Chip and Lisa’s Baby

By: AnnieKate & Willow

Lisa & Chip Leeper are the very proud parents of Bode Dean Leeper. Bode was born in Anchorage, on November 13, 2003, at 9:41 P.M. When Bode was born he weighed 8 lb. and 4 oz. He was born 21inches in length. Lisa wanted to have her baby in Nome, but she was happy she had him in Anchorage. She said, “I was gla+d to have him at Providence. The nurses took really good care of us.” Lisa had to have her new baby in Anchorage, because she had to have a cesarean, cesareans can’t be done in Nome.

If you ask Chip or Lisa anything about Bode you can tell they are very proud parents. Lisa said, “ I love Bode more than you can imagine. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Lisa said she wanted to have Bode because, “ I like kids & I wanted to have a family. Lisa said that it did not matter if it was a boy or a girl, just as long as she got a child. When Lisa has to come back to school, she will miss Bode but when she is with Bode, she misses her students. Mrs. Leeper will be returning to ACSA on February 26, 2004.

In conclusion Mrs.Leeper is very happy about having Bode. Chip and Lisa now have plenty to think and wonder about. Quite a handful.

The Nanook Showdown

By: Mason

It’s the competition of the year for Nome, Alaska. It’s the Nanook Showdown. The Nanook Showdown is a basketball competition between the Nome Nanooks and other schools that come for the competition. Each team played one another until everyone had a chance to face their rivals. This year, our Nome Nanooks welcomed the Cordova Wolverines, ACS Girls, Noorvik Bears, and the Point Hope Harpooners and Harpoonettes.

According to athletic director, Tom Brannon said the reason they have a showdown is to showcase basketball and bring quality teams to Nome from outside our region. They have had the showdown the past ten years to enjoy the competition of basketball.

At the end of the competition our Nome Nanook boys took home the 1st place title once again. The 2nd place team was the Cordova Wolverines. And last but not least, the 3rd place team was the Noorvik Bears. For the girls competition, the Cordova Wolverines took the trophy this year. The 2nd place team was our Nome Nanooks, and the 3rd place team was the Point Hope Harpoonettes.

During the Showdown, there was another exciting competition. They had a hot shot and 3-point competition. In the boys, the hot shot winner was Travis Weiss from Nome, and the 3 point winner was Dennis Frankson from Point Hope. For the girls, Naiomi Brunette from Nome won the 3-point, and Amanda Kelly from Cordova won the hot shot.

Also, the girl and boy Nanooks won the Sportsmanship Award.

Now that another Showdown has passed, we will need to wait until next year for another exciting competition.

How Now Mad Cow

By: Taylor & Brett

Mad Cow found in Washington! On December 23, 2003, the department of agriculture stated that there was a cow diagnosed with Mad Cow disease. Meat from the cow was then traced to seven different states. Eating the brain or nervous tissue of the infected animal can only contract mad Cow. There is a slight chance of getting mad cow by eating the muscle tissue, but the chances are very low.

The history of mad cow goes way back. Britain was the first country to report Mad Cow disease. It was found in a sheep and spread through the fields killing thousands of animals. A similar disease has also just recently been found in deer and elk. The human version called Kuru, or Creutzfeldt Jokob disease, is also found when a person eats contaminated meat. Over a thirty-year period, it burns holes in your brain, and there is no known cure.

In the bovine version, the cow’s muscles will quiver and shake and the cow will stagger when walking and lose a lot of weight. The cows will also not produce enough milk. A cow is called “downer” when the cow is so ill from the disease, it can’t stand up to go to the slaughter house where people kill the cows. If a cow is positive with mad cow, it must be burned, if buried the disease will live for many years under ground.

As you can see, Mad Cow is a very deadly disease. It claims many humans and animal lives each year. This is a small and rare disease that has been spread all the way from Britain to Canada, America, and Japan. Hopefully there will be no future outbreaks. For now we are safe from this deadly disease as long as you don’t eat the brain or the nervous tissue.

Cops Crack Down... Hard!

