Onondaga Central
Key Club sold Breast Cancer Ribbons the past two weeks for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each person paid $1 and wrote their name on the ribbon to show their support for Breast cancer research. The ribbons are displayed in the lobby of the high school for all students, faculty, and visitors to see. Thank you to all who bought ribbons and for supporting all who are fighting against this horrible disease.
Look out for Key Club’s upcoming Thanksgiving food drive and Veteran’s Day commemorations!
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Have you ever wondered why once a year it becomes acceptable to go to a stranger's house and take candy from them? The history behind trick or treating is not a hundred percent clear, but many believe it was first celebrated Celtic traditions and early Roman Catholic holidays. In Ireland around 2,000 years ago, people celebrated a festival called Samhain on the night of October 31st. During this night, people believed that the dead returned to Earth. They would light bonfires and even offer sacrifices. Sometimes, people would dress up in costumes to make unwanted ghosts stay away. Later on, more people would dress up in costumes and play tricks in exchange for treats. People would engage in all sorts of activities in exchange for treats, such as: mumming, souling, guising, etc. Immigrants fleeing Ireland brought these Halloween traditions to America. At one point the pranks got out of hand, and during the Great Depression, people even turned to vandalism and violence. Eventually though, the treats became a more prominent aspect of the tradition and trick or treating became accepted as a Halloween tradition in America. Fun fact: Americans spend about $2.6 million on candy for Halloween. Anytime we see carved pumpkins, we automatically think about Halloween. The history of Jack-o-Lanterns dates back centuries. Jack-o-Lanterns originated in Ireland, where potatoes and turnips were often used instead of pumpkins. Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America. The name itself also comes from an Irish folktale about a man called Stingy Jack. In the legend, a man named Jack played tricks on the devil multiple times and got away with it. The devil promised Jack not to bother him and not to claim Jack's soul after he died. When Jack died, God did not let him enter heaven and the devil, keeping his promise, didn’t let him enter hell. The devil sent Jack away with a lump of burning coal to help light the way. As the myth goes, Jack put the coal into a turnip and has been walking around since; hence the name Jack of the lantern which turned into Jack O’Lantern. Next time you see a carved pumpkin, remember the man who tricked the devil and be careful if you see a man walking around with a lit turnip. Need some haunting Halloween movies to watch this holiday season? Look no further. Here are two great movies to get you in the spooky spirit! Hocus Pocus, made in the 90's, is an iconic film that's great to watch with family. Max just moved to Salem, Massachusetts, and isn't quite fitting in. When he accidentally awakens three, three-hundred year old witches, he'll have to keep them from achieving immortality and save the children in town. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, this fun film is guaranteed to put a spell on you! Another great Halloween hit that's more into the horror genre is The Ring. This American remake of the original Japanese film Ringu is considered one of the best horror movie remakes of all time. A video tape containing nightmarish imagery leads to a phone call, telling the viewer they will die in exactly seven days. Newspaper reporter Rachel Keller is skeptical of the story's legitimacy until she watches the video for herself and gets that exact phone call. Now it's up to her to solve the mystery before her seven days are up. This movie is not extremely gory, but its creepy visuals are what make it scary. The Ring is recommended for horror fans to watch this Halloween! Last but not least is Beetlejuice! This spooky movie from the 80's is loved by many. When the unbearable Deetzes move into the house haunted by the spirits of a deceased couple, the couple must try, (and fail), to scare the new family away. Their attempts attract Beetlejuice, whose help leads to something more dangerous. This movie is equal parts funny and creepy, making it enjoyable for a wide audience, but beware of saying his name three times… Whether it's a Halloween party, family movie night, or even just a solo viewing, any one of these movies will be a great watch! Crisp air. Brilliant colors wisping away from trees. Vibrant sceneries. And leaves crunching beneath your feet. It is a perfect fall day. What better than to go on a hike? In New York, the fall foliage makes this time of year perfect for going on a hike. One place to go this year is the Salmon River Falls. In Oswego County, the cascading 110 ft falls offer various lengths of hiking trails. The Gorge trail may only be 600 ft, common the two sets of steep staircases bringing you down to the base of the falls are for those ready for a challenge. The main trail continues to the dam about 2 miles further, sending you on a rock-terrained hike. Short paths take you to the top of the falls where you can wade in the