PRIMARY (Grades K-3)- We Are in a Book! written and illustrated by Mo Willems

INTERMEDIATE (Grades 3-6)- The Giant Slayer by Iain Lawrence

MIDDLE SCHOOL/JUNIOR HIGH (Grades 6-9)- Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

YOUNG ADULT (Grades 9-12)- Matched by Ally Condie

PICTURE BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS (4^th Graders and up)- Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle written by Brian Dennis

Students at Mira Mesa High may have noticed the three main books on display by the check-out-line. These year’s other nominees for the Young Adult category, other than the winner “Matched”, were “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl and “The Things a Brother Knows” by Dana Reinhardt.

In the past, some winners of the Young Adult category have been “Graveling” by Kristin Cashore in 2012, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins in 2011, and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie in 2010.

“This year we didn’t have the number of titles needed and I ordered the titles a little late,” explains Mrs. Wedemeyer, the school Librarian, “but displaying the books and word of mouth recommendations by enthusiastic students did result in quite a few read by Mira Mesa High School students”.

Every year, nominees are recommended for the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM).  Young readers get to suggest the names of their favorite books for nomination, or teachers and librarians note the repeatedly read or requested titles. Recommendations are due each year by April 1^st for consideration and after members of the committee read the suggested books, they decide on a list of nominees. Students are given time to read and vote for their favorite books from July through March. They are provided with ballots, then the votes are grouped and results are submitted to the CYRM committee by April 1^st of the next year. It is a two year cycle that ends with a presentation of the California Young Reader Medal to the winning authors.

To be able to qualify as a voter, young readers must have read all the books in the category they are voting for. They may vote for more than one category but each is entitled to only one vote.

“Any program that encourages young people to read is beneficial” says Mrs. Wedemeyers, “I know that young people are influenced by their peers; so the fact that the contest is strictly influenced by the students, will likely pick the interests of young readers.”

Although  this year’s voting is over now, next year’s nominees list has already been decided. Next year’s nominees in the Young Adult category are “Divergent” by Veronica Roth, “Revolution” by Jennifer Donnelly, and “The Running Dream” by Wendelin Van Draanen. Librarians and teachers encourage young readers to read these nominees and past nominees is because the main point of the CYRM is to encourage young people to read. Also, reading from these lists of nominees and winners can lead to finding a good book.

Originally the dance team was a part of the Sapphire Sound in the 1980’s, until later branching off into there own category.  Eventually by the 2000-2001 season Ms. Ferro would lead the team.  Still today Ms. Ferro has lead the dance team to countless championships.  Senior Allen Jumanan states “I can tell the dance team practices constantly because it shows in their performances.”

The dance team competes in 5 different categories all year ranging from all male, all female, and even individual performances.  Junior Kaylie Wienigger says “I’ve never seen a better all around dance team in my life”.  Just this past season the team has completed in 8 different competitions placing first in at least one category each time.

The dance team has been a part of Mira Mesa history for more than 30 years, and plans to continue the tradition in the future.  Ms. Ferro has been part of the Dance team since the turn of the century. However, she won’t be returning next season for personal reasons.

The World Fair is when Mira Mesa students can help support clubs around the school. For Seniors at Mira Mesa, Lynn La, says, “I think it’s going to be exciting, as an officer of the Red Cross club, we hope to raise money and gain more member for next year.” With that said, students can even consider joining some clubs next fall while just exploring around. A preview of what’s to come are key club representing Thailand, Fil Am doing Philippines, Choir doing Belgium, and Interact club doing Vietnam. Not only are they’re going to be club booths but also performances by dance team and others.

At Mira Mesa High School we always have the World Fair to let clubs have their spotlight. To be able to let students roam around and have a good time. For senior, Bao Duong, he states, “ The World Fair is really fun experience for us to see the cultures and their food. I wish it wasn’t crowded and everything and everything was cheaper.” During this event, students will be given two Marauder-bucks to get whatever they choose at the faire.The World Fair can be crowded with all grades attending this event. Overall, the school wants to encourage students to have a good experience and represent the clubs as much as possible. So look forward and anticipate what’s to come, Marauders.

 “Film-making club isn’t really my thing, so I wouldn’t really want to join.’ Freshman, Claire Jarvis, says. All around school you see these posters that say, “Film Club Room 418,” many people don’t even take the time to look at the posters. Who knows, maybe if you just attend one of the club meetings you might like it. Film-making is actually quite enjoyable; you get to create your own movie and story.

 “I would actually want to join Film Club, it seems fun,” Freshman, Jessica Irene, says. If you are trying to contact Mr. Earnest, you should either try during period six, or make an appointment with him. Besides Film Club, Mr. Earnest does many other things that have to do with film-making, he is the one who puts all the updates and the Marauuder 5 together. He teaches Video Studio Ops, Multimedia Production, swim and Broadcast Journalism. “I would like to join film club because I like making movies and being creative.’ Freshman, Ayra Rimas, says.