By: Steffen & Jarvis

In Nome, kids are ruining the chance for others to ride snowmachines on the roads safely. The Police are pulling kids over for driving snowmachines on the roads when they’re underage. Officer Redburn replied, “You have to have a valid drivers license to drive on our public roads,” he also said, “You can only drive up to a 50cc engine on the roads without a license”.

"The police don’t have a personal choice, they’re holding up the law,"says Kay Hubert of the Nome Police Department. When kids get pulled over they ask them to stop the machine and call up their parents and have them come pick it up.

The Police can impound your snowmachine if you have been pulled over more than once. Other consequences include taking the key to the police station and then have your parents come there to pick it up. Most of the kids that get pulled over try to run, but then eventually get stopped.

So, if I were you, I wouldn’t ride my sno-go late at night on the public roads without a valid drivers license and a helmet.

A Fish Sandwich?

By: Jesse & Katie

On Friday, December 19, 2003, the students of the Anvil City Science Academy got to skip school and watch a movie at Gold Coast Cinema. A few months earlier, there was a fund-raiser called Pennies for Points held by the student council and they raised over $500. The movie was a reward for all of the money raised by the students.

At their bi-weekly meeting, the student council decided to treat all of the students to a Christmas movie. The movie that we watched was Finding Nemo. It was rated PG and is an animated movie. It is about a little clown fish that gets separated from his father. His father then has to go and search the entire ocean for him. The movie is really funny and student Hilary Stiles said, “it’s awesome.”

At the movie, Stephen and Mr. Carr got their 6-foot sub that they had pre-ordered. It was 3 feet of steak and cheese and three feet of chicken. It was also filled with other stuff. The sandwich cost about $103. Mr. Carr says, “I got the sandwich because I thought I could eat it and I’d never seen a six foot sub before.” Stephen said, “We ate about a foot and a half.” Some people who saw the sandwich said that the ratio of bread to fillings was too high. So, if the bread was smaller, the sandwich could’ve been consumed easier.

There was the exciting experience of seeing a six-foot sub and of seeing a movie during school. Everyone had a good time eating subway and cookies.

So, in conclusion, the movie was a nice break from school for everyone and it was a good way to start off Christmas vacation.

Ice, Ice, Baby

By: Darell

Once a week, some students and Mr. Hindman go out to the pond to collect scientific data at a pond. The scientific data is used by a researcher to discover the amount of energy released by lakes and ponds around Alaska. The scientific group that uses the data is called ALISON.

Mr. Hindman explained why we go out to the pond. He said, “We go out to the pond for several reasons, 1st it is an opportunity to do hands on science outside of the classroom walls. Second, we are helping Dr. Martin Jefferies of the Geophysical Institute of UAF and he is studying the amount of thermoconductivity (heat energy) released by ponds and lakes around Alaska.”

When we go out to the pond we measure the temperature at the base of the snow and at the surface. We also measure the depth of the snow every five meters for 100 meters. We also use a gauge to measure ice thickness. We go out about once a week and it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

The equipment used are two digital thermometers, ten temperature probes, an electronic scale, twenty stakes located 5 meters apart, an ice thickness gauge, a twelve volt battery and wires, and cylinders and a spatula for getting snow samples. All that adds up to about $1,500 worth of equipment used.

So now hopefully you see the importance of going out to the pond and collecting the data. Now you know the story of why the students and Mr. Hindman go out to the pond. Says student Stephen Hubert, “If given the chance to go again, I’d say Yes!”

A Review of The Return of the King

By Kellen

So you want to know how the movie is before you spend the afternoon in the theater? Well, read this story to find out!

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is generally about how a hobbit named Frodo (played by Elijah Wood) must take the ring and destroy it in the fires of Mordor. The third part, The Return of the King, focuses on the part where Frodo and Sam (Sean Astin) finally make it to Mordor. Meanwhile, the other two hobbits, Pippin (Billy Boyed) and Merry (Dominic Monaghan), are in a huge war in the awesome city of Minas Tirith. Aragorn (Vigo Mortenson), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Daves) follow the Paths of the Dead and get these dead people to help fight the Orcs.

