Chess: strategy and competition Spring 2016
By Belle Greenberg
For many years, Miami Country Day School’s chess team/program has grown. They have won many competitions and tournaments and even have gone to different states to represent the school. Finally, MCDS has taken advantage of the chess success and decided to turn it into an elective. “It is a dream come true to have chess as an elective and I believe it will grow in size in future years,” said Ron Henley, the chess teacher. “The benefits of chess as far as developing the ability to analyze, critical decision making, accepting responsibility for decisions, are well documented in education studies. However, there is also the social aspect that with chess, students will share a game for a lifetime that is played by 600 million people around the globe in over 180 different countries. In addition, they can play online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With the different time zones, there is always someone somewhere logged on and looking for a game! One day it may even provide the perfect interactive game they can play with their own children!” So far, the chess elective has been a great success. For this being the chess elective’s first year at MCDS, it has enough students in it to continue the elective for years to come.
By Rachel Hodes
On October 17 our school had the Walk for Cancer. The day starts with a nice and meaningful three mile walk, then with a carnival filled with games, rides, and even lunch. On top of that there are hair donations and raffles! This year there were 700 to 800 participants. Miami Country Day School has been doing this event for the last 16 years! Since 1999 according to Ms. Greenfield, director of special events.
Eighth grader Joseph Aming has become a champion chess player.
many titles at competitions and competed with some very talented players. No matter what the “sport” might throw at him, he can get through it.
Justin Kleidermacher has been playing chess for quite a long time. Since his first year at MCDS, he has been competing on the chess team. He has won
“I decided to play chess because my dad is a role model to me and he encouraged me to play it,” said Justin Kleidermacher. “Once I began I really enjoyed it.”
By Ilan Zenatti
cific concept."
We all belong iBelong is meant to unify students and make them feel like they belong. This group was founded in 2013 when Mr. Fallik and Mrs. Avalos felt the need to create a group to minimize bullying. “If students understand each other’s experiences then they will build more respect for one another,” said Mr. Fallik, one of the co founders of iBelong. “With respect comes a decrease in bullying.” Not only does iBelong fight to end bullying, but it also helps people who are new to this school or that come from a different country. It helps people feel more familiar with this school and helps make friends as you share experiences throughout the year with iBelong. Eighth grader Sofia Gomez has been to most of the iBelong coffeehouses. "Ibelong is the time where I believe most students get to open up about what happens day to day in our community and around the world in general," said Sofia. "It's a safe environment where for a few minuets everyone who attends get's a chance to express their feelings towards a spe-
Every year, the sixth graders go to the Miami Rescue Mission, a charitable organization, which is a homeless shelter for people who have lost their homes and need help getting back on their feet. Unfortunately it is very easy to end up in the streets. Drugs are a contributing factor and a big part of why lots of people cannot support themselves. The men go through an 18 month program that
The chess team and the elective are both thriving. The MCDS chess team has won many tournaments, won titles, and defeated some very tough opponents. Many players have come and gone, but it is clear that this year’s group of strong and skilled players will bring home a win for sure. That’s a checkmate!
MCDS first decided to do this because it is a good way as a school to have community service because of all the donations. A big part of the Cancer Walk is Locks for Love, which is the company sponsoring the hair donations. Approximately 40 participants cut their hair this year! For Pantene Beautiful Lengths to accept your hair, at least eight inches had to be cut off.
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iBelong also spreads awareness, such as racial awareness, as well as help kids who feel depressed. “It’s the start of a lot of racial awareness and backgrounds,” said Mr. Johnson, the dance teacher. “iBelong is making students aware that not everybody came from the same place and backgrounds and that everybody has different obstacles.” The recent iBelong meetings have been extremely successful. They have received between 50 and 80 kids at their recent meetings! "I personally go because it does open my eyes and I get to connect and know better some of my peers," explained Sofia. "Everyone has different views based on the concepts we talk about each coffee house meeting, it's interesting to see how many people open up to everyone else and give an honest opinion or thought about the subject; some even open up on a personal level which really seems to get everyone else encouraged to do so as well. It's over all the one day of the month I truly look forward to; and every time I attend it's a different experience every time."
MCDS visits Rescue Mission By Juanpablo Casas and Sierra Hudson
Cancer Walk Volume 2
helps them build employment skills, so they can get a stable job, a home for themselves, and provide for their families. The women have a similar program, focusing on jobs and parenting skills. There is also a school for underprivileged kids from the neighborhood and for kids whose mothers are at the shelter. The school goes from kindergarten to third grade.
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Photo by Mr. Fallik
Peer counselor Sean Finny leads a small-group discussion during an iBelong coffeehouse.
Recently, the iBelong team has created something called “Inside Out” Week, which is based on the movie “Inside Out”. iBelong held events around the school every day of that week where students performed in plays, dances, and held a movie night where they played the movie “Inside Out”.
los, one of the founders of iBelong.