river. Streams flank the trails, making for a wet hike so dress accordingly. Another fabulous hike is the Allegany State Park. At the Red House Beach area, there are 5.6 miles of paved trails fantastic for hiking. The hikings trails traverse for miles, giving options for hikers of all skill levels. This area of the park offers unique fall foliage accented with water views and beach access. While you can enjoy the entire day at the park by hiking and even eating a picnic lunch, you can also spend the weekend camping at one of the many sites. Allegany State Park has 22 phenomenal hiking trails ranging from an easy .6 miles to a challenging 9.2 miles with incredible increases in elevation. Tons of trails are located in the two main areas of the park, the Quaker and Red House areas. While hiking can be an all day excursion, it can also only take a couple of hours while still reaping the same benefits. Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca, New York is a quick jaunt away from home, making it a perfect hiking destination. The state park contains 5 hiking trails ranging from 1.6 miles to 4.5 miles and highlights New York’s finest fall foliage. Furthermore, an even closer hike to home is the Pleasant Valley Preserve Loop. The loop is a quick 3 miles on fairly flat terrain. A walk through the dense forestry will no doubt exude vibrant hues of orange and red. This loop is also known for its lively wildlife, including great spots for bird watching. Finally, a hidden gem in the town of Manlius, NY preserved land for the Three Falls woods. Stretching over 60 acres, the land preserve is home to five falls. Three of which are the focal point of the land, known as Staircase Falls, Tall Twins Falls, and Bridalveil Falls. The two smaller falls include the Cascade Falls and Little Twins Falls. The preserve hosts numerous hiking trails where you can spot beautiful fall scenery and the marvelous waters rushing through the falls. Halloween is a lot of spooky fun, but rotting pumpkins cluttering your yard isn’t. Here are some simple and clever ways to repurpose your pumpkins rather than throwing them away. Composting your pumpkins is the simplest way to get rid of them. Pumpkins decay quickly due to their high water content. To speed up the process, you can squish or smash them! Just remember to remove your seeds beforehand to avoid them from rooting in your pile. Fun Fact! Pumpkins are made up of 80%-90% water! Collect the seeds and allow them to dry before composting your pumpkin. Birds and small animals will eat pumpkin seeds if you scatter them around your yard or in a platform feeder. Do not put any salt or seasoning on the seeds if you are giving it to wildlife. Did you know? 1.3 billion pumpkins in the U.S. end up in landfills. Make a pumpkin planter! Reuse your pumpkins as a flower pot by filling your hollow pumpkin with potting soil and add fall friendly flowers such as Chrysanthemums, Croton, or Pansy. When your pumpkin begins to rot, plant the entire pumpkin and flower into the ground. The pumpkin acts as a fertilizer and your flowers will grow back the following spring. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is accepting donations for the fall season. Gather as many large, fresh pumpkins as you can and deliver them to the front desk. These pumpkins are used for both the animals and the park's decorations. Please make sure that any donated or planted pumpkins are free of paint, stickers, or glue. This is harmful for the animals as well as the environment. Fright Nights are back and better than ever this year! Now in a new location, Fright Nights has moved from the NY state fairgrounds to 1 LePage St. in Syracuse. Stop by any Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from now until the end of October to experience five haunted houses, including the NEW Devil’s Dungeon Slide to Hell! Tickets are $30 for all five houses, and can be purchased online at www.thefrightnights.com; cash, Visa, and Mastercard payments are the accepted forms of payment. On Fridays and Saturdays, they’re open from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., while Sunday’s hours are 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Various food and drink stands are outside, however, lines can be long - so dress warm! Begin your journey aboard Lady Lamson’s Cursed Voyage, full of evil pirates. Next is Penny's Playhouse and creepy clowns, followed by Burgen Manor - created in honor of fright master Jimmy Burgen. Jurassic Dark allows you to come close to some full size dinosaurs, with some other scares along the way. Lastly, race with friends through the Devil's Dungeon Slide to Hell. Want to pick a pumpkin? Here are some local pumpkin patches: The Pumpkin Hollow 3735 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215 Tim’s Pumpkin Patch 2901 Rose Hill Rd, Marietta, NY 13110 Plumpton Farms 3990 Coye Rd, Jamesville, NY 13078 Navarino Orchard 3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215 Springside Farm 1850 NY-91, Fabius, NY 13063 Halloween has arrived and the spooky celebration is not complete without some sweet treats! With all of the festivities occurring throughout the day; trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and scare-tastic parties, the desserts do not have to be complicated and time consuming to be eerily delicious!
