February 2016

McKenzie Graham and the Make it With Wool Competition

Leah Adams


This week I interviewed McKenzie Graham, who loves tennis, swimming, art, and going to Disneyland. I talked to McKenzie about the ‘Make it with Wool Competition’ and how she did. The ‘Make it with Wool Competition’ is where you make clothes out of wool and show it off. The objectives of this competition are to ‘encourage personal creativity in sewing, knitting, and crocheting with wool fabrics and yarns’. Also To promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics and yarns’.

McKenzie Graham had the opportunity to go to the national competition in Scottsdale, Arizona. There were only two competitions that McKenzie attended, state and Nationals. To get to nationals, you first have to take place in the state competition. McKenzie did a great job at state and actually ended up with first place, sending her to nationals. She had made a peach dress, with a princess sem, and with a pencil skirt type at the bottom.

 Mckenzie first became involved with the competition by a neighbor who had done it in the past. Her neighbor had done very well in past competitions and that was exciting for McKenzie to have a role model and helper. Mckenzie did so well in her competition and I thank her for taking the time to tell me about it. If you would like to know more about the competition or find out how to sign up feel free to ask questions or look on the internet at http://www.makeitwithwool.com/.



See the Good

Annica Frandsen

It is super important to have a good perspective on things.  Having a good perspective on things is really simple. It is up to you to chose to have a good perspective and it will also determine your attitude on things. We have a really good school at Salem Junior High but it I think we are lacking in having a good perspective on things.

For example, I have been dancing since I was in 5th grade. I love dancing and I do all kinds of dance, hip hop, ballet, jazz, and lyrical. Ever since I have started dancing, I have wanted to be on the drill team. I heard that freshman could be on the drill team so the have to try out in 8th grade. This is the year. I have been practicing day and night so I could be on the drill team but I received news that freshman could not be on the drill team this coming year. Of course I was pretty sad and thought I would never be on drill. But I realized that this could be an opportunity for me to become really good at dance so I have an even better chance of getting on the drill team.  Looked at that through a good perspective so I wouldn’t be sad and so I could be more happy with the outcome. I interviewed a student at school to see what she thinks about having a good perspective. Keanna Viatohi said “I like having a good perspective on things so I can always have a positive attitude about things around me and see the good in others”. I completely agree with that. If we see the good in things we will start seeing the good in people and we will be a person that everyone wants to be around because they make them feel good about themselves.


Being a twin is fun!

Katie Frandsen
Katie and Annie Frandsen

I decided to write an article about the struggles and benefits of being a twin.  Some struggles of being a twin is that everyone calls you the wrong name. Has someone ever called you the wrong name? it’s kind of irritating right? Imagine someone calling you the wrong name at least up to 6 times a day. However this is only for identical twins, for fraternal twins it's a whole different story.  We decided to interview some identical and fraternal twins at Salem Jr. High and to see how different their lives are. For example  we asked Lena and Lindsey Holdaway (identical) , Do you like being a twin? explain? Lena said “I like being a twin because it’s super fun!” Logan and Lydia Boswell said, “ No one knows we are twins, so it's awkward when they find out.” Jordan and Jentry (fraternal) said, "People ask us if we can read each other's minds.”

Some benefits of being a twin is that you can switch classes. My twin and I have done this more than once. We switched three times in 7th grade and twice in 8th grade and only 2 teachers out of the 5 times we switched knew we switched. We plan on switching classes more-so teachers bewere.

Another benefit is that you always have a best friend. We literally do everything together and have every other class together. It is so fun. people often ask us the question “ can you read eachothers minds???” and the answer to all of you who are wondering is yes but its very faint. We think the same thoughts and sometimes when I am thinking of something like  I am about to do like turn on the TV, Annie gets up and does it. If you come up to us and ask us to read each other's minds, we would love to show you.


Who's been caught Reading?

Emilee Chestnut

I chose two random teachers and went and asked them who in their classes had been reading and these are the students they gave me

  • Jessie Christensen

  • Emilia Andrus

  • Andrew Oblad

  • Emily Jacobsen

  • Brooklyn Carter

  • Sandy Wilkie

Keep reading!!!!!


