AVID Kicks Off Their Year With a Timbers Game
Hannah F., Riley M., Isabella M.
HOOD RIVER
On the 21st of October, Hood River Middle School AVID took a school bus to Providence Park to watch the Portland Timbers play.
44 AVID kids traveled to watch the Portland Timbers play Houston Dynamo. Unfortunately for Timbers fans, Houston won with an ending score of 2 to 1.
"They lost, so that was sad." Ms. Grace, the 8th-grade counselor said. "But we were also playing against Houston and there is somebody really famous on the Houston team. He's like one of the best Mexican players in the world."
Luis M., an 8th grader in AVID commented on the game as well. "It was pretty fun, the atmosphere was really great."
A 6th grader Alondra A., who has been in AVID since the beginning of the year said it was really fun, even though they didn't win.
AVID is a program that guides students towards academic excellence to prepare the goal of preparing students to successfully attend college.
Currently, a few field trips for AVID are planned for the future. Those include going downtown in the winter to tour local businesses and going out to eat. In the spring, they plan to go to a few colleges in Portland.
For more information about AVID and how it can help you go to AVID.org.
NEWS - What's Going on at HRMS?
news, news, news!
HRMS Drama Goes Beast Mode
HOOD RIVER
Parker B., Phe H., Ryan M.
In early November, the HRMS drama and choir class chose Beauty and The Beast as their musical for this year.
There have been drama productions in the past, but COVID-19 and online school shut it down. After 4 years, it's finally back.
Drama teacher Elam has been teaching at HRMS for about three years and has taught drama as well as ELA. They commented, “We had to pick one (musical) that we could do with not a huge cast,” due to their small class size.
Jess D. a seventh-grade drama student, who is auditioning for Lumieire, has never been in a drama program before and is excited to be in one this year. To him, “It (drama) seemed like a really fun option.”
Haley R., a seventh-grade drama student has had a negative experience with drama and other drama teachers in the past but is very excited to be in this class and this year's production of Beauty and The Beast.
The roles in the musical are as follows: Haley R. as Belle; Alexander S. as Beast; Skye W. as Gaston; Harlow F. as Lefou; Bela C. as Chip; Isla B. as Lumieire; Jess D. as Cogsworth; Jocelyn T. as Mrs. Potts; Sadie D. as Maurice; Ash C. as a villager; Raven S. as D’ Arque; Conin J. as a beggar; Claire W. as the bookseller and a Le Fille; and Niamh P., Emma M. as Babette; Kennedy S., and Emilia G. as the other Le Filles; and finally, Ray S. and Genesis O. as the narrators.
The musical will be performed on April 26, 27, and 28 in the HRMS auditorium.
6th Graders Head Off to Outdoor School
HOOD RIVER
Layla W., Naomi R., Isley L.
Just a few weeks ago, the 6th graders headed off to outdoor school.
This year, some things have changed. To start, the students were split into two groups. One stayed at Omsi’s Hancock Field Station and the other group headed to Camp Gray on the coast.
Elliot B., a student who went to the coast, was lively while he told all about their trip. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great over there, and they ended up being rained on nearly the entire time. Despite the weather, Elliot was enthusiastic about his experience, telling stories about dissecting squids, hanging out with friends, and going on hikes.
As for the educational part of outdoor school, they learned about the environment and energy. Elliot also mentioned how he felt like they got to learn a lot more by staying overnight and how much extra time they had to play. Not to mention the fact that they got to spend two nights parent-free! Overall, the trip was rated a 9/10.
Tracy Norton, a 6th-grade teacher who went to the Oregon Coast, had a lot of fun being with the students. Along with what Elliot B. said about the weather being rainy almost all the time, everyone prepared and stayed warm enough that they all could still enjoy the activities they provided and hang out with friends.
“Once we arrive and see how much the kids enjoy it, I realize why I do it. It’s always worth the effort if the kids enjoy the experience!” Tracy Norton commented.
HRMS Mariachi Making Memories
HOOD RIVER
Davina S., Faith R., Jezzireya K.
The HRMS mariachi band was started in 2016 by Juan Antonio Martinez, known to the students as Mr. Martinez.
