by Aria H.
This November, I made a survey about a growing argument of when to decorate for Christmas. I picked one person of each grade including one teacher to average out and see the most picked answer. In 6th grade I picked Remi S., 7th Hattie H., 8th Allison I., and finally teacher, Mrs. Blaha.
The first question was “Do you decorate for Christmas?” They all said yes! The second question was: Do you decorate for Christmas on November first or wait until after Thanksgiving? The three choices were, “As soon as Halloween is over, Wait until Thanksgiving is over or somewhere in between Halloween and Thanksgiving. The average was after Thanksgiving. The third question was: Do you think it's understandable to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving? The most answered was yes.The fourth question was: Do you put up other decorations before the Christmas tree or all at the same time? The choices were: Other decor first, At the same time, and Christmas tree first. The average was tree first! Las,tly the last question was: Which one is better, Christmas or Thanksgiving? The most answered was… Christmas! Happy Thanksgiving!
This is the online newspaper for Yankton Middle School in Yankton, SD. Stories are written by student staff members.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Indoor Marching Show
story by Max A., photo by Mrs. Andrews
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On November 3rd, the first Monday of the month, the YMS 7th and 8th-grade bands and the YHS bands participated in this amazing event. YMS played “I’m Still Standing,” and also did a combined piece with the high school, “Louie, Louie”. YHS always performs skits to express their likes. The student teacher for Mrs. Belgum is a clarinet in the YHS band, doing a skit somewhat related to the show, where he is the king but is overthrown by his people. Almost every year, the trombones do a skit where they turn and extend the slide over the heads of their fellow members, over and over again. This year, there were some technical difficulties with the music, which unfortunately affected some of the skits. All in all, it was a great performance, and you might be in the show next year if you are in the 6th-grade band.
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Friday, November 21, 2025
Changing of the Seasons
by Sloane H.
It is no surprise that summer break is over and done with, no need to remind us. The fall is growing with every passing day, and I’m sure you’ve noticed too. A change in the weather, leaves falling off the surrounding trees, or even a change in festive decor.
I noticed it everyday this season. I have some examples, and I’m here to share them. As you read, I want you to think if you have noticed any changes too.
One cold October morning, my dad dropped me off by the sidewalk. When I began to walk, a shiver ran down my back, even with my winter coat on. The weather was already getting colder. I kept walking, and I cut through the grass. A small layer of frost covered the top.
The trees that day were a mix of colors. Some were yellow with a little of green. Others were darker shades, mainly of oranges and browns. They all blended together like paint on an empty canvas.
As I got closer to the door, the reflection of the trees behind me showed, and for a split second, it looked like a rare beauty.
The next day, I walked to the doors again. This time was different. I saw people by their front lawns, setting up decorations for the winter and Christmas days. It was a couple days before Halloween. In my opinion, I thought it was a little too early. In my family, we decorate in mid-November.
The leaves on the ground twirled in the wind, they made satisfying crunches as they landed. Some fell into a puddle and made no noise. Most of the leaves are so fragile, they might crumble if you hold them in your hand. The others were hard to crack.
Another day, in November, it had snowed. The thick, flat layer of white covered the ground and rooftops. The snow sprinkled as it fell to the grass. Buried underneath, it still was visible, brown and colorless.
A winter wonderland was just appearing, very early though. The year before, barely any snow fell. Only three times in December did it come at all. This year, I don't think that will happen again.
In the conclusion of this article, the season is changing fast and the weather is getting colder. So keep warm, notice how it’s changing, and have a great year!!
It is no surprise that summer break is over and done with, no need to remind us. The fall is growing with every passing day, and I’m sure you’ve noticed too. A change in the weather, leaves falling off the surrounding trees, or even a change in festive decor.
I noticed it everyday this season. I have some examples, and I’m here to share them. As you read, I want you to think if you have noticed any changes too.
One cold October morning, my dad dropped me off by the sidewalk. When I began to walk, a shiver ran down my back, even with my winter coat on. The weather was already getting colder. I kept walking, and I cut through the grass. A small layer of frost covered the top.
The trees that day were a mix of colors. Some were yellow with a little of green. Others were darker shades, mainly of oranges and browns. They all blended together like paint on an empty canvas.
