BY BELLA TRINKO, ZAC BARNABY, AND ALAINA INOUYE

STAFF WRITERS

Have you ever wondered about the bizarre traditions that occur on Christmas such as putting a dead tree up in your house and decorating it?! Well we are going to tell you all about them! First up we have the history of Christmas trees. Christmas trees originated in Germany during the 1500s. The idea of decorating the tree came from Martin Luther, and the first thing used to decorate them was candles. They were then brought to America by German Settlers. This occurred in Pennsylvania in the 1830s. As for caroling, it originated back in the 19th century although Christmas carols themselves originated hundreds of years ago. Did you know the word ‘carol’ means a song or a dance of joy and praise? And that carols were originally written to be sung during all the seasons but the others died off and only the Christmas tradition has survived. Gift-giving comes was something already done before it was a part of Christmas. Beggars would go around and ask for handouts on Christmas. Because of the three kings giving gifts to Jesus in The Bible, it was added to the holiday. 

There are also quite a few Christmas games, such as Secret Santa. Secret Santa is thought to have been found in Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, or Denmark) and is known there as Julklapp. They would knock on doors, open them, throw the present inside, and try to run without being seen. Some would also right funny messages on the presents, which could help people figure out who gave it to them.

Thank you for reading our article, we hope you enjoyed it and learned something new! 

BY LYNNE INOUYE

STAFF WRITER

The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson, is an epic fantasy novel over 1200 pages long. Set in Roshar, a world that is plagued by large, tornado-like storms almost weekly, it brings to life a diverse set of characters from all types of different backgrounds. It varies from a slave struggling to find a reason to live, to a prince, troubled by visions. The book creates a grand sense of scope through its length and overarching plot, making the reader really feel immersed in the magic and people.

Reading this book is a commitment, though. As previously mentioned, it is no small read. In fact, it’s so long that the book itself is divided into sections, with alternating point of views. It’s got diagrams, a map, even interludes between sections. So, picking it up is quite daunting altogether. However, there are plenty of reasons to stick with Sanderson’s book past its confusing first chapters.

One such reason is the characters. A plus of the novel being so long is that Sanderson really gets a chance to establish and develop these people. In the end, it makes their accomplishments and triumphs all the more impactful because the reader had seen the characters at their beginning. Normally, this is a thing that transcend books, but another thing with the Way of Kings is that the reader can tell this is just the beginning. Though the characters face hardship after hardship, Sanderson hints and foreshadows a larger plot that will leave the reader ready for the second book. 

Speaking of hardships, though, Sanderson is quite good at writing them. His plot has plenty of twists and turns, that, going back, will suddenly make everything make sense. Side plots are prevalent and there’s always something characters are working for, or conflicted about, which makes for an interesting reading. 

All in all, if you have time to spare and don’t mind large books, I’d recommend giving The Way of Kings a try. An epic fantasy novels of epic length, the characters and their journey will move the reader to strong emotion and the world will hold one’s interest. In the beginning it might seem daunting, but the reader will soon find themselves sucked into a world of war and storms. 

“The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.” Goodreads, Goodreads, 31 Aug.

BY KAIA KARPE

STAFF WRITER

Swimming is important because it helps exercise the body. It is important to exercise because it helps keep the body healthy and working. Another role to keeping the body healthy is by eating the correct food; for example, fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Swimming is also a great way to get to know new people and socialize; are racing in the same lane you might as well get to know them. It also is fun because you don’t have to be in a stinky gym with tons of stinky people. Swimming is also relaxing if you take the time to observe. It is relaxing because it is fun to feel the water on  sides as if you had fins (such as dolphin fins) along with dolphin kick in the deep side of the pool and feeling like you are a mermaid or a merman.

BY XUYING LEE

STAFF WRITER

So far, this MSA year has been off to a great start.  We’ve got to know many teachers and staff members, as well as students.  This will allow us to get to know our new teachers, and have many new learning experiences.  On this note, here is one way to get to know one of our new teachers, Mr. Sletten, the band and orchestra director.

1. How are you liking MSA so far?

This is my first year here at MSA so far.

2. How long have you been a teacher, and what have you taught so far?

I have been a teacher for the past nine years. I have taught in all aspects of music education in public schools; K-6 General Music, Choir 6-12 (never again), 5-12 Band and 6-12 Orchestra.

3. What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I truly enjoy working with students, making music and those “light bulb’ moments when things click. Also, I get to come to a job where I get to hear music every day and be myself!

4. What has been the hardest thing about teaching?

I have found that the hardest thing about teaching is when a student walks away from their instrument. Many times, parents approach me and tell me they wish they would have continued with their instrument throughout high school and even beyond high school. Music is a lifelong skill – a passion for all – and I am excited that I will be able to explore music even further here at MSA because of the talented musicians we have. 

5. Why did you choose to be a teacher? What do you enjoy about being a teacher?

When I first graduated high school, I had no idea what I wanted to study or what I wanted to be. I knew I wanted/needed to go to college so decided to attend a local university to start my generals as well as play my French horn in the band. Through building friendships and taking my first music theory class, I discovered my passion. Aside for exploring my options in college, I also knew I was a teacher because I taught swimming lessons for a number of years prior to college. I have never looked back since. Lastly, I had a wonderful band teacher, Mr. Johnson, who inspires me every day!

6. If you could pass on any wisdom you have for your students, what would you share?

Be fearlessly and courageously you! Easier said than done, I know. But middle school and high school is such a short period of time in your life. Friends are the family YOU get to choose; surround yourself with people who celebrate you for who you are. To this day, I am still really good friends with a very select few individuals I went to high school with. Everyone else went their own way, you move on.

7. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?

“If you can’t love yourself, how are you gonna love someone else!” RuPaul (paraphrased)

8. What inspires you to teach?

I am inspired by music that the students and I select. Knowing that we are all working together to make great pieces of literature come to life and take little bits and pieces from each of them to create a creative and emotional outlet for ourselves inspires me to teach. That is what is so unique about my position in a public school. 

9. Since you are the band and orchestra director, how many instruments can you play? What are they?

I started out on clarinet in the 6th grade; my mom and grandpa both played growing up. Prior to that, I had to take two years of piano as it was a requirement of my mothers in order to be in band. After playing clarinet for 8 months, I decided I wanted to be more independent and unique so I switched to the French horn which my sister had been playing for years. I figured she could teach me a thing or two. While I started getting better than her and she got frustrated because of it! When in college, we had to learn a basic understanding of how to play all of the instruments throughout our education but I really took to the cello; another instrument my sister was proficient on. Since graduating college, I have a solid understanding of how to play all of the instruments but I play the clarinet and trumpet the most. Upon accepting the position here at MSA I have discovered an accordion here that I am really looking forward to getting my hands on!

I believe this school year will be great with all of our new teachers and staff members.  I hope you take some time to appreciate a new teacher, and thank them for their hard work. I hope you got to know more about Mr. Sletten!

*I would like to thank Mr. Sletten for agreeing to do this interview with me.  Thank you Mr. Sletten!*