Teen Hair Dying - Positives and Negatives

By: Ariel Belcher, CoyoteSince some parents do not

approve of minors dying their hair, we wanted to know what other teens thought of it.

Andrea, Kate, and Richardo, students at Desert Sands express their opinions on dying your hair.

“Any age I think they can dye their hair because they are in charge of that,” said Ricardo.

“Yes [it is bad to dye your hair] because sometimes you have to bleach it,” said Kate.

According to experience, Kate is right. In some cases, people with dark hair have to bleach their hair in order to get brighter colors.

“[People dye their hair] Maybe because they like a color and they want to see what it looks like,” said Kate.

People have different reasons for dying their hair, or not dying their hair.

“No, [I’ve never dyed my hair] because I just do not feel like dying my hair,” said Ricardo.

A majority of the teens interviewed chose red as a good color to dye their hair. Yet Ricardo had a good reason behind why he chose a different color.

“Black, because people wont say you are copying them,” said Ricardo.

“No, [I don’t find anything wrong with people dying their hair] it’s their hair not mine,” said Andrea.

To Recycle or Not to Recycle: That is the

QuestionBy: April Olivas, Hawk As students it is our job to take care of the world and keep it safe and healthy, but why are we not? It is good to recycle so we do not run out of materials that we need in order to stay alive. “Without trees, we can not survive, because trees clean out the air and oxygen,” said Clayton Michaud. If we do not save nature, we will hurt the animals. “Without animals the ecosystem, would collapse, and a lot of species would go extinct,” said Clayton Michaud. Saving the animals is important because we need them in order to survive. “We need to save the animals, because if we do not

support them, they would not support us anymore,” said Cordell Michaud. They are important just like each and every single person in this world. To let people know how important is to recycle, we should make advertisements, commercials, and billboards, to catch their attention. We need to spread the word and show people how important it is to save the earth! “We need a healthy and clean world,” said Xavier John. Keeping this world clean can make it healthier and better. We need to work together to make this a better planet. REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE!

THE SCORPION TIMESQUARTER 2, 2012 ISSUE NO. 5 DESERT SANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL

If you buy this type of gum the company who makes it will donate money to help plant a tree. Photo taken by April Olivas

Hey, Ladies! By: Mario Chilaco, RR

The world first heard the new YouTube sensation, “Gangnam Style” by PSY, on 15th of July, 2012

“I think Gangnam Style became famous because of its dance moves,” said Joel.

PSY has so many awesome dance moves, and Gangnam Style has so many views on YouTube.

People like the dance moves of PSY, and others like the beat, but both of these elements

create a perfect song to hear and relax for a while.

Gangnam Style is in another language, but Americans and other people around the world sing it.

“I wouldn’t sing the song with him, because I don’t understand what he is saying. I wouldn’t look cool,” said Ricardo Hernandez.

Many people around the world would like to meet PSY, and get his autograph.

Gangnam Style is not just a dance or a simple song;

Gangnam Style has become part of our daily lives. People use this song in parties, clubs, and much more.

“I like the dance moves of PSY,” said Ricardo. The song Gangnam Style has been accepted by the whole world.

FACEBOOK FAMOUS

Facebook is where it all begins. This is a photo of Lenny Perez who is well known on Facebook. Photo Taken by Cesilia Gonzalez

Facebook Famous People By: Cesilia Gonzalez, Coyote

Brandon Omar, Ayo Bryan, Ws That’s Barbie, and Lenny Perez are common names on Facebook; you could say they are Facebook Famous.

Did you know Facebook Famous people became famous on Facebook because of their looks, how they act and what they post on Facebook? They sometimes have fake profiles that people make for them and it allows them to start drama.

“Sometimes people are going to think it is the real them and give them a lot of likes,” said Connis. She also reported, “They have drama against each other because people want to have more likes.”

It’s true, Facebook Famous people get mad over little things that are immature. For example when Ws That’s Barbie gets into a little argument because people tell the truth about how they feel about her.

“People give them so many likes on how they dress and there looks,” said Patricia. This is true because if a boy/girl are cute, Facebook famous girls try to bet with them because they are cute and dress well.