Candy Corn Fudge: Why buy a bag at the store when you can make your own? Ingredients:
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With two unconventional years behind us and a bright year ahead of us, the Class of 2022 is ready to get back to normal and finish high school on a high note. Senior year can be the most exciting and memorable year in one’s life and for this year’s class, it will be. Senior year is a year to highlight and the time to emphasize one’s accomplishments throughout the years. This edition features Onondaga’s Class of 2022 President and Vice President. Nicholas Toomey, a top ten student in his class, is a Senior at Onondaga this year. He is unsure of his plans next fall but will probably enroll in OCC to explore future career options. In high school, Nicholas plays Basketball, Baseball and runs Cross Country. In Basketball, he is a Center and in Baseball plays third base and left field. Although Nicholas is a three sport athlete, his favorite sport is basketball, because of the team atmosphere and the intense, non-stop pace of the game. His favorite sports memory is Coby’s hat. Clubs Nicholas participates in include: Student Council, National Honor Society, Key club, German Club and Band. He is President of the Class of 2022, and Student Council Treasurer. Nick regrets not joining more clubs in his early years at the high school, adding that that you will never regret trying new things. Onondaga offers numerous classes in an array of subjects. Nicholas’ favorite class was German because of the fun environment and teaching strategies, as well as the interesting curriculum. Nicholas is going to miss his friends the most after graduating high school. High school is filled with many successes, even through difficult tasks, and for Nicholas, his proudest achievement is being ranked top ten in his class. His advice to underclassmen is to join numerous clubs and sports and be very involved in Onondaga’s extracurricular activities. “If you love something you have a passion for it, do it and whatever you do, whether a sport or a club, give it 110% effort.” High school is the time to explore what you do and do not like, so take advantage of it. You only go to high school once and it only lasts four years. Outside of school and sports, Nicholas enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with friends and spending time outside. In the summer, he worked in the Poultry Barn at the NYS Fair and continues to do yard work throughout the fall for neighbors. The person who inspires Nicholas the most is his mother because she always pushes him to do his best and supports him in all of his endeavors. Sophia Myer is graduating top in her class at Onondaga this year. Sophia is applying to prestigious colleges such as Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown, University of Rochester, and LeMoyne. While she may be applying to many universities, her first choice is the University of Rochester due to its location and science programs. In college, she plans on majoring in biology because she intends to pursue a career in the medical field that will require further education in medical school.
In high school, Sophia plays soccer, lacrosse, and indoor track. In both soccer and lacrosse, she plays mid-field. In indoor track, she runs the 200m, 4x200m relay, and the 600m. While she is a three-sport athlete, her favorite sport is lacrosse because she got to meet new people from LaFayette that she has now become friends with. Sophia’s favorite sports memory is having a home Sectional game for soccer. Although they lost the game, being able to represent their school on their home field created an exciting energy and a sense of pride. Sophia is a member of multiple clubs at Onondaga. She is secretary of Key Club, president of Varsity Club, secretary of National Honor Society, and is the Vice president of the Class of 2022. Her favorite high school memory is this year's homecoming and senior night. Having all of her friends and family there to support her was meaningful and memorable. Her teammates decorated posters and the locker room in honor of the senior soccer players’ successful careers. While the game ended in a tie after double overtime, the girls left it all on the field, creating an unforgettable night for Sophia. Her proudest accomplishment is earning the titles of 1st All-League Soccer team and 2nd All-League Lacrosse team. When Sophia is not on the field or in school, she is a cashier at the Amphitheater parking lots for concerts. In ten years, Sophia imagines herself as a doctor, working hard in the medical field to make a lasting impact. Her advice to underclassmen is “don’t stress too much.” Good luck Sophia and Nicholas in all your future pursuits! Class of 2023:
