The Colors of Congress, Volume IV, Issue VI - Park Hill School District

The Colors of Congress
The Beginning of Something Great! NJHS
By: Kate Safford
National Honor Society (NHS) has been
offered for many years ta juniors and
seniors at Park Hill; but is new to congress
this year as National Junior Honor Society
(NJHS). Ms. Hunsucker and Ms. Wyss really
pushed this year to begin this extraordinary
society. Many 7th graders have already
been inducted into this society this
spring and will carry on this society into
next year.
Not anybody can be inducted into this
noble society , there are a few requirements
to be in NJHS. There are five pillars
to lead the students in this group: Citizenship,
Leadership, Character, Scholarship,
and Service. These will guide each and
every student that will ever be in this
society. To remain in this society you must
keep your G. P. A. average up, along with
volunteering for 6 hours each semester
anywhere you choose. The history for NHS,
and NJHS goes back over 90 years. The
idea for NHS came about in 1919, but the
society began in 1921 by the National
Association of Secondary School Principals
or NASSP. Eight years later NJHS was
started in 1929.
Just like in every club, or society, there are
great people involved in making this society
prosper and flourish. Ms. Hunsucker and Ms.
Wyss are two amazing teachers of reading
Congress’ fabulous art teacher, Mrs.
Jeanne Andre, is retiring at the end of
the 2011-2012 school year. She has
been taught for over three decades and
her last year teaching is coming to a
close…
Jeanne Andre was born in Bradford,
Connecticut. Growing up she moved
around quite a bit: she lived in Germany
in kindergarten and first grade, then
Virginia for grades 2-5, before coming
to Kansas City and our very own Park
Hill! As a kid, she remembers having
pogo-stick marathons with the neighbors,
as well as playing kick-the-can and
flashlight tag, and spending her summers
in Clearwater Beach, Florida with
her Grandma Fuzzy. When she was
younger, she wanted to be a flight
Park Hill School District
and language arts on the Aces team. They
have created the path for NJHS by
sponsoring, and leading each group of
inductees, and members for years to
come. Lyndsey Wright was early this year
elected to be the president, and would
like to say,” Being selected to be part of
the National Junior Honor Society is the
greatest of all achievements and to be
choose as the student leader of such a
group is even more remarkable.” As you
can tell, Lyndsey has devoted herself to
this group of 7th and 8th graders this
whole year. Nate Sumimoto has been the
right hand man being the vice president.
Also Nick Tanner has done an amazing job
being the secretary for NJHS, as well as
Dante Arno ,as the historian, capturing
memories that will last a life time.
This society has done many things for
the school, nation, and world community,
all making a difference. NJHS has helped
the nation-wide community by becoming
some of the many volunteers at Haversters.
On the first trip, the group bagged
oranges, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to
send away to those who can not afford
their own. Going on their second trip
NJHS was able to take a guided tour of
Harvesters, then get to work on an
assembly line creating bags with week-
stewardess or an art teacher when
she grew up.
Mrs. Andre attended NWMS in
Maryville, then jumped right into
teaching. She has taught for 32
years; starting her career at a North
Platte high school, where she taught
for 10 years. Then she moved on to
Lakeview Middle School for an additional
8 years before arriving here at
Congress, where she has been a resident
for 14 years.
One of her favorite memories from
Congress was when she found a student
under a light box in the back
room—asleep! She also loves the
teacher hijinks: Mr. Coughlin scaring
unsuspecting students and Mr. Smith
talking on his banana phone! Her fa-
end meals for kids who may not get feed
otherwise; along with other various jobs.
At school, this society sponsored Red
Ribbon Week creating drug awareness.
Recently a cougar, named Freddy Cougar,
was taken home by Claudia Ramos after
being adopted from the World Wildlife
Foundation. Donut Fridays will be sponsored
in the future years by NJHS, just
like this year.
Just like this year NJHS t-shirt says,”
we’ve only just begun.”, they do mean it
with the things they have planned and
thought up for next year. And with many
7th graders ready to carry on into next
year, and do many great things with it in
future years. NJHS has provided wonderful
experiences for participating
members. Taryn Huffer says,” it was a
lot of fun and everybody should be in it!”
clearly she loved it and is looking forward
to NHS at Park Hill.
Farewell to Our Favorite Artist! Mrs. Andre’s Retirement
By: Molley Martin
vorite part of teaching is what she calls
“Light Bulb Moments”: when a student
gets an idea they can run with, or when a
student has created a piece of art they
are proud of. She liked working with
student teachers too; “Having more help
is always a plus!” says Andre.
She’ll miss all her amazing students and
the great friends she has made among
the staff, but she has some fun retirement
plans: going to auctions and refurbishing
interesting items, as well as
organizing her father’s stamp collection.
When Mrs. Andre retires, everyone will
miss her. But she has one last thing to
say to us all: “Enjoy life—live in the
moment! Tell those you love them when
you see them. And be your best self! I
will miss all the smiles and kind words.”
~Mrs. Jeanne Andre.
Volume IV, Issue VI
May 15, 2012
Inside this issue:
Farewell to
Congress
Team Memories
Team Memories
Summer Olympics
Summer Issues
Lego Land Opens
Camping?
Summer
Activities
Entertainment
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Special points
of interest:
• Mrs. Andre to
retire after 32
years!!

