April's Fools Jokes

There are some really funny April Fools jokes that you can try to do. There are many great ideas that are really funny and pretty easy!

Here are just a few:

Spilled Polish

Get a bottle of nail polish and some wax paper. Pour out all of the nail polish onto the wax paper. Wait for it to dry and then peel it off the paper. Now you can put it anywhere you want and people will think you stained their things with polish!


Mouse Trap

This is really simple. Get a sticky note and put it on the light on the bottom of the computer mouse. Now no matter how hard the person tries to get the mouse to work, it won’t.


April Showers

If you have a sink with a sprayer, put a rubber band around the handle when nobody's looking. This automatically keeps the nozzle in spray-mode. Make sure the nozzle is pointing up. The next person to use the sink will get a spray!!

Soda Mix Up

When you are at a restaurant with a friend, ask for an extra straw and a few extra ketchup packets. When your friend is not looking, puncture the straw through one of the ketchup packets, and replace your friends straw with the ketchup straw. Watch and enjoy.

Now that I’ve shown you a few, come up with your own.

The Grammys

The biggest night of music, a night dedicated to music, occurred. The 54th Annual Grammy Awards were a month ago. Here’s an overview. The host: LL Cool J. Major winners include Adele, with a stunning six Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year (“Rolling in the Deep”) and Album of the Year (21). Other winners included Kanye West & Jay-Z, Skrillex, Foo Fighters, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Rihanna, Fergie, Kid Cudi (“All of the Lights”), and many others. Performers included Bruno Mars, a tribute to Etta James featuring Alicia Keys, several mentions of Whitney Houston, Nicki Minaj, Foo Fighters, Beach Boys, Taylor Swift, Foster the People, Adam Levine, Paul McCartney, David Guetta, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Coldplay. With lighting to mirror the song and band, amazing dance moves, new fashions, great openings, powerful performances, and lots and lots of suspense, it was an unforgettable night.


Personally, my favorite performance was Chris Brown, with spectacular dance moves and a new catchy track, with background dancers and colorful lights.

Music Review of the Week

Several new releases have come out recently on iTunes. In my opinion, they are well overdue, because practically no new releases came out since Christmas music in December until now. Without further ado, here’s the long list of new releases:

“Part of Me” by Katy Perry- A self empowering anthem released after Katy’s recent nasty divorce with Russel Brand. It’s a great song to listen to when you need a confidence boost. She performed it at the Grammy’s. Number one on the charts.

“Starships”* by Nicki Minaj- a bubblegum dance/ pop song resembling her previous hit “Super Bass”. It’s a great party song, or just a happy song that makes you want to dance.

*Parental Advisory

“Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood- A strong voiced country single about warning a good girl not to date another seemingly “good” boy, telling her she doesn’t know how “bad” he really is.

“What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction- I am SO excited about this one. One Direction has already blown up in Europe and Direction Infection has already hit America. The release of this was well overdue. This March, their full album will finally be released in the US. The song is a sweet, danceable song about a girl not knowing how beautiful she is. It’s a message that every girl will love. For a while, it was number 10 on the iTunes charts.

“Climax” by Usher- A well-awaited single from the R&B artist, resembling some of his earlier music, with a slow, soulful tone.

Student Voice: Screen Print

I think screen print on T-shirts should be allowed during school. There are lots of reasons teachers have given us for why screen print is prohibited. You say it is distracting, can be inappropriate and it violated the Code of Conduct “Respect you mind and body”. I say, however, that this is not really the case.

Many teachers say screen print can be distracting to both students and faculty. Any sort of clothing can be distracting and screen print is just as distracting as a sparkly top or a brand name dress. In middle school, kids own all sorts of clothes. Many times these clothes are not school appropriate, but even more often they are just cute little sayings or sports logos. Kids should be able to support their teams and express themselves. Unless the screen print as promiscuous leadings or bad words it is not necessarily bad for young teenagers to express themselves with clothing. Teachers often say every rule is based off the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct rule that applies to screen print is “Respect your mind and body”. Most screen print shirts are actually more modest than the clothing girls wear every day, and there are more options with less skin. You are respecting your body’s modesty more by covering up behind screen print, which is what all adults want out of their young teenagers.