Support the Class of 2023 and show your school spirit! Purchase your brand new, stylish OCS apparel today. The sale begins on October 4 and runs through October 24. Use HERE to order. Battle of the Books: Have a love for reading? Interested in boosting your resume? Have an appetite for competition to show off your knowledge? Then join Battle of the Books! Grades 7-12 are welcome to form teams of 2-4 people, so grab your friends and get reading! Contact Mrs. Richer and Mrs. Patterson with any questions. Books to Read: Grades 7-8: Refugee by Alan Gratz, White Bird by R.J. Palcio, Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds, Posted by John David Anderson, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, Free Lunch by Rex Ogle, and Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams Grades 9-12: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Firekeepers Daughter by Angelina Boulley, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige, They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Stamped Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, and Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. International Internship Program Law and Advocacy: Visit https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/team21164/ to donate to IIP Team 21164 who is working tirelessly to help improve human rights in Nigeria. All funds raised go directly to advocacy campaigns in Nigeria, saving lives, supporting education for children, and defending citizens from terrorist organizations. This year the team will be working with advocacy groups helping to end Kidnapping for Ransom in Nigeria, committed by the terrorist organization Boko Haram. I n Nigeria, 1,300 Nigerians were abducted in June of 2021 alone. Over 3,000 people have been kidnapped for ransom in 2021, half of whom were children. In August 2021, over 80 children were kidnapped from a boarding school in Northern Nigeria. This is the 10th mass school kidnapping in only 8 months. Boko Haram kidnaps children, demanding 1 million nairas per child in ransom, to fund their attacks. Key Club: Remember your money to purchase a pink ribbon to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Ribbons only cost $1 and all funds go to breast cancer research. See any member of Key Club to buy a ribbon. Onondaga’s Jr./Sr. High has welcomed many new staff members to the building this year. Meet the new teachers and administrators and help welcome them to OCS!
Helping Onondaga’s chorus sing loud and clear is Ms. Lenkiewicz! As the high school’s new chorus teacher, she has been grateful for all the support from staff and students and truly enjoys that aspect of OCS. Before coming to Onondaga at the very end of last year, she taught piano lessons at the Fayetteville YMCA, making this her first teaching position. Ms. Lenkiewicz was drawn to Onondaga for its small size and truly appreciated having a student on the interview panel. To her, it showed the administration cares about the music department as well as the staff and students’ well-being. The best part of her job is when the chorus puts all the parts together and sings as one, it is like putting the pieces of a puzzle together. Something that surprised her about OCS is how involved all the students are. For example, students go to sports practice and then head over to drama rehearsal, juggling both activities and schoolwork. Ms. Lenkiewicz also grew up in Syracuse, attending Christian Brothers Academy. For college, she attended Gettysburg University before transferring to Syracuse University. In college, she learned how to play all the instruments, but thinks the Trombone is the most fun to play. When asked what her favorite type of music was, she said she could not choose, adding she loves all music equally. Ms. Lenkiewicz’s inspiration to become a chorus teacher was her own high school chorus teacher and the influence and impact she had on her life. When she is not helping OCS Drama sing or conducting chorus, she enjoys playing piano, binging television shows, and walking her two golden doodles. One thing many people do not know about Ms. Lenkiewicz is that she was once in the local newspaper as a kid, so being interviewed now brings back memories. Onondaga is excited to welcome Ms. Lenkiewicz and all her musical talents! Mrs. Dunham is a new addition to Onondaga’s English department, teaching 8th grade English and writing lab. Previously she worked at Westhill for ten years before taking eight years off to raise her family. Before applying to Onondaga, she was a long-term sub at both West Genesee and Jamesville Dewitt. Mrs. Dunham enjoys working at a small school and being able to recognize students as staff as they walk down the halls. Another positive about Onondaga is the friendly staff and students. The close proximity and her knowledge of Onondaga being a small and exponential school, drew her to the job position. According to Mrs. Dunham, the best part of being in English is being able to read all the time. She prefers reading over writing, especially historical fiction books, which is her favorite genre. Mrs. Dunham grew up in Syracuse, attending Bishop Ludden and then attending LeMoyne college upon graduation. It was not just her love of reading that attracted her to becoming a teacher; Mrs. Dunham