Page 2
5 Best Things About Congress By: Ashley Herdman
The past two years at Congress have been unforgettable.
It’s hard to believe summer is just
around the corner. Congress Middle School has
been a great home, but in the fall I’ll be leaving
it with over 400 of my closest friends. Some
memories made here will last a lifetime. Looking
back on both 7th and 8th grade years I can’t
help thinking of my favorite things about Congress.
Number Five: Spirit Days are an entertaining way
to show off our Cougar Pride. Thanks to Student
Council, every year we have a week full of crazy
and exciting themes. Hat Day, Nerd Day, and my
personal favorite, 80’s Day are just a few examples.
Welcome 6th graders or should I say upcoming 7th
graders. Your 6th grade year is almost over and
now you are about to start in Congress Middle
School. Now you guys should start considering your
seventh grade year. 7th grade is no joke! You need
to put in a lot of thought of how you are going to
plan your two years at Congress Middle School.
Don’t get too worked up in thinking about your 7th
grade year, instead let’s talk a little about what you
can do over the summer. I know taking a vacation is
one way to start off your break. Try visiting a new
place that you haven’t visited before or if you are
not able to go on a vacation, have a pool party. A
Team Storm By: Savannah Beck
Snap, snap, snap… pat, pat, pat… jump… pat… jump…
pat, pat, pat… snap, snap, snap… Storm. This is the
chant ( which sounds like a thunderstorm) of the split
seventh– eighth grade team storm. Team storm contains
5 teachers and approximately 140 where we work
together as one team to make it rain.
Throughout the school year team storm has had many
events, from field trips to blue card parties to activities.
Here are a few of them: we have had two field
trips this year, toward the middle of the year we saw
a play about bullying at the coterie theatre, called the
wrestling season. Toward the end of the year we went
to a Titanic Exhibition where there were many artifacts
from the Titanic. Every quarter we have a blue
and silver card party, we have done many things such
as dodge ball, movies and more. Those are just a few
events.
Number Four: Dr. Todd’s Trash Bag Assembly is
definitely memorable. At the beginning of the
year you’ll be called down to the commons for a
hilarious speech during which Dr. Todd will convince
you to sell trash bags. Remember, five rolls
of blue, three rolls of white, two rolls of yellow
and you’re done for the year!
Number Three: Janitors at Congress are the
best. If you need help with a jammed locker
they’ll be there for you. Whenever there’s a
mess they’ll clean it up without complaint. Be nice
to the janitors and make sure to thank them!
Number Two: the Formal Dance is one of the
most exciting nights in middle school. When you
walk into the building you’re greeted with and
pool party is a good way to have fun on a hot summer
day.
As soon as your summer break is over you need to
get right back with the program. You need to work
hard and be strong meaning no drama to get
through congress with a happy life. At congress you
will be treated mostly like an adult. You will be
given many privileges with the following cards:
BLUE CARD: having a blue card status means you
have the chances to do many activities. You can get
off the bus early to go play basketball in the morning.
Instead of getting off the bus at 7:25 you will
be allowed to get off the bus at 7:15. Also, when
Team Storm teachers are amazing here they are with
a few quotes. There is math teacher Mrs. Garrison
who is always smiling. Language arts teacher Mrs. Yuen
who is very outgoing says “I love team storm”. Reading
teacher Mrs. Heinz says “team storm is the best thing
that has happened to me while being in the Park Hill
School District”. Science teacher Mrs. Shaw who is
almost always laughing says “ I love team storm, we
work really well together, and there is an environment
of respect”. Last but not least social studies teacher
Mrs. Hart says “I think we have a lot of fun but we
balance it with serious school work.
Team storm classes are very interesting and creative.
Science is full of interesting facts from the solar
system to body systems and much more. Math is a fun
way to learning how to solve problems in noncomplicated
ways. Language arts is a class where you
explosion of pop music and hundreds of dressed
up teenagers. Even if you don’t like jumping
around and fist pumping, there are slow songs
too. Everyone loves the Formal Dance!
Number One: Last but not least, yearbook signing
on the last day of school is by far my favorite
thing about Congress. It’s the last time you’ll see
your classmates until the fall, so there’s a lot of
hugging and some crying. Nothing is better than
getting so close to so many people.
To say the least, Congress is an amazing place
filled with fantastic people. Our staff is dedicated,
our events are so much fun, and our students?
Let’s face it, we’re awesome. As the year
comes to an end we remember all the good times
had at CMS. I’ll miss you next year Congress!
Upcoming 6th Graders The Great Adventures In Congress
BY: Noman Shahid
you have a blue card, you are allowed to go to blue
card parties, assemblies, and intermural. Blue card
parties are a type of reward for having good
grades and being on good behavior.
SILVER CARD: having a silver card gives you limited
privileges such as not allowing you to go to any
parties. Assemblies and Intramurals are allowed.
You are allowed to attend as long as you don’t have
any missing work. If during this year you have
either one of the cards, your year will fly by. So
try to maintain one of these cards and you will have
fun. And remember that you are no longer a tiger
but instead, you are a cougar and once a cougar,
always a cougar
can express your ideas and put them into pieces of
writing. Reading is a class where you can learn new
ways of thinking about what your reading. Lastly social
studies where you can learn about past and present of
different places and cultures around the world. These
are team storm classes.
