A Bee Story

by Jonathon B.

The winner might not have been me, but, those 7th-3rd graders could really spell. They spelled so well, I thought I was under a spell! The winner was Jordan, a 4th Grader from Smithfield elementary. He spelled words I didn't even know existed. I got out in the 2nd round ( Har Har Har). I forgot that affiliation started with an "a" not an "o". But there was one good thing, I was the only 8th Grade speller there. So I am the best 8th grade speller in BISD. the District bee lasted 15 long word filled rounds. Each person that was in 4th place and below got a Certificate of participation, a program from the bee, and a participation trophy. There were only 28 Spellers. Most of them, Myself included, were eliminated in the 2nd round. It lasted from 9:00am until about 11:00am. People say that the district bee is like the olympics. The reason is that we're all champions. The champions from all of the other schools. Even though they didn't win at least we gave it our best effort. I don't even care that I lost the district bee because to me it was the next best thing to the national bee. I would encourage people to watch for Jordan in the Star-Telegram State bee. Bisd's Cheering for him, are you?

Tips for Success on the ELA TAKS Test

by Luz D.

Interview with Mrs. Brown.

What are some strategies you think will help students be successful on the ELA TAKS test?

• Take breaks.
• Make notes while reading the passages.
• Follow the writing and reading steps.
• Double-check your work.
• Take your time.
• Highlight the mistakes you find (while reading the passage).
• Use the process of elimination on your answer choices.

Best of luck to all Haltom Middle School students taking the ELA TAKS on Wednesday, March 3rd!

Image source

HMS History of Film Museum a Hit!

Story and photos by Dianely L.

The theatre students of Haltom Middle School worked extra hard to make our school's first ever museum! It had many fascinating things. From Walt Disney to Tim Burton, from the history of gushy, romantic films to terrifying horror films, the museum had it all!

April DeLeon's entry won first place. Can you guess who this is?

Walt Disney seemed to be the most popular topic. There were many displays about him.

Many people thought the most fun display was the sewing machine from around 75 years ago. You could take a piece of tissue paper and make stitching holes in it by turning the wheel by hand.

One of the other popular sections was the make-up display. Did you know that "medium" blush back in the 1920s is like a strong, neon-looking blush today? It's amazing how things change over time!

Here are pictures of more of the great displays.

Happy Birthday, Abraham Lincoln!

By David G.

February 12th is our sixteenth president's birthday. If you guessed Abraham Lincoln, you are correct! Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. His term as president lasted from March, 1861 until April 15, 1865. He successfully led our country through the American Civil War, helping reunite the union and ending slavery. Besides being the president, he was also a country lawyer, an Illinois state legislator, and a member of the United States House of Representatives. Lincoln also defused the Trent Affair, which was a war scare with Britain. Lincoln's wife was Mary Todd Lincoln. They married on November 4, 1842 and had 4 sons. However, only son Robert survived. Edward died of tuberculosis. William "Willie" Wallace Lincoln died of a fever at age 11, during Lincoln's first term as president. A fourth son, Thomas "Tad" Lincoln died at the age of 18. One thing Lincoln is famous for is the Gettysburg address. This speech honored the soldiers who had died in the Civil War and committed to carry on the cause they had fought for. Abraham Lincoln has inspired many people and really made a change in the United States, so there's only one thing left to say: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABRAHAM LINCOLN!

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iceninejon/2116034278/sizes/s/#cc_license

Myspace Pages

by Luz D.

MySpace is not a bad website. You can use MySpace for many things. Some if those things are:
1. chat with friends
2. Meet nice people
3. Chatting with friends
4. And many more.....
MySpace can also be dangerous if you use it in ways you are not supposed to. Some dangerous uses would be:
1. Giving your address to people you do not know.
2. Giving your phone number to people you do not know.
3. Giving personal information AT ALL to people you don't know (including your real name, school name, family information, age, etc.)
4. And many more.....

Tragedy in Haiti

By David G.

On the morning of January 12, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, leaving many victims injured or dead. So far, over 150,000 bodies have been identified, and the final death toll is predicted to be 200,000 or more. Officials say there are still bodies they have not identified. Aid workers from around the world have been in desperate need of food, water, and medical supplies. The aid workers also claim that if supplies are not quickly delivered, there will be security problems, as victims' patience is wearing thin. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appealed for $550 million to meet victims' needs. To help, Coinstar, Inc. has over 15,000 locations where you can donate coins to help victims of the Haitian earthquake. If half of the U.S. population donated $1, it would raise more than $150 million to help. You can also donate at www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake, where the transaction will only take 48 hours.

HMS vs. Euless

Who do you think will win the girls' basketball game against Euless and why?

Yes (I think we will the the game) because 7th grade "A" volleyball team beat them, so I'm confident to win against Euless. GO HALTOM TIGERS!!!!
Dayane 7th grade

(I think) maybe(we will win the game) because we don't know how good they are. We did beat the "A" and "B" team, but they seem to be better at basketball than volleyball.
Cessily 7th grade

Its a big possibility, but we are good on both "A" and "B" teams. Still we don't know how good Euless is and if we can best them. I support Haltom, Go Lady Tigers!!!
Kathy 7th grade

New Moon Review by Jordan Y.

Just recently, I reviewed New Moon in theaters. This invigorating movie consisted of vampires, werewolves, and hoping human beings. On Bella Swan's (Kristin Stewart) 18th birthday, she received gifts from her boyfriend's vampire family. While they threw her a party she got a paper cut and her life was changed at that very moment. While nothing major happened, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattison), her vampire boyfriend, told her some undelightful news. He was leaving for months. A lonely Bella was depressed and saddened until she realized that the only way to see Edward was to do something life threatening. So, she started hanging out with her best friend, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). After a while, Jacob began to change into a werewolf. Throughout the drama of a widowed red headed vampire trying to kill Bella, Edward being gone, and Jacob's change, Bella realizes her strength but also that she could not live without her soul mate; Edward Cullen.

What is HMS thankful for? By Jordan and Bailey

Mary N. is thankful for, "Everyone and everything around me!"
Wendy V. is thankful for, " All of my friends and family that put up with me and everything that I have that most people don't!"
Carlos F. is thankful for," A friend like Wendy V. and for my family, and everything they give me!"
Bailey S. is thankful for," My friends, family and Alexis."
Mrs. Vick is thankful for," Living in a country where kids can go to school for free, and learn what they need to learn so they can become whatever they want to be."
Destiny B, is thankfuk for,"That I didn't get killed when I was hit by a car!"

Nerd Day!

Friday, November 13th was our Nerd Day! It was very fun seeing the "nerd" outfits. Many teachers also dressed up, and it was fun to have a few good laughs at our smart-looking people.

Some of the 8th graders that were particularly impressive were Dean P., Kenny P., Sandy N., and Daniel S. 7th graders that looked wonderful were Paulina M. and Kristen F.