Muhletin

The Muhletin

March 2013

Volume 1, Issue 1

MMS

Welcome Mr. Kline!

Muhlenberg School District’s New Director of Food Services

“I’m trying to make it better for you guys. I’m working for you. You guys come in to eat so I have to make it what you want it to be,” says Carey Kline. He is the new Director of Food Services for Muhlenberg School District. His office is located in the cafeteria of the

Middle School.

Mr. Kline said he always worked in kitchens since he was a teenager. He has worked hard to get where he is now. From his graduation from Governor Mifflin, to going to the Culinary Institute of America and getting a degree in Culinary Arts, he continues to work on getting his bachelor’s degree. He has worked in bars, hotels, fine dining, and catering, and has always been passionate about the culinary division. Five years ago he started working at Twin Valley where he fell in love with working at schools and making the food better for the

students.

Besides serving school breakfast and lunches he also serves food and beverages for school district meetings and special events. He is in charge of campus catering and hopes to improve the campus style. He says the students’ favorite lunch to have is tacos. He

doesn’t know what the least favorite lunch is (but personally I don’t like the pierogies!).

Mr. Kline said he wants more positive student feedback such as ideas from the students about what they want. “Maybe we can work together to improve the lunch food.” He is suggesting we involve Student Council to make a sugges-tion box or get a survey about how the kids like the lunch, so

he can see what we like or don’t like.

Besides doing all of his work, he has found the time for his hobbies. He likes to go hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camp-ing. He also likes to play fantasy football and cheer on the Philadelphia sports teams, with a special love of the Eagles.

Other than that, he also has time for his beautiful wife, Rachel.

Upon ending this interview with our own Food Ser-

vices Director, we would like to say thanks for reading, and

thank you Mr. Carey Kline for taking the time to meet with us. Contributed by Taylor Brown and Kevin Mayen

Teacher Feature with Mr. Keeley

Q: Mr.Keeley, What are your favorite hobbies?

A: Mathematics, first and foremost. I also enjoy chillin’ with Kobeyashe Hiroshima, my puppy dog. I like to coach football and track, doing sports, but I enjoy playing basketball the most. I like to

ride motorcycles with Mr. Hoch and Mr. Bloom, and I like to cook. I love chess!

Q: Favorite things?

A: One of my favorite things and the most important tool I have as a teacher are the relationships that I build with my students. I believe a strong relationship encourages all of the kids to try hard-

er, and I can get more out of them because they are willing to do more.

Q: What about your favorite songs?

A: I really like songs that tell a story. They have some kind of meaning that I can learn something

from.

Q: In your mind, what is the key to success?

A: Have a plan. If you have a plan and think of every possible outcome to your goal or problem, you minimize the bad things that could happen and are prepared to deal with them when they

arise.

Q: What keeps you in such a good mood throughout the stressful day?

A: When all of my students are trying. Effort is something that every kid can give regardless of ability. When everyone tries, everyone learns at least a little bit. ‘If you always do what you’ve

always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.’

Q: Would you rather be stuck in a cage with a lion or a rhino?

A: I say lion cage, because lions, if they are calm, and unprovoked, they are nice.

Q: Favorite Muhlenberg memory?

A: When Mr.Keller saved the faculty team in last year’s dodge ball tournament. He caught a ball

to get the entire team back into the game.

Q: What advice could you give us kids at Muhlenberg?

A: Don’t put yourself in bad positions. When you draw attention to yourself, bad things happen. Build relationships with your teachers, classmates, and your principals. So when bad things

happen, you have that relationship to lean on.

Q: Favorite color?

A: Orange.

Q: Best coffee?

A: Wawa. And then second place is Sheetz.

Contributed by Jessica Leininger & Nadia Oxenreider

New to Muhlenberg:

Getting to Know Mr. Lenhart

Have you ever had chocolate-covered bacon sprinkled with

sea salt? If not, you should ask Kevin Lenhart for a piece. Kevin

Lenhart made this delicious treat for Valentine’s Day and shared it

with some of the staff. Who is Kevin Lenhart and what is he like?

Is he related to a fellow student also by the name of Lenhart?

Kevin Lenhart is our new Emotional Support teacher. What

is an Emotion Support teacher and what do they do? An emotional

support teacher helps students with their social skills, they teach

them to use strategies, and they also teach them to think before

they act. Mr. Lenhart is like any other teacher. He teaches every

subject and teaches eleven students. The punching bag in his class

room is sometimes used in an appropriate manner when students

are frustrated.