“I would say overall it’s been a tremendous success!” said Mr. Fallik. “We want to continue to make iBelong a wonderful Middle School experience,” said Mrs. Avalos.
Where's Your Spirit? “Mr. Fallik and I met during the summer and discussed the possibility of introducing the film and the theme of emotions into the curriculum and having a special event,” said Ms. Ava-
By Ananda Naves-Penkwitt
Spirit Week has had many changes this year, and Mrs. Greenfield is responsible. Although some traditions are gone the student government and leadership classes have been working hard to make sure no one gets left out. Mr. Finny thinks that the changes have gotten the students more involved, “...The teams were getting kind of big before, we used to have 10
teams now we have 18 teams, so less students in every team means that every student gets to participate a little bit more.” Mrs. Greenfield explains, “I think as a student government and leadership class we’re trying to create spirit that continues the entire year. They’re trying to create a sense of middle school unity, of pride”.She says that the new changes benefit the students and that one of the ways how is that it will last the entire year.
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Around MCDS
Sixth grade Middle school turns Inside-out volunteers iBelong coordinates first ever Inside-out Week. Page 2
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Sierra
from
In addition, there is a clinic for the homeless people where they can get help if they are ill or Hudson injured.
The Miami Rescue Mission serves thousands of meals every week. All of the food, which comes from donations, is stored in a colossal shed. Sixth graders took canned foods to contribute to the Thanksgiving Feast that Miami Rescue Mission provides annually for approximately 3,000 people. “I was most surprised by how much food they had stored,” said Tamara Bhardwaj, a sixth grader. “Before I visited the homeless shelter,” said Michael a sixth grader. “I thought wealthy people would always stay wealthy, but I learned that some people with very good lives can lose everything when taking drugs and alcohol.” “Sometimes, yes, there are snap judgements I make, and I’m sure everyone does; it’s kind of a reflex,” said sixth grader Alena Labzina “I do have a different opinion on the homeless now, for example, before whenever I would see a homeless person, I would think, ‘Wow, that person did something bad! Don’t give them money, they will spend it on drugs and alcoholic drinks!’ But now I know that it is not always true. Some people are homeless because they got fired, or lost their homes, and their money.” Afterwards, lots of the sixth graders realized how lucky they are, and they were glad to be able to donate food to help the shelter.
By Belle Greenberg
In June of 2015, “Inside Out” made its way into the hearts of many people. But in November of 2015, the amazing movie made its appearance at MCDS. Thanks to the help of many faculty members and even some students, the iBelong middle school club pulled off a fantastic and entertaining week called “Inside Out” week. The minds who first thought of the idea of “Inside Out” week belong to Mrs. Avalos, the middle school guidance counselor and Mr. Fallik, the eighth grade civics teacher. They first began thinking of the idea during the summer of 2015. After watching the film, Mr. Fallik and Mrs. Avalos decided to put their plan into action. “I saw the movie this summer and was blown away,” said Mr. Fallik, a co founder of iBelong. “It has so many important themes relevant to middle schoolers. The entire movie takes place inside a middle schooler’s head, and it depicts the conflicts and purposes of the various emotions. It is a really profound film that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.” “When talking with Mr. Fallik over the summer, we were so excited about this film and had so many ideas that we met with Mr. Mathes and asked if a full week would be possible, and he agreed!” said Mrs. Avalos, another co founder of iBelong.
Photo by Rachel Hodes
7th graders Jovan Joseph and Gaby Abramowitz improvise a routine based around emotions.
The week began with a performance by the Drama elective. It featured at least one performance from every Drama track doing something related to the theme of “Inside Out”. For example, one of the performances was called the Emotional Taxi Cab. How it worked was each student had to enter the taxi with a different emotion and the students inside of the cab had
to act with that emotion. Every student who performed added their own special touch to the show that made it that more enjoyable.
Annual Holiday Bazaar attracts students and parents By Rachel Hodes
Every year we have the annual Bazaar. It is a oneday event that everybody looks forward to. There is so much stuff to buy; anything from clothes to sunglasses to jewelry to candy to toys to weird delicious dips and even segways. Lots of people think that certain shops are the best but honestly the best part is all being together as a school. While you are buying all of your cool stuff you are giving not only to the shop owners but also to the school. The thing that makes the most money is the food. It makes about $10,000, and the best part all the money is pure profit so are school gets all the money. This is because all the food comes from the parents.
Lisi Port has been chairing the Bazaar for two years and has worked on it for several years prior with the previous chairs. “One of the most popular booths at the Bazaar is the learning express booth,” said Lisi Port, one of the chairs for the Bazaar. “The items vary in prices there can be stuff from five dollars to over $500. Both the lower and middle school students love the Bazaar, but there is more in general for the middle school students to buy there.” “The profit from the Bazaar is $30,000 to $40,000,” said Lisi Port. “The school gets 22% back for the total profit. The money goes to the PA (Parent Association) and they donate the money to different parts of the school that need the money, like the arts department.”