This is team storm containing 5 teachers and approximately
140 students. Team storm works hard to get
things done, to make things happen. Team storm dares
to ask for what they want, take chances, and most
importantly makes it rain.
The Colors of Congress

X-Treme Treme XX-Periences
X
Periences By: Chelsea Edwards
It sure seems like the year has just flown by. The X-
Treme Team has had their ups and down this year, but
they’ve had a lot of exciting times together. Like making
so many new friends, becoming smarter, and having all
those up-beat, never forgetting dances. But their journey
as a team still isn’t completely over, since they’ll still have
next year to make an impact at Congress!
Everybody knows that at the beginning of the year,
people are nervous and don’t know what to expect, but
they’re also excited to see all their friends again, looking
all tan! Of course, the first week of school, everyone was
pretty forgetful of what they learned and watchful of
the 8th graders and their sevie-calling names. As you
figure out where all your classes are and adjust to the
freezing air-conditioner, you open up and make new
friends. Even though their hallways were always crowded,
they got use to it. Don’t you remember how everyone was
excited about going to the gym after they ate lunch?
Then they had the Back to School Assembly where they
showed off their spectacular cheer. Don’t forget the
awesome intramurals you could sign up for as well as
Stucco. They also had the entertaining Outsiders Play
Field Trip they went on and the wild TGIF dance.
Now we move on to the middle of the year where you
know where everything is in the building. Winter starts
to creep in and people are pulling out their jeans and
jackets. The 8th graders quit the sevie-calling names and
you finally know everyone on the team. Do you remember
having those crazy blue card parties on some life ed days
and messing around? Let’s not forget when parents came
to the school to talk about their jobs and maybe you
found something interesting about it, or not. Then there
was that gross and gooey cow’s eyeball dissection! Also
you could go watch basketball games with friends and
attend the volleyball tournament against the teachers
and even show off your skills and play them! There was
also the exciting Starry Night Dance. Finally we had the
Holiday Assembly that was a blast and then school was
out for Christmas Break.
Once it starts getting warmer outside, everyone is starting
to pull out the shorts. Some days the team would go
outside to eat lunch and then just hangout for the next
hour. Everyone was excited when spring break rolled
around and about Take Your Child to Work Day. Or more
like a “Free Day off From School.” when they came back
though, they were forced to run the mile 2 more times
and Jackson Foutch beat the 7th grade school record!
As a Spartan What to Look Forward to
By: Bailey Waddell
Congress Middle School is built on many things, especially
teamwork. So it’s understandable that there would be
teams within our school of 900. There are the 7th grade
teams: Varsity, Titans, and En Fuego. In the midst, there
is also a 7th and 8th grade team: Storm. Incoming 8th
grade teams include X-treme, Aces, and our star of this
article, Team Spartans. A lot can happen on this outspoken
team, including hard work, the making of lasting
friends, and plenty of fun!
As a Spartan, the beginning of the school year will most
likely be a quick review of the previous year as a 7th
grader. In a flash, October will come and 8th grade work
will take over. There are five core classes, Algebra or
Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language arts. Mr.
Marsh, a funny but strict man teaches Algebra and Math.
Mrs. Still teaches Science. She’s kind, quiet, and loves
respect because of her own personal experiences she’ll
Looping in Perspective By: Sara Marshall
Being on a looping team for two years I have seen all
of the benefits, set backs, and memories, and let me
tell you it is awe-inspiring to be on a looping team for
two years, especially if the team is En Fuego! En
Fuego, or the Brigades as they were their seventh
grade year, have had two mind-boggling years together.
As an En Fuego student I can say that we
have seen the ups and downs of looping, just going
off of the memories we have created. As an En
Fuego student I want to give an idea of what looping
is and was like, and to unleash the fire of En Fuego.
If you think about looping, you think of repeating of
doing something many times, in this case you are
correct, we are loping as a team. The brigades, or
inform you about. Mrs. Jacob (Social Studies) is an
excellent teacher because she meets every student’s
needs by teaching us things in several different exciting
ways. The Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Richardson, is
very laid back. Always a helpful tip for incoming eighth
graders, DO ALL OF YOUR HOMEWORK! It’s the best
way to survive the new year. “It all depends on your
classes, some work is more difficult than others.” Says
Darian Galloway, a soon to be freshman.
The work may be tough at times, but don’t let that determine
the Spartans team. Tons of fun is had, as well! If
you’re worried about fitting in next year 7th graders,
don’t be! Within the first few weeks of 8th grade it is
super easy to make friends, and by January, Spartans are
as close as family! But what could be better than a family
full of friends? A family going on field trips. The Spar-
know known as En Fuego are the first team to keep
the same group of students and teachers for seventh
and eighth grade, or two school years. In those
two years I, a former brigades student and current
En Fuego student, have found several upsides to
looping, the best part in my opinion is everyone knowing
everyone on one team. Staying with the same
people you know allows you to know what each person
is like, this especially helps with teachers, you learn
how the teachers grade and teach the curriculum,
plus as a bonus you have the opportunity to build
stronger friendships with more people. How you ask,
well if you think about it you will know, and be with
the same group of kids for your entire time at Congress:
two whole years! Giving you a better chance of
Then they had the Cupid’s Got Bad Aim Dance. Afterwards
they had the MAP Test. They were so excited
when they finished because then you could go to the DJ
Ashton MAP Dance. Going on the zoo field trip was so
fun, being able to see the animals with your friends. On
the last few days they had the Awards Assembly and
they were ecstatic to see each other in the yearbooks
when they finally got them and were able to sign each
others. Everyone couldn’t wait for summer and to be able
to get away from the teachers, but sad that the year was
ending. They all finished the year out strong and couldn’t
wait to come back and be the new and improved 8th
graders.
