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Spanish Fork Jr. High students take 1st place in the state wide Stock Market Game

by david.thacker | Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:36
Pictured left to right are Wyatt Evans, Ethan Williams, the state wide 1st place winner in The Stock Market Game, with Mr. Ferrin, Bethany Bramall, Melanie Vergara, Lexi Call (Luis Acevedo not pictured).jpg
Attributions: 
By Eric Ferrin

While the mere mention of the stock market gives many adults ulcers, six students from Spanish Fork Junior High have gone into the world of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds and have come out winners.   Ethan Williams, Luis Acevedo, and Wyatt Evans made up a team that took first in the state Junior High division, out of 210 teams. Bethany Bramall, Lexi Call, and Melanie Vergara were the team that took 5th.  

The Stock Market Game® is a nationwide simulation, run by individual states, where students are given $100,000 in simulated cash, and are invited to invest that money into the stock market in attempt to make the most money. The students can invest in either stocks or mutual funds, and can invest that money either buying long, or by doing a short sell.   The game lasted 10 weeks, during which time the students monitor their stocks, choosing when to buy and sell them. The trades are done in real time according to the rise and fall of the companies that the students are investing in. Though the simulation is only for a short time compared to how much time is recommended to invest in the market, the students learn the value of following stocks, doing research on which companies to invest in, and how and when to take risks. The team that took first place in the game invested in stocks which included JDA software, Hasbro, and Google. The team that took fifth place invested in stocks which included Amazon and FedEx.  
The students were presented with their trophy and plaques at a banquet held in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The teams had to give a short speech to members of the State Office of Education and other education officials. The sponsors of the Stock Market Game® for the state of Utah are the Utah State Office of Education, The Utah Council of Economic Education, and the Utah Division of Securities.

 

Spanish Fork Jr. High Participates in Naturalization Ceremony

by david.thacker | Wed, 02/10/2010 - 07:35
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Students at Spanish Fork Jr. High take time to pose for a picture on the stairs at the state capitol after attending the Naturalization Ceremony on February 3, 2010.JPG
Attributions: 
by: Westley Cook
On February 3, 2010, over ninety eighth-grade students from Spanish Fork Jr. High went on a field trip to a naturalization ceremony in Salt Lake City. They also toured the state capitol. At the naturalization ceremony, students from SFJHS participated in the program. Eighth-grader, Nathan Christensen, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and ninth-grader, Bethany Bramall, gave an outstanding speech on what it means to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. She encouraged everyone in attendance to live by the “Double Platinum Rule,” which tells us to, “Treat others better than they thought they could be treated.”
            After a few remarks by Cindy Toone, from the Daughters of the American Revolution, the oath of citizenship was administered. 199 new citizens representing 61 countries took the oath that day. Some of the countries represented were Mexico, with 32 people, Peru, with 15, India, with 9, the Philippines, with 8, and the People’s Republic of China, with 6.
            Afterwards, the presiding judge, Judge Sam, asked if there were any new citizens who would like to share their feelings. The oldest new citizen, an 80-year-old woman from Peru, thanked America for the great opportunity of becoming a citizen. The youngest new citizen, an 18-year-old gentleman from Lebanon, said much the same. Two of the most moving testimonials came from a woman from China, who ended hers with the statement, “Here is my home, now and forever,” and a gentleman from the Philippines, who said that the things that are right with America far outweigh the things that are wrong with it. 
            After the naturalization ceremony, the students boarded the buses and went to the capitol building for a tour. After a quick lunch break, the students got to see the capitol building, including the governor’s suite and the House of Representatives. They then loaded the buses and returned to school after a fun and educational day in our state’s capital.

