Choir UIL
By: Adiha Campbell
The Briscoe
choir has recently, as of April 9th participated in the University
interscholastic league choir contest. They received immaculate scores in both
divisions, including concert and sight reading. Many say this is hard to do,
but they feel it was well deserved.
“We started
preparing in January for the pieces but the preparation is a yearlong process
for sight reading,” says Ms. Morris, Briscoe’s choir teacher.
Before this
the choir also participated in Pre-UIL, which is an imitation of UIL.” The
purpose of this was to see exactly what we need to improve on, to get a perfect
score at UIL,” says Morris.
Now that UIL
is over, they have a pop performance scheduled May 19th for the rest
of the school to enjoy. “I’m really excited to do the pop concert, I think
everyone will really enjoy it!” exclaims 8th grader, Sarah
Archibong.
Boogie Down to the Briscoe Band
Story By: Adiha Campbell
Recently,
the Briscoe Junior High Symphonic band has participated in the University
Interscholastic league Band Contest. Not only did they excel in their division,
but they received a perfect score in both sections, including their Concert and
Sight reading portion.
“Although it was challenging to get the band to focus at times, it was still very exciting to get to do this with them,” says Ms. Hendrix. “I knew all of hard work would pay off though, we had been practicing the pieces we played for three months.”
“Some may not understand the purpose of the contest, but as a high school band teacher, I can say that it helps students prepare for high school band, and all the contests we have.”Ms.Hix says.
To help practice, the Band also participated in Pre- UIL, which is an imitation of the real thing.
“Pre-UIL gave us a chance to get comments from judges so that we know what to improve on for UIL. It was very helpful, the judges gave us some great feedback,” Ms. Hendrix added.
Now that UIL is over, the band is planning a Spring Concert coming up in May. “We are working on some intriguing new music for the parents.”
“Overall, it was kind of nerve wrecking, but also really fun,” Alyssa Rodriguez says. “I can’t wait to do this next year”.
“Although it was challenging to get the band to focus at times, it was still very exciting to get to do this with them,” says Ms. Hendrix. “I knew all of hard work would pay off though, we had been practicing the pieces we played for three months.”
“Some may not understand the purpose of the contest, but as a high school band teacher, I can say that it helps students prepare for high school band, and all the contests we have.”Ms.Hix says.
To help practice, the Band also participated in Pre- UIL, which is an imitation of the real thing.
“Pre-UIL gave us a chance to get comments from judges so that we know what to improve on for UIL. It was very helpful, the judges gave us some great feedback,” Ms. Hendrix added.
Now that UIL is over, the band is planning a Spring Concert coming up in May. “We are working on some intriguing new music for the parents.”
“Overall, it was kind of nerve wrecking, but also really fun,” Alyssa Rodriguez says. “I can’t wait to do this next year”.
Making A Full Book Of Memories
By: Megan O'Donnell & Brittany Moseley
Packing a whole year of memories into one simple book might seem hard, but the Briscoe yearbook staff makes it look easy.
Yearbook is one of the many clubs at Briscoe, and is student run by eighth graders with only the help of one teacher, Ms. Witty. Yearbook is offered to all coming 8th graders, and you can apply for editor, co-editor layout, photographer, leader, treasurer, and manager. “Yearbook is all about making the yearbook (for the students and staff to buy), making friends, and learning social skills,” said spread/photo specialist, Esther Njagi. To get into yearbook class, in coming eighth graders must fill out a packet including questions about themselves, what qualities they bring to Briscoe and to yearbook, and a mock yearbook page. Getting into yearbook takes dedication. “When I got accepted, I was excited to be able to create a yearbook that the school would look at,” said photographer, Cami Nurtubise. |
During class, yearbook students spend their time going on StudioWorks, which is the program that the students use to create the yearbook. StudioWorks is run by Balfour which is the company that Briscoe gets their yearbooks from.
Throughout the school year, the yearbook staff learns skills such as social, managing money, and creativity. At the end of the year once the yearbooks come in, the yearbook staff gets to see just how great they did and how the students react to their work. “I hope the school enjoys it and appreciate the hard work that we put in to making this yearbook,” said spread/photo specialist, Eden Espirit. From experiencing new freedoms with their spreads, to making and hanging out with new friends, yearbook is all about hard work and dedication with a splash of fun. |
One of a Kind Art
By: Kayla Sukhu
We have a new artist legend at Briscoe Jr High.
Xin Zhuang, is the new Leonardo Da Vinci. In Spring, 2015, Zhuang, 8th grader at Briscoe, got his art published in the article, “Texas Register.”
