Somewhere In the Middle
Crockett Middle School Newspaper - June 2024
✨ Exploring London's Charms with Mrs. Adrienne Jessup
An Exclusive Interview
Mrs. Jessup is a former elementary teacher and is Dr. Williams's sister.
Key Topics Discussed in the Interview
People in London
Key Points: Welcoming nature, assistance at Heathrow Airport, diversity.
Mrs. Jessup talked about how friendly and helpful people in London are, especially at Heathrow Airport, where people offer help to lost travelers. This is different from Philadelphia, where you have to ask for help.
British History and Culture
Key Points: Visits to Trafalgar Square, British Art Museum, Prime Minister's residence, and more.
Mrs. Jessup described visiting important historical places, staying in a nice apartment, and seeing the changing of the guard and the coronation abbey. She explained that the changing of the guard was a surprise event. She also visited the abbey where King Charles was coronated, noting the historical importance and the diversity of people buried there, including a statue of Martin Luther King.
Cambridge Visit
Key Points: Unique city layout, 31 colleges, medieval architecture, and temperate weather.
Mrs. Jessup described Cambridge, mentioning its structure, the central shopping area, and the old architecture without modern conveniences. She highlighted stores like TX Maxx, Taco Bell, and American Sweets, which added to the unique shopping experience.
London Eye
Key Points: Large Ferris wheel, panoramic city view, accessible by public transport.
Mrs. Jessup described the London Eye as a big Ferris wheel that moves slowly to give a full view of the city. She saw it from an Uber boat, noting its look and function.
Interactions with Locals
Key Points: Unique village names, house features, pristine gardens, interest in Donald Trump.
Mrs. Jessup shared what she observed while staying in a village. She described the different house layouts and how locals were very interested in talking about Donald Trump. She also noted the unique names of villages and features of houses.
Home Features
Key Points: Dual-button toilets, no dryers, narrow streets, opposite-side driving.
Mrs. Jessup highlighted some unique home features and differences in transportation. She learned to use toilets with two buttons and noted that homes often use outdoor drying because they don't have dryers.
Churches and Bell Ringers
Key Points: Old stone churches, professional bell ringers.
Mrs. Jessup attended an Easter service in an old stone church and learned about the profession of bell ringing.
Challenges and Unexpected Situations
Key Points: Differences in language, road signs, escalator etiquette, tea culture.
Mrs. Jessup faced challenges adjusting to local customs and practices. She had to learn the meanings of road signs like "give way" (which means yield) and was corrected for not standing on the right side of escalators. She also noted how often locals drink tea.
Traditional British Foods
Key Points: Meat pies, diverse food options, chai tea, fish and chips.
Mrs. Jessup tried different traditional foods, including formal tea with scones and clotted cream, and enjoyed tasting the local cuisine.
Transportation in London
Key Points: Efficient subway system (tube), public transport options.
Mrs. Jessup was impressed by the organized and efficient transportation system, which made it easy to get around without needing a car.
Art and Fundraising
Key Points: Decorated giraffes, fundraising for education, historical school buildings.
Mrs. Jessup saw art installations and fundraising efforts in Cambridge, including decorated giraffes used to raise money for education. She also noted the historical private schools.
Overall Experience
Key Points: Familiarity with European culture, enjoyment of historical sites, dislike for weather.
Mrs. Jessup had a positive experience overall, enjoying the historical sites and European culture. However, she didn't like the unpredictable weather, which often changed between sun, rain, and wind.
The Interview 🎤✨🌟
by Ameena Wanger, Illiyana Oliveras, Leiah Adrien,
Natasha Ramcharan,Violet Dugan
The following pictures of London were
taken by Mrs. Jessup! 📷✨🌆
👀 The London Eye
The London Eye is a huge Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It stands 443 feet tall and was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world when it opened in 2000. The London Eye has 32 glass capsules that give amazing views of famous places in the city, like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. It has become one of the most popular places to visit in the United Kingdom, offering a unique and beautiful view of London’s skyline.
🕰️ Big Ben
Big Ben is a famous clock tower in London. It is part of the Houses of Parliament, which is also known as the Palace of Westminster. The tower stands 316 feet tall and has four clock faces. The name "Big Ben" actually refers to the big bell inside the tower, which chimes every hour. The clock and the bell first started working in 1859. Big Ben is one of the most well-known landmarks in London and is a symbol of the United Kingdom.
Changing of the Guards
The Changing of the Guards is a famous ceremony in London. It takes place at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen lives. During the ceremony, soldiers who have been guarding the palace switch places with new soldiers. The guards wear traditional red uniforms and tall, black hats called bearskins. There is a lot of marching, music, and sometimes even a band. This event happens almost every day and attracts many tourists who come to watch the impressive display. The ceremony shows the discipline and traditions of the British army.