 

Chorus Happenings

by david.thacker | Mon, 02/01/2010 - 09:07
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Attributions: 
By Sharon Hopkins

Choir Concert presented by
Spanish Fork Jr. High Men’s Chorus and Women’s Chorus
Conducted by Sharon Hopkins and Assisted by Michelle Jenson
Men’s and Women’s Chorus had been preparing for this night since August and the evening had finally arrived.  Now they could share with their family and friends all that they had learned.  The first song was all about football. The students had football jerseys on and pomp poms.  Mrs. Hopkins wore a blue and orange wig.  When the song was over Mrs. Hopkins exclaimed that they were confused; that this wasn’t a football game, but a choir concert.  The students took off their jerseys and took their place on the risers: the men with ties on and the women in black skirts.  Each choir had a couple upbeat, fun songs and then softer meaningful songs.  Women’s chorus surprised the audience by passing out lollipops after singing, complete with choreography, one of their favorite songs “Lollipop.”  Men’s chorus impressed us all with their performance of “My Wild Irish Rose” dressed as gentle-hearted pirates.  Many students performed solos such as: Chelsea Stamm on violin, Brandon Baum, Thomas Fullmer, and Alyssa Unsworth, and special guest Sarah Inciato on violin.  We even had a quick wedding (played by Zack Valenzuela and Meagan Christensen) that ended quickly with “Picking a Bale of Cotton.”  Mrs. Hopkins reminded her students that they were each a shooting star and that now was their time to shine in the world.  Stars decorated the cafeteria as well as twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling.  It was an inspiring musical evening for all! Good Job Women’s Chorus and Men’s Chorus!
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Honor Choir
Each year some select students from Spanish Fork Jr. High get to participate in a wonderful experience called Honor Choir.  The students audition with Mrs. Hopkins to be selected.  They then receive sheet music with a practice CD and are to learn the music all on their own.  Each student must have the songs almost memorized with each student singing a different part.  In January the students meet with all the other school’s Honor Choir kids in the state.  Each school can have only 8 participants.   For two days the students rehearse together and enjoy learning under the direction of a master teacher.  This year Dr. Paul Broomhead was the conductor.  The students had a great time learning from him and interacting with other students from around the state.  On the second evening the students perform an amazing concert.  300 voice strong they lift the roof and lift our hearts.  This year’s Honor Choir members are: Michelle Jones, Aubree Head, James Carrington, Taylor Warr, Emily Wilson, Landon Copling, and Sarah Kimball.  They performed Saturday night January 23rd at Cottonwood High School.  Way to go HONOR CHOIR!

 

Spanish Fork Jr. High School Students Exhibit their Work at the Nebo School District Art Show

by david.thacker | Wed, 01/27/2010 - 13:46
Attributions: 
by: Kaye Brockbank

Now showing at the Peteetneet School in Payson is the Nebo School District Art Show.  This exhibit runs through February, giving all a chance to check out the entries from students at Spanish Fork Jr. High School.  The following students have exhibits in the Art Show, Katelyn Gallacher, Kelsie Christensen, Nathaniel Goodman, Bethany Wride, Malea Uresk, Shawnee Argyle, Bryce Bingham, Kell Jensen, Kayla Krause, Trevor Ricks, Jennifer Clark, and Alexa Baker.  Their art teacher, Mr. Millman, is very proud of his students and invites everyone to visit the exhibit.

Emergency Kits at Spanish Fork Jr. High

by david.thacker | Wed, 01/27/2010 - 13:42
A Spanish Fork Jr. High student helps assemble Emergency Buckets for each classroom in the school. These Buckets will sustain students and teachers for approximately 72-hours in the event of long-lasting lock down..JPG
Attributions: 
By Laura Carter

Last November Will Bass, working on his Eagle Scout Award, and the National Junior Honor Society at Spanish Fork Junior High School began a project to supply emergency kits for each classroom. The kits provide essential needs for students in case of a long term lock-down situation or evacuation.  

The kits are a work in progress and currently hold essentials such as water, hand-warmers, sanitizer, plastic bags, treats, and other emergency items all packed into bright orange 5-gallon buckets from Home Depot.  Each year the NJHS will add more emergency items as more money and donations are gathered.
 
