The Beveridge Paw Print

This is the first year that OPS middle schools can be part of Winter Guard.

Written by: Ezekiel Hemmer (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) Get taken away by the wondrous display of flags and dancing, the magical melody of the music, and the perfectly executed fabulous footwork! This is Winter Guard, the Color Guard equivalent during the months of November and December hosted at Buena Vista High School.

If you don’t know what either is, Color Guard is a high school production during the summer and start of the school year in which two groups of students, the marching band and dancers, perform. The marching band provides musical aid to the dancers, who do tricks with the props they use.

The props could be multiple things, like flags, streamers, or wooden muskets. The tricks they do could be throwing and catching the props, spinning them, or dancing with them.

It is extremely enjoyable to watch these performances that they do at various high schools, as the group makes formations and constantly moves to perform their practiced choreography.

All this amazing teamwork makes for a great show, but what are they to do when it starts to get cold and they can’t perform on the field? This is when Winter Guard comes in to play. It has all the glory of Color Guard like in the summer, except it is inside during the winter! Although, without a marching band for the Winter Guard performers, it is still spectacular!

Winter Guard is fairly new to OPS high schools, as it has only been around for about three years now. Due to the program becoming a bigger thing and more popular, the people organizing the event will allow all OPS middle schools to attend, too, starting this year.

They are doing this as a way for middle schoolers who may want to do something like Color Guard once they’re in high school to get a taste of it beforehand. This is a great way to do so, as it shows middle school students what it’s like while also letting them be part of it.

Auditions were held at Buena Vista on November 20th for both middle and high schoolers. There were two days previously, on the 18th and 19th, where both groups could practice and prepare for the actual audition by reviewing dances and routines.

Some students who auditioned from Beveridge are Alivia McGrath (7), Cerynitee Woodruff (7), Harper Johnson (7), and Zia Humphries (7). They are all very passionate about being in the flag core for Winter Guard.

McGrath and Woodruff say they wanted to audition because McGrath’s been in dance previously, and they both think spinning flags and other stuff would be super fun. Alivia imagines herself spinning flags, dancing, and having fun at the performances. Woodruff imagines it being like ballet dancing mixed with throwing the props, or dancing plus more. Both have had family take part in Color or Winter Guard before, and McGrath has even seen some of her cousins compete.

Humphries and Johnson have seen multiple Color Guard matches previously at their elementary school since the Burke Color Guard commonly performs at Columbian. Johnson used to be in dance like McGrath, and Humphries notes how it’s really enjoyable. Johnson explains that this is going to be Color Guard, just without a marching band. She thinks that it will be easier, though, because middle school will be part of it now. Humphries also thinks this will be a lot like Color Guard, but more so in the winter to get used to it. Humphries’s mom and aunt both are big on Color Guard, and her mom has been teaching both Zia and Harper a lot about Color Guard and Winter Guard.

Andrew Braun and Nicholas Spath, the Band and Strings teachers, promoted the auditions to each of their classes. They don’t quite have an active role in any of the organization or performances, but they did both teach dance in high school, so they have a lot of experience with this kind of stuff.

The people who are organizing the performances are Caitlyn Bjork (Marrs Middle School Music teacher) and Jestin Cam (Burke High School Music teacher). Bjork is administering the middle school part of Winter Guard, while Cam is administering the high school part.

Be sure to catch some of the Winter Guard’s performances. If you’ve seen some before, then don’t worry, each performance is dazzling and different. For those who are part of this, keep on working hard to excellently entertain everyone watching. Make way, Winter Guard is coming!

The Winter One Act is well underway. Come see the show on December 16th!

Written by: Audrey Tunzer (7), Cerynitee Woodruff (7), and Alivia McGrath (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) Beveridge is putting on a show this December 16th called Check Please!--a play about blind dates gone wrong.

Someone who deserves a special thanks for all her hard work, helping Frederick Vogel (Drama teacher) and the cast, is Olivia Horne (7). Horne is the stage manager for this production of Check Please! She says she decided to become stage manager because she wanted to help out and be involved in the production but didn’t think she had a good shot at getting into the cast. Horne really enjoys being a stage manager and working with all the cast members. She says she’s good at keeping an eye on people and thinks she’s a good fit as a stage manager.