Now you all know that the first dew days coming back to
school were nerve-racking, but as they moved on through
the year, making friendships, learning, and watching each
other grow, they became stronger. They stuck together
as a family. At the end of the year though, as they look
back at the memories and accomplishments they made,
they can’t wait to come back and set the standards as
8th graders, together, next year. But as for now we sure
did have an X-Treme X-perience at Congress Middle
School.
tans not only got to go to a lyrical opera and the Truman
Library in 2012, but they got to dress up in their nicest
for both! It was said before, class may be a bit challenging,
but what else happens-besides fun field trips-when
work isn’t taking place? Possibly a Blue/Silver card party?
It’s true, parties are held every so often, but in the last
month, whether that’s May or June, one happens every
week until the last day! “It can be a lot of work being on a
team this cool, but we have so much fun, too.” Kennedy
Bechtel gushes.
Teamwork is very important to Congress, which is why we
decide to go deeper with the idea and create seven
teams. For all of the approaching sevies, you’ll have a
great two years! As for the new 8th graders and leaders
of the school, just hope you get to be one of the lucky
130 students to be a hard working Spartan
making stronger friendships, and enjoying Congress
even more.
With the fun side stated, I can give you the draw
backs that should be noted, one thing for sure is
that you don't meet as many people because you are
staying with the same people, and are not mixing up
the teams again to get different groups of people,
however you will still have the chance to meet new
people through intramurals, clubs, and encores. Now
a drawback for the new kids: being placed on a team
where everyone knows everyone.
Continued on page 4
Volume IV, Issue VI Page 3

Page 4
Looping continued from page 3
Talking to the recent new kids on our team,
En Fuego, I have concluded that it does make
things a little more challenging in the categories
of finding a place where you can be you.
Punishments. If you were a brigade/ En Fuego
student, or you were a seventh grader from
2010-2011 and continued at Congress you
know that being on a looping team your punishments
will transition over with you to
eighth grade. En Fuego experienced this with
assigned seats at lunch, however it only creates
a small setback on the grand scheme of
looping.
The best thing about looping is that you make
so many memories with the same people traveling
through congress. Talking and remem-
bering as a brigade/ En Fuego student leads
to some memories that bring back smiles and
giggles, showing you our taste of team spirit. “
when a few students looked up where I would
be getting married, they came up with an
elaborate plan to crash through the celling,
and intrude on my wedding!” miss. Conklin, En
Fuego’s language arts teacher, then their
were the fun science labs where Mr. Ryan, our
science teacher, taught us in an amusing way
about science. The paper airplane lab, witch
consisted of En Fuego students launching
paper airplanes at congress, or the cow dissection
as a brigade student, were fun and in
every class and hour made memories, and
created laughter, giving En Fuego more happy
2012 Summer Olympics By: Kolin Hayes
Do you know what is coming up this
summer? Well if you don't it is the
2012 Summer Olympics. In this article
you will read about where the
Olympics are located. Also you will
read about the events taking place.
Lastly you will read some fun facts
about the Olympics. If you want to
know answers to any of these questions,
read on.
The Olympics are located in London,
England. London has held the Olympics
in 1908, 1948, and now. The open ceremonies
are on Friday July 27th,
2012. The open ceremony is called
“The Isles of Wonder”. The closing
ceremonies on Sunday August 12th,
2012. The Paralympics is from August
29th to September 9th. New York
City was in the running but lost in the
second round of bidding.
There is 205 nations expected to
compete. 147 nations expected to
compete for the Paralympics. There
are a total of 302 gold medals up for
grabs. At this moment there is 10,500
athletes competing for the spot at
the top of the scoreboard and winning
a gold medal. If a United States athlete
brings home a gold medal they
are awarded $25,000. If they bring
home a silver medal they are awarded
$15,000. And if they bring home a
bronze medal they are awarded
$10,000.
There is a total of 300 events at the
2012 Olympics. They range from
aquatics to wrestling. In 2016, the
summer Olympics are going to add
rugby and golf. The United states
men’s soccer team did not qualify for
the summer Olympics. There is a total
of 27 venues (buildings). The total
estimated cost is $11,668,929,544.05.
Here are some fun facts. There are a
total of 7.7 million tickets available
for the Olympics. 4,000 trees will be
planted. It is estimated that 260,000
loaves of bread will be consumed.
There will be 6.2 new miles of road
built. The total workforce needed is
200,000 people. There will be 20,000
days to remember.
Hopefully you can look forward to a looping
team that has as much fun as En Fuego, or
the Brigades, have had, and I give my luck
to all the eighth graders moving on to the
high school. Continuing the pride of En Fuego
I leave you with our team chant:
We are En Fuego, we burn it up! Hey En
Fuego! Drop it like its hot! drop it like its
hot! drop it like its hot!
press/ media in attendance during the
Olympics. It is expected the 500,000
people attend the Olympics each day.