The graphics in this film are awesome. The giant spider that Frodo fights looks strangely real. The huge Orc army and Minas Tirith will make your jaw drop. Action lovers- this movie is for you. The Riders of Rohan trample over the Orcs while the Orcs sling huge rocks into the walls of Minas Tirith.

Even thought the movie is great, there are some bad things about it. First of all, you must be willing to sacrifice your day to this movie. The movie is over 3 hours long. When I got up, from seeing the movie, it was difficult to walk, kind of like being on a long flight and getting off. The only badly computerized scene in the movie is the part where Frodo and Gollum fight over the ring. Also, this movie is really sad. For those of you who cry easily, bring a box of tissues. This movie is probably not for really little kids. Actually, it’s probably not a good idea for you arachnaphobics to come either, unless you want nightmares.

Overall, this movie is great. I’d give it five stars if I were a Hollywood critic!.

1st - 6th Grade After School Activities

By: Norman

People have many choices in after school activities for having fun. Activities will last through the New Year. The activities meet after school. An estimated guess is about 300 students attend. 1st - 6th Nome students can participate.

Chess Club, is a long continued activity held in the Library of the Elementary School Arnold Rowland and David Owens are teaching it. It ends at 3:30.

The King Islanders will teach dancing in the Music room which has been popular for many years.

Wrestling has been held in the gym or stage and this year it will be taught by Truman Johnson.

Lisa’s Leeper's is a jump roping activity held on Friday taught by Lisa Leeper.

Acting will be taught by Richard Benneville. They will perform a play called The Grouch.

Francis Alvanna will teach Language classes. Many languages will be taught.

Players Get Iced

By: Taylor & Daniel

The Nome Youth Hockey League started playing hockey last year on December 8th. They started just skating at the rink and progressed until they were checking and skating very well backwards and forwards! Bob Froehle, Charlie Painter, Mitch Erickson and the help of some sponsors (SBS, Alaska Gold Company, Nome Booster club, City of Nome and more) donated money to build the rink that lead to the league starting. They started the league for the sake of having hockey practices and games for kids and adults both.

This year’s hockey kids are “progressing at a high rate of speed” says Bob Froehle (the coach). The kids are out on the ice, no matter the weather, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The hockey kids practice not only with the team, but on there own time also. The hockey kids are trying to push the idea of going to Anchorage until they get it. The kids also want to step the hockey program up a notch to where we can start the checking part of the game, which Taylor Romenesko says is “The most fun part of the game.”

This year the 11-14 year old kids are hoping on going to Anchorage but Coach Bob Froehle said, “They would be perfectly fine, and happy if we stay here. We will be better for next year.” Bob also said, “It is expensive and we will miss at least one day of school.” We will actually miss three day’s of school.

Just like the kids, the adults like to play hockey. Each Friday and Sunday night at 7pm, no matter the weather, the adults are out on the rink playing the puck. After about 60 minutes the adults take a 5 minute break to scrape the ice, then head out for the second half.

The Nome Youth hockey league will be successful. Coach Bob said“ yes, it will be successful all ready look around at the people and parents that were here ten minutes ago.” Mark Steiger said “hockey is fun and he likes to skate”

A+ Students

By: Kelsey & Rachel

This year at the ACSA, we have had many outstanding students, but for November and December, two people really stuck out. Steffen Cox was Student of the Month for November, while Jeremy Head was Student of the Month for December.

We interviewed Mr. Hindman about how he picked Steffen and Jeremy for Student of the Month. “I look at how the students are doing academically,” Mr. Hindman told us. “I also check for how much effort is put into their work. Both Jeremy and Steffen redo every assignment that they don’t get a hundred on, whether it’s an 85% or 90%. I also look for good attitudes. Both Jeremy and Steffen get along with the students and teachers.” He also said, “It is hard picking Student of the Month because so many students are worthy of the title.”

