COYOTE CHRONICLEThe Independent Day School Student Newspaper

T h e I n d e p e n d e n t D a y S c h o o l

Winter

, 2011

By Chris M.

Debate is a verb that means to argue. On September 17th, a large number of eager students charged into the peaceful library, waiting to argue with their friends. Many students arrived fifteen minutes before this exciting program even began. The simple reason for this is that the students yearned to debate and hoped to win against their friends. Soon after, the energetic coaches, Dr. Barrengos, Mr. Farrell, and later Mr. Watt, joined the group with possibly more

energy and enthusiasm than the students.

The Debate Team started by introducing themselves and expressing why they came to debate. Along with the many responses of “learning to argue with their parents”, it was noted that many students wanted to

prove that the X-box was better than the P.S 3 or vise a versa. The students later would be pleased to debate about this topic, but first the essentials had to be learned.

The club started with a simple game called rhyme or reason. The game consisted of rhyming or providing a word that resembled another word. This game helped students to develop quick thinking skills. During the game, there were many debates or arguments about whether or not someone should be disqualified.

The students learned that at the end of the year they would be competing against other schools including the Kingswood Oxford School. Eager to be ready for the competition, they began to prepare. Weeks passed and it was noted how the studentsʼ debating skills improved. Before Thanksgiving break, the students learned that they would be debating each other about banning cell phones in school. Each team would consist of three people. Students began to anticipate their opponentʼs move before the debate. Although they may not have been aware of this, the students were becoming skillful debaters just by arguing for what they believed.

IDS Students Audition for Regionals

By Samantha H.

Middle school students participated this year in the Regional Music Auditions. On March 5th, many of these students will be involved in a performance comprised of selected students from different schools. For the Regional Audition, students chose a musical piece that they practiced for one to two months. Some students took lessons with private teachers and others took lessons with Mrs. Mills, who was kind enough to give up her free time to help.

Once the participants arrived at the school that was hosting the auditions, people went to the gym to warm up. Everybody was trying to hear themselves over the blasting music of everybody else. It was extraordinarily loud in that gym, especially to the parents, who were also waiting in the gym with their hands over their ears. Mrs. Mills proceeded to walk the students down to the classrooms where they lined up outside until it was their turn. As students were called in by an instructor, some were in shock as they transitioned from the overwhelmingly loud gym to suddenly being able to hear a mouthpiece drop. A student would either play the piece for the instructor or do their scales and then wait outside while the judges assessed their performance. The instructor would hand back a yellow sheet of paper with points for each category being evaluated.

Mrs. Mills loved seeing the scores the students received. She was so proud of their work and generously offered to help students next year. IDS students were congratulated and everybody was dismissed. A week or two passed before participants got a call at home from Mrs. Mills as to whether they would be involved in this yearʼs Southern Regional Music Festival. Whatever the result, everybody who participated did a great job.

IDS Debate Team Prepares

for First Debate

In the Spotlight: New

Faculty at IDS

The Roving ReportersBy Caroline C. and Camille M.

Teacher Responses:

Ms. Boyce: 1. No color, because I bite my nails.

2. Grey Nike Free sneakers

3. Mr. Under Armour

Ms. Kleederman: 1. Coney Island Cotton Candy

2. Red Sneakers

3. Any good consignment store

Señora Dwyer:

1. Dear Diary- OPI

2. Cowboy Boots

3. Carolina Herrera

By Nicole D.

Since the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, all the new Middle School teachers were welcomed into the Middle School. One of our new teachers is Mr. Watt, a sixth grade advisor and history teacher for the sixth and seventh graders. Mr. Watt teaches about different events and trends in history. For example, when I interviewed him, his lessons from that day ranged from the Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism to the Tea Act. Mr. Watt teaches his classes by using a whiteboard, his computer, and plenty of class participation.

For the past 13 years, Mr. Watt worked as a teacher at the Rectory School, located in Pomfret, CT. He decided to stop working there and try teaching at another school. He explained, “IDS was looking for a new history teacher, while I was looking for new work.” This is how it came to be that Mr. Watt is the newest history teacher at IDS.

Currently, Mr. Wattʼs 6th and 7th grade classes are a fun experience and a time

of great learning. He tells interesting facts and explains topics carefully when they are not fully understood. He can explain most topics, including everything from the Revolutionary War to the Bermuda Triangle. Each night he assigns a writing assignment about the

history topic that was discussed in class. His classes are enjoyable.