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There is also the best bake sale ever the day of the Bazaar. Some of the parents and people from the board come out and sell to the really hungry middle school and sometimes high school students. It is a race to see who can get there first. Most of the girls in middle school were really interested in the clothes and jewelry stores. The boys on the other hand liked the place food and that they had because they had something different to eat. Another really good thing about the Bazaar is that it has really good shops where you can buy stuff for your loved ones. The Bazaar has great stuff for moms, dads, grandparents, cousins, and even your siblings . The Bazaar is definitely a good way for getting your holiday gifts and even getting some gifts for yourself.
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k e e W t u
Walk for Cancer
Photos by Ananda Naves-Penkwitt
MCDS comes together for great cause. By Rachel Hodes
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In addition to all of this, MCDS had their first donation by Sophomore, Erica White, to Wigs for Kids who require a length of twelve inches. This organization was introduced by Kim Juanico, Class of 2002, Pediatric Palliative Care Coordinator at Holtz Children’s Hospital, Ms. Greenfield explains. Sophie Naves is a seventh grader decided to donated eight inches of her hair to Locks of Love. “Because I love the cause, and I just wanted to help the people with Cancer,” she says is the reason she cut her hair in the first place. She is thinking about doing it sometime again in her senior year in high school. Ms. Greenfield says that the school made about 57,000 dollars during the Walk for Cancer. The money goes to the doctors of The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for research. The student chairs are invited to a lunch in the spring and meet the doctors who are the recipients of our funds. Donations were made by our local businesses but most of the money raised was by the students and participants. “Walking the walk is a symbol of being a Country Day student, and it is also the most fun way to raise awareness for cancer. Seeing everyone joining together for one goal is awesome,” exclaims Ms. Greenfield. Next year MCDS wants more students to come to the Cancer walk. It is a lot of fun and all the money goes to a great cause.
Red Ribbon Week
Students reflect on drug and alcohol abuse.
Photo by Belle Greenberg
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Photo by Belle Greenberg
Photo by Belle Greenberg
Photo by Belle Greenberg
Photo by Belle Greenberg
Spirit Week
Page 6
Photo by Mr. Fallik
Students compete, bond Continued from page 1
Mrs. Greenfield has made a few significant changes to the competition but she can’t take all the credit. “It’s so nice to see them cheering for different teams in their own color, you know, creating that camaraderie, that spirit,” she explains. “I did Spirit Week from the first year we had it (2005) until now,” Mr. Finny comments. He says that he really likes to see the team spirit, both from students and teachers. Some of the events that were held on Spirit Day include football relays, the time long tradition of dodgeball, volleyball, word searches, tug of war, poison river, the water and sponge relay, the scooter, and many more! In addition to all of these challenges other events were held, such as the party. The leadership class chose the student government planned the entire party and this year instead of being on a Thursday night it was held on Friday. Tatiana Barnes explains that they at first wanted something like a tailgate party but since that didn’t work out they chose the blow ups, which was a favorite at the part, thinking it was a good idea and that the kids would enjoy it. Not only that, but MCDS MS held a music video competition! Each team was assigned a genre of music, and with the entire team included, had to participate in making a music video, with changed lyrics, to a song corresponding with the genre. Mrs. Greenfield adds that her favorite moment was when she saw one of the kids on the blue team having difficulty with an event and in addition to only his team cheering his name another team with the corresponding color supported him as well! Joseph Aming, an eighth grader on the blue Michigan Wolverines team, shares, “My favorite part of Spirit week was dodgeball and my least favorite was the sport team word puzzle.” He explains, “The differences I noticed were that people weren't as energetic than the past two years, and it was much more disorganized.” “Honestly, the spirit (captains) were a lot more into it
when I myself was in sixth grade,” Tatiana Barnes an 8th grader in the leadership elective that has been here for three years. Aly Rodriguez, a seventh grader on Hannah Amoils’s Michigan team says, “My favorite part of Spirit Week is the videos and competitive sports.” She also says, “My favorite activity was dodge ball.” Chloe Bergman a sixth grader of the Georgia tech yellow jackets says, “My favorite activity was volleyball, and I liked that we were split into colors.” Connor Sazant, the captain of the Oregon Ducks and part of student government explains, “We chose teachers who have a great energy level and know how to get kids excited.” “Everybody got to pick their teacher and then after we randomly picked them, we literally drew their name’s out of a hat,” Tatiana elaborates. Mr. Yann, the representing teacher for the Wildcats, and French teacher, says that his job included “just monitoring and just making sure they understand what the activity is about, giving them some advice. Sometimes kids fight between themselves in the team so I help them keep the spirit!” “I think Spirit Week is important to give the students a break from school, and bring kids from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade all into one group to work together,” comments Joseph. Aly also adds, “I think that we should have less teams, no colors, real sports and every team for themselves,” Although she explains, “I like working with other grades because it gets us to meet new people.” The winners of Spirit Week were: In third place: Wisconsin Badgers In second place: Michigan Wolverines In first place: Alabama Crimson Tide Spirit Week is a middle school tradition that everyone enjoys! The grades come together for some light hearted competition and the teachers enjoy the events just as much. Everyone gets really competitive but at the end of the day the MCDS middle school is always a family!
