By Scott P.

I recently had a chance to talk with Jeff R. about the recent seventh grade Stock Market Game. Jeff, along with Mike M. and Matt P., finished third in the state Middle competition. However, as good as they may have been, Jenna D., Jackie P., and Hannah M. finished at first among the other Middles. But all the Peacock teams, from 1st to 225th, had fun. Jeff's group made about $52,000, but Jenna's group made around $75,000. Jeff says he highly enjoyed the game. Jeff continues to say that this opportunity to learn about the stock market. Jeff gives advice: "Don't go for big corporations. First research stocks and then make choices. If your stock continues to go down, don't sell right away." Jeff's group and Jenna's group went to Northwestern University in DeKalb on May 19 for a banquet. Mike M. had his input on the game, too. He says that this game was "90% luck and 10% skill." But Mr. Peel thinks otherwise. Peacock has won first or second thirteen times in the past fourteen years. Now, I'm not a mathematics professor, but you have to agree; either Peacock is really lucky or we have skilled students. But really, everyone in town isn't suprised at our victory, but is celebrating nevertheless. As I was stopping at 7-Eleven, something caught my eye. Sure enough, 7-Eleven had a sheet of paper taped to the window. It was a "help wanted" sign. But, four feet to the right was a photocopy of the Chicago Tribune's article about the game. Four of the six winners' pictures were in the article, along with quotes.

Peacock sixth and seventh graders take whirlwind tour of D. C.

By Kelly D. and Janelle B.

On May 14, 1998, sixty sixth and seventh graders left for Washington D.C., along with Mr. Martin, Mr. Tison, Mr. Miserindino, Mr. Zukauskas, Mrs. Doyle, and Mrs. Slotwinski.

They boarded their flight from O'Hare International at 2:30 p.m. It was a smooth flight, which included a snack. After they arrived at 7:00 P.M. Eastern time, they all headed straight for a tour of the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, and Iwo Jima Marine Memorials.

Seventh grader Janelle B. said that "to me, the memorials were more than just statues. They really meant something! Of all the memorials we saw that night, I mostly enjoyed the Lincoln memorial."

After visiting the memorials, the group headed for Hilton Hotel, where they stayed for two of the three nights. The third night they stayed at a Holiday Inn. Some of the sights and museums the Peacock group visited during the next three days included the National Archives, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, Capitol Hill, Arlington National Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and The White House.

After a long day of touring, there were dances, pool and room parties among the grades. The teachers were reportedly "really great about letting us stay up and do what we pleased, in reason."

The group ate at many different restaurants over the four day trip. On three occasions, they were given meal money to buy fast food.

"The food wasn’t that bad," said Kelly D..

"It bit me!!!" screamed George.

"I had diarrhea all night," said a student who wished to remain anonymous.

"There were way too many meals of food in a box, and some foods were so rubbery and burnt like, that you couldn’t’ even chew them," exclaimed Janelle B.

The group left Washington D.C. at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday. A lot of students said they were sad to leave. Many people said that the flight home was a little bumpy, but they sure loved riding around in a big, comfortable, coach bus in D.C. They even had TVs and bathrooms. The student's arrived back at 7:30 P.M. On the whole, the students agreed that had a great time!

Cool cats swing at jazz band contest

By Kurt M.

"Dot dooooo du dot! Dot du da da du dot!" The swinging sounds of the Itasca Jazz Band filled the gymnasium. On March 7, Peacock Middle School hosted the Illinois Grade School Music Association District 7 Jazz Band Contest. Bands from towns such as Lisle, River Grove, and Glenside all came to Peacock, with a total of nine bands participating.

When asked about her band’s performance, Lisle Middle ’s band leader, Ms. Kiener, said "well, I felt we played well. We played at a festival earlier in the year, and we have improved significantly since then. You can really hear the improvement." Lisle Middle Jazz Band received the highest rating, a Division I.

River Grove’s band director, Mr. Smith was also asked how he thought his band performed at the contest. "I think we played tight (in time) and our solos were pretty good. We should do pretty well." The River Grove Jazz Band received a Division II rating. Smith commented that "one of the reasons I want to do a jazz band is that it helps kids relate to music in general and also to different genres (Swing, Latin, Rock, etc....). It’s also different from concert band in that it is a more 'have fun' attitude."

Many of the students who performed shared Mr. Smith positive view of jazz band and its role in the music education program. For example, Mark Baglione, a drummer for the River Grove Jazz Band, said, "I really like the idea of a jazz band. It’s another activity for students to participate in, and it helps promote music. It’s a great idea." Peacock's Mike F., simply said, "Jazz rocks! And so does the Bari (saxophone)!"

During the morning performances no clear cut favorite had emerged. Itasca's Jazz Band took the stage after lunch in what the judges and many in the audience considered a show-stopping performance. Its three musical selections, "A Quick Aside," "Latin Lady," and "Saxes with Attitude" provided a sharp musical contrast which the judges loved. There were trombone solos and saxophone solis, and a very special drumset duet. The Itasca Jazz Band received a Division I rating and was called "the band of the day" by the head judge. All of the students received medals with their divisions on them and each band received a tape of the judges' comments on their performance.