The Community Council for Spanish Fork Junior High School has asked for classroom emergency kits for many years and Will made the project possible. He started collecting items and money for the kits at parent-teacher conference in December, going through neighborhoods with scouts from this troop, contacting business, and asking individuals for donations.   Will worked closely with Principal Robert Fleming and the National Junior Society for our school to make the project a success.
 
Spanish Fork Junior High School and Will would like to thank the following businesses for their generosity: Penguin Copies, Fresh Market, Maceys, Shopko, CAL Ranch, Emergency Essentials, and Home Depot in Lindon.   Also a large thank you to contributors Dr. Briggs and Dr. Peterson for their generous donations as well as to all the parents and students from Spanish Fork Junior High who donated and helped with the kits!  

 

Welcome Winter Winds

by david.thacker | Sat, 12/19/2009 - 09:22
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Attributions: 
by Ruth Ann Williams

“Welcome Winter Winds” was presented by several choirs of SFJH on December 2, 2009 in a beautifully disguised cafeteria with snowflakes, overhead strands of Christmas lights, and electric candles. The overall sentiment was one of infectious enthusiasm and joy of the season given by the performers to the audience through song and dance . Music is such an integral part of Christmas, and the variety of songs performed gave a renewed appreciation of what Christmas is all about. Students shared their feelings about what Christmas means to them, with comments centering around family, love, and the baby Jesus. 
 
We heard the vocal talents of soloists Michelle Jones, Maddy Shearer, Steven Russell, and Savana Johnson. Also exhibited in one song were hand drums by Nicole Christensen, finger cymbals by Aubree Head, and the vibraphone by Taylor Baum. Maddy Money also capably accompanied the song, “Welcome Winter Winds.” The SSA Choir danced to “The Spirit of the Season,” choreographed by Sophie Swenson, Brianna Alldredge, and Rebecca Rowley. There is amazing talent here at Spanish Fork Junior High!
 
In conclusion, Mrs. Sharon Hopkins shared her feelings about Christmas, that it’s a time to “remember who you are, who you love, and who loves you.” She explained that love warms the cold of winter and that each of us change others’ lives by who we are. She then shared a wonderful Christmas gift by singing “Snows of Christmas” with her husband, Trevor, a touching rendition reminding us that the Love of Christmas brings us peace and salvation.

TANNER McKAY WINS SPANISH FORK JR. HIGH’S GEOGRAPHIC BEE Moves One Step Closer to $25,000 College Scholarship

by david.thacker | Fri, 12/18/2009 - 14:15
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Geography Bee 021.jpg
Attributions: 
by Russ LeMmon

 

Tanner McKay, an eighth-grade student at Spanish Fork Jr. High, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on December 11, 2009 and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 22nd annual National Geographic Bee. In order to participate in the Bee, eighth graders had to pass a written test with a high qualifying score. There were only 30 seats available for the entire eighth grade so being able to participate is an accomplishment in and of itself. The following students qualified and participated in the school competition:
 



Tanner McKay
Wesley Cloward
Amelia Weight
Ian Andrus
Walker VanTassell
Cassidy Crook
Christian Lord
Tyler Averett
Caleb Parker
Jonathan DeYoung
Wyatt Davis
Chase Dietz
Nicole Christensen
Deveré Morris
Kayla Christensen
Meagan Christensen
Colten Smith
Breanna Walker
Kevin Johnson
Ben Watkin
Cameron Sokol
Amy Gomez
Vince Winder
Justus Thomas
Suzanne Rhodes
Ethan Torgerson
Aaron Nelson
Preston Weight
Erin Robins
 



 
Tanner McKay finished the competition in First Place with Ian Andrus finishing in Second Place and Jonathan DeYoung finishing in Third Place. Congratulations to our school finalists! 
 