House with a Thatched Roof
🏡 In some parts of London, you can still find houses with thatched roofs. These roofs are made from dried plants like straw or reeds. Thatching is a traditional method that has been used for hundreds of years. Houses with thatched roofs have a unique, old-fashioned look and are often found in more rural areas or historical parts of the city. The thick layer of straw helps keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. While not very common today, these homes are a charming reminder of England's past. 🌾
The Royal Throne
👑 The royal throne in London is a special chair where the king or queen sits during important events. It is located in Westminster Abbey, where British monarchs are crowned. The throne is also used during ceremonies in the Houses of Parliament. The most famous royal throne is the Coronation Chair, which has been used since 1308. It is made of oak and has a special space underneath for the Stone of Scone, a symbol of Scottish kingship. The royal throne is a symbol of the monarchy and British history. 🏰
🚗 Uber 🚤 Boat Ride on the Thames River
🚤 An Uber Boat ride on the Thames is a fun and easy way to travel in London. These boats work like water taxis and can take you to many different places along the river. The ride offers great views of famous landmarks like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben. The boats are comfortable and have indoor and outdoor seating. You can use your phone to book a ticket, just like you would for an Uber car. Riding an Uber Boat is a unique way to see the city and avoid traffic on the roads. 🌊
London Lessons 🇬🇧: What We Learned from Mrs. Jessup's Adventure 🌟
From this interview, we learned that London is a welcoming and diverse city with a rich history and vibrant culture. We discovered that Londoners are friendly and helpful, particularly at places like Heathrow Airport. Mrs. Jessup's visit included iconic historical sites such as Trafalgar Square, the British Art Museum, and the Prime Minister's residence, as well as witnessing the ceremonial changing of the guard. We also learned about the efficient public transportation system, including the famous London Eye. We were introduced to traditional British foods, unique features of local homes, and the polite and reserved nature of the British people. Additionally, we gained insights into the everyday challenges and unexpected situations one might encounter when adapting to a new culture. Overall, the interview provided us with a comprehensive view of life in London, highlighting both its historical significance and contemporary charm.
by Ameena Wanger, Illiyana Oliveras, Leiah Adrien,
Natasha Ramcharan,Violet Dugan
Abigail's Home Run Tales: Sharing Softball Smiles and Triumphs ⚾😊
Abby's Experiences and Insights as a Softball Player
Abby started playing softball after trying dance, cheer, and other sports, which she didn't enjoy as much. She knew people who played T-Ball and decided to try softball. Abby usually plays as a catcher. She started catching for her new travel team after her previous coach wouldn't let her catch despite her willingness. Her most memorable game was the first tournament she played with the Hamilton Hurricanes as a guest player. Abby enjoys softball because it's fun and she likes the team sport aspect of it. Her pregame ritual involves listening to a sound clip in the car with her dad, which is a motivational chant from his younger days.
The best advice she received was to hit the corner of the bag when sliding to avoid injury. Abby advises new players to keep their eye on the ball and not let a mistake in the first play affect their mindset. Her favorite college team is Oklahoma State because they have been performing well and have many good plays.
Pre-game Rituals and Overcoming Challenges with Authority Figures
The interviewee practices their swing a couple of times, prays, and tries to breathe before stepping into the batter's box. They do not have any lucky items like a four-leaf clover or a lucky bracelet. The interviewee had a coach who did not allow them to use their own $400 composite bat and threatened to bench them if she didn't get a hit .The interviewee used their own bat and got a hit.
Abby's passion for softball shines through her dedication to her favorite position, pregame rituals, and overcoming challenges with authority figures.
by Ameena Wagner & Abigail Volkert
8th Grade Class of 2024
The graduating students created commemorative ceramic plaques, engraving "Class of 2024" and shaping the clay into their own designs.
by Mrs. Evans, CMS Art Teacher
Guatemalan Food: An Adventure in Every Bite 🌮🍴🌍
Guatemala is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage, and one of its most wonderful aspects is its food. Each meal is made with love, patience, and effort, resulting in delicious dishes that reflect the heart and soul of the people.
Paches are a type of tamale made from mashed potatoes and wrapped in banana leaves. The dough is mixed with a recado sauce and often filled with chicken or pork, along with mild or sweet peppers. Originating from the Guatemalan department of Quetzaltenango, the recipe for paches has spread to other regions, leading to various modifications. Paches are sometimes confused with traditional meat tamales, which are made of corn dough.