Lastly over 9,000 homes will be built
to be rented out to travelers.
Did any of these answer your questions?
As you read you learned about
where the Olympics are taking place,
fun facts about the Olympics, and
much, much more. Now you can brag to
your friends that you know more than
them about the 2012 summer Olympics.
Here is a question you should
answer yes to. Are you going to watch
the 2012 Olympics this summer?
The Colors of Congress

Summer Beauty By: Seajay Moyer
So ladies, school is ending and it is time for summer,
the movies, the sleepovers and of course
World’s of Fun! But you want to look gorgeous
doing all of these fun things, don’t you? Well just
keep on reading to find out what makeup to wear
for Summer 2012.
Lets start off with your face. So first you’ll need
a lot of SPF( sun protection factor), to keep that
beautiful skin of yours protected from sun damage.
After that if you want coverage, you can wear
foundation, but since you’ll be sweating it will just
melt off your face, which isn't attractive. I would
encourage you to wear tinted moisturizer, this will
not only moisturize your skin, but it will stay on
longer. Also keep blotting papers and powder
handy, just in case you get oily. Since your going to
be tan, you’ll want to make it stand out with
bronzer. Not too much though, then you will just
look dirty. Then you can keep it simple with peachy
-pink cheeks.
Moving on to your eyes. Since you will be sweating,
your eyelids are going to get oily, so I would advise
wearing a eye shadow primer to keep your eye
shadow lasting all day long. And after all summer is
all about color, blues, pinks, corals. But if you don’t
want to be that crazy with your eyes, then just do
color eyeliner, this will really bring out your eye
color. If you still don’t want to wear color, keep it
simple with a frosty eyelid and an eyeliner of your
choice. Always remember WATER-PROOF MAS-
CARA!!!!!
Tanning: Benefits...and Risks by: Delaney Noland
As the school year comes to a close, everyone is
getting excited for summer, which also means,
people (girls especially) are ready to start tanning.
Some people enjoy laying out in the sun,
while others go to get a spray tan. In this article,
I will give you everything you need to know about
spray tans, tanning lotions, and natural sun tans.
I will also give you some tips on how to “look
good” but not damage your skin.
For those of you who don’t know, spray tans
must be applied at a salon where you will enter a
booth and be sprayed with a sunless-tan mist.
How does it work? The mist contains DHA,
which darkens the color of your skin, Spray or
airbrush tanning is the fastest and easiest method
of sunless tanning. It is however, the most
expensive. The FDA ( Food and Drug Associa-
Easy summer cash!! By: John King
So, you want a new laptop huh? Well you’re broke
my brotha, and before you ask I’m not lending you
more money. You almost cleaned me out to! Maybe
if you would open your ears and listen I wouldn't
have to tell you for the third time!
Well first you want to plan ahead on what you
think you might want to do. Save as much money as
you possibly can! Investing is one of the most
important thing you could possibly do to keep your
money. If you can; do extra things around the
house. If your parents tell you to clean the dishes,
ask if you could clean the kitchen for extra cash.
Do not carry money with you! When you do, you
tion) says DHA is safe to use on skin, but they
have stated risks associated with this chemical
being used internally. Having this chemical
sprayed on your skin from all directions may put
you at risk of DHA exposure to your eyes,
mouth, or you could possibly inhale the substance.
Self-tanning lotions are exactly what it sounds
like– a lotion that you apply yourself to darken
your skin. This is a low cost DIY option. However,
you run the risk of having an uneven tan or
ending up with streaks. Be sure to test the lotion
on an un-noticeable place; some products leave
your skin looking orange. You don't want to end
up looking like an oompa-loompa!
Natural sun tanning works because UVA and
would be more tempted to buy wants, which leads
to wasting money! Lets say that your parents are
going out for dinner and are going to leave you and
your sibling at home. Ask your parents for a little
extra money to watch over him/her. Pretty much
anything around the house that you can think of
ask!
School is the most important thing in a persons
life ! don't think that, oh I'm going to slack off
until high school. don't think like that! If you do
well in school, colleges will look at you and your
grades. Colleges pay people who take school seriously!
Another way to get money is to get A PART-
Lastly lips. If you want to be a little crazy,
bright fuchsias, reds and corals are really
in this summer. But if you still want to
wear them, just not that bold, sheer the
lipstick out by blotting your lips with a
tissue paper. Also lip stains are a must
because they stay on all day. Also keep lip
balm and lip-gloss handy to add extra
moisture to your lips.
Now that you have a full face thought up,
you are ready to jump into summer gorgeously.
So bust out those makeup bags
and get applying!!! don't take to much time
UVB rays penetrate the skin producing more
melanin which in turn, darkens the skin. Natural
sun tanning is free, and you get your recommended
dose of vitamin D; but, when tanning
takes place without SPF protection, overexposure
to the sun can cause wrinkles, or even skin
cancer.
Now that you know all of the benefits and risks of
tanning, you will be more careful when getting
that summer glow. The easiest way to protect
yourself from harm to your skin is to just put on
sunscreen! You will thank yourself one day. You
do not want to end up with wrinkles at age 30.
