DJ played songs like Roar by Katy Perry, and the ‘crowd’ went wild. People hung out with friends and ate snakes after dancing. There was even a disco! We turned out the lights and partied until we had to leave. All students have fond memories of their fi rst Six Mix-es, and this year’s class will remember them forever, tooThe Six Mix was a great night thanks to the H.S.A., Home School Association, and our custodians.

Semester I 2014

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WEBER NEWSVol. 11, Issue 1

Calling all freelance writers and photographers!!!

Adult and student freelance writers and photographers are always encouraged to share their We-ber news and photos. Please email the Spartan Times with your news and photos to:

weber@portnet.k12.ny.us

10 Cell KaZoon Kites!by Ms. Gill and Ms. Lindstadt-Iurka

This year, the 8th grade Science Core Extension classes made “10-Cell KaZoon Kites” out of tissue paper, string and straws. The kite activity gives students a real-life connection to solid geometry and science. Students build ten individual tetrahedrons with two adjacent faces covered with tissue paper. When tethered to a kite string, the individual cells will fl y, but fl y much better when combined into a larger tetrahedral confi guration. Connections to science are made while fl ying the kites, as students explore terms such as altitude, wind direction, and wind speed. When Mr. Tom and Ms. Lindstadt-Iurka took their classes out to fl y for the fi rst time, the kids loved watching their kites take to the sky. Hands-on, active science exploration infused with math, technology, engineering and the arts....STEAM in ac-tion! Ms. Sussino, Dr. Hatzignatious, and Ms. Gill also took their classes out to fl y, with much excitement and wonderment. Pictured are 8th grade Science Core Extension students preparing to fl y their 10 Cell KaZoon Kite on the front fi eld.photo courtesy Ms. Gill

Semester I 2014

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WEBER NEWSVol. 11, Issue 1

More Drama Club News:A Special Visit from Ms. Floryn

by Isabelle V.

Last November 15th, Drama Club members were surprised with a guest appearance. Dance instructor Floryn Glass came to speak with us about experiences she has had in professional theatre. Many members knew her as their dance teacher at Ber-est Dance School and were delighted at her appearance. Ms. Flo-ryn, as she is known, shared her career path with students, from her dream of getting on Broadway as a child, to college and beyond. We recognized some of the plays and musicals she had been a part of, and by the end of the visit, we were all dreaming of Broadway ourselves! With about half of the time left, we allowed questions, and BOY were there a lot of them! We asked about some of her fun-nier stage moments, favorite parts, and some of her audition sug-gestions for us to keep in mind for our future performances. All in all, we had a great time and would like to thank Ms. Floryn for coming.

Green 7 is Cookin’ Up Some Science!by Noa S.

Science can be fun when students can learn chemis-try in an interesting way. Students in Green 7 Science class used Easy-Bake ovens to make mini cakes and quesadillas to demon-strate basic chemistry concepts with their teacher, Mr. Buchman. Students also used bunsen burners to make smores. Using the con-cepts of scientifi c chemistry, students learned how to use the bunsen burn-ers safely, wore protective gear, and then roasted marshmallows to once again demostrate physical and chemical changes when making smores!

Bullying is usually a big deal, but not at Weber! The whole school participated in the bullying free poster contest., spon-sored by the Gay Straight Alliance, during homebase and sup-ported anti-bullying by wearing orange to school. The contest and wearing of anything orange coincided with “Unity Day.” All homebases were invited to submit a poster for the contest. All posters were displayed on classroom doors. Weber’s Adminstrators had a very hard time judging and selecting a winner, but the winning home base was Mrs. Galante’s students in room 216. They received a bagel breakfast. .Congratulations! Everyone created great posters. They were colorful and had amazing sayings on them. A student of Health Teacher Mrs. Drex-ler wrote a poem (see below), rather than create a poster

Don’t get upsetDon’t be ashamed

You are who you areAnd you shouldn’t be blamed

Whether it’s your love or your raceTo your features or your gender

Just be who you areDon’t ever surrender

You have friendsYou have family

You have teachersYou have us all

We unite against bullyingWe are there with one call

So don’t you cryDon’t even fret

You are perfect as you areJust others haven’t seen yet

So don’t think that your’re differentDon’t think that your’re badDon’t believe all their insults

It’s not worth getting sad.They just don’t understand

That love is just loveSkin is just skin

People are just peopleBut your soul is within

The Bullying Stops Here!by Hannah D. and Hannah G.

