The Catamount Times 2015-2016 Issues | Seite 36

Catamount Times T H E S T. J O H N S B U RY S C H O O L November, 2015 Late but Great: Drive-In Movie Fundraiser Delivers Good Times for Large Gathering New Chromebooks in Middle School We went to different teachers and asked them what they thought about the new Chromebooks for middle school students. Important quotes from teachers came from recorded interviews with Mr. McLean and Ms. Clearwater. They said they’re excited about having the option to do different things on the internet. Mr. McLean said the flexibility was finding a way to make them part of a day-to-day usage. In math, students are making a database of math games and skills to use whenever they want. One of the main reasons we have Chromebooks is that students showed a need. “I love them,” said Mr. McLean. “I couldn't even see us going back.” “Students love them,” added Ms. Clearwater. “They are not limited with what they are able to do.” Once students have become engaged, the entire thing makes life easier than it was last year, when Chromebooks were limited. Now there are a lot of group projects and presentations. The only trouble is that students find it difficult to turn them off after use. Yes, there are many students and staff who have shown that they love them. Although we have only worked with the Chromebooks since the beginning of the school year, most people seem to be fond of the technology. Everything is now easier, since students and teachers have their own Chromebooks to use at school. By Leo D. and Sophia H. Catamount Staff Reporters There was a good turnout at the Drive-in Movie Night on October 2, which is an annual fundraiser for the music department. The movie didn’t start until about 8:45 because the person who brought the screen got stuck in traffic far away. I had fun, though, because I got to hang out with my friends and we took pictures. The movie was “Honey I Shrunk The Kids.” It was really funny and entertaining. My friends were running around a lot and some people weren’t watching the movie but that didn’t really matter because we were all hanging out together and having fun. People made sure everyone was included and had a friend to hang out with for the night so they weren’t all alone. I asked a couple of my friends what they liked best about the experience. My friend Emily said she liked the food and she liked the fact that the screen was blown up and she really liked the movie. My friend Delaney liked the movie because it was funny. It had good scenery and it was funny and family- Another Great Year for the AMC Hike The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) overnight hike was so much fun! Amelia was a good guide and great with children. She was very supportive, and when it came to teamwork or adjusting the packs, she was right there helping us with everything. The food at the hut was so good, especially the cheesy potato soup! After hiking up the mountain, we had an after-dinner activity. We went outside and listened to stories that the guides told us. Lights went out at 9:30, but we were asleep by 8:00 because we were so tired! By Lexiss H. Catamount Staff Reporter 1 friendly, but what I liked best was that the event was a whole family thing. Admission was only $5 per person, with no more than $20 per family. We had just gotten back from the AMC trip and we were tired, but we went to the movie because we wanted to support the school, which does so much for us so we wanted to give back. We should thank all the teachers and staff that made this drive in-movie possible and helped set up the whole thing. It’s only a couple times a year that we get to be with all our friends and family under the stars to watch an excellent movie under a big screen while drinking hot chocolate and eating baked goods. We should also thank the 8th grade parents for baking most of the baked goods. Even kids were helping out, getting hot cocoa and snacks and giving people their tickets. It was a great night. By Julia S. Catamount Staff Reporter