YMS out of school activities

by Aubrey H.

On January 8, 2026. I interviewed a couple of YMS students about their out-of-school activities and why they enjoy them. I also asked whether they would recommend the sport they play to others and why.

First, I interviewed Remi S, who is in 6th grade. Remi said her out-of-school activity is “soccer, because it's really fun and entertaining. I also like it because I play goalie and that's really fun. Also because of my teammates and that there is a lot of action.” I then asked Remi if she would recommend soccer to other students of YMS, and right away Remi answered “yes, because it builds character and makes you stronger, and you can endure more stuff like getting hurt. You also get to play with your teammates, and that makes it really fun.”

I really hope that Remi S. is encouraging you to try soccer. Now on to our 7th graders. I interviewed two 7th graders.

First, I interviewed Aria H. Aria said her out-of-school activity is “softball, because of the teammates and how many new people you meet, people you may not have met if I didn’t sign up years ago.” I then asked Aria if she would recommend softball to other students of YMS, and right away she answered “yes, because it's a very active sport. You also get to be with all your friends, and you also get to travel to different places.”

Next, I interviewed Ericka S. Ericka said her out-of-school activity is “Gymnastics, because it's very fun and I get to hang out with friends.” I then asked whether she would recommend gymnastics to other students. Ericka answered yes because you get to get a coach you will have fun with and you get to learn/ get to do more things you couldn’t do before.

Continuing on with our 8th graders here at YMS.

First, from 8th grade, I interviewed Irelyn M. Irelyn said her out-of-school activity is “Hockey because I get to be with some of the people I love most and play the sport I love.” I continued to ask if Irelyn would recommend hockey to other students. Irelyn responded with “yes, because it is one of the best sports there is, and everyone gets along, there is no drama there. It also brings people many new friends.”

Last I interviewed Mariah T. Mariah said her out-of-school activity is “volleyball because it is a very active sport and I just really enjoy playing the sport.” I then proceeded to ask if Mariah would recommend volleyball to other students. Mariah answered “yes because you can meet a lot of people and make a lot of new friends and it's a very fun experience.”

Overall, the students I interviewed all shared positive experiences about their out-of-school activities. Each student explained why they enjoy their sport and gave thoughtful reasons for recommending it to others. These interviews show that participating in sports can be fun, help build friendships, and encourage students to stay active. Hopefully, hearing from students in different grade levels inspires others at YMS to try a new sport or activity outside of school.

Books Books Books!

by Cate H. 

This month the 2 popular books I am rating are Astrologica and Hungry Hearts. 

Astrologica is all about astrology and zodiacs. It even has some myths, and fun stories about stars they made during the ancient civilizations and is entirely recommended in my opinion. It has beautiful art inside and outside, and stories about planets. Astrologica also features stories about the zodiacs. So if you love astrology and zodiacs check out this book when you can!

The next book is called Hungry Hearts. It features a life and beings of a chief also highly recommended because of all its delicious sounding food. If you love cooking again, highly recommend this book. Lastly, If you love chapter books this is for you.

February Secret Staff Member

story by??? (author will be revealed when the Staff Member is revealed)

A mystery staff member was asked a few questions. With a few clues, can you guess who it is? Do you know enough about your YMS staff members? Can you find who our special staff member is in record time? Let’s see! So, 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, and . . . well, truthfully, that’s about it. Let’s start!

Our mysterious staff member’s favorite soda is Coke Zero. His/Her favorite color is blue. Need a few more clues?

This staff member went to Yankton High School. His/Her favorite book is The Nightingale. Our mystery staff member’s favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally, and if he/she could jump into any movie, it would be in Shrinking. Still need some help?

Our special staff member has three kids, wears glasses, and has worked here at YMS for 18 years! His/Her first pets were named Muffin and Mittens, too.

I think those are some really good clues for your special staff member hunt! Remember that it could be any staff member. . . . . and if you suspect someone, just ask them a few questions, the worst thing that could happen is you learn something new about someone! So, good luck and have some fun!

Click this link when you are ready to submit your guess!                                 

Olympic Fever?

 Reporter Sydney S. and Mrs. Andrews have put together a personality quiz for you. Click on the link to find out what role you should play in the upcoming Winter Olympics. 

To learn more about all the sports that will be featured in this winter's Olympics in Milano Corina, Italy, go to this site: https://www.olympics.com/en/sports/winter-olympics

Meet the New Art Teacher!

by Cate H. 

Mrs. Rous is the new art teacher, and she is very grateful for the opportunity. She was inspired by her high school art teacher and has wanted to help kids explore art and learn about the various types of art in life. Her favorite subject in art is painting, and her favorite artist is Van Gogh. Also, from her perspective, sculpting is a fun experience, as it allows her to turn her imagination into real 3D art. She really wants to make some great memories here at YMS.

Meet Mr. Bloch!

story and photo by Hattie H. 

Recently, I interviewed Mr. Bloch, a teacher of 7th- and 8th-grade students. He teaches both design and build, as well as TCE. 

Did you know that it's his first year teaching here at YMS, but not his first year teaching overall? He used to teach high school science and then became a special education para before coming here. There's a vast difference between where he was before and where he is now, both in terms of age group and the number of students he sees throughout his day. 

However, with the new room comes new favorite things, and instead of an object, he chose the layout of his room, which gives both him and his students more space to create, design, have fun, and explore new ideas. 

My favorite response of his when asked, What is his favorite part of his day at YMS, to which he responded with "being able to change someone's mood in just one class period," which shows what kind of teacher he wants and strives to be. 

His favorite person to work with is Mrs. Olson. He says it's because she's the person he spends a lot of the day with, with whom he constantly communicates about students and what they have planned for that day. 

His favorite school lunch is the cherry blossom chicken; I don't see why, but okay. One thing he thinks the people at YMS should know is that he likes chaos, also known as his homeroom.

Resolutions

by Sloane H. 

January is the first month, the start of the new year, and the point at which people start to think and fulfill New Year's Resolutions. New Year’s Resolutions are personal goals or promises made at the start of a new year, representing a commitment to self-improvement by starting a new habit, stopping a bad one, or achieving a specific objective. Many people all over the globe make these to commit to the “New year, new me” saying.

A lot of common New Year’s Resolutions made by adults are losing weight, starting or improving on a hobby, gaining or saving money, learning a new language, Ect. The list goes on. A lot of common New Year’s Resolutions for kids (specifically students) are getting good grades, keeping in touch with friends and family, and making their own money or saving up to get something they want.

New Year’s Resolutions will never all be the same, yet people share a lot of the same ones, depending on their age. From ages 3-6, people might want for the new year to have something, like toys or wishes.

From the ages of 7-12, they might find a hobby or sport, and their resolutions might be to get better at it, or achieve a goal from it. This might also be the age where they intend to ask for their own money to get the things they specifically want.

From teen and middle ages 13-30, people make their resolutions on self-care and hygiene. Focusing on losing weight, maintaining financial stability, or any other personal preferences. Making or keeping connections with friends and family is a New Year’s Resolution that goes along with all ages.

To conclude this, New Year’s Resolutions have always been a fun tradition. It gets you thinking of the year ahead, what you plan to do, and who you plan to be. Some people even do group resolutions, a list of things that you want to complete as a group. New Year Resolutions aren’t for everyone, but it is very fun to make them. It’s a chance to look to the future and think of all the good things that it will bring!