Hello Parents and Guardians!   

Matapeake Middle School is holding a book drive for books written in Spanish for children ages 5­18. All books will be donated to the Sustainable Roots program, located in Cosanga, Ecuador. This program’s goal is to educate children about a sustainable way of living. Books can be new or used, fiction or nonfiction.   If you do not wish to donate books, please feel free to give a monetary donation so books can be purchased. All donations should be dropped off in the front office.   Books can be found online at:  

Barnes and Noble, BooksaMillion.com and Amazon.com   Books should be:

­ written in Spanish ­ for children ages 5­18 ­ turned in to the front office by December 22nd 

 These students are eager to learn, but do not have the resources. Please help students in Cosanga read by Christmas!  For more information on the Sustainable Roots Program, check out their website! http://sustainable­roots.org/   Thank you for any contribution you can make!  Ms. Corie Papandrew  

 Picture retrieved from: http://sustainable­roots.org/ 

Stingray Times 1

STINGRAY TIMES Volume 4, Issue 4 Holiday Edition, December, 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Hanukkah By: Connor M. & Jake G.

Hanukkah is an 8 day holiday to dedicate to the

people of the second century B.C who rose up against

their Greek-Syrian enemies. In Hebrew, Hanukkah

means dedication. Hanukkah is often called the

festival of lights and it is celebrated by lighting the

menorah, eating traditional foods, playing games,

and giving gifts. Traditional Hanukkah foods are

fried in oil. Some foods are potato pancakes and jam

filled donuts. One game is played with 4 sided

spinners called dreidels. All of Hanukkah revolves

around the lighting of the menorah which has 9

branches, each for 1 day. One candle is lit every

night. Hanukkah is growing fast in America largely

because it overlaps with Christmas. To religious

people however, it is a small holiday.

This year Hanukkah is December 6th -14th.

1 – Hanukkah

1 – Kwanza

1- Ugly Sweater

2 – History of Christmas

2- Riddles

2- Holiday Bucket List

3 – Top 10 Songs

3- Price of Christmas

4- December Craft

4- Newspaper Quiz

4- Santa

4- Gift Ideas

5- Christmas Movies

5- Q & A

6- Holiday Short Story

7- Great Debate

7- Crossword

8- Poll Results

8- Holiday Decor

9- Happy New Year

9- Christmas Cooking

10- ‘Twas the Night…

Winter Wonderland Dance- Dec. 11, 3:00-6:00

Kwanzaa By: Mackenzie Barr and Anna Malloy

Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman

of Black Studies at California State University,

Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. As, Dr.

Karenga was searching for ways to bring

African-Americans together as a community.

The name Kwanzaa means “matunda ya

kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili.

Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way,

but celebrations often include songs and dances,

African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and

a large traditional meal. On each of the seven

nights, the family gathers and a child lights one

of the candles on the candleholder, then one of the

seven principles is discussed. An African feast,

called a Karamu, is held on December 31. The

candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides

the opportunity to gather and discuss the

meaning of Kwanzaa.

This year Kwanzaa is December 26-January 1.

Ugly Sweater Contest &

Holiday Hat Day

On December 22, NJHS is sponsoring its 3rd annual

ugly sweater contest and holiday hat day. We encourage

all students to be creative and make an “ugly” holiday

sweater using craft supplies, hot glue and a sweatshirt. A

winner from each grade level will be chosen….as well as

a teacher….to win a prize!

Donate $1 to our Relay for Life tam and you can wear

your holiday hat in school on December 22.

Stingray Times 2

Z

The Wonderful History of

Christmas By: Katie H

Christmas is a wonderful and favorite religious holiday to many

around the world. Some people may not know the full history of

Christmas. Many Christians around the world celebrate Christmas

to honor the birth of Jesus. On Christmas Eve night Santa gives

gifts to all of the good children around the world. If you’re naughty,

then you can have sticks and leaves, probably from your own front

yard. On Christmas day people and children open presents, that

others have given them. People may go to parties, and share a

delicious meal with their family too.

