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THANK YOU PFA!
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We sincerely thank PFA and all the members of the Oak Park community for their support of this program. You make what we do here in Oak Park schools possible. Thank you for the opportunities and memories!
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2013 Staff
Staff Writers:
Yuval C.
Carol R.
Sam T.
Robert Z.
Ryan B.
Natalie C.
Michelle D.
Tommy E.
Camden F.
Claire G.
Aylish K.
Julia K.
Billy F.
Taylor V.
Alexa K.
Dylan M.
Kaitlyn N.
Marissa S.
Ryan R.Ilana G.Lia E.Karissa G.Cameron K.
Taylor G.
Parker G.
Sasha K.
Cody M.
Olivia C.
Kendall K.
Jenna P.
Katie H.
Taylor J.
Daniel R.
Quinn S.
Ariel B.
Dana S.
Kellie S.
Sami S.
Arman B.
Max V.
Taylor V.
Matt M.
Sam E.
Cameron E.
Polina G.
Magnus C.
Beck H.
Sareh W.
Liliana F.
Riti H.
Ramaya M.
Sara W.
Morgan K.
Admanda D.
Zach Z.
Executive Web Editors:
Yuval Cohen
Carol Roundy
Sam Torgove
Robert Ziegler
Assistant Web Editors:
Ryan Barani
Natalie Combs
Michelle Deyski
Tommy Ellis
Camden Faul
Claire Goldes
Aylish Klepper
Julia Kolinke
Teacher Adviser:
Jessica Vaughn
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Dear Valued Reader,
We thank you for your interest in our school online newspaper, Panther Press. All stories in this online newspaper have been researched, written, and edited by the students of this class, many of who are first time journalists. Be sure to click on the links to see the full articles. ENJOY!
Sincerely,
2013 Panther Press / Mass Media Students
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 What are YOU doing tonight, 8th Graders?
By Alexa Kapp
June 7th is the end-�of-�the-�year 8th grade dance. It's from 6 to 8pm, and all students must dress formal and follow dress code. Click here for the full details.
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What's New in the School Library
By Kaitlyn Nehira
The school library is a great place to go and check out books. Mrs. Paniz is currently the librarian for MCMS school library. She loves helping students find books that they really love to read; it gives her a happy feeling inside. Click here for more.
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Oak Park Counselor Review
By Camden Faul
On March 21 through 22, the Oak Park High School freshman's counselor came to Medea Creek Middle School to meet with all of the 8th graders to talk about what to expect in high school. Click here for the rest of the story.
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Pennies For Patients: A Great Cause
By Lia Ephrem
Pennies for Patients is a fundraiser that we and many other schools participate in to raise money for cancer research. This is important because the money that we raise goes to a hospital to find research for cancer. Click here for the inspirational story.
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Campus Improvements
By Aylish Klepper
Are you getting tired of the same look every time you come to Medea? The cafeteria, office, and library? Well, get ready for a change because our school is building an amphitheater in the open grassy area next to our lunch tables this summer! Click here for the full story.
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Open House a Success! By Max Vainshtein Students are working hard. Parents are anxious. Teachers are smiling. Sound familiar? Of course it does! It's Open House! Click here for the full story. |
Students Take Part in CJSF and Help the Community
By Sam Eckert
CJSF stands for California Junior Scholarship Federation. It started in 1967 and dwells on junior high school students to high standards of scholarship and community service. At MCMS, CJSF is very important for our school and to help other people. Click here for the rest of the story.
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Shocking Norovirus at MCMS
The Norovirus affected students of Medea Creek Middle School on the month of September, and left many students sick. A highly contagious stomach virus sickened staff members and students at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park. Click Here for the full story.
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A Helping Hand
By Arman Badiei
In the month of December Medea Creek Middle School has been a part of 3 life-�changing programs for some people. All 3 of these programs have had fairly good results. Click here for the complete story.
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MANNA Food Drive
By Ryan Barani
Did you know that one out of four people worldwide are at risk of hunger? Well, for a long time at MCMS, the Manna Food Drive has taken place. Click here to find out more.
