Pool Day in Monona
By: Trinity McNall
On Wednesday, June 1st 7th graders took a trip to the Monona pool from 9:40 to 2:00 in the afternoon. Students went there to have fun in the sun with their friends! The whole day was filled with fun and laughter. Lots of people were swimming, jumping off the diving board, going down the side, and playing sports in the field! Many people said it was very fun! “I would definitely go on this trip again!” stated Peighton. It was the perfect day to go on that trip, blue skies, warm weather, and sunny! What a fun day!
High School Graduation
By: Lakyn Hinson and Brianna Back
Monona Grove high school graduation happened on the first Sunday of June, where seniors gathered around to get their diplomas. High school graduation is where family and friends come to celebrate a senior’s success of high school (graduating). Graduation is held in the gym where students and teachers go on the stage to give speeches and awards. “My favorite thing I did at graduation was walking in with your gown and seeing all the people there,” commented Kaylee Hinson, a new high school graduate. To start off the graduation, Craig Culver, the founder of Culver’s, was chosen to give a speech because he is determined, hardworking, and never gave up even though his business was failing at one point. For preparation of graduation, the students picked a teacher to give a speech for graduation. Mr. Kuehl was chosen, and said a funny but real speech about how small things lead to a big life decision. To end with, most of the graduates were excited to go to parties and take lots of pictures with their friends and family.
GDS teachers make May the fourth Star Wars video
By: Noah Walker
On Wednesday, May 4th, students around Glacial Drumlin School in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin were able to see a video made by teachers and staff called ¨ May the Fourth be with you¨. May the 4th is an annual Star Wars that is celebrated after it´s main saying ¨ May the force be with you¨.
¨ There were about 20 actors in the video. It took about 28 hours to make and produce, not including the rehearse time for the 6th and 7th grade bands playing the background music,¨ Mrs.Graf, the director of the video stated. Also, according to Graf, the video was no cost to make. A lot of the things in the video were borrowed or things they already had.
Besides the actors, there was also help from other GDS teachers. Mrs.Buchanan, a 6th grade teacher, helped make all the costumes. Mr.Kasparek, the school's band teacher, helped create video effects. Mrs.Kolb, GDS FACE teacher, also helped Graf with the video editing. Mrs.Wautlet, a 5th grade teacher, did a climbing stunt during the video. And finally, Mr.Mikelbank, GDS gym teacher, helped her perform the stunt. Graf said that it was worth the time, and in the end it turned out to be spectacular.
By: Trinity McNall
On Wednesday, June 1st 7th graders took a trip to the Monona pool from 9:40 to 2:00 in the afternoon. Students went there to have fun in the sun with their friends! The whole day was filled with fun and laughter. Lots of people were swimming, jumping off the diving board, going down the side, and playing sports in the field! Many people said it was very fun! “I would definitely go on this trip again!” stated Peighton. It was the perfect day to go on that trip, blue skies, warm weather, and sunny! What a fun day!
High School Graduation
By: Lakyn Hinson and Brianna Back
Monona Grove high school graduation happened on the first Sunday of June, where seniors gathered around to get their diplomas. High school graduation is where family and friends come to celebrate a senior’s success of high school (graduating). Graduation is held in the gym where students and teachers go on the stage to give speeches and awards. “My favorite thing I did at graduation was walking in with your gown and seeing all the people there,” commented Kaylee Hinson, a new high school graduate. To start off the graduation, Craig Culver, the founder of Culver’s, was chosen to give a speech because he is determined, hardworking, and never gave up even though his business was failing at one point. For preparation of graduation, the students picked a teacher to give a speech for graduation. Mr. Kuehl was chosen, and said a funny but real speech about how small things lead to a big life decision. To end with, most of the graduates were excited to go to parties and take lots of pictures with their friends and family.
GDS teachers make May the fourth Star Wars video
By: Noah Walker
On Wednesday, May 4th, students around Glacial Drumlin School in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin were able to see a video made by teachers and staff called ¨ May the Fourth be with you¨. May the 4th is an annual Star Wars that is celebrated after it´s main saying ¨ May the force be with you¨.
¨ There were about 20 actors in the video. It took about 28 hours to make and produce, not including the rehearse time for the 6th and 7th grade bands playing the background music,¨ Mrs.Graf, the director of the video stated. Also, according to Graf, the video was no cost to make. A lot of the things in the video were borrowed or things they already had.
Besides the actors, there was also help from other GDS teachers. Mrs.Buchanan, a 6th grade teacher, helped make all the costumes. Mr.Kasparek, the school's band teacher, helped create video effects. Mrs.Kolb, GDS FACE teacher, also helped Graf with the video editing. Mrs.Wautlet, a 5th grade teacher, did a climbing stunt during the video. And finally, Mr.Mikelbank, GDS gym teacher, helped her perform the stunt. Graf said that it was worth the time, and in the end it turned out to be spectacular.
Cupcakes in baking
By: Noah Walker
Baking can involve cooking an assortment of things, mainly cakes. It can be hard, depending on what you are making. It can also be very time consuming. For example, if you were making a five layer cake, that would be time consuming because you have to make and bake one layer at a time. Baking can also take a lot of patience. But if you are a very experienced baker, baking can be easier and feel more fun.
Madesyn Walker, of Cottage Grove, also my sister, owns a cupcake business called Madesyn’s Cutecakes. “ I started this business because I wanted to make money doing something I love,” Walker said. All of her cupcakes are made at her house in Cottage Grove. To order, Walker says you just need to call her on the number on her website or business card. “ I make cupcake flavors according to what the customer likes best.” She also says that the two top flavors are chocolate and cinnamon almond sugar.
I also talked with one of her clients, Carlie Bence. Bence is a 8th grade teacher at Glacial Drumlin School. She had a party for her fiance’s birthday, and she says that everybody at the party said that they were very surprised at how good they were. “ When I looked at the cupcakes, they looked like they were made by a professional baker,” Bence said. I talked with Walker about her future goals for her business. “ My future goals are to make my business more known in my hometown of Cottage Grove,” Walker said. If you would like to visit Madesyn’s website, you can visit it at madesynscutecakes.weebly.com.
By: Noah Walker
Baking can involve cooking an assortment of things, mainly cakes. It can be hard, depending on what you are making. It can also be very time consuming. For example, if you were making a five layer cake, that would be time consuming because you have to make and bake one layer at a time. Baking can also take a lot of patience. But if you are a very experienced baker, baking can be easier and feel more fun.
Madesyn Walker, of Cottage Grove, also my sister, owns a cupcake business called Madesyn’s Cutecakes. “ I started this business because I wanted to make money doing something I love,” Walker said. All of her cupcakes are made at her house in Cottage Grove. To order, Walker says you just need to call her on the number on her website or business card. “ I make cupcake flavors according to what the customer likes best.” She also says that the two top flavors are chocolate and cinnamon almond sugar.