The screen print has many valid and persuasive arguments for and against it, but I think there are more reasons to allow screen print than to forbid it.

Flats vs. Heels

Have you ever not known what shoes to wear to a party? Sometimes it takes forever to decide. Well it’s time to get some help. If you’re going to a casual party, your best bet is probably flats or wedges. Wedges are a type of heel that is easier to walk on than pencil heels which are harder to walk in than wedges. If you’re going to a casual party during the summer you should probably wear wedges that match the color of your dress, skirt, or swimsuit, but if you’re going to a party at night that’s kind of a dressy party you should wear heels. Then flats are a defiant for having during the school year. Flats match just about anything during spring and fall. You can wear flats with jeans, dresses, and skirts usually your flats match your shirt, dress or skirt. Well I hope this helps!

Best and Worst Valentine’s Day Gifts Ever

5 Worst Valentine’s Day Gifts Ever

Valentine’s Day’s coming up and most people are totally clueless on what to get their special someone. So, to enlighten our fellow shoppers, here are a few ideas of what you should get-and what you SHOULDN’T get.

1. A breakup. Because probably nothing hurts more on the day of L-O-V-E than getting your heart broken.

2. Knives or anything sharp. According to ancient philosophies, sharp objects are bad luck and “sever” the relationship.

3. Footie Pajama’s. No. Just no.

4. Socks. Do I even have to explain?

5. Exercise videos. It’s like saying, “I love you sweetie, but you need to lose weight, fatty.”

5 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts Ever

1. Chocolate. Because who doesn’t love chocolate? Except Leila, because she’s weird ;)

2. Stuffed Animals. Cute, cuddly, and adorable. Who’s not to love?

3. Cool phone cases. Or anything they need? Not only will they appreciate it and use it, it’ll show you they pay attention and listen 

4. Flowers. For girls, obviously. This classic gift any girl will appreciate.

5. Hugs and kisses. The best gifts ever aren’t material. End. Of. Story.

New Years Resolutions

The holidays are coming fast, and right after them comes New Year’s! We asked our fellow middle schoolers and teachers what their New Year’s resolutions are.


-After a long tedious conversation with Mike Bauman, he finally decided he wanted to get all his homework assignments in on time.

-Laney decided with a smile that she wants to try to work harder at everything she does 

- Tori answered quickly: To grow taller.

- Mr. Moe thought about this…and decided he wanted to get more sleep.

-Leila wants to be more successful on her many athletic teams

Black Box Theater

Middle and upper schoolers will be producing black box theatre productions. They will be doing a monologue, duo interpretation, or short skit. Some of the directors are Jamie English and Debbie Noyes. The monologue will be 3 to 5 minutes long. There will be one person for the monologue. The duo interpretation will be with two people and will be 8 to 12 minutes long. They will be communicating a poem, short story or play. They will not be using props. The short skit will be 5 to 7 minutes long. It will most likely be funny.

Michael Coltrane says, “It will be very interesting to see middle and upper school students performing in different skits instead of one play.”

This is the first time Westchester’s drama club is performing the Black Box Theater. Members hope to draw a large crowd at their February 10th performance at 7 pm.

Black Box Theater

Black Box Theater


Middle and upper schoolers will be producing black box theatre productions. They will be doing a monologue, duo interpretation, or short skit. Some of the directors are Jamie English and Debbie Noyes. The monologue will be 3 to 5 minutes long. There will be one person for the monologue. The duo interpretation will be with two people and will be 8 to 12 minutes long. They will be communicating a poem, short story or play. They will not be using props. The short skit will be 5 to 7 minutes long. It will most likely be funny.

Michael Coltrane says, “it will be very interesting to see middle and upper school students performing in different skits instead of one play.”

This is the first time Westchester’s drama club is performing the Black Box Theater. Members hope to draw a large crowd at their February 10 performance at 7 pm.

8th Grade Profiles

Montgomery Belk

MSB: What is your favorite thing about being in Middle School?

Monty: Being in eighth grade and having iPads.