Cold Weather Care Projectby Ms. Galante

Last fall, Weber students were involved in a service learning project called, “Cold Weather Care Project.” They collect-ed hats, gloves, scarves, and other “warm” items in order to pack them into a package for donation. It was a wonderful experience for our students, but I don’t have to tell you myself. Here are some quotes from the students involved with this service learning project:

To give people hats, gloves, and scarves knowing they have noth-ing...it fi lls me with joy, pride, and warmth. Help--it’s for a

reason. Rachel

When we made the cold weather packages, it made me feel like a million bucks because I know we were helping out the poor and

making a difference. Jack

It made me feel content to open my hands to other people freely who need our help. We are fortunate for the life we lead, and when you help people in need you should not expect anything in returnn, but the great feeling that I felt when I donated food and clothing for people

who needed it.Ava

We want other people to feel special just like us.Mikail

This project made me realize that some people don’t have what I have, and it feels good to give things to them.

Nick

This project made me feel warm inside. I hope they enjoy my cold weather care packages and I really want to help them a lot more.

Nolen

Semester I 2014

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drama club NEWSVol. 11, Issue 1

A groovy, out of this world musical, Footloose, was performed by Weber Middle School Pro-ductions on Friday April 4th , Saturday April 5th, 7:30, and Sunday April 6th at a 3:00pm matinee.

The play follows a high school teen named Ren, who moves into the town of Belmont, where the townspeople ban dancing and rock and roll due to a serious accident. Only

Ren and his buddies can bring back the groove of Belmont. Can they do it? This musical has catchy music and is family friendly fun for all ages. This production also featured a bake sale, during intermis-sion, so audience members could munch on delicious snacks and drinks with all proceeds going to the Drama Club Productions. Pictured are the awesome, talented student performers, crew, ad-visors, and parent volunteers who made this fantastic performance a hit! Thank you, Drama Club Productions, Advisors Mrs. Portmore-Davies and Ms. Friedman, for contributing the photos from the performances. The Spartan Times staff has left enough room on the page for fans to get autographs of our Drama Club STARS!

Footloose the Musicalby Ross K.

Semester I 2014

At The Movies...

Opinions stated here are those of the author, not the P.W.U.F.S.D. or Spartan Times Staff.

This winter, Disney released the new movie, Frozen. It is the story about a girl named Elsa who has powers of sorcery. The only ones who know about her powers are her parents, but they perished

on a ship during a storm. When the townspeople fi nd out about Elsa’s pow-ers, they all think she’s evil, so she runs away. But in order to fi x the mess she made, her sister Anna needs to take her back to the town they grew up in. I believe this was a great movie. I feel like this wasn’t one of the movies that has been redone over and over again, but a movie that was original in its own way.“I think that this movie was the best movie ever! I want to see it over and over again.” Lois said, “I like how it has a lot of emotions.”

People are saying how much they love the movie and I can see why. Even Disney was saying how it’s been their best movie since The Lion King.

Vol. 11, Issue 1

Frozenby: Hannah D

Random Things and Quirky Dings

Out Of My MIndby Sharon M. Draper

Have you read Out Of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper? If not, you are one of the few Weber students, par-

ents, or staff members that have not read this fascinating book. Out Of My Mind is Weber’s book choice for this school year. Students have chosen to read the book independentally, with one of their classes or have participated in a grade-level lunchtime book discussion with either Mrs. Peraza (6th grade), Mrs. Con-vey and Mr. Buchman (7th grade) , or Ms. Gill and Ms. Sussino (8th grade). The plot revolves around protagonist Melody, an eleven year old with a photo-

graphic memory and high level of intelligence. However, Melody can’t talk or walk. Being “stuck in her head” is making her go “out of her mind,” until she discovers something that will allow her to speak her mind. If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for?