Mr. Watt is not only a teacher, but also a fire-breather, a fencer, and a mountain climber! He is a man of many talents and a great new addition to the school.

Our Questions for Issue #2:1. What is your favorite nail polish color? 2. What is you favorite type of shoe? 3. Who is your favorite designer?

As you can see, none of these three teachers are the same in any way. They all preferred different varieties of style and color. The teachers at IDS are not afraid to express who they are. One great thing thing about IDS is that everyone is unique in their own special ways.

Pictured above is Mr. Watt playfully giving bunny ears to our reporter, Nicole.

My Recent Reflections on Political Heroes

By Chris M.Everyone remembers John F. (Fitzgerald) Kennedyʼs presidential speech, especially his famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Did J.F.K write this quote? Maybe, but probably not without the help of someone else. Ted Sorenson was John F. Kennedyʼs most trusted advisor and speechwriter, who accompanied Kennedy through the senate and oval office. It is likely that Ted Sorenson helped write many of these quotes. Many politicians today have speechwriters who write speeches with very little of their own input. John F. Kennedy may have been a rare exception.

A month or even a week ago, if asked who was my hero, I would instantly respond John F. Kennedy without hesitation. At that time, however, I had no idea what really went on in the presidential office. I also believed other presidents, who led our country in times of need, wrote the meaningful quotes that inspire children to look up to them as role models. I believed presidents independently wrote the classic books such as J.F.Kʼs Profiles in Courage, using their own ideas not mixed with someone else's idea. Learning about Ten Sorensonʼs career helped me realize this. Even though it is extremely hard for me to admit, this has changed my view of politicians and I do not value them as the heros I once did. Instead, I have begun to look at them more critically.

In my opinion, I still believe that President Kennedy was one of the best presidents America has ever had. Does any president write their own quotes, let alone speeches? Unlike other politicians, he might have written many of the quotes with the help of Ted Sorenson. I do not doubt that he was a brave man. He swam over three miles to an island while holding an injured man on his back, and his handling of the Cuban missile crisis was an important act of courage.

Although I respect many politicians, it is hard for me to embrace their words as I once did in response to every John F. Kennedy quote. I can and still will recite many of John F. Kennedyʼs quotes and respect his courageous acts. No longer, though, will I ever automatically respect any politician for what he says. Instead, I will learn from the speechwriterʼs or politicianʼs quote, realizing that the politician most likely had assistance composing these words. For it is unlikely that it was the politician who independently created the latest quote on the radio, but instead a man who might never be acknowledged, yet should be, as a contributor along with the famous politician.

Una Vista Española

By Jenna P. and Sophie W.-R.Hola, nos llamamos Sophie y Jenna. Este es un nuevo artículo en el peridico de IDS, El Coyote Chronicle. Nos gusta mucho hablar español porque es muy divertido. Si hablas español puedes ir a otros países hispanohablantes en el futuro. Nosotras hablamos en español todo el tiempo.

En nuestra clase acabamos de terminar un proyecto sobre las comunidades autónomas españolas. Sophie estudió la comunidad de Andalucía. Andalucía es la comunidad más grande de todo el país. En esta comunidad hay muchas cosas que hacer. Jenna estudió la comunidad

de Madrid. Madrid es la capital de España y la tercera ciudad más grande de Europa. También en la comunidad hay muchas cosas que hacer, como ir a hacer compras fabulosas y visitarlugares de gran interés hístoríco.

Necesitamos a otras estudiantes que hablan español porque es muy bueno si quieres saber mucho español!

Check Out This New Column in Spanish!

Learning Outside of the Classroom

Jenna and Sophie love learning about the Spanish language and culture.

IDS Fashion And Entertainment

By Betty S. Shoes are one of the most fun things to pair with your outfit. This year it seems like boots are the trend. Something you can never go wrong with are Uggs. I mean they are comfy and cute. What is not to love? Everyone wears Uggs and what is great is that everyone wears them differently. I really hope that Uggs are stylish for years to come!

There are also new boot trends. Now the style is a simple wellie (rain boots) with extremely cute boot covers. They kind of look like leg warmers that fold over the top of the boot. They come in all sorts of colors and patterns that match the boot.

If you are wearing Uggs, you can really wear them with anything and everything. They are a shoe that looks adorable with anything. As for wellies, they look the best with skinny jeans or straight leg pants.

