LPMS Press

The Middle School Student Newspaper Club (LPMS Press) is a vessel to carry student interests, creations, and concerns at our school. The student newspaper aims to empower students to develop their voices, enhance their writing and communication skills, and foster a sense of community within the school. Through collaboration and creativity, members aim to produce a publication that informs, entertains, and inspires their peers while covering topics that matter to their school community. The club encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and responsibility as students explore journalism, storytelling, and design. We welcome all students!

by Milton Finkle

The Aztecs were a tough and fierce empire that had a huge impact on history. In this article, we will explore how they became so powerful, even though their beginning was uncertain. The Aztecs started out as hunters and gatherers in the northern part of Mexico, known as the plateau.

One of the most shocking parts of Aztec culture was their sacrifices. They would capture a person and hold them down on a stone while a priest used a sharp stone tool to cut open their stomach and take out their still-beating heart. After the sacrifice, the body was often thrown down the stairs of the temple. This practice was part of their belief system and was meant to please their gods.

The Aztecs were also skilled warriors. They built a vast empire, and if an enemy didn't surrender, they would either attack, kill, or enslave them. They were thriving, but everything changed when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The Aztecs thought these newcomers were gods because they had guns, horses, and shiny metal armor, so they welcomed them into their land.

However, the conquistadors brought diseases from Europe that devastated the Aztec population. When the conquistadors attacked, some enslaved people rose up to help them, which led to the downfall of the Aztec Empire. In the end, the Aztec Empire, once so powerful, was wiped out, leaving behind a complex legacy that still fascinates us today.

by Emily Scibilia

Did you know that February has a special day just for friends? It's called Friendship Day! In some countries, people celebrate their friendships on this day.

For all the chocolate lovers out there, February has National Dark Chocolate Day! That's right, a whole day to enjoy delicious dark chocolate!

February also marks World Cancer Day on February 4th. This day is important because it raises awareness about cancer and how we can help fight it.

Another notable day in February is Presidents' Day, celebrated on the 17th. This day is also known as George Washington's Birthday, and it's a time to remember our country's leaders.

And of course, we can't forget Valentine's Day! This day started as a Christian feast to honor a martyr named Valentine. Over time, it has grown into a big celebration of love and romance in many parts of the world.

So, February is not just a cold month! It's filled with fun and meaningful celebrations!

by Marlowe McCarley

Chimpanzees are some of the most complex and interesting mammals on our planet. Unfortunately, they are endangered and can only be found living in the wild in Africa. They are at the top of the list for the smartest animals, so let’s dive in and learn more about these incredible creatures!

Did you know that chimpanzees are actually our closest living relatives? They share about 98.8% of their DNA with humans! Chimpanzees don’t have tails, and they have opposable thumbs, which means they can move their thumbs to touch their fingers. This allows them to pick up and hold objects much like we do.

Chimpanzees are omnivores, meaning they have a varied diet. They munch on different foods, including monkeys, antelope, wild pigs, figs, mangoes, bananas, watermelon, apples, insects, and even bird eggs and nuts!

One of the coolest things about chimpanzees is that they make and use tools, just like humans do! They use sticks to “fish” for termites in their holes, chew leaves to create sponges, and even use rocks to crack open nuts.

Here are some fun facts about chimpanzees: They usually only have one baby at a time. Chimpanzees can’t swim very well because they are quite top-heavy. Interestingly, in captivity, some chimpanzees have learned American sign language! They can also live for up to 80 years.

In conclusion, chimpanzees are not only complex mammals but also incredibly fascinating. I hope you learned a lot about these amazing creatures!

by Noah Rookey

The World Series is over, and the Dodgers are celebrating their big win! Now, everyone’s turning their attention to football as the 2025 Super Bowl is getting closer. Just like every season, there are star players fans can’t wait to see and some who have a shot at winning the MVP award.

This season is full of surprises and some unexpected letdowns. The San Francisco 49ers fought hard but came up just short in the Super Bowl. In Houston, fans are feeling hopeful because C.J. Stroud had an amazing season, and they’re dreaming of a championship ring!

