East Los Angeles, California April 2008 Vol. 83, No. 4

The Cap’n Crunch image will replace our Stevenson Middle School Pirate logo starting April 1st. The Cap’n, whose real name is Horatio Magellan Crunch, is a friend of Assistant Principal Dugal. He is donating a zillion dollars to the school in exchange to be able to promote his “sweeten corn and oat cereal” on campus.

As part of the agreement, the cafeteria will serve his cereal all day, every day exclusively. The new logo will go on murals, the website, the marquee, and the school newspaper.

Cap’n Crunch Donates ZillionsBy Daniel Carpena, Stephanie Sifuentes, and Natalie Salazar

The Cap’n explains that his “Great-tasting cereal which supplies grains, an excellent source of seven essential vitamins, is low in fat, cholesterol-free, has 0 grams of trans fat, and contains 1 gram of fiber. When consumed with milk and some fruit or 100% juice, it can be part of breakfast that helps kids start the day.”

Tony the Tiger, spokes person for Frosted Flakes, states he will file a court order injunction to stop distribution. Mr. Tiger explains his cereal is just as good and states, “They’re Great!”

Have you ever wished for the school to have a swimming pool? If you have, here’s some great news for everyone! Mr. Gonzalez decided to reopen the swimming pool at Stevenson Middle School. The swimming pool is on the 3rd floor of the gym. Mr. Gonzalez is going to allow students to swim during nutrition, lunch and even after school. This is great because summer is right around the corner.

The students have to bring their own swimsuits. The school doesn’t have enough money due to

3rd Floor Swimming Pool Reopens!!!By Valeria Garcia & Iliana Hernandez

the budget cuts. The P.E. lockers will be open to allow students to change and put their clothes away.

The swimming pool is going to be open starting on Monday, April 13th. Only 50 students will be allowed at a time. Some of the P.E. teachers have already

volunteered to serve as lifeguards. Ms. Chavez and Ms. Todaro are really excited because the pool had been closed down so long due to the terrible accident that happened back in 1989.

So start buying your swim suits and get ready to have lots of fun!

Once again, Chris Brown beats up Rihanna at their wedding in Las Vegas. It was on February 20, 2009 when they were giving their vows. The couple started arguing on what to name their e x p e c t i n g baby. Chris got mad and hit Rihanna in the stomach, eye, and chin. He then shoved her, causing the priest to fall with her. The Bride’s Maid’s dresses caught

Rihanna & Chris; The Rollercoaster ContinuesBy Karina Sanchez and Zelene Salgado

on fire with the candles and knocked over Rihanna, pushing her down the stairs, maybe causing her to loose the baby. Chris Brown fled the scene with 3 of the 9 Bride’s Maids and it turned out that Chris and Rihanna’s baby was

actually Rihanna’s and Lil’ Wayne’s child.

So the question is, “ Are Chris Brown and Rihanna over for good?”

Stevenson Middle School students, the school will start selling slushies at the student store. Small slushies will cost $1.50, the medium will cost $2.50, and the large will cost $3.50.

The flavors will be cherry and blueberry. They will eventually add more flavors, but until now, they only have those flavors. Save some of your money for the slushies. The school will try to sell as many as possible in order to earn money to maintain the pool clean, and for books and other educational needs.

Please make sure to buy some… and contribute to our education!

Slushies @ the Student Store

By Linda Alonso and Andrea Machado

Have you heard the amazing news? Starting April 13, 2009, there will be a dramatic change here at Stevenson Middle School. All the lockers in the Main Building and in the North Building will be open to all the 7th and 8th graders with a G.P.A of 3.5 or above. The lockers will be painted four different colors: blue, black,

The Lockers Are Back in Town! By Carolina Sanchez and Veronica Ramirez

purple, and green. So for those students who want

a locker, we recommend that you work hard for your grades. With the new lockers you can have more storage space for your books, clothes, and other personal items. The top 150 students with the best G.P.A. will get their first choice of color for their new lockers.

The PirateRobert Louis Stevenson Middle School

www.rlstevenson.net“Forth & Forever Forward”

Do you like the current uniform policy? If you don’t we have some good news! Mr. Gonzalez, the Principal, has decided to change the uniform policy of the school. The new uniform policy will consist of red, yellow, or white pants and skirts. The shirts have to be pink or orange. The sweaters and the under-shirts have to be striped.

To finish your outfit you need to wear a top hat and black leather boots. The new uniform policy will start on April 6th. So get ready and start buying your new uniforms, students. Any students that break the uniform policy will be sent to the parent center immediately to change clothes. The school will not be selling the new uniform at the student store until the following year.

