Windsock

7th Grade Update

In school, a lot of things are going on. For starters, auditions for the spring play for middle schoolers are now beginning. The play will be performed in May. In gym we are playing basketball, again. In English, we have been studying the prepositions. We have learned all 51. I still haven’t memorized them perfectly though. Many of our worksheets involve finding prepositional phrases and putting them out of the picture to find other parts of a sentence. In art class, we are continuing mask making. Matt got a lot of plaster in my hair while helping me with it. Unfortunately, this is the last week that we will be working on masks. In math, after about a month of algebra, we have started geometry. Today we worked on scale factor. In Spanish class, we have started on the imperfect tense. Quite confusing. In social studies, I am studying the Islamic civilization. In Bible, we are still studying the book of Acts, and it is going slow. That is what’s happening in school lately.

- Timothy Martin

Softball/Baseball Pictures from Tuesday

When the illustrious editor of this "newspaper" spends time taking pictures at the baseball and softball games yesterday, in the freezing cold, in shorts (don't ask), some of said pictures will be posted. By decree.  (By the way, baseball won, 9-4; softball swept a doubleheader, 6-0 and 11-5

Travis getting ready

Richie, Strat-O-Matic staple, playing the real thing

The huddled masses

Lucy bringing some heat

Becca after her catch

Jordan ready to rip a line drive

Martha Chen, Visiting Chinese Teacher

At EMHS and similar Mennonite institutions, the international appeal and character of the Mennonite church has resulted in a remarkably varied collection of experiences.  These take various forms, ranging from faculty with long records of travel and service starting from the typical Mennonite background, but also with numerous international guests coming here.  Martha Chen is one such guest, who we had the pleasure of hearing in chapel recently, and who was happy to share about her life, and how she came to be here.

Martha was born in Bao Ding, in Hebei province, south of Beijing in 1952.  She was raised until the age of six by her grandmother in the countryside, after which she attended a boarding school for six more years.  She attended middle school for one year, however was interrupted by the Cultural Revolution, a total upsetting of Chinese culture imposed by its communist dictatorship starting in 1966.  Part of the utter chaos that followed was the collapse of the school system which, while originally novel for the former students (many of whom proceeded to thrash their former teachers), in fact crashed China.  For about three years, Martha would serve as a Red Guard, a communist enthusiast of a sort.  She saw chairman Mao twice around this time, and worked on a sort of commune in Inner Mongolia, a province that is essentially the eastern half of China's border with Mongolia.

In 1972, Martha returned to the city and worked in a factory until 1976.  She studied English for three years after Mao died in that year, and then taught it until 1984.  In September of 1985, she moved to Beijing and taught there until 1989.  She then moved on to a different college until her retirement last year, immediately after which she was requested by Meryl Byler of Mennonite Partners in China to come here.  She gladly obliged, and has been here ever since.

Martha has had a very positive experience since she arrived here.  She really enjoys Americans, and says that our environment is clean and our people friendly.  Because of experience with a much worse situation in China, the incredible blessings we have here are quite clear to her.  She appreciates the United States, and hopes for good relations between our two countries.

- David Jost

Mockingbird Takes EMHS Center Stage

The classics seem to be making a comeback. This year, the senior class will perform To Kill a Mockingbird, a play based on the novel by Harper Lee. The story follows eight-year-old Scout Finch (played by Katie Sacra) as she learns about racism in a small Alabama town. Her father, Atticus Finch (Mark Ferguson), is a lawyer. The court gives him the job of defending a black man, Tom Robinson (Aaron Brydge), who is accused of raping a white girl. Because many people disagree with what Atticus is doing, Scout and her older brother Jem (Clark Driver) have to endure harsh criticism, and even violence, from the townsfolk.

When the decision for Mockingbird was first announced, some students were surprised. The plays of recent years have been mostly comedic, and several seniors doubted whether a more serious one would be as much fun. However, Mrs. Swartz relates happily, they all “bring the spirit of cooperation with them” as they dive headlong into practice.