Many ancient civilizations celebrated something during this

winter season around December 25. Whether it be longer days, or

celebrating that the long winter will be over soon. Also in the early

years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday. They didn’t

celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Eventually, the Church officials, and

Pope Julius the first, chose to make Dec. 25, the day called

Christmas to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. One year in England

Christmas was “cancelled”, but by popular demand, Charles the

second and returned Christmas back to the way it was.

Long after, People began to see Christmas as a more popular and

celebrated holiday. They started to hang tree lights up, put

ornaments on the tree, and really get into the decorations and

presents of Christmas.

Christmas Facts:

Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S.

alone.

Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as

Blitzen, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeers shed their

antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are

likely not male, but female.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there

are 2,106 million children under age 18 in the world. If there are

on average 2.5 children per household, Santa would have to make

842 million stops on Christmas Eve, traveling 221 million miles.

To reach all 842 million stops, Santa would need to travel between

houses in 2/10,000 second. Santa has 1,140,000 doses of cookies

and milk to consume.

Mrs. Dickson: My family always gathers for a big Christmas Eve meal and after dinner we always go to the Christmas Eve service at church, then once home, we open one present each! Mrs. George: All the children (The children are now in their mid-twenties and they still insist they need to follow this tradition) in the family are allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve :) Mrs. Montgomery: Spending Christmas Eve with my family drinking hot chocolate and making cookies for Santa.

Holiday Bucket List

Charlotte K. & Kylie M.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, filled with joy,

love, and fun traditions! To make the holidays even better, try

to do some of these things before December is over!

1. Go Christmas Caroling

2. Do a charity event such as;

a. Donate for Toys for Tots

b. Give money to the Santa representing the

Salvation Army.

3. Make/buy a Gingerbread house or cookies. (see page 9

for recipe).

4. Pick out and decorate the perfect Christmas Tree.

5. Write a Christmas list.

6. Track Santa on Christmas Eve.

7. Build a Snowman.

8. Buy Presents for your family and friends (see page 4

for gift ideas).

9. Listen to Christmas Songs (see page 3 for suggestions).

10. Participate in a Secret Santa.

11. Put up Christmas lights.

12. Visit Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point.

13. Drink Hot Chocolate or Eggnog.

14. Lay out carrots for the Reindeer and cookies for

Santa.

15. Watch the Polar Express, Charlie Brown Christmas,

Elf, The Santa Clause or other holiday movies (see

page 5 for suggestions)..

16. Buy/make Ugly Christmas sweaters.

17. Buy an Advent Calendar.

18. Have an Elf on the Shelf.

19. Decorate your house (both inside and out) (see page 8

for ideas).

20. Go to a Christmas Party .

Riddles By: Jake G. & Connor M.

1: What says Oh Oh Oh? 2: What do Santa’s little helpers learn in school? 3: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? 4: What carol is heard in the desert?

Answers page 4.

Stingray Times 3

Top 10 Christmas Songs By Hanna Petursson

Christmas is the season for joy. What better way to spread the joy

than with singing some Christmas music? This list is compiled of

Christmas songs based on sales and popular opinion. Here are the

top ten Christmas songs.

10.) “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. “White Christmas” was

introduced in the 1942 movie “Holiday Inn”. This classic went on

to win an Academy Award for Best Song in an Animated Picture.

This song has sold over 50 million copies.

9.) “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. The story of Rudolph,

Santa's 9th reindeer, was created by Montgomery Ward employee

Robert L. May in 1939. This song was featured in the movie

“Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer” in 1964. This song was later

covered by artists such as Jewel.

8.) “Little Drummer Boy”. This song was most popular as

performed by David Bowie and Bing Crosby, which was released

in 1977. This song was originally composed by Katherine K. Davis

in 1941.

7.) “Jingle Bell Rock” by Billy Idol. This song was originally

released by Bobby Helms in 1957 and added a modern twist to the

holiday season.

6.) “You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch”. This song was featured in

the 1966 movie “The Grinch who Stole Christmas”. This song is a

fun and memorable song to sing along to, with silly lyrics such as

“I wouldn't touch you with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole!”.

5.) “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen. This

song is a Christmas classic, and has been covered by artists such as

Michael Buble and Mariah Carey.