The change came because many students complained about the current colors. Mr. Gonzalez felt the need to vote for a new policy in order to change it. He invited parents and students to come to Stevenson last Sunday in order to vote for the new policy. Only 16 parents and 12 students showed up to vote for the new policy.

Out with Old, In with the New!

The Story of April Fool’s DayBy Omar Navar & Daniel Carpena

prank to pull on your victims: first you need two quarters, crazy glue, and the sidewalk. All you have to do is glue some quarters to the sidewalk, then watch people make fools out of themselves by trying to pick them up off the ground! I hope your April fool’s Day was full of laughs and giggles!

By Maria Estrada and Angelica Gomez

April Fool’s Day, also known as All Fool’s Day, is the day of unknown origin. Yet most of the western world knows that it’s a day set aside for goodhearted pranks, hoaxes, gags, and giggles. It is a day that the gullible despise. Practical jokes and pranks are common so, I will give you a

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Maybe [ ] WHO CARES! [ ] Chris Brown is mine! [ ] Rihanna is mine!

Results coming in April 32, 2009!!!

VOTE NOW!!!

All articles on page 1 are April Fool’s stories.

Twain Middle School. She decided to come to this school because she heard what was happening in this school and was so excited and interested. So far she thinks that this school is very dedicated and has many friendly students. She has been an English teacher for about six years now. She speaks one and a half languages. One of the languages that she speaks is Spanish.

On her free time she enjoys watching movies such as foreign films, comedy, and dramas. Her other interests is walking for a long period of time. The type of music she listens to is Alternative and modern music. In school she likes walking through the campus. We hope to see her on campus and have her here in our school for many more years to come.

Ms. Carnie Usui

Ms. Carnie Usui is one of three new Literature Coaches. One of her jobs was at Local District 3. Her other job was at UCLA. Now she is working here at Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School.

At her other jobs she was an English Literature Advisor and taught 7th and 8th grade

English. The University she attended was the University of California San Diego. Her favorite s c h o o l subject is a combination of literature

and history. She said that she came to Stevenson Middle School because it was a great opportunity and because there are very good students.

On her free time she likes to watch T.V., spend time with her family, and she likes to sing. Ms. Usui’s favorite hobby is to sing. She said that she is definitely happy here at Stevenson Middle School because people here are friendly and because they are nice. She likes to travel. She would like to travel more than she can right now. Good luck to her and all the other literacy coaches! Welcome!

Barrack Obama’s Inauguration

Ms. Becky Alber

Ms. Becky Alber is a new Literacy Coach here at Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School with two other coaches. Before coming here, Ms. Alber worked at Freemont Intermediate Middle School.

At Freemont, she was also a Literacy Coach. Her plans as a Literacy Coach here at Stevenson are to do her best with supporting teachers, so they can support students better.

Ms. Alber grew up in Orange County. Her i n t e r e s t s mostly include traveling and surfing in many places. The farthest place she has gone to is Fiji Island, but her favorite place to go

is Argentina. Ms. Alber says that people living in Costa Rica are the nicest she has ever met. She is very thrilled to be here at Stevenson and to work with teachers and students.

She went to Loyola Mary Mount College, but her goal wasn’t always to be a Literacy Coach. Before she was a coach she was a journalism teacher. After that, she was a teacher and now she is a Literacy Coach. Now she is working with us here at Stevenson and we all really appreciate it. Good luck to her and all the other Literacy Coaches!

Ms. Powers

In Stevenson Middle School, we have three new Literature Coaches. One of the Literature Coaches is Ms. Powers. Ms. Powers went to the college UC Santa Barbara where she earned a B a c h e l o r ’ s D e g r e e in English Language Arts and a Master’s Degree in Education.

She has worked in five different schools, but her recent job was at Mark

Page 2 April 2009 The Pirate Newspaper

On Tuesday January 20, 2009 was President Barrack Obama’s Inauguration in Washington D.C. The Presidential Inauguration was an event that is close to a royal coronation. At around 11:30 in the morning, Washington D.C. time, the speech began. The balls on Tuesday began at 5:00pm.

Throughout the inaugural festivities, more than 4,000 metro police officers were on duty. More than 4,100 police officers around the nation were invited to assist to the district. More than 7,000 members of the National Guard were also in the district. People had to go on bus in order to get to the Inaugural Parade. Others walked.