When we first met Mr. Lenhart, we asked him what his first impression of Muhlenberg

was. His response was, “The staff is very welcoming and there are lots of bright students.”

After we asked him questions about his job and what he does to help the

students, we asked him about where he grew up and where he is in his life now. Mr. Lenhart

grew up in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania. With his family, Mr. Lenhart traveled a lot. So much, in

fact, that he has visited forty-eight states. He has not visited Alaska or Hawaii. If you’re won-

dering if Mr. Lenhart is related to any students with the surname of Lenhart, the answer is no.

Mr. Lenhart has heard of this student, but states he is not related to them.

Mr. Lenhart is quite the romantic. He proposed to his fiancée on December 12, 2012.

His fiancée is a nurse. They are going to get married in the fall of 2014.

We also talked to Mr. Lenhart about his education. He earned his bachelor’s degree

from the University of Connecticut and his master’s degree from Lehigh

University. While he was at Lehigh, he worked at Centennial School, a lab school that serves

children and youth with educational disabilities while preparing high quality teachers to enter

the workforce of special education.

Lastly, we asked him about his hobbies and interests. Mr. Lenhart told us that he likes

to run, walk his dog, and cook. He even ran in a marathon, and only 1% of Americans run

marathons. His dog’s name is Magnolia, or “Maggy.” She is a German Shepard mix. His fa-

vorite movies are Bounce and John Q. Never heard of ‘em? Me neither, but apparently, they’re

good. His favorite color is blue and his favorite superhero is Superman. He said that’s his fa-

vorite superhero because of Jerry Seinfeld.

So now we all know a lot more about Mr. Lenhart, the emotional support teacher. If

you see him anytime during the day, be sure to ask him about that chocolate covered bacon.

Delicious! Contributed by Andrea Ponce & Jake Walter

MMS Students in the Spotlight

8th Grader: Jason Brown

Years attending Muhlenberg : 2, previ-ously went to Governor Mifflin Intermedi-

ate.

What do you like about Muhlenberg Middle School? There’s many activities to

do here, and a lot of opportunities to learn.

What would you change about MMS?

Just a couple minutes of free time every day.

What’s your favorite class and why? Gym, because there are many activities to

do and no homework.

What’s something you’re looking for-ward to next year in 9th grade? You get

to choose your own elective classes.

Hobbies? Writing his own book.

Favorite cafeteria lunch? Hot dogs.

Favorite Song? “A Little More Than Use-

less”

Favorite Book? Spiderman 2

Favorites Movie? The Amazing Spiderman

Favorite Color? Red.

7th Grader: Jozef Wilczynski

Years attending Muhlenberg : 7

What do you like about Muhlenberg Middle School? The best thing I like

about MMS is the freedom.


I wouldn’t change anything about MMS.

What’s your favorite class and why? My favorite class is math because I’m good

at it.

What’s something you’re looking for-ward to next year in 8th grade? Spanish

class.

Hobbies? Baseball and TV

Favorite cafeteria lunch? Pizza

Favorite Song? “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla

Ice

Favorite Book? Hunger Games

Favorites Movie? Blindside

Favorite Color? Red

Pets? My dog, Windy

9th Grader: Brittany Gigliotti

Years attending Muhlenberg: 10, since

Kindergarten

What do you like about Muhlenberg

Middle School? The teachers


All the rules, some aren’t necessary.

What’s your favorite class and why?

Biology, because Mr. Pumphrey is a boss!

What’s something you’re looking for-ward to next year in 10th grade? Nicer

teachers

Hobbies? Softball, softball, softball, and did I

forget to say softball?

Favorite cafeteria lunch? Pizza

Favorite Song? Thrift Shop! Who

doesn’t love it?

Favorite Book: The Outsiders

Movie? Taken

Favorite Color? Pink!

Pets? My dog named Adam, my kitty cat, my

hermit crabs, etc.

Muhlenberg Trivia: How Well Do You

Know Your School?

Answer these questions to see if you really know MMS. Submit your answers to the Trivia Box in the library by March 25 for a chance to win a Muhlenberg T-shirt.

1. Name two of the plays the middle

school has put on the past 3 years.

2. When did the ninth grade join the

middle school?

3. How many seats are in the auditori-

um?

4. When you get on the elevator and

press 2R, where do you end up?

5. How many winter sport teams does

the middle school offer?

6. How many minutes are in one class

period?

7. How many floors does this school

have?

8. How many books are there in the

library?

9. How many years has Mrs. Albright

been principal at MMS?

10. Name one special day student coun-

cil held this year.