We also interviewed Steffen and Jeremy to see how they felt about being Students of the Month. “I feel good,” said Jeremy. “Just good.” Jeremy has lived in Nome for 11 years, which is equivalent to his lifetime, and has attended ACSA for two years. Jeremy was born on March 27, 1992. He lives here in Nome with his parents, Dr. David Head and Lori Head. He has three brothers (Ben, Josh, and Daniel) and one sister (Sonja).

Steffen had a few different things to say. “I’m not really happy being student of the month.” said Steffen. He has been it before and didn’t like it that much (he never specified why). Steffen has been at ACSA for two years and says it’s “not fun, we have too much homework.” He was born on May 6, 1992 and has lived in Nome for about eight years. Before he came to Nome, he lived in Everett, Washington. Steffen thinks he got picked fairly for Student of the Month, but doesn’t know how he got picked.

On the whole, the school year 2003-2004 has been a great year for all students, especially for those Students of the Month.

The Golden Oldies Vs. The Young Guns

By: Jeremy Head

During the Christmas break the Nanooks played alumni who participated in sports. The reason for the competition is so that the alumni can see how they match up against the Nanooks of 2004.

The Nanook team included: Travis Weiss, Matt Blandford, and Ian Alvanna Stimpfle. The coach of this team is Pat Callahan.

This alumni tournament took place at the Nome Beltz gym on Friday, December 20,through Sunday, December 22. The games times lasted most of the day. These games were fun to watch. The Nanooks played during the last two games. These games were very crowded.

The reason for the Alumni games is so that people that have gone to schoool at Nome before can come home for the holidays and see how they match up against the Nanooks of 2004. Not to mention that it is a fun, low pressure, low intensity way to start the season for the Nanooks.

The Alumni tournament was a huge success and fun to watch! I hope the Alumni is held for many years to come.

Wall of Shame

By: Jode & Stephen

The Wall of Shame is where some one keeps track of how many times you have to stay after. For each quarter if you get three detentions, you get in school suspension. If you get three in school suspensions, you get out-of -school suspension, for each quarter.

To get on the Wall of Shame you have to disrupt the class or not listen to the teachers. If you shout out an answer, you get your name on the board also.

Nicholai Olson said, “In school suspension is very boring and long because you can’t talk or chill with all of your friends, not even at lunch. You have to come back to the classroom and eat your lunch by yourself.” He said, “during in school suspension he just spaces out at the ceiling and works on the packets that you get. Some of them are long and hard, but that is what you have to do.” He said that he spent his time in the “navienaitchuqu” room.

Mr. Hindman said that, “The reason that we have in school suspension, is because too many people were getting too many detentions.” He said, “ I put the students names on the board because they are disrupting other students and/or they are being disruptive to the class when I am teaching.” He also said that “you get three detentions a quarter, you get an in school suspension because after school isn’t working.”

There were twenty students on the Wall of Shame last quarter and four has had in school suspension.

When you get in trouble it goes on the wall of shame, so stay out of trouble. If you stay out of trouble, you don’t have to worry about being on the Wall of Shame, like a lot of people.

Student Profiles

By: Jordan & Banner

For this month’s student profile, we chose four students. They are Adem B, Charlotte M, Nicholai O, and Zach B. We picked these students because they stick out from the rest of their classmates because they are all role models.

Adem Boeckman is an 8th grader at Anvil City Science Academy and has been here for 2 years. His hobbies are playing video games, reading physic’s books and any other kind of book. His favorite color is blue, his favorite food is pizza and his favorite class is science. When asked who his role models were, he told us, “Einstein and Steven Hawkings because they are really smart.”

Charlotte Mattheis is in 6th grade and loves it. She has been at the Science Academy for 2 years. Her hobbies are swimming, volleyball, and hanging out with friends. Her favorite color is red and favorite food is Chinese. Her favorite classes are ISP and PE. “My mom is my role model. She is very inspiring,” she told us.

Zach Bourdon is one of the new students at ACSA. His hobbies are playing basketball and football. His favorite color is blue and he likes to eat goldfish. His favorite class is reading. When asked who his role model is, he told us his dad was, “because he is cool and smart.”

