January 2017 Board Highlights
Oblock Junior High School
Snowflake Dance
On Friday, January 6, student council provided the opportunity for Oblock students to enjoy the winter season with their friends at the Snowflake Dance. The PTSA had pop, pizza, donuts, and candy for sale, along with the Kona Mini Ice truck that sold snow cones. PTSA had a photographer at the dance to take pictures and capture the moment. Prior to the dance the 8th grade students voted on the “top ten”. The results were announced during the dance. Funniest: Brooke Pistella and Donnie Kelly; Most Outgoing: Khyliah Horne and Connor Moss; Most Athletic: Jillian Durst and Alex Mitulo; Best Smile: Emmalee Karns and Tyler Marks; Best Hair: Isabella Cutrulla and Ethan Kircher; Best Singer: Mia Pampena and Gabe Kuhn Kindest: Becca Gessler and Gavin Monik; Most School Spirit: Kennedie Montue and Richie Hrivnak; Most Likely to Succeed: Maia Gaffur and Lucas Wycich; Best Dressed: Gina Proviano and Max Matolcsy.
Oblock Newspaper
Oblock’s newspaper, Mustang Moments, has provided students, staff, and parents with two big issues packed with news, sports, features, and exciting photographs so far this year. This important public relations tool for the school is sponsored by AEO English/Reading teacher, Mrs. Karen Mienke, and staffed by a dedicated group of 7th and 8th graders who have an interest in writing, as well as journalism and reporting. It functions as a positive communication tool for Oblock students, faculty, parents, and the Plum community, by recognizing the achievements and notable events of Oblock Junior High School. The newspaper is a wonderful opportunity for students who have an interest in writing to practice their skills and a great tool to highlight the people and events that make Oblock a great school. The editors show enthusiasm for writing-both poetry and prose, and their efforts are evident in the two issues that have been circulated. This year the students and staff have been able to enjoy the issues on their iPads. With the support of technology integrator, Mr. Dziewulski, the readers have access to the newspaper as an iBook and have the luxury of viewing videos and picture galleries. The staff this year consists of the following: Angel Brown, Charlotte Jones, Melanie Mienke, Gina Pivirotto, Jamyson Roman, Alena Surace, Jen Taylor, Allison Klinsky, Leila Durham, Amelia Stezoski, Elizabeth Amen, Sydney Anderson, Shianne Walker, Olivia Navari, Ella Logan, Ava Schroeder, Mark Van Orden, Sarah Musa, Hailey Drapcho, Ryan Cummings, Molly Steving, Alexis Krotz, Emma Kozbelt, Luccia Hammer, Morgan Filar, Elizabeth Glasspool, Kaiya Russell, Maddie Schroeder, Addison Sofran, Cara Durante, Noel Zwieryznski, Sara Pease, Ella Caruso, Addison Sofran, Hannah Carney, and Maria Hickman.
Arts & Bots
On January 20, fourteen members of the GATE program traveled to Springdale Middle/High School with GATE sponsor, Mr. Ryan Silvis for the Arts & Bots Competition. This year’s theme was Greek Mythology. The students needed to learn how to program a working robot using a Hummingbird platform to include at least one moving part, one motion sensor, LED blinking lights, and one voice file using Audacity. On top of all of this, they needed to combine their robotic work with an artistic rendering of the structure they were assigned. Two Oblock teams finished in a tie for 4th, while the 3rd team brought home the first place title. Members of the winning team were: Alexis Beiter, Leila Durham, Lily Klucinec, and Addison Sofran. Congratulations students on a job well done!
Science Bowl
On January 26th, 7th and 8th grade GATE students from Oblock Junior High competed in the Science Bowl 2016 at the Carnegie Science Center. Students participated in a variety of science-related challenges. Students also competed in events like All About H2O, a Calculation Station, and Roller Coasters in the Science Center and Sports Works buildings. GATE students finished very competitively in all of the event challenges.
Eighth Grade Boys’ Basketball
The AEO 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team, coached by Mr. Rich Mull, has had a competitive season. Members of the team include the following: Evan Azzara, Will Brewer, Christian Brown, Billy Depew, Matt Frazetta, Ryan Hubner, Ethan Kircher, Matt Lewis, Reed Martin, Max Matolcsy, Tarasi Means, Alex Mitolo, Connor Moss, John Murphy, and Marc Zarroli.
Seventh Grade Boys’ Basketball
The 7th grade boys’ basketball team has performed well this season, under the direction of Mr. Bill Depew, AEO art teacher. The team has made great strides throughout the season. Members of the team include: Cam Moss, Evan Kircher, Dylan Akut, Justin Giarrusso, Austin Hereda, Caleb Bedillion, Dom Bergamasco, Nick Killinger, Jake Miller, John Ioannou, Kendall Ricketts, Ethan Jones, Kyle Ryan, Luke Kolankowski, and Silvio Ionadi.
Wrestling
Under the direction of Coach Joseph, the wrestling team has had a successful season. Members of the wrestling team include the following: Andrew Bolton, Andrew Buttari, Anthony Carlisano, Vincent Citrano, Marrio Freeman, Luke Heath, Paul McClintock, Andrew Napoleon, Aydin Polliard, Nicholas Salerno, Joey Sears, Shawn Szymanski, Aaron Wolfe, Alex Wolfe, and Luke Wolfe.
Library News
Team Read is making great progress this year. We already have 70 students in the hall of fame this year with 126 points/hours. Of those, 15 are in the 300 Point Club (v. 13 other years) and of those 5 students in the 500 Point Club (v. only 1 other years). A total of 112 are at the All-Star level (76 points), 258 are at the Varsity level (26 points), and 120 are at the JV level (10 points). That is 560 students at one of the levels. Great job Oblock students!
The students also finished the Book Scavenger contest, which started in November. The goal of the game is to use clues to find the most hidden books. It is based on the book of the same title that was part of the Battle of the Books this year. The top four teams won autographed bookmarks from the author and certificates for free extras at lunch.