STINGRAY TIMES
Volume 2, Issue 7
May 2014
A Great Year!
The 8th Grade Dance: The Stars
Are Out Tonight
By: Harper R.
By: Gabby B. & Jessica C.
It’s been a great year at Matapeake Middle School.
We’ve shown school spirit. We helped our community
in clubs and fund raisers. We have expressed ourselves
in music and the arts. We had many fun projects and
many hard tests. We’ve gone through numerous pencils
and erasers. We figured out how to open stubborn
lockers. We completed our assignments with flying
colors. We dressed in purple, pink, and green and wore
our hats to school. We have learned many new things,
but best of all we’ve made our teachers proud. Thanks
for an A+ year MMS, and have a summer as great as our
school year!
On Friday May 16, 2014 Matapeake Middle School held
their annual 8th grade dance for the 8th grade class of 2014.
The theme of this year’s dance was The Stars Are out
Tonight. When you walked into the dance your name was
said over the speakers as you approached the door and you
were greeted by ‘paparazzi’ as you walked in on the red
carpet. During the dance there was a slide show going on
with pictures of all of the 8th grade students when they were
younger. DJ Josh Bardsley played all of our favorite music
and made the night fun and encouraged us to dance. There
was a photo booth available for us to have fun and make
memories with our friends that would last us forever. There
were tons of props for us to try on and have fun with at the
photo booth too. Outside the cafeteria there was water,
Rita’s, chips, cookies, and other snacks to keep us from
getting hungry. Around the room everyone’s yearbook
picture was hung up and you could grab a marker to write
little notes to everyone so at the end of the night you could
take it home and read all the nice things people had to say
about you. Overall, the dance was super fun and the
memories will last us a lifetime.
Memorial Day
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
By: Joanna A.
1- A Great Year
1- 8th Grade Dance
2- Student Interviews
2- Music Awards
2- North Bay
3- Message from Dr. Holocker
3- Calendar of Events
3- May the 4th
3- Summer Activities
4- Stingray Fun
4-Recipe
1- Memorial Day
4- Staff Birthdays
4- Summer Reading
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is
a day of remembrance for those who have died in our
nation's service. Memorial Day was celebrated on
May 5 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves
of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington
National Cemetery. The first state to officially
recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. It is
now celebrated in almost every State on the last
Monday in May. To remind Americans of Memorial
Day and what we are to remember, the "National
Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed In
Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all
Americans to pause from whatever they are doing for
a moment of silence. “And I'm proud to be an
American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won't
forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
~Lee Greenwood
Stingray Times 1
2014 Billboard Music
Awards
Student Interviews
By: Julia B.
By: Savannah L. & Erin K.
This year in the Stingray Times we’ve had many
interviews with the teachers and other staff on
their opinions about the school. We thought that it
was about time that we ask students their thoughts.
We asked the sixth graders what their favorite thing
about sixth grade was. Here’s what they said…
Dominic Mirack: “My favorite thing was the Happy Lip
Dub.”
Seth McLaughlin: “The Gymkana assembly was my
favorite thing about sixth grade."
Fiona Valade: “My favorite thing was attending
NorthBay.”
Harper Ronayne: “My favorite thing about sixth grade
was the higher expansion of knowledge I received.”
Colby Martin: “My favorite thing about sixth grade was
going to NorthBay.”
We asked the seventh graders what their favorite thing
about seventh grade was. Here’s what they said…
Dustin Rousseau: “My favorite thing about seventh grade
is all the teachers and the things we are allowed to do.”
Jordan Grard: “My favorite thing about seventh grade is
the Unified Arts classes.”
Logan Redden:
“My favorite thing was The Terrapin Park field trip.”
Katie Vornbrack: “Learning new things and meeting new
people was my favorite part about seventh grade.”
Hannah Scott: “My favorite thing about seventh grade
was the projects we did.”
We asked the eighth graders what they will miss about
the middle school next year and what they are looking
forward to about ninth grade. Here’s what they said…
Jessica Christie: “I will miss Dr. Holocker and Mr.
Capshaw. I am looking forward to not being in Middle
School anymore, and being more involved in school.”
Gabby Bollinger: “I will miss Dr. Holocker and ‘Cappy’.
I’m looking forward to being in high school and becoming
more involved in activities.”
Kaila Smith: “I’m going to miss all of my teachers. I’m
looking forward to doing some school sports.”
Claire Goldsborough: “I’m going to miss all of the
awesome teachers and journalism. I cannot wait for the
more interesting and challenging classes in ninth grade.”
Savannah Long: “I will miss my friends and Ms. Gibbs. I
am looking forward to making new friends.”