Chuchitos, small tamales made with corn dough, are mixed with tomato sauce and filled with beef or pork. This national, traditional, and emblematic dish of Guatemalan gastronomy is typically mixed with a recado or tomato sauce, and the filling can include chicken or pork. Enchiladas in Guatemala are a Hispanic heritage received during the colonial period.
According to historian and anthropologist Celso Lara, this dish is a result of the cultural mix that the Castilians experienced, especially the spices brought by the Arabs from the East. Shucos are the Guatemalan version of a hot dog, but with a unique twist. Guatemalan shucos are prepared with toasted bread and guacamole, differentiating them from traditional American hot dogs. Pepián is a thick meat stew that is one of the oldest and most recognizable dishes in Guatemalan cuisine. This dish, originating from Guatemala's colonial past and indigenous cuisine, showcases the rich culinary heritage of the country.
These are just a few examples of the delicious foods from Guatemala. There are many more delightful dishes to discover, but my favorite is the shuco.
by Sofia Vargas and Marian Isabel Martinez
Crocketts Culture Reporters - Sofia Vargas 🎤
Marian Isabel Martinez 📷, Susan Dominguez 🖋️
Trailblazers of Today: Pioneering Modern History 🚀📜
Peer Leaders Pitch In: 🤝 Volunteering with the Miracle League ⚾
The Miracle League of Mercer County is a group that helps kids and adults with disabilities play baseball. Here are some important things to know about it:
1. Inclusive Environment: The league creates a supportive place where everyone can play baseball, no matter their abilities. The field has a special rubber surface to make it easier for wheelchairs and other devices.
2. Buddy System: Each player gets a "buddy" who helps them during the game. Buddies assist with hitting the ball, running bases, and fielding, making sure everyone has fun and stays safe.
3. Community Engagement: The league brings together players, families, and volunteers, creating a sense of community. It helps people make friends and enjoy time together.
4. Events and Activities: Besides regular games, the Miracle League holds events and activities throughout the year to keep everyone involved and excited.
5. Volunteer Opportunities: The league needs volunteers to be buddies, coaches, and helpers. This lets people in the community get involved and make a positive difference.
6. Fundraising and Support: The Miracle League raises money to support its programs and maintain the field. Donations from individuals, businesses, and groups are very important.
Overall, the Miracle League of Mercer County helps people with disabilities enjoy baseball, stay active, and make friends, improving their lives through the game.
Home Run Dreams: Rhys' Path in Baseball
With excitement pulsating through the air, the team chanted, “Let’s go, Rhys!” It was the last inning of the tee-ball championship game. The bases were loaded, and the game was tied. The suspense and tension were palpable. Everyone was depending on me.
As I took the first swing, I unleashed my inner anger on the ball and CRACK! I hit the ball, and it was going, going, and then it hit the fence. I was rounding the bases as the crowd and my team screamed. I rounded third base and headed home. As I slid, my heart was pounding. The next words I heard were, "SAFE!"
My whole team rushed out of the dugout and jumped on me in excitement. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground with everyone on top of me. After the game, we all got pizza, which tasted amazing after such a long game.
But forget the past, let's talk about the future. I was a young lad trying out for travel teams, going from team to team until I found a pretty good one called the Warriors. To my surprise, they accepted me onto the team. I thought it was going to be a great season, or so I hoped. During the first season, we struggled, finishing with a record of 5-8, not even good enough to make the playoffs.
I feared the next season would be just as bad, but we played better than I expected, ending with an 8-5 record. Even though things were looking up, I knew the following season would be more challenging as we transitioned from “coach pitch” to “kid pitch.” Still, we did well, finishing 7-6, which allowed us to make it to the playoffs.
Back on the diamond, we won all four games, making it to the championship for the first time. Playing third base, I fielded a hard ground ball and threw the runner out at first. When I was up to bat, I felt the wind blowing to the right, so I aimed to hit with the wind. The loud ping echoed as the ball soared—going, going, gone! My team ran to greet me as I stomped on home plate.
Twenty minutes later, it was the last inning with two outs. A player with a country walk-up song stepped up to the plate. Bang! He hit it right to me, and I caught it for the third out. We screamed in excitement because we were going to the Little League World Series. Little did I know, we were going to get demolished there. We lost both games, leaving the field in tears.
I realized something was wrong. The coach never played me in the position I liked, mostly putting me in right field or center field. I knew I was capable of playing my preferred position. On the way home, I saw people leaving the team for other sports. I told my mom I wanted to play another sport because I felt undervalued. So, I left.
The next season, HTRBA/Rec started, and I got drafted to Coach Bryan’s team. Things started to get better because he was a really nice coach who let me play any position I liked, especially catcher. The season started, and we began to win game after game, making it to the championship against HCC Contracting. Unfortunately, we lost, but I will always remember that season because Coach Bryan made it enjoyable.