Aside from one of the spectacular stage managers, Emma Spath (7) is the female lead, otherwise known as Girl, of the play. Spath says she joined the production because she thought that it would be fun and interesting, and she enjoys acting. When she auditioned, she thought she wasn’t going to land a role. Spath saw all the people who were auditioning, and there were so many people that she thought she had no shot, especially for the lead.

Spath is very proud of herself for the role she got because it’s the lead, and she’s only ever been close to a lead for a show once before.

Spath's counterpart-- the male lead, or Guy--is Henry Reinsch (8). Reinsch says he’s happy that he joined because he loves acting and thought it would be a fun after-school activity. He thinks it’s going to be a fun time and experience. Reinsch is proud of himself for getting the lead and is excited to work with new people.

Like Spath, having fret they were not going to get a part in the production, Evelyn Gaspard (7) created a scene at auditions to get to her role. Gaspard, who also played Google in The Internet is a Distract- Oh Look a Kitten!, plays Linda in this production--a woman with two alter egos, leading to an incredibly awkward date.

Gaspard says she joined because she wanted to be in One Act since she didn’t get into last year's One Act Show and Tell. When being asked if she thought she would get a part, she replies, “No, because I don’t think I read the character that really showed my abilities to act.” Yet, she still got the part.

Along with Gaspard, the character of Brandon, or Saphira LaFarr (7), couldn't believe they have a role in the play but is excited nonetheless. When interviewing LaFarr, they say that they really didn’t expect to get in and just auditioned for moral support, but they are proud of themselves for getting in. LaFarr says they auditioned for the fall play and didn’t get in, so they auditioned for this one to ease the nerves of auditioning for theatre and just enjoy theatre in general. LaFarr is happy with the role they got and would’ve been happy with any role they got, because they just wanted to have fun in a “silly little production.”

As the others are thrilled, Ezekiel Hemmer (7), who plays Tod in this production, decided to join this production because he really enjoys the Beveridge Drama department and productions in general, and he always enjoys the friends he makes during these productions. He says it’s always fun to be around theatre kids and loves opening night excitement. He is extremely proud of getting the role he got because it is his first time getting the character he wanted.

He thinks he got the role because Vogel overheard him saying he would “sell his soul” to get the role of Tod, and he thinks Vogel got the hint. Of course, he said that as a joke, but he’s still very proud of himself for getting the role and is excited for opening night.

Welcome to the world of 4-H--a club all about 3D projects and more.

Written by: Khloe Thompson (7) and Madison Horne (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) 4-H club has been around in the USA for a total of 122 years, starting in 1902. A.B., a principal in Clark County, Ohio, started the first 4-H Club called “The Tomato Club” or “The Corn Growing Club”. Here at Beveridge 4-H Club isn’t all about only designing 3D. They also get to choose roles for everyone and build up their teamwork skills.

Shawn Graham (Eighth grade Science and College and Careers teacher) has been supervising 4-H club for two years and loves being a part of the club because he gets to empower the students. There are some challenging parts, though, such as only having two machines to work with during the allotted meeting times. It’s also a slow build-up process.

Clara Schumann (6) has said in interviews that she loves the club because she gets to build whatever she wants with the 3D printers. She finds it challenging because she has to use an app and copy it onto a 3D printer which is difficult to do.

Like Schumann, Molly McIntyre (7) has stated she likes the club because it gives her a chance to socialize with her friends that are in the club and says there are not that many challenging parts unless you have to design something for the club.

Aside from the general members of the club, the club elects cabinet members for an executive team. They are the following:

Nikki Johnson (7), President of the club, prepares all the club meetings, presides at all club meetings, and shows a real interest in taking a lead for everyone.

Addison Nielsen (7), Vice President for 4-H Club, introduces educational programs at club meetings, follows up with committees to see that they stay on task, and subs for the President if absent.

Eliza Lewis (7), secretary, keeps an accurate written record of the business meetings, provides a report by representing minutes from the previous meeting, records the club's attendance, and writes all the club's correspondence.

Lily Plouzek (7), treasurer, keeps an accurate account of all the 4-H Club's money received and spent and gives a financial report at each 4-H Club meeting.

Zia Humphries (7), historian, takes photographs at all 4-H Club meetings and activities, designs a scrapbook, collects newspaper articles from news reporters, and collects written health, safety, and environmental reports from these officers to include in the club's scrapbook.