Spirit Week
Sports
Soccer teams train for success
Page 8
By Ilan Zenatti
As the fall sports ended, the winter sports season arrived and with came this year’s soccer teams. So far, the teams have been very successful. They have more wins than losses, and one tie against Gulliver. “The coaches are looking forward to a great year,” said Coach Watson, the soccer director of the school. Watson also said that there were about 50 kids that were joining the soccer team and that it was the first year they had to make cuts. Soccer is a sport that demands speed and agility. You need speed to catch up with the ball, and also agility to juke or dodge players on the opposing to keep the ball. You also need a lot of power on your kick as it is very unlikely for a goalie to stop a ball at full speed.
“I have been in this team for two years and it has been a good experience so far,” said Felix Elortegui, a player on the boys soccer team. “The coaches and the players on the team are the ones that make it possible for me to have a great experience on this team.”
“My teammates are all happy to play this sport too,” said Santino Buttice, a player on the boys soccer team. “I really love this team so far,” said Alejandro Frangie. “The coaches and the teammates are always their to help.” The coaches of this team are very interested in this sport especially coach Watson, director of this team.
"I will continue to play soccer because “I have been playing soccer since eighth grade,” said Coach Watsoccer is something son. “I was small so I couldn’t play football so I look forward to I used my speed and agility in soccer. I played for a high school in every day.” South Carolina. I won
- Mia Batista
“This game requires you to think fast because you will never know what can happen next,” said Coach Watson.
Soccer is a team sport, which means if one person makes a mistake, your whole team, including you, will be affected. To become an strong soccer team, you must understand your teammates and make a plan or strategy before every game to know what is happening. “There is also a lot of individual success,” said Coach Watson. “I have improved on my shooting and my touch this year,” said Mia Batista, a member of the girls soccer team. “I have also improved on my understanding of the game. I have enjoyed being in this soccer team very much. This soccer team is the best soccer program I have ever been in, and I will continue to play soccer because soccer is something I look forward to every day.”
three championships in a row, in my senior year my team went undefeated and I won MVP. I got a scholarship to play for college for sophomore year. I then got invited to the world university games, and I played for national team. I had lots of success.” Coach Watson’s amazing soccer career came to end after his 15 knee operations. “It became hard to run,” said Coach Watson. “So I cannot scrimmage with the team as I used to do.” The boys middle school soccer team has 25 players, and six coaches. The girls middle school soccer team has 28 players and six coaches. This year’s soccer team is looking very successful and the coaches and players are looking forward to a great year. Maybe you can try out for next year and have an amazing experience, too!
8th grader Becky Bibas dribbles down the field.
Photo courtesy of Open I Studio
Nothing but Net By Belle Greenberg
Ah, it’s winter and the Miami Country Day School middle school basketball teams are getting their head in the game for this year’s Basketball season. With many athletic and talented players on all three teams, this season will be great!
“I like our MS team this year a lot,” said Shenequah Johnson, the head coach. “Although, we don't have enough for a full scrimmage each day… we have a good amount where we can get more done in the small amount of time that we have. We also have a silly and friendly group of girls, so it's easy for everyone to get along. They seem to really like and help each other and the coaching staff tremendously.” Although the Boys teams didn’t start off with that good of a score, the Girls team really began with a bang and are very determined to continue their 10-0 winning streak from the beginning of the season.
“I am really happy and excited to be a part of this great family,” said Maria Luis, the new basketball assistant coach. “Basketball runs through my veins and I am happy because I am teaching what I love. My team is great we have a great group of girls.” This season, MCDS has a MS Girls basketball team, a MS JV Boys basketball team, and a MS Varsity Boys Basketball team. Each team has a range of talented students that are determined to bring home a win after every game. Although there was some controversy including the MS Boys teams in the beginning of the season, they’re back on track and doing better than ever!
Photos by Belle Greenberg
“Myself and our coaching staff are very confident in ourselves this year,” said Coach Johnson, “Our team this year is all around much more athletic than in past years.”
Jordan Sheppard drives in for a layup.
“I decided to play because I wanted to try something new and I already liked the sport,” said Rachel Hodes, a player on the MS Girls team.
“I do enjoy working with my team,” said Jasper Feldman, a player on the MS Varsity Boys basketball team. “It’s like we’re a family; we win together and lose together as a family.”