I also talked with one of her clients, Carlie Bence. Bence is a 8th grade teacher at Glacial Drumlin School. She had a party for her fiance’s birthday, and she says that everybody at the party said that they were very surprised at how good they were. “ When I looked at the cupcakes, they looked like they were made by a professional baker,” Bence said. I talked with Walker about her future goals for her business. “ My future goals are to make my business more known in my hometown of Cottage Grove,” Walker said. If you would like to visit Madesyn’s website, you can visit it at madesynscutecakes.weebly.com.
News Article
By: Kiera Ellefson
Mr. Mikelbank and Mr. Shenk had taught Spring Volleyball to 6th and 7th graders this last May, on the 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, and 18th, from 6pm to 7:30 at GDS. Mr. Shenk had came up with this idea after how successful winter volleyball was and how many kids attended that. Shenk and Mikelbank talked and talked about it. As said in this quote, “ . . . We had many discussions, mostly at Buffalo Wild Wings, to bring his original idea to fruition and put this program together. . .” (as quoted by Mr. Mikelbank) They really worked hard on putting this program together. A reason why they wanted to highlight 6th and 7th graders was because they younger kids to focus on basic skills to learn or to better what skills they already have. This is the first year of spring volleyball and Mikelbank said in his interview that, “. . .Based on the popularity of the program, it is already scheduled for next year during the same time. . .” Which means that next year 6th and 7th graders will have the same opportunity. Basic skills are taught as in passing and serving because this camp is not just for learning volleyball Mikelbank said in the interview that, “. . .we also hope it will afford some learning with social skills, work skills and handling things in life. . .” The limit of kids who can attend is 40 because there is only limited space in the GDS gym and Mikelbank and Shenk wanted everyone to have an opportunity to hit and not wait in long lines just to have one chance.
By: Kiera Ellefson
Mr. Mikelbank and Mr. Shenk had taught Spring Volleyball to 6th and 7th graders this last May, on the 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, and 18th, from 6pm to 7:30 at GDS. Mr. Shenk had came up with this idea after how successful winter volleyball was and how many kids attended that. Shenk and Mikelbank talked and talked about it. As said in this quote, “ . . . We had many discussions, mostly at Buffalo Wild Wings, to bring his original idea to fruition and put this program together. . .” (as quoted by Mr. Mikelbank) They really worked hard on putting this program together. A reason why they wanted to highlight 6th and 7th graders was because they younger kids to focus on basic skills to learn or to better what skills they already have. This is the first year of spring volleyball and Mikelbank said in his interview that, “. . .Based on the popularity of the program, it is already scheduled for next year during the same time. . .” Which means that next year 6th and 7th graders will have the same opportunity. Basic skills are taught as in passing and serving because this camp is not just for learning volleyball Mikelbank said in the interview that, “. . .we also hope it will afford some learning with social skills, work skills and handling things in life. . .” The limit of kids who can attend is 40 because there is only limited space in the GDS gym and Mikelbank and Shenk wanted everyone to have an opportunity to hit and not wait in long lines just to have one chance.
Being a Principal
By:Dylan Simon
Mr. Foster walks through the school hallway. Kids are filling the hallways, ready to start their day. He goes to his office, and like the kids, is ready to begin an exciting day as the school's principal.
Being a principal can be hard sometimes, but here's a man who knows the principles of being a principal, Reed Foster, the principal of Cottage Grove Elementary School. Reed has been in the Monona Grove school district for 15 years. Reed was a gym teacher for 13 years and a dean of students for 1 year. This year was his first year being a principal. Mr. Foster is also a father which helps him get along with kids.
Mr. Foster had to go to the UW Lacrosse for 8 years to become a principal. Mr. Foster has had to work very hard to become a principal and he loves it. He loves working with the kids and enjoys his coworkers. Over all Mr. Foster just loves his job!
By:Dylan Simon
Mr. Foster walks through the school hallway. Kids are filling the hallways, ready to start their day. He goes to his office, and like the kids, is ready to begin an exciting day as the school's principal.
Being a principal can be hard sometimes, but here's a man who knows the principles of being a principal, Reed Foster, the principal of Cottage Grove Elementary School. Reed has been in the Monona Grove school district for 15 years. Reed was a gym teacher for 13 years and a dean of students for 1 year. This year was his first year being a principal. Mr. Foster is also a father which helps him get along with kids.
Mr. Foster had to go to the UW Lacrosse for 8 years to become a principal. Mr. Foster has had to work very hard to become a principal and he loves it. He loves working with the kids and enjoys his coworkers. Over all Mr. Foster just loves his job!
Beloved Teacher Retiring
By Sophia Harvey
After fifteen years of working in the Monona Grove School District, or MGSD, Ms. McCarty will be retiring. Overall she has been teaching for about seventeen and a half years. She has taught orchestra for the entire fifteen years. The main reason she is retiring is because MGSD is changing the retirement benefits package. ¨ Health insurance benefits for my son Liam and me, would be very different if I waited to retire another year.¨ Having good, dependable health insurance is very important to me. I don't want to worry about whether or not we can afford to see a doctor”, said Ms. McCarty. She will continue teaching, but in private violin lessons. She will also work at Prairie Arts and Music. She will miss teaching at the school and all of the students.
GDS Coffee Shop
Meghan Kohl
Tara Peotter, a 7th grade social studies teacher at Glacial Drumlin School plans to open a summer school class called GDS coffee shop this June. Students can sign up online on the Monona Grove website.
As guests can read, write, draw, go on internet, and basically anything creative. Workers will be making and serving mixed drinks, veggie, and fruit drinks and also serve ice cream. Peotter started this because she thought that she would enjoy this as a middle school student so she thought others would. She taught a summer school class before this in a different district .
This is a completely new summer school class. Peotter worked in her sister’s coffee shop, The Sweet Spot. She was enrolled in UW whitewater college while working there. Another summer school class called Grow Your Own Lunch will be working with The Coffee Shop. They will also be serving pastries, cupcakes, croissants, and specialty bars. Peotter’s advice for future barista’s is, “Barista is an awesome adventure full of surprises and experiments.” and, “Be excited and smile!”.
Peotter’s favorite drink is a mixture of almond, milk, cinnamon, latte with a touch of honey. She also enjoys straight expressos. She started to drink and like coffee when she was 19.
8th grade Long Bike Trip.