MSB: What sports do you participate in?

Monty:  Cross Country.

MSB: How long have you been here?

Monty: Since kindergarten.

MSB: What is your favorite quote?

Monty: This toast tastes a lot like bread.

A poem

Big Mac


I want a double cheeseburger with the pickles on the side.

Tomatoes in the middle, ketchup and fries


With the fries all soggy, pickles in the jar

Without your personality, I don’t know who you are.


A half-eaten big mac sadly thrown away,

As I look into the trash can, I don’t know what to say.


It’s so very good, I cannot tell a lie,

About a double cheeseburger with ketchup and fries.


Waiting in line for the old man’s decision,

Oh my gosh he has poor sighted vision.


When I ordered, I said accidentally,

“May I please have a Ranch BLT”


DANG IT!

Instead I wanted a ……………..


Double cheeseburger with the pickles on the side,

Tomatoes in the middle, ketchup and fries

Typed by Laney Henley

8th Grade Interviews

Brett Bell

MSB: What is your favorite thing about Middle school?

Brett: The teachers.

MSB: What after school activities are you planning to participate in?

Brett: Baseball and Basketball.

MSB: How many years have you been going to Westchester?

Brett: This will be my third year.

MSB: What is your favorite quote?

Brett: “Shut-respectfully-up” –Mr. Burns.

The Holiday Poem

I’ve been excited about something upcoming;


It has to do with carols and candy canes;

A certain time is coming;

With excited children and snowy lanes.

We take a break from work and school;

We spend time with family and friends;

Smiling and laughing are the rules;

Lights and ornaments wait in tins.

After Thanksgiving dinner we gather around the tree;

And put our red, green and silver decorations to use;

We forget our fights, forget our worries;

It’s impossible to have the blues.

Daring each other to get under the mistletoe;

And just waiting for exams to be done;

We’re wearing scarves and waiting for snow;

And we’re sure to have fun.

When Christmastime has come ;

We start counting down the days;

And some are saying all they want for Christmas is someone;

We all celebrate in different ways.

The calendar says December;

Carols are being sung on the streets;

The tunes are songs everyone remembers;

And more memories are to come that we’ll keep.

Christmas time is finally here;

Some go to family, some go vacation, but there’s nothing better than home;

We’re all filled with cheer;

And Christmas will always bring light to your days wherever you roam.

"When will school be out?" A poem

I looked at the clock and wished for school to be over.
It was two o’ clock so I looked to Dover.

A smile on his face as it was time to go.

I looked around over to Joe.

All he was doing was picking his nose.

I looked over to Mary-Beth.

Who was throwing things at little Seth.

Candace and Candy were chewing gum.

While Curt and Wane, were having fun.

Sally Ruth Marble was tying her shoe.

Faith S. Sleuth was talking to Lou.

Henry was ready for bed.

And then Miss. Jones got up and said;

“Children, school is over.”

And they all ran out the door and stepping on Dover.

Under the Mistletoe is probably the most anticipated Justin Bieber album ever.  Released on November 1, it came out plenty of time before the holidays.  It is Justin Bieber’s first Christmas album. It features artists such as Mariah Carey, Usher, Busta Rhymes, Boyz II Men, and the Band Perry.  Justin Bieber is probably the number one teenage heartthrob right now, replacing the Jonas Brothers and Jesse McCartney era. However, he tried to target a different audience with this album. Most of his primary fans consist of screaming girls in their early teens with monster crushes on him. With this new album, he targets not only teens but young adults and even adults. With a deeper voice and songs about more mature love than just puppy love, this is already one of the biggest albums of 2011, and anticipated to be Bieber’s best album ever. The song topics consist of mostly songs about Christmas love, with remakes of popular, well-known Christmas carols such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and “The Christmas Song.” It also has his own creations, such as the popular single “Mistletoe.”  According to the comments, most people either hate or love this album. Justin Bieber has been known for his Kidz-Bop little boy sound, and with this album, he has been successful in breaking out of this field.