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Big Sunday Review
By Yuval Cohen
On May 5th, 2013, Big Sunday took place. Big Sunday is a community-�wide event where people can help out by volunteering and donating items. It took place in many schools in Oak Park, including our own school, Medea Creek. Click here for the full story.
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Mr. Henderson "Wiped-�Out" on Wipeout
By Matt Michael
Last September, one of Medea Creek's math teachers, Mr. Henderson, was on the game show that we all know and love: Wipeout. Wipeout is an obstacle course game show where the contestants need to get through the course in the fastest advances. Our own Mr. Henderson did really well, and we're all proud of him. Click here for the exclusive interview.
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Catalina Postponed Until 2013
By Sami Staitman
The 7th grade Catalina trip was postponed due to a student outbreak of the Norovirus throughout the school. Click here for the full story.
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Catalina, FINALLY!
By Michelle Deyski
On February 25-27, most of the 7th graders from Medea Creek Middle School went on a three-day field trip to Catalina Island. The students either went to Fox Landing or Cherry Cove at the island. Teachers that chaperoned the two camps included Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Yap, Dr. Bayles, Ms. Franco, and Mr. Large. Many parents also helped chaperone the students. Click here for the full story.
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T.A.P.
By Katie Hamiter
T.A.P. stands for "tolerance awareness program," and is a club that helps raise awareness for bullying. The club is for eighth graders. T.A.P. is run by Ms. Steinman and Mrs. Lavene, and consists of sixteen eighth graders. The students make videos and posters for anti-bullying. Click here for the full report.
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Magazine Drive Fun
By Adi Shiloni
The Magazine Drive this year 2012-�2013 was a great success. A lot of magazines were sold, the prizes were great, and everybody loved the huge Mega Party! Click here for the full story.
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Slicing Into Science
By Jenna Prieger
When asked if he was nervous for his first dissection, Alex Prieger, a 7th-grade student at Medea Creek, had a clear answer, "Nope, it was exciting!" Click here for the full story.
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Paws On Helping
By Julia Kolenkina
Are you looking for an animal? Would you like to foster? Well there are many different animal shelters that you can go to. There are over 5 million animals that are put into shelters nationwide every year according to the ASPCA. You can be one of those helpful people that adopt loving animals and you can keep them from being euthanized. Click here for more.
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Music for Thoughts: Does Music Affect the Way Students Study?
By Amanda Dickerson
Does music affect the way students study? What if Hans Zimmer could help you study for your science test? Or that your iPod or MP3 player could be a valuable studying tool? Scientific studies show that listening to music really can affect the way students study and learn. Click here for the full story.
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Homework and Stress
By Billy Follett
 Homework can be viewed as a help to students or a huge source of stress. But to think there is no use to it, "Homework helps prepare for college and teach discipline" said Kristin Alford, the Medea Creek Middle School psychologist. However, there is a downside to homework. Click here for the full story.
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Cheating Under a Microscope
By Claire Goldes
We can all agree on one thing: cheating is unethical and wrong.
Cheating can be defined as anything from copying homework to looking at other students' tests. Other cheating techniques include "writing answers on your hand, texting, leaning backwards and looking at other people's papers, and writing answers on your foot," 8th grade student Sarah Salzman explains. Click here for the full story.
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8th Grade Dreams...
By Carol Roundy
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After a few long years of middle school, 8th graders move onto high school. Different people want to do different things. Some may say....
"I'm really excited to meet new teachers and new people."
There are going to be many new people and new ideas at a new school. And new things to look forward to. For example,"The cross country team," a student said. Or "the soccer team," another student said.
Another thing to think about is which high school to go to. Some may say "Oak Park High School," while others say "Agoura," or "I'm planning on moving soon."
Click here to see what else 8th graders have to say.
