By Shemika Pope
Last Tuesday March 4, 2008 was the assembly on life decisions and most importantly, abstinence. The genders split up with the girls heading to the auditorium and the boys off to the gym. Gust speaker Sally Ladky talked with the ladies while Brother Bob Smith and Mr. Jeff Monday as well as other male teachers spoke to the males.
Ladky spoke about many things, but her main target was to teach the girls “how to have the best sex.” This meant not to have sex but rather to wait for marriage when sex will be at its best. The things she brought up encouraged some and even discouraged others from having sex. “Her words made me think and want to wait to have sex and children [until] after marriage,” stated freshman Kalonda Johnson.
The difference between gentlemen’s and ladies' emotions, was also discussed as well as what women do and how we think about our actions and emotions. The girls were compared to egg noodles and a crock pot, while boys were compared to ego waffles and microwaves.
Statistics mentioned were very shocking especially since today’s generation typically will not marry their high school sweethearts.
Most of the girls believed these numbers and were surprised. “I thought the things she said were very shocking. The shocking point was girls loose their virginity at age 17.5,” stated junior Jekya Johnson.
To some of the students this discussion was nothing the students have not heard before. So maybe Ms. Ladky’s words went in one ear and out the other.
Senior Brittnay Mason and sophomore Precious Venable agreed. Brittnay Mason says she knew everything from other sex education. “I’ve experienced everything the speaker said.” Venable says she has already “had the talk” with her parents so this was nothing new.
I honestly think Ms. Ladky was speaking the truth but exaggerated her point, and luckily she was not also talking to the girls as if they were bad people if they have had sex already. I also think she was just trying to convince ladies to wait until marriage and that everybody makes mistakes and its what you do after the mistake.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Students reach out and read at Kagel Elementary School
By Christopher Hernandez and Martia Hunt
.JPG)
Messmer’s first pen pal education field trip took place on February 26th 2008. The exchange was with high school Spanish students and Kagel Elementary students.
Over a dozen high school students traveled to Kagel Elementary School located at 12th Mineral on Milwaukee’s Southside. Both sides took part in the exchange to interact in a foreign language, and they even got experience some Mexican food tasting.
Ms. Cristina Edgar organized and set up the trip weeks before for her third hour Spanish III class. We want to “let students from each school meet and share language and skills.” In preparation students from high school translated common children’s books into Spanish, which they read to the younger kids.
After arriving at the elementary school, the teens were greeted with a song in Spanish. Students were then divided into groups that shared storybooks and fairy tales. Afterwards, a lunch of tortillas, salsa, beans, Mexican drink and chorizo were served to teachers and students. This time allowed for students to interact and share a more complete sense of the culture.
Senor Christina Harvey described this experience as, “A moment and trip I’ll never forget.” These words defiantly were in the minds of high school student after leaving the elementary school. At the end of the day students said their goodbyes and planned to meet again.
.JPG)
Messmer’s first pen pal education field trip took place on February 26th 2008. The exchange was with high school Spanish students and Kagel Elementary students.
Over a dozen high school students traveled to Kagel Elementary School located at 12th Mineral on Milwaukee’s Southside. Both sides took part in the exchange to interact in a foreign language, and they even got experience some Mexican food tasting.
Ms. Cristina Edgar organized and set up the trip weeks before for her third hour Spanish III class. We want to “let students from each school meet and share language and skills.” In preparation students from high school translated common children’s books into Spanish, which they read to the younger kids.
After arriving at the elementary school, the teens were greeted with a song in Spanish. Students were then divided into groups that shared storybooks and fairy tales. Afterwards, a lunch of tortillas, salsa, beans, Mexican drink and chorizo were served to teachers and students. This time allowed for students to interact and share a more complete sense of the culture.
Senor Christina Harvey described this experience as, “A moment and trip I’ll never forget.” These words defiantly were in the minds of high school student after leaving the elementary school. At the end of the day students said their goodbyes and planned to meet again.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
We've got spirit
The Lady Bishop's basketball team went down with a fight during the Regional Championship game...and with strong supporters!