Most students already know the global education theme this year: Building Bridges. Mrs. Swartz lists this as one reason she chose this play, “What better story to illustrate [the theme]?” says Swartz. The plot of Mockingbird centers on building bridges between the white southerners and the Negroes.

Also, many people in the area will have recently read the book and will be very interested in it. The Brig Read, a program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts selects several books every year and encourages communities to read and discuss them. This year, the Massanutten Regional Library chose to focus on To Kill a Mockingbird. Having it as the senior play will give people a chance to see it performed onstage after reading it earlier in the fall.

This play also serves as a tribute to Lee Eshleman, a 1981 EMHS alumnus who died last spring. Lee played the part of Atticus when EMHS picked mockingbird as its senior play in ’81. He often used Atticus’s opening speech as a warm-up before going onstage in Ted and Lee productions. By performing this play again, we honor him.

While some probably still have their doubts about the play, most seniors have set their apprehension aside and have worked diligently to memorize and practice. Judging from Mrs. Swartz’s enthusiasm and from the talent of the cast, this will be senior play to remember.

The play will be shown at the EMHS auditorium this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM. Adult tickets are $7; children $5.  Parental discretion is advised due to mature subject matter.

- Guest Writer Annie Brunk

7th Grade Update

Last week was a pretty normal week in 7th grade. Monday morning started off with the usual walk up the stairs to Math or the walk down the hall to Social Studies. In Math we are learning about congruent and similar shapes and how we can find 2 shape’s similarities. In Social Studies we started a new chapter on the Islamic religion. In chapel we had speakers throughout the week, ending on Thursday with Lynn Miller. In Tech Ed we are making sailboats that we will race next week and others are studying Acts in Bible class. We then move on to P.E. where we are finishing off our unit in floor hockey. After that, the girls go to Science to study the human body, work on their science project or their outline on an animal of their choice while the boys go to English and learn more about prepositions and what happens in the book Katturan Odyssey. On Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays we go to band or strings for a half an hour and then go to lunch. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays we go to lunch after an hour of class. We eat the main entrée, salad, potatoes, tacos, or your own packed meal for lunch. After a good meal we head to either French and Spanish, Guitar, or Art. Then, we go to either Math or Social Studies and then finish off the day with the boys going to Science and the girls to English. After school there is JV girls soccer practice. Our first official practice was on Monday after tryouts. There are 9 girls from 7th grade on the team. Their first scrimmage is on Tuesday at 4:30 so please join us! Friday was a break for the teachers and students and many of us slept in and then spent the rest of the day full of activity and relaxation. It was a week of learning and fun and we are looking forward to the next one!

- Michaela Mast

Lunasa Tonight!

On Friday March 7, EMHS is hosting the internationally known group, Lunasa. The Lunasa concert is being held as a fundraiser for the EMHS Touring Choir. This summer, the Touring Choir plans on traveling to Europe while singing in churches along the way. Mr. Hartzler, director of Touring Choir, said, “Lunasa is an outstanding cultural experience to hear music we don’t usually hear.”

Lunasa, which is named after an ancient Celtic harvest festival, has been recently called an “Irish music dream team” by Folk Roots. The sounds of Lunasa are from Irish decent with touches of jazz. On the Lunasa website, member Sean Smyth, said, “ I had a vision of the type of music I wanted to create. In my books, the most influential band was the Bothy Band, who were flute, popes and fiddle based.” From that vision, Lunasa has become the musical quintet it is today. Lunasa consists of a fiddle, flute, bass, guitar and whistles, which all combine to create a one of a kind sound.

October of 1997, Lunasa released their first CD, entitled “Lunasa,” which received rave reviews. In fact, their CD became a top seller in Ireland, ranked a top ten favorite. Lunasa continued to amaze their audiences through world tours of the USA, Canada, Spain, Italy, UK, France, and Holland. In 2007, the group celebrated 10 years of Lunasa.