Winter Fashions

Winter is coming up so you need to prepare for winter clothing. The clothes for this year are so cute and cozy. This year the clothes are brighter and bolder and some are even vintage things from the 60’s through the 80’s. You can get some of these fashions at the new H&M in Hanes mall in Winston Salem. H&M isn’t too expensive either.



Shoes:


• Strapy Heels


• Fur Boots


• Thigh high boots


• Ankle boots


• Military boots


• Fred Lace up Canvas Oxfords


• Uggs


Hats:


• Fedoras


• 1960’s Hats


• British Tea cup hats


Coats:


• Coats with fur hoods


• Beach like coats


Jeans:


• Colorful Skinny Jeans


• Skinny Jeans


• Boot cut


Shirts


• White Shirts with Bright Bold infinite Scarves


• Turtle necks


Misc.


• Leopard Print


• Skinny belts


• High Collars


• Fringe off the end of Skirts


• Patchwork in different colors


• Quilting on Leather Purses


• Gloves

Student Led Conferences

                All year you have been preparing for Westchester’s new big thing. Student Led Conferences. There have been many different reactions among the students and teachers both positive and negative. These Student Led Conferences are on a trial run this year. Some people may wonder what I’m talking about. Tomorrow, all Westchester Middle School students will be presenting their work in their portfolio to their parents. Unlike traditional conferences, the children are the people in charge and a teacher is there just to keep things on track. These conferences are also mandatory, unlike regular conferences.  One unique thing to these conferences is they are designed to make students take ownership of their work and they have to reflect on it. This is supposed to help improve the work ethic. It should be a new, but beneficial way for the students to connect with their work, and understand it. “Student led Conferences are going to be a chance to show my parents what I am doing in school,” said Kathryn Grier, a seventh grader. These Conferences were brought to Westchester by Mrs. Jenkins as an opportunity to better our school. Hopefully, they will be beneficial.

Elisabeth Bachmann

8th Grade Interviews

Mark Oglesby

MSB: What is your favorite part of middle school?

Mark: My favorite part of middle school is you don’t have to walk in lines, I guess.

MSB: What afterschool activities are you going to participate in?

Mark: I’ll be playing basketball in the winter.

MSB: How long have you been attending WCDS?

Mark: Three years.

MSB: What is your favorite quote?

Mark: That’s a hard one but I’ll have to say “it takes a village to raise a child.”

Service Learning

Westchester Country Day School Service Day




On Friday, October 7th, WCDS middle schoolers had their first social service day of the year to help people less fortunate than themselves.

Participator Paige Hetley said, “It was fun getting to interact with kids and seniors from other places.”

WCDS students went to different places. One group went to Elm Towers Senior Center, another went to Hasty Elementary School, and another went to Newcomer’s Elementary School. The people who went to Elm Towers made decorations for their kitchen and for fall. At the elementary schools Westchester students acted as tutors to help young people with their reading and math.

Preston Shoaf said, “It felt good to be in charge of a group of students who listen to me.”

Afterwards the groups went to laser x and putt putt as a treat.

We played at the arcade at putt putt and won tickets. Then, with the tickets, we traded them for prizes like candy and snap bracelets.

At Laser X we played laser tag and video games where you could win tickets you could also trade in for cool prizes like candy and Slinkiys and some glow sticks.

We all enjoyed the time at service day.

New Student Profile

New Student Profile: Savannah Kirkman


By: Laney Henley

I caught up with Savannah Kirkman to talk about her transfer to this school and all of her new friends. Savannah is in 6th grade and is always making new friends. She is an upbeat, friendly person and I also got the experience to lead Savannah on her days that she came and saw the school. I got the chance to talk to her about how she is doing these first couple weeks of school.



MS Blog: What school did you past attend and what grade were you in?

John Lawrence, fifth grade



MS Blog: What is your favorite class and elective, why?

Art Club, because it is a very artistic class and I enjoy it and Language Arts because Mr. Moe makes it fun.



MS Blog: What is your favorite lunch food?

Pizza, because it is saucy and good.



MS Blog: How do you like the school so far?

I like it a lot and I am transitioning great with my new friends.



MS Blog: Do you have any siblings if so what are their names?

Adam Kirkman in 10th grade

8th grade profiles

Will Argo

Will Argo

MSB: What is your favorite thing about 8th grade?