Mr. Marinez recalled that when he was a child, he had asked the adults around him to teach him to play music, but they had all told him to go to school and learn, or read books. Inspired by this, he vowed that when he learned an instrument, he would teach any child who wanted to learn.
When asked how he likes teaching mariachi, he told the Panther Press team, "Oh yes, I love it, it's my life."
The mariachi band practices Tuesdays through Fridays in the band room. They perform "wherever they want us" according to Julian U., an 8th-grade mariachi student. Julian reported that mariachi is different from other bands because it has different instruments, and it represents Mexican culture.
Ricardo R., a 6th grader, said that he would give mariachi a 9.5/10
The mariachi band's most recent performance was at Westside Elementary on November 2nd, and they have an upcoming performance in Mosier on December 8th.
Sports at HRMS
who's playing whom?
Girls Wrestling Building up to Regionals
HOOD RIVER
Layla W., Davina S.
HRMS and Wy’east were the first schools in Oregon to have an all girls school wrestling team. The Gorge girls wrestling community continues to grow, with over two times as many girls in 2023 as when the team started in 2019. With the team continuing to grow every year, the girls start their season once again.
When asked what wrestling is like, Niamh P., a wrestler for 3 years, recalled that “...you’re kind of just like, going out and fighting someone with like, nothing.” Although she originally joined the team because “I literally had nothing else to do,” Niamh says she has grown to love the wrestling community and people.
HRMS girls wrestling is coached by Regina Dickinson in the middle school cafeteria after school every day. As described by Niamh, “If you win, you win. If you lose, you lose.” As for the actual sport, it involves lots of physical contact, which is something to keep in mind if you're thinking of joining.
The wrestling team travels to tournaments out of town, like Portland, Pendleton, La Grande, and Wallowa. Since Wy’east is HRMS’s sister school, both wrestling teams travel together to tournaments and act as one team. They do, however, have dual meets where the schools compete against one another.
The girls are working towards regionals in December, so feel free to come and support the wrestling team before the season ends.
Boys Basketball Tips Off the Season
HOOD RIVER
,Parker B., Isley L., Jordan K.
HRMS opened their season with a game against local rival Wy'east Middle School in Odell. The team played 4 opening games with great effort. There are 7th and 8th grade A and B squads.
The 8th grade HRMS basketball teams are coached by Mr. Tell and Coach Victor. The 7th grade A and B teams are coached by Coach Scharfenberg and Coach Sietstra.
The HRMS teams have 12 game days this season, and at this point of publication they have played 9 out of that 12. They have had five home game days so far and four away, with some wins and some losses.
This is Coach Tell’s first season coaching basketball, and he says it is really fun. Previously he had coached football. Tell said of his team “My group of players have great attitudes and work hard at every practice. Our team's greatest strength is its ability to fight adversity. We talk about the score always being 0-0. That way we always play hard and feel like we can win any game.”
Coach Scharfenberg described his team as “teachable” and mentioned that this characteristic had helped them improve throughout the season. Scharfenberg also commented on how his assistant coach, Coach Sietsra “is super knowledgeable about basketball,” and it greatly benefits the players.
The Panthers will end their season with three more games. The last home game is against The Dalles team on December 12. Come support the players if you can!
Athletes of the Fall Season
Throughout the season, coaches noticed these students as people who inspired, encouraged, and helped their fellow athletes. To recognize their attitude as athletes, their coaches nominated them as the Athletes of the Season.
Lyla M. (8th VB)
Lyla is everything you want in a student-athlete. She is committed to being the best teammate possible, doing all of the little things that might go unnoticed if you aren't looking for, well, someone doing the little things without being asked or told (staying late to tidy up the gym or bus, taking extra reps w a newer player to help them work on their game).
Lyla is always picking up her teammates, she's a less vocal but strong leader who does so by example. Lyla's a high IQ player who sees the game at a different speed than most, and that, along with her disposition to want to set others up for success, makes her an ideal teammate and a strong foundation to build around.
Piper L. (7th VB)
Piper’s all-around excellence on the court is nothing short of exceptional, from her graceful dives to her powerful serves that keep the opposition on their toes. What truly sets Piper apart, however, is her ability to motivate and inspire her teammates. Her unwavering support and leadership make her a true asset to the team, both on and off the court. Piper’s dedication and commitment to the sport are evident in every match she plays. She consistently goes the extra mile to help her team succeed, making her a standout player and role model for her peers.