Tickets can still be bought in advance by calling 540-432-4931. Advanced tickets cost $15/adults and $12/students. Tickets at the door are $18/adult and $15/students.

See below for a youtube clip!

- Rose Jantzi

The Battle is Won (for most of us)

Over the past few weeks a seasonal flu has affected most of the US.

The flu this season didn’t really become widespread until January, but has “Continued to increase in January and through the week ending February 16,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The good news is that the flu should be on its way out.  The CDC says that “influenza activity decreased slightly” during the week of February 23, for the first time since early December.   The number of absent kids at EMHS after February 23 follows this slight decrease, and now in March the number of absentees has fallen to less than 10 for the first time since January. 

While this year’s seasonal flu “Is not a particularly bad strain this year [in terms of symptoms and number of deaths],” said Frank Stellar, local MD, "flu shots have been less effective against fighting it." 

The problem is, this year’s flu shot has only been about 40% effective in preventing the flu, compared to last year's 90% effectiveness.  The reason for this is primarily because many strains of flu virus were not the strains which scientists predicted would be dominant this year.  The vaccine used in flu shots was only closely matched with one of the two types of influenza strains which infected most people this year.

If you’re wondering whether or not you have the flu, remember that a sore throat, headache, runny nose, and a fever are the most common symptoms of the flu.  If you recognize the flu early enough, certain medication can help you get over it in significantly less time than the normal 3-5 days. 

If you think you have the flu it's better to be safe than sorry, check with a doctor and stay away from school.  Influenza goes hand in hand with many bacterial infections, and the number of staphylococcus aureus co-infections has risen significantly in the past few years. 

To make sure that the flu doesn’t kick back up again, the CDC says that washing hands regularly, covering your mouth with tissues when you sneeze or cough, and staying home when you’re sick are the most important actions you can take to prevent the spread of germs. 

February	Number of kids out of school at EMHS
1	22
5	14
6	19
7	22.5
8	24.5
11	28
12	25
13	22.5
14	13
15	25.5
18	27.5
19	23.5
20	26.5
21	15.5
25	21.5
26	20
27	16
28	15.5
March
3	9

- Eric Broderson

Senior Teach Day

Senior Teach Day, as described by Mr. Elwood Yoder, is a chance for seniors to "find out what it takes" to be a teacher by gaining practical experience in teaching EMHS classes.

Mr. Curt Stutzman asks students which classes they are interested in teaching and pairs them with teachers that are willing to let them take a period. He says that past students have valued the experience as "an insight."

Last Tuesday, February 26, eight seniors participated in Senior Teach Day: David Jost, Nathan Hershberger, Amy Leap, Hannah Beachy, Jenna Lim, Tucker Wheatley, Britney Wenger, and Ellie Fisher.

These seniors taught World and U.S. History, Spanish, and Art classes. Says Mr. Yoder of his student-teachers David Jost and Nathan Hershberger, "They walked in and were ready to roll," and of Amy Leap, "I hope Amy becomes a teacher. She's a natural."

David Jost emphasized the importance of teaching to the community. "Any experience gained in all that is valuable. It shouldn't be allowed to die off."