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won the Super Bowl twice in a row, started the season strong but faced a tough loss against the Buffalo Bills with a score of 30-21.

Stay tuned for more football fun as the season unfolds!

by Gavin Hotchkiss

As the NFL season comes to a close, many players are in the running for the MVP award. One player who has really caught everyone's attention is Buffalo's very own Josh Allen! He has been putting up amazing stats that Bills fans have never seen before. Plus, he just passed Jim Kelly in total touchdowns of all time, which is super impressive!

However, Josh is not the only one in the race. He has some tough competition from Lamar Jackson, who has already won two MVP awards, and Saquon Barkley, who started his career on a struggling Giants team. Now, he's hoping for new chances with the Philadelphia Eagles, alongside stars like A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, and Lane Johnson.

After week 15, Josh Allen's chances of winning the MVP award have skyrocketed by 600%! If the Bills make a long playoff run, his chances will get even better. The Bills are the only team to defeat the Chiefs this season, so they have a strong shot at beating them again in the playoffs.

Many fans are now calling the Bills the best team in the league after another great win against the Lions!

There’s a lot happening in the NFL right now, but for now, it looks like the Bills are the team to beat!

Recently, I sat down with Mr. Sweeney, the advisor of the Science and Nature Club, to learn more about the unique activities and events that provide middle school students opportunities to explore science and nature in ways they might not otherwise experience.

Question 1: What is the Science and Nature Club?
The Science and Nature Club is a middle school group that offers unique activities and events focused on science and nature. Students get the chance to engage in experiences they might not otherwise have, fostering a love for the natural world and scientific exploration.

Question 2: What does the Science and Nature Club do?
We participate in a wide range of activities. For instance, we've had falconers visit us in the cafeteria, gone white water rafting, and dissected animals like pigs, sharks, squid, and octopuses. We’ve built survival shelters, explored beaver habitats, and created snow sculptures. Other activities include playing Manhunt, rocket building, Ultimate Football, and field goal kicking contests. While some of these might not seem purely scientific, we incorporate scientific principles, such as gyroscopic torque and the physics behind kicking field goals, into many activities.

Question 3: How often are Science and Nature Club meetings held?
At the end of the school year, I review my schedule and the weather to plan for different activities. The frequency can vary based on the planned events and conditions, especially for outdoor activities.

Question 4: How long do Science and Nature Club meetings usually last?
Meetings typically take place after school and finish by 3:30 PM. However, activities like white water rafting can last longer—up to seven or eight hours due to travel time. Most activities are conducted on school grounds after school hours, but exploring beaver habitats may take about an hour and a half.

Question 5: Do you enjoy what the Science and Nature Club does?
Absolutely! We engage in exciting activities like dissecting animals, which many students never imagined they would do. It provides them with a hands-on opportunity to learn about animal anatomy, and it’s rewarding to see their enthusiasm.

Question 6: Is there anything you would do differently about the Science and Nature Club?
While I wouldn’t necessarily change anything, I do have ideas that could be interesting, such as building underground shelters using Bobcats on the dirt mounds behind the school. However, I’m unsure if that would be feasible in practice.

Question 7: Do you feel the Science and Nature Club is fairly represented?
The popularity of activities varies; for example, Manhunt might attract around 80 kids, while rocket launching in the cafeteria may only bring in 7 or 8. Overall, I believe we are fairly represented, though some events draw more participants than others.

Question 8: Is there a good balance between science and nature in the activities?
I strive to incorporate both science and nature into our activities, although there may be a slight emphasis on nature. Ultimately, there’s a fun element that enhances both aspects without neglecting either.

Question 9: What are the rules for Manhunt?
I use an air horn to signal the start of the game. We explain the boundaries, and half the group hides for two minutes. When they’re supposed to be found, I blow the air horn to indicate that the 'manhunters' are on the lookout. The goal is to remain undetected for three minutes. After that, we switch roles. It’s a straightforward game of hide and seek without racing to a home base.