And you definitely do not want to get skin cancer!
So before you decide to go get a tan , ask yourself:
Is it worth the risk?
TIME job. If you're going to get a job that needs
equipment make sure that you have ALL of the
equipment and that you keep very good care of it!
That will at least let you get them money you want
for the summer.
Oh! So now you finally listened to me and now you
want a job. This is my third time telling you this
stuff. Now please leave me alone, I have work to
do!
Volume IV, Issue VI Page 5

What is brand new, in down town Kansas
City and full of thrills? The answer to that
would be Lego Land! The new neighbor to
Crown Center is open and ready to greet
its upcoming customers. The attraction
includes everything from laser rides to 4-
D cinema!. They are hoping to be a real
crowd pleaser for everyone of any age.
Lets take a journey into the tourism sites
attractions.
You are probably wondering what this
amazing place really is. I mean Lego Land,
what is the big deal? Well the fresh, new,
hangout has inviting scenery that brings
back those childhood memories of playing
with Legos. The 15 millions dollar production
was put together to help out the
Crown Center area and bring in old and new
customers. Not only will it give us a new
place to explore but its opening job opportunities,
So it’s a win, win for us, jobs and a
good time. Another big factor it brings to
the table is boosting Kansas City's tourism
rate.
The exciting new wonderland has tons to
offer. Lets start with the 4-D movie theater.
It not only pops out at you but you can
smell it too. Amazing, right? They also
have a specific area for those of us that
like to build. That place is called the racecar
center where you get to make and test
your very own Lego car. That isn't all Lego
Land has, they also have this amazing ride
called Merlin's Apprentice. This rides lets
you take over the job of a potion maker
and go round and round controlling a series
of lasers. After all this fun you may feel
hungry but, never fear Lego Land is here!
They have a delicious café with many food
items to pick from.
You might think that all this excitement
costs a fortune. News flash, it doesn't!
They actually base all there pricing off
your age. The range of the pricing is $15-
$19 . But there is a little secret no one
really knows about, you can buy tickets
online instead of at the door. Another
Oh-A-Camping We Will Go!
Got Summer Plans? Two words… Summer Camps By: Eric Goodwin
Got nothing planned for the summer? Do you
like sports? Or do you just want to chill,
swim, and hangout? If you answered yes to
any of these questions, then I might have the
article for you! So just keep reading.
Nike? The brand? Yes, Nike. Nike has it’s own
branch of summer sports camps, that you
might find an interest in. The Nike Basketball
Camp, helps your basketball skills succeed to
the next level, and more. It will also help you
experience the College Campus Life, which
might come in handy if you’re an eighth grader.
Also, it looks like we’ve hit a homerun with
this Nike camp, known as the Nike Baseball
Camp. Voted best possible baseball experience
in the nation, this camp is determined to
help you strive to, “Just Do It.”
Everybody knows that most of the population
of earth doesn't like to sit in a car for hours
on end. So, instead of driving all the way out
to New York, here are some camps right here
Page 6
Lego Land, what's the big idea?
The new attraction in down town Kansas City ready to wow us all By Ali Ball
next to Kansas City. In St. Joe, only about 40
minutes away, at Missouri Western University.
They feature camps for football, and
baseball, to swimming and field hockey. Most
camps have separate groups for boys and
girls. Out in Olathe Kansas, they have basketball
camps at the Millcreek Gym. They welcome
ages Pre-K to 8th Grade.
I none of these camps really, excite you. Then
boy, do I have a doozy. Adventure Treks Summer
Camps, include river rafting, mountain
climbing, bike trails, and much much more!
Reviews on AdventureTreks.com say that it
was the best choice they could’ve ever made!
Or maybe… You’re not a very happy camper
with these selections. Here’s a more, modern,
and more, new kind of camp. It’s called the
Omega Teen Camp. Here at Omega, you get to
choose from over 50 activities a day! Still,
this camp keeps regular camp traditions going,
with a huge amount of traditional camp activi-
factor to buying online is that its ten percent
cheaper than at the door! Lets not
forget that they also sell season passes
for those of us who don't want to get a
new ticket at the door every time we visit.
Those annual passes cost about twentythree
dollars. (Depending on age). The
doors to this adventure land open everyday
at ten a.m. and close Sunday– Thursday
at eight p.m. Except on Fridays and Saturdays,
you can stay until nine p.m.
So next time you don't feel like going outside
to ride rides and have fun, come visit
the new Lego Land. Located in down town
Kansas City, right next door to Crown Center.
Its The place that everyone will enjoy
no matter how old you are. Oh, and while
your out there be sure to stop by its close
friend Sea Life. The two places are sure to
fill your craving for fun and new memories.
ties, mixed in with the new, modern
activities.
So now I’ve told you about all the
camps that may help you decide your
summer plans. We’ve got some Nike
sports camps, which are luxurious.
Camps close to Kansas City, which are
convenient. And finally, the other
camps, which don't include sports. Have
The Colors of Congress

Places to go This Summer By: Brandon Bruington
School is almost out and time for summer, you
just want to get out of here, but do you know
what your going to do when you get out? There
may be days when you don't’ know what to do or
your friends are busy. There are many things out
and you’ve got to go see them!
