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3rd grade Gateway students practice the Lockdown Drill.

Hornets’ Basketball Player,

Jaylon Morris

January 25th, 2013 Issue 5

Walnut Hill School

To start off 2013 as a safe school year, students and teachers have had lockdown drills during school to practice safety. Walnut Hill’s first lockdown was about a week ago, the week of January 14th-17th, and we practiced inside our classrooms.

During the lockdown drill, all of the teachers must keep their door locked. When the office announces “LD mode”, the teacher turns off all of the lights and students hide in closest and under desks. Once the teacher checks on every student’s safety that is in the classroom; the teacher slides a green card under the door if the room is safe. However, if the room is not safe, the teacher slides a red card so someone can quickly help their classroom.

This lockdown drill helps students and teachers feel safe. Math-Art Lab teacher, Miss Delatte, says, “I felt safe during the lockdown. My safety tip for students and teachers, who happen not to be in the classroom during LD mode, is to hide in the nearest bathroom & lock the door”. Third grade teacher, Mrs. Mack, also has a safety tip for teachers and students: “Be sure to follow all recommendations of the lockdown procedure that has been provided by administration.”

We have these lockdown drills so teachers and students can be prepared for anything. Mrs. Mack says, “We have lockdown drills to keep children safe in case there is danger around the campus.” So remember next time we have a lockdown drill to listen carefully & follow all directions; practice does make perfect!

The Hornets’ NestBringing You the Monthly Buzz!

Newspaper Staff:National Sports: William Cardio (5th grade)School Sports: Jackson Greening (3rd grade)National/State News: Olivia Osbon (3rd grade)School News: Breanna Underwood (3rd grade)Culture & Events: Stephenie Fuller (4th grade)Book-Nook: Jasmine Barnes (4th grade)Staff Sponsor:Ms. CusterElementary GatewayLocation:Room I-4

WHS is setting goals for 2013…

Coming Soon to the Hill:

Jan. 31 st - Basketball GameVivian @ WHS at 4:30

Feb. 4th- Basketball GameHuntington @ WHS at 4:30

Feb. 7 th - Basketball GameDonnie Bickham @ WHS At 4:30

Feb. 8 th - Spring Pictures

Feb 14 th - Middle School Valentine’s Day Dance

Feb. 14 th - Basketball GameBTW @ WHS at 4:30

Feb 15 th - Elementary 3rd-5th

School Lockdown: Practice Makes Perfect!Breanna Underwood

Hornets’ BasketballJackson Bullox Greening

The basketball season has officially begun for the Hornets! After only two weeks of game time, it is already easy to see that both the boys’ & girls’ team, who are under the influence of Coach Route & Coach Nichols, will be very successful this year. Hornets’ basketball player, Jalyon Morris, believes, “The Hornets have what it takes to have a successful season & we will make it to the playoffs.”To have a successful season, the Hornets must focus on certain skills that will help them win even more games. Mrs. Harp, who assists with basketball concessions, suggests, “The Hornets need to maintain a sense of sportsmanship, as well as a good attitude, in order to have many victories.” Jaylon Morris also admits, “We need to work on free throws and lay-ups in order to win games.”No matter if you ask a basketball player, the basketball coach, or someone who helps at basketball games; all of them believe in the Hornets as a team and think that this will be the best season yet! Be sure to cheer on your Hornets at the next home game, Thursday 1/31!

Attention all players who “LOVE”

Walnut Hill Tennis:

Coach Carscadden has been busy planning a tennis skills clinic for the Tennis Team! The clinic will be held after school NEXT MONDAY, January 28th from 3:00-4:30 PM at Southern Hills Tennis Center.

If you are unable to attend the clinic on January 28th, there will be a SECOND meeting on Monday, February 4th starting at 3:00 at Southern Hills Tennis Center.

When attending either clinic, be sure to bring the following items with you:

$6.00 for clinic fee A can of tennis balls A personal water

bottle/Gatorade

If you have any comments or concerns about the clinic, be

sure to contact Coach

Super Bowl Sunday!William Cardino

MLK HolidayStephenie Fuller

MLK day is a national holiday when Americans honor Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) and all he did for Civil Rights in America. MLK Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of January because it is close to MLK’s birthday, which is January 15th. This year, MLK Day was held on January 21st, 2013.

In classrooms, teachers spend time discussing MLK’s role as Civil Rights leader; and all of the speeches & protests he led. In Gateway we read the biography, Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.? which was very informative about MLK’s early & late life.

MLK’s story helps inspire people of all ages and races to follow their dreams. Sixth grade English teacher, Miss Williams, says, “MLK inspires me because he was able to accomplish so much even though he had a barrage of opposition. It would be shameful for me to go after my dreams when I don’t have nearly as many challenges that could stop me from making my dreams reality.”