4.) “O Holy Night” by Celine Dion. This Christmas carol was

originally composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem

"Minuit, chrétiens".

3.) “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon. This song was

released in 1971 is a holiday song that pleas for world peace.

2.) “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland.

This song was featured in the 1944 movie “Meet Me in St. Louis”.

1.) “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole. Also known as

“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, this song was recorded by

Cole three different times, although the 1961 version has become

the most popular.

Mr. Olinick: I've been getting my picture with Santa almost every year of my life :) Mr. Kefer: Seeing family and opening presents with them on Christmas morning.

The Price of Christmas By Jordan H. and Abby C.

For years we have been singing the song “Twelve Days of Christmas”. But how much would that really cost? According to PNC Bank, this is how much it would cost for your true love to give you the twelve days of Christmas*: Partridge in a pear tree: Central Park, New York: $204.99 Two turtle doves: Heron Island, Australia: $125 Three French Hens: Paris, France: $165 Four Calling Birds: Peterhof Palace, Russia: $519.96 Five Golden Rings: Chichen Itza, Mexico: $750 Six Geese A-laying: Shirakawa-Go, Japan: $210 Seven Swans-a-swimming: Amazon river, Brazil: $7,000 Eight Maids A-milking: The Alps, Switzerland: $58 Nine Ladies Dancing: The Hague, Netherlands: $6,294.03 Ten Lords A-leaping: Whistler Ski Resort, Canada: $4,766.70 Eleven Pipers Piping: Loch Ness, Scotland: $2,562 Twelve Drummers Drumming: Cape of Good Hope, South Africa: $2,775.50

Total: $25,431.18 *Price does not include plane tickets

Stingray Times 4

Holiday Gift Ideas

By Elizabeth C.

Here are some present ideas to help to add to

your Christmas list or to buy the perfect gift

this holiday season for your friends or teachers.

Electronics: iPhone, Apple Watch, Fitbit,

Samsung Galaxy, and Fitbit Flex.

Gift Cards: Starbucks, Lego Store, Aero,

Abercrombie and Fitch, iTunes, Movies,

Nike, Chick- fil-A, Hot Topic, Under Armour,

Lacrosse Unlimited, Amazon, and Gamestop.

Clothes: Sears, JC Penney, Macy's, Forever 21,

Kmart, Hot Topic, Under Aarmour, Nike,

Abercrombie and Fitch, Gap, and Old Navy.

Restaurants: Starbucks, Rams Head, Chick-

fil-A, Chili's, Bridges, Golden Coral,

Hemingway's, Luke's Grill, Panera, The

Narrows. Adam’s Ribs, and Fuddruckers.

❆ December Craft: Squareflakes! ❆ By: Lauren B.

As the festive months are approaching, you can learn how to make the ever popular Squareflake!

1. Get a piece of paper. 2. Fold paper in half once. Make sure that it is

symmetrical, otherwise your squareflake will not turn out correctly.

3. Fold the paper in half again. Again make sure that it’s symmetrical.

4. Cut out your desired pattern on the edges of the folded paper. Make it as intricate or simple as you desire.

5. Once you have cut out your pattern unfold the paper.

There you have it! Your very own Squareflake!

Mrs. Marketto: When I was little, we had a stuffed "Snake" that was handmade by my grandmother. We would wrap it up as a gift and whoever got the snake for Christmas, had to take photos of it throughout the next year and add them to a memory book the next Christmas. It has been a tradition in our family for 30 years.

Mr. Schulte: Opening gifts Christmas morning! Ms. Papandrew: My favorite holiday tradition is baking with my mommy! :)

Newspaper Quiz By: Kristi L.

Here is a quiz based on the previous editions of the Stingray Times.

Out of the students who get the questions correct, there will be a

drawing for a prize. To enter, go to the MMS website- Students Tab-

School Newspaper. Please follow the link to take the quiz. Good

luck Stingrays! (Archived editions of the newspaper can be found at

this website as well.)

1. When is Thanksgiving celebrated?

2. What is Ms. Hausburg’s favorite Thanksgiving

food?