- Hannah Cranston

Teachers Building Bridges

    Unbeknownst to many here at EMHS, three current faculty members are currently serving on the boards of three different community organizations.  John Leonard, an English teacher here, sits on the Gemeinshaft board of directors.  Tina Glanzer, a guidance counselor, serves on the board of New Bridges, and Marj Nafziger, also a guidance conselor here at EMHS, sits on an advisory council for A World of Good Thrift Shop, more commonly referred to as Gift and Thrift.
    Mr. Leonard has chaired the Program Committee for Gemeinshaft since last fall.  Gemeinshaft is a convict transitional community that rehabilitates inmates and integrates them back into society.  The Gemeinshaft campus is just over the hill from EMHS and EMU, and for this reason Mr. Leonard was suggested by Jenny Amison, the Executive Director of Gemeinshaft and mother of recent EMHS graduate Charity Amison, to represent someone from the nearby community.  “I‘ve learned an incredible amount.”  Mr Leonard says of his time on the board.  “I’ve learned about our ‘justice’ system.  Prisons don’t do a whole lot to rehabilitate convicts.  A therapeutic transitional community is crucial.”  As chair of the Program Committee, Mr. Leonard helps plan some activities, but his main task is to “attend meetings and give input.”
    Just across Mt. Clinton Pike from EMHS, Marj Nafziger is serving on an advisory council at A World of Good Thrift Shop which encompasses the Gift and Thrift, Artisan’s Hope, and Booksavers stores.  The Thrift Shop and Booksavers take in items donated by the community and resell them at cheap prices.  Artisan’s Hope sells fair trade handicrafts and coffee and chocolate products from around the world, meaning artisans and farmers were paid a living wage for their product, and our environment wasn’t compromised in the process.  The sizeable profit margin of the three shops goes to MCC and basic improvements for the stores.  Business at Gift and Thrift is booming, says Mrs. Nafziger, “It’s been inspiring to see the steady growth.” Mrs. Nafziger sits on a Committee that advises the general manager of the three stores on personnel and hiring issues.  So whenever a new staff member is hired at Gift and Thrift, you can be sure Mrs. Nafziger was involved in the process.
    New Bridges is an immigrant resource organization in the Harrisonburg community.  It provides support and helps “incorporate immigrants into the community,” says Mrs. Glanzer.  This support takes the form of efforts to get green cards for recent undocumented immigrants, (with the aid of New Bridges 9 green cards were issued last year) reuniting families split up by immigration (two such families reunited last year), assistance with solving financial problems especially in relation to hospital bills, and finally ESL classes and seminary classes for Spanish speaking pastors without theological training.  Mrs. Glanzer helps coordinate special fundraisers for New Bridges.  Her job, she says, is to “raise as much money as I can.  It‘s important to design something that is attractive and will raise a nice amount of money.”  One such event is just around the corner. The Taste of the World dinner fundraiser will feature wonderful food and delightful music.

- Nathan Hershberger

District Auditions

Music is an undeniable talent at EMHS. Through the music departments, we are given the opportunity to compete with local musicians to earn a spot in district choirs, orchestras, and bands.
    The Jr. Regional Orchestra is an auditioned contest for 6th through 9th graders. Kathleen Leigh and Melissa Jantzi both qualified to be a part of the orchestra. They will be participating in one day marathon of learning the music and putting on a performance all in the same day. Melissa Jantzi said, “ The Jr. Regional Orchestra, though an intense day, is a great learning experience. It will be educational to get a new view from a different director.”
    District band is the same sort of auditioned group for middle school and high school band members. Mr. Buchanan, EMHS’s band director, said that District band is a great “chance to get together with instrumentalist from the area and work with nationally know directors.” The Concert and Symphonic bands are both filled with the top ranked auditioned musicians. This year, we had seven students participate in District band: Zander Pellegrino, Rhianna Cockrell, Malinda Bender, Christophe Langouet, Matt Layman, James Souder, and Rose Jantzi. Reflecting on his experience in District band, Christophe said, “It {District band} gives you an experience to play under pressure.” He went on to say that, “ Even if you don’t make it, it’s a great experience to get to know new people.” The top few of each instrument group in the Symphonic band also get the opportunity to try out for states. This year, James Souder, a junior tenor sax player, earned 3rd chair at States.
    District choir is also an auditioned group, which was held at EMHS this year. Twenty six students from EMHS made the District choir. Janelle Dean, a junior who participated in District choir, said that one thing she learned from the director this year was how a warm up of the voice, which may seem to be a pointless exercise at first, really did an effective job of warming up the voice. This year, EMHS also had five persons make All-States: Tucker Wheatley, James Souder, Janelle Dean, Brook Hostetter, and Helen Furry.

- Rose Jantzi