To my surprise, Coach Bryan offered me a spot on his travel team. I was thrilled and accepted. Meeting new people and players felt awkward initially, but I soon showcased my skills. I only played a few games that season since they had started before I joined, finishing with a 3-4 record. The next season, we improved, going 6-4.
Then it was time for HTRBA again, and I was drafted to Milonas Painting once more. I was delighted because Coach Bryan was my coach again. The first game wasn’t great, and we lost 2-7, but we bounced back in the next game, winning 11-0 until we changed our pitcher and gave up some runs. Still, we held on and won.
That's all I have for HTRBA, but my A’s team is really good. We just need to make the little plays. This is my journey so far, and I hope to continue growing and one day make it to the MLB.
By CMS Reporter Rhys
Sailing Through History: Students Build and Battle Ironclads of the Civil War
In Mr. Kaufmann's class, the students are exploring technological advances during the American Civil War, focusing on how the Union and Confederacy utilized these innovations to gain an advantage in the war. The class delved into the development of "ironclads," new metal ships introduced during the conflict.
As part of this lesson, students engaged in a hands-on project where they constructed their own ironclad ships using only aluminum foil and a few other craft materials. This activity also served as a partial science lesson, as students tested their ships in water to observe buoyancy and density.
After ensuring their ships could float, the students moved on to the ultimate test: cannon fire simulations using marbles. The goal was to see which ships could withstand the bombardment and stay afloat. This engaging activity provided a practical understanding of the challenges and innovations of naval warfare during the Civil War.
Following the ship-building and testing activities, the class learned about the first Civil War naval battle involving metal (ironclad) ships, gaining insights into the strategic and technological significance of these advancements in naval history.
Gleaming Moments: A Memorable Afternoon at the Student Council Glow Dance!
The Student Council Glow Dance was an afternoon of fun and excitement! From 3 to 6 PM, students lit up the afternoon with their bright neon outfits and glow sticks, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The event was filled with music, laughter, and dazzling lights, making it an unforgettable experience. The food was great, adding to the enjoyment of the event. Friends danced the afternoon away, sharing memorable moments and enjoying the vibrant energy of the glow dance. It was a fantastic event that everyone will cherish for a long time!
Dance Fever: Rhythmic Rivalry on the Stage 💃🏆
Competition Dance by Violet Dugan
My name is Violet Dugan, I am a sixth grader, I have been a dancer for about 4 ½ years, and a competition dancer for 3 ½ years. I am currently in 7 classes at Talk of the Town Dance Studio. In this article, I will be talking about the 2023-2024 competition season.
The 2023-24 season
This season, we competed in four different competitions. One in March, and three in April. The competitions we performed at were That’s Entertainment Performing Arts Competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Journey Dance Competition in Lawrenceville, New Jersey Beyond the Stars Dance Competition in Somerset, New Jersey, and Breakout Dance Competition in the Meadowlands, New Jersey. All four competitions were a tremendous success for everyone. We had 8 solo competitors, me being one of them, and 12 group dances, making 20 numbers in total! Numerous dances placed high and did well during awards. However, out of all of the dances, one stood out. Our team’s 13-15 division tap number. Why, you ask? This number got diamond (the highest adjudication), first place overall in the division, and the highest scoring dance of the day at all four competitions we competed at! It was truly an amazing thing to experience. Winning feels good, after you worked on this dance for 10 months straight. Those extra weekend practices were worth it!
What are the origins and inspirations behind these dances?
This year, Talk of the Town dance studio was invited by Dance the Magic to be one of the studios selected to dance in a parade in Walt Disney World in July 2024. All dancers and teachers are ecstatic to have this opportunity, due to not having the chance to go because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this momentous occasion and our studios 55th anniversary, all recreational and competition dances are Disney themed. Some may be songs from the Disney movies or musicals, and some might not be Disney songs, but based on a movie. Some of our dances include Mary Poppins, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hocus Pocus, and Star Wars. With our 55th recital just around the corner, dancers and teachers are working hard to make their dances as good as possible for their performance. Recreational classes have been working since September and Competition classes have been working since July. Costumes are being fitted, hair is being done, shoes are being cleaned, and so far, the dances are looking fantastic. Teachers, dancers, studio directors, and parents are thrilled to see their dancers grow and shine in their performance.
Conclusion
Overall, I cannot put into words how incredible this competition season has been. I couldn’t have done it without my dance friends and instructors. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I encourage you to follow your dreams and ipursue their passions in sports, or any other hobby you have, or maybe try something new! See you next year!