The 2014 Billboard Music Awards was bursting with legendary
performances, celebrity appearances, and exciting victories. Ludacris
hosted the event, while celebrity guests graced the red carpet. Pitbull,
Claudia Leitte, and Billboard Icon Award winner Jennifer Lopez
opened the show with a performance of “We Are One.” Afterwards,
Iggy Azalea performed “Fancy” with Chari XCX and accompanied
Ariana Grande during her showcase of “Problem.” One of the main
performances of this award show was 5 Seconds of Summer (including
Luke Hemmings, Ashton Irwin, Calum Hood, and Michael Clifford)
performed “She Looks So Perfect” for their first live performance on
TV. Some of the other performances that took fans by storm was
Florida Georgia Line performing their song “This Is How We Roll”
featuring Luke Bryan. Another one of these performances was Carrie
Underwood and Miranda Lambert singing “Something Bad” for the
first time. Other performances included Imagine Dragons, “Tiptoe.”
However, one of the most anticipated performances was the tribute to
Michel Jackson including a hologram of him for his performance. Katy
Perry’s colorful performance of “Birthday” incorporated her fans and
soaring across the auditorium led by balloons. Not to mention, Lorde
presented her first primetime performance of “Tennis Courts” and
Jason Derulo presented a mixture of “Wiggle,” “Marry Me,” and “Talk
Dirty.” John Legend beautifully showcased his musical talent by
playing the piano as well as singing his heartfelt songs, “All of Me”
and “You & I.” Also, Miley Cyrus performed the legendary Beatles
song, “Lucy in the Sky” accompanied by the Flaming Lips’ Wayne
Coyne.
North Bay
By: Colby M.
Matapake Middle School’s sixth grade students had the
opportunity to take a week–long field trip to NorthBay
Adventure in North East, Maryland. NorthBay is a camp where
students learn about how their actions impact the environment.
The camp offers activities to let students have fun after
learning. Everyday started off with breakfast and then a lesson.
The educators at NorthBay make their two lessons during the
day interesting and fun. The lessons usually began with a game
having to do with a theme word or topic students would be
learning about. Each class was an hour and a half long. After
the first lesson, kids went to the dining hall for lunch. Next was
the second lesson. In the first and second lesson, students
would record data they found and do a reflection on the
material they learned in a NorthBay journal. When the second
lesson ended kids went to their first and second activity. Some
of the activities included were going on a zip line, three person
swing, art class, land sports, playing in the gym and climbing
a rock wall. Dinner was after the activities ended. Finally, to
end the day was NorthBay Live. In this show students learned
about how the have a role in society, how their actions were
important, and how their actions affected everyone/everything
around them. This show talked about how to handle everyday
issues. NorthBay was an awesome experience for the sixth
grade.
Stingray Times 2
Summer Activities
Message from Dr. Holocker
By: Katie V., Evelyn G. & Leah D.
By: Kaila S. & Dominic M.
How do you feel this school year went, academic wise?
I have been very proud of the students and how hard they
worked. I feel that, academically, this year went really
well!!!
What are your hopes or goals for next school year?
I just hope to carry on the great job next year that we’ve been
doing. The staff and students at MMS are truly the best in
the county. I love coming to work each day.
What do you think you could improve on, or do better
next year?
The one thing I’d LOVE to see improved is our website. I
have set it up and I hope by next year every teacher will be
trained so we can use it to its greatest capacity. I hope all the
students work is on the website electronically so there is
always access. I’d love to move MMS totally into the digital
age.
What do you plan on doing this summer?
I promised several 8th grade girls that I would read Divergent
Insurgent and Allegiant. That is my one goal for this
summer.
Are you planning any new extracurricular next year?
Wow. That’s a hard one. I have not. So I am totally open to
suggestions (within reason)
What’s the hardest part of your job (especially end of
year)?
Keeping up the pace and making sure I didn’t forget
anything. I have to order 8th grade awards, have the
certificates printed, 8th grade dance, keeping an eye on
students who are not working up to their potential, trying to
keep everyone happy. The absolute hardest thing is making
sure we keep the students engaged and the teachers sane.
You have no idea how hard it is to get your work done and
make sure everyone’s needs are met! Another hard part is
saying goodbye to the 8th graders. This group of 8th graders
is my first 6th grade class. I have been their only middle
school principal-that makes me happy and sad at the same
time!!!
Calendar of Events
May
May 30- Music in the Parks Trip
June
June 2- Talent Show Rehearsal
June 3- Talent Show/ NJHS Bake Sale
June 10- Six Flags Trip- 8th Grade
June 11- 8th Grade Transition- 9:30
June 12- Last Day for Students- 1:00 Dismissal
With summer on its way, students start to get out of their
spring activities and start on summer activities. Summer, this
year, is going to start on June 13th for us Matapeake Students.