By: Brock Drake
On May 10th and October 1st the 8th graders that are in gym class ride bikes on a long bike ride to Deerfield. They go on this trip as a part of their biking unit. Amanda Mertes also hope that it will become a hobby or activity for the students as they grow up. Mertes stated “It encourages kids to ride bikes and use their traffic signals when they bike.” The bikes they use are the districts so they share the bikes with the school district. The bike trail they use is the Glacial Drumlin trail. Then they take it all the way down to Deerfield. The trails are very close to GDS.
By Sophia Harvey
After fifteen years of working in the Monona Grove School District, or MGSD, Ms. McCarty will be retiring. Overall she has been teaching for about seventeen and a half years. She has taught orchestra for the entire fifteen years. The main reason she is retiring is because MGSD is changing the retirement benefits package. ¨ Health insurance benefits for my son Liam and me, would be very different if I waited to retire another year.¨ Having good, dependable health insurance is very important to me. I don't want to worry about whether or not we can afford to see a doctor”, said Ms. McCarty. She will continue teaching, but in private violin lessons. She will also work at Prairie Arts and Music. She will miss teaching at the school and all of the students.
GDS Coffee Shop
Meghan Kohl
Tara Peotter, a 7th grade social studies teacher at Glacial Drumlin School plans to open a summer school class called GDS coffee shop this June. Students can sign up online on the Monona Grove website.
As guests can read, write, draw, go on internet, and basically anything creative. Workers will be making and serving mixed drinks, veggie, and fruit drinks and also serve ice cream. Peotter started this because she thought that she would enjoy this as a middle school student so she thought others would. She taught a summer school class before this in a different district .
This is a completely new summer school class. Peotter worked in her sister’s coffee shop, The Sweet Spot. She was enrolled in UW whitewater college while working there. Another summer school class called Grow Your Own Lunch will be working with The Coffee Shop. They will also be serving pastries, cupcakes, croissants, and specialty bars. Peotter’s advice for future barista’s is, “Barista is an awesome adventure full of surprises and experiments.” and, “Be excited and smile!”.
Peotter’s favorite drink is a mixture of almond, milk, cinnamon, latte with a touch of honey. She also enjoys straight expressos. She started to drink and like coffee when she was 19.
8th grade Long Bike Trip.
By: Brock Drake
On May 10th and October 1st the 8th graders that are in gym class ride bikes on a long bike ride to Deerfield. They go on this trip as a part of their biking unit. Amanda Mertes also hope that it will become a hobby or activity for the students as they grow up. Mertes stated “It encourages kids to ride bikes and use their traffic signals when they bike.” The bikes they use are the districts so they share the bikes with the school district. The bike trail they use is the Glacial Drumlin trail. Then they take it all the way down to Deerfield. The trails are very close to GDS.
Red Riding
By: Alex Buss
Riding with you friends may be fun, but riding with your family could also be fun. On Saturday May 21 in the Madison 2016 Tour de Cure. Steven Buss pedaled his way through a 100 kilometer bike ride, that is almost 63 miles! After the ride he told us, “ I did it for my sister and son to help find a cure for diabetes.” Who both have type 1&2 diabetes. “I pushed and put a lot of time and effort into it, it was a lot of fun.” This Tour de Cure was one of the largest in the last few years. There was almost 325 riders and $130,000 raised. But keeps in mind there hundreds of Tour de Cures across the country. That means there could possibly be $2,000,000 raised for diabetes in total.
By: Alex Buss
Riding with you friends may be fun, but riding with your family could also be fun. On Saturday May 21 in the Madison 2016 Tour de Cure. Steven Buss pedaled his way through a 100 kilometer bike ride, that is almost 63 miles! After the ride he told us, “ I did it for my sister and son to help find a cure for diabetes.” Who both have type 1&2 diabetes. “I pushed and put a lot of time and effort into it, it was a lot of fun.” This Tour de Cure was one of the largest in the last few years. There was almost 325 riders and $130,000 raised. But keeps in mind there hundreds of Tour de Cures across the country. That means there could possibly be $2,000,000 raised for diabetes in total.
Last Note Of The Year
By Matthew Koenig
On Wednesday, May 25th, the GDS 7th and 8th grade bands had their last concert of the year to show how far they'd come. The concert was held in the GDS gym, and started at 7:00 pm. 77 7th graders and 47 8th graders performed, playing many songs, ranging from classics to strange new arrangements. The 7th grade band performed “Aliens Landing, Duel of the Fates, and March of the Irish Guard.” The 7th grade percussion section got their own song too, called “Bucket O’ Rocks.” The songs “The Great Locomotive Chase” and Ye Banks and Braes” were played by the 8th grade band, as well as “Final Countdown.” The 8th grade percussion section also played their own song, “Trashin’ It Up.” As the name suggests, that song was played on trash cans. Both bands were directed by Jeff Kasparek, who also teaches band at the high school. Many students felt that the concert was a great way to showcase the band's’ skills. One 7th grade performer, Anya Schmidt, said “I thought the band did really well.” She also said that she liked the song “March of the Irish Guard”, and that it was her favorite because “The flutes had a little bit of a solo.” 8th grader Anais Corona was also recognized for her hard work and good spirit, and was given an award. Anais is a flute player, one of the 12 in the 8th grade band. The concert ended a good year for both bands.
Staff Appreciation
By: Amanda Revolinski
On May 5th and 6th at GDS, during the school day for “Staff Appreciation Day(s)” Student Council gave presents and food/drink to the staff. It was an important two days because it was a way to acknowledge all the hard work the staff did for students. For the staff Student Council had a coffee/donut cart for all the staff. Student council member, Kylie Hollenstein informed, “ It is important to appreciate staff because then if you don’t it’s like they are doing something, but no one is listening.” Some of the other things included in “ Staff Appreciation Day(s)” were stress brains and little flower pots full of little gifts such as pens. Kylie Hollenstein explained, “ Student Council students made pen flowers to put in the little flower pots.”
By Matthew Koenig
On Wednesday, May 25th, the GDS 7th and 8th grade bands had their last concert of the year to show how far they'd come. The concert was held in the GDS gym, and started at 7:00 pm. 77 7th graders and 47 8th graders performed, playing many songs, ranging from classics to strange new arrangements. The 7th grade band performed “Aliens Landing, Duel of the Fates, and March of the Irish Guard.” The 7th grade percussion section got their own song too, called “Bucket O’ Rocks.” The songs “The Great Locomotive Chase” and Ye Banks and Braes” were played by the 8th grade band, as well as “Final Countdown.” The 8th grade percussion section also played their own song, “Trashin’ It Up.” As the name suggests, that song was played on trash cans. Both bands were directed by Jeff Kasparek, who also teaches band at the high school. Many students felt that the concert was a great way to showcase the band's’ skills. One 7th grade performer, Anya Schmidt, said “I thought the band did really well.” She also said that she liked the song “March of the Irish Guard”, and that it was her favorite because “The flutes had a little bit of a solo.” 8th grader Anais Corona was also recognized for her hard work and good spirit, and was given an award. Anais is a flute player, one of the 12 in the 8th grade band. The concert ended a good year for both bands.