Students’ artwork is used to decorate the front cover and blank pages of, “Texas Register”. Teachers throughout the state submit arts of different kinds from kindergarten through 12th grade. The artwork from these students dress up the gray pages and introduce students to the important facet of state government.
“I was a little shocked and surprised at what I did because I didn’t know at first. Instead of brown wings and a gold beak, they turned my eagle into different colors, black and white,” said Zhuang.
Zhuang’s drawing was like no other. He had drawn an eagle soaring above tall trees and grasses.
“It’s not about winning, it’s about trying your best. I don’t care if I lose, because my friends are happy with and for me,” said Zhuang.
Ms. Feuge and Mr. Semmler are proud of Zhuang and his art.
“Zhuang is a very hard worker and always finishes what needs to be done,” said Briscoe’s art teacher, Audrey Feuge.
Zhuang had gotten his art published in an article and won ribbons for his artwork. There are many different kinds of art that get published in the article, “Texas Register.”
“What Zhuang did, was awesome. I’m very proud about the hard work he put in his art,” said Semmler. “I am also very impressed, not just towards his art, but towards every art student at Briscoe Jr High.”
We have a new artist legend at Briscoe Jr High.
Xin Zhuang, is the new Leonardo Da Vinci. In Spring, 2015, Zhuang, 8th grader at Briscoe, got his art published in the article, “Texas Register.”
Students’ artwork is used to decorate the front cover and blank pages of, “Texas Register”. Teachers throughout the state submit arts of different kinds from kindergarten through 12th grade. The artwork from these students dress up the gray pages and introduce students to the important facet of state government.
“I was a little shocked and surprised at what I did because I didn’t know at first. Instead of brown wings and a gold beak, they turned my eagle into different colors, black and white,” said Zhuang.
Zhuang’s drawing was like no other. He had drawn an eagle soaring above tall trees and grasses.
“It’s not about winning, it’s about trying your best. I don’t care if I lose, because my friends are happy with and for me,” said Zhuang.
Ms. Feuge and Mr. Semmler are proud of Zhuang and his art.
“Zhuang is a very hard worker and always finishes what needs to be done,” said Briscoe’s art teacher, Audrey Feuge.
Zhuang had gotten his art published in an article and won ribbons for his artwork. There are many different kinds of art that get published in the article, “Texas Register.”
“What Zhuang did, was awesome. I’m very proud about the hard work he put in his art,” said Semmler. “I am also very impressed, not just towards his art, but towards every art student at Briscoe Jr High.”
Briscoe takes on MathCON
By: Megan O'Donnell and Brittany Moseley
Behind The Scenes of the 8th Grade Choir Crew
By: Vanessa Ikomi & Anisat Kosoko
Briscoe Junior High is rising to the top with its 8th grade varsity choir. The boys and girls have been working hard to get where they are today. “I’ve been singing for many years, although it was ended by an accident I had,” says Melanie Morris, choir teacher at Briscoe. Morris, has been teaching choir for a year, however she has been singing for 5 years through her church prior to that Morris dedicated her life to the violin. After her wrist injury, she was moved to singing, and to creating music, and that’s when she turned to singing. Currently she shares her passion for singing with her talented students. “I think my students have a lot of passion in their voice when they start singing,” Morris says. Morris has a lot of talented singers and helpers in her choir; one of them being Jackson Hyde. |
“Hyde is very hard working, and a great leader. He is always willing to help other new kids with their works,” Morris explained about Hyde in their choir. Singing has been a part of Hyde’s life since long before Briscoe choir. “I have been singing since I was a child. I am also in church choir, “Hyde explains. Though Morris believes that Hyde is a good student, she also thinks Sydney Davies, an 8th grader, is also one of her best students. “She is always very polite and willing to do whatever is asked of her, she will always be my star student”, says Morris. Although at the end of the day Morris considers her and her students family. “I believe that my students are very talented and have a lot coming in their near future.” |
Anime Gone Wild
By: Vanessa Ikomi and Anisat Kosoko
The students of Briscoe Junior High are beginning a newly made organization with the name of Anime Club. Anime Club is a gathering held after school in the library on Mondays from four to five o’clock for students interested in anime cartoons, and drawings.
The group was made at the beginning of the school year, as a new addition to types of activities students can do in their spare time after school. Most of the twenty two students in this club attend the meetings as a way to share common interests with others. They usually watch anime, discuss about it, and then rate it. The group also consists of two major captains, Elizabeth Kolb as vice president, and Paige Neilson as president. “This club is made for people like me to bond together, and chat about anime characters and shows” Neilson quotes. Lani Alvarado, one of the students involved in the club, was interviewed to get a better view of what the union is really about. |
“This club is made for people like me to bond together, and chat about anime characters and shows” Neilson quotes.