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 ASB Unanswered Questions By Taylor Gonzales Associated Student Boy, also known as ASB, is a group of students that take the time out of their day to make our school a more joyful place to be. Click here to read more about them. |
The Pros and Cons of Literature Circles
By Riti Hedge
"The purpose of literature circles is to foster scholarly discussion about a novel, to get students talking about class content the way they would in their social circles outside of class..." (Kristina Skiba- 7th grade Humanities). Over the past few years in the 7th grade Humanities department (at Medea Creek Middle School) literature circles have been utilized to assist teaching the Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind unit. They operate largely on students coming into class, completing a certain "job" that will help increase understanding of the novel. From there, students will
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Ms. Cohen's Costa Rica Trip
By Beau Ballas
This is the time Ms. Cohen went to Costa Rica. Ms. Cohen's trip was organized and graciously funded by Conservation International and Northrop Grummon. This was Ms. Cohen's 3rd trip to Costa Rica. Click here for the full adventure.
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Plus Another Period!
By Polina Grishko
Russian writer says yes, but does the school agree? Study hall period, flexible period, or a free period, anything you want to call it, they're all the same thing. These periods are the period of time in a school curriculum set aside for the preparation of schoolwork. In other words, it is a period in junior and high schools that students use to do schoolwork, read, study, or prepare for the next class. Click here for the full story.
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Recycling At Medea
By Zachary Tescher
We are having a big problem in the world having to do with recycling. I have interviewed five different people at Medea to see how we are doing and I asked questions like: what more do we have to do, and how are recycling bins helping or not helping the environment? I am thinking we are getting to be on the right track, but we still need to do more. The trash we throw out is getting so bad that it is starting to ruin habitats. The results mostly made me upset though. Click here to find out more.
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Chinese Culture Class Helps Kids In Future
By Amanda Finn
Medea Creek Middle School has had Chinese culture in their school for three years, which is when it started with a grant from the government. The Chinese culture teacher, Mrs. Yap, knows quite a lot about the history of Chinese culture. She has been teaching for twenty years part time and full, doing things such as teaching second grade, English as a second language, science, and being a substitute teacher. Mrs. Yap says she loves teaching Chinese because it's fun, and a way to be creative. Click here for the rest.
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Study Skills
By Ryan Barani and Taylor Janvrin
Are you unhappy with your test scores? Do you need help studying? If you do, then keep reading for proven study tips to help you pass your next test. Click here for all the tips from Ryan. Click here for the tips from Taylor.
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 Dear Maggie... | |
Dear Maggie,
I am having issues with school. I was hoping you could help me out! I am not
doing good in school with grades and friends...whenever I try to make friends I can't. They always end up ignoring me and thinking I'm weird. I can't help it if I'm different!!! To make it even worse, I don't like to study so it makes school harder and makes me get bad grades. Also I don't like homework so I don't do it...please help Maggie!!!!!
From,
Problemperson100
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Textbooks or Tablets in MCMS Future?
By Sara Williams
Should Medea Creek have tablets instead of textbooks? Should parents have to fund for them? Does Medea have the money for tablets? Parents, staff and students of Medea Creek answer all of these questions. Click here for the answers.
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 The World Needs Green By Taylor Vanliere
California Green School in Long Beach, CA is hosting a program every year that teaches students from different schools about how to keep their school and Earth cleaner. This year, two students from Medea Creek Middle School received an award for cleaning their school. Click Here for the full story.
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An Eco-Nomical Solution
By Robert Ziegler
At Medea Creek Middle School, students, teachers, and administrators are all focusing on making MCMS a more environmentally friendly school. Medea Creek was given the National Green Ribbon Award, a prestigious award only given to some of the best environmentally friendly school districts. Recently, a new program was implemented to help save the school money while being environmentally friendly at the same time. The program? A system of recycle bins, one for recycling, one for trash, and one for compostable food waste. Although this is a step in the right direction, it's not quite enough. Click here for the full story.
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 School Lunches at MCMS
By Sam Eckert
When you think of school lunches you think of gross food like mystery meat in the television shows. "But, at Medea Creek everything we serve is whole wheat and we always serve fruit," said Mary S. But, whole grain doesn't mean gross food, it means healthy food. Click here for the full story.
