The Cougar Times

The Garrison Union Free School
1100 Route 9D
Garrison, New York 10524
(845) 424-3689

Editors
Olivia
John

Adviser
Mrs. Rowe

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Play Then Eat?

By Lana

A recent New York Times article titled "Play Then Eat: Shift May Bring Gains at School" has brought an interesting topic to my attention. I have never really thought about having recess and then lunch. But as I read the article, I began to think about it. It seems like a great idea for students in elementary school but I don't think it matters to older kids in middle school. I wouldn't like the idea myself. After classes in the morning, I'm starving and I just want to eat. If we had recess first, I wouldn't even be able to enjoy it because I'm so hungry. I think that it makes a difference to younger students, though, because they look forward to recess more. That's what they look forward to all day. For older kids, we don't care that much about having recess. We just like to socialize and get a break, which is what we can do at lunch. But it sounds like a great idea for little kids because it gets out their hyper energy and urge to play so that when lunch comes they'll actually sit down and eat and not rush through their lunch.

See the full text of the New York Times article through the link below:

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Helping Haiti

By Emily and Isabella

Middle School teachers Mr. Berger and Ms. Akhondzadeh are collecting money for an organization called Doctors Without Borders. This organization goes around and helps and cares for people that are hurt and wounded. This group was in Haiti before the disastrous earthquake hit, and now they are helping the people of Haiti. If you would like to make a donation, please put the money in a sealed envelope and give it to Mr. Berger or Ms. Akhondzadeh. This money is due by February 28, 2010.

Midterm Study Tips

By Lana

As you know, midterms are right around the corner. This is a very stressful time for students. But here are some good study tips:

Make flashcards of all the key terms and people.
Have people, such as friends or family members, quiz you.
Spend at least 45 minutes a night studying (about 10 minutes per subject.)
Study in a quiet place with no distractions.
And most importantly, don't wait until the last minute to start studying!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you follow these tips, you'll be sure to ace the midterms.

Good Luck to everyone!!

Friday: English
Monday: Social Studies
Tuesday: Spanish
Wednesday: nothing
Thursday: Science
Friday: Math

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Update: Homework Petition


By Spencer

Several of my fellow students and I talked to principal Mrs. Impellittiere about the petition. We explained our reasons for making the petition in the first place, including the concern that it takes too long to complete on days where there are other after-school activities. After half a period of talking, we came to the agreement that there needs to be more communication between the teachers about assigning homework. Especially on days when there are sports events. We are scheduled to meet again some time next week to work out more details.

See earlier post for details:
http://cougartimes.blogspot.com/2010/01/garrison-middle-school-students-ask-for.html

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Resolved

By Emily

Many students and teachers have New Year's resolutions. Some include getting better grades, others to be a better person. One person would like to get on a high honor roll throughout the whole year. Two people would like to do better in school. One girl would like to donate money to a charity that is close to her. At the same time, one girl would like to earn more money. Some people would like to improve their character. One teacher would like to remember more often what it was like to be a teenager.

Good luck! I hope you fulfill your New Year's resolutions.

Garrison Middle School Students Ask for Less Homework

By Spencer

Garrison Middle School students are asking for less homework. Today a petition was circulated by middle school students calling for less homework. It has been signed by 42 students and counting. My classmates and I expect that the petition will be signed by most students in the middle school. Sometime this week the petition will be presented to Mrs. I by two 7th-grade students. I personally signed the document, because after talking to my fellow students, we all agree that the homework is way too much. This is especially the case for students who play a sport or have other after-school commitments. The student handbook says 45 minutes to one hour for a 6th grader and one hour to one and a half hours for 7th graders and at most 2 hours for 8th graders. The students who signed the petition have found that they are spending more than this estimate of time.