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Fall Sports Wrap-up
Sports
Page 9
By Ilan Zenatti
The fall sports this year have ended. There have been nine athletes of the week for swimming, seven for cross country, five for volleyball and golf, and four for football. The middle school football team ended the season with three wins and fives losses. Eight games overall. This team contained 19 players, and eight coaches, not including the head coach Sean Hill. Noah Markofsky won the MVP award, the coach’s award went to Paul Clifford, and the most improved award went to Ethan Mayer-Perez. The middle school girls volleyball season ended with amazing results. They won 16 games and only lost two. They had 18 games overall. They had a big team of 28 players and four coaches, not including the head coach Michele Rosamiglia. The MVP award went to Brianna Lewin, Sophia Gostfrand, Johanna DeGori, and Charlie Leoni. Yakira Wardlaw won the coach’s award, and the most improved player award went to Sofia Nayor and Morgan Loeb The middle school girls swim team ended with good results, too. They won five meets and only lost one. They had six meets overall. They had a team containing 15 swimmers and four coaches, not including the head coach and director Eric Sheingoltz. Gabriella Marchesani won the MVP award, Ana Mota won the coach’s award, and Zoe Sepsenwol won the most improved player award. The middle school boys swim team ended with good results. They had five wins, no losses, and five meets overall. They had a team containing 11 swimmers and four coaches, not including the head coach Eric Sheingoltz. Jack Rodriguez won the MVP award, Ricardo Di Giuseppe won the coaches award, and Robert Depradine won the most improved player award.
incredible results. They won 28 meets and only lost two meets. They had 30 meets overall. The team contains 31 runners containing both varsity and middle school runners and five coaches, not including the head coach, Chris Hayes. Middle schooler, Ryan Mendelson, won the coaches award, and the rookie of the year award went to Tyler Walsh. The varsity/middle school girls cross country team ended the season with very good results, too. They won 26 meets and had only three defeats. They had 29 meets overall. The team contains 36 runners containing, both varsity and middle school. It also had seven coaches and head coach Chris Hayes. The MVP award went to 7th grader Kitty Simmonds, the coach’s award went to Klara Meyer, the rookie of the year award went to Taisa Strouse.
Photo by Rachel Hodes
Eighth grader Taisa Strouse was one of the new stars on the cross country team.
The varsity/middle school boys golf team ended the season with four wins and eight losses. They had 12 games overall. The team contained of five players, both varsity and middle school. The team had three coaches and head coach Bryan Parizo. There was only one award which was the MVP award. That award went to Simone Colozza. The varsity/middle school girls golf team ended the season with four wins and two losses and had six games overall. The team contained of nine players, both varsity and middle school. The team had three coaches and head coach Bryan Parizo. The most valuable player award went to Sabrina Cabarcos, the coach’s award went to Mina Segall, and the most improved player award went to Sara Walker. That is it for the fall sports and the awards. As you can see, the Miami Country Day middle school sports teams were very successful overall and the school hopes to see amazing results for the winter sports too.
The varsity middle school boys cross country team ended the season with
Photo by Belle Greenberg
B'ball cont'd
Luna Bertucci led her volleyball team to a successful season.
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Both teams are very good at what they do. No matter how easy they make it look, basketball is a very tough sport. Just ask the players! “An important skill you need to learn is you have to control your mind you can be the best player on a team,” said Jasper. “But if you’re scared to score you will never get better.” “Basketball is hard sometimes because on the court in the middle of a game, you don’t have the time to make sure your shots are accurate,” said Rachel.
Photo by Rachel Hodes
Kitty Simmonds left her competition in the dust.
Photo by Belle Greenberg
Sixth grader Sydney Shaw quickly became an essential player on the basketball team.
No matter what the courts might throw at them, you can bet that the MCDS MS basketball teams won’t let anyone or anything stand in their way.
Entertainment
Drake: a legend-in-the-making. Horoscopes
Page 10
By Ananda Naves-Penkwitt
By Ananda Naves-Penkwitt
Aubrey Drake Graham is best known for his hit single, “Hotline Bling”. But did you know he broke records this year? Tying records with The Beatles that haven’t been matched for over 51 years is just one achievement. Since April 11, 1964, he’s charted 14 songs simultaneously on the The Top 100 Billboard! On March 7, 2015, his songs made it to the charts, all thanks to his surprise album drop, ‘If You’re Reading This It’s too Late’.
Aries: March 21 - April 19
Today is your lucky day! You will witness a dancing group of leprechauns get . into a fight, and you will go to leprechaun court.
Taurus: April 20 - May 20 You should probably check your e-mail.
The album debut on February 28, 2015 and made the Top 200 Billboard Charts. In addition to this amazing feat all of his songs off the album are on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. He is now the first rapper to top the Billboard Artist 100 chart!
Gemini: May 21- June 20 Be prepared for the monkeys.
His songs on the chart include the following:
Cancer: June 21 - July 22 Buy war bonds.
1. With number 16 on the charts he has, "Only," Nicki Minaj featuring Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown
Leo: July 23 - August 22 Don’t steal Mr. Fallik’s candy today .
2. Number 17, "Truffle Butter," Minaj featuring Drake & Lil Wayne
Virgo: August 23 - September 22 You will encounter a healthy dragon one of these days.