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Midsummer Night's Dream Play Review By Dana Shiloni
On March 22nd, Mrs. Lavene's class performed the play
Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare. It's about four humans who enter a fairy world and have fairy's play around with their love life. Read now to hear my rating and what other people thought of it! Click Here for the full story.
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 Our Very Own Art Club By Kellie Stahlhuth
At Medea Creek, Mrs. Cadle is in charge of a club where 7th and 8th graders create art during lunch. I had a chance to go in and interview Mrs. Cadle, and the students who are in it. Read the article to learn more!
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Opinion about the Dress Code
By Karissa Garza
Do you ever wonder about Medea Creek Middle School's dress code? Well today is your lucky day! This whole entire article is based on our middle school's dress code. Click here for the scoop!
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Rules at School, Fair or Unfair?
By Sareh Wilburn
At Medea Creek Middle School there are rules like any other school, but there are other rules that only MCMS has. These rules are seen through different perspectives. Some are commonly deemed understandable, but there are others that aren't seen in the same light. Some staff doesn't even know about all the school rules. Click here for my full opinion.
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Medea Creek's Technology
By Olivia Campbell
Medea Creek is a successful school when it comes to academics, but is it up-to-date with its technology? Here at Medea Creek we have Smart boards, Apple computers, and even Smart-Response remotes used for testing (and more). Do we need to be worried about improving the schools technology? Will this schools technology hold us students back from working to the best of our ability? Is it an overall issue we students and teachers should be worried about? Click here to see other feedback.
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Bullying at MCMS
By Ilana Gluzman
Bullying is a serious issue here at Medea Creek Middle School. Many students are being bullied daily and are doing nothing to stop it. Even the students that walk around and witness bullying do nothing to help. It's time to end this suffering. Click Here for the full article.
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Say Goodbye to Cyber Bullying!
By Camden Davis
Cyber bullying is a new kind of plague that sweeps the middle and high schools of the nation. It becomes more and more popular each day, leaving many students feeling depressed or angry. Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online, and most kids have access to the web. In addition, 68% of teens agree that cyber bullying is a serious problem. Click here for the full story.
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Shark Club at MCMS
By Polina Grishko
Hey there! Russian Writer informing you on the News! Today's Topic: Shark Club at MCMS. Click here for the full story.
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Fun in the Park: Dog and Water Park
By Kendall Kramer
Over summer break kids can get bored and tired of staying at home all day long. Finding an activity to do can be really hard. Now you can go to the water park or even the dog park down the street to play! Click here for the full story.
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"The Way" Song Review
By Dana Shiloni
I really enjoyed song "The Way" by Ariana Grande featuring Mac Miller. This song was released on March 25 in the USA and March 26 worldwide. On the first week while this song was out, it was already in the top ten of the iTunes chart. Click here for the full review.
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Music Study By Arman Badiei
Recently, I had a chance to listen to several songs, and I talked about them. Snap Backs Swag, by AJ Hernz, Stadium Dubstep, by Midnight Sleepstar-I Was Wrong, from the show Vampire Diaries. I also included the links to the songs. Click Here for the full story.
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"I Knew You Were Trouble" Song Review
By Kaitlyn Nehira The song "I Knew You Were Trouble" by Taylor Swift is about cheating. She knew that the guy she dated was going to be trouble, but he was so charming and popular that she didn't want to break up with him. Click here to find out what happens next.
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Music Video Review
 By Matt Michael I reviewed several music videos and not only gave my review of "Thrift Shop," "Gangnam Style," and "Black and Yellow," but also found out student opinions. Click Here for the full story. |
Song Survey
By Yuval Cohen
This past week, I interviewed 25 people asking them what their favorite song of the month was. Their favorite song, chosen by you, WAS...Well, you'll have to read it to find out! Click Here for the full article.
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A New, Different Movie Experience
By Adi Shiloni
 As of July 20th, 2012, a new movie theater opened in the Westlake Promenade, called Cinepolis. It's a luxury cinema, and a great place to go to see a movie. Why? Read the article, and find out my opinion about it! Click Here for the full story.