This year has been long and hard so to help enjoy your
summer, here are some activities that you might be interested
in:
 Sporting Events
 Water Parks
 Swimming (of course)
 Carnivals
 Visit Museums
 Hiking
 Biking
 Taking a Walk
 State Parks or National Parks
 Summer Camps
 Amusement Parks
All of these activities are just some of the things that you can
participate and have fun in. So enjoy your time off and have a
BLAST Matapeake!!!
May the 4th Be With You
By: Fiona V.
May the Fourth, also known as Star Wars Day, is a twist on
the classic “May the force be with you.” Many people took
this as a chance to dress up like storm troopers, Darth Vader,
and the likes. Even NASA celebrates Star Wars Day.
Star Wars Day celebrates the day the first Star Wars movie
came to the theaters in 1977. That film was later called
“Episode IV: A New Hope” after it was originally named
“Star Wars.” Star Wars Day was supposed to be on May 25 th
since Episode IV was released on that day, but fans had other
plans. After all, “May the twenty-fifth be with you” just
doesn’t have the same ring to it.
There are six Star Wars episodes (movies) total. The
original trilogy includes Episode IV: A New Hope, the first
Star Wars film to be released, Episode V: The Empire Strikes
Back, and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The prequel trilogy
includes Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack
of the Clones, and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. From
movies, Star Wars also became the animated TV series Star
Wars: The Clone Wars.
So, Star Wars fans, start polishing your Darth Vader helmet
for next Star Wars Day. And remember, May the Fourth be
with you.
Stingray Times 3
STINGRAY FUN!
Strawberry-Banana
Smoothie Pops
Summer Reading List
As recommended by Claire G.
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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Romance,
This novel is about Hazel Grace, a cancer-ridden
teen, and Augustus Waters, who she meets at a
cancer support group, and their ensuing romance.
The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra ClareRomance/ Adventure/ Fantasy, This series is about
the world of shadowhunters in an alternate world of
werewolves, faeries, warlocks ,and other magical
creatures, the Downworld, and how one fifteenyear-old Clary Fray stumbles upon it while looking
for her missing mother.
The Alex Rider Series by Anthony HorowitzAction/Adventure, This series follows the
adventures of Alex Rider a fourteen-year-old spy for
the British Intelligence Agency, albeit an unwilling
one.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – Fantasy/Adventure,
This classic fantasy is the prelude to The Lord of the
Rings and follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and 13
dwarves and their quest to reclaim the Lonely
Mountain from Smaug, the evil dragon.
The Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson Fantasy/Adventure, This completed series follows
fourteen- year -old Maximum Ride, AKA Max, and
the “flock” which is made up of Angel, Gazzy,
Nudge, Iggy, and Fang. They are just like normal
kids except for one thing – they have wings and can
fly!
The Diamond Brothers Mysteries by Anthony
Horowitz- Humor/ Mystery, These four books
follow the misadventures of Tim Diamond, a failing
private investigator, and his 13 year old brother,
Nick, who is always there to get them out of trouble.
Divergent
Trilogy
by
Veronica
RothRomance/Adventure, This trilogy takes place in a
dystopian future where society is divided into five
factions based on one particular quality: Candor (the
brave), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the
selfless), Amity (the peaceful), and Dauntless (the
brave).
Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy by Laini
Taylor- Fantasy/ Romance, too complex to explain.
What you'll need
 2 cups frozen strawberries
 1 medium banana
 1 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt or vanilla yogurt
 1/2 cup cranberry juice cocktail or pomegranate juice
 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
How to make it
1. Place strawberries, banana, yogurt, juice and maple
syrup in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Divide among six 4-ounce freezer-pop molds.
3. Freeze until firm, at least 6 hours.
Nutrition
Per serving: 92 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono);3 mg cholesterol;
21 g carbohydrates; 8 g added sugars; 2 g protein; 2 g fiber; 21 mg
sodium; 237 mg potassium.
Staff Birthdays
If you see these staff members in the hallway, or
run into them over the summer, wish them a big
Happy Birthday!
Stingray Times 4
May!
May 26- Mrs. Armiger
June!
June 4- Mrs. Boyer
June 6- Mr. Green
Summer Birthdays!
June 17- Mrs. Plack
July 4- Mr. Conyer
July 23- Mrs. Dickson
July 26- Mr. Helgason
August 11- Mrs. Hoover
August 12- Ms. B
August 19- Mrs. Frederick
August 21- Mr. George
Spanish Word of the Month
summer = verano