In The Library...

by artist Ross K.

Where AmI?

Recognize these two im-ages? Can you remember where you saw each one in the building? Hints: Main Building and Flower Hill

Building.

and

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Semester I 2014

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Opinions stated here are those of the author, not the P.W.U.F.S.D. or Spartan Times Staff.Vol. 11, Issue 1

Random Things and Quirky Dings

One day during our newspaper meeting, we found a fi le entitled, “Gaxing Wibbous.” We opened it up and we found a face with the words Gaxing Wibbous. There was no name and absolutely no proof of what or who the artist was. We looked Gaxing Wibbous up online and Gaxing Gibbous came up. The newspaper team looked at what Gaxing Gibbous is and realized that is a moon. A fellow reporter thought that the face on Gaxing Wib-bous was meant to be from the children’s story, The Man on the Moon. Some may think that the drawing was meant to show Neil Arm-strong’s courageous journey to put the American fl ag on the moon. People had many different opinions about what it could be. We are still confused!

GAXING WIBOUS-REVEAL YOURSELF!

Fifa Soccer 14 is a soccer video game on Androids, iOS, Ni-tendo 3DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Portable, Play Station Vita, Wii, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. It is proven that each Fifa Soccer game has been predicted to do better than the last. Fifa 13 landed 9th top selling game last year which means that Fifa 14 should go even higher in the rankings. A great concept to look out for in Fifa Soc-cer 14 is the skill games. The skill games are a lot of fun. One skill game is when you receive the ball and have to pass it into the lit-up golden net. Another better concept to point out is its graphics. Its high-tech, modern graphics are incred-ible. The player can now also play with a friend online or in “play now” against someone else and their friend to create a 2 on 2. A new idea in Fifa is the track-run of the game. The more you make smart decisions in your gameplay, the more the track runs in your favor. As you can see, Fifa Soccer 14 is a great game overall. I hope you enjoyed my review of Fifa Soccer 14. If you have any sug-gestions of games to review please email me at weber@portnet.k12.ny.us.

Fifa Soccer 14by Jordan M

There were only traces of footsteps in the great hall, segments of clatter and destruction fol-lowed. “I can’t fi nd it anywhere, Maxwell,” the voices spoke, not making any effort to be secretive. “Just shut up for a little, I can’t hear myself think. Jeez, rookies,” Another snapped back. The china cups clattered to the garnet fl oor, “Maxwell, what in the world do you think you’re doing? We only have one job, grab it and get the heck out of here. I knew I would regret bring you

along.” I hugged my knees, my ear pressed against the cold fl oor trying to hear the men talking behind the closet door. “I can’t fi nd anything Fenderson!” The hysterical voice boomed, “Why is this so important? They don’t have it. It’s not in this house.” The man sounded, although almost to tears, quite frightening to her. “Don’t you ever shut up? It’s here, it’s got to be.” The second man, whom was nearing my crafty hiding place, was indeed becoming more intent on fi nding this anonymous item. It was obvious he wasn’t leaving without it. I heard the coach cushions fall, and then the curtains torn. “We’re supposed to be quiet Maxwell!” “Shut up already Fenderson!” One of the men elbowed the other, and he groaned painfully. “We need to concentrate; we got, like, fi ve min-utes left. Katherine needs the box, and I intend on giving it to her. Got it?” “I know the plan,” The second man whispered.“Then you know that Katherine put me in charge.”“Yes,” “Good. Get a move on then.” I hardly dared to breathe as they neared her. I hugged my knees tighter to prevent making shadows on the wood fl oor. “Katherine said there’d be a girl here,” Maxwell recalled whispering over his partner’s shoulder. “Must’ve run away to Mommy and Daddy,” Fenderson snickered grabbing something on the bed-

side table. “Check under the bed, than the curtains, and then the closet, make it snappy Maxwell.” I took a sharp intake of breath as I moved myself nearer to the shoe rack. My mother seemed to

have a walk in closet dedicated to her and her shoes. The racks were big and bulky and I slid be-hind them.