School winners around the country, including Tanner, will now take a written test to be eligible to compete in the state Geographic Bee on April 9, 2010. State winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to participate in the National Geographic Bee and a chance for a $25,000 scholarship.

 

Joe Anson, From Spanish Fork Jr. High School, is This Year’s Crystal Apple Award Winner.

by david.thacker | Fri, 12/18/2009 - 13:46
Joe Anson, from Spanish Fork Jr. High School, holds his Crystal Apple Award, recently presented for his excellence in teaching..jpg
Attributions: 
by Kaye Brockbank

Joe Anson was awarded the Crystal Apple Award recently at Spanish Fork Jr. High School.  Joe is a talented and dedicated teacher who is very deserving of an honor such as this.  Mr. Anson has been teaching for ten years, all of which have been at SFJH.  His education began at B.Y.U where he earned a BA in English Teaching.  While teaching and raising a family, Joe earned his Masters of Education degree from Utah State University, and has plans to pursue a PhD soon.

 

Joe’s is currently teaching ninth-grade Honor’s English and seventh-grade English.  His past teaching experience includes eighth-grade English, regular ninth-grade English, Creative Writing, Spanish 1, and ESL.  Among his many other responsibilities, Joe is currently serving as a teacher consultant on the Central Utah Writing Project. 

 

Congratulations go out to Mr. Anson!

8th Grade Students Represent Spanish Fork Jr. High School is the American Mathematics Competition

by david.thacker | Fri, 12/18/2009 - 09:16
Wesley Cook, Suzie Rhodes, and Chandler Bennett.jpg
Attributions: 
by Kaye Brockbank

Thirteen 8th grade students recently represented Spanish Fork Jr. High School in the American Mathematics Competition.  They were Tyler Averett, Chandler Bennett, Kirtlyn Bohling, Daniel Chowdhry, Meagan Christensen, Westley Cook, Joshua Cowley, Taylor Hansen, Devere Morris, Suzanne Rhodes, Holly Roberts, Rachel Sly, and Natalie Wixom.  The national average for the contest was 12.2.  Spanish Fork Jr. High’s average was also 12.2. 

 

The top three students in each school earned the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.  Westley Cook won the gold for SFJH.  He also scored in the top 5% of the nation with a score of 17.  Suzie Rhodes won the silver with a score of 16 and Chandler Bennett won the bronze for SFJH with a score of 15.  Congratulations go to these students and all of the other students for doing such a great job in representing Spanish Fork Jr. High in this competition.

Spanish Fork Jr. High Teachers Share Talents with Students

by david.thacker | Mon, 12/07/2009 - 13:15
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Mr. Huff Playing the Nose Flute.jpg
Attributions: 
by Kaye Brockbank

Spanish Fork Jr. High School teachers are very committed to helping students achieve high levels of learning.  Each and every day teachers work with students towards achieving goals that lead to the highest levels of learning possible.  But, teachers at the Jr. High have other “hidden” talents, as well.  In November students were treated to a talent show assembly where teachers shared a variety of talents with the student body. 

            Among the performances enjoyed was Vice Principal, David Huff, playing a moving patriotic number with his nose flute and a painting done by Art teacher, David Millman.  Guitar solos from Science teacher, Richard Trimble and one from Vice Principal, Mark Bake thrilled the audience. Among the favorite performances were the opening acts of Guitar Hero performed by several teachers, highlighting Science teacher, Shane Waters on the guitar and Math teacher, Cory Morgan, singing.  Music teacher, Sharon Hopkins was joined by Trevor Hopkins and Band teacher, Jill Elliot performing, “Don’t Let it go to Your Head.”  The three of them had the audience singing and dancing, completely rocking out with them and enjoying the number!

            A great time was had by students and the faculty as fun let loose, proving that not only does Spanish Fork Jr. High School have teachers and staff committed to high levels of learning, but they also have a well-rounded faculty full of all types of talent.