Have you ever seen a Blacktip shark up close
before? Now you can along with Zebra sharks,
jelly fish, cow nosed rays, octopus, seahorse,
clown fish and much more. It’s the new aquarium
at Crown Center, filled with over 260,000 gallons
of water with over 5000 creatures and 30 exhibits.
This aquarium takes you on a two to three
hour journey through the remake expanses of the
Mississippi River, The Caribbean Sea, and ending
in the abyss of the Atlantic Ocean, Who knows,
there may be a Titanic model in that section.
Speaking of Titanic, how about that artifact
exhibit that came to Union Station this March?
They have more than 300 valuable artifacts that
you can look at with plaques of what they are with
descriptions that you can read! At the beginning
they hand you a replica boarding pass of a passenger's
actual name, class, and age, and in the end
you can find out if they lived or perished. You can
also have your picture taken in front of a green
screen and after the exhibit you can view it and
see the Grand staircase behind your picture
instead of the green screen! You can also touch
the chilly iceberg to feel how cold it was! You
have plenty of time to go there because the exhibit
lasts all they way till Labor Day!
Summer on My Mind By: Raena Woodruff
Lets get excited Congress, school is almost out!
It’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the
Summer. What’s a better way to do just that
than going to the Tiffany Springs Waterpark!?
The Springs is a blast for family and friends of
all ages. It’s an excellent way to cool off from
the summer sun while having a great time with
your peeps. The Springs is open from Memorial
Day to Labor Day 11— 6. It cost 9 bucks if
you’re over 48” and 6 bucks if you’re under 48”
and a senior. Also, you can go get yourself a
pass ranging from $80-$130. Kennedi Dorrell
said “ The Springs is the place to be. Me and my
friends chill there all the time!”
The Springs has 3 different fun-filled sections.
Fun Things to Keep You Busy This Summer
By: Bryson Grau
Don’t make this summer a bore. There are many
things you can do with your summer besides sitting
on the couch and watching TV. You could be missing
out on some fun stuff going on in your community or
just be wasting your time. Everyone has worked
hard the whole school year so don't just throw
your summer away.
I have come up with tons of things you could do
this summer besides watching TV and sitting
around on your butt eating junk food. So here are
just a few thing you could do inside on a rainy day.
You could have a marsh mellow fight. Read book.
Eat some food. Play video games. Have a movie
watching party. Throw a sleep over. Invent a new
First they have a regular pool that goes from a
shallow 3ft. to a sinking 12ft. You can swim,
tan in the pool side chairs, or do flips off the
high dive. Next we have the leisure pool. Here
you can coast down the lazy river, mix it up at
the vortex whirlpool, or race down one of the
three waterslides. Finally, we have the spray
ground . The Spray Ground is loaded with fun
stuff for the kids like silly showers, mist
sprayers, and dump buckets!
Need a snack? Don’t worry, Thee Springs has a
concession stand filled with all your favorite
unhealthy treats! When you’re finishing up at
The Springs, there’s a bathhouse where you can
kind of pizza. Bake a cake. Eat the cake. Surf the
web. Make dinner. Play hide and seek. Play board
games. Learn a new skill. Go shopping on the internet.
Knit your mother a sweater. Make up your own
jokes. SLEEP IN!!Jump on the couch. Play pranks.
Those are just a few of the fun things you can do
inside this summer.
When its not raining and its perfect weather
outside here are some things you can do. You could
go to the pool to stay cool or just run through a
sprinkler. Play a sport. Practice a sport. Have fun
with fireworks (if legal). Grill up some burgers.
Have a bonfire. Invite some friends over. Ride your
bike. Go to Worlds of Fun. Go fishing. Make a kite.
Last but not least for you sports fans, how about
the MLB All Star game that is coming to one of
Kansas City’s finest baseball stadium and home of
the Royals, Kansas City’s very own Kauffman Stadium.
39 years ago the last All Star game took
place here and now it’s back for another major
game! It will be held on July 10th so get your
tickets!
These places seem to be quite the entertainment!
Crown Center’s new Aquarium, the Titanic Exhibit,
and the MLB All Star game. It's going to be a
summer of excitement . I hope you can get around
to some of these places before school starts back
up again in August.
wash up and primp. The Springs also has different
programs that you can sign up for like Junior
Lifeguard, Swimming Lessons, and much
more! See The Springs website for more details.
If you want to have fun in that sizzling summer
sun, The Springs is the hot spot, all of your
friends will be there! So make sure to check it
out!
Fly a kite. Build a fort. Burn all your old school
papers in a fire. Learn how to skateboard. Eat some
popsicles. Sleep on a hammock. Attend a local music
festival to hear some local bands. Last but not least
play lacrosse.
These are just a few thing you could do this summer
inside and outside. There are so many more. If
you put your mind to it you can find anything to do
besides be bored at home watching TV. I hope that
reading this article inspired you to do something
this summer. Remember the possibilities are endless.
Volume IV, Issue VI Page 7

Thriller vs. Action By: Parker Young
Do you get scared easily? If so, this is not the
game for you. 2K Games brings you, yet another
action packed thriller with Bioshock Infinite!
On the other hand Ubisoft presents a
less scary game… Assassins Creed 3.