Monday, February 18, 2008
School shootings - but not in our house
By Ashley Sartin
It started at Columbine High School in 1999 and continues on with the most recent slaughter at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Both of these events have something in common: they both have taken place in educational settings. From high school to high quality universities, these types of massacres make one wonder what the security plans are in place at our own school.
Wednesday, February 13th, around 3:00 p.m. was when the shots rang out. Seven people were killed, and about seventeen others injured. Reports acknowledged that the gunman, Stephen Kazmierczak, had recently stopped taking his medication and became erratic in his actions. This may have been what led him to harm and to take the lives of other students and finally his own.
By carrying the two guns in a guitar case that for most was considered a regular day. Kazmierczak came to his final destination - where he would as many others would be seen for the last time - to Cole Hall. He came from behind the stage and started firing shots in the geology class. Soon as his rampage was over, just like other gunman in the past, Kazmierczak shot himself too, falling unto the stage.
But this is in Illinois. What about here at Messmer?
Patrick Fennesy, Campus Safety Director for Messmer Catholic Schools, has confirmed that Messmer does have a safety policy in place if something were to ever happen like the Columbine High School shooting. Fennesy has been involved in law enforcement for fifteen years. From being with the Milwaukee Police, Sate Police, a security guard for Governor Thompson, to being a U.S. Marshall, Mr. Fennesy has a lot of experience maintaining security. “We review and up-date the safety pan every year,” noted Fennesy.
For many students they feel like the security cameras are just for being nosey and invading in their privacy but in all actuality they are there to know what’s going on, and who is coming in and out of our school. “We know and see everything that happens, from outside of school to right on the front steps,” confirmed Fennesy.
As you can see, walking through the front doors of the school, we don’t have metal detectors. But we have security that are on top of their game. So, we don’t have to worry about things like the NIU and the Columbine shootings happening here.
It started at Columbine High School in 1999 and continues on with the most recent slaughter at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Both of these events have something in common: they both have taken place in educational settings. From high school to high quality universities, these types of massacres make one wonder what the security plans are in place at our own school.
Wednesday, February 13th, around 3:00 p.m. was when the shots rang out. Seven people were killed, and about seventeen others injured. Reports acknowledged that the gunman, Stephen Kazmierczak, had recently stopped taking his medication and became erratic in his actions. This may have been what led him to harm and to take the lives of other students and finally his own.
By carrying the two guns in a guitar case that for most was considered a regular day. Kazmierczak came to his final destination - where he would as many others would be seen for the last time - to Cole Hall. He came from behind the stage and started firing shots in the geology class. Soon as his rampage was over, just like other gunman in the past, Kazmierczak shot himself too, falling unto the stage.
But this is in Illinois. What about here at Messmer?
Patrick Fennesy, Campus Safety Director for Messmer Catholic Schools, has confirmed that Messmer does have a safety policy in place if something were to ever happen like the Columbine High School shooting. Fennesy has been involved in law enforcement for fifteen years. From being with the Milwaukee Police, Sate Police, a security guard for Governor Thompson, to being a U.S. Marshall, Mr. Fennesy has a lot of experience maintaining security. “We review and up-date the safety pan every year,” noted Fennesy.
For many students they feel like the security cameras are just for being nosey and invading in their privacy but in all actuality they are there to know what’s going on, and who is coming in and out of our school. “We know and see everything that happens, from outside of school to right on the front steps,” confirmed Fennesy.
As you can see, walking through the front doors of the school, we don’t have metal detectors. But we have security that are on top of their game. So, we don’t have to worry about things like the NIU and the Columbine shootings happening here.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Bench press and squat...can you handle it?
The muscle man himself, Mr. Price, hosted the Messmer Bench PRESS and Squat Competition on January 9th after school. This was the chance for all Messmer students AND staff members to show what they were made of or basically, how strong they are.
“I was very overwhelmed to see the audience that came to support the event”, expressed Mr. Price with a warm smile. There were freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, teachers, staff, cheerleaders, parents and other family members, and alumni coming out to show their support that night. They cheered for one another hoping for them to do their best at either the bench presses or the squats. The Messmer family love was in the air.