Staff Appreciation
By: Amanda Revolinski
On May 5th and 6th at GDS, during the school day for “Staff Appreciation Day(s)” Student Council gave presents and food/drink to the staff. It was an important two days because it was a way to acknowledge all the hard work the staff did for students. For the staff Student Council had a coffee/donut cart for all the staff. Student council member, Kylie Hollenstein informed, “ It is important to appreciate staff because then if you don’t it’s like they are doing something, but no one is listening.” Some of the other things included in “ Staff Appreciation Day(s)” were stress brains and little flower pots full of little gifts such as pens. Kylie Hollenstein explained, “ Student Council students made pen flowers to put in the little flower pots.”
The Annual GDS Fun Run
By: Elizabeth Stammen
On Thursday May 26 of 2016 the annual fun run was held at Glacial Drumlin School. Students in grades 5-8 participated in this event, thanks to the main coordinator, Mr. Zweifel, who made this all possible with of course Ms. Tennant´s help. This run was designed to be a fun event for the whole school as the year is ending. This tradition of the run originated when the middle school was still located in Monona, although when it was in Monona it was in a triathlon, as they had a pool to do so. When the school was moved the decided they still wanted to do something fun like so that the whole school could participate in. Since they wanted everyone participating they had to choices to pick from being; a 5k run or a 1 mile walk. “When the fun run first started in 2009,” Mr. Z tells me, “ there were only around 200 kids on the course running and we have over 500!” The course runs through the town of Cottage Grove, with roads blocked off and emergency personnel nearby to make sure all students remain safe. On the course their are obviously leaders of the pack and the fastest of them all happen to be Reed Anderson with the boys record of 17 minutes and 43 seconds, and Peighton Nelson with the fastest girls time of 20 minutes and 42 seconds. Acacia Holmquist told me that “starting it was very crowded, but it worked out alright, as we spread out, the further we went.” As many others would say it would be crowded as well after all over 500 students are all starting at once. As it turns out the course hadn’t changed for 7 years until this year when they took out the last big hill in the race, this change in route was due to the heat. As well as this the time of the race start was also changed, it is often in the afternoon but this year it was held in the morning at roughly 8:15 am, due to heat. To get one last thought in, “Its fun to run this with friends, and you should definitely try to challenge yourself, once you finish you may feel dead like me but the ice cream will help with that.” Acacia Holmquist shares.
By: Elizabeth Stammen
On Thursday May 26 of 2016 the annual fun run was held at Glacial Drumlin School. Students in grades 5-8 participated in this event, thanks to the main coordinator, Mr. Zweifel, who made this all possible with of course Ms. Tennant´s help. This run was designed to be a fun event for the whole school as the year is ending. This tradition of the run originated when the middle school was still located in Monona, although when it was in Monona it was in a triathlon, as they had a pool to do so. When the school was moved the decided they still wanted to do something fun like so that the whole school could participate in. Since they wanted everyone participating they had to choices to pick from being; a 5k run or a 1 mile walk. “When the fun run first started in 2009,” Mr. Z tells me, “ there were only around 200 kids on the course running and we have over 500!” The course runs through the town of Cottage Grove, with roads blocked off and emergency personnel nearby to make sure all students remain safe. On the course their are obviously leaders of the pack and the fastest of them all happen to be Reed Anderson with the boys record of 17 minutes and 43 seconds, and Peighton Nelson with the fastest girls time of 20 minutes and 42 seconds. Acacia Holmquist told me that “starting it was very crowded, but it worked out alright, as we spread out, the further we went.” As many others would say it would be crowded as well after all over 500 students are all starting at once. As it turns out the course hadn’t changed for 7 years until this year when they took out the last big hill in the race, this change in route was due to the heat. As well as this the time of the race start was also changed, it is often in the afternoon but this year it was held in the morning at roughly 8:15 am, due to heat. To get one last thought in, “Its fun to run this with friends, and you should definitely try to challenge yourself, once you finish you may feel dead like me but the ice cream will help with that.” Acacia Holmquist shares.
Guidance Teacher Tells Kids the Importance Of Empathy
By Benson Wood
On April 22, Ms. Carlisle came to Mrs. Peotter’s classroom to teach students about her job, showing empathy, and personal opinions she had. Ms. Carlisle told the students how she showed empathy in certain situations. She told students about her working with disciplinary students, and the troubles of showing empathy towards them. “It’s hard to feel empathy for others when you are being verbally abused”. She also gave students advice. A person asked how they could help out a friend who had recently suffered a loss. Ms. Carlisle replied with “When people suffer a loss, i think that they need someone to know where it’s coming from. Being able to understand their feelings can benefit greatly.”
Ms. Carlisle also told the kids about her background and how she became a social worker. She became a social worker because she knew from personal experience that it’s better when kids have someone to talk and relate to. She worked multiple jobs, some with working with disciplinary boys, to helping people with certain conditions such as autism or down syndrome.
When she was in school, she didn’t really have guidance, so she learned about it on her own. “We didn’t really get guidance,” says Ms. Carlisle, “but I always gave empathy towards others."
By Benson Wood
On April 22, Ms. Carlisle came to Mrs. Peotter’s classroom to teach students about her job, showing empathy, and personal opinions she had. Ms. Carlisle told the students how she showed empathy in certain situations. She told students about her working with disciplinary students, and the troubles of showing empathy towards them. “It’s hard to feel empathy for others when you are being verbally abused”. She also gave students advice. A person asked how they could help out a friend who had recently suffered a loss. Ms. Carlisle replied with “When people suffer a loss, i think that they need someone to know where it’s coming from. Being able to understand their feelings can benefit greatly.”
Ms. Carlisle also told the kids about her background and how she became a social worker. She became a social worker because she knew from personal experience that it’s better when kids have someone to talk and relate to. She worked multiple jobs, some with working with disciplinary boys, to helping people with certain conditions such as autism or down syndrome.
When she was in school, she didn’t really have guidance, so she learned about it on her own. “We didn’t really get guidance,” says Ms. Carlisle, “but I always gave empathy towards others."
All the new details about GDS summer school
By Ruby Zollin and Cassie Antonson
GDS summer school teacher, Tara Peotter, helps this year's summer school classes and enrollment grows immensely.
The Monona Grove School District has decided that middle schoolers summer school needs to have more classes unlike the elementary summer school which has plenty. Tara Peotter, who is running writer's workshop, claims “they wanted more classes for middle schoolers while elementary has better choices and now we feel it’s better for them to have more options.” In previous years, the school was only getting about 80 kids enrolled but this year it has quadrupled the amount of kids signed up to over 200 kids.