Thinking about fun and easy ways to be trendy with your own twist, makes me also want to discuss t-shirts. One of the best things to just pop on and go are t-shirts. They are extremely easy and comfortable. The only problem with them is it is sometimes difficult to find a comfy and cute tee! Luckily there are many simple solutions. This year, my favorite is t-shirts with scrunched and ruffled sleeves or shoulders. You can get them in all different styles and colors. They are comfortable and really stylish.

T-shirts are the perfect thing that you can dress up or down, meaning you can create a very formal outfit, or something just for lounging. This is a perfect money saving tip. Instead of rushing out to the store to get an expensive dress, you can wear one of these t-shirts with a simple skirt and a waist band. Of course these are also perfect outfits for the weekend. Just throw on one of these tees and a pair of skinny jeans! Another great thing about these t-shirts are you can get all different sleeve lengths. Short sleeves for the summer, 3/4 sleeves for the fall, and full sleeves for the winter. Try it!

You can wear your boot covers over your boots or above them!

Trendy with Your Own Twist

Chloe’s Book Corner By Chloe M. I started a book called Luv Ya Bunches. This book was part of a series called Flower Power and is about four girls, Yasaman, Katie-Rose, Camilla, and Violet. As you can tell, theyʼre all named after flowers. I finished this book a couple days ago and loved it. What I liked most is all four girls were unique in their appearances and backgrounds. Yasaman is Muslim and wears a headscarf, called a hijab, Camilla has two moms, Violet has darker skin, and Katie-Rose is Chinese and is smaller than other girls in her grade. In this book, there is a popular girl, Camilla (aka Milla), a goofball, Katie-Rose, shy, quiet, Yasaman, and the new girl, Violet. These girls barely know each other and hardly ever talk. Katie-Rose finally begins to talk to Yasaman, and they become great friends. Yasaman creates a website called blahblahsomethingsomething.com (until they can decide on a name!) so that Katie-Rose and Yasaman can chat online. Meanwhile, Camilla is devastated. Her precious bobble head turtle, Tally, that her moms brought back for her from Guatemala, is missing. It turns out that Violet is behind the secret of Tallyʼs disappearance. As Violet is walking down the halls, trying to find her classroom, since she is new, she stops when she sees an adorable bobble head turtle. She picks it up and stuffs it in her pocket, thinking that sheʼll find out whose it is later. Modessa and Quin frame Katie-Rose, so Milla wonʼt blame them. These “flowers” realize they can become something pretty wonderful: friends. I recommend this book for girls ages 9-12, and I would give it four out of 5 stars.

SportsTylerʼs World of Sports

By Tyler M.Football season is well under way in America. Frankly, some teams have been great disappointments, and some teams, on the other hand, have been great surprises. In this issue, I want to discuss several important players in the 2010 season. Iʼve been watching closely and I have a good pulse on the situation.

Randy Moss has been a huge topic of conversation this year in the NFL. He was traded from the New England Patriots to the Minnesota Vikings a few months ago, and then was cut by the Vikings after his first week because of the scene he made at the press conference after a game. Randy Moss is no doubt one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but he has the biggest ego off the field. He is a bad egg in the locker room and, as a Patriotsʼ fan, I am glad he is gone from the Patriotsʼ team. I do not think that Bill Belichick, the Patriotsʼ head coach, needs him to win.

I think a breakthrough player this year has been Michael Vick, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been outstanding this year. He has passed for just about 2,000 yards so far this season, and he is currently a huge factor in the Eagles 7-4, first place lead in the NFC East. I know that Michael Vick may not have the greatest history off the field, but this year has been so much fun to watch.

In just a few weeks, eight teams, four from the NFC and four from the AFC, will enter the playoffs. The teams that you should look out for are the Pittsburgh Steelers, The New England Patriots, the Baltimore Ravens, and the New York Jets. Four teams, all in the AFC, have been dominant this year. For the NFC, the Atlanta Falcons are a team to admire. They did not have an amazing season last year, but they are really doing well this year. Some other teams to keep an eye out for in the NFC are the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears. The Saints, currently reigning Super Bowl champions, are going to have to compete with the Atlanta Falcons for another chance at the Super Bowl. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, these teams really have to step it up to secure a spot in the 2010 playoffs. Football this year has been thrilling, and I look forward to every Sunday to watch the games. I am excited for the playoffs this year, and I am sure that it will be great. Make sure to tune in and watch!