McIntyre (7), news reporter, writes articles about club meetings and activities and submits them to the local newsletter.

Lastly, Aubrey Nielsen, recreation leader, conducts a recreational activity at each 4-H Club meeting, and plans or helps with a recreation committee that plans the 4-H Club's social events and/or parties.

Overall, 4-H club is a very fun club full of helpful people, and people say they think 4-H club is pretty cool and could see themselves doing it in the future. You get to experience how to create 3D designs and build from your own imagination.

The Lady Bulldogs made a splash this season, placing sixth as a team at City Finals.

Written by: Audrey Connolley (7), Ezekiel Hemmer (7), and Avery Feeney (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) The girls' swim season is officially over after having 12 practices due to the pool not being ready because of inspections.

Even though they had minimal practice times, the girls placed sixth as a team out of 13 teams at the City Finals on Thursday, November 14th which was hosted at Burke High School.

One of the medalists, Gabby Meyer (8), believes the team did well this short season. Meyer says, "I feel like there was a lot of improvement. The more everyone practiced, there was improvement."

Meyer pushed herself at the City Finals and was the only swimmer to individually medal. She received sixth place in the 100 freestyle and eighth place in the fly.

Upon receiving the medals, Meyer replies, "I have never gotten a medal at a school swimming competition, so it was cool. It made me feel proud, since last year I didn't get any medals which shows I improved from last year."

Along with the individual medals, the Lady Bulldogs earned two relay team medals. The team of Denna Brozek (7), Nina Goossen (8), Gabby Meyer (8), and Davyn Zach (8) performed to the best of their ability and took home fifth place in both the medley and freestyle relays.

Goossen says, "Our team was the dream team, and it was really good. I am proud we received a medal, because I have never done swim before.We tried really hard during the few practices we had."

At practices, the relay team worked hard to get to their season finale of placing fifth. A member of the relay team, Brozek (7), states, "Every day, I had a new challenge to face." She mentions practice and meets weren't always easy, especially the flip turns.

Not every member of the swim team medaled at the City Finals; however, the girls were not discouraged. Aubrey Nielsen (7) says, "I improved by a couple of seconds, and that meant a lot to me."

Along with her sister, Addison Nielsen (7) adds, "It was a good opportunity to exercise and to practice swimming--something I had not done in a while, so it was fun."

Beveridge Middle School rid themselves of backpacks and replaced them with binders for every student. What are the pros of a binder and the cons of using binders instead of backpacks?

Written by: Maddux Becker (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) A few years ago, binders arrived at Beveridge Middle School. One of the reasons? Because students would bring a ton of snacks to school in their backpacks among other things; therefore, the school required students to place their backpacks in their lockers at the start of every school day and to only carry their binders with their iPads, notebook paper, agendas, and writing utensils to class. This was to minimize distractions during class. Was this a good decision? What do the students and staff have to say about binders versus backpacks?

Claire Birge (7) explains, “The only good thing about binders is they have a lot of pockets, but they are not stable enough to hold anything you put in there. Binders are annoying, uncomfortable, bulky, and expensive. If I could choose, I would use a backpack. I hate binders.”

Like Birge with choosing a backpack, Chase Buckley (8) says, “Me personally, I think binders are okay, because they have a lot of storage space. The worst part is I don’t even need a binder, because I could just take my iPad and still have to carry a heavy binder around. I would choose a backpack over a binder, because they are more lightweight and more stylish.”

The students aren't the only ones who would choose backpacks instead of binders. Kerry Stull (seventh and eighth-grade Math teacher) says, “The best part of binders is...nothing, I don’t like them. The worst part of binders is that there is no consistency with people carrying them around and they are $35. 100/100 times I would choose a backpack over a binder.”

Each family has their own Thanksgiving favorite. Check out the Bulldogs' favorite holiday food!

Written by: Denna Brozek (7) and Addison Nielsen (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) What does your family have for Thanksgiving meals? We put up a poster including some of the most common meals for Thanksgiving. Many students around the school were able to tell us what their favorite food is for this special day!

On the poster, the top-rated foods we found were Mac'n Cheese, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Stuffing, Turkey, Ham, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, and Sweet Potato Casserole. There were many different opinions throughout the student votes.