Max G. (8th FB)
Max was our top scorer this year. He is gifted with natural speed but doesn't take it for granted. He works hard in practice and fights for extra yards every time he carries the ball. If he gets past the first line of defense, he's gone. Nobody is going to catch him. He is a gifted athlete but is also humble and respectful. He doesn't boast about his achievements, and he is supportive of his teammates. The coaches are excited to see Max play football at the high school level next year.
Enzo P. (7th FB)
Enzo showed real tenacity as a defensive back. As a 7th-grade starter on the Panther's defense, he shut down runs to his side by fearlessly staring down the ball carrier and tackling with great technique. In one of our toughest games, Enzo brought the momentum back to our side by intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown. The coaches are excited to see what Enzo will be capable of next year.
Cate H. (Girls XC)
Cate is about as strong and dependable as an athlete can be! Cate never cuts corners, she continues to challenge herself and always seems to do the right thing in every situation. Cate brings out the best in her teammates and is a joy to coach!
Andres V. (Boys XC)
Andres has pushed himself physically all season and consistently finishes in the top three! At practice, Andres is a great role model for other athletes. He is hard-working, respectful, and has a great sense of humor. Athletes like Andres make cross-country fun!
The Fun Stuff
study hacks, reviews, gift ideas, and more!
Study Hacks:
Test Prep
Phe H., Ryan M.
- Before you start an exam, write down all your formulas.
- Don’t get distracted, use a website/program to block sites that distract you.
- Get inspired by watching a documentary, listening to a radio show, or reading a book to gain context and extra points!
- Mnemonic Devices. Helpful for remembering material. Such as, “My Very Excited Mother Just Sent Us Nine Pies” (helps you memorize the planets!)
- Color and vamp up your notes. Use colored pens, highlighters, and imagery, to recall details more easily.
- Practice. Read over old practice/old papers, and focus on questions or topics that frequently appear.
How to take a test successfully:
- Read through the whole test first, then answer.
- If you get stuck, skip it, see if you can get some information from the other questions, and then come back to it. If it's one of the last questions, go back through the previous questions.
- If you have extra time, review your answers and see if you can or should change any answers.
- Dont Stress!!
- Drink lots of water
- Take a bath
- Listen to upbeat music
- Smile, you got this!
Don’t rush, and go with your gut. If you need more help, talk to a teacher or parent.
A Day in the Life
by Riley M. and Isabella M.
This section is a new addition to our Panther Press! Two of our writers interviewed two students from each grade to see how their days go!
Tsadiku C. (8th grade)
Are you excited for high school?
Yes, I’m excited to meet new people.”
What do you do during recess?
“Talk to my friends.”
What would you buy if you had a million dollars?
“McDonald's.”
What do you think you will be doing in twenty years?
“I'll go to sleep and be a trillionaire.”
Who is your favorite teacher and class?
“P.E. with Mr. Turner.”
Nayeli G. (8th grade)
Are you excited for high school?
“A little bit.”
What do you do during recess?
“I go with Mrs. Grace and do missing work.”
What would you buy if you had a million dollars?
“A house.”
What do you think you will be doing in twenty years?
“I want to be a cosmetologist.”
Who is your favorite teacher and class?
“AVID is my favorite class and my favorite teacher is Mrs. Mall.”
Gio (7th grade)
Are you excited for 8th Grade?
“No, because the math is going to be harder.”
What do you do during recess?
“Play basketball.”
What would you buy if you had a million dollars?
“I would buy a car and a house.”
What do you think you will be doing in twenty years?
“Get a job as an office person.”
Who is your favorite teacher and class?
Audrey (7th grade)
Are you excited for 8th Grade?
”Yes.”
What do you do during recess?
“I either play volleyball or basketball or just walk around.”
What would you buy if you had a million dollars?
“I would give it to a charity and to the homeless.”
What do you think you will be doing in twenty years?
“I would want to be a doctor or a teacher.”
Who is your favorite teacher and class?
"ELA with teacher Elam.”
Brody (6th grade)
How is elementary school different from middle school?
“Elementary school is different because middle school is easier.”
What do you do during recess?