The inauguration ceremony was President elect Barack Obama’s first speech to this country. The official theme for the 2009 Inauguration was “Renewing America’s Promise.” Many of the things he talked about in his speech were about the economy, education, health care, national security, and the overall

By Maria Rivera and Jennifer Ramos

task of his cabinet. He promised that while he is

president he will try his best to fix the country. One of the quotes he said in his speech was that, “Homes have been lost, jobs shed, and businesses shattered.” Another thing that he said in his speech was, “We are in the midst of a crisis...” For education and health care he said that, “our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.” National security is a major thing that is affecting us because, “our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.”

In my opinion, the speech he did was great because he understands how much we are suffering right now with the economic crisis. Barack Obama gave a good speech, he said what had to be said, and hopefully he will do what has to be done.

By Jennifer Ramos & Bianca RojasNew Literacy Coaches

Fifth Period First to Achieve 100%, Wins Party and iPods

By Stephanie Sifuentes, Natalie SalazarMr. J. Martin’s fifth period math

class was the first to achieve 100% on his “Time Tables Challenge”. His classes were competing to see which period was able to learn how to “automotize” first.

Starting out in last place at 31% proficiency in November, fifth period won and earned an ice cream party and the chance at three iPods that were donated to the challenge by the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools (PLAS). The iPods were raffled at the conclusion of the

contest that ended late January. Superintendent Angela Bass,

Chief Executive Officer Marshall Tuck, Family of School Instructor Judy Tenorio, Manager of Instructional Support Christine Shen, and Principal Leo Gonzalez were there to congratulate the prevailing group.

Mr. Martin explained the challenge was a way to motivate the pupils, but the iPod contribution by PLAS “really sparked the interest of the students”.

On February 13, 2009, Mr. Martinez’s leadership class held the Cupid’s Ball in the cafeteria. Cupids’ Ball ran from 3:30-5:30 in the afternoon. There were hearts everywhere around the cafeteria! Students came with their boyfriends, girlfriends, and even friends to have a great time.

The Cupid’s BallBy Karina Sanchez and Daniel Carpena

When many people were there, almost all the students started

dancing and having a good time. If you did not go, just to let you know, it was really fun, and there’s always the next dance, which we hope is also as fun. Anyways, the dance was awesome; maybe it was even the

best dance of the school year!

Students of Room 50, Mr. Martin’s class, watched Inauguration.

Page 3 April 2009 The Pirate Newspaper

Editors in ChiefAlyssa Yanez

Karina Sanchez

ReportersLinda Alonso

Daniel CarpenaMaria EstradaValerie Garcia

Angelica GomezIliana HernandezAndrea Machado

Stephanie MartinezOmar Navar

Reina NavarroVeronica RamirezJennifer Ramos

Bianca RojasConnie Rubalcaba

Cesar RuizNatalie SalazarZelene Salgado

Carolina SanchezStephanie SifuentesGiovanni Soberanes

Zendi Victoria

Journalism AdvisorMr. Frank Rodriguez

Layout AdvisorMr. James Ng

The Pirate Staff

On the first week of February 2-6, 2009, Mr. Martinez’s leadership class held the first spirit week of the year at the Gloria Sutton Court. The days were listed as different things to do on every day of the week. On Monday Feb. 2 was Mix-Match Day, Tuesday Feb. 3 was 80’s Day, Wednesday Feb.4 was Twin Day, Thursday Feb.5 was Cartoon Day, and Friday Feb.6 was Crazy Hat Day. During these days there was going to be a KSMS at lunch and students were allowed to wear free dress but in dress code.

On Monday, the theme was Mis-Matching clothes. Many students came in the spirit of that. Some

The Annual Spirit Week @ Stevenson!By Karina Sanchez

students were wearing different shoes, socks, or just simply wearing clothes that look really bad. For that day KSMS celebrated with a water balloon contest.

On Tuesday, it was 80’s Day!! Kids wore oldies band shirts, colorful shirts, and punk rock that looked totally awesome. The KSMS had another contest on who looked the most 80’s. In the last round, the winners were Nayely Ramirez in 2nd place and Alex Martinez in 1st place. The winners got 80’s CDs.

On Wednesday, it was Twin Day. It was the day when people dressed like each other. The

contest was an obstacle course between the students dressed up as twins. There were a lot of winners such as Blanca Guerra in 7th grade, Tiffany Alvarado also in 7th grade, Angel Arredondo in 8th grade, and the list goes on.

On Thursday, it was cartoon day. You could have dressed up as a cartoon character or worn a cartoon shirt. But unfortunately, the KSMS was canceled because of the rainy weather again.