In 2016 summer school there will be 24 unique classes. Some fun class options are coffee shop, acting scenes from Shakespeare, fantasy baseball, movie critics society etc. Other important information about this year’s summer school is that there will be no school on July 4th and for the first time there will be bussing available for kids out of Monona to GDS. Summer school also isn’t just available for middle schoolers, it is available for 4k-12 grade.
The younger and older summer school options are at Taylor Prairie School for grades 4k-1. In Cottage Grove, Cottage Grove School for grades 2-4 in Cottage Grove and Winnequah school for grades 4k-5 in Monona. Glacial Drumlin for grades 5-8 in Cottage Grove and Monona Grove High School for grades 9-12 in Monona. If you’re looking for some fun learning to do this summer check out the Monona Grove School District summer school.
The GDS Fun Run and Walk
By: Dylan Simon and Lily Foster.
The Gds fun run was on May 26 2016 at Glacial Drumlin School and everyone participated the fun run is important to keep kids healthy and fit. Glacial Drumlin Middle School (GDS) had their annual GDS fun run and walk on Thursday May 26 2016 as every year it was a success.This year’s fun run had three water stations as every year has had at least one. “This year we had three smaller water stations.” Said student council leader Ms. peotter. Water stations are important so kids stay hydrated and healthy. Every year there are student council members who hand out water at the water stations. “Student council members volunteer.” Said student council leader Ms. Peotter. Also the student council members who volunteered rode bikes out to the water stations and had to pick up cups after the run and walk ended.
Monona 4th Fest
By: Maura Phillips and Aurora Hines
On July 3rd and 4th, the people of Monona hold a huge carnival in the Dream Park to celebrate America’s Independence. There will be music, rides, food, and fireworks ran by volunteers, fireman, and the Monona city council.
The Monona 4th of July festival is held to celebrate America’s independence day, and it’s a good day to visit and hangout with family and friends. This celebration wouldn’t happen, if it wasn’t for the many volunteers and city workers who put in their time and energy. They need to coordinate the bands to come, the rides to be set up, to get food, prizes, and firework supplies.
“It is fun and appropriate because the rides and games are easy and safe,” said a resident of Monona (Olivia Knudsvig). She also said, “It’s open to all ages. The variety of rides are kid-friendly.” Anybody going to a big event, will want a nice friendly environment for them, or their kids. Olivia described her past experiences as, “Fun and exciting.”
After the rides close, you can even watch the firework show from a close view!
By Ruby Zollin and Cassie Antonson
GDS summer school teacher, Tara Peotter, helps this year's summer school classes and enrollment grows immensely.
The Monona Grove School District has decided that middle schoolers summer school needs to have more classes unlike the elementary summer school which has plenty. Tara Peotter, who is running writer's workshop, claims “they wanted more classes for middle schoolers while elementary has better choices and now we feel it’s better for them to have more options.” In previous years, the school was only getting about 80 kids enrolled but this year it has quadrupled the amount of kids signed up to over 200 kids.
In 2016 summer school there will be 24 unique classes. Some fun class options are coffee shop, acting scenes from Shakespeare, fantasy baseball, movie critics society etc. Other important information about this year’s summer school is that there will be no school on July 4th and for the first time there will be bussing available for kids out of Monona to GDS. Summer school also isn’t just available for middle schoolers, it is available for 4k-12 grade.
The younger and older summer school options are at Taylor Prairie School for grades 4k-1. In Cottage Grove, Cottage Grove School for grades 2-4 in Cottage Grove and Winnequah school for grades 4k-5 in Monona. Glacial Drumlin for grades 5-8 in Cottage Grove and Monona Grove High School for grades 9-12 in Monona. If you’re looking for some fun learning to do this summer check out the Monona Grove School District summer school.
The GDS Fun Run and Walk
By: Dylan Simon and Lily Foster.
The Gds fun run was on May 26 2016 at Glacial Drumlin School and everyone participated the fun run is important to keep kids healthy and fit. Glacial Drumlin Middle School (GDS) had their annual GDS fun run and walk on Thursday May 26 2016 as every year it was a success.This year’s fun run had three water stations as every year has had at least one. “This year we had three smaller water stations.” Said student council leader Ms. peotter. Water stations are important so kids stay hydrated and healthy. Every year there are student council members who hand out water at the water stations. “Student council members volunteer.” Said student council leader Ms. Peotter. Also the student council members who volunteered rode bikes out to the water stations and had to pick up cups after the run and walk ended.
Monona 4th Fest
By: Maura Phillips and Aurora Hines
On July 3rd and 4th, the people of Monona hold a huge carnival in the Dream Park to celebrate America’s Independence. There will be music, rides, food, and fireworks ran by volunteers, fireman, and the Monona city council.
The Monona 4th of July festival is held to celebrate America’s independence day, and it’s a good day to visit and hangout with family and friends. This celebration wouldn’t happen, if it wasn’t for the many volunteers and city workers who put in their time and energy. They need to coordinate the bands to come, the rides to be set up, to get food, prizes, and firework supplies.
“It is fun and appropriate because the rides and games are easy and safe,” said a resident of Monona (Olivia Knudsvig). She also said, “It’s open to all ages. The variety of rides are kid-friendly.” Anybody going to a big event, will want a nice friendly environment for them, or their kids. Olivia described her past experiences as, “Fun and exciting.”
After the rides close, you can even watch the firework show from a close view!
Hot Waters
By Angeliah
On june 1st the 7th grade of GDS enjoyed a ”pool day” at monona community pool and winnequah park. “I loved to go swimming and hang out with friends. We had lots of fun,” exclaimed 7th grader Grace Christianson.”Downside, sunburn.” The 7th grade took a bus trip to the pool and park as a reward for completing the school and for all missing work turned in along with no major referrals. The watery fun filled day left many with mementos in the form of sunburns. But that didn't stop anyone from sliding down slides diving off pools playing football in the park or any other activities.
By Angeliah
On june 1st the 7th grade of GDS enjoyed a ”pool day” at monona community pool and winnequah park. “I loved to go swimming and hang out with friends. We had lots of fun,” exclaimed 7th grader Grace Christianson.”Downside, sunburn.” The 7th grade took a bus trip to the pool and park as a reward for completing the school and for all missing work turned in along with no major referrals. The watery fun filled day left many with mementos in the form of sunburns. But that didn't stop anyone from sliding down slides diving off pools playing football in the park or any other activities.
The GDS Fun Run and Walk
By: Dylan Simon and Lily Foster.