Pictured above is Randy Moss, one of the most talked about players in the game.

Michael Vick is on my list of players to watch.

IDS Basketball Teams Off to a Winning Start

By Tyler M. The IDS Boysʼ Basketball Team is off to a great start this season. After a start of two wins before break, they look to keep moving forward in 2011. On Tuesday, December 14th, the Boysʼ Junior Varsity team played Chase at home for opening day. Patrick P. put on a show, scoring 14 points and leading the IDS JV team to a 18-11 victory. Bo D. also scored 2 points, as well as Julien N. On Tuesday, the Boysʼ offense was really working, and the defense was solid. The entire team contributed to the victory, and the team effort that day produced the Coyotes first win of the season. On Thursday, December 16th, the Boysʼ Varsity had their first away game against Hamden Hall. In the first quarter, the team faced a defense that was unexpected: man-to-man. This forced them to use the pick and roll offense, which worked very well with Tyler M., who had 11 points, and Ricky M., who had 9. Joe H., the Boysʼ Varsity power forward, was unstoppable with rebounding, and also had 10 points. Cory S. was also strong on offense, scoring 6 points. Tom H. and Omar H., 2 guards with no points, contributed in a big way, playing stellar defense and moving the ball on offense. Sometimes, a game is won because of one or two players. This was not the case on Thursday. The whole team helped and as a result, the Coyotes came out with their second win, with a score of 36-28.

Remember to support the Boysʼ and Girlsʼ Basketball Teams by coming to home games in the IDS gym. It looks like it is going to be a great season!'

Practicing in the gym during the afternoons is clearly paying off for our basketball teams this winter!

By Insia N. For my recipe I decided to interview Ms. Toro, my advisor. Ms. Toro recently explained to our advisory that she is Albanian and moved to the United States when she was in high school. It occurred to me that I should ask her to tell me about a traditional Albanian dish. She said she was very excited to share the recipe for Baklava, a traditional Albanian desert. Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made out of layers of dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.Ingredients

• ½ kg (about 18 ounces) of ready made rolled dough • 200 g (about 7 ounces) of pressed walnuts • 3 cups of sugar • 2 cups of water • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1.Spread the rolled dough, and sprinkle with walnuts with the cinnamon, covering with another layer of dough. 2.Cut the baklava in equal squares or diamond shapes. 3.Cover the baklava with melted butter and leave it to bake in a hot oven. Afterwards, leave it to cool.

By Sadie S. and Nora G.-F. Sugar gliders are also called sugar bears, sugar babies or honey babies. Sugar Gliders are a lot like flying squirrels in appearance, but their behavior is somewhat like a dogʼs. You can teach them tricks, and some will come to you if you call their name! They enjoy each otherʼs company, so if you donʼt get two of them, then you want to remind yourself to play with them EVERYDAY! Even though they are small, sugar gliders can “glide” (it is a little bit more like flying) far and fast. So, if you take your sugar glider out in public, make sure it is in a closed space or a small pouch.

Sugar Gliders generally eat fruits and vegetables. You can also buy sugar glider food at your local pet store. They only drink water. Their cages are about the size of a small book case. If you want a miniature dog that can fly and would LOVE having you around, BUY A SUGAR GLIDER TODAY!!!

ADVISOR APPROVED!

SOARING SUGAR GLIDERS

A Sugar Glider dressed for the holiday season.

Sugar Gliders in a handmade pouch. How cute!

A Sugar Glider in mid-air.

Animal Corner

Hobbies and MoreCooking from Around the World

Insiaʼs advisor, Ms. Toro, was happy to share her favorite family recipe for Baklava.

Dear Maggie, My brother will not stop singing annoying songs to me. He keeps singing “Conjuction Junction Whatʼs Your Function?” I need him to stop it!

Dear Conjuction Bro, My suggestion is that you try to ignore him. He might just be doing it to get on your nerves. If not, you might want to buy some earplugs!

-Maggie

Dear Maggie, I have to choose a book for my book talk presentation. Any advice for choosing a book or do you have any great books to suggest? Please tell me!

Dear Bookworm, Choosing a good book can be hard. Mrs. Ficke is very open to book talk ideas. Although I have not had Ms. Kleederman as a teacher, I am sure she is too. I would also suggest that you try to think of your favorite genre and ask a friend if they know any good books.