On Friday it was Crazy Hat Day but the KSMS was also canceled because of more rain. People came in spirit anyways. That’s what made it so awesome to come to school!!!

IMPACT is a program to help students in need. This program is designed to give students support and help them make positive choices in life. IMPACT is for kids who are struggling with making the right decisions when it comes to alcohol, drugs, and students who have a crisis in their lives.

Ms. L. Macias is the new IMPACT Coordinator. Ms. L. Macias’s responsibility is to coordinate the program, help students in need, and find teachers who want to help implement the program. Ms. L. Macias is looking for teachers who are interested in helping the students and becoming a facilitator. She is also looking for teachers who are trained.

Someone who cares about students like a teacher, staff member, or student can refer students. They can go directly to Room 40 to see Ms. L. Macias, if they feel that IMPACT is for them. If a teacher knows a student who needs this program, they can refer them to her. If teachers want to participate, come to Room 40.

IMPACTBy Kimberly Neri

Celebrating Cesar ChavezBy Angelica Gomez and Maria Estrada

Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927 and died on April 23, 1993. He was a Mexican American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist. He lived near Yuma, Arizona. In 1962, Cesar founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). The mascot was an eagle whose color was black and red.

By 1970, the UFW got grape growers to accept union contracts

and had effectively organized most of the industries. Then, they all organized a strike. In 1966, the group of farmers marched from Delano to S a c r a m e n t o . Cesar’s tireless leadership and non-violent tactics led the farm workers. Workers demanded higher wages and more pay. Cesar Chavez encouraged

all Americans to boycott table grapes as a show of support. The strikes lasted five years. These strikes and boycotts generally ended with the signing of a bargaining agreement.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

*Submit your event to be published, contact room 21.

California Standards TestC.S.T.

Monday-ThursdayMay 18-21, 2009

Powder PuffApril 2, 2009

Student Led ConferenceApril 23, 2009

Minimum DayApril 24, 2009

Minimum DayJune 19, 2009

Page 4 April 2009 The Pirate Newspaper

AQUARIUS(January 21 – February 20)

Boost your social life by connecting with someone you normally would not

talk to.

PISCES(February 21 – March 20)

It’s time to pick a path to take in life and not just go along with everyone

else.

ARIES(March 21 – April 20)

Put something together so all your new friends can get to know each

other better.

TAURUS(April 21 – May 21)

A romance is slowly building -- a certain someone will keep you smiling

all day.

GEMINI(May 22 – June 21)

The universe is sending you some high energy -- use it to start a

project at home.

CANCER(June 22 – July 23)

Don’t let the past cast a shadow over your present -- you must stay

positive today.

LEO(July 24 – August 23)

Some of the people around you have a bad attitude -- you need to get

away from them.

VIRGO(August 24 – September 23)You are getting a deep and

meaningful appreciation for someone you used to dislike.

LIBRA(September 24 – October 23)

Seek out a person you respect, not just someone you have a fun time

flirting with.

SCORPIO(October 24 – November 22)

Everyone is on the same page as you today. Anything you suggest will be

applauded.

SAGITTARIUS(November 23 – December 21)

You won’t get a lot done today unless you wake everybody up! Get your

group going.

CAPRICORN(December 22 – January 20)

Getting to where you need to be today will be one of your biggest

challenges today.

Compiled by Zelene Salgado and Valerie Garcia

Horoscopes

Horoscopes courtesy of 104.3 MYfm.

I give a shout out to all the football players & basketball players especially Jackie B.,

Jasmin, Jackie A., Vicky, Brenda, Marvin, Andres, Mayo, Jesse &

Manny8th grade-Michelle Flores

I give a shout out to all my friends Diana, Lupita, Febe,

Bryan, Juan, Ivy, Maria B, Danny, Jaime, Alexis, Gabby, Cinthy and

especially Obama because he became our president.

8th grade-Bertha Chavoya

I give a shout out to some of my friends Ivy, Bertha, Lupita,

Febe, Edward, Bryan, Juan, Daisy, Maria B, Paula, Kathleen, Bobby,

Yuritza, Ammi and especially Jessica G because she’s a really

great friend. All my best friends, I LOVE YOU ALL.