Ms.Magnusson Spotlight

Hayley Mercer

Today I talked to Mrs.Magnusson and here is what I got I asked her “what do you like about art?”Mrs.magnusson answered with “I like that it is a way to creatively express yourself, I also like all the problem-solving and that is required to plan out a piece of artwork.” The next question was “ what’s your favorite thing to teach in art?” Mrs.Magnusson answered “I really like to paint, so I enjoy teaching anything with color. I also see a lot of improvement when student learn how to draw portraits, so that is fun!” My next question was “who’s your favorite artist?”She answered with “I’m inspired by so many artists! I really enjoy Walter Rane’s paintings.And my students are pretty great too.”My last question for her was “Why’d you become an art teacher?”and this was her answer “I originally wanted to  illustrate children’s books but discovered that teaching art was a better fit for my personality and talents.I love helping students develop their artistic skills.”


Intramural Fitness: A Great Way to Have Fun and Get in Shape

Tyler Caldwell

Your muscles are burning.  You feel sweat run down your face.  Adrenaline rushes through your body.  Your friends joke around while they wait to use a machine.  You are at Intramural Fitness.  

Held every day after school in February, Intramural Fitness is a great after-school activity offered at Salem Jr. High.  It only goes until 4:00, so there is still plenty of time to get things done afterwards.    

It might not seem like it, but Intramural Fitness is great for socializing.  Not many people know about this, so invite your friends.  If they refuse to come, you can always literally drag them to the Fitness Room.  However you get them to come, you’ll have a better time if you have some friends there with you .  It’s also a great way to satisfy your parents if they’re always nagging you to hang out.  Something to think about.

The Fitness Room has a wide variety of exercise equipment, so it is a great opportunity to work different muscle groups.  There is always a coach there to supervise and teach some different workouts.  You can choose the right weight for you, so there is no need to worry about your muscles exploding.    

Jump on this opportunity while you still can.  Not every school offers such a great intramural activity, and unlike a regular gym membership, this is absolutely free.  With so many benefits, why wouldn’t you want to go?  Whether your mom forces you, you are invited by a friend, or you just want something to do, Intramural Fitness is an awesome way to exercise and have fun.


Batman vs. Spiderman: Who would win?

Kolton Christensen


I decided to write an article about what Superhero out of Spiderman and Batman was better. So I went around the school and I asked 2 seventh graders, which superhero was better? I keeped it even and asked one girl and one boy. The boy said Batman because he has a dope car. and he is actually strong and doesn’t use fake powers to win fight he just uses muscles. The girl said Batman too because she thinks that he is hot and really strong and would keep you safe if he had to.

Then I asked two eighth graders one girl and one boy. The girls said Spider man because he is hot and he has abs and is super cool. The boy said Spider man to just not for the same reasons. He said he liked him better because he could shoot webs and wears his two favorite colors blue and red. So seventh grade chooses Batman and eighth chooses Spider man.

Then I had to do a tie breaker so I asked two ninth graders. One boy and one girl. The girl said Batman because he is hot and really strong and he doesn’t have fake powers. Then I asked the boy the boy said Spider man because he is strong and he had cool webs. So there was still a tie so I had to find a way to break the tie.

So I ask one random student. It was a boy and he was in ninth grade. Who ever he choose out of Batman and Spider man would be the winner. So I asked him and his response was. “That is a easy question it is definitely Batman because he doesn’t have to use fake powers to win a fight he uses real man power and muscles.” So the winner by split decision is BATMAN!!!

So now if you ever are in a situation where you get to pick one Superhero out of Spiderman and Batman to help you win in a fight, or to protect you. You will know the decision to make right away. Because you had help from the best Jr.High around. Salem Jr.High.


New Front Office Secretary at Salem Junior

Shaylee Obray

As many people may know, our office has been switching around jobs and positions. Mrs. Cook, the finance secretary, took a leave of absence for an LDS mission. Christine Beardall took over the finance office, and Mrs. Lundell replaced Mrs. Beardall as the attendance secretary. The new secretary that replaced Mrs. Lundell in her old job started last week, and name is Heather Obray. 

Mrs. Obray grew up in Murray, Utah. She is the second oldest of four kids. She also attended Murray High School and was the Cheer Captain her senior year. Mrs. Obray has always loved school. “I always enjoyed spending time with friends everyday and just loved the fun learning environment,” she said. She graduated with her associates degree at Snow College.

Mrs. Obrays’ favorite color is purple and favorite animal is an elephant. She has four kids and has been married for 26 years. She said, “I have always loved working with kids in school settings. It’s fun to see them learn and grow into strong, independent people.” Mrs. Obray also really enjoys the staff and teachers here. “They are all very genuine and understanding towards their students.”