People follow Facebook famous people on Twitter and Facebook but sometimes people create fake accounts for them.

“I believe that people make fake accounts for them because they might hate them so much,” said Patricia. After discussing this with top students, I think you should not become Facebook famous because of drama hook-ups, bullying, and break-ups. Be real on Facebook, not Facebook Famous!

SOCIAL NETWORK SECTION

DSMS Students State Their Opinion on Famous Youtubers By: Kimberly O’Neal, Hawk Desert Sands students say that Youtubers they like to watch are SMOSH, FreddyW, Dstrong, Superego, and Sergo Rosta. The main thing that intrigues Youtube fans, is that kids get a laugh out of every video they watch and also learn something from them. “They do things in regular life people would not do,” said Yosmely. Most kids like to watch funny videos made by Youtubers because they grab their attention by adding humor to their videos. “They add humor to everything they do and they’re also good at what they do, they’re not little kids just posting videos,” said Cordell. Desert Sands students say some Youtubers take real life situations and make the subject funny and also make kids aware of them. “I like how they are taking real life situations and making them funny,” said July. Some Youtubers are famous for their good advice and

adding humor to make videos intriguing to their viewers. “Some videos give kids advice to make good choices,” said July. DSMS students have their own opinion of what Youtubers they like to watch.

An example of a meme: Awkward moment in class where you shout out the wrong answer with confidance. Photo taken by Dammy Animashaun

Memes Taking Over The World

By: Dammy Animashaun, Hawk The world has evolved into a new kind of era, Memes.

They are expanding fast, producers are coming up with new funnies that are

“better than newspaper comics,” as stated by Jennifer Romero.

When you go to Google and look up funny pictures, half of the photos on Google are Memes. These photos are expanding globally from stores, games and even TV shows. These creators are inspiring a new generation.

If you think Memes are a waste of time, the average creator can make $1.5 billion dollars on social networks or Google.

“Memes will always be around for a long time no matter if you delete them or put hates or dislikes on them,” as stated by Humberto Contreas.

Memes are not always funny or friendly. Some of them are really obscene or messed up, not funny.

“Some people just waste their time creating these and should just stop before they get into trouble,”as stated by Keifhon Kowalski.

Memes…they will be around for decades to come.

SPORTS SECTION

Shoes to FillBy: Giovanni Rogel, Hawk

Desert Sands Basketball Team is considered this years “Dream Team” with their five starters who are well experienced, as well as other members of the team are building chemistry with one another. Although many people believe Desert Sands boy’s basketball team has the potential to win the championship there are people who doubt they will. “I believe all the talented players left last year,” claimed Eddie. The boy’s basketball team will have to turn doubters into believers by defeating Madison Meadows their toughest competition. Many people believe this is the only way to prove themselves worthy to school and themselves. “I think the Desert Sands basketball team will have to prove themselves by beating Madison Meadows,” answered Jesse. Ms. Alberti has proven that she knows the fundamentals of basketball. by leading last season’s team to the championship. She will not be the person to blame if

Desert Sands suffers a losing season. “Ms. Alberti knows what she is doing, she proved it last year,” said Eddie Furthermore, the boy’s basketball team has many students around campus hyped for this season. Most students believe Desert Sands will make it to the championship due to last year’s winning season and are hoping it continues this year. In other words, everyone is hoping for a repeat of last year but it is up to the boy’s basketball team to fulfill it. “I have my standards set for this years team very high,” stated Humberto.

Determined to win the championship, the DSMS boy basketball team will have to win as many games as possible at home where they have support from the crowd. Photo taken by Giovanni

Scorpions Boys Basketball At DSMS

By: Clinton Harrington, RRThe Scorpion Gym is

where it all goes down. This year they will be

hosting: Estrella, Atkinson, Castro, Meadows, Madison #1, and also Orangedale. This year we have everything; the talent, speed, height, and everything a team can ask for.

According to Adrian, “Madison Meadows will be competition because we always loose to them.”

Like last year, Clayton stated, “We have a good shot because we have everything a team needs.” Hopefully we win it all! Everyone has a passion for something but Adrian’s passion is basketball. He said, “I have been playing for a long time and I love to whoop on people and basketball helps me do it without having to be too physical.” During the season there is always one person that stands out. Adrian said, “It will be Juan or myself because we are very aggressive.”