 “I would like to try Film Club, maybe I’ll actually like film-making.” Freshman, Trisha Deguzman, explains. To all of you people that like film-making, come check out room 418 during lunch on Thursday. If you haven’t tried making a movie before, then you might want to try it for the first time with Mr. Earnest. Film Club makes many different kinds of movies and lets you be creative in the process.

Kendamas have become a sensation at Mira Mesa High School. Many students bring theirs to class, especially during the long block schedules days near the end of the year. Henry Nguyen, Senior says, “I like to Kendama because it’s relaxing and fun.” Students at MMHS agree that it is a great way to relieve stress and have fun. There are over 100 registered Kendama tricks for competition use. One of the more simple tricks is the around the world in which the person using the kendama hits every cup and ends with a normal spike.

The USA has 2 kendama organizations Kendama USA and Kendama Co. There are many others around the world, they host Kendama festivals and sell Kendamas. Most people buy their Kendamas from Kendama USA, one of the more well known Kendama retailers. Kendama prices ranges from $20-$50, and come in many different colors and woods.

Kendamas are a great way to bond with friends and relieve stress. “Sometimes it’s frustrating trying to land a trick but it feels great to successfully land it once I do,” said Dennis Fernandez, Senior. The use of Kendamas takes a lot of practice and most people spend hours trying to master a simple combo and days to learn more complex tricks .The art of Kendama is quite difficult but is rewarding once mastered. The amount of things that can be done with a Kendama are limitless and is up to the player to find their potential as a Kendama player.

Helene Manning became a teacher because she wanted to inspire students to value education beyond high school. When Mrs. Manning is not teaching she enjoys getting into and completing a project – whether it’s something for a party or family and friends. She enjoys going out with her husband and friends – trying out a new restaurant, spending the day/night in the city, watching an interesting show, or attending a music concert. She is looking forward to the Depeche Mode concert in September. She says, “I live a pretty fulfilling life.”

She loves spending time with her 5-year-old son, Kai. When asked if Mrs. Manning wanted another child, she responded, “If I were to have another child, it would be a blessing.  But my heart already fills up daily with the amount of joy my 5-year old son, Kai, pours into it.” Mrs. Manning has a fun, enthusiastic, great personality. Her students have a lot to say about her, Arturo Torres, junior at Mira Mesa High school says, “Mrs. Manning is a really fun teacher, her personality lightens up the room, she acts as if we are her kids, not students. Her teaching is good, but it’s over the top. She gives way too much work like an AP teacher. Overall she’s a really good teacher.”

Mrs. Manning’s way of relaxing is eating as many sweets as a five year old does. Her favorite snacks and treats are Coca Cola, chips, chocolate, jellybeans, Blow Pop lollipops and skittles. She loves going to spa retreats, camping, and traveling. She enjoys watching Korea play in the World Cup, or any Olympic games. Occasionally, she’ll watch a live basketball game at San Diego State University.

The word Mrs. Manning lives by are, “The personal thoughts I try to practice in my daily life: Create happiness and love, express gratitude and forgiveness, reflect and renew, honor yourself, and others, laugh at yourself, never give up what is good, and live the life you love.”

Mira Mesa High School offers AVID courses for fluent English speakers as well as English learners. AVID is taught by Mrs. Fox-Copeland and Mrs. Djordjevski on campus. AVID at Mira Mesa High aims to support and assist students in recognizing their best academic potential and prepares them for college. The AVID curriculum for English speakers slightly differs from that of the English learners. Students in AVID for English learners focus on academic language with practice and lessons on writing and speaking. They also put emphasis on test preparation and skills. The curriculum for both classes includes tutorials and cornell note taking. Students in AVID for English speakers also work on scholarships. Tutorial sessions occur twice a week when students form study groups by the subjects that they need help on and receive tutoring from one another. This allows the students to work together and learn communication skills while acquiring the help that they need. This exercise provides the students with an opportunity to help each other grow by sharing their knowledge and helping one another. In addition, both AVID classes have other creative projects and assignments that encourage students to engage in critical thinking.

The AVID program’s fundamental goals involve getting students ready for college and providing them with assistance to help them achieve their academic goals in school. Students who join AVID are ambitious and motivated to learn and recognize their full ability. They aim to maximize their academic performance and fulfill their college dreams. AVID students are ordinary students who need assistance to achieve their goals of succeeding in school and getting into the college. The focus of AVID’s methodology is to help students accomplish their goal of getting into the college of their choice, and it has been successful according to several studies. The AVID Senior Data Collection of 2011-2012 has shown that three out of four AVID graduates were accepted to four-year colleges or universities. Furthermore, the research also shows that AVID seniors completed four-year college entrance requirements with a percentage rate that more than doubled the national rate.

Each student in AVID shares the common goals of succeeding in school and attending college after graduation. They learn from one another and help each other through the process.  Mrs. Fox-Copeland, who has been teaching AVID for 11 years, believes that AVID is more than an elective course; it’s a “family.” Mrs. Fox-Copeland teaches AVID for zero and first period. She expresses, “It’s a program that I fell into by accident and the best program I have been apart of.” Students in AVID enjoy the curriculum that allows them to learn important academic lessons and also meaningful life lessons. Navid Rakei, a junior, states, “Not only have I learned about college in AVID, but I have learned a lot of life lessons that will benefit me in the future.”