I laid down on my side, facing the green wall, trying to cover up my beach blonde hair. The book-shelf fell on the fl oor, books spilling everywhere, and the mumble of disappointed voices aroused.

“Check the closet than we’re out of here. I’m calling Katherine,” Fenderson’s normal low menac-ing voice rang loudly.

The man slid open the door to the closet, I trying to hide herself, was unable to see Maxwell. She turned onto her back, knocking down the shoes revealing myself to Maxwell. “Well would you look at what we have here,” he smiled wickedly. *pseudonym

Who is GAXING WIBBOUS?by Hannah D

Chapter Oneby Nora J.*

Marcie’s P.O.V

Semester I 2014

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Random Things and Quirky DingsOpinions stated here are those of the authors, not the P.W.U.F.S.D. or Spartan Times Staff.Vol. 11, Issue 1

A lot of people are pleased to say that the food in Weber Middle School is better than the food in el-ementary school, which increases the amount of people buying lunch! Not everyone agrees with my opinion. Many students believe that the food can still be better. Most people love the food in Weber, but a small amount of people have some opinions, such as we should have more choices, there should be more dessert choices, and we should have more fresh fruit. The major problem that people had is the food choices are limited when lunch two begins. People in lunch one seem to get more choices than people in lunch two. That’s a major problem for all of us. Also, students who wear braces agree that they should have more sliced fruit. I don’t think that people want food or fruit stuck in their braces! Believe it or not, of the students I inter-viewed, half agree the food should change a lit-tle bit, but most people like the food the way it is. Change or not, it’s up to the lunch ladies!

Cafeteria Food In Weberby: Lois C.

Sixth graders playing on a middle school sports team is a very controversial topic. Kids think they are big, strong, and tall enough to play real com-petitive sports, and with older seventh and eighth graders. Do you know why sixth graders cannot par-ticipate in school sports? Sixth graders are not big compared to seventh and eighth graders. Also, most sixth graders have not gone through their growth spurt, have weaker muscles, and weaker bone structures. As a 6th grader, for the reasons I have stated, I do understand the reasons why New York State has a law that does not allow sixth graders to play middle school sports.

Why Not 6th Grade Sports?by Jordan M.

Calling all freelance writers

and photographers!!!

Adult and student freelance writers and pho-tographers are always encouraged to share their Weber news and photos. Please email the Spartan Times with your news and photos to:

weber@portnet.k12.ny.us

Semester I 2014

Comics and PuzzlesOpinions stated here are those of the authors, not the P.W.U.F.S.D. or Spartan Times Staff.Vol. 11, Issue 1

Welcome Back, Kay and Ray! by Mr. Santoli

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Semester I 2014

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Comics and PuzzlesOpinions stated here are those of the authors, not the P.W.U.F.S.D. or Spartan Times Staff.Vol. 11, Issue 1

BLUE HOUSE BINDER RECESS CLASSES GREEN HOUSE LIBRARY MIDDLE SCHOOL RED HOUSE STUDENT TEACHER WEBER

YELLOW HOUSE BACKPACK CAFE CLUBSNOTEBOOKS

Weber Wordsby Hannah D.

Semester I 2014

Winter I Teams and Coaches

Spartan Sports Vol. 11, Issue 1 Semester 1 2014Winter II Teams and Coaches

Girls’ Basketball 8 Red with Coach Hutchinson (above)Boys’ Volleyball 8 Red with Coach Giamanco (above)

Boys’ Wrestlin 7th/8th Blue with Coaches O’Connor and Braddish (above)

Boys’ Volleyball 7 white with Coach Patterson (above) Girls’ Basketball 7 White with Coach Cain (above) fi nished the season with a win vs. North Shore on Tuesday, March 20. The score was 27-15. Heather led the team with 10 points. Sophie and Caitlin led the team from the point guard position. Ava, Lilly, Annabel, overtime hero Emma, Arden, Automn, Maya and Emily played outstanding defense. Zeina Julia C., Julia B., Eden, Lisa, and Tara grabbed all of the rebounds. The girls had an outstanding season, fi nishing 8-3.