8th Grade-Diana Barco

I give a shout out to some of my friends Jazmine, Diana, Daisy, Bobby, Brayna, Maria, Melissa, Amy, Cristina, Alondra, Yvonne,

Jennifer, Desire, Dolores, Mayra, Jessica, Bertha, Edward, Bryan, Jovanny, Juan, Danny, Abraham,

and Martin.8th Grade-Ivy Luevano

I want to say “HI!” again to my buds at the Gloria Sutton Court! Monique, Emily, Blanca, America, G-MO, Sabrina, Brittney, Evelyn, Flor, Gaby, Francisco, Lance, and Darren! Our turf is ours FOEV. I

like PIE!!!7th Grade-Karina Sanchez

I love you my wifeys Natalie, Alyssa, Elizabeth, Reina, Ana,

my boyfriend Isai, my daughter Johanna, Yazmin, Karla, Geo, and

my lover Mallorie. YOU GUYS ROCK MY SOCKS!!!I love you guys

with all my heart.7th Grade-Stephanie Sifuentes

I would like to give a shout out to my besties: Erendira, Yajayra, Iridian, Amber, Janet, Brenda,

Ray, Delfina, Nancy, Kevine, Yasmin, Jocelyn, Estefani, Anna, Mariel, Karen, Emily and all my favorite friends that I love!! I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH,

FRIENDZ FOR LIFE!!!!!!!8TH GRADE- STEPHANIE

MARTINEZ

I Would like to give a shout out to Darlene, Ana, Karla, Vanessa,

Genesis, Cinthia, Stephanie, Nayeli, Kenia, Rocio, Carina, Jennifer, Maria, Aracely,

Cassandra, Gloryann, Natalie, Alyssa, Yesenia, Mallorie, Juan, Cesar, Josue, Ferny and all my

friends I love you guys.7th Grade-Reina Navarro

IF I COULD CATCH A RAINBOW

By Stephanie SifuentesBy Author Unknown

If I could catch a rainbow,I would do it just for you.

And share with you its beauty,On the days you’re feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain,You could call your very own

A place to find serenityA place to be alone

If I could take your troublesI would toss them in the sea

But all these things I am finding

Are impossible for meI cannot build a mountainOr catch a rainbow fair

But let me be what I know bestA friend that’s always there

 This poem “If I Could Catch A Rainbow”

tells us all how a true friend would do anything for you. A true friend would help you when you feel sad or depressed. A true friend would take your troubles away and listen to what you have to say. A true friend would always be there for you no matter what happens. This is what a true friend should be feeling for you.

One day, staringOut my window

I started to thinkabout her.

I started to think,how every timeI kiss her lips,

I suddenly get carriedaway somewhereWONDERFUL.

How every time I see her eyes,I see the whole

Night Sky.

However every time we’re together it feelsJust right,like

If we were meant to be together

For all eternity.

In other words,She’s on my mindDay and Night.And I will fightFor her untilthe day I die.

- Isai Chagoyan, 7th Grade-This boy really loves his girlfriend and

every time he sees her its like if he goes off to a distant place. He just can’t let go of her and he always wants to be with her. He believes that he could be with her for all eternity. When he looks into her eyes he sees the night sky. She’s on his mind day and night and he would do anything to keep her by his side. No matter what happens, he will love her forever and ever.

X-Men Origins: WolverineBy Cesar Ruiz and Giovanni Soberanes

“The excitement is almost palpable!” Twentieth Century Fox has announced that Gavin Hood is set to direct a movie all

The director from Mission Impossible 3 and Alias creator J.J Abrams resurrects the classic science fiction movie Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. Star Trek starring, Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock, focuses on the early years of the Enterprise and her crew. More specifically, an elder Spock and Romulans are transported back in time, where the Romulans wish to change history for their own gains. To stop them, Spock must enlist the help of none other than himself.

The movie that is coming out on May 8, 2009 shows how Kirk and Spock met, featuring younger actors in the original roles. It also shows Kirks first mission as a captain.

STAR TREKBy Cesar Ruiz

Try checking out Star Trek’s website at www.startrek.com

By Stephanie Sifuentes & Natalie Salazar

Dedicated to Stephanie Sifuentes

One Day

POETRYabout Wolverine. Gavin Hood, the director, is most known for his film “Totsi”.

Basically, the movie is about Wolverine’s life and how he became a mutant as a child. The main actor is Hugh Jackman who in the movie plays Wolverine. When Wolverine is a small child his parents get killed. As Wolverine gets older he tries to start a new life, but when he has a girlfriend she gets killed by one of Wolverine’s villain. In the film, there will be many villains. Some villains consist of Sabertooth, Gambit, and a few more. The U.S army gives him back his mutant powers to be used as a weapon for the army, but Wolverine finds out about that and then turns the table. www.marvel.com

Shout-OutsBy Diana Barco & Ivy Luevano

v

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