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| News September 1999, Volume 3, No. 1 |
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Principal makes major changes for 2000
By Elizabeth F., News Editor
Peacock middle school principal, Dr. Nickisch, explained several major changes in the building, activities and faculty for the upcoming 1999-2000 school year. As for improvements in the building, new display cases have been installed in the lobby, and all of the chalkboards have been replaced with erasable marker boards.
In the media center, there are new computers and chairs. Dr. Nickisch commented that he hoped that the teachers would use the new technology that the town and the school provided to make the education experience even better.
Returning students will no doubt notice the major overhaul of the gym. The floor was reconditioned, the scoreboard has been expanded, and new banners have been hung on the walls.
As for changes in the extracurricular activities, a new Spanish Club has been added. There are also several changes in the faculty. Mr. Coate replaces Mr. Martin as the new eighth social studies teacher, and Ms. Kabat, who taught at Franzen Intermediate School, replaces Mr. Tison in sixth grade. Mrs. Krefetz, who taught sixth grade science last year is now the permanent teacher for eighth grade science, while Mr. Koenig has switched to teaching sixth grade science.
Dr. Nickisch gave a few words of advice for the incoming sixth grade class: "Get involved in as much as you can handle, whether it is sports, music, or other school activities." He also commented that he expected all of this year’s students not only to behave well and be great in academics, but also to have fun.
According to Dr. Nickisch, last year’s eighth grade class set a high standard for this year’s graduating class with the community service projects, dances and pep rallies. He said that he thought this year’s Student Council President and Vice-President would do their best to help their class achieve that standard and hopefully even surpass it.
Dr. Nickisch purchased several colorful motivational banners that are on display throughout Peacock Middle.
The Peacock Gymnasium now features an expanded scoreboard and a beautifully refinished floor with all new stenciling. A new trophy case has been installed in the school entranceway.
Media center keeps up with the times
By Izabela B.
Mrs. Bernahl, Peacock’s media center director, recently explained that there have been a lot of great improvements made this summer. For example, Mrs. Bernahl orders new books for the library every year. This year’s new books include a series called NET FORCE. It’s about a group of whiz teenagers who sometimes know more about computers than their adult superiors. They are the Net Force Explorers, and they fight crime on the Internet like no one else in the world. And that is just one example of the many new books purchased.
The media center also has five new high-speed computers, lots more software, and a new, high-speed black and white printer. Mrs. Bernahl also added a second multi-media car.
Remember all those days waiting to scan a picture or to use the software on the multi-media cart? That is why Mrs. Bernahl decided to get the second cart. Students will only be able to use the carts with supervision. Mrs. Bernahl also hopes to get more carts in the future. She would also like a digital camcorder, video editing hardware, and distance learning. Distance learning is like sharing a TV with a classroom at another school—both classrooms can talk to and see each other. The Media Center desks and tables have also been rearranged.
The media center has a bunch of new technology. But all this new technology can be a little frustrating. According to Mrs. Bernahl, it is really frustrating when it doesn’t work, or if it is slow. On the other hand, Mrs. Bernahl explained that the best thing about the library’s technology is "all the neat things you can create and produce." The new programs, including a paint program, 3d animations, and several new research CDs, give students "the ability to generate and multiply something into a unique product."
Many students are curious about what sort of Internet access they will have in the media center. According to Mrs. Bernahl, students will be able to access the Internet this year, but only after access and usage rules are officially approved by the School Board. Mrs. Bernahl has a little tip for new learners. Be patient, research your topic before looking on the Internet. One final note, students will need to show their ID cards to use the library.
Student council officers want you!
By Abby W.
Both the new student council officers and their advisor, Mr. Peel, agree that creating school spirit and participation are the keys to a successful year. This year’s student council president is Brianna C. and the vice-president is Vannessa A. Brianna and Vannessa recently discussed their plans for the year. "With the dances we’re hoping to have themes. I know lots of years they have promised to make dances longer, but they didn’t. We’re going to try to make them longer but we can’t make any promises." They also commented that they planned to distribute tally sheets to find out what food students want in the cafeteria.
The officers also have new plans for spirit week. Vannessa said that "for spirit week, we want more participation." "We’ll ask for people’s ideas. Some of the spirit week rallies stunk last year, they were lame because no one participated." The officers commented that they would increase the number of rallies, and increase participation.
Brianna and Vannessa said, "we would deeply appreciate more class representatives to pitch in for the student council!" The officers look forward to presenting their ideas to Mr. Peel and Dr. Nickisch. Mr. Peel offered his opinion on the upcoming student council. "The student council should survey the students on ideas for the school year," he said, "besides, I am sure they have plenty of ideas." He also mentioned that he hoped that Brianna and Vanessa would keep up the programs that the student council began last year, such as helping the Arbor Home.
According to Mr. Peel, the student council has really improved the school over the past several years. "A lot of people don’t realize how much the student council does." He explained, for example, that a few years back, the student council raised the money to pay for new water fountains. Now the water tastes much better and it’s cooler. The student council also donated clocks for the hallways, and last year they purchased speakers for the stage sound system. They also paid for key lights for the basketball hoops.