The Gds fun run was on May 26 2016 at Glacial Drumlin School and everyone participated the fun run is important to keep kids healthy and fit. Glacial Drumlin Middle School (GDS) had their annual GDS fun run and walk on Thursday May 26 2016 as every year it was a success.This year’s fun run had three water stations as every year has had at least one. “This year we had three smaller water stations.” Said student council leader Ms. peotter. Water stations are important so kids stay hydrated and healthy. Every year there are student council members who hand out water at the water stations. “Student council members volunteer.” Said student council leader Ms. Peotter. Also the student council members who volunteered rode bikes out to the water stations and had to pick up cups after the run and walk ended.
Lock-In
By: Adeline Dean
On Friday, May 13 at Glacial Drumlin, James Kamoku organized a lock-in from 3:30 to 7:00. 4th graders from winnequah going into 5th and 5th graders from GDS going into 6th. Each kid had to pay $7 to get in. The lock-in was created to help introduce the school to new kids coming from different schools, to see what Glacial drumlin is going to be like and how they are going to go to school. They also created it so that teachers could meet the new kids and get a better interaction for a better education and better friendship. Kids from different schools had a choice to take a late bus to the school and back so their parents could pick them up after words. Most kids like how they could have fun and learn about the school at the same time, making them more comfortable with the school.
Not only did James help organize but Ms. Dol helped organize who was going to volunteer and sign up for the lock-in. The Cottage Grove administrators helped organize the forms and the sign ups. Minastrighters helped organize the transportation for the kids to get there and back. Ms. Steel and Ms.Tennet helped organize the event and the budget due for the lock-in. They had many events like, mini golfing, basketball, pin bowling, an obstacle course, pie eating, trivia, and they had a dunk tank.
Many people saying this lock-in was a success, James stated, “I would organize many other events like this because it gives the students a better education and an award at the same time.”
May 4th Character day
By Cally Schmidt
On May 4th Glacial Drumlin staff and students had the option to dress up as their favorite character from a movie or tv show as a fun event. Many students and staff dressed up. “Approximately 5-10% of the seventh grade dressed up”, claimed 7th grade teacher Mr. Schlaefer. There were some really unique and cool costumes including characters from star wars and characters from Harry Potter. This event was a fun event that everyone could participate in. 5th grade student Grace Terry said,”my favorite part of character day was pretending to be that character”, and Mr. Schlaefer said,”my favorite part of character day was getting to see the fun costumes and be in fun photos with other students and staff that dressed up.”
Building a Well, Water for All
By: Samantha Klinke
An important fundraiser by the pumped for water team will take place on Friday, May 13 for helping build a well at St. Martins secondary School.
A well will help shorten a long day of walking to only a few moments for girls and woman. But it won't only be health benefits that come with the well, there will be more gender equality. Now young girls can go to school with the boys instead of getting water for their families. Allie Lord a member of the Pumped for water team stated in an email ¨ With the well planted near their community and school this will eliminate long days fetching water and revert them into days spent in the classroom gaining a level of knowledge to help them escape poverty and inequality.¨
The goal of money they wanted to rais was $2050 but with help from the 7th graders at GDS they execied their goal and raised $2432.77.
Some of their fundraiser included the 7th grade penny war and walk for water plages, a high school movie night, a Water Awareness Week, and donations.
All of the money will go to H2O Life. A non profit organization whose goal is to provide safe drinking water to areas that need it.
GDS Talent Show 2015-16 School Year
By, Cam Behnke
On February 26, 2016 GDS Middle School had its annual talent show, to show hidden talents that some young GDS students had! “The show is amazing and fun every year!” said GDS student Owen Croak. The show is even more fun and exciting when you get up there and perform!¨ said another GDS student named Kyle Anongdeth. The show director Mrs.Bussan said that she loves putting together the show, even tho it can be stressful, it pays of to see all the students who have the courage to get up there and show everyone their talents! In conclusion the GDS Talent show is a big hit all around GDS!
Last Home Track Meet of 2016 season.
By: Owen Croak
GDS students last home track meet of the year at Monona Grove High School it’s time for the students to see what they’ve been working on the whole year results show that it paid off. GDS 7th grade student Jake S got 1st place in hurdles. He also got 3rd place in a team with some other class mates in a team event. Jake S GDS student states “It’s a chance to go out and prove that what you have been working on all season.” “The track meets were really fun and always interactive for these kids to talk activity and not always talking about school work.” stated Mr. Wood 7th Grade Track Coach for Monona Grove. He suggested every kid should do something active for school.
Student Council
Zach Blotz
7th grade teacher and Student Council advisor Mrs. Peotter gave a brief update on student council for the quarter 4 happenings. Mrs. Peotter became an advisor in 2012, and her first change was to allow all students to join. The purpose of student council is to meet, make decisions, and organize events. Mrs. Peotter stated, “It supports volunteerism and leadership, and makes the world around us a better place. Plus, it’s fun.” Student Council was also Mrs. Peotter’s favorite club in middle school. Student Council meets one Wednesday a month. Occasionally when planning special events, they might meet 2 days a month.
Cottage Grove Food Drive
By: Lea Anderson
On April 25, Mrs. Kathy Stapleton, a food drive volunteer, was interviewed by a small group of 7th graders and answered questions about the Cottage Grove food pantry. She came to inform us about volunteering, where all donations go to and much more. Kathy Stapleton is a substitute teacher and a volunteer worker for the pantry. She told us about her work, substitute teaching at elementary schools, volunteering at the food pantry and other volunteer work. She specifically talked about how to receive food, volunteer for the pantry, and how important it is for kids to participate in regular community service work.
School counselor since 2013 tells about her life
By: Grace.K.Christianson
Glacial Drumlin school counselor, Nicole Carlisle, tells about her life in the 7ups pod. Nicole was set on being a teacher since she was young because she loved working with people. She would visit the kids with troubled minds at their homes at first. Then, in 2013, she started working in GDS and only saw them at school.
Nicole was placed in foster care with her older sister after her father’s arrest. She then started to work with people who were orphans and that had different conditions. Nicole said, “When my dad was taken away, I was only in 4th grade and I was just confused about what was happening.”
When she worked with troubled kids, she had very interesting experiences. She first worked with a boy with severe anger issues who bit her on a muscle. When she worked with a girl with schizophrenia, the girl chased her with a frying pan. “I was terrified.” Nicole says, “She knocked on the window and said, ‘Nicooole! Look what I did to your phone!’ She held it up to the glass and it was smashed. Luckily, the room I was in, the panic room we called it, had a phone.”
By: Dylan Simon and Lily Foster.