worked with children in Parks and Recreation Programs over the summer as a high schooler. Beyond the pages of a book, Mrs. Dunham enjoys hiking, sewing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. She has three sons, all of whom are in high school. Something many people do not know about Mrs. Dunham is a the she is a Yankees baseball fan and she sews some of her own clothes. So next time you see her in a stylish outfit, be sure to know it could be something she created herself! Before ending the interview, Mrs. Dunham wanted to make sure to thank everyone at Onondaga, both staff and students, for being welcoming and making her first month so easy. And in return, Onondaga wants to thank Mrs. Dunham as well for coming here and teaching our students and expanding their knowledge every day! Ms. Zieniuk is the 7th-9th graders’ counselor. Prior to working at OCS, she worked with students as an intern at Mexico High School. She was drawn to Onondaga because “it is a small yet diverse school.” She likes that because, in a smaller school, she can make more “genuine relationships” and be more involved in school and community activities. She says she really likes how welcoming OCS is and the area surrounding it. When asked what surprised her most about OCS, she answered by saying, “ Honestly, the lack of interest in playing sports.” While some teams have a good amount of athletes, others struggle to gather a whole team. Ms. Zieniuk, who also happens to be the girls’ modified soccer coach, includes that it was hard to “field a whole team.” She grew up in a town called Scotia which is about two hours east of Syracuse. When she was 12, she won $150 in a junior bass fishing tournament for coming in second place; her brother happened to come in first and won $200. Some of her hobbies include going to Target, being outside when the weather is nice, snowboarding/skiing, and making memories at her parents’ camp on Sacandaga Lake. She likes to listen to all types of music depending on what mood she is in. She isn’t married, nor does she have kids, but she plans on that for the future. Growing up, Ms. Zieniuk would play “school” with her friends. As she grew up she realized that being a school counselor was a “fulfilling career path for her and something that she truly enjoys.” Ms. Zieniuk earned her associate’s degree at OCC, her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland, and finally her master’s at SUNY Oswego. Mr. Smolen, the new officer at OCS, grew up in Marcellus; that is part of the reason he was drawn to OCS. He says all of his friends were from the area, and he adds in that, “this is my community.” Mr. Smolen enjoys skiing, fishing, travelling, and hiking with his kids. He loves spending time with his family. His favorite music is country music. He also played the drums in school. He is married and has two kids, a 15 year old daughter and an 11 year old son. To earn his bachelors, Mr. Smolen attended Columbia College. He has a degree in criminal justice and is attending S.U. currently to earn a masters in public administration. When asked about something many people do not know about him, Mr. Smolen says it’s a hard question to think about, but it’s probably the amount of things he’s done. He explains how he has travelled all around the world through the military and how he went overseas three times. Prior to OCS, Mr. Smolen worked as a sheriff at Onondaga’s Sheriff Office for 22 years and then was in the Air Force for 20 years. He says, “This is a retirement job.” He likes how OCS is a small district and he gets to know all the staff. He is surprised at how welcoming the students are at OCS. He adds, “Police aren’t viewed in a great light these days so I was worried about how I was going to be perceived but everyone has been really nice.” When asked what’s the best part of his job, he says getting to meet all the students and staff. He is excited to start this new chapter in his life. He stresses how nice it is that he gets to know everybody better. This year, Homecoming returned in full force! After missing a year, OCS staff and students were ready to get back to tradition. On Friday, normal festivities took place with the pep rally on the football field to kick off the weekend. At 5:00, the Boys Varsity Soccer Game began against Tully. The Lafayette-Onondaga soccer team took home the win on Senior Night with a 1-0victory During the game, from 4-7, the Senior class hosted the spaghetti dinner, where community members, sports teams, and students all came together to enjoy a hearty meal. At 7:00 pm, the Varsity Girls Soccer team had a heartwarming senior night presentation to honor all the Senior girls for their hard work and dedication to the team. The game ended in double overtime with a score of 0-0. Although there was no winner, the girls gave the game their all. The Homecoming Dance was organized by the Class of 2023. DJ Dolloff did not fail to excite all the students with awesome music and colored lights beaming through the dark gym.