Out of the 375 students who voted, Mac'n Cheese took the leader spot! In third place, with 64 votes, turkey came in with 17% of total student votes. Pumpkin Pie had 23% of the total votes that came in with 85 votes, placing it second. And the winner of the most votes goes to... Mac'n Cheese! With a grand slam of 112 votes and 30% of the total student tallies.

Since Mac'n Cheese is the fan favorite, try the delicious food for the upcoming holiday! The recipe link is the following: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/22649/crazy-good-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/.

I'm sure many of you have different opinions on this topic, and maybe you don't. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving day and food! Do you agree with Mac'n Cheese? If not, what's your favorite Thanksgiving food?

To get the maximum amount of Zzzs, read this article with advice from Beveridge’s Journalism 7 Staff.

Written by: Claire Birge (7), Carlaya Harrison (7), and Piper Meis (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) Did you know that it takes 60 days for a routine to form and to create habits in your mind?

Matthew Aguilar (Seventh Grade Counselor) believes that creating a good sleeping habit can improve your overall sleep schedule. One of his sleep routines is that he never sleeps in later than 8:00 AM on the weekends so his schedule stays the same. Aguilar also says turning off all devices and screens 15 minutes before bed will help get the best slumber.

We also asked Jillian Johnson (Seventh Grade Administrator) how you can get better sleep. Johnson says, “Try to avoid sleeping and taking naps after school.” In addition, she added to not consume caffeine after 3:00 PM to not mess up your sleep schedule.

Johnson also agrees with Aguilar on the matter of no electronics before bed, but she also recommends reading a book. She prefers fictional ones before bed.

After interviewing Johnson and Aguilar, we interviewed Kristin Tipler (Assistant Principal). She advised that students should get eight and a half to nine hours of sleep.

Aside from the staff, we interviewed various students. We found that the average student gets about eight hours of sleep.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, we have a couple of recommendations. Tipler recommends straying your mind away from sleep. She likes to meditate to calm down and relax her mind and body. Aguilar thinks that if you can’t fall asleep, try switching up your environment--moving to a different location can reset your body in hopes of getting a good night’s rest.

Overall, if you set a sleeping routine, put down your phone thirty minutes prior to going to bed, and don’t drink caffeine before bed, you’ll be sleeping like a baby in no time. Sweet dreams! 💤💤

Each month, there will be a new teacher spotlight. This month we have chosen Billie Bessinger, one of our sixth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) and reading teachers.

Written by: Avery Feeney (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) Once you meet Billie Bessinger, you will know that English teachers are always “write”! Bessinger is a great teacher, and from personal experience, her room is a very safe and inclusive environment for every student.

Bessinger has been teaching for 19 years. Before teaching, she started as an accountant. She says, “I had a realization one day, and I said to myself I don’t think I should be accounting. I am supposed to be a teacher.”

Her favorite thing about her classroom is that it is located off in a corner of the sixth-grade hallway, and it gives off a feeling of safety and family. “I hope and try to make sure my kiddos always know I’m here and if they need to talk, I’ll always listen.”

Bessinger has signs that say “Always remember I love you” and encouraging posters to make students feel welcome and accepted. She says, “I always give my kids hugs when I see them.”

Bessinger’s favorite thing about teaching is when “students finally actually get it and their faces light up and they are so proud of themselves". She mentions, "I also love when old students tell me thank you for pushing them to do something, and I love building relationships with my students.”

Bessinger explains, “My inspiration to start teaching was that in high school, I had a Home Ec teacher that was my inspiration for who I am as a person. She had a great relationship with all her students, looked out for the kids, and she made me get out of my shell. Everyone loved her.”

We feel like Bessinger has done a splendid job in carrying out all these goals to make kids feel comfortable and safe at Beveridge!

For a fun and festive way to get into the thankful feel, check out the recipes below!

Written by: Alexa Guerrero (7) and Aubrey Nielsen (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) Thanksgiving Break is here; try some baking for the holiday and enjoy!

Oreo Turkey Cookies

Aubrey and Alexa’s review: These turned out great! We would definitely recommend making them with little ones and maybe even using the frosting to decorate them in your own way.