This year's theme, “Build One Another Up”, was a key element shown that night. Mr. Price has done a wonderful job with the Fitness Club. There is no “negative” vibe about that.
The people who participated in the competition put a lot of hard work into their area. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they were practicing after school with Mr. Price .
With all the hard work put into this event everything went smoothly. The students did everything that they knew they had to do to accomplish what they needed to accomplish. They made everyone proud especially Mr. Price. This bench press and squat competition was not just for the Fitness Club members. By doing this bench press and squat competition Mr. Price hopes to gain more members of the Fitness Club.
Another Bench Press and Squat competition will be hosted again in May 2008. Mr. Price is looking for more members for the Fitness Club and member to join the competition. Members are welcome to join whenever just have a sheet sign by a parent which you can get from Mr. Price.
As the students joke about how Mr. Price was going to win the competition between the faculties at bench press, he had no idea that he was going to win. He felt that since Mr. Gonzalez is strong as well that he would of won but, “When you work hard and give the time and effort good things happen” Mr. Price shared with sincerity.
Hopefully in May 2008 there will be more students and faculty in the Bench Press/Squat competition. Mr. Price is doing wonderful things with the Fitness Club and by doing this Bench Pres/Squat competition. I would like to tell him good job and keep up the good work. I am truly looking forward to the nest competition.
Monday, January 21, 2008
What did you give for Christmas?
By Isaiah Jordan
From the end of October to the middle of December stores promote sales of the season. As these sales are promoted on our televisions, newspapers, and internet we think about everything we should buy for our friends and family for various reasons. One of these reasons may be to show just how much we care for another person. Another reason may be just to show who can buy the most expensive gift, but either way you spin the bottle you may end up giving to someone.
This past Christmas, according to Channel 12 news, the sales of the season was surprisingly low. This scared the major companies that promote these Christmas sales. Luckily, a few days before this special day arrived the sales started to skyrocket and people began to show the true spirit of the Christmas consumer. Montrey Slayton, senior, falls into this consumer category. He bought his mother a chocolate fountain for Christmas. Even though he purchased this pricy piece of merchandise he still says, “The greatest gift that a person could ever give someone is love.”
Many times we give with necessity or in expectancy of always receiving something in return and in most cases we do receive something in return. This presents the question, how does giving impact your life. Corey Williams, sophomore, clearly stated: “Giving is better than receiving.” In our ideal world we see giving as something that we are required to do for various reason, and what the true test to see how giving is really impacting our lives is to give a gift and not have that same person give you something back. Did this happen to you this Christmas?
How much would you be willing to spend on a Christmas gift? Maybe you would be willing to spend twenty, fifty, one- hundred, or two- hundred dollars for a family member or close friend? Niecy Anderson, freshman, thinks that “it depends on who it is. If it is someone like family or close friends I would spend two- hundred or over.” Oftentimes we believe the price tag matches the amount of love you have for that person. In actuality, the most heart filled gifts could be something you created and not an item you can buy out of the store. Unfortunately, because of this mentality we believe that we must spend large amounts of money to express our affection.
Samon Williams, junior, did not have this problem snce the best gift she gave was, “words of wisdom.” This, in many cases, is exactly what we need during the Christmas season because some people don’t have the family and friends that a lot of people have. This is a part of building one another up and is not just something that should be practiced doing this particular season but should be exemplified every season throughout the year.
Even though 2007’s Christmas has past the giving spirit can still be shown in 2008. Wither your gift is materialistic or non-materialistic when you give think about how it touches them. You can give good things or bad things, but remember bloggers, whatever you give somehow it will come back to you.
From the end of October to the middle of December stores promote sales of the season. As these sales are promoted on our televisions, newspapers, and internet we think about everything we should buy for our friends and family for various reasons. One of these reasons may be to show just how much we care for another person. Another reason may be just to show who can buy the most expensive gift, but either way you spin the bottle you may end up giving to someone.
This past Christmas, according to Channel 12 news, the sales of the season was surprisingly low. This scared the major companies that promote these Christmas sales. Luckily, a few days before this special day arrived the sales started to skyrocket and people began to show the true spirit of the Christmas consumer. Montrey Slayton, senior, falls into this consumer category. He bought his mother a chocolate fountain for Christmas. Even though he purchased this pricy piece of merchandise he still says, “The greatest gift that a person could ever give someone is love.”