The Gds fun run was on May 26 2016 at Glacial Drumlin School and everyone participated the fun run is important to keep kids healthy and fit. Glacial Drumlin Middle School (GDS) had their annual GDS fun run and walk on Thursday May 26 2016 as every year it was a success.This year’s fun run had three water stations as every year has had at least one. “This year we had three smaller water stations.” Said student council leader Ms. peotter. Water stations are important so kids stay hydrated and healthy. Every year there are student council members who hand out water at the water stations. “Student council members volunteer.” Said student council leader Ms. Peotter. Also the student council members who volunteered rode bikes out to the water stations and had to pick up cups after the run and walk ended.
Lock-In
By: Adeline Dean
On Friday, May 13 at Glacial Drumlin, James Kamoku organized a lock-in from 3:30 to 7:00. 4th graders from winnequah going into 5th and 5th graders from GDS going into 6th. Each kid had to pay $7 to get in. The lock-in was created to help introduce the school to new kids coming from different schools, to see what Glacial drumlin is going to be like and how they are going to go to school. They also created it so that teachers could meet the new kids and get a better interaction for a better education and better friendship. Kids from different schools had a choice to take a late bus to the school and back so their parents could pick them up after words. Most kids like how they could have fun and learn about the school at the same time, making them more comfortable with the school.
Not only did James help organize but Ms. Dol helped organize who was going to volunteer and sign up for the lock-in. The Cottage Grove administrators helped organize the forms and the sign ups. Minastrighters helped organize the transportation for the kids to get there and back. Ms. Steel and Ms.Tennet helped organize the event and the budget due for the lock-in. They had many events like, mini golfing, basketball, pin bowling, an obstacle course, pie eating, trivia, and they had a dunk tank.
Many people saying this lock-in was a success, James stated, “I would organize many other events like this because it gives the students a better education and an award at the same time.”
May 4th Character day
By Cally Schmidt
On May 4th Glacial Drumlin staff and students had the option to dress up as their favorite character from a movie or tv show as a fun event. Many students and staff dressed up. “Approximately 5-10% of the seventh grade dressed up”, claimed 7th grade teacher Mr. Schlaefer. There were some really unique and cool costumes including characters from star wars and characters from Harry Potter. This event was a fun event that everyone could participate in. 5th grade student Grace Terry said,”my favorite part of character day was pretending to be that character”, and Mr. Schlaefer said,”my favorite part of character day was getting to see the fun costumes and be in fun photos with other students and staff that dressed up.”
Building a Well, Water for All
By: Samantha Klinke
An important fundraiser by the pumped for water team will take place on Friday, May 13 for helping build a well at St. Martins secondary School.
A well will help shorten a long day of walking to only a few moments for girls and woman. But it won't only be health benefits that come with the well, there will be more gender equality. Now young girls can go to school with the boys instead of getting water for their families. Allie Lord a member of the Pumped for water team stated in an email ¨ With the well planted near their community and school this will eliminate long days fetching water and revert them into days spent in the classroom gaining a level of knowledge to help them escape poverty and inequality.¨
The goal of money they wanted to rais was $2050 but with help from the 7th graders at GDS they execied their goal and raised $2432.77.
Some of their fundraiser included the 7th grade penny war and walk for water plages, a high school movie night, a Water Awareness Week, and donations.
All of the money will go to H2O Life. A non profit organization whose goal is to provide safe drinking water to areas that need it.
GDS Talent Show 2015-16 School Year
By, Cam Behnke
On February 26, 2016 GDS Middle School had its annual talent show, to show hidden talents that some young GDS students had! “The show is amazing and fun every year!” said GDS student Owen Croak. The show is even more fun and exciting when you get up there and perform!¨ said another GDS student named Kyle Anongdeth. The show director Mrs.Bussan said that she loves putting together the show, even tho it can be stressful, it pays of to see all the students who have the courage to get up there and show everyone their talents! In conclusion the GDS Talent show is a big hit all around GDS!
Last Home Track Meet of 2016 season.
By: Owen Croak
GDS students last home track meet of the year at Monona Grove High School it’s time for the students to see what they’ve been working on the whole year results show that it paid off. GDS 7th grade student Jake S got 1st place in hurdles. He also got 3rd place in a team with some other class mates in a team event. Jake S GDS student states “It’s a chance to go out and prove that what you have been working on all season.” “The track meets were really fun and always interactive for these kids to talk activity and not always talking about school work.” stated Mr. Wood 7th Grade Track Coach for Monona Grove. He suggested every kid should do something active for school.
Student Council
Zach Blotz
7th grade teacher and Student Council advisor Mrs. Peotter gave a brief update on student council for the quarter 4 happenings. Mrs. Peotter became an advisor in 2012, and her first change was to allow all students to join. The purpose of student council is to meet, make decisions, and organize events. Mrs. Peotter stated, “It supports volunteerism and leadership, and makes the world around us a better place. Plus, it’s fun.” Student Council was also Mrs. Peotter’s favorite club in middle school. Student Council meets one Wednesday a month. Occasionally when planning special events, they might meet 2 days a month.
Cottage Grove Food Drive
By: Lea Anderson
On April 25, Mrs. Kathy Stapleton, a food drive volunteer, was interviewed by a small group of 7th graders and answered questions about the Cottage Grove food pantry. She came to inform us about volunteering, where all donations go to and much more. Kathy Stapleton is a substitute teacher and a volunteer worker for the pantry. She told us about her work, substitute teaching at elementary schools, volunteering at the food pantry and other volunteer work. She specifically talked about how to receive food, volunteer for the pantry, and how important it is for kids to participate in regular community service work.
School counselor since 2013 tells about her life
By: Grace.K.Christianson
Glacial Drumlin school counselor, Nicole Carlisle, tells about her life in the 7ups pod. Nicole was set on being a teacher since she was young because she loved working with people. She would visit the kids with troubled minds at their homes at first. Then, in 2013, she started working in GDS and only saw them at school.
Nicole was placed in foster care with her older sister after her father’s arrest. She then started to work with people who were orphans and that had different conditions. Nicole said, “When my dad was taken away, I was only in 4th grade and I was just confused about what was happening.”
When she worked with troubled kids, she had very interesting experiences. She first worked with a boy with severe anger issues who bit her on a muscle. When she worked with a girl with schizophrenia, the girl chased her with a frying pan. “I was terrified.” Nicole says, “She knocked on the window and said, ‘Nicooole! Look what I did to your phone!’ She held it up to the glass and it was smashed. Luckily, the room I was in, the panic room we called it, had a phone.”
Making a Splash
By: Brianna Back
Swimming is a very competitive sport. Everyday you go to practice, and before every practice you do dryland for about 30 to 45 minutes. Dryland is where you workout in the gym. In practice you do drills and kicking sets based on strokes you need to work on. In practice we also do diving off the blocks before we race in a meet. You work on timed sets to get ready for the big meets coming ahead.