With great minds thinking alike Clayton said, “Juan or Adrian will be the ones who stand out most because they are very aggressive and the best on the team.” “The game is very interesting because you have to stay consistent, focus, and have fast breaks” said Clayton.

This will be a season to remember for the boys basketball team.

Some of the cheerleaders at DSMS that dedicate their time to cheering.Photo taken by Joysophne Molina.

Scorpions With Pom-Poms!By: Joysophne Molina, Coyote

Desert Sands cheerleaders cheer on the Desert Sands basketball team at games.

Susana shared a common fear, “Jumps! because we all have to be exactly together and that’s hard.”

Most cheerleaders also have a fear of messing up in front of a crowd.

When asked if she had a fear, Reina responded, “Not really because I know if I mess up I could just get back and act like nothing happened.”

Cheerleaders are named “cheer” leader not “boo” leader because of their good attitude.

Alexis replied, “Yes, you have to have a good attitude because it could have an affect on your team.”

Cheerleaders often have good inspirations.

Dakota said, “Just to show leadership, support the team and school.”

Most people do not count cheerleading as sports, however to our cheerleaders that is what motivates them to their best.

Cheerleaders doing what they do best!Photo taken by Joysophe Molina

Let’s Go Scorpions!By: Reyna Preciado, Hawk Cheerleading at Desert Sands is not much different than at any other school. The situation of the cheerleaders varies, but in the end they are the basic cheerleaders working together as a family.

At games, cheerleaders are under a lot of pressure.“Practice is easy going but at games it is nerve wrecking,”

said Susana Alvarez. Most of the cheerleaders are afraid of messing up

because as motivation for the basketball players, they have to meet the inspirational standards. Making the transition from practice to the games is a struggle, but they can always get through it.

In some cheer squads, the cheerleaders dislike the coaches. That is not the case at Desert Sands.

“They are great coaches and I like how they are determined for us to be #1,” states Rachel Sanchez.

The coaches are a big part of the team and give the cheerleaders assistance when needed. What would the cheerleaders do without them?

Being involved in a sport is a good way to occupy your free after school time, although getting to meet new people and getting to make new friends is a bigger advantage.

Susana Alvarez claims, “My favorite part of cheer is the fact that I could do something after school and still hang out with friends.”

In the end, it is always worth it to be involved.Jumping is a major part of cheerleading. There are

several types of jumps like toe touch, hurkey, pike, and more. Each cheerleader has a favorite jump, like Alexis Rubio who says, “My favorite jump is the toe touch because I’m good at it, supposedly.” The jumps are the main reason why the cheers are exciting. Cheerleading consists of many different parts, but when put together it is a family of girls who go out to the games to cheer on the basketball players and have fun.

Just like how Alexis Rubio said, “My favorite part about cheer is cheering on the boys and girls basketball team,” which proves how dedicated they are to supporting the basketball players.

This is the cheerleading uniform the cheerleaders wear. Photo taken by Reyna Preciado

SPORTS SECTION CONTINUEDDribble, Pass, Shoot!

By: Kenyah Duran, HawkTall, short, fast but never slow

and always giving their all. You will never catch a Lady Scorpion giving up on or off the court. We practice hard preparing for the games to come.

Experts, Newbies, or in between, new additions were added to DSMS girls basketball team. For the players with more experience it is hard to take in new players every year knowing the effects that apply.

Paulina Marquez, a veteran for the team states, “It will be a struggle at first but if we all help each other out they may gradually get better.”

Estrella, Atkinson, Castro many may know these words as school names in the Cartwright School District. The Lady Scorpion Team competes against several schools in our district either walking away with a victory or loss to small errors during the game.

“Will DSMS dominate over the competition or not,” is what all the supportive fans are raving about.

Veteran to the team, Samantha Arias says, “I do not know, but if we work together, use our plays, and skills to our advantage we can surely dominate.

“SCORPION!” To any random person this is just a word being yelled out on the court, but to the players it is a play that can either make or break a team’s game. The object of the game is to have the most points at the end of the game. But, just how do you receive those points without the right maneuver.