3. What is our SGA president’s favorite subject?

4. What is Mrs. Kovach’s favorite Halloween candy?

5. What percent of students said that we should have

school uniforms?

6. What is Mr. France’s favorite animal?

Santa in Other Countries By Harper R

1. In Switzerland, Santa travels with two

Schmutzlis, figures in brown hooded cloaks.

2. Santa or Saint Nicholas, is the patron saint of

Greece.

3. Bulgarians celebrate Saint Nicholas Day or

Nikulden on December 6.

4. In Poland, Saint Nicholas (Santa), is a bishop

with a gold staff and helper angel

5. In the Northern Dutch-speaking part of

Belgium, Santa is greeted with colorful

parades containing bands and banners.

Answer to Riddles

1. Santa walking backwards

2. The elf-abet.

3. Frostbite

4. O Camel Ye Faithful

Stingray Times 5

Q & A w/ Ms.Dryer!

By: Abby C. & Mackenzie B.

We welcome back Mrs. Dryer who has been out taking care of her new baby. Q: When was your baby born? A: Weston Sestino Dryer was born on August 6th, 2015 at 8:06am at AAMC. He weighed 8.2 lbs. Q: What is your favorite thing about the Christmas holiday? A: I love decorating, picking out and putting up the Christmas tree, spending time with my family, eating good food, and watching the kids open their presents. Q: How do you decorate your house for Christmas? A: We put out Christmas lights on the front of our house, candles in the windows, and decorate the family room and hang ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Q: Do you have any plans with your family for this coming winter break? A: We will visit grandparents and enjoy spending time as a family. This will be Weston’s 1st Christmas. Q: What was your favorite present as a child? A: My first pink huffy bike that had a banana seat, pom poms on the handlebars, a horn, and a basket to carry my stuffed animals in.

Christmas Movies

By: Emma V and Sydney W

Elf- 5/5 stars

Buddy, (Will Ferrell), was accidentally transported to

Santa’s Workshop as a baby, and he was raised to

adulthood among the elves. After learning that his father

lives in New York City, and feeling left out from the other

elves, Buddy tries to visit his father, Walter Hobbs, and

become “best friends”.

The Polar Express- 4/5 stars

Hero boy learns about friendship, bravery, and the true

meaning of Christmas.

A Year without Santa Claus- 5/5 stars

When Santa Claus grows weary and dreadful and

considers skipping Christmas, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s

elves go on a mission to make sure that Santa continues

with the Christmas tradition.

Home Alone- 5/5

Kevin a bratty 8-year old acts out before a family trip to

Paris. His mother sends him to sleep in the attic. Kevin’s

family accidently leaves him at home! Kevin believes that

he wished his family away. In addition to this, there are

two burglars on the loose, and Kevin is left to defend

himself from the burglars.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas- 4/5

The Grinch, who is very grouchy, learns the true

meaning of Christmas.

White Christmas – 5/5

When singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis receive a

letter from an old army friend asking them to go see his

sisters Betty and Judy for their performance they accept.

Bob and Phil grow to like the sisters. They all go to

Vermont to get some snow and fresh air when they learn

that it hasn’t snowed in a long time. They go to stay in an

inn and find that their old commander General Waverly

owns the inn. They then learn that he is going bankrupt.

They decide to start a show to save the inn and end up

having a white Christmas anyway!

Ms. Diviney: Putting my angel on the top of my Christmas tree. I bought it when my kids were young and they look forward to seeing it go up every year. Mrs. Walsh: My favorite holiday tradition is spending Christmas with my family on a tropical beach. The memories that are etched in my brain from these trips are the most valuable gifts that I have ever received.

Which teacher would you like to

read about in future Q & A’s?

Email Mrs. Armiger with your

ideas: tracey.armiger@qacps.org

Stingray Times 6

Crazy Christmas at MMS By Ellie B.

One cold December day, the MMS teachers wanted to

do secret Santa. The teachers who wanted to do it got

together. They all put their names into a bowl. Then they

picked names. They planned to get together on the last day

of school to guess who their secret Santa was. Every teacher

got the other teacher a present. Then before they started

teaching they put the presents under a tree in the teachers’

lounge. But after school when they went into the lounge no

presents were under the tree!

