Twenties roar into Peacock
By Lyndsey M., Features Editor

The annual Senior Citizens Luncheon is on its way. Miss Olson's eighth grade elective class will prepare the food, Mr. Travis's eighth grade elective class will provide the entertainment, and Mrs. Dengler's sixth grade classes will contribute appropriate artwork.

The luncheon has just about everything. Every year it has a theme. In the years past it was Russian, Mexican and Hawaiian. This year's theme is the Roaring Twenties.

The Encore team picked and started planning this theme over the summer. The theme dictates what kind of food to serve, what play to perform and what kind of artwork to make.

This year's play, Bugsy Malone, was chosen because it is set in the Roaring Twenties, it is easy to do and has enough parts for everyone in the class. Everyone in the class who wanted a part and tried out got at least one named character part.

If they don't want a part and are in the class they can be in the chorus. But everyone in the class will be a part of the play.

The eighth grade play also travels to different schools. There are five performances including the Senior Citizens Luncheon. Two are at Benson and Franzen and the others are at Peacock.

Because the play travels so much the scenes and props have to be portable. They can't be taller or wider then eight feet. That's why the plays props and scenes can't be as big as the ones in the spring musical.

What is a luncheon without food? All the food for the luncheon is chosen and prepared by the students in Miss Olson's class. They decide what to serve by how nutritious the food is and how easy it is to prepare.

It also has to taste good, which they test in the class. Italian food will be served, including stuffed shells, meatballs, garlic bread, salad and a desert.

Since the students will be preparing the food for about one hundred and twenty people, there are a few things they need to worry about. When they prepare the food they use proper sanitation practices such as hand washing and cooking food to the proper temperature. They wouldn't want anyone to get sick.

The students in the class will also do things other than cook. Some students will be sewing the costumes to be worn by the waiters and waitresses.

Other students will be making decorations, invitations and the programs. They each get to pick what they want to do, but you can only pick one or two responsibilities. Each one is fun, according to Miss Olson's students.

Of course, they need artwork to change the hallway to a roaring twenties nightclub. The students in sixth grade are making flowers in the style of Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1946), who developed her own unique style during the 1920s.

Mrs. Dengler will also help the students in Miss Olson's class make decorations.

It takes a lot of work to produce the luncheon, both from the students and the teachers, but they are optimistic that all their hard work will pay off.

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Students react to new schedules
By Steve G., News Editor

Students and teachers have a few things to say about the new schedule. Most students said the same thing.

Rob V., seventh grade, said, "There's no problem with the schedule, it's not that different. I think it's good to see different teachers on different days. But the long classes are bad."

Rob's classmate, Mike N. added, "It's ok. It's hard to say. If you learn information on Tuesday, you may forget it if the test or quiz is on Friday. It's good that you don't always see the classes you hate."

Paul P., also in seventh grade, commented, "I don't like it. Sometimes you'll forget what class you go to. It's good because it gives you more time to do homework in class. It's bad because it seems like the day will never end."

Seventh grader, Trisha H. said, "I don't mind the schedule. It's good for when the homework is due, but I like to have the information fresh in my mind."

Mr. Larsen, seventh grade science teacher, admitted that he was still getting used to the new schedule. "Some things are good," he said. "I like having students for a longer period of time because we get more done in science."

"Some things are hard," Mr. Larsen further explained, "such as keeping track of who owes what and when. It lets me go deeper in depth in teaching. If the kids get bored I'll try to break the lesson up."

"As far as my opinion on it," concluded Mr. Larsen, "you should ask me at Christmas, once I'm used to it."

Seventh grade language arts teacher Mr. Poremba said that on the whole, he thought he liked the new schedule. He has had to plan differently because of it. He would, however, like to see some students every day.

Mr. Behrendt, sixth grade math teacher, commented that he was not sure what he thought of the new schedule. "I like seeing students for a longer period of time," he explained. "A bad thing about the new schedule might be the lack of daily practice. I try to keep students doing things such as group activities or standing up activities so that they don't get bored."

Spanish teacher, Ms. Portincanso, commented, "I like the new schedule and I like spending more time with the kids. I like being able to cover more ground. The good thing about the schedule is the amount of time is longer and I am able to do more audio, visual and verbal activities. There is also more time to do research."

"The bad thing about the change," added Ms. Portincanso, "is that the students lose interest in the subject. In case of boredom we sing, play games and change the class a little."

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Peacock begins a television news program
By Carly L.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a news anchor? Or have you wanted to work in a camera crew? Well, here is your chance.

Many students have used the broadcasting studio for class projects and reports. In the broadcasting studio you can work with cameras, lights, be on the tech panel, be director, or even be in front of the camera.

Dr. Nickisch is planning on allowing one advisory day for practice. If you need extra practice, you can make an appointment with Mrs. Bernahl for practice before and after school.

"The reason for this program is to share what you have learned in school and communicate news from each department as well as special events at Peacock, and anything else that would be of interest to the students here," explained Mrs.Bernahl.

The show will start out as a once a week show. Once there is more equipment, the broadcasts will gradually be increased to five days a week.

Mrs. Bernahl also explained that if you would like to put on a skit or a show of your own, you can sign up through Computer Club.

She added that she hoped to see each department contribute to the show. She would love to see students try their talents and expand their horizons.

But for now, the main plan is to get the show on a good strong footing. If you would like to join, see Mrs. Bernahl in the media center.

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Talent Show scheduled for January
By Rachael R.

An ambitious talent show sponsored by the district music programs is planned for this winter. Mr. Travis, the choir director, explained that they wanted to use the show to raise money for the spring musical and to purchase needed band instruments.

They are planning to charge admission. There may also be a participation fee. A bake sale will probably be part of the festivities as well.

There will be either five or seven judges judging the Talent Show. The Talent Show is tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 25, 2002. There will be about twenty to twenty-five acts, and yes, teachers are allowed to try out also.

Liz I. is the choir student president. She will be organizing and auditioning the acts for the talent show. She will be assisted by the eighth grade representative, Elysia B., the seventh grade representative, Anna N., and the sixth grade representative, Julie N.

Eighth grader Lauren S. said that she will audition for the talent show along with some other classmates. They plan on doing the best that they can do.

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