3. Number 26, "Energy"
Libra: September 23- October 22 You should hang out with Z(l)ibras today;)
4. Number 49, "Tuesday," ILoveMakonnen featuring Drake 5. Number 52, "Legend" 6. Number 58, "10 Bands" 7. Number 68, "Blessings," Big Sean featuring Drake 8. Number 70, "Know Yourself" (debut) 9. Number 81, "No Tellin'" (debut)
A Royal Mess 10. Number 82, "Preach," featuring PartyNextDoor
By Ananda Naves-Penkwitt “Scream Queens” is ABC Family's latest TV drama. Reeling in teens all over the world, the show got popular fast. It debuted Tuesday September 22, 2015, with guest stars Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas. The mystery attracted over 400,000 mentions on social media the night of the release, but with only four million viewers on the premier date the show got off to a rough start. Each Tuesday the show gained more followers with 7.3 million viewers now and rated number one amongst 18-34 year olds. The plot follows Grace Gardner, a high school graduate going off to college for the first time. Played by Skyler Samuels, Grace wants to join Kappa Kappa Tau sorority in order to get closer to her dead mother. The story quickly takes a turn.
a. Number 83, "6 God," (debut) b. Number 84, "Used To," featuring Lil Wayne c. Number 95, "Now & Forever" (debut) 11. And lastly he has number 97, "6 Man" (debut) Born in Toronto, Canada, the star had a normal childhood. On Octo-
There are five girls living with her in the sorority; Chanel Oberlin (Emma Roberts) is the house president. Her minions, Chanel three (Billie Catherine Lourd), Chanel five (Abigail Breslin), and Chanel six, also known as Hester (Lea Michele), do anything and everything she asks. Although one of them rebels at times they are all “loyal”. Ruling with fear, Chanel is not the nicest girl in the house. Quickly challenged by Grace’s best friend for her position as president, the blond starts to learn how to share her leadership. Zayday (Keke Palmer) is Grace’s best friend and the voice of reason throughout the conflict. The conflict is the red devil. The character is Wallace University’s old mascot and seems to have a vendetta on the sorority. Killing people left to right, Cathy Munsch (Jamie Lee Curtis), the school's new dean, does all she can to keep the school open. As the murders increase, it gets harder to do so, and Grace’s dad, Wes Gardner (Oliver Hudson), starts working at the school to keep his daughter safe. Grace and Pete Diller (Diego Boneta) go on a fact-finding mission to write their schools new paper on the devil's hidden identity. The compelling story has viewers on their toes!
Go "nuts" for this movie!
By Rachel Hodes
On November 5, 2015, the newest “Peanuts” movie came out. “The Peanuts Movie” is about Charlie Brown and how he tries to impress the new “little red haired girl,” while snoopy (Charlie Brown’s dog) embarks on an amazing adventure in a made up world. Snoopy is a World War one flying ace. He chases after his nemesis, the Red Baron, while trying to win the heart of a gorgeous poodle named Fifi.
Rachel Hodes
The people who voiced of the characters are: Noah Schnapp as Charlie Brown, Hadley Belle Miller as Lucy van Pelt, Alexander Garfin as Linus van Pelt, Mariel Sheets as Sally Brown, Bill Melendez as Snoopy/Woodstock, and Noah Johnston as Schroeder. “Somehow, this ‘Peanuts’ feels familiar, even cozy,” said Bilge Ebiri New York Magazine/Vulture. “I can't make any great claims for it, but it feels like the return of an old friend.” “‘The Peanuts Movie’ manages to nail the strip's comic timing and play its core sentiment -- a childlike
desire for acceptance -- to near perfection,” David Frese Kansas City Star. The movie was very realistic in the sense how Charlie Brown was trying to get ‘little red haired girl’ to talk to him. Although when you add Snoopy it makes the story worth wild. In my opinion the only thing wrong with the movie was that it didn’t really follow the original 100%. One example is that, originally, the Peanuts gang was not all part of the same classroom. Peppermint Patty, along with some others, attended a different school. Also Linus was not even in the same grade as Charlie Brown and the gang. Other than that the movie was well put together. The movie made about $117 million in box office. The average rating for the is 7.1 according to Rotten Tomatoes and 83% of the audience that saw it enjoyed it. “‘The Peanuts Movie’ works, not just as a yarn about Charlie Brown and his bungling attempts to win the love of the nameless, redheaded new girl in his class, but as an example of 3D animation that defies its own boundaries,” said Andy Crump, Paste Magazine. In my opinion, the movie was overall a good movie with yet another amazing adventure for the beloved Peanuts gang. It is a good movie to watch with your friends and family.
ber 24th, 1986, Drake was born to Sandi and Dennis Graham. His father was a drummer who worked with Jerry Lee Lewis. His dad was raised in Memphis, Tennessee and his mother being a Jewish Canadian. Showing interest at an early age Drake would spend his summers in Memphis with his dad, he gained an appreciation for music that influence his music even today! He was first recognized in his role on Degrassi: The Next Generation, a TV series. After hearing Drake’s music in the summer of 2008, Drake ended up on tour with Lil Wayne, and since then has released more albums with 10 million sales in total (and counting) starting with his mixtape. So Far Gone which was released in 2009. Drake is a 2015 must see!
