January 2018
January 2018 Board Highlights
Oblock Junior High School
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 and videos 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 is the second 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: Leila Durham, Amelia Stezoski, Elizabeth Amen, Shianne Walker, Ella Logan, Ava Schroeder, Mark Van Orden, Sarah Musa, Hailey Drapcho, Ryan Cummings, Morgan Filar, Kaiya Russell, Maddie Schroeder, Addison Sofran, Maria Hickman, Adrianna Hudec, Emily Innes, Olivia Sanders, Sam Glatz, Lauren Price, Ana Juba, Emily Berrott, Annabel Arhin, Anna Mozelewski, Emily Bologna, Hannah T, Emma Killmeyer, Kaley Simqu, Nina Kite, Gabriella Smith, Lauren Girasia, Karee Jackson, Lily Plunkett, Gianna Sharlock, Jade Turner, Zach Wycich, Tommy Zummo, Alyssa Warner, Tori Cecchetti, and Kalynn Berringer.
Science Bowl
On January 25th, eleven GATE students from Oblock Junior High competed in the Science Bowl 2018 at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Students participated in a variety of science-related challenges. Finishing First Place overall was the team of Alexis Beiter, Kaylynn Berringer, Alexandra George, Ellie Tongel, and 6th Grader Vance Troy. Also participating were Caleb Bedillion, Ian Moreno, Willem Powell, Sam Schohn, Alex Taylor, Max Weingrad, and Cameron Wickline.
Seton Hill University Honors Band Concert
Congratulations to Nathaniel Beninati (7th Grade, Trombone, AEO), Isabella Caruso (7th Grade, Flute, AEO), and Elena Bartolomeo (6th Grade, Clarinet, Center Elementary), who performed in a magnificent concert on Saturday! These students qualified by audition in the fall and worked hard to prepare repertoire over the last few months. Congratulations, students!!
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: Dom Bergamasco, Justin Giarrusso, Austin Hereda, Johnny Ioannou, Silvio Ionadi, Ethan Jones, Nick Killinger, Luke Kolankowski, Jacob Miller, Cameron Moss, Shawn Richardson, Kendall Ricketts, and Mychael Scott.
Seventh Grade Boys’ Basketball
The 7th grade boys’ basketball team has performed well this season, under the direction of Mr. Michael Monstrola. The team has made great strides throughout the season. Members of the team include: Hunter Wilson, Ethan Rose, Dom Corso, Seth Favero, Nathaniel Yohman, Santino Saccone, Antonio Thomas, Andrew Thompson, Adam Kotvas, Kade Thomas, Griffin Oresic, Jayden Richter, and Eryck Moore.
Band Concert
On the evening of January 25th, AEO band teacher, Mrs. Bethany Loy had the annual band concert. Both 7th and 8th grade students put on a tremendous show for parents, family, and community members.
Wrestling
Under the direction of Mr. Mike Supak, the wrestling team has had a successful season. Members of the wrestling team include the following: Andrew Bolton, Andrew Buttari, Anthony Carlisano, Vincent Citrano, Andrew Claassen, Brady Dojonovic, Olandis Freeman, Josh Gentile, Luke Havens, Nicholas Lamia, Francis Macioce, Paul McClintock, Andrew Napoleon, Caden Norcutt, Nicholas Salerno, Shawn Szymanski, Jay Thornton, and Xand Thorwart.
Library News
Team Read is making great progress this year. We already have 64 students in the hall of fame this year with 126 points/hours. Of those, 12 are in the 300 Point Club and 5 of those are in the 500 Point Club (v. only 1 other years at this time). A total of 132 are at the All-Star level (76 points), 217 are at the Varsity level (26 points), and 95 are at the JV level (10 points). That is 508 students at one of the levels. Great job Oblock students!
The students also started a school-wide Word Wizard tournament, where students earn points by finding their vocabulary words outside of their English classes like books, signs, songs, etc. If students only see/hear the word in one context, they are unlikely to remember the meaning, so teachers in all other content areas are incorporating the words into their instruction to give the students more opportunities to make the 4+ connections that usually lead to improved comprehension (and more opportunities to earn points too).