Many times we give with necessity or in expectancy of always receiving something in return and in most cases we do receive something in return. This presents the question, how does giving impact your life. Corey Williams, sophomore, clearly stated: “Giving is better than receiving.” In our ideal world we see giving as something that we are required to do for various reason, and what the true test to see how giving is really impacting our lives is to give a gift and not have that same person give you something back. Did this happen to you this Christmas?
How much would you be willing to spend on a Christmas gift? Maybe you would be willing to spend twenty, fifty, one- hundred, or two- hundred dollars for a family member or close friend? Niecy Anderson, freshman, thinks that “it depends on who it is. If it is someone like family or close friends I would spend two- hundred or over.” Oftentimes we believe the price tag matches the amount of love you have for that person. In actuality, the most heart filled gifts could be something you created and not an item you can buy out of the store. Unfortunately, because of this mentality we believe that we must spend large amounts of money to express our affection.
Samon Williams, junior, did not have this problem snce the best gift she gave was, “words of wisdom.” This, in many cases, is exactly what we need during the Christmas season because some people don’t have the family and friends that a lot of people have. This is a part of building one another up and is not just something that should be practiced doing this particular season but should be exemplified every season throughout the year.
Even though 2007’s Christmas has past the giving spirit can still be shown in 2008. Wither your gift is materialistic or non-materialistic when you give think about how it touches them. You can give good things or bad things, but remember bloggers, whatever you give somehow it will come back to you.
Bucks are improving
By Kisha Birmingham
The Bradley Center fans roared at the Atlanta Hawk’s missed shots when the Milwaukee Bucks secured their lead by four points while ending in a victory on January 16th.
With the winning score of 87 to 80, the Bucks continue they’re winning streak and earn a number four spot in the conference.
As the cold season continues to overwhelm Wisconsin with illnesses, Mo Williams, point guard, was out of the game on Wednesday due to flu-like symptoms he had the day before. He was replaced with Royal Ivey, who came in with six assists.
Injuries were popular causes of people not seeing familiar faces on the court. Desmond Mason, a guard-forward, is out for eight weeks due to torn ligaments in his thumb. You won’t see David Noel, a forward, playing for about for weeks because of the surgery he had on his wrist.
Andrew Bogut attains 21 points for the Milwaukee Bucks and he kept the crowd going wild. Along with four blocks and ten rebounds.
“No matter what happens, he always makes a way for us to come up. This man is unstoppable!” says Avery Alfred who has been a Bucks fan for over 30 years.
Milwaukee’s favorite player, Michael Redd, still did not straggle too far behind. He carried in 17 victory points.
A rookie by the name of Yi Jianlian acquired 16 points for the Bucks. As grasping sounds came out of the audience from shock and excitement, it seems as if it won’t be long before Jianlian is a favorite from Milwaukee
Even though it was not considered a “full house” yesterday, the sports fan spirit stayed in the air and in the mouths of Milwaukeeans.
The game was topped off with Bogut’s dunk off of Bobby Simmon’s clear pass. Hopefully, the Bucks will keep their state satisfied by continuing their winning streak and take their conference into triumph.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Youth leadership
By Justine Shorter
The world is always in search of tomorrow’s great leasers, and Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI) is where most of them can be found.
GYLI is a four year program that introduces students to new and inventive ways of bringing forth social change in their schools and communities. The institute grants students the opportunity to travel while meeting other teens across the country that also yearn to make a difference in the often arduous world around them.
Participants work hard in searching for solutions to pestering high school problems and inconvenient matters affecting those in the community such as crime rates and pertinent health issues.
Since Messmer has never had a shortage of teenage leadership, it is no wonder that some of our brightest and most talented students are a part of the program. Isaiah Jordon, sophomore, joined the institute as a freshman and proclaims that fun, growth and development are all concomitant with being a part of GYLI.
“I would stress that there are a lot of responsibilities that come with being a part of GYLI, but it is a very beneficial program that offers such a unique experience,” explained Jordon.