As I got closer to the door, the reflection of the trees behind me showed, and for a split second, it looked like a rare beauty.
The next day, I walked to the doors again. This time was different. I saw people by their front lawns, setting up decorations for the winter and Christmas days. It was a couple days before Halloween. In my opinion, I thought it was a little too early. In my family, we decorate in mid-November.
The leaves on the ground twirled in the wind, they made satisfying crunches as they landed. Some fell into a puddle and made no noise. Most of the leaves are so fragile, they might crumble if you hold them in your hand. The others were hard to crack.
Another day, in November, it had snowed. The thick, flat layer of white covered the ground and rooftops. The snow sprinkled as it fell to the grass. Buried underneath, it still was visible, brown and colorless.
A winter wonderland was just appearing, very early though. The year before, barely any snow fell. Only three times in December did it come at all. This year, I don't think that will happen again.
In the conclusion of this article, the season is changing fast and the weather is getting colder. So keep warm, notice how it’s changing, and have a great year!!
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Fall into a Good Book!
So the first book I am rating is called Thanksgiving on Thursday. In my opinion, it’s a really interesting book, but the Book cover makes it look unappealing to the actual story plot. I think if you want to read a Thanksgiving book, it should look appealing and have a good story plot. So far I give this book a 7/10. I would definitely recommend this book if you want to read about a Thanksgiving adventure.
The next book I will rate is another book connected to the last one. It’s called Pilgrims, and it’s a factional book connected to the last one. It tells facts that the last story may have missed. So for anyone who wants a non-fiction Thanksgiving book I recommend this book. I give this book a 9/10!
Monday, November 10, 2025
150 Book Challenge
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| Teachers log books and then the books appear on the bookshelves in the display case by the office's lost and found table. |
story by Kenley S., photo by Mrs. Andrews
The 150 book challenge is a challenge for teachers to read more. It is also a way to celebrate 150 years of YSD.
I interviewed two staff members of YMS, Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Buechler to find out what they think. I asked both teachers if they were excited for the challenge and they replied “Yes, it’s good for staff that love to read.” I also asked about their favorite author and favorite book. Mrs. Buechler replied, The Lord of the Rings is my favorite book and my favorite author is Sarah J. Maas.” Mrs. Andrews replied, “My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird and my favorite author is Anthony Doerr.” Then I asked the teachers how many books they think they will read and they both expect to read ten. Finally, they both added that they hope the challenge will encourage students to read by showing them that teachers read for fun, too!
Friday, November 7, 2025
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Results of the Dress Up Days Survey
by Saige N. and Josie A.
We made a survey on the homecoming dress-up days a few weeks ago. It was open the first 2 weeks of October. In total, we had 33 responses to it. There were seven questions. Here are the results from the survey.
The first question I’m answering is, “What was your favorite dress-up day this year?” Nine people chose Twin Day, while there were seven people for both Jersey Day and Throwback Day, 6 for Country vs. Country Club, and 4 for School Spirit Day.
Question 2 was, “What throwback decade would be most fun?” The 1980s won by a landslide with 24 out of 33 people. The 1960s surprisingly had six people. The 1970s had only three people.
Question 3 was, “What dress-up days do you want next year?” We are only putting in the ones we saw the most of. The most popular one was Pajama Day. The next one was teachers dressing up like students and students dressing like teachers. A couple of other ones were color code, movie day, and hat day.
The fourth question was, “Did you dress up?” Nineteen people said yes, one person said no, and 13 people said some days.
The next question was, “Did you have fun costumes?” Seven people said no, while the other 26 said yes.
The final question was, “Will you dress up next year?” Unfortunately, two people said no. The other 31 people said yes!
Thank you to everyone who answered the survey! We really appreciate it.
We made a survey on the homecoming dress-up days a few weeks ago. It was open the first 2 weeks of October. In total, we had 33 responses to it. There were seven questions. Here are the results from the survey.
The first question I’m answering is, “What was your favorite dress-up day this year?” Nine people chose Twin Day, while there were seven people for both Jersey Day and Throwback Day, 6 for Country vs. Country Club, and 4 for School Spirit Day.
Question 2 was, “What throwback decade would be most fun?” The 1980s won by a landslide with 24 out of 33 people. The 1960s surprisingly had six people. The 1970s had only three people.
Question 3 was, “What dress-up days do you want next year?” We are only putting in the ones we saw the most of. The most popular one was Pajama Day. The next one was teachers dressing up like students and students dressing like teachers. A couple of other ones were color code, movie day, and hat day.
The fourth question was, “Did you dress up?” Nineteen people said yes, one person said no, and 13 people said some days.
The next question was, “Did you have fun costumes?” Seven people said no, while the other 26 said yes.
The final question was, “Will you dress up next year?” Unfortunately, two people said no. The other 31 people said yes!
Thank you to everyone who answered the survey! We really appreciate it.
Monday, November 3, 2025
Girls Basketball Starts!
by Aria H.
On October 20th, 2025, girls basketball officially tipped off at Yankton Middle School! Basketball is a fast-paced, teamwork-driven sport that requires skill, coordination, and dedication. It was first introduced to women in 1892 at Smith College—just one year after the sport itself was invented. No wonder so many young athletes are eager to join this season!
To learn more about the excitement surrounding this year’s team, I interviewed a few of the players.
First, I spoke with Jocelyn H.
I began by asking, “Are you excited for the season to start?”
She smiled and answered, “Yes, because it gives me something to do during the school year.”
I followed up with, “What do you think you’re best at in basketball?”
Without hesitation, Jocelyn replied, “I think I’m best at shooting!”
She also told me that she played last year — and when I asked why she decided to join again, Jocelyn said, “Because I played basketball last year and I enjoyed it!”
It’s always inspiring to see someone stick with something they truly love.
I then got the chance to talk with Nora B., one of the players on the seventh-grade basketball team. My first question for her was, “Are you excited for the season to start?” She grinned and said enthusiastically, “Yes!”
When I asked what she thought she was best at in basketball, Nora replied, “I think I’m best at shooting from the block.” She told me she also played basketball last year, so this isn’t her first season on the court.
Finally, I asked why she decided to sign up again this year. With a big smile, she said, “I signed up for basketball because it’s my favorite sport, and it’s the one I think I’m best at.”
After our chat, I thanked her for her time and headed off feeling excited for the season ahead too.
As the season gets underway, it’s clear that the Yankton Middle School girls’ basketball team is ready to give it their all. With teamwork, determination, and plenty of school spirit, these players are sure to make this season one to remember. Go Gazelles!
On October 20th, 2025, girls basketball officially tipped off at Yankton Middle School! Basketball is a fast-paced, teamwork-driven sport that requires skill, coordination, and dedication. It was first introduced to women in 1892 at Smith College—just one year after the sport itself was invented. No wonder so many young athletes are eager to join this season!
To learn more about the excitement surrounding this year’s team, I interviewed a few of the players.
First, I spoke with Jocelyn H.
I began by asking, “Are you excited for the season to start?”
She smiled and answered, “Yes, because it gives me something to do during the school year.”
I followed up with, “What do you think you’re best at in basketball?”
Without hesitation, Jocelyn replied, “I think I’m best at shooting!”
She also told me that she played last year — and when I asked why she decided to join again, Jocelyn said, “Because I played basketball last year and I enjoyed it!”
It’s always inspiring to see someone stick with something they truly love.
I then got the chance to talk with Nora B., one of the players on the seventh-grade basketball team. My first question for her was, “Are you excited for the season to start?” She grinned and said enthusiastically, “Yes!”
When I asked what she thought she was best at in basketball, Nora replied, “I think I’m best at shooting from the block.” She told me she also played basketball last year, so this isn’t her first season on the court.
Finally, I asked why she decided to sign up again this year. With a big smile, she said, “I signed up for basketball because it’s my favorite sport, and it’s the one I think I’m best at.”
After our chat, I thanked her for her time and headed off feeling excited for the season ahead too.
As the season gets underway, it’s clear that the Yankton Middle School girls’ basketball team is ready to give it their all. With teamwork, determination, and plenty of school spirit, these players are sure to make this season one to remember. Go Gazelles!
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