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Here Comes the Boom Movie Review 
The movie, "Here Comes the Boom" is about a 42-�year-�old teacher named Scott Voss (Kevin James) who has been teaching for over ten years. In the beginning, he does not enjoy his job and is not enthusiastic, even though he was once a well-�known and respected teacher ten years before. Budget cuts are forcing the school to get rid of the music department and it's teacher, Voss's good friend, Marty Streb (Henry Winkler). Click here for the full review.
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The Bourne Legacy Movie Review
By Cameron Kharazmi
The Bourne Legacy is one of the highest rated action movies of the year. This is the fourth installment in the Bourne movie series, which doesn't have its famed actor Matt Damon in it. Rather, it features Jeremy Renner who plays the main character Aaron Cross. Click here for the review.
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 Skyfall Movie Review
By Ramya Mylavarapu I reviewed the movie Skyfall, the most recent of the new James Bond movies. I really liked it, and gave it an amazing rating. Read the whole story and hear why I liked it, and what I thought it had that no other did! Click Here for the full story. |
Oz: The Great and Powerful Movie Review
By Parker Green
Recently, I watched the movie Oz, the Great and Powerful, a new prequel to the famed book and movie The Wizard of Oz. I liked the visuals of the movie, but there were some things I didn't like. What were they? Well, you'll have to read it to find out! Click Here for the full story. |
Total Recall Movie Review
By Magnus Canty
I got to see the movie Total Recall, the modern remake of it, anyways. Read my story, and you'll get to learn about what happens in the movie! Click Here for the full story.
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Taken 2 Review
By Camden Davis
Taken 2 is an interesting movie, full of action and plot twists. Despite all of those good things, I didn't like everything. Want to know what I didn't like? Read the story to find out! Click Here for the full story. |
 Frankenweenie Movie Review
By Zachary Tescher
I watched the movie "Frankenweenie" recently with my family. It's about a dog that dies, and the boy whose dog dies. He raises it back from the dead, like Frankenstien. Despite it's flaws, it was very well detailed. Want to know more? Read my review! Click Here for the full story.
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 Marley and Me Movie Review
By Ilana Gluzman I recently watched the movie Marley and Me, a movie about a family who adopts a Labrador Retriever dog that causes mischief all through it's life. I really liked the movie, and thought it was great. Read my review to find out why!
Click Here for the full story. |
 The Dark Knight Movie Review
By Amanda Dickerson
The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 American film written by Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Tom Hardy as Bane, Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Blake, Marion Cotillard as Miranda, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, and Michael Caine as Alfred. Click here for the full story.
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Save Haven Movie Review
By Taylor Gonzales
The movie, Safe Haven, starring Josh Duhamel, and Julianne Hough came out February 14, 2013. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie had an emotional yet exciting plot. It kept you on the edge of your seat, while also making you want to cry. Click here for the full review.
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"Once Upon A Time" TV Show Review
By Riti Hedge
ABC, a channel known for many entertaining shows has come up with yet another plot- "Once Upon a Time." The show has millions of people tuned in every Sunday wanting to watch. Click here for the full story.
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 Medea Creek WORD SEARCH By Julia Kolenkina |
Medea Creek Crossword Puzzle
By Aylish Klepper
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Jokes Column *Submissions by Students*
By Kellie Stahlhuth
Here at Medea, we have some very funny students! Below are some submissions by students and staff. Click here for some giggles!
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Medea Creek Middle School and Oak Park Trivia
By Lia Ephrem
Did you know that there are 47 teachers at Medea? This year there are a lot of students at Medea: 1129! There are estimated to have 1149 lockers at Medea. There are 26 clubs at Medea. Click here for more!
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Halo 4 video game review
By Cody Marshak
 Halo 4 is a first person shooter and won many awards like best game for Xbox and came in second place for best game of the year. The halo series has been progressing when the first game came out in 2000, by then halo 2 came out by 2004 and halo 3 came out in 2007. Click here for more.
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Hunger Games Book Review
By Olivia Campbell
The Hunger Games is a popular trilogy (a #1 NEWYORK TIMES BESTSELLER) written and published in 2008 by Suzanne Collins. Recently it was made into a suspense-filled, action-packed movie where Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen, and Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta Mellark. Click here for the full story.
