A World With No Trans Fat
News Story Leslie King- Staff Reