by Sydney S.
Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, and I’m just going to say what we were all thinking: Happy birthday, Albert Einstein! Want to know some amazing and jaw-dropping facts about him? I’ll take your silence as a yes!
Did you know that Albert Einstein was almost the second president of Israel? They offered him the position, but he told them he had “neither the natural ability nor the experience to deal with human beings.”
Albert Einstein also HATED school! He didn’t like the rules, and one of his teachers once told him, “he wouldn’t amount to anything.”
Einstein hated socks, too! He barely ever wore them, even to fancy dinners. He believed socks were a nuisance because they always had holes!
He didn’t start talking until he was three years old. People began to think he was slow because it took him so long. He even repeated sentences until he was seven.
Einstein believed that knowledge isn’t as important as imagination. Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
Albert Einstein also loved animals. He had a tabby cat named Tiger and a dog named Chico. Einstein once said, “There are two means of refuge from the misery of life: music and cats.” At one point, he also had a parrot named Bibo. People reported that he used to tell Bibo bad jokes to cheer the parrot up!
Einstein co-invented the refrigerator! He worked with his student Leo Szilard to invent an eco-friendly refrigerator, aiming to avoid the toxic gases found in earlier models.
Well, those were some awesome facts! I hope you had fun learning about Albert Einstein! See you later!
This is the online newspaper for Yankton Middle School in Yankton, SD. Stories are written by student staff members.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
March Secret Staff Member
story by??? (author will be revealed when the Staff Member is revealed)
A staff member was asked a few questions, just like last month, but with slight variations. Time for a refresh, here are the rules: you're allowed to ask all and any of your teachers questions to see if they match up to our secret staff member.
Our staff members' favorite food is pizza, specifically Pizza Ranch Sweet Swine with barbecue sauce, not marinara. They graduated from the Pocahontas area in Iowa.
They have more than one sibling. Their favorite color is pink, and their favorite shape is a crescent. They have one pet, and their favorite person to work with is Mrs. Todd.
Their favorite movie is Olaf's Frozen Adventure. Their favorite soda is Dr. Pepper, and they've worked here at YMS for 3 years.
Here are your hints for this month's secret staff member. Good luck. Remember that this could be any staff member throughout YMS. Just like last time, ask a few questions to find what you're looking for. Good luck!
Click this link when you are ready to submit your guess!
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Wayne State Band Competition
By Saige N.
Tomorrow, the YMS band will compete at Wayne State University. At this competition, the band will play Ancient Flower and La Fiesta Brava. They will not be playing English Folksong Suite or Three Scottish Vistas. The Jazz band, separate from the regular band, will also play a few songs. Last year, the jazz band did very well and got to be on the front of the website this year. At Wayne, the band will play songs, listen to songs, and eat a lot of food. The food will be amazing. They will be gone all day. Have fun and do good, band!!
Tomorrow, the YMS band will compete at Wayne State University. At this competition, the band will play Ancient Flower and La Fiesta Brava. They will not be playing English Folksong Suite or Three Scottish Vistas. The Jazz band, separate from the regular band, will also play a few songs. Last year, the jazz band did very well and got to be on the front of the website this year. At Wayne, the band will play songs, listen to songs, and eat a lot of food. The food will be amazing. They will be gone all day. Have fun and do good, band!!
Monday, March 9, 2026
February Secret Staff Member Revealed!
Our next Secret Staff Member story will post Wednesday morning!
Thursday, March 5, 2026
8th Graders Register for YHS Classes
by Josie A.
I interviewed Mariah T. and Lilly D. to ask them how they felt about high school registration. I asked them three questions: What feeling did you have during registration? Are you excited for high school? What are some of the classes you signed up for?
First, Mariah’s answers. She said she was “nervous but eager to sign up!” For the second question, she said she is excited for high school because there will be new teachers and new things to try, but she is also nervous that she will feel lost for the first few days. For the last question, a few of the cases she signed up for are Algebra I, English I, Finish Carpentry, and Choir.
Next, we have Lilly’s answers. For the first question, she was “scared because there were so many classes and it was intimidating.” She was also happy to see how many choices there were and to find out what was best for her! Next, she said yes because she can’t wait to experience things with her friends and make new friends. Finally, she signed up for Honors English, Algebra I, and Art.
Thank you for reading this! Hope everyone else's registration went well!
I interviewed Mariah T. and Lilly D. to ask them how they felt about high school registration. I asked them three questions: What feeling did you have during registration? Are you excited for high school? What are some of the classes you signed up for?
First, Mariah’s answers. She said she was “nervous but eager to sign up!” For the second question, she said she is excited for high school because there will be new teachers and new things to try, but she is also nervous that she will feel lost for the first few days. For the last question, a few of the cases she signed up for are Algebra I, English I, Finish Carpentry, and Choir.
Next, we have Lilly’s answers. For the first question, she was “scared because there were so many classes and it was intimidating.” She was also happy to see how many choices there were and to find out what was best for her! Next, she said yes because she can’t wait to experience things with her friends and make new friends. Finally, she signed up for Honors English, Algebra I, and Art.
Thank you for reading this! Hope everyone else's registration went well!
Friday, February 27, 2026
Black History Month
By: Aubrey H.
Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the achievements, struggles, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. For many years, these contributions were ignored or minimized, even though they played a significant role in shaping the United States. From overcoming the injustice of slavery to leading movements for civil rights and equality, Black Americans have shown resilience, creativity, and determination. Learning about Black history is essential not only to understand the past, but also to better understand the society we live in today. On February 5th, I interviewed all the social studies teachers at YMS to learn what they know about Black History Month and why they think it's essential.
Starting strong with Mr. Hohn in 6th grade. Mr. Hohn said that "the idea of the movement started back in the mid-1920s by Carter Woodsen, as well as other organizations, such as the study of African American History. I know initially it was more of a week designated for Black Americans until it eventually bloomed on college campuses during the civil rights era. Gerald Ford eventually recognized it on a federal level in 1902, and Black History Month started to take on the form of what we think of it now, today. I think Black History Month is extremely important to celebrate because I think we need to recognize the efforts of Black Americans, such as leaders, activists, and role models, throughout our country's history. Its an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the fight against slavery, segregation, racism while also celebrating resilience and progress. Black History Month, however, is not just about recognizing the past; it's about understanding the present and learning how to shape a better future. If we forget history and our past, then we will also forget how to take the right steps forward."
Moving forward to Ms. Stanosheck from 6th grade as well. Ms. Stanosheck started with…" I have a mug in my classroom that says, "Don't make me repeat myself - History." This is a play on the common idea that history repeats itself. I'd like to state that it doesn't necessarily have to be true. If we teach about the terrible things that happened in the past, hopefully students will grow up to be citizens that don't allow such atrocities to happen again. Unfortunately, the history of black Americans is that of slavery and segregation. Those things must be taught to keep them from happening again."
These are excellent answers so far for 6th grade. Moving on to our 7th-grade teachers, we have Mrs. Blaha and Mr. Huber.
First from 7th grade is Mrs. Blaha. Mrs. Blaha exclaimed that…" I think Black History Month is essential to the study of history. The history of African Americans was widely left out of the narrative of United States history. Black History Month celebrates the accomplishments of people with African ancestry and recognizes the roles of the ethnicity throughout American history. Studying history from all perspectives helps us to fully understand historical events and how those events shaped the world we live in today.”
Now, Mr. Huber teaches 7th and 8th-grade social studies. Mr. Huber said, "Black History Month is an important cultural experience that is celebrated in the United States and a few other countries. If my memory serves me, it started as a weeklong celebration in its origin and then was expanded later on. I think it is important to celebrate the many cultures of the United States, and the impacts they have made on our society. I often think about being in the profession of Education, and a quote from Frederick Douglas often comes to mind. The quote states, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
Now, last but not least, our 8th-grade social studies teacher. Mr. Savey.
Mr. Savey exclaimed that "I feel that it is very important to learn about Black History Month in my classroom because it recognizes the achievements and contributions of Black Americans that have often been overlooked in traditional history. It helps provide a more complete and accurate understanding of American History by acknowledging both the struggles and successes of Black individuals. Black History Month honors resilience, inspires future generations, and reminds us that Black History is an essential part of American History."
Black History Month is more than just something we celebrate in February; it's a time to remember the bravery, strength, and achievements of African Americans throughout history. This year is extra special because it marks 100 years since it first began as Negro History Week in 1926, started by Carter G. Woodson. What began as just one week has grown into a whole month that is recognized across the country. As the teachers at YMS shared, learning about Black history helps us understand the struggles people faced in the past and the progress that has been made. It reminds us why equality and fairness are so important. By learning about and honoring Black history, we can make sure these important stories are never forgotten and continue working toward a better future for everyone.
Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the achievements, struggles, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. For many years, these contributions were ignored or minimized, even though they played a significant role in shaping the United States. From overcoming the injustice of slavery to leading movements for civil rights and equality, Black Americans have shown resilience, creativity, and determination. Learning about Black history is essential not only to understand the past, but also to better understand the society we live in today. On February 5th, I interviewed all the social studies teachers at YMS to learn what they know about Black History Month and why they think it's essential.
Starting strong with Mr. Hohn in 6th grade. Mr. Hohn said that "the idea of the movement started back in the mid-1920s by Carter Woodsen, as well as other organizations, such as the study of African American History. I know initially it was more of a week designated for Black Americans until it eventually bloomed on college campuses during the civil rights era. Gerald Ford eventually recognized it on a federal level in 1902, and Black History Month started to take on the form of what we think of it now, today. I think Black History Month is extremely important to celebrate because I think we need to recognize the efforts of Black Americans, such as leaders, activists, and role models, throughout our country's history. Its an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the fight against slavery, segregation, racism while also celebrating resilience and progress. Black History Month, however, is not just about recognizing the past; it's about understanding the present and learning how to shape a better future. If we forget history and our past, then we will also forget how to take the right steps forward."
Moving forward to Ms. Stanosheck from 6th grade as well. Ms. Stanosheck started with…" I have a mug in my classroom that says, "Don't make me repeat myself - History." This is a play on the common idea that history repeats itself. I'd like to state that it doesn't necessarily have to be true. If we teach about the terrible things that happened in the past, hopefully students will grow up to be citizens that don't allow such atrocities to happen again. Unfortunately, the history of black Americans is that of slavery and segregation. Those things must be taught to keep them from happening again."
These are excellent answers so far for 6th grade. Moving on to our 7th-grade teachers, we have Mrs. Blaha and Mr. Huber.
First from 7th grade is Mrs. Blaha. Mrs. Blaha exclaimed that…" I think Black History Month is essential to the study of history. The history of African Americans was widely left out of the narrative of United States history. Black History Month celebrates the accomplishments of people with African ancestry and recognizes the roles of the ethnicity throughout American history. Studying history from all perspectives helps us to fully understand historical events and how those events shaped the world we live in today.”
Now, Mr. Huber teaches 7th and 8th-grade social studies. Mr. Huber said, "Black History Month is an important cultural experience that is celebrated in the United States and a few other countries. If my memory serves me, it started as a weeklong celebration in its origin and then was expanded later on. I think it is important to celebrate the many cultures of the United States, and the impacts they have made on our society. I often think about being in the profession of Education, and a quote from Frederick Douglas often comes to mind. The quote states, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
Now, last but not least, our 8th-grade social studies teacher. Mr. Savey.
Mr. Savey exclaimed that "I feel that it is very important to learn about Black History Month in my classroom because it recognizes the achievements and contributions of Black Americans that have often been overlooked in traditional history. It helps provide a more complete and accurate understanding of American History by acknowledging both the struggles and successes of Black individuals. Black History Month honors resilience, inspires future generations, and reminds us that Black History is an essential part of American History."
Black History Month is more than just something we celebrate in February; it's a time to remember the bravery, strength, and achievements of African Americans throughout history. This year is extra special because it marks 100 years since it first began as Negro History Week in 1926, started by Carter G. Woodson. What began as just one week has grown into a whole month that is recognized across the country. As the teachers at YMS shared, learning about Black history helps us understand the struggles people faced in the past and the progress that has been made. It reminds us why equality and fairness are so important. By learning about and honoring Black history, we can make sure these important stories are never forgotten and continue working toward a better future for everyone.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Perspective from a New Student
by Kenley S.
Emersyn H. is a new student at YMS. I have interviewed her to see her perspective.
Emersyn H. is a new student at YMS. I have interviewed her to see her perspective.
The first question I asked was, are you liking YMS and what is your favorite thing here?
She responded “Yes, and my favorite thing is the teachers.”
Next I asked where you were from and what brought you here.
She said “I am from Elkpoint, and I came because of family.” She also said she has been to Yankton before. Emersyn said she might try school activities including volleyball or basketball.
Be sure to be nice to all new students!
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