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Uglies Book Review
Scott Westfeld has successfully created a masterpiece with his debut book, Uglies, This book has been presented with many honors and has two successful sequels. The book begins in a post-apocalyptic world, after the downfall of the "Rusties" (21st century). We meet Tally Youngblood--a seemingly ordinary fifteen-year-old just waiting to turn sixteen and to be transformed (by an operation) into a Pretty and be invited into their exclusive world. Click here for the rest of the review.
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Reamde: A Thrilling Book (Review)
By Robert Ziegler
Reamde is a thrilling book, with thrilling twists and turns. In this Fun Feature, Robert Ziegler, a student who reads many, many books, reviews the book, giving it a rare five star rating. Read more to find out his opinion on the book! Click Here for the full story.
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11 Birthdays Book Review
By Sasha Kapadia
 Guess what I found? An extraordinary book that I read in 6th grade called 11 Birthdays. I don't want to give too much away so I can only tell you enough to get you interested. Click here for the full scoop.
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Recycled Crafts
By Marissa Schulner
There are many things you can create from recycled items. One time my aunt took a used Altoid tin, painted it silver, and then put rhinestones on it in the shape of an "M" and used it as a container for a gift card one Hanukkah. Click here for the full story.
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Secret Menus
By Olivia Campbell
Many restaurants and fast-�-food restaurants try to include delicious names for their foods, and pictures that make a customers stomach growl. They try to tell you how mouth-�-watering all of their varieties are. But one thing they don't tell you, the customer, is that there is a secret menu. Click here for the real dish.
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Sweet XO - A New Type of Candy Store
By Michelle Deyski
Sweet XO is a store that has mixed toys, candy, snacks, clothing, and frozen yogurt all into one location. Many teens and families go to Sweet XO, especially after school. The store is the new popular place to hang out with friends. Click here for the sweetness.
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Grissini Italian Restaurant Review
By Kendall Kramer
Tired of that plain, old, boring, Italian restaurant that just isn't authentic? Have you ever wanted to try something new? Grissini is the place to go! With Italian décor and authentic homemade food, you will actually feel like you're in Italy. Click here for more.
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Patriot Airsoft: The Newest, Coolest Place for an Airsoft War
By Taylor Vanliere
Patriot Airsoft is an excellent place if you want to go air-�-softing with friends. It is an indoor facility with all of the gear needed already supplied for you. It is located in Newbury Park, CA. Click here for more.
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Trending Outfits
By Karissa Garza
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MCMS Sports Suffers Against Lindero
By Ryan Reardon
To some people sports mean a lot. At MCMS we have a huge rivalry against the Lindero Cougars in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball. MCMS Student Zach Bartlett stated, "Lindero beat us 21-7." He threw one touchdown and one interception during the game. According to the MCMS players, Lindero had more practice, as well as more game experience going into the game. MCMS Coach Marc Jacobs said," the guys gave it all they had, we just got out played." Click here for the whole report.
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Soccer Around the World
By Dylan Maio
There was a lot of excitement during this year's soccer season, such as Wigan winning the FA cup, and Chelsea beating Benfica in the Europa League. Another big surprise was Sir Alex Ferguson retiring. People are still wondering what is going to happen next season. In the long run, there were a lot of exciting things that took place in all leagues this year. Click here for the full story.
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College Football Playoffs
By Morgan Koff
This past June, college football came out with unbelievable news. For some time now, Division 1 College football has used the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) to decide the nation's best team. However, this system, hated by many, will end in 2014 and a playoff system will begin. Click here for the full story.
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Athlete of the Month
By Ryan Reardon
 As a little kid we all grow up waiting for high school. An 8th grader has a special dream of becoming a professional football player since he was nine years old. He will be attending Agoura High School to be the starting quarterback as a freshman. He has being working and persevering day in and day out to be where he is now. He understands the effort that needs to be put in and goes above and beyond that standard! After seven years it is finally his time to shine. This amazing athlete's name is Zach Bartlett. |
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