All the teachers were bummed out but then Ms. Hausburg

noticed a piece of paper under the tree. It said, “Hi teachers,

hope you enjoy this Christmas scavenger hunt for your secret

Santa presents. – Student.” The teachers started to search the

school. But then they found that they were not the only ones

in the school. Mrs. Kovach was going to search the front

office when she saw 2 students sitting outside of the office.

The students, Mia Tolls and Cassidy Brogue told Mrs.

Kovach that Cassidy’s mom was taking Mia home but was

asking a bazillion questions in the office. Then they asked

Mrs. Kovach why she was not doing Secret Santa in the

teachers’ lounge. She told them about the scavenger hunt.

Mia and Cassidy who were bored out of their minds, asked

if they could help find the missing presents. Mrs. Kovach

agreed seeing as the teachers had not found anything. Soon

with the students help the teachers had found half of the

presents. But they had searched everywhere and half of the

presents were still missing.

Then, Dr. Holocker had a suggestion. She thought that

maybe the presents were hidden upstairs. They all went

upstairs. Soon they were finding presents but slowly. Then,

Mrs. Walsh suggested that they make it a contest. Soon there

was a pile of presents. But one teacher’s present was still

missing. “Where’s my present?” Mrs. Armiger said. Mia

and Cassidy nodded to each other. Mia ran into one 9th grade

classroom. They heard her move around. When she came

back she was holding a long thin package. “Ye s we found

all the presents.” The teachers cheered. But then Mrs. Miller

said, “How did you two know where Mrs. Armiger’s present

was?” Cassidy and Mia shifted nervously. “Well”, Mia

began. “We hid all the presents and convinced my mom to

dawdle so we could watch the scavenger hunt.” Cassidy

admitted. Then everyone started to laugh including Mia and

Cassidy. Merry Christmas!!!

Mr. George: For Thanksgiving we travel to Pennsylvania and visit with my parents and celebrate what we call "Thanksmas" where we celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas together. We have a big Lebanese meal followed by opening of presents. For Christmas we go to Christmas Eve mass. Christmas morning we open presents at home and then go to my in-laws house and have a big meal and open even more presents. Mrs. Benson: Hearing the story about Jesus' birth at the first Christmas and attending a performance of Handel's Messiah.

December Calendar

Dec. 10- Winter Band Concert

Dec. 11- Wreaths Across America

Dec. 11- Winter Wonderland Dance

December 16- Winter Choral Concert

December 22- Ugly Sweater Contest

December 22- Holiday Hat Day- Donate $1

Ongoing through December 18

Book Drive- Donate Spanish books and money

Toys for Tots- Donate a new unwrapped toy

Mitten and Glove Drive- Donate to the mitten tree

Stingray Times 7

The Great Debate

By: Jessica S. & Taylor P.

People have been debating for years whether or not to

worry about the Earth’s changing climate. The

temperature of the Earth has increased 1.4 degrees

Fahrenheit since the early 20th century. Greenhouse

gases such as carbon dioxide and methane have

increased in the atmosphere. Some people believe that

global warming is being caused by humans and that we

should stop it to save the environment, while others

believe that this is completely natural and that humans

should continue to do what we are already doing.

President Obama attended an international climate

change summit in Paris this week.

What do you think?

The end of November, students at Matapeake Middle

School received the debate question above. Of

the 123 students that responded. The results were as

follows:

Here are some of the student’s opinions:

“I think humans should stop doing this and start saving our Earth.

One day it could hurt this Earth, and it could hurt our future lives on

Earth.”

“Although humans are causing global warming, it was going to

happen eventually. Nature is always changing and will never

remain the same. As a result of the increase in temperature, wildlife

and humans will have to adapt to survive; they do not need to do

anything about it.”

“GLOBAL WARMING AIN”T REAL!! So no I do not think so.”

“The sun is too close to earth.”

“I think humans are causing global warming because humans cause

pollution and pollution causes global warming. Yes some people

think global warming is caused by ashes of volcanoes and other

things, but the kind of heat there is, is a humid heat. Pollution is

humid heat.”