Sewing for 8th Graders

By Nicole S.

The Home Economics Sewing Class offered for 8th graders is a neat experience. This quarter spent with Mrs. Knudsen will allow you to create a project you never thought you could make. And you can keep this project forever and maybe even wear it forever, too!

The quarter starts out by reviewing the sewing machine. Then you get to take a trip to JoAnn Fabrics and Portillos. (Definitely my favorite part.) You get to miss a day of school. At the fabric store, you select a pattern of a style you like in either pants or skirts. Then at Portillos you do a little one-to-one reviewing with Mrs. Knudsen while you eat a delicious meal. Back at school, you cut out your pattern pieces and then go back to class for the last ten to twenty minutes.

The finished product is something to be proud of. You selected the pattern, you chose the material, and it only fits YOU. It’s your skirt or pants. You made it, and on the last day, you get to wear it. It’s really neat when all the students in the class get a chance to wear their projects. It is really a memorable experience in your last year at Peacock! This is for boys as well as girls and it is a lot of fun!

Earth Club

By Amar P.

After going to an Earthclub meeting, I interviewed Jeff R. and Mrs. Kartunnen on activities they are doing in Earthclub. The Earthclub are making stanzling (signs) about dumping waste to the rivers. It tells about the bad things that can happen when dumping waste down the sewers and in rivers because the water that is polluted is what we drink (after it is cleaned). They will put signs all over the sewers in Itasca or around the school. They are also starting pet supplies for the human society. Another treat for earthclub was Lake Park students came to Peacock on Wednesday, April 29. They came to give out awards for the Earthclub Poster Contest and the winners were Jeff R. in 1st place, Scott P. 2nd place and Arthur W. in 3rd place. Lake Park students also came to tell what is happening in Earthclub in Lake Park.

By the way...

By Scott P.

Itasca's first library was the Black Cat Library. It was started by Mrs. Josephine Mackensie, wife of the Itasca stationmaster. Books were rented for "Three cents for the first three days; 1 cent everyday thereafter." The library was run out of the Mackensie's home.

For more information, visit the Itasca Home Page at "http://itasca.k12.il.us" or visit the Depot Museum (Open 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month, 1-4 P.M., and Wednesdays during the summer from 11AM-2PM.)

Peacock's Cinderella was a spectacular production: A Review

By Nicole S.

The cast and crew of Cinderella worked for over three months and put together a wonderful performance. On Wednesday and Thursday, April 15, and 16, the Peacock Chorus put on Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. This was not the animated version the most people are familiar with, but the version written for television in 1963 and recently revived by Whitney Houston in 1997. The story, however, followed the well-know fairy tale closely. Zareena J. and Rick K. played the leads of Cinderella and the Prince. I thought that their acting was good and their singing exceptional!

There were many funny scenes in this famous love story. The King (Kurt M.) and Queen (Emily A.) had a little quarrel while the King put his slacks on. The stepsisters, Joy (Christine M.) and Portia (Amanda S.), along with Cinderella’s wicked step-mother (Lindsey C.) all had the stuck-up, snobbish attitudes their parts demanded. They treated Cinderella like dirt, forgetting that Cinderella was a part of their family, too.

The fairy godmother (Bethany D.) made the impossible happen. She turned a plain yellow pumpkin into a golden carriage, and four white mice did turn into four white horses.

At the ball, ladies and gentleman were ballroom dancing. A few (like Matt M., to be specific) had quite a bit of trouble dancing. He did not know where and when to turn and he simply did not know how to dance! Joy was having the time of her life dancing with the Prince, Christopher, but was greatly disappointed when her turn was up. Portia felt like a Queen three times over as she danced with the Prince. But she got a tad bit angry when her turn was up.

Luckily, as jealous Joy watched, Portia found another dancing partner. The victim (Joe K.) was in for some real dancing, the likes of which he had never experienced before. Portia swung him around and around, his feet off the ground.

During the school performance, many funny and unexpected things happened. The clock broke and was being moved backwards by hand. Many students started to laugh as they noticed this mishap. Cinderella and the Prince also had a hard time containing their laughter. And when the Prince asked Cinderella if she would like to take a walk around the Royal Garden, she replied, "Yeah, sure!" We, of course, did not expect that coming from someone who is talking to the Prince! It did add a little humor to the play though!

The singing in Cinderella was enjoyable and very good! There are many talented young people who performed in the musical Cinderella. If you did not get a chance to see this production, you really missed a great performance.

Here's what the cast of Cinderella thought of the play

By Liz F.

Abby W.

Sixth grader, Abby W. (chorus) said that the hardest part of being in Cinderella was to keep from laughing! After that, everything else was much easier. Abby commented that of all the parts of the performance, she liked the dancing the most. She admitted, however, that she did not really didn’t really enjoy the rehearsing. "All I expected was a good show," said Abby, "and I think it went rather well." She would like to be in the show again next year.