Will: The Atlanta trip.

MSB: What afterschool activities do you participate/ plan to participate in this year?

Will: I do soccer, swimming, and golf.

MSB: How many years have you been at Westchester?

Will: Nine years.

MSB: What is your favorite saying?

Will: When Mr. Burns says “zippa la lippa”.

Music Reviews

Music Review of the Week

Jason Derulo’s new album, Future History, is an upbeat pop album with all different types of sound. It is Indian and African influenced with 14 tracks and 2 music videos on the Deluxe Version. The songs about it are basically about dancing, love, and breakups. It was released recently on September 16th. Each one has originality and I recommend it. The most popular song is “Fight for You.”

Another popular song is “Fly*” by Nicki Minaj & Rihanna. It is off Nicki Minaj’s most recent album, Pink Friday. It is a slower rap/pop song that is very inspirational and self-powering.

*Parental Advisory: Explicit Content.

Story of the week (number two)

Two A’s and two F’s.

“Guess what happened today?”Martin asked Mom. Mom looked up from the dish cloth and plate.

“What happened?” she said. She shined the dish.

“Okay! Check my report card!”Martin handed out his report card to mom. Mom looked at it and glared really hard. Then she smiled and frowned.

“F and F? Really Martin?” Mom asked.

“I know but look I got two A’s. See look!!” Martin smiled.

“Well I’m very proud. Tonight to celebrate, we’ll go out and eat at a Chinese restaurant.” Mom put down the cloth and wiped off the plate. Martin smirked.

The next day Martin came home with a new report card.

“Guess what happened today!”he asked.

“Okay, what happened?”Mom was baking chocolate chip cookies for her book club.

“So I got back my report card! Look, three A’s!!”Martin yelled.

“Not so loud, Martin. Yes I’m very proud. So your father and I decided to give you an iTunes card.”

But something was weird. Report cards come out every other month. I felt like calling my best friend that day and when I picked up the phone I heard Martin’s conversation.

“They bought it, Austin! They bought! Now I got an ITunes card and Chinese!!”Martin said.

“Great do it once more to make them really proud!” Austin said.

“I gotta go Austin. I have to take care of business.” Martin said in a whisper. Then I heard his large footsteps coming after me. I should have known, an obvious case of my brother Martin.

Story of the Week

Story of the Week.:


No school.

“Get up it’s time for school.” called my brother.

It was 6:00 on my clock and today was my first day of school.

“I’ll be ready, Martin just let me change.” I grab the shirt on my bed and quickly change. Martin has said the first day was clown day. I grab my tacky socks and go downstairs. Martin has made my cereal. He said the milk was warmed so it tasted really bad like powder and water mixed it even smelled like it too. The cereal was crunched and nasty. I ate it anyway because I was really hungry. I ponder why Martin was being so nice because he was never nice. He told me to get in his car and he drove to school. As we passed, the neighborhood lights were out. No one was getting ready for school, but some kids were up watching cartoons I could see it through their windows. We drove to Grovedale Middle School and he dumped me out. He snickered. “Have a fun time alone.”

I knew it. I had been tricked. Obvious case of my brother, Martin. I checked my phone. August 18th. No school.

New Student Profile: Terry Neza

By: Laney Henley

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in Switzerland? Just ask new student Terry Neza and he will be able to give you many stories. Terry moved here in June and started at Westchester in August and has been blending in great. I caught up with Terry and asked him a couple of questions.

MS Blog: What school did you past attend and what grade were you in?

Terry: Institute International de Lancy and I was in 6th grade.

MS Blog: What is your favorite class and elective, why?

Terry: P.E. and Gym time because they involve athletic skills.

MS Blog: What is your favorite lunch food?

Terry: My favorite is pizza because it is also my favorite food outside of school.

MS Blog: How do you like the school so far?

Terry: I think that the school is ok but much different than my other school and I sometimes miss my friends

MS Blog: Do you have any siblings if so what are their names?

Terry: Yes, a sister in 6th grade Tiffany,a brother in 10th grade Tracey, and a 6th month old sister.