Contributed by Brooke Reinhart

A Holiday For Your Heart

By: Corrina Ortiz

Valentine’s Day is first off, good for the economy. It gives people a reason to spend money. For all the florists, card shops, and restaurants, Valentine’s Day is heaven. Without it many local businesses

would suffer.

Valentine’s Day is also the perfect day to show someone how much you care about them. It’s a specific day to spread the love to your family, friends, or significant other. When you receive gifts, cards, or es-pecially chocolates, it may brighten your day. Not only gifts brighten your day but the idea that someone cares for you is the best

part of Valentine’s Day.

Even the people without a so-called val-entine on the special day receive gifts from their family, or maybe a close friend. It doesn’t even have to be a gift. People are grateful for a simple “Hey, Happy Valentine’s Day.” Enjoy Valentine’s Day; spread the love and care to your friends, family, and loved

ones!

It’s Debatable

Valentine’s Day, a Suger Coated Lie

By: Christian Perez

In some eyes, this special day rep-resents love, acceptance, and happiness. In other eyes, this day represents rejection, betrayal, and loss of love. This article will display Valentine’s Day as “a lovely flower” that is ripped from the ground, exposing its rotten roots. Imagine you’re in school. Love notes are being passed, couples being born, but you’re the only depressed fig-ure. Why? Rejection. Boys and girls suffer alike when they don’t get that card or gift from their “crush”. For others, it might be the fact that their boyfriend or girl-friend isn’t with them anymore. Love loss is another common reason why some people loath Valentine’s Day. Both boys and girls choose Valentine’s Day to reveal their crush. Also, there are times when couples break up on Valen-tine’s Day and then get with another per-son. How embarrassing and hurtful! Could you imagine?!

Dear Miss Peer,

I am being bullied. They call me horrible names such as “geek” and “bean pole”. Just because I am smart, tall, and skinny doesn’t mean they have to make fun of me! Now I am

getting all worked up. I think what they are saying is true. Please help me!

~Bean Pole

Dear Bean Pole,

Don’t get all worked up! Don’t let them get to you. You are great, just the way you are. If this bullying continues, go to an adult you trust, such as a teacher, the principal, or even your parents! Also, ignore them. Don’t listen to what they have to say. Until then,

Bean Pole, I wish you luck. ~Miss Peer

Advice from Miss Peer

Hot Topics:

Violent Video Games and Media It’s not hard to tell that America is getting more and more violent every day. Eve-ryone has different opinions about why this is happening, but the biggest known source

for this violence is video games and media.

With video games that simulate war, drugs, killing, and other violent activities at kid’s fingertips, their behavior can easily be impacted. While not every kid may be affect-ed, if they are exposed to this kind of media, it is very likely they will act this way. Some

kids as young as 8 years old are spending at least seven and a half hours with media every day! Because this

media is not censored, kids can easily go online and play or watch violent things.

I interviewed kids from Muhlenberg Middle School to see what our opinion is as a student body. 78% of kids think that violent video games and media can affect kids’ behavioral actions. “People act differently after playing video games,” Isaac Long shares. “Video games take away our social interactions and create a violent atmos-

phere,” Sabrina Avanzato declares.

On the contrary, 22% of kids think that this media will not affect their or anyone else’s behavior. “Video games are make-believe and it’s not real life,” Drey Kipp and Jake Kuczawa note. “If you’re the right age to

play the game, you should be mature enough to not do that stuff in real life,” Austin Sheidy states.

While not everyone may feel the same, we all have to find a solution together. There are many other

possible sources to this violence. What’s your opinion?

Contributed by Julia Mackey

Under-aged Tattoos Many people feel very strongly about their beliefs on this controversial topic. Others don’t really have

an opinion. Underage tattoos have ups and downs to each side. What do you think? Should teens be able to

get tattoos? Why? Why should they not be able to? I interviewed Christian Hafer to find out what he thinks.

Christian said, “Yes, it can be a good idea depending where it is and or who it’s for or dedicated to. It can

have a sentimental value to some.” Julia Reber said, “It’s a right of freedom.” She also thought that you

should be allowed definitely once you are 16 and have a job. This way you can pay for it and it’s your respon-

sibility.

Tattoos can be extremely painful. Something could go wrong or an infection could invade the area.

Tattoos take hours depending on how large the tattoo is and the amount of color. You may regret this deci-

sion years later. Removing it may be costly and even more painful than when you got the tattoo. Also this

removal could lead to permanent scarring.

Although there are some downs to tattoos there are ups too. Tattoos can be beautiful works of art.

A tattoo can be a way to express yourself. If you’re happy with it, that’s great and maybe you’ll be inspired to

get more. Also some tattoo shops don’t cost as much as others.