Alejandra Marquez, a veteran player on the team says, “The plays don’t really have a huge impact but they do get us points which is what matters at the end.”

Is it true that the players are the ones that do all the work? I would think not. How do you believe that we get our plays, practice, and even the team formed? The coaches do not only do this but they support their players on and off the court. It is easy for them to not take any credit but in all reality their impact on the team is huge.

Reyna Preciado, a cheerleader states, “Any coach has a huge impact because they dedicate their time to supporting and helping all of their teams members.”

People may not know what the big idea of playing basketball really is, they may say it is just for fun or an extra activity after school, but for us basketball players it is what we eat, sleep, and breathe.

Still Alive!By: Susana Alvarez, HawkWhen you ask students at

DSMS if they believe the end of the world will come, you will find out that most of them do not believe in it. So why is the belief so popular? I surveyed DSMS students: Do you believe the end of the world will come on December 21, 2012? Most of them said “no.” “I think that assumption is dumb,” Kevin Ramirez replied. Even though you can see posts on Facebook or Twitter about the end of the world coming, you will rarely hear someone saying they truly believe it. What evidence do people have that the end of the world will not come? Some people relied on logic. “People have said things like that before… yet we’re still here,” Michael Dominguez reasoned. Other people relied on their religion. “Only God can decide,” Arlin Vega explained. “Do you not read the bible? Nobody knows when it is going to come!” exclaimed Ariana Gonzalez. How did this rumor or theory get so popular? Well many DSMS students heard it from various places. Some people like Arlin and Alberto Vega heard it from the famous movie 2012. “I heard it as early as 2010 in that one movie,” Alberto responded.

Other students, like Ariana Gonzalez and Kevin Ramirez, heard it from people at school. Some students might have heard it from the most random places you can imagine. “I saw a hobo on the street with a sign saying the end was on that day,” said Tallis Griffin. Well what would people do if it were true? You would be surprised to find out what people said. “I’d hire someone to kill me when I’m not expecting it… so I won’t go through it painfully,” Ariana said.

Other people like, Arlin Vega, decided to save the best for last. “I’d live it out,” Arlin stated. Surprisingly, some students would just go on with their lives. “I would just go home and keep doing whatever I was doing,” explained Alberto. In conclusion, we do not really know if the world is really going to end on December 21, 2012, but according to DSMS students it, most likely, will not.

CURRENT CONCERNS SECTION

Advice About Buying Presents for Your Boyfriend or GirlfriendBy: Kassandy Soto, Coyote

If you have trouble finding a gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend then follow these steps:

1.) Think about their interest, their hobbies, and their personality.

2.) How much are you going to spend on them?3.) What is there favorite mall and store?4.) Think about how to give it to them follow these steps,

and you will get them the best present ever!!

The first step, is to find out their interests, their hobbies, and how they are. Buy something that they think is cool, or something they think is cute. Get something that you could see on them, like their favorite brands.

I asked Alexis Rubio what she would like for her boyfriend to buy her and she said happily, “I would like a promise ring because it’s sweet!”

I also asked Tallis Griffin and he said, “Jordan’s, because they are my favorite type of shoes.”

The second step, is to find out how much you want to spend on their gifts. Think about how much you like them because if you really like them, then it is worth spending a lot on them. If you don’t like them, then it’s not worth spending a lot on them. Get them something that they deserve because if they really like you and they treat you right then, they deserve your presents.

I asked Reyna Preciado how much she would spend on her boyfriend and she replied, “As much as needed, because she would want him to feel special.”

I also asked Daimen Campbell, and he stated, “As much as they deserve, because if they do not treat me right, then I will not buy them anything!”

The third step, is to know where they like to shop. It is good to know their favorite places because you get to know their taste, and what they really like.

I asked Susana Alvarez what her favorite store in the mall was and she joyfully said, “Aero, it has pretty clothes and there are different types of clothes.”

I also asked Jasmine Cabrerea what her favorite store was, she replied “DD’s Discount because there are beautiful clothes and it’s cheap.”