Lani Alvarado, one of the students involved in the club, was interviewed to get a better view of what the union is really about. “The club is made for helping people feel accepted by others, but also having the same likings,” Alvarado says. They don’t just watch videos and draw anime characters, but they get involved in festivals, and costume plays. “We plan on starting upcoming fundraisers for the school as well…but we just need Mr. Semmler’s permission first,” Alvarado states. Elizabeth Kolb, another student involved in the club, states Though throughout their whole experience so far they let people know it’s not only about the anime but also about friendship and doing what makes you happy. “At the end of the day we’re just a group of nerdy friends obsessed with anime,” quotes kolb. |
Painting Their Way Through the Competition
By: Nicole Ikomi & Kayla Sukhu
Students Attend Meetings Religiously
By: Vanessa Ikomi
Learning more about Christianity doesn’t have to wait until Sunday for students about Briscoe.
Fellowship of Christian Students, an organization held bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursday at Briscoe, provides an opportunity to for students seek additional fellowship and bonding opportunities for those who are interested in the Christian club.
Russell Walje, the FCS sponsor, teaches students about God during his classes held either in Mrs.Varges’s classroom or the small gym in the morning. Walje teaches students how to deal with difficulties in life while realizing that there’s always someone. For many students this serves as a little light of hope when they’re feeling down.
Lindsey Hines, the daughter of one of the club sponsors who is an eighth-grader at Briscoe, attends the religiously.
“I plan on learning that God can always forgive the mistake you make as long as you just pray,” Hines said of what she hopes to get out of the organization.
But Hines isn’t the only one benefitting from the perks of the faith-based program at Briscoe. The group was created in 2008. The program has grown steadily over the years, today there are around 50-100 students gather weekly to learn more about God. Students in FCS would agree that not only is it a very good learning experience for anyone facing tough times, but it is also extremely fun. Students play lots of fun games like kick-ball, dodge-ball, flag-tag, and basketball on Thursday mornings.
The sponsors of the club are Rebecca Widaski, Lisa Varges, Wesley Hines and Principal Michael Semmler. Hines feels that the sponsors are doing a great job facilitating.
“What I like about them (the sponsors) is how they actually think about the problems most kids face these days like depression, doubtfulness, and suicide,” said Hines.
Walje said he started this event to show students that there’s more to teach from the Bible than just right and wrong. There’s also forgiveness. Walje said he is motivated by the power of sharing the Word.
“Because of god and the children…and the combining of that it means to me that I should share the meaning of God to other people,” Walje said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the organization or becoming part of the group is welcome to attend in room 1416 on Tuesday morning or at the small gym every Thursday morning at 7:40-8:00 a.m.
Learning more about Christianity doesn’t have to wait until Sunday for students about Briscoe.
Fellowship of Christian Students, an organization held bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursday at Briscoe, provides an opportunity to for students seek additional fellowship and bonding opportunities for those who are interested in the Christian club.
Russell Walje, the FCS sponsor, teaches students about God during his classes held either in Mrs.Varges’s classroom or the small gym in the morning. Walje teaches students how to deal with difficulties in life while realizing that there’s always someone. For many students this serves as a little light of hope when they’re feeling down.
Lindsey Hines, the daughter of one of the club sponsors who is an eighth-grader at Briscoe, attends the religiously.
“I plan on learning that God can always forgive the mistake you make as long as you just pray,” Hines said of what she hopes to get out of the organization.
But Hines isn’t the only one benefitting from the perks of the faith-based program at Briscoe. The group was created in 2008. The program has grown steadily over the years, today there are around 50-100 students gather weekly to learn more about God. Students in FCS would agree that not only is it a very good learning experience for anyone facing tough times, but it is also extremely fun. Students play lots of fun games like kick-ball, dodge-ball, flag-tag, and basketball on Thursday mornings.
The sponsors of the club are Rebecca Widaski, Lisa Varges, Wesley Hines and Principal Michael Semmler. Hines feels that the sponsors are doing a great job facilitating.
“What I like about them (the sponsors) is how they actually think about the problems most kids face these days like depression, doubtfulness, and suicide,” said Hines.
Walje said he started this event to show students that there’s more to teach from the Bible than just right and wrong. There’s also forgiveness. Walje said he is motivated by the power of sharing the Word.
“Because of god and the children…and the combining of that it means to me that I should share the meaning of God to other people,” Walje said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the organization or becoming part of the group is welcome to attend in room 1416 on Tuesday morning or at the small gym every Thursday morning at 7:40-8:00 a.m.