There are so many reasons for underage tattoos not being a good idea. At the same time there are

many good reasons for “inking” at a young age. A lot of people feel strongly about this topic. Talk about it

with your family and friends. What do they think?

Contributed by Sabrina Avanzato

Connections Puzzle #1

1. The name of Beyoncé's next big movie to be released in

June 2013:__________________________

2. A period of keeping awake during the time usually spent

asleep, esp. to keep watch or pray:___________________

3. Three numbers (two are the same number) added togeth-

er get you 10, multiplied together get you 36,. Put the

unique number in the middle:______________________

4. Daniel Stern, famous for his role in “Home Alone”, was

born in this city:__________________________

5. Synonym for “disobedient hound”_________________

What do all these things have in common?

Answer__________________________________

Contributed by Joseph Rosario and Evan Landrum

1. Another word for a male

duck:____________

2. A well-known college founded in

1856 in Reading:_____________

3. A name for a person that uses ciga-

rettes: _____________

4. A holiday after Martin Luther King

JR. Day but before Presidents

day:_____________

5. A mythical creature with the head

and

wings on an eagle and the body and legs

of a lion: ___________

What do all these things have in com-

mon?

Answer:__________________

Contributed by Brianna Velez

Solve all three puzzles

by figuring out the

connection and turn

them into the

Connections box in

the library by March

25 for a chance to win

a $10 ITunes gift card.

Grand prize!

1. A type of red fruit that helps prevents gout, arthritis,

and osteoporosis_________

2. A flavored carbonated drink_________

3. A county and city in Northern Ire-

land:___________________

4. Equipment placed in the mouth of a horse; multiplied

by two. _____________

5. The kid’s name in Muffins YouTube video:

_____________________

What do all these things have in common?

Answer:_____________________

Contributed by Evelyn Roth, Natalie Fenner, and Jake Walter



Connections Puzzles: based on the Kennections puzzles of Ken Jennings

as seen in Parade Magazine.

It’s time for Reading Olympics,

are you ready?

The Reading Olympics is an annual com-petition involving all Berks County schools. In order to prepare, you must read certain books and answer questions about the books you’ve read. The competition will take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. A list of the 45 books can be found at the Muhlenberg Middle School Library Conference Room and on the library card catalog. On the day of the competi-tion, students who are participating will meet at the library. At 3:00 PM students will board the buses and go to Brandywine Heights Middle School. Before the competition starts, competi-tors will eat an early dinner. After dinner, they will go into the first competition room and an-swer 20 questions about the 45 books on the list. When this round is over, competitors will go to the next round in a different classroom. There are three rounds. A brief snack will be given once the rounds are over. After all three rounds are completed everyone goes into the gym and receives awards. Raffles are also drawn. At 8:30 PM students will arrive back at the school and be

picked up by parents.

Contributed by:

Christian Hafer & Sabrina Avanzato

Humpty Dumpty reclined on some blocks.

Humpty Dumpty experienced one huge drop.

The whole herd of king’s horses, the whole flock

of king’s men,

Could not fix Humpty Dumpty, not even the

hens!

Contributed by Julia Reber

Humpty Dumpty Without An A! (the original poem of Humpty Dumpty revised without using

the letter a)

A Poem in Sonnet form:

The Perfect Prank

An April Day within a busy middle school,

My Best friend Debrah walked down the crowded

hall,

Not knowing she was ‘bout to be the fool.

Her locker stood against the big blue wall,

Then she found a small yellow sticky note.

It told her to wait by the locker blue.

Debrah wondered about this note I wrote,

She looked around to find another clue.

Opened my locker and I popped out.

Screaming and jumping, she fell on the floor.

It was so surprising without a doubt.

She got up and declared “This is war.”

I said “Happy April Fool’s Day to you!

She should know that this wasn’t something new.

Contributed by Brianna Velez

Muhlenberg

Readers & Writers

Top 5 Books

in the MMS Library

1. A Child Called It

2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever

3. Hunger Games

4. Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life

5. Number the Stars Muhletin Editors: Avery Figueiredo, Koral Solt

Andrea Ponce, Mrs. Theresa Diaz, Mrs. Jeanne Escott,

Mrs. Donna Albright

Alyssa’s Photo Gallery

Contributed by Alyssa Daubenspeck, grade 9

in collaboration with Mr. Kramer

If you have artwork or photos you’d

like to share in our future issues, see

Ms. Diaz or Mrs. Escott in the library.

Muhletin

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Transcript of Muhletin