Lastly, I asked Vanessa Alvarez what her favorite brands were, she yelled, “Jordan’s, Nike’s, and Converse because they are cool in their own ways!”

The last step, is to think of how to give it to them. You have to know if you are going to give it to them wrapped, or in a bag. Also, to surprise them or not too.

Vanessa Alvarez replied “As a surprise and in a bag because it’s more romantic and it looks better in a bag!” It is great to buy presents for your girlfriend or boyfriend but keep these steps in mind!

These are just some of the gifts you could buy your boyfriend or girlfriend this holiday season. Photo taken by Kassandy Soto

Movie Review on Breaking Dawn Part Two

By: Alexis Rubio, Coyote Students at Desert Sands Middle School think Breaking Dawn Part Two is a fantastic movie because it has a lot of emotional parts and action. Students reactions on Breaking Dawn Part Two varied.

“I laughed during the part when Jacob was taking off his clothes in front of Bella’s dad. Isn’t that disturbing?” Susana Alvarez said.

“On the other hand, I thought Breaking Dawn Part Two was a thriller that ended a perfect series,’’ Kenya Duran said. Teenagers explained Breaking Dawn Part Two, as emotional and very cool.

“I thought the movie was crazy and I would love to watch it again,” Latina Mequita said joyfully. Kenya Duran said, “I went to the drive-in to watch Breaking Dawn Part Two because less people go there.’’ Adrian Villalobos claims, “I went to watch the movie at 101 in Tolleson because I always go there to watch movies with my family.” As a result, “I think a lot of students watched the movie because it was the last of the series,’’ Susana Alvarez explained.

“I think half of the school watched it,’’ Latina Mequita said. Last but not least, I think we should all agree that Breaking Dawn Part Two is the best movie ever! After hearing all these fantastic answers, are you a Breaking Dawn Part Two fan?

TRENDS SECTION

Desert Sands Middle School Dance

By: Rodolfo Dominguez, Hawk DSMS dances have periodically changed over the last couple of years making people enjoy them more and more, or perhaps people are starting to dislike them due to the restrictions that have been made. One of the rules that was made for the dances is to only allow people in with school IDs from this year only. No one else is allowed in without one. This rule was made to keep students safe from any strangers or unknown “students” who are not from the school.

A question was made if people with or without an ID should be allowed to participate (even if they do not go to DSMS) in the dance.

Ashley, a 6th grader, who has gone to her first school dance, states that “Admistrators should keep it the way it is so no people with weapons get in.”

Meaning that if anyone were allowed in, things in the school dance could go horribly wrong and someone can possibly get injured.

BUT, Taylor, another 6th grader states, ”Anyone should be allowed in so it can be fair for everyone.”

Who Might Be the Top Ten Artists of the Year?

By: Keyla Moreno, RR There are many great artists like Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne, One Direction, Justin Bieber, and Pink, but who will be the top ten artists of the year? The British boy band, One Direction, and Justin Bieber were the most commented among girl teenagers. “I think One Direction deserves the most recognition because they have worked really hard to get here and have won may awards,” says Vanessa. With their new albums and tours, One Direction and Justin Bieber have been really hot this year. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Drake are the most popular artists that teenage boys chose for the top ten. “Kanye West is a really good singer. His music is fun and he is really smart,” said Adolfo.

I agree with him. Kanye West has been really expressive with his new pumping music this year. “One Direction deserves to be on this list because they have been working really hard, and Justin Bieber does not because he is always getting into trouble,” said Jasmine. Even though many Bieber fans do not agree, it does not mean Justin Bieber is a bad musician. After all, these artists have been competing against each other for the number one spot for two years. This year there have been many slow and dance songs. “I like both slow and dance songs because slow is for when I am sad and dance is for when I am happy,” said Vanessa. This year most artists like Taylor Swift have switched to pop songs. One of the most popular dance songs this year is Gangnam Style, by PSY. “These artists deserve to be on this list because they are good artists and have won a lot of awards,” said Vanessa. With so many new pop artists it has been really hard this year for competitions and awards. We have seen new artists come out and grow; it is really hard to imagine who will be at the top this year.

Also some students are not even sure if they like the dance due to the lack of decorations that have been put up. Many have suggested ideas to keep it looking like a party and amusing for them.