According to Desserts on a Dime (https://dessertsonadime.com/oreo-cookie-turkeys/), this is how to make the fun treats:

Ingredients:

• 12 Oreo cookies

• 24 candy eyes

• 12 peanut butter chips

• 4 oz. white icing

(For substiutions to the ingredients,

click the link near the title.)

Instructions:

• 1. Untwist each Oreo.

• 2. Place four Candy Corn pieces on the top of each cookie with the majority of the filling on the Oreo cookie. Put some of the white icing on the bottom of the Candy Corn to help hold the other piece of cookie back on.

• 3. Place the cookies back together.

• 4. Use the icing to put the candy eyes and peanut butter chip on the center of the Oreos to create the face of a Turkey.

• 5. Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Aubrey and Alexa’s review: These were also really fun to make. We would recommend making some with apples and some without apples because not everyone liked the apples. We used a cupcake pan instead of a muffin pan, and they still came out great. If you do end up using a cupcake pan, use the time for cupcakes on the back of the cake mix.

According to Taste of Home (https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/caramel-apple-cupcakes/?srsltid=AfmBOopqyiK7VMhdY1c07AJKbRyaWSu_jUmawrOURRwfbL9Du1d0I2ij&scrlybrkr=f11226d1), this is how to make this festive dessert:

Ingredients:

-1 package spice or carrot cake mix (regular size)

-2 cups chopped peeled tart apples

(about 2 medium)
-20 caramels
-3 tablespoons 2% milk

-1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

-12 wooden skewers (4-12 inch)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 12 jumbo muffin cups with paper liners.

2. Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions; fold in apples. Fill prepared cups three-fourths full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans; cool completely on a wire rack.

3. In a small saucepan, cook caramels and milk over low heat until smooth, stirring constantly. Spread over cupcakes. Sprinkle with pecans. Insert a wooden skewer in each.

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

According to One Little Project (https://onelittleproject.com/rice-krispie-treat-pumpkins/), this is how to make the cute little pumpkins:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1 bag large marshmallows (APPROXIMATELY 40 MARSHMALLOWS)

• 6 cups Rice Krispies

• Red & yellow liquid food coloring

• Mini Rolos

• Green M&M's

• 1/4 cup cooking oil or melted butter in a small bowl

Instructions

• In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.

• Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and combined with the butter.

• Remove from the heat. Add several drops of yellow food coloring, mix it together, then add red food coloring one drop at a time, mixing as you go. Add red/yellow drops until you reach your desired color. (The One LIttle Project used about 4 drops red and 12 drops yellow). Mix well.

• Add the Rice Krispies and stir to combine.

• Coat both sides of your hands with a generous amount of cooking oil or butter, and roll the Rice Krispie mixture into small balls. Set on parchment paper. Add oil/butter to your hands after each ball.

• While the balls are still warm, gently press a Mini Rolo into the top of each pumpkin for the stem and add a green M&M beside it as the leaf. (Tip: If the pumpkins cool before you're finished, use the end of a thick marker or apple corer to make a small indent in the top for the chocolate to sit in.)

• Allow to cool until firm.

Potlucks are common among a variety of communities. Where did they originate, and why do we host potlucks?

Written by: Eliza Lewis (7) and Olivia Horne (7)

(BEVERIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL) We all know potlucks, whether it’s for Thanksgiving, in a nearby place, or even just with your family! But do you know where this giving tradition in many communities comes from?

The reason potlucks became a common tradition at churches, festivals, and holidays was because of the Great Depression. In October of 1929, the Wall Street Market crashed. Soon after that tragedy, the Great Depression began, which caused millions of people to lose their jobs, food, and even some belongings.

During that time, many people didn’t have enough money to pay for properties and meals for their families because of the mass unemployment rates.

One way people coped with the lack of food was by having simple pot meals, such as chili, soups, mac n’ cheese, and sliced beef on toast. They were very affordable, reliable, and could make big batches for multiple people.

Many churches began a trend to create a big dinner party and shared it with a big community plus bringing people together. This trend continued throughout the 1900s and continues to this day.

Where the origin of the potluck traditions comes from is not exactly known, but there are many beliefs. It is believed to have started in the 1500s when men and women would use their leftover food and share it with their guests on short notice. It was referred to “Luck of the Pot” where the unexpected guest(s) would find what they would like to eat.

Get out there and keep hosting those potlucks to continue this special tradition in hopes of bringing together a community from all over!