“During recess, I play basketball with my friends.”
What would you buy if you had a million dollars?
”A car.”
What do you think you will be doing in twenty years?
“A pro baseball player.”
Who is your favorite teacher and class?
"Advisory with Mrs. Douglass.”
Daisy (6th grade)
How is elementary school different from middle school?
“In elementary school, we had to go in a line to get to our other classes, and in middle school, we just had to get to class before the bell rings.”
What do you do during recess?
“I go to the library or I go to the field and play soccer.”
What would you buy if you had a million dollars?
“A house.”
What do you think you will be doing in twenty years?
“Shopping.”
Who is your favorite teacher and class?
"ELA."
Era's Tour Movie Review
by Parker B.
On October 13, 2023, the Eras Tour Movie was released. The movie showcases Taylor Swift’s well-known Eras Tour, featuring almost all of her “eras” or albums. The eras are, (in order) Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, Reputation, Lover, Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights.
The setlist was 41 songs long and included fan favorites like, “Cruel Summer,” “Bejeweled," “Midnight Rain," and “Style."
I saw the movie on October 13, the opening day. When we bought popcorn and a drink, it came in limited edition buckets and cups that had Swift's album covers on them, which I thought was very cool. The price was $19.89 for both, which was a tribute to her album 1989.
Once the movie started, it was a very fun atmosphere. Everyone was singing along and enjoying the movie.
Even though a few songs from the original setlist were left out of the movie, it was all very seamless, and it felt like you were there (only with a way better view for the entire show).
The only thing I would change about this movie would be to add back “Cardigan," “The Archer," "Wildest Dreams,” “Long Live,” and “No Body, No Crime,” which were the cut songs because they were some that I enjoy and didn’t get to see.
Overall I would give this movie 5/5 paw prints and would recommend it to anyone who loves Taylor.
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About Us
read about our writers, editors, and photographers here!
Naomi R.
Naomi is an 8th grade newspaper student who enjoys listening to 80-2000’s rap, making art, and spending time with friends. She enjoys playing volleyball and basketball.
Parker B.
Parker is an 8th grade newspaper student who loves to dance, make art, and read in her free time. She enjoys boating with her family, spending time with her friends, and playing basketball. Her dream career would be an interior designer or professional ballerina.
Hannah F.
Hannah is an 8th grader newspaper student who likes to dance, write, and paint. In her free time, she loves listening to Taylor Swift, dancing ballet, and hanging out with her friends and family.
Isley L.
Isley is an 8th grade newspaper student who likes to play basketball and ride horses.
Davina S.
Davina is an 8th grade newspaper student who plays volleyball, basketball, and loves skiing. She likes spending time with her friends, and having fun. When she is older, she wants to become a journalist.
Jezziraya K.
Jezzireya is an 8th grade newspaper student who likes listening to music, taking her cat for walks, and eating ice cream. She also likes to swim in the Hood River.
Phe H.
Phe is a 7th grade newspaper student who likes listening to music and crafting in her free time. She is also on the volleyball team and loves to dance, play lacrosse, bike, and ski. She finds much fun in swimming with friends and loves adrenaline boosting activities such as zip lining and bungee jumping.
Riley M.
Riley is an 8th grade newspaper student who loves to play Roblox, watch TikTok, go to the beach, and hang out with friends. Her dream career is to be a nurse or a hair stylist.
Isabella M.
Isabella is an eighth grade newspaper student who likes to do makeup and hair. She spends her time hanging out with friends and listening to music.
Layla W.
Layla is a 7th grade newspaper student who loves reading, listening to music, and dressing up her dog in costumes. She is on the 7th grade volleyball team and is a huge Taylor Swift fan.
Ryan M.
Ryan is an 8th grade newspaper student who loves to read and hangout with friends in the outdoors. She loves playing sports and doing physical activities. She’s on the 8th grade volleyball team and is doing wrestling and basketball in the winter.
Faith R.
Faith is an 8th grade newspaper student who enjoys listening to music, texting friends, football, and art. They often relax alone in their room, but make time for friends too.
Jordan K.
Jordan is in 7th grade and likes hanging out with friends, snowboarding, and basketball. In his free time he likes listening to music, especially R&B. When he's older he wants to be a professional snowboarder.