Taylor says, “Streamers should be added to the dance and they could give away party hats.”

But after all many students enjoy the music that is played and the items that are for sale to keep it looking exotic. If you have any suggestions on the next school dance contact the student council with ideas.

Ariel is listening to her favorite artist on her iPod. Photo taken by Keyla Moreno

AROUND CAMPUS

This is the lunch cafeteria where usually the boys are on one side and the girls on the other side of the cafeteria.

Arlene Mendoza is an eighth grade student who believes that lunch segregation has been around for a long time.

Photos taken by Audrey Faust

SCHOOL INSIGHT SECTION

Desert Sands Middle School Lunch Segregation

By: Audrey Faust, Coyote What’s your opinion about lunch segregation? DSMS currently has lunch segregation. Meaning, boys are on one side and the girls are on the other side of the cafeteria. DSMS has had this since the first time there was bad behavior at lunch time. Many schools have sthis policy because of how boys and girls interact with each other. “No it’s not necessary to have kids separated at school lunches because some kids can behave and others don’t have nasty behavior,” said Jasmine Aguliar. School Lunch segregation happens mostly because of the way boys and girls behave. “Students should have the right to sit wherever they want for a day,” said Paul Caron. Students should be allowed to sit with their friends because they might already be seated inside of their classes and they want to be free at lunch.

Many kids have their own opinion on lunch segregation and we can like or not. “I dislike it because you should be allowed to sit wherever you want at lunch time and not sit in one spot all the time”, Said Mario Chilaco. “We all know lunch separation exists. We all just have to make the best of it, because it’s not going to go away any time soon,” said Mrs. Jancoski.

BullyingBy: Marco Ocampo, RR

Bullying is worldwide, and could happen anytime: at school, work, stores, restaurants, ect. Bullying usually starts when a person does not fit in with a group of students or people. Also, when kids watch violent shows it may encourage bulling of others. The majority of bullies pick on those that look weak.

Vanessa, a DSMS student said, “People that get bullied feel really bad.” They may feel alone, or that they have no where to go because bullies are all around them.

This can be too much to take, so they cut themselves or maybe even commit suicide. “Bullying can lead to suicide when it becomes physical, as in hitting or pushing.” said Lizet.

Another way bullying can possibly lead to suicide is when the victim of a bully cannot take it anymore and are really terrified. This may lead them to think suicide is the answer to their problems. “Most of the time people that get bullied do not tell anyone because

they are afraid the bully will hurt them more,” said Judith. “Sometimes people that get bullied do not speak to anyone because the bully may threaten them,” Oscar stated.

Also they are scared they’re going to be called a snitch and they think the bully is going to do something to them.

People should defend themselves and their friends to stop or prevent bullying from happening.

Our school is a bully-free school zone. Photo taken by Marco Ocampo

HOLIDAY INSIGHT SECTION

With the holiday season among us the eighth graders in photojournalism class have been seeking out the truth to the age old question of-Is Santa Claus real? Check out a couple of their insights on this topic while relating it to a very famous letter to the editor.

Dear Mrs. Jancoski,

The belief of a mystical man bringing presents every Christmas morning has satisfied children for decades; however, does this man exist? How can one man bring presents to every child across the world in one night? This is why Santa Clause can not possibly exist. No man can realistically travel to every household across the world in one night. Especially since different parts of the world have different time zones. This means that Santa Claus can be seen in daylight in some regions of the world. The evidence that has been portrayed of his non-existence is mistakable and the truth. That is why Santa Clause does not exist in reality and only in the imagination of an everyday toddler.

Sincerely,

Giovanni RogelHawk

Dear Mrs. Jancoski,

It has occurred to me, that as we approach Christmas, there have been questions to whether or not Santa Clause is real. I believe that Santa used to exist but started to disappear. Overtime he became magic-less due to non believers, like grown ups. Now Santa is forever in the North Pole waiting for all the believers to one day bring his magic back and prove all those non believers wrong.