MLK’s dream was for whites and blacks to be treated equally. He wanted to spend time with his friends and family in an integrated, public society. Fourth grader, Abby Luftman, says her dream is also to “spend time doing things I love with my family.”

Some people view MLK Day as another day to sleep in and forget the real reason for the occasion. However, Miss Williams has a positive perspective on the holiday that we should all try to believe in. She says, “It is important that we celebrate MLK because he is one of the most influential African American leaders of all time. He helped ensure that African Americans had opportunities to be successful in America without regard to race.” MLK Day proves a brave and courageous man MLK was, and I hope all teachers & students had an

Hornets’ Nest Page 2 of 2

Book Nook:Accelerated

Reader GoalsJasmine Barnes

As a New Year’s Resolution, many students are trying to reach their Accelerated Reader goal.

At the end of every nine weeks, students are encouraged to reach their AR Goal which could be 20, 30, 40 or even 50 points. Your AR Goal depends on your grade level.

If students meet their AR Goal at the end of the nine weeks, they are then placed in the “AR Hall of Fame” and are awarded by the librarians. Elementary librarian, Mrs. Harris, says, “I take my students on a field trip and then to eat lunch; and the places are always different each 9 weeks!” Middle school librarian, Mrs. Gill, says “Students who reach their goal are treated to a party; sometimes we even order pizza!”

I think as TRRFC students, we should all try to reach our AR goal. Ray Wynn, a 4th grader, says, “I want as many points as possible and I do not want a reward, reading is my reward!”

The library is full of many popular books students can read in order to earn their points. Ray Wynn says, “Magic Tree House is my favorite series”, which happens to be mine, too! Mrs. Gill suggests, “Reading books by Sheran D. Marlene or the Urban Underground series is a good, and fun, way to earn AR points.”

Reading AR books is one of my favorite hobbies; and I know if you read enough it will be one of your favorite hobbies too! Mrs. Harris offers advice to achieve your AR goal; she says, “Read more and listen to stories being read aloud.”

I hope that each of you make it a part of your New Year’s Resolution to reach your AR goal and earn yourself a spot

Problems with Winter WeatherOlivia Osbon

Louisiana Weather has been extremely inconsistent and unpredictable the past few weeks. Why is this happening to the weather? The temperatures are changing so much that one day people come dressed bundled up in sweaters; and the very next day they are wearing shorts & t-shirts. In the words of Katy Perry, “you’re hot, then you’re cold!” This is definitely a case of bipolar weather!This bi-polar weather is causing a lot of teachers and students to get sick; and even have to miss school. Fifth grade teacher, Mrs.Matthews, says, “I am not happy about this weather. It is causing everyone to get sick and I am worried about students spreading germs.” This weather was so cold at one point, that we nearly had a snow day. Mrs. Charles, Pre-K-1st SPED teacher, says, “I wanted a snow day and wish we would have had one.”No matter if it is hot or cold; it is important to be responsible with your health to avoid getting sick. Elementary Assistant Principal, Mrs. Joe, suggests, “Dress appropriately; avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose; and wash your hands.”

The Super Bowl is the biggest event in the NFL that all team players and fans look forward to. This year, the Super Bowl will be held in our state’s very own Super Dome in New Orleans, LA. The two teams playing in Super Bowl XLVII (Number 45) are the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. The two teams will face off on Sunday February 3rd at 6:30 p.m. If LA residents cannot make it to the Dome to see the game, they can watch all of the action on CBS.

This year’s Super Bowl is considered the “year of firsts”. This year will be high tense because the Harbaugh Brothers, the coaches of the Ravens and 49ers, are about to put a new spin on the phrase “sibling rivalry” when their own teams face each for the Championship title.

Both teams have proven they can hold up under pressure which should make it a close game, but some people think differently. If you ask 5th grader, Kelvin Fields, he will tell you, “I think the Baltimore Ravens will win because of linebacker Ray Louis.” The Hill’s own Mr. Jenkins, member of the maintenance staff, agrees with Kelvin but for different reasons. Mr. Jenkins thinks, “The Ravens will win because they have a better defense.”

Another first for the Super Bowl this year is that it will be held at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Louisiana residents have different opinions about this. Colby Halverson, a 5th grader, says, “I think the Super Bowl being held in New Orleans will be good luck for our football team.” From another perspective, Mr. Jenkins says, “New Orleans needs a Super Bowl there because they need the money.”

Even though some people predict the Ravens will win; they still would like to see their own favorite teams play. Colby Halverson says, “I would have like to watch The Steelers play.” Mr. Jenkins agrees with Colby, “I wanted to see The Steelers.” So as you can see, the Super Bowl is the biggest event in football. It can tear people (in this case, even brothers) apart, and also bring football fans closer together.