Nicholai Olson is one of the oldest students at the Science Academy. This is gonna be his last year here before he moves to Nome Beltz. He has no hobbies. His favorite color is blue and orange. He loves Chicken Fried Rice and his favorite class is PE. His role model is Randy Moss, because “he is a really good receiver.”

All and all, the students look pretty good this year. We hope that they make it through the year with ease!

He's Captured!

By: Tucker & Lucas

Last month Saddam Hussein was captured in a hole with 750,000 dollars. The U.S. military is now interrogating him. All we know about his location is he is in the Baghdad area.

The U.S. fought in the Iraq war. The reason we fought, was because we were in danger aof nuclear and biological war. That is the main reason of our participation in the war.

Last month the U.S. found the source of our problems. Saddam Hussein was located in a hole with a 750,000 dollars and a pistol. When the military found Saddam they arrested him. The U.S. is deciding whether or not he should have P.O.W. status. This is all we know about this particular subject. If Saddam doesn’t get P.O.W. status he can be executed.

Tropical Rain Forest Walkways

By: Sheikea & Hilary

In Science Mr. Hindman let kids choose the partner they wanted to have for a project. The project was called theTropical Rain Forest Walkway. We first drew a diagram and wrote the measurements, which we made sure were correct. We then showed the paper that we drew to Mr. Hindman. Then he told us what we needed to add to the diagram. After we were finished with drawing, we started building. We had to get all the materials we need to build the rainforest walkway. The materials we used were two large soda bottles, sixty craft sticks, three meters of string, six paperclips, twenty tooth picks, six straws, glue, masking tape, a meter stick, and scissors.

Each group had their own way of making the walkway. The they drew two views, a bird’s eye view and a side view.

When the class finished with their designs, they started to paint. When they were all are done with painting, they will be awarded a prize for the one that holds the most weight.

14 Days of Christmas & a New Year !

By: Norman

As most schools do, ACSA has a winter break.

A big December event was the capture of Saddam. But many soldiers could not return for Christmas. And a rather poor New Year surprise was the bombing of a restraunt in Asia.

There have been programs for Christmas all over the United States. For New Years the Chinese have a dragon with people under the cover. Still some people do NOT celebrate Christmas, such as some poor countries in Africa.

For most, Christmas is happy. The New Year is the new beginning. The vast majority of the USA looks forward to a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Some people don’t give money to the poor, and dislike Christmas.

I interviewed my brother Nick about Christmas in Norway. I asked him what the Norwegian Christmas elf was and what Norwegians do for him. He answered Julenisse. We give him rice porridge. I asked what people eat for Christmas, and he responded “ rice porridge, kringler (rolls), pork ribs, roast and various cheeses. What Norwegians do for Christmas with their animals is give them extra portions of their favorite foods.

Though some had a sad Christmas the rest had a very nice Christmas.

The old Christmas ways often still live on in the world. Saint Nick and various elves supposedly bring joy and happiness to young children. We do look forward to Christmas, especially the 14 day winter break. “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

Molas

By: Kent Hill

The students at ACSA just completed some art work, they made molas, it is made of paper and glue. We spent one month doing molas. First a small mola for practice, then a harder part, the bigger one. We struggled to make them,but we succeeded when we finished. A few kids did it in a breeze. There needs to be three layers and a inhansment. I asked Kellen Baker if he liked doing the molas what hard and easy.” After all the work, Mrs. Swenson was the teacher and the put the all in the hall.

 Molas Another Look

By: Lauren O.

In November 2003, students at A.C.S.A started a project called “Molas”. Their teacher was one of the well-known parent volunteer, which happens to be Mrs. Leslie Swenson. “Molas were traditionally made by the Kuna Indians of the Panama,” says Leslie, “ They were originally made with two-dimensional fabrics.”

Molas were first being created many centuries ago. Some of the first Molas are still around today. The first Molas that were created are considered as ancient artifacts, so they can sell for thousands of dollars! Molas are also a type of art form. You probably may see them in many art galleries because they are starting to be more and more common.