Saturday’s festivities began with the parade at noon, featuring floats from all classes, as well as sports team floats. They drove from the South Onondaga Fire Station to the Wheeler entrance with community members lining the streets, ready to collect candy. After the parade, kickoff for the Homecoming Varsity Football game was at 1:00 pm. The Tigers played against Skaneateles but were unsuccessful in taking down the Lakers. The famous white tent was once again placed next to the stadium where clubs, sports teams, and classes filled tables with delicious food and treats for visiting alumni and sports fans to purchase, proving to be successful fundraisers for many of Onondaga’s organizations. At halftime, the winners of the float contests were announced. The Seniors won the best overall float, which was decorated with pictures of the Seniors. The Class of 2024 won the best community float award for their horse-drawn carriage. Overall, Homecoming brought the community together On Sept. 17, the Homecoming Dance was held in the gymnasium of the Onondaga Central Jr./Sr. High School. For $7 per person, students and permitted guests could dance the night away from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Seniors Sophia Myers and Ricky Kopp were crowned this year’s homecoming Queen and King. With Mr. Doloff DJ-ing, all kinds of music was played, from the Cha-Cha Slide to Pitbull. Mrs. Ferris and Mrs. Richer, both teachers, worked the admission table at the front, and concessions were sold by Treasurer Evelynn Loan, as well as fellow juniors Prudence Corrente and Faith Taylor, with food and drinks ranging from 50¢ to $1.00. Students of all grades attended the dance—even some alumni—and Loan says that $635 was raised from admission fees. The following day, Sept. 18, was Homecoming. The floats in the parade, including the seniors’ winning float, tossed candy to those watching. Students, alumni, and teachers could buy food from the concession stands and watch the football game. Overall, the weekend was filled with a lot of excitement. This month the positivity project focused on curiosity, teamwork, and open-mindedness. To get a better understanding let’s go over what each of these characteristics means. Curiosity means, “a strong desire to know or learn something” (Oxford Languages). This could be anything from asking questions or trying to learn a new skill. Teamwork is, “the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient” (Oxford Languages). Teamwork is especially important in sports, but it can be in anything such as working together on a group project or even doing chores with someone. Open-mindedness means, “ willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced” (Oxford Languages). It’s important to be willing to hear what others have to say/share and to look at things from a different perspective.
Upcoming Dress Days: Wednesday, October 13: Wear Blue for Integrity Wednesday, October 20: Wear Pink for Forgiveness Wednesday, October 27: Wear Orange for Creativity Key Club is kicking off the new school year with the Breast Cancer Ribbons fundraiser, in support of Breast cancer awareness, this October. Each ribbon will cost only $1. Once your name is written on the ribbon you purchased, all of the ribbons will be displayed on the cafeteria window to be seen by all visitors and students in the lobby. In November, Key Club intends to do a Thanksgiving food drive to help feed those in need during the holiday season. Don’t forget to bring money for snacks and candy at 2:30 daily! The snack cart is located in Mrs. James’ room. All the funds raised from the cart go directly to supporting Key Club. If you are interested in joining Key Club, contact Mrs. James.
Student Council began early this year, organizing the first pep rally of the 2021-22 school year! At the Pep rally, Student Council members celebrated Fall sport athletes by having each team announce their members and receive a round of applause from their peers. The cheerleaders performed an energetic cheer, and the Varsity Football and Soccer teams competed in an intense game of Capture the flag, resulting in a win for the football team. This year, Student Council hopes to be able to hold a Red Cross Blood Drive if COVID restrictions permit, as well as host a Penny Jar Contest between classes in November. The funds would be given to a charity and the winning class would receive a sweet treat! Student Council also hopes to host our Christmas Activities before Christmas break once again. If you are interested in becoming a member of Student Council, contact Natalie Price at [email protected]. Are you looking for some fun movies to get you into the fall spirit? Want something a little spooky, but not quite ‘Halloween’ yet? Here are two suggestions for a great movie night!