-Maggie

Dear Maggie, I have a Spanish test coming up. What would be a good way to study for it? Thank you!

Dear Spanish Student, I would try flashcards or a study buddy. When selecting your study buddy, choose someone you will not be distracted with, but instead someone that can help you review. You can test each other, practice saying words out loud, or even play a review game. If you are distracted, you will not learn as well. It is important to learn how to study.

-Maggie

By Camille M.

In the last mini mystery, two girls were at the zoo when a boy tried to get away with stealing money from a fountain by saying he got it from the change machine. The boy had had pennies, nickels, and quarters. How do you know he did not get the money from a change machine?

How you know he did not get the money from the change machine: Change machines only give nickels and quarters. They do not give pennies.

Talk 2 Maggie

Students have questions, Maggie H. Has Answers!Latest Mini Mystery

Revealed!

Do you have a question or concern about school, family, or friends? Maggie is here to listen and help. There is a blue box located in Ms. K.ʼs homeroom. Submit your letters anonymously and Maggie will answer them.

Games

Word FindA Day in the Life:

IDS Academics

S N P W O I V R V J F C C G Z A A X W T T A W Z U C G K F D U P E W K J G F R S D F I I S F C X S Q W Q V O Q F S J H Z R S A H R T H J I J F M N J N Y I P G V Q B V G D Q K B I H D O P N T T T K N Z U N T W Q Q P A I G W A Z P G Z B U S P N J X K I P E M B R B M J F E J I U T E L W I D T U C O T Q A U H K Z S M H M S K L N L Z O X N Q K B E A F P B N O O P B G L K E I H I S T P V R M L G U G E G N K W A S C V K R C W B I T Y Z H R P X J O G M E S Z R S G Y A T Z V U S Y Y X V Q W X N V Y B I R T X B Z Q E T Q L S C E L L Q K D M O V R Q Z E Z B X X O Z K A T E N Q A I G E M K R H Z N O I E M E X J L D W I Y M L W W M Q F L S C Y B S E L R X R U H M E E C N E I C S V R A R F D S M H L R U R Z E L L Q H X Z O E S L V R I E Y U B H C C X K Z Z C S Q K P D W O X Y K L F M T R Q D H T V T E H W X A V G Z N Q G W J V O K O W Z Z T A P A Z K E G S D N W X O O C N B F W G X W Y M H U B L V G P Q G F E Q D Z V A E Q D N K V X N D Z R Q O N A Y Z N P X G K U Y M E L C R S W D C G B L P H H W H S W B J Z B Q F V N J Y C Q O Y R L U S A L X F O E C Y Q J N W N Z X D U E M G X K H Q Z E L X W P D D O P H U S Z V E M M C J B P P P P S I J L Y U Z C S K M R W N N R Z H D D W A A C C N O I F C F N P I P F A A D X E Y J P N X S J C Y B Q K M E W H N J T H P E I C X I A X G J B M P J B Q T B R B E D P A E V Z V E T T E N Y N T H I O J L B B B E P H P O Q N Z Z T D G V L X Y C V G O W E Q I V N A I M V I Q C T R H X G L L D P P S Q T O Q H N J O E G Y J G V J C H F U I A J Z W C C Q L A S H L K S S W E N L L I S I A H V B Q D N K M N E T D O S E P Y I E M C Y P Q P P F J Y A R T E C X T O P A C V B Z I A I X N U E B G P C N I Z G J B E V R O V L Y K I B B O V W W M B Q U N Y D X O Y A W Y D U W N Y Y S D Y T I G U U O U V B Z H K F D J W B B G N M X S C D A G E C Y L C B Z O B I Z O K Q

ART

BAM

BAND

ENGLISH

HISTORY

MATH

SCIENCE SPANISH

By Peter M.Try to locate some of the courses that each students take at IDS.

ATTENTION!

Do you have an interest, passion, hobby, event, point of view, or perspective that you think others should know about? Then you should consider contributing to our student-run newspaper! You can write just one article or continue until you graduate. If you have an idea or want to know how to get started, see editors, Chris M. or Tyler M., or Ms. K.

Pictured above are Coyote Chronicle editors, Chris M. and Tyler M., in the Writing Center as they admire the Fall issue. Stop by and ask them about the newspaper.