Before Mrs. Leeper went on her maternity leave, she planned out he schedule in which Mr. Hesterly was to use. At first, Mr. Hesterly was to teach the “Molas” project to the students, but Mr. Hesterly knew that he was not too creative and good when it comes to art. So, Leslie volunteered to help-out. Mrs. Leeper explained the project to Leslie, and before you knew it, Leslie was helping students with their Molas. The Mola process may seems pretty hard at first, but based on my opinion, it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. Like many of the projects at A.C.S.A., we all need a little practice. First, the students made Molitas (the smaller version of Molas). The process for the Molitas was hard for most of the students, but some how they made it through. When most of the students were done with their Molas, they neatly wrote a “congratulations” to Mrs. Leeper and her baby, just as planned.

After Molitas, students then started working on Molas. They chose a design and used carbon paper to transfer their designs on to construction paper. After all the cutting and snipping, all the Molas were completed. All of the hard work had paid off; every Mola looked very beautiful. Next, students made small note cards that described the Mola design. The note cards contained the scientific name of the plant or animal, the common name, and where it is native to. When everyone was done, with that, the Molas and note cards were posted on to the bulletin boards. A lot of people admired the Molas. They all looked their very best when they were displayed.

In conclusion, many people were relieved that their Molas were complete, and many people wee just glad to get it over with. But for me, I wouldn’t mind making a Mola myself right now.

 On A Mission

By: Jonny

If two men in suits knock on your door, you should let them in and hear what they have to say. The two guys in suits are Elders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One of them is Elder Rowland and the other is Elder White. They are missionaries.

To become a missionary you have to be a worthy member, have a strong testimony of the gospel and have a lot of faith. When you become a missionary your on a mission for two years. There are over 70,000 missionaries in the world.

Elder Rowland was born on December 9, 1982 in Monte Pelter, Idaho. His full name is Andrew (Andy) Kevin Rowland. He started his mission in February 19, 2002 and he finishes February 25, 2004. Andy comes from a big family of four brothers and 4 sisters (he’s the middle child). He loves to snow board, mountain bike, and go rock climbing. He served in Anchorage for 7½ months, Fairbanks for 3 months, Juneau for 5 months, Naknak for 6 months, and he serving the last 5 months in Nome.

When he’s off his mission, Andy is going to spend time with his family. In the fall he is going to go to college at Idaho State University. Eventually he will date girls, get married, and visit Jonny.

Elder White was born on October 27, 1982 in Upland, California. His full name is Brett Andrew White. He started his mission on December 6, 2002. He finishes on December 15, 2004. He has four brothers and two sisters (he’s the youngest child). He likes the military, likes to go camping, and also he likes to shoot guns. Elder White had served in Palmer for 4½ months, Dillingham for 6 months, North Pole for 1½ months, and he has been serving in Nome for 3 months.

When Brett gets off his mission he wants to get married. He’s thinking about being a bodyguard. He will probably go back to the military and ask to go over the seas. He wants to go to college, but mostly wants a family.

 Power Up !

By: Zachary

Guess who lights up the lights, computers, and everything in the city of Nome? The power plant is the place that powers up everything. It’s located by the Airport and the Animal Shelter.

There are 4 shifts out at the power plant. One is a day shift, the second is swing shift, the third is the night shift, and the last is the relieve shift.

There are six engines there. One of them they haven’t used for a long time. The most used one is maybe the loudest and takes a lot of room. The main entrance is the West. There is one engine b the entrance office is by the first engine.There is a back where they like working on stuff. There is an upstairs by the back where they have some old supplies and old computers. The closest to the office is the on that is very old. The next three engines are the same. They only use them if the main engine is not working.

Eight people work out at the power plant. There are four operators, three mechanics, and a foreman. Douglas Johnson has been working there for fifteen years, so he’s the person who’s been working there the longest. Nate is right behind Douglas, he’s has been working there for fifteen years. “ I like working with my hands and doing a good job for the community,” Nate Perkins said, “ The shifts are OK, but sometimes it gets pretty old.”