“Coraline” directed by Henry Selick follows a young girl named Coraline who, while exploring her new house, discovers a secret doorway which leads to an alternate world, which is similar to her own but is, in some ways, better. Released in 2009, this movie is beloved by many. Though sharing similarities with Tim Burton’s works, he is not listed as a creator of this stop-motion film. Although containing eerie and nerve-wracking scenes, the movie still has a homey feeling, and encourages you to embrace and appreciate what and who you have, even if everything isn’t always perfect. Another fantastic fall-themed movie is “The Addams Family,” as well as its sequel, “Addams Family Values.” In the first, a man claiming to be Fester shows up, and the family is thrilled… until suspicion arises that he is not who he claims to be. “Fester” and lawyer Tully Alford attempt to take the Addams’ family fortune by taking advantage of their missing relative. Then, “Addams Family Values” centers around Wednesday and Pugsley plotting to get rid of Morticia and Gomez’s new baby boy, along with the threat of a new nanny who has evil intentions. Both movies are officially rated PG-13, and are a fun watch with friends or family. They’re gothic and spooky, but not necessarily scary, and aren’t necessarily Halloween themed. In addition, our very own OCS High School Drama Club will be performing the Addams Family Musical this November; watching these movies will help get you into the Addam’s Family spirit! I hope these amazing autumn picks will be exactly what you’re looking for this season. When it gets too cold for apple-picking or pumpkin-carving, it’s time to watch “Coraline” or the Addams Family movie series. The Tiger Prowl asked students at Onondaga what their favorite fall scent and flavor is. Pumpkin and apple are notorious during this season! Apple picking is in its prime and pumpkin patches are heading with pumpkin! While pumpkin was the clear winner in both competitions, OCS students enjoy other autumn scents and flavors including maple, cinnamon and pumpkin spice!
It is our job as the next generation to contribute to the protection and preservation of our planet. While juggling school, jobs, and friends, maintaining an environmentally responsible lifestyle can be difficult. Here are a few ideas for having an eco-friendly fall without skipping the fun:
Skip the chores! Raking leaves disrupts the natural cycle that occurs in the autumn. When leaves fall to the ground, they decompose over time, returning nutrients to the soil. This is beneficial to the environment, allowing plants to grow and thrive. If you prefer to move the leaves, you can add them to a compost pile or a garden. Shop local! Shopping locally minimizes the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by reducing the amount of time spent traveling. Onondaga, fortunately, is surrounded by farms and produce, making it easy to purchase fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. You're not only assisting the environment, but you're also assisting local farmers and business owners. Treat yourself! With the popularity of warm pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider, now is a perfect time to invest in a reusable travel cup or mug. Reusable cups are the sustainable solution to plastic. They contribute to reducing the amount of plastic waste dumped into our oceans and landfills. So why should we be concerned about the environment? Manufacturing, transportation, and waste pollution all contribute to climate change (also known as global warming). Wildfires, low food production, and sickness are all possible outcomes. Every choice we make has an influence on the environment. Good, environmentally conscious decisions contribute to a healthy earth and its people. Local Farm Stands: Abbott’s Fresh Produce Stand: Located on Tanner Rd. Silver Spring’s Market: 4461 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215 Delany Farms: 3633 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215 Emmi’s Farm Market: 1482 W Genesee Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027 Oliver’s Produce: 4845 Frank Gay Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108 Fall is not just for baking apple pies and pumpkin cookies! Squash can be used in delicious savory dishes that will surely fill the family’s hungry stomachs! Especially since squash is in season, fall is the perfect time to try a new recipe and even try one that is healthy!
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Charred Onions and Kale: Ingredients:
1. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and place them into a rimmed baking sheet. Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary. 2. Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes at 400 degrees and rotate the pan halfway through. 3. Meanwhile, heat a large pan over medium-high burner until hot. Arrange the onions in the pan, cut-side down. Cook until charred in spots, which will take a brief 5 to 7 minutes. Occasionally stir and turn onions until cooked to your liking. 4. Remove the onions and add the mushrooms. Stir the mushrooms frequently until soft for about 5 minutes. Add in the more rosemary. 5. Once you add the mushrooms to the onions. Cook the kale until wilted. 6. Add the rice, quinoa and kale to the onions and mushrooms. Then toss in feta, lemon juice and drizzle in olive oil if dry. And there you have it! Incorporate healthy ingredients into fresh squash for a flavorful fall dinner! |
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October 2021
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