Ms. Diviney: Putting my angel on the top of my Christmas tree. I bought it when my kids were young and they look forward to seeing it go up every year. Mrs. Walsh: My favorite holiday tradition is spending Christmas with my family on a tropical beach. The memories that are etched in my brain from these trips are the most valuable gifts that I have ever received.

Yes76%

No24%

Do you think humans are contributing to climate change?

Yes

No

120 students responded

December Cross Word By Harper R

Across

2. "_____, and Dancer and Prancer and Vixon..."

5. A house made of snow

7. Keeps your hands warm

9. A snow storm

10. Something you wear to keep warm that may have

patterns

Down

1. A holiday treat

3. A holiday beverage

4. A place to sit and stay warm

6. A fun winter activity in the snow

8. You wear these when moving on ice

Made with Discovery Education Puzzle Maker

Stingray Times 8

Dr. Holocker: My favorite holiday tradition is making my grandmother's sugar wafers for my family. This was something that she was well known for and it makes me feel close to her when I make them for the family now. Mrs. Armiger: Decorating our Christmas tree. We play Christmas music and share memories as the ornaments get hung on the tree.

42%

14%

6%

20%

18%

Most Wanted Gifts

Electronics

Clothing

Toys

Gift Cards

Other

221 students responded

DIY X-Mas Décor From Pintrest

By: Molly W

This D.I.Y candy cane wreath is really easy to make. First

you take a big piece of felt and cut it in a circle then take the

candy canes and shape them in hearts. Glue the hearts on the

felt then glue a smaller piece of felt on top and right Merry

Christmas

This D.I.Y felt Christmas tree is probably the easiest one.

Step one, take a big piece of green felt and cut out a Christmas

tree shape. Glue, tape, or pin to the wall. Then cut colorful

circle so they look like ornaments, and glue them to the tree.

The last step is too cut out a star and glue it on the top of the

tree.

The first step for this D.I.Y is to paint three cans with

whatever color you want. Then, with parental supervision, help

get a drill and drill the letters J.O.Y. That’s all for this D.I.Y.

The first step for this D.I.Y. is to a piece of wire and make it

into a circle. Then take some festive ribbon and tie them into

bows on the wire. Tie the bows until you have covered the

whole wire.

Don’t forget to donate

a new unwrapped toy

for Toys for Tots!

Don’t forget to donate

a Spanish book for our

book drive!

Stingray Times 9

We need your ideas for the newspaper! If you have anything

you want to see in the Stingray Times, email your idea to tracey.armiger@qacps.org.

How to say “Happy New Year”

in Different Languages

English- Happy New Year

Dutch- Gelukkig nieuwjaar

French- Bonne année

German- Ein glückliches neues Jahr

Greek- Eutychus Menos o kainourgios chronos

Hawaiian- Hauoli Makahiki hou

Italian- Felice Anno Nuovo or Buon anno

Spanish- Feliz año nuevo

Mrs. Roberts: Exchanging pajamas with my daughter on Christmas Eve after attending a Christmas Eve Service at church and signing Christmas carols. Ms. Ferris: My favorite holiday tradition is Christmas night dinner with my family. I have nearly thirty relatives who all meet at my cousin's house to eat and talk and spend time together.

🎄Christmas Cooking🎄 By: Zoe Q.

Gingerbread Men!!!

Ingredients: 75g light brown soft sugar 2 tablespoons golden syrup 1 tablespoon black treacle 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 rounded teaspoon ground ginger Pinch of cloves Finely grated zest of ½ orange 95g block butter ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 225g plain flour sifted, plus a little more (if needed) 1 tube of white writing icing (to decorate) Method: Put the sugar, syrup, treacle, water, spices and zest together in a large saucepan. Then bring them to boiling point, stirring all the time. Now remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter (cut into lumps) and the bicarbonate of soda. Next stir in the flour gradually until you have a smooth manageable dough – add a little more flour if you think it needs it. Now leave the dough covered in a cool place to become firm (approximately 30 minutes). Pre-heat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Now roll the dough out to 3mm thick on a lightly floured surface and cut out the Gingerbread men. Arrange them on the baking sheets and bake near the center of the oven, one sheet at a time, for 10–15 minutes until the biscuits feel firm when lightly pressed with a fingertip. Leave them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. To decorate, use the icing to write names or make faces. From: http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/cookies/gingerbread-men.html

December Cross Word Answer Key Across

2. "Dasher, and Dancer and Prancer and Vixon..."