Question 10: How did you launch the rockets?
We built rockets out of cardboard and used a launcher to send them flying across the cafeteria. It’s a fun way to see how far they can go!

Question 11: What was the highest rocket launch?
One rocket reached the classroom ceiling, which is about 10-12 feet high, and it traveled about 75% of the cafeteria length.

Question 12: What would you say to someone considering joining the Science and Nature Club?
I encourage you to pay attention to announcements about upcoming events and notice flyers in the hallways, locker rooms, bathrooms, and cafeteria. The flyers include the Google Classroom code. Joining the Google Classroom will keep you informed about when and where events are happening. Listening to announcements will also keep you updated!

by Ivy Jolbert

1. Golden Retriever - Golden Retrievers are super smart and love to make their owners happy! They are one of the best breeds for kids. Just remember, if you’re not a fan of a lot of hair, this might not be the dog for you.

2. Labrador Retriever - Labs are loving and super popular! They get along great with children. But like Golden Retrievers, they shed quite a bit, so keep that in mind!

3. German Shepherd - German Shepherds are known for being smart and loyal. They’re also great for protection, making them an excellent choice for families.

4. Pit Bulls - This might surprise some people, but Pit Bulls can be very gentle. They are protective and are wonderful with kids of all ages!

5. Boxer - Boxers are playful and full of energy! They are always ready to have fun and play with the family.

6. Poodle - Poodles are not only smart but also super loyal. They come in different sizes and are known for being friendly.

7. Irish Setter - Irish Setters are loving and exciting dogs. They are easy to train and very patient—except when they want to play!

8. Bulldog - Bulldogs are calm but can also be playful. They make great protectors for families.

9. Beagle - Beagles are friendly and great with kids! They are smart and don’t have a hard time learning new tricks.

10. Mixed Breed - Mixed breed dogs are really interesting! While some people prefer purebred dogs, mixed breeds often have fewer health issues, which makes them great pets. Plus, many mixed breed dogs can be found in shelters, waiting for a loving home. They might end up being the best dog for you!

These breeds are all wonderful choices for families. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup or a loyal companion, there’s a dog out there for everyone!

submitted by Marlowe McCarley

submitted by Milton Finkle

Can you find the following words?

Snow

Sledding

Skiing

Coco

Submitted by Luca Sofritti

How to Solve Sudoku

1. Understand the Goal: Fill the grid so each row, column, and sub-grid has all numbers (e.g., 1-9).

2. Start Easy: Find rows, columns, or sub-grids with only a few missing numbers.

3. Use Elimination: Check which numbers are already in the row, column, and sub-grid to figure out what’s missing.

4. Look for Patterns: Focus on intersections of rows and columns to spot the only possible number for a cell.

5. Double-Check: Make sure every number follows the rules as you go.

6. Be Patient: Take your time and enjoy solving step by step!

by Carter Ries

I went to a restaurant with a sign that said they served breakfast at any time. So I ordered scrambled eggs during the Renaissance.

Doctor: So you said your stomach hurts?

Patient: Yes.

Docter: What did you have for dinner last night?

Patient: I had clams.

Docter: What did it look like when you opened the shell?

Patient: You were supposed to open the shell?

by Joe Gazy using Kleki

Original Artwork by Juliet Dimieri and Olivia Heath

by Joe Gazy

1. Explore Different Roles: In the Newspaper Club, you can try out different jobs like writing, being a designer, taking photos, drawing, interviewing people, and so much more!

2. Write What You Love: You get to choose articles and topics you're interested in.

3. Have Fun: Being part of the club is a blast! You'll enjoy working with friends and creating something cool together.

4. Share Your Ideas: The Newspaper Club is a great place to express your thoughts and opinions on different topics.

5. Be Creative: Whether you're writing, drawing, or taking pictures, you'll have plenty of chances to let your creativity shine!

   
   

   If you are interested in joining the Newspaper Club, see Mrs. Kensinger, join our Google Classroom, or come to our next meeting!