Linda Back was a former swimmer at a local summer swim team in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The team she swam for was a summer team, and summer teams are usually fun and somewhat competitive. Practice is normally about an hour to an hour and a half. She got inspired to swim, ¨ I have always loved the water and was also a competitive person so I joined the local summer swim team.¨ She also went to many swim meets over the course of the season and won many ribbons, ¨I won ribbons when I swam in meets. Back then we only had ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. And I had way too many to count!¨
Linda Back was a very competitive person at the time she had been swimming on the local summer swim team. She had won many ribbons and some pins for her hard work in the pool and out. When she swam in meets she would always swim freestyle. Freestyle was always her favorite stroke and would swim the 50 freestyle at every meet she swam at. She would also swim other strokes at the meets but she truly loved freestyle the best. ¨My favorite stroke has always been freestyle. It has always been my favorite because I was always the best at that stroke.¨ Linda Back was a great athlete.
By: Brianna Back
Swimming is a very competitive sport. Everyday you go to practice, and before every practice you do dryland for about 30 to 45 minutes. Dryland is where you workout in the gym. In practice you do drills and kicking sets based on strokes you need to work on. In practice we also do diving off the blocks before we race in a meet. You work on timed sets to get ready for the big meets coming ahead.
Linda Back was a former swimmer at a local summer swim team in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The team she swam for was a summer team, and summer teams are usually fun and somewhat competitive. Practice is normally about an hour to an hour and a half. She got inspired to swim, ¨ I have always loved the water and was also a competitive person so I joined the local summer swim team.¨ She also went to many swim meets over the course of the season and won many ribbons, ¨I won ribbons when I swam in meets. Back then we only had ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. And I had way too many to count!¨
Linda Back was a very competitive person at the time she had been swimming on the local summer swim team. She had won many ribbons and some pins for her hard work in the pool and out. When she swam in meets she would always swim freestyle. Freestyle was always her favorite stroke and would swim the 50 freestyle at every meet she swam at. She would also swim other strokes at the meets but she truly loved freestyle the best. ¨My favorite stroke has always been freestyle. It has always been my favorite because I was always the best at that stroke.¨ Linda Back was a great athlete.
South America map visits Glacial Drumlin
By: Sofia Perez-Conrad
The South America map arrived earlier this month and has been traveling around to different grades. The map is provided by National Geographic and is ordered by the 7th grade teachers. The map travels all around the United States and is very expensive, so it only comes once or twice a year.
The point of having the map to find new ways to learn geography. Instead of just sitting around and reading about it, you are allowed to get up close and engage more.
Teachers in our grade really like the big map. They say it's extremely interactive and fun. 7th grade teacher Tara Potter says, ¨I love that it is high-energy and extremely interactive. It's like nothing else we do in school, especially for people who LOVE maps.¨ Another 7th grade teacher named
Melissa Vervoort says, ¨The map is fun and engages students in learning.¨
Clearly the South America map is a big hit with the students and teachers. GDS students better enjoy the map before it leaves for the summer.
By: Sofia Perez-Conrad
The South America map arrived earlier this month and has been traveling around to different grades. The map is provided by National Geographic and is ordered by the 7th grade teachers. The map travels all around the United States and is very expensive, so it only comes once or twice a year.
The point of having the map to find new ways to learn geography. Instead of just sitting around and reading about it, you are allowed to get up close and engage more.
Teachers in our grade really like the big map. They say it's extremely interactive and fun. 7th grade teacher Tara Potter says, ¨I love that it is high-energy and extremely interactive. It's like nothing else we do in school, especially for people who LOVE maps.¨ Another 7th grade teacher named
Melissa Vervoort says, ¨The map is fun and engages students in learning.¨
Clearly the South America map is a big hit with the students and teachers. GDS students better enjoy the map before it leaves for the summer.
GDS is“Pumped 4 Water”
By: Camille Simmons and Anabelle Vesperman
On May 13, 7th graders at Glacial Drumlin Middle School (GDS) participated in a Walk for Water to build a well in Uganda. The well will benefit children in Uganda who spend their day walking miles on end to gather contaminated water for their family to drink.
The program was founded by a group of seniors from MGHS, who call their organization Pumped 4 Water. Pumped 4 Water is giving children the right to an education as well as a better health.
The entire 7th grade class of GDS participated in the fundraiser, though most of the students chose to carry a filled gallon of water. In Uganda and other areas of Africa, however, women carry anywhere between 20-40 lbs, for miles on end.
Kiera Ellefson, a local GDS 7th grader, gave the highest donation of $148.00. “Why I donated was simple,” Ellefson stated, “I was so shocked to hear how far and long women had to walk to get water. I wanted to help, and wasn’t sure how much others would bring in. I got into the swing of things.”
Kids and women in Uganda cannot get a standard education due to most of their day spent getting muddy, contaminated water from holes in the ground.
In total, GDS 7th graders raised $1,932.77. The money will be donated immediately so well construction can begin this summer. Overall, 1,297 people will benefit from this well, including children going to St. Martin’s Secondary School, which has a class of about 767, as well as two neighboring villages also without access to clean water.
Jenny Harvey, a Senior at MGHS, revealed, “The best outcome of this program will be making kids’ lives better.” These students have worked so hard to benefit lives of young Africans. It is our duty to make these children well again, as these wonderful people already have.
By: Camille Simmons and Anabelle Vesperman
On May 13, 7th graders at Glacial Drumlin Middle School (GDS) participated in a Walk for Water to build a well in Uganda. The well will benefit children in Uganda who spend their day walking miles on end to gather contaminated water for their family to drink.
The program was founded by a group of seniors from MGHS, who call their organization Pumped 4 Water. Pumped 4 Water is giving children the right to an education as well as a better health.
The entire 7th grade class of GDS participated in the fundraiser, though most of the students chose to carry a filled gallon of water. In Uganda and other areas of Africa, however, women carry anywhere between 20-40 lbs, for miles on end.
Kiera Ellefson, a local GDS 7th grader, gave the highest donation of $148.00. “Why I donated was simple,” Ellefson stated, “I was so shocked to hear how far and long women had to walk to get water. I wanted to help, and wasn’t sure how much others would bring in. I got into the swing of things.”
Kids and women in Uganda cannot get a standard education due to most of their day spent getting muddy, contaminated water from holes in the ground.
In total, GDS 7th graders raised $1,932.77. The money will be donated immediately so well construction can begin this summer. Overall, 1,297 people will benefit from this well, including children going to St. Martin’s Secondary School, which has a class of about 767, as well as two neighboring villages also without access to clean water.
Jenny Harvey, a Senior at MGHS, revealed, “The best outcome of this program will be making kids’ lives better.” These students have worked so hard to benefit lives of young Africans. It is our duty to make these children well again, as these wonderful people already have.