Scorpio: October 23- November 21 Shall many heath bars, good fortune, and good grades come your way today
Sagittarius: November 22- December 21 You’ll smell the roses, but watch out for the bees. Capricorn: December 22- January 19 You’ll eat a lot of corn today. Aquarius: January 20- February 18 You should drink a lot of water.
Pisces: February 19 - March 20 You will form an army of recycled material.
Around MCDS
Jr Thespians off to a great start
By Belle Greenberg
The middle school is packed with students of many talents. This year, Pops and Mrs. Avalos have gathered a few of those talented students to continue a group called the Jr. Thespians. The idea was based after the upper school’s Thespians group, lead by Mrs. Lewis not so long ago. The group of Jr. Thespians consisted of Autumn Flint-Burns(President), Camille Nooney(Vice), Anastasia Brosta(Vice), Layla Goldberg, Dylan Turk, Aden Karp, Natalie Berman, Sabrina Cohen, Eva Harari, Camryn Davis, Guilia Zamboli, Stevie Port, and Sierra Hudson.
others do solos. Camryn Davis and Sierra Hudson, two of the Jr. Thespians, are not in drama. The two students were chosen by Pops to sing at the competition. Guilia Zamboli, on the other hand, is in Drama, and did makeup design at the competition. “In the competition, I am performing a skit with Dylan Turk from ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ and Eva Harari and I are doing an improv scene,” says Layla Goldberg. At the competitions, the Thespians are scored from a GOOD all the way up to SUPERIOR. SUPERIOR is what your act needs to advance to States. Out of our nine acts that competed, seven of them got SUPERIORS. Although those who did not get a SUPERIOR are not eligible for States, you can bet that they will continue to support their team in whatever way they can.
"I am so excited to go to States because there are new opportunities to learn, and of the Jr. Thespians be exposed to amaz- thatAllmade it to States are very thankful and are The students coming talent." super excited to take it to peted in the District
“We either compete or we support our team at competitions,” said Natalie Berman, one of the Jr. Thespians. “There are many competitions, so if you don’t compete in the first competition, there are still other chances.”
Haunted House raises money for ALS
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Photo by Mr. Fallik
From left: Layla Goldberg, Dylan Turk, Ananda NavesPenkwitt, and Stevie Port
- Layla Goldberg
Four Thespians competition on November 7, 2015. They competed against a wide range of schools. It was hard, but with everyone’s support, MCDS’s very own Jr. Thespians are going to the State competition in February of 2015!
“In this club, we rehearse improv scenes, perfect monologues and acting skills, and be sure we just get the overall scene perfect by the end of the day,” said Eva Harari, one of the Jr. Thespians. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” “It’s a club where you would compete against other actors,” said Anastasia Brosda, the vice president of the Jr. Thespians. “You get selected to compete. You are either are assigned improvisation work, monologue work you can work with someone but normally for the monologue is just yourself.” The Jr. Thespians perform different varieties of acts. Some do improv, some do skits, and
the stage once again. Although those who did not advance to States are not eligible to compete at any other competitions, one can assume that they will give it their all at next year’s competition! “I am so excited to go to States because there are new opportunities to learn, and be exposed to amazing talent,” said Layla, who was one of the many lucky competitors that made it to States. “I am so passionate about acting, and having this opportunity is great. As well as all the drama exposure, it is also a blast.” “I am so excited for states because it is another place where I show people what I love doing, and that is performing,” said Camryn, another student who advanced to States. “I can’t wait until States!” All of the performers, whether they advanced or not, had an amazing time performing and rehearsing. Overall, it was a fantastic experience for the actors/actresses and it was definitely a learning experience that they will never forget!
Photo by Mr. Fallik
8th grader Giulia Zamboli has a talent for horror makeup.
Photo by Mr. Fallik
From left: Marco Pacheco, Juanpablo Casas, Michael Bernstein, Benjamin Malamed, and Davis Lubetsky,
Natalie Berman and Aden Carp practice their scene.
Photo by Belle Greenberg
Photo by Mr. Fallik
From left: Sofia Caravellas, Anastasija Moskvina, Ana Mota, and Ana Julia Macedo.