Ben Y.

Ben Y. (herald), also in sixth grade, said that he thought the hardest thing for him was singing in tune. Dancing, on the other hand, was the easiest part of his performance, and he said that he really enjoyed it. Ben commented: "I thought of how many people were there, it was really unexpected. " Like Abby, Ben would also like to be in next year's show.

Christa M.

Reflecting what seems to have been a common experience, sixth grader, Christa M. (chorus), found keeping a straight face very difficult. Screaming, however, she said, was the easiest thing she had to do in Cinderella. Christa said that she really enjoyed her part in the search scene, where she was swept from her seat by fellow cast member, Brittany B. She, like others, really didn't enjoy practices. "I think the performances went well," Christa said, however, "except for the minor mistakes." She is planning on being in the show next year as well.

Zareena J.

Lead actor, eighth grader, Zareena J. (Cinderella) prepared for the show by taking voice lessons for 30 minutes a day. She said that "the high notes were hardest for me, memorizing lines was easy." She thought the performances went very well. Zareena's co-star, Rick K., made her laugh backstage by dancing. She particularly enjoyed joining the cast and crew in giving Mr. Travis a gold fish (Maisie Alexander). Zareena said that she was definitely going to audition for musicals in high school.

Jeff R.

Seventh grader, Jeff R. (herald), thought the hardest part of performing in Cinderella was singing on key. He thought memorizing lyrics was much easier. Jeff said that he practiced his solo when he had free time.

On the whole, Jeff thought the show went very well, and that it was a definite improvement over last year's production of The Wizard of Oz. Jeff wants to be in the show next year.

Amanda S.

Amanda S. (Portia) worked along with co-star Kristine M. (Joy) about two and a half months prior to the show on choreography for their parts. According to Amanda, her co-star Kristine was a great friend throughout the whole time they were rehearsing and acting.

Amanda, who is eighth grade, maintained that the hardest part of her performance preparation was perfecting her goofy Portia laugh. The easiest part for her was getting on stage. She commented that she thought the play was "wonderful." Amanda intends to continue acting and audition for high school productions.

Emily A.

Eighth grader Emily A., who played the Queen, described what it was like for her to perform a lead role. "The first night," she said, "I was really nervous and I felt really sick after I sang; but the second night I was just like, O.K. whatever happens, happens, who cares." Emily admitted that she did not enjoy the days when it was her turn to rehearse her lines, when she would have to practice twice with Kurt (King) and Rick (Prince) in front of Mr. Travis.

Emily was generous in her praise for the cast and production staff. She thought everyone did a great job. According to Emily, Zareena, Rick, Kurt, Kristine, and Amanda were hilarious, and Bethany (Fairy Godmother) had a sort of magical voice. All the chorus came together well, Amber S., the stage manager, held everything together, and Mr. Travis did a wonderful job. Emily intends to join Zareena and Amanda in definitely auditioning for the musical at Lake Park.

Rick K.

Rick K. (Prince) said, "I started practicing one month before the performance. Zareena helped me and Emily too." Rick, who is in eight grade, insisted that he wasn’t nervous, but he also admitted that he was backstage making everyone laugh by doing the "Getting Ggiggy with It" dance. According to Rick, the hardest thing for him during the whole production was to keep from laughing and yelling at Mr. Travis. On the whole, he most enjoyed spending time with friends and bugging Mr. Travis. The most unexpected part of the show for him was having his solos accidentally cut during the first performance.

"My friends were great," said Rick. "They made me laugh because Kurt and Emily would call me "son.' During a scene, my brother popped up and yelled, 'Hi,' but his girlfriend slapped him for me. " Rick said he hoped to be in the show in high school, and that he had a great time in Cinderella. He just did not think it would be the same at other performances. According to Rick, all the lead actors promised to came back in ten years and do it again.

Crew has special perspective on Cinderella

By Andrew S.

"I thought it was really fun, I enjoyed it a lot!" That's what sixth grader Joe K. said when he was asked about working on the paint crew for Cinderella. Peacock's Industrial Technology teacher, Mr. Cousineau, supervised the building of sets and the stage crew for the spring musical.. According to Mr. Cousineau, it was the crew's job to work, not to watch and he was sure that the crew members knew that.

When asked, Mr. Cousineau said that the hardest part of the play was getting all the sets ready for the show, which took four hours and alot of hard work. One big and unexpected problem that the crews had to deal with was when somebody broke the clock, and it had to be fixed just before the play. Some of Mr. Cousineau's final words were,"I think people should be very proud about what we did. I did this [stage crew] all through high school, and this performance was as good as some high school performances."

Other members of the crew shared Mr. Cousineau's positive opinion of the show. Sixth grader, Chris I., who had the very important job of controlling the curtain, said, "it was pretty good, all the actors did a good job!" Sean N., also in sixth grade and in a position of great responsibility, controlled all of the stage lights. He said "I thought it was a good performance, and the cast did really well!"