The story line and exciting gameplay for Bioshock
is different from the others. An expinkerton
agent named Booke DeWitt enters
the floating city of Colombia. His mission is to
rescue an imprisoned girl named Elizabeth.
Your character will battle through the city
with Elizabeth, and escape Colombia. Your
avatar has his own voice and his own personali-
Everyone loves live concerts. Especially
if and when they get to go to the concerts!
Whether you like country, rock, or
anything else, this is the article for you.
Because Kansas City has a concert for
you!
People always enjoy country music at the
right time, whether it be bluegrass,
original country, or modern country. You
know Kansas City will have a concert for
you! Kenny Chesney will be performing at
Arrowhead Stadium on June 10, 2012 at
about 4:00pm. Later that night you can
see Tim McGraw at 6:00pm. Finally on
the evening of June 30, 2012, Jimmy
Buffet will be making an appearance at
The movies of summer 2012
Do you know how you’re spending your summer break?
By: Summer Warren
There are a few movies that can take a few of those
summer days off your hands. On June 1st you can
see Snow White and the Huntsman. Snow White is a
princess trapped in the house with her evil stepmother.
Until she escapes with a little help from the
man who was paid to kill her. Soon after the escape
the huntsman trains Snow White to fight back .
don't miss Snow White and the Huntsman on June
1st this is no fairy tale.
An alien action packed movie for the summer is Man
In Black.. The MIB duo of agents Jay and Kay are
back in action for the summer. When a evil alien
comes to earth planning to destroy it. Agent Jay
must go back in time to work with younger agent Kay.
You don't want to miss this adventure to the past on
May 25th.
If you like horror movies and that jumpy feeling you
get when your scared then go see Apartment 143
also premiering on June 1st. The newly owned apartment
is showing signs of roaming spirits. So the
ty. This feature is very different
from Bioshock 1 and 2, where your
character is speechless and faceless.
The game will be available on October
16th in formats Xbox 360,
PlayStation 3, and PC.
The well known franchise Assassins
Creed is the story of one man, Desmond
Miles, reliving the lives of his
ancestors. Assassins Creed 3 however
will be set between 1753 and
1783. The game will focus on a new
ancestor, Connor Kenway, who fought
in the American Revolution. Desmond
Kansas City Rocks Your Socks
The Summer Concerts of Kansas City By Todd Green
First Midwest Amphitheatre at 8:00pm.
If rocking out to a band with an electric guitar,
a bass guitar, and a drum set is more your style,
then you’ll love these Kansas City Concerts!
First, Van Halen on May 22, 2012 at the Sprint
Center at precisely 5:00pm. Also at the Sprint
Center, Nickleback will be playing on June 5 at
6:30pm. Def Leppard on June 27, 2012 at
5:30pm will also be at the Sprint Center. Finally,
Tenacious D will be playing at the Uptown Theatre
on July 24, 2012.
These concerts are definitely for you if you
enjoy other types of music like rap, hip-hop, pop,
blues, or electronic/dance, even classical! The
Kansas City Symphony will be playing at numerous
dates and times throughout May and June
owners of the apartment higher parapsychologist to
come and inspect. Soon enough they find out the
apartment really is haunted, so they try and contact
the “other side”. Check out the chiller film Apartment
143.
Do you like to laugh out loud none stop? If you answered
yes, than you should see Diary of a Wimpy
Kid: Dog Days. I know what you are thinking if you
read the books. What happened to last straw well
this movie is last straw and dog days all in one. Greg
is out of school and ready for summer break . He has
everything planed out just right and he thinks his
summer will be the best. Until day by day his plans go
haywire and nothing turns out right. He tries to
makes the last few days matter but he doesn't know
how . So don't miss out on the funny series Diary of
a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. It premiers August 3rd.
Music, dancing, drama, and romance. If you like
either of these genres than you cant miss Step Up 4:
Revolution on July 5th. Emily is the daughter of high
Miles will explore new realistic cities and
complete more exciting quests. These
cities include Boston, New York, and the
Frontier. The release date for this game
is October 30th. It will be available in
formats Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and
PC.
These games sound pretty fun to me!
You can pre-order them now at
GameStop. You can also find more information
and watch trailers for both
games at www.Kolaku.com.
2012 at the Kauffman Center. Or even Creed
at the Midland by AMC on May 21 at 7:00pm.
If you’ve never been to a live concert, now’s
your chance! Because this Summer will be a
great time to catch one. Whether it be
Jimmy Buffet, Tenacious D, or The Kansas
City Symphony. There are a lot of great
concerts you won’t want to miss this Summer.
paid business man. She has moved to Miami to find
help dream in being a hip hop dancer. After searching
she finds a crew that do illegal street dances but
she doesn't care because its exactly what she has
been looking for. Soon enough she falls in love with
the crew leader Sean. Emily’s father doesn't approve
so he threatens to tell the authorities about the
street dancing. Emily is left to choose between her
dream and her father who only wants what is best
for her. So don't miss Step Up 4;: Revolution.
These are only a few movies to see this summer
breaks. You can also catch the documentary about
the singer song writer Katy Perry on July 15th. This
tells Katy’s whole back ground story. So it’s a good
info movies if you’re a big fan of her. Well use you
summer wisely and get ready for a great next year
at Congress 7th graders and at Park Hill 8th graders.