Jordan declares that the program is not only socially and intellectually stimulating, but it also brought him full circle with himself and who he truly is internally.
“I learned more about myself. The program helps you to define who you really are and to strengthen who you are."
When in Boston, Mass. Jordan sailed on a spectacular ship, and although he describes it as one of his most memorable moments, he can’t overlook the friendships that were formed and the life changing lessons that were learned.
“The best thing about being around so many so different people is that you get a chance to think outside the box and you get to observe different ideals. It‘s a great program, and I would encourage anybody to check it out,” he disclosed.
If your are interested in learning more about the Global Youth Leadership Institute please feel free to contact Ms. Burkel or Mr. Grissel.
The world is always in search of tomorrow’s great leasers, and Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI) is where most of them can be found.
GYLI is a four year program that introduces students to new and inventive ways of bringing forth social change in their schools and communities. The institute grants students the opportunity to travel while meeting other teens across the country that also yearn to make a difference in the often arduous world around them.
Participants work hard in searching for solutions to pestering high school problems and inconvenient matters affecting those in the community such as crime rates and pertinent health issues.
Since Messmer has never had a shortage of teenage leadership, it is no wonder that some of our brightest and most talented students are a part of the program. Isaiah Jordon, sophomore, joined the institute as a freshman and proclaims that fun, growth and development are all concomitant with being a part of GYLI.
“I would stress that there are a lot of responsibilities that come with being a part of GYLI, but it is a very beneficial program that offers such a unique experience,” explained Jordon.
Jordan declares that the program is not only socially and intellectually stimulating, but it also brought him full circle with himself and who he truly is internally.
“I learned more about myself. The program helps you to define who you really are and to strengthen who you are."
When in Boston, Mass. Jordan sailed on a spectacular ship, and although he describes it as one of his most memorable moments, he can’t overlook the friendships that were formed and the life changing lessons that were learned.
“The best thing about being around so many so different people is that you get a chance to think outside the box and you get to observe different ideals. It‘s a great program, and I would encourage anybody to check it out,” he disclosed.
If your are interested in learning more about the Global Youth Leadership Institute please feel free to contact Ms. Burkel or Mr. Grissel.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Charity and donations for the holiday
By Theolia Childs, Senior
This was the season for sharing and giving to families who were not able afford a good warm-cooked meal. Messmer Catholic Schools held the House of Peace drive for the last four years in which students and faculty help with.
As campus minister, Mr. Hauser put boxes together as he began to notice that students were hardly participating. That is when competition began to increase for the students since the winning class of the food drive would win a jeans day pass.
“I was worried at first, but then I was amazed on how students were doing with donations,” said Hauser.
When it was finished, Messmer donated 228 boxes and collected over 5,000 items.
For the most part students and faculty had a fun and competitive experience. The class of 2011 won a free Jeans Day followed by 2nd place seniors, 3rd place sophomores, and finally the junior class.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Book Review: "Manderlay Prep"
By Gloria Brookens
Rumors, rumors, rumors. Who has not had a rumor created about them! No matter where you live or where you go, there are going to be rumors. They can be about you or someone you call a friend. Whoever they might be about, rumors will always hurt especially when they are a sharp knife that cuts deeply into your skin -- or the ones that graze the surface like a paper cut.
Rumors can be from some you do not even know sometimes, but how to deal with it when the rumors are spreading from someone you live in the same household? Are you supposed to ignore or spread some about them? The best way to make people realize that a rumor is just a rumor is by letting that truth become known.
Manderley Prep is full of the popular or the geeks. On campus everyone have money and wear the best of clothes. Never seen with last issue clothing on; they are there to impress. What they are impressing is not the books or the teacher but each other.
We all have heard or read the fairy tale Cinderella. In the book, Cindy really does live that life. When her father passed away her stepmother and two evil stepsisters continue to live in the house her father own and make her feel like she is nothing.
Entering high school with her evil stepsisters who are seniors they began to spread rumors. They tell her that they cannot be seen with her. She is not cool enough to be with them or even be known that they are related in any kind of way.