5. A house made of snow- Igloo

7. Keeps your hands warm-Mittens

9. A snow storm-Blizzard

10. Something you wear to keep warm that may have

patterns- Sweater

Down

1. A holiday treat- Peppermint

3. A holiday beverage- Eggnog

4. A place to sit and stay warm- Fireplace

6. A fun winter activity in the snow- Sledding

8. You wear these when moving on ice- Skates

Stingray Times 10

‘Twas the Night Before Winter Break By: Taylor P. & Kristi L.

Twas the night before Winter break,

when all through the school.

Nothing was breaking,

not even a rule,

The manner of talking was quieter than prayer

In hopes that the holiday would soon would be there.

The student were working, hard at their desks,

While visions of mathematics danced in their heads.

And the teachers in their ugly sweaters, and students in hats,

Had just solved their last equation, putting their brains in

beds.

When out on the school yard there arose such a clatter,

They sprang from the desks to see what was the matter.

Away to the window they flew like a flash,

Tore open the door and cleaned up the trash.

The moon reflected on the new-fallen snow

Giving a glimmer of mid-day to the objects below.

Yet, as Taylor still crochets,

a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny stingrays.

With a stingray diver, who was such a talker,

We knew in a moment it must be Dr. Holocker.

More rapid than fish her coursers they came,

And she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Mrs. Walsh! now, Mrs. Miller! now, Miss.

Papandrew and Mrs.Marketto!

On, Miss. Ricketts! On, Mr.Ward on, on Mr. Bunker and

even Mr.George!

To the top of the roof! to the top of the school!

Now dash away! Dash away! It’s now a rule!"

As everyone looks up and they cry,

When they meet with an obstacle in the sky.

So up to the school top they flew,

With the sleigh full of joy and Dr. Holocker too.

And then, in a twinkling, we heard a small ring,

The swimming and swishing of each little wing.

As they drew in their heads, and were turning

around,

Down from the roof, Dr. Holocker came with a

bound.

She was dressed all in fur, from her head to her toes,

And her clothes were all froze.

A bundle of joys, she had brought in her sack,

To pass out to small stingrays, who were waiting out

back.

Her eyes-how they twinkled! Her smile how merry!

Her cheeks were like roses, her nose like a cherry!

Her droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the hair of her head was beautiful like snow.

She spoke not a word, but went straight to her work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a smirk.

And laying her finger aside of her nose,

And giving a nod, up into the sky she rose!

She sprang to her sleigh, to her team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard her exclaim, ‘ere she drove out of sight,

"Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good-night!"

 Matapeake Middle School 

Upcoming Events 2015­2016 

 

  

MMS has the following upcoming events scheduled and is in need of volunteers to help with each event. If you are able to help, please visit the Volunteers page on our MMS website.  Click on Volunteer Training Dates and Information and submit the linked form in the bottom right 

hand corner of the page to let us know you’re interested in helping out!  

Name of Event  Date  Time Grade 

Level/Team/Committee Hosting Event 

Kids' Canvas  Saturday,  November 14th  1:00 pm  ­5:00pm  PTSA 

Stinger Night  Wednesday, November 18th  4:00 pm ­ 9:00 pm  PTSA 

*Polar Bear Plunge  January 28­ If we go!  9:00­1:00  Mrs. Armiger 

Valentine's Dance  Friday, February 5th, 2016  5:30 p.m. ­ 9:30 p.m.  PTSA 

PBIS Sand Dollar Incentive ­ Movie 

Friday, February 12th, 2016  11:30 a.m. ­ 3:00 p.m.  PBIS Team/Mrs. Kovach 

Queen Anne's County History Day  February 2016  morning  Social Studies Department 

Bingo or Quarter Auction 

Friday, March 11th, 2016  5:30 pm ­ 9:30 pm  PTSA 

  

Our next Volunteer Training will be held during Stinger Night! Wednesday, November 18, 2015 

5:30 ­ 6:00 

Future Dance Dates for 2015 and 2016 school year…..

Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday, March 11, 2016

Friday, April 8, 2016

Friday, May 13, 2016

Friday, June 10, 2016

This is not a QACPS sponsored event.

Friday, December 11, 2015

7:00pm to 10:00pm

Admission $5.00 per child

2nd to 8th Grades

Pizza, Fries, Nachos, Candy and Drinks for Sale!

Sponsored by:

Sudlersville Vol. Fire Company 203 N Church St. Sudlersville, MD 21668

If you have any questions you can contact

Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company (410) 438-3155

Or

Butch & Beverly Dadds: 443-786-3000

Christina Russell: 443-480-6799

  

 

204 Duke Street  *  PO Box 250   *  Stevensville, MD 21666 

410.643.8346 

www.kentislanddance.com 

 

Cookies, Cocoa and Caroling with Clara and the Nutcracker

Saturday, December 12th 11:00 – 1:00

Activities include: 

Cookie decorating 

Crafts – including 

ornaments 

Singing and playing 

instruments with 

Clara 

Learn to dance like a 

Sugar Plum Fairy or a 

 Toy Soldier 

Story time with Clara as 

you eat cookies and 

drink cocoa! 

SNOW WITH ELSA!!! 

Admission is $5.00 per person or $20 per family

Call or come by the office to purchase your tickets for this fun-filled afternoon.

Space is limited so purchase your tickets today!

 

Come make snow with Elsa!!!

This is not a QACPS sponsored event

Calling all 10U, 12U & 14U softball players

Island Fury Fastpitch is currently recruiting for 12U and 14U rosters for the 2016 tournament season. Looking for 10‐12 motivated players for each squad! 

10U is also looking to fill 2 roster positions. 

Winter workouts begin December 5th. Pitching and batting coaches are available.

Email islandfuryfastpitch@gmail.com, call 443‐528‐5235 or visit us atwww.facebook.com/islandfury for more information!

Sponsored by:

This is not a QACPS sponsored event.

Island Fury Travel Softball is hosting a

Middle School Dance Party!!!

When: Friday, Dec. 18th – 7P to 10P

*Be on time, this event will sell out! Who: Grades 6, 7, and 8 only Where: American Legion 800 Romancoke Rd., Stevensville, MD Cost: $10 – includes admission, snacks, and drinks

Parents must come inside to pickup after the dance.

Any questions, please email islandfuryfastpitch@gmail.com.

All proceeds to benefit Island Fury!!

This is not a QACPS sponsored event.

Ugly Christmas SweaterYouth Dance Party!

to benefit your local Shore Attitude Travel Softball Teams

Friday, Dec. 187 - 10 p.m.

Best Ugly Sweater Contest!

$5 per student; Grades 3 - 8Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park in Centreville

Pizza, drinks and baked goods for sale!

Questions? Contact us at shoreattitude@gmail.com,via www.shoreattitude.com or on Facebook.

This is not a QAC Board of Education sponsored event.

CYLAX Winter Lacrosse Clinic

CYLAX will be offering an Indoor Winter Lax Clinic at Bigbie’s for Scoopers and U9 players.

Starting: January 4, 2016 – February 26, 2016 (Monday and/or Friday nights)

Bigbie’s – 101 Water Way Centreville, MD

Scoopers: 6pm - 7pm

U9: 7pm - 8pm

Session 1 - $50 for Monday night (8 nights)

Session 2 - $50 For Friday night (8 nights)

$85 for both Monday and Friday nights (16 nights)

Sibling Discount $85 (2 children per session)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First Name:___________________________ Last Name:___________________________________

Date of Birth:________________________ Gender:_______________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone:_____________________________ Cell:_____________________________________

Email_____________________________________________________________________________

Scooper [ ] U9 [ ]

Mail payment to:

CYLAX PO Box 125 Centreville, MD. 21617

Email: cylaxlions@yahoo.com Website: www.cylaxlions.com

This is not a QACPS sponsored event