Yours Truly,Kenyah DuranHawk

Costa Rica June 2014 Desert Sands Middle School has a group of educators who are not only passionate about teaching, but they are also excited about exploring the world, learning new cultures, and experiencing unique opportunities. Our excursions will be guided tours, and will be filled with fun, excitement, and global learning. 6th and 7th graders, we will be traveling to Costa Rica in June 2014, for an exciting 8 days. Our itinerary includes:· Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica

• Meet your Tour Director at the airport in San Jose

· Day 2: San José • Tortuguero• Travel via Braulio Carrillo

National Park• Visit a banana plantation• Travel by boat to Tortuguero• Enjoy free time in Tortuguero

Village· Day 3: Tortuguero

• Take a boat ride through the Tortuguero canals

• Visit Tortuguero National Park· Day 4: Sarapiqui

• Travel to the Sarapiquí region• Optional: Sarapiquí canopy

tour· Day 5: Arenal region

• Optional: Whitewater rafting• Travel to the Arenal region• Visit hot springs

· Day 6: Arenal region• Take a kayaking trip on Lake

Arenal• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

· Day 7: Guanacaste• Visit Rincón de la Vieja

National Park• Travel to Guanacaste

· Day 8: Guanacaste• Enjoy a free day on the beach

· Day 9: Depart for home This wonderful adventure will include transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and a 24-hour tour director. The educational tour will be hosted by Education First Tours and chaperoned. For more information about our Costa Rica vacation, please visit http://www.eftours.com/1370183.

We will have a parent meeting in January 2013, for interested travelers, in Room 47. Stay tuned to the morning announcements for more information about this upcoming meeting. Contact Miss Jacobs (Room 46), Mrs. Williamson (Room 43), and/or Mrs. Smith (Room 47) with registration questions.

Ms. Fernandez, the 6th grade art teacher, just ran a 5k with some of the 6th Grade Girls on December 2nd in Old TownScottsdale. The marathon was called Girls on the Run.

Congratulations to the RR Team!

Roadrunners teamed up to have collected money with 'Penny Wars,' which helps 4 children for Christmas Angels. This is our second year doing this community service project.

TEACHER ANNOUNCEMENT SECTION

Donations from VipersVipers went to Stuffington Bear Co. for a field trip that had a lot of math concepts involved. Their students ended up donating a lot of their bears to the childrens' hospital.

Photo taken by Johnathon Alarcon

Congratulations!PJ students on the PSA contest from Mrs. Jancoski’s 8th Grade Classes.

Attendance Counts!Desert Sands Middle School implements a Court Unified Truancy Suppression(C.U.T.S) program,which is a truancy suppression program in partnership with Maricopa CountyJuvenile Court. After a certain amount of absences a citation can be issued to the studentand or the parent. It is important that a student’s attendance be consistent to avoid any negative consequences. For example: At 15 absences (verified or unverified) CUTS LITES conference with Juvenile Probation Officer, student, parent and Principal. At 19 absences a citation is issued to either the STUDENT and/or the PARENT. The students will be heard by a Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Officer. The parents will be heard in a City of Phoenix Court. Truancy: To be truant means, an unexcused absence for at least 1 class period during theday. Unexcused absences for at least 5 school days within a school year constitutes “habitual truancy”. A student that is absent more than 18 days or 10 percent of the required number of school days per year is considered to have “excessive absences”whether the absence is excused or unexcused (A.R.S. 15-803).

TEACHER ANNOUNCEMENT SECTION CONTINUED

Owls Penny Wars The Owls Team ended up raising $278! Ms. Tharp and Ms. Rykaceski went to Big Lots and bought a bunch of toys which were given to the Parent Liason. This contribution will make some little kidd’s Christmas a little brighter. Ms. Tharp's 3rd hour ended up winning so they will berewarded with a movie party!

Please like our school pages and stay in touch with DSMS

happenings!https://www.facebook.com/pages/Desert-Sands-Middle-School/521865471173707

https://www.facebook.com/DesertSandsMiddleSchoolNewspaperTheScorpionTimes

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Desert-Sands-Middle-School-Scorpion-News-Announcements/264972350268898

Please scan with your smartphone or tablet device.

PUZZLE SECTION

Suduko Puzzle by Reyna Preciado

Holiday Word FindBy: Susana Alvarez