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Editor-in-Chief: Ananda NavesPenkwitt
MCDS helps spread smiles. By Stevie Port
Operation Smile is a nonprofit organization that helps children with cleft lip or cleft palate. These are the children who cannot afford the surgery. These kids have trouble breathing, speaking, eating, and are also made fun of a lot. We have our own Miami Country Day Operation Smile club for middle school for students in grade sixth, seventh, and eighth. We try to raise lots of money to give surgery to the kids. One surgery only costs
$240. The teacher sponsor is Ms. Silla. This year, I am the President, and Tyler Knohl is my Vice President. Amanda Collado-Mesa who is the event planner. Our fundraisers include selling polos, bake sales, and other fun activities. Like we do every year, this year we will have the candy grams, the talent show, polos to sell, and much more activities on the way. For anyone who is not in a club and is interested in helping, come join Operation Smile.
Mark Mero inspires Middle School Helena Cardillo Ramos from Brazil With Marc Mero’s speech, not only he encouraged students to make the right decisions in life, but also not to bully and peer pressure others. He influenced several students to choose the right path. With his inspiring attitude, he motivates and helps a lot of people around this country. His life included a few rough moments based on his own wrong decisions; however, it also involved a lot of positive changes and outcomes. He talked about how his family and community were affected by his life interactions. He lost multiple friendships because of his choices, and he got involved with drugs and alcohol. His speech was touching and uplifting. His story made a huge impact in our way of thinking and perhaps in our future. After hearing him talk, a lot of people felt emotional. He talked about goal-settings, priorities, and struggles. It was an extremely valuable experience! Marc recommended to always keep a wish list about our dreams for the future. He mentioned that staring at the list on regular basis will help those dreams to come true. He shared hope, trust, courage, and support to those who are part of our community.
João Coelho from Brazil What an inspirational presentation! I was positively influenced by Mr. Marc Mero’s speech. He talked about bullying, abuse, death, and choices. One decision brought Marc to drugs, alcohol, and away from his family. Getting involved with the wrong crowd made him forget about his priorities. Marc needed motivation and self-discipline to fix his life because he spent ten years making the wrong choices. To start that, he had the idea of writing his dreams down on a little notebook. His biggest dream was to be a famous WWE wrestler. Mr. Mero did become a WWE wrestler. Most of his dreams written on his notebook were achieved. Of course, that was not an easy ride. It took determination, perseverance, resilience, and hard work. At the end, he even bought a house for his mom. Marc was at his house when he received a dreadful phone call that his loving sister passed away. After that tragedy, Marc continued to endure many more heartbreak. He then wished he had spent more time with his loved ones, but it was too late. By sharing his story, we learned that making the right choice in life at the right moment is crucial.
Vladyslav Tsukanov from Ukraine Marc Mero’s presentation touched my heart. He shared many stories about his life and the bad decisions he made. He hung out with the wrong people, took drugs and alcohol, and didn't spend time with his parents and siblings. When he was a kid, he liked to write down his dreams on a piece of paper. He tried to communicate to us not to make the bad choices in life the way he did. During his presentation, he changed the way I look at my life and about drugs. I was so moved that I was about to cry. He inspired me not to drink alcohol or take drugs in the future. I was able to feel his sadness and frustration. I understand how difficult it must be to remember and to relive those moments. Another interesting aspect he explained to us is that money is not the key to happiness. I will always remember Marc Mero's presentation. He inspired a lot of people with his presentation. I really like his idea about going to schools and speaking to students about all the bad choices and decisions he has made.
Head Copy Editor: Belle Greenberg
Inside-out Week Reporter: Ilan Zenatti
Week of special events encourages students to explore their emotions. By Belle Greenberg
Photo by Belle Greenberg Continued from page 2
Reporter: Rachel Hodes
On Tuesday, the second event featured a retired WCW wrestler Marc Mero. He spoke about his life in a truly inspirational speech about love, family, friends, and hope. But he didn’t only speak to the students of MCDS. MCDS was joined by another school named Cushman. Marc’s heartwarming speech about family brought tears to many eyes, some more than others. On Wednesday, iBelong held the main attraction: the showing
of the movie “Inside Out”. The showing of the movie didn’t start out the way everyone expected it to, but Mr. Fallik, the founder of iBelong, managed to fix it and the movie played well after that. Aside from the complimentary water and popcorn, some clubs grasped the opportunity to help raise money for their individual clubs. Reach for the Stars sold pizza and hot chocolate, MECO sold brownies and ice cream, and Wendy Walk sold fried chicken and French fries. “Mrs. Avalos was incredibly
Former WWE wrestler, Marc Mero, spoke to MS students encourages students to make good decisions. crucial in putting this week together,” said Mr. Fallik. “She is so creative and so enthusiastic about the program. Also, Mr. Johnson and Pops both worked really hard to coordinate activities for the week. Mrs. Finny, Mrs. Mahoney, and Mr. Johnson also coordinated concessions for the movie, which was a huge help.” Finally, the week ended with a flash mob performance featuring the whole drama elective. Each track was given an emotion and performed a dance displaying that
emotion. Each dance portrayed the emotions well and everyone loved it. All of the dances were well choreographed and showed how dedicated each student was. Overall, “Inside Out” week turned out to be a huge success. This is just one of the many exciting iBelong events that everyone can all expect in the future.