Although AVID is not a popular elective course on Mira Mesa campus, it is a valuable class that aims to provide students with the help that they need to succeed in school and prepare them for college. Mira Mesa High school is the only public school institution in the county that offers an AVID program for both English learners and speakers. The program’s curriculum emphasizes creative and educational activities that encourage students to utilize their full potential and work with others. The AVID course in the school also provides opportunities for students to actively learn about college with college visits and guest speakers. AVID students are dedicated and hard working individuals who desire to achieve their dreams with the best of their ability. Ambitious and motivated students are encouraged to join AVID and be part of the family.

The kiwifruit originated in the Chang Kiang Valley of China. The Chinese used the kiwi as a tonic for children and women after childbirth. The kiwifruit arrived in our country in 1904 and its way to New Zealand in 1906. It was the people of New Zealand who recognized its potential to be a fruit. The main types of kiwis are Hayward, Chico, Saanichton 12, and golden kiwifruit. The kiwi is very nutritious and contains many vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

The kiwi did not get its name until 1959, before that they were called Chinese Gooseberries. Isabel Fraser, a teacher from New Zealand, returned from a trip to China with the black seeds of the Actinidia Deliciosa. A local gardener Alexander Allison planted the seeds and in 1905 the first kiwis grew in New Zealand soil, but were still called Chinese Gooseberries. In 1928 Hayward Wright, succeeded in developing his own variety of kiwi, known as Hayward. Its oval shape, wonderful taste and its strong resistance characterize Hayward kiwi to perishability.

Kiwi Recipes

Kiwi Banana Shake

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups of ice

1-2 kiwi (or more)

1 tablespoon of sugar

1-2 banana (used for thickening)

Directions:

1) Throw  all of the ingredients in a blender and pulse and/or puree it until you have the consistency you like.

2) Enjoy!

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of butter, softened

1/2 cup of sugar

1 ½ cup of flour

1 (10 ounce) package of white chocolate chips.

1/4 cup of whipping cream

1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese.

Assorted Fruit:

Kiwi, Raspberries, Peaches, etc.

Directions:  

1) Heat oven to 300°F.

2)      Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3)      Blend in flour.

4)      Press the mixture onto the bottom and up the side of a 12 inch round pizza pan.

5)      Bake for 20-25 minutes or until just lightly brown.

6)      Cool completely.

7)      Carefully melt the white chocolate chips and the cream either carefully on the stove on very low, stirring constantly, or in the microwave.

8)      Beat in the cream cheese.

9)      When crust is cool, pour on the melted chocolate/cheese mixture, spreading evenly.

10)  Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve—at least three hours.

11)  Slice the fruit of your choice and place on the tart.

12)  Enjoy!

Yet, one of the main issues with our posters is people never read them, they don’t care about others so they just tear and rip them to the ground. ASB actually works really hard to make the posters look nice for everyone to read, but most of the time no one gives their attention to the posters. The neat part about the posters is that it has details about everything that’s going on around campus. The people that don’t pay attention to the posters are just walking down the hall, ripping the posters and not thinking about how much time and effort was put into them by ASB whether you do or do not read them.

The great thing about these posters is that they are everywhere: 200 building, 400, and all around the campus. If you’re a Senior, there are tons of posters that talk about prom, graduation requirements, and graduation night. If you are a Sophomore or Junior, there are posters about testing schedules and times, and tips on how to do well on your test! If you’re a Freshman, there are posters welcoming you to Mira Mesa High School and showing you what a wonderful school we are.

The ASB team not only works on posters, but they help out the whole school. Again, they truly work hard in what they do to give us, the students, useful information that we need. When you walk down the halls, don’t hesitate to take a glimpse at any poster you see. No one probably thinks of the effort put into the posters but they do help a lot. Most of the time there are different posters every two weeks or so, it’s all new news that of course can help us if we have a question.

If you ever have the chance to look and read our posters around the school, do it, and tell your friends about it too! If you see anyone trying to tear them down, go up to them and tell them how much time was put into that poster to help us be informed about our school.

This entertaining event only comes around to Mira Mesa once a year on May 18, 2013. There will be plenty of students attending along with their friends and families to support. “I’m really looking forward to Dramafest this year! It’s something I attend every year”, said Senior Bradley Tran.

This year’s Dramafest will run from 11 am to 5 p.m. Actors must arrive at 9:00 am to help set up and mentally prepare themselves for their shows. Tickets will be sold throughout the day at the cost of $10. The best thing about Dramafest is that one ticket gives you the opportunity to see all of the plays and musicals instead of just one. Being the last drama event of the year, it is by far the best.

There are plenty of acts and musicals going on during this amazing event. There will be a variety of selected musicals and plays that day. The longest play will run to about 20 minutes, but each play will vary in time. Some plays and musicals that will be taking place are Peter Pan, Twinderlla, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and others.

“Dramafest shows actors their capabilities of acting and directing because it’s all student ran”, said Junior Lauren Cernick-Price. Many students love attending this showcase and look forward to it every year.