When the nice handsome kid comes to school his eye catches Cindy since she was the only one to do something when he drove past. Everyone looked at her and laughed but he thought something different. Her stepsisters soon come aware and know that they are to cute for him to pass. But will he pass up her two evil stepsisters for her? Or will he pass her for the two evil stepsisters because of the rumors going around about her?
Rumors, rumors, rumors. Who has not had a rumor created about them! No matter where you live or where you go, there are going to be rumors. They can be about you or someone you call a friend. Whoever they might be about, rumors will always hurt especially when they are a sharp knife that cuts deeply into your skin -- or the ones that graze the surface like a paper cut.
Rumors can be from some you do not even know sometimes, but how to deal with it when the rumors are spreading from someone you live in the same household? Are you supposed to ignore or spread some about them? The best way to make people realize that a rumor is just a rumor is by letting that truth become known.
Manderley Prep is full of the popular or the geeks. On campus everyone have money and wear the best of clothes. Never seen with last issue clothing on; they are there to impress. What they are impressing is not the books or the teacher but each other.
We all have heard or read the fairy tale Cinderella. In the book, Cindy really does live that life. When her father passed away her stepmother and two evil stepsisters continue to live in the house her father own and make her feel like she is nothing.
Entering high school with her evil stepsisters who are seniors they began to spread rumors. They tell her that they cannot be seen with her. She is not cool enough to be with them or even be known that they are related in any kind of way.
When the nice handsome kid comes to school his eye catches Cindy since she was the only one to do something when he drove past. Everyone looked at her and laughed but he thought something different. Her stepsisters soon come aware and know that they are to cute for him to pass. But will he pass up her two evil stepsisters for her? Or will he pass her for the two evil stepsisters because of the rumors going around about her?
Q & A about the Distance Learning Lab
1. What classes are offered to Messmer students in the distance learning lab?
Currently, students are taking Japanese and Medical Terminology. Next semester we are hoping to add a Sports and Entertainment Marketing class. Mr. Anderson also teaches a Law class that is broadcast to other schools from Messmer. There are many, many classes available in the network. If a student has a particular interest, they can always ask to see if we can provide the class.
2. What are the advantages of learning in a non-traditional classroom setting?
There are distance learning (with interaction via television or computer with other teachers and students) and online courses (primarliy using a computer/internet).
An advantage to both distance learning and online classes is the wide variety of courses available.
One advantage of the distance learning over an online course is the "real-time" interaction you have with your teacher and other students. You are able to ask questions and get clarifications immeidiately. A disadvantage might be that if you have a question outside the class, you would need to email/call the teacher or wait until the next class period to get a question answered.
3. Have you ever participated or taught an online course? If not would you recommend others to try it?
I've not taken distance learning classes, but I have taken a number of online classes. I would recommend both distance learning and online courses to individuals who are self-directed and are able to organize their time. I prefer the flexibility of asynchronous classes where you can participate in the discussion when it best fits your schedule.
Questions submitted from Justine Shorter
Currently, students are taking Japanese and Medical Terminology. Next semester we are hoping to add a Sports and Entertainment Marketing class. Mr. Anderson also teaches a Law class that is broadcast to other schools from Messmer. There are many, many classes available in the network. If a student has a particular interest, they can always ask to see if we can provide the class.
2. What are the advantages of learning in a non-traditional classroom setting?
There are distance learning (with interaction via television or computer with other teachers and students) and online courses (primarliy using a computer/internet).
An advantage to both distance learning and online classes is the wide variety of courses available.
One advantage of the distance learning over an online course is the "real-time" interaction you have with your teacher and other students. You are able to ask questions and get clarifications immeidiately. A disadvantage might be that if you have a question outside the class, you would need to email/call the teacher or wait until the next class period to get a question answered.
3. Have you ever participated or taught an online course? If not would you recommend others to try it?
I've not taken distance learning classes, but I have taken a number of online classes. I would recommend both distance learning and online courses to individuals who are self-directed and are able to organize their time. I prefer the flexibility of asynchronous classes where you can participate in the discussion when it best fits your schedule.
Questions submitted from Justine Shorter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