We asked Mrs. Obray a little bit about what she does here at Salem Jr. High. “I answer the phone for students’ parents when they need to check them out or let them know something,” she says. “I also help students if they get injured or sick, and if the nurse is unavailable.” We are very glad to have Mrs. Obray here at Salem Jr High and are thrilled she is enjoying it!

Should I Try Welding? (Opinion)

Collin Gale

Welding is when you get two metal plates, rods, pipes, ETC, together using an electric current. I recently tried welding, and I was surprised. Welding seems like a dangerous job, with the electricity, blinding light, and extreme heat. But honestly, it’s not that bad. If you wear a lab coat, leather gloves, and a special mask, you will be perfectly fine. The lab coat prevents the hot sparks from burning holes in your clothes. The gloves keep your hands from burning, and the special mask blocks out all light except for lightbulbs, fire, the Sun, and the extremely blinding light of the welder. Without the mask, the light given off by the welding process would blind you.

Welding is easy and fun. Once you have all the essential safety equipment, and the machine set up, you’re ready to go. You hold the two metals you want to fuse together, put the welder on the edge between the metals, put on the mask, and pull the trigger. With the mask on, it will give off a dim green or orange light with sparks. You then slowly move across the edge to fuse the metals together. Once you release the trigger, the machine will stop, and you can safely take off the mask to see.

If you are welding in front of a group of people, make sure they are either looking away, shielding their eyes, or have another mask on, to prevent eye damage.

Salem Hills High School offers a welding class, taught by Andy Neves. Mr Boyer, the woodshop and manufacturing teacher, said you can be in any grade, 10th or higher to weld. In the class, you will get to make multiple metal projects, and Drift Trikes! It’s a good idea to take manufacturing before welding. Mr. Boyer said, “Anyone who wants to work with their hands should try welding.” It really is a joy when you can put together metal structures, Have fun welding.


Don't get mixed up in drugs- Opinion

Myleigh Anderson

We have all seen commercials about drugs, smoking and alcohol.  And about effects they has on adults but that stuff usually goes over your head. That’s how we get so many addicted teens. Over the past few years more and more teens are influenced by drugs, smoking and alcohol. If you hear not to smoke or do drugs and alcohol from adults, since you here that a lot then it usually doesn’t impact you. But what if you heard it from your own peers, or how about a best friend maybe even a family member? It gets a little more serious now huh? Well if your peers, friends or family members are making bad decisions you sometimes don't even know it. The questions are, why are they so influenced? And how can we stop this?

Usually addiction starts with teens being pressured into drugs, smoking or alcohol. But it shouldn’t be that easy. You probably have heard this before but you should always resist any drugs alcohol or smoking. But what are the other causes of addiction? Sometimes it's because you are depressed but that shouldn’t be any reason for addiction. There are other solutions to depression than using alcohol and drugs. Talk to a friend or a parent. Don't hide everything talk to someone you trust.

On to smoking. Smoking can affect you in so many ways. It affects you and the people around you, even if they don’t smoke, weather it is your friends, your family or just loved ones in general. Not only is it bad for you lungs. Because you are inhaling things that are not natural and not originally suppose to be in you body let alone you lungs, one of you most important organs, but it has the same effect and they didn't even ask to smoke. If you live with someone who smokes you are  second hand smoker which is not always something you can control. But studies show that second hand smoke is just as bad a smoking yourself.

How about that alcohol. How dangerous is it. It obviously isn’t as much alcohol as the 95% cleaning alcohol that you get to disinfect. So it's harmless right? Wrong. Any alcohol in your body is never good. whether it's wine or beer or vodka. All different levels of alcohol but all very harmful. Your body not meant to have any alcohol in your immune system. Especially when you have had a lot in one sitting. When you are drunk you are acting strange it's because all that alcohol gets into your blood and goes into your brain and makes you do strange things. Too much alcohol can make you vomit uncontrollably because you body wasn’t designed to handle alcohol. That means you have a condition known as alcohol poisoning.  Which makes you lose a lot of your fluids and can make you dehydrated. You can also go unconscious and even die

Why is it important to know this know and instead of waiting till you are older? Because drug alcohol and tobacco use usually starts you you are young. Maybe not right now but maybe in two years or maybe even this year. It is always good to start early on teaching yourself what and what not are good things to put in your body. Because you only have one body so you should take care of it. You only get one life so do your best to make your life healthy and drug, smoking and alcohol free.