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SWIM AND DIVE TEAM NEWSby Mr. J. Lennon

The Girls’ Varsity Swimming and Dive team took part in the Nassau County Section 8 Championship last fall. 8th grad-er Molly McL. qualifi ed for the 500 freestyle, Annabelle C. fi n-ished 7th in the 200 freestyle with a personal best time of 1:59:99. 7th grader Carter S. also qualifi ed for the 100 backstroke in her fi rst season of competition. Congratulations to all Weber students who had a great season with the Varsity Swim and Dive Team!

Spartan Sports Vol. 11, Issue 1 Semester 1 2014Fall and Winter I Teams and Coaches

Girls’ Volleyball 7 White with Coach Patterson (above)

Boys’ Basketball 7 White with Coach Spotteck (above) fi nished their season with an 8-3 record, winning the last six games in a row.

Girls’ Volleyball 8 Red with Coach Giamanco (above) Boys’ Basketball 8 Red with Coach Shackel (above) fi n-ished their season with a 4-7 record. The boys showed great im-provement throughout the season, and they were competitive in most of their games. The boys were extremely dedicated and dis-played great enthousiasm at every practice. “I found it very reward-ing to work with them on a daily basis, and I wish them the best of luck as they move on to the high school,” said Coach Shackel.

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Port Washington Union Free School DistrictBoard of Education 2013-2014

Karen Sloan, PresidentWilliam Hohauser, Vice President

Alan Baer, Larry Greenstein, Nora Johnson, Vernon McDermott, Christine Nadolne

Kathleen A. Mooney, Ed.D., Superintendant of SchoolsDr. Wafa Deeb-Westervelt, Asst. Supt. for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Elaine Fennick, Human Resources AdministratorMary M. Callahan, Asst. Supt. for Business

Spartan SportsFall Teams and Coaches, continued Semester 1 2014Vol. 11, Issue 1

Girls’ Field Hockey 8 Red with Coach Hutchinson (above) Girls’ Field Hockey 7 White with Coach Adams (above)

Girls’ Tennis with Coach Travis (above) Girls’ Cross Country 7/8 with Coach McDonald (above)

Boys’ Cross Country 7/8 with Coach O’Connor (above)Boys’ Soccer 8 Red (above). Coach: Mr. Baudo: UNDEFEATED!

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Spartan SportsSemester 1, 2014

Girls’ Soccer 8 Red with Coach Spotteck (above): UNDEFEATED!

Boys’ Soccer 7 White with Coach Braddish (above): UNDEFEATED!Girls’ Soccer 7 White, Coach Silverman (above): UNDEFEATED!

Boys’ Football 8 Red with Coaches Holzer and Novinski (above) Boys’ Football 7 White with Coach Barbara and Trottier(above)

Vol. 11, Issue 1Fall, Winter I and II Teams and

Coaches

My friend Finn and I interviewed Weber’s Athletic Direc-tor, Mr. Kevin Baudo. I asked him about the athletic programs at Weber and what is offered to students throughout the year. Mr. Bau-do was happy to answer our questions about Athletics at Weber. At Weber, there are four seasons of sports, Fall, Winter 1, Win-ter 2, and Spring. In the Fall, 7th and 8th grade sport teams are boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’ football, girls’ fi eld hockey, boys’ and girls’ cross country, and girls’ tennis. Those sports began in the middle of Septem-ber to the end of October. Also, there are nine games for each sport. The teams did amazing! Both of the boys’ Soccer teams went undefeated!!! Winter teams also had a great season. Now, it is time for Spring sports. Mr. Baudo said that with twelve teams meeting every day either before or after school, there are a large number of Weber students participating on teams. Mr. Baudo maintains the athletics website, too. Students and parents can see team pictures, schedules, directions, medi-cal clearance information, as well as cancellations whenever the weather changes. See the website at www.portnet.k12.ny.us/we-ber and then click on “Athletics” under the “Departments” tab. It was great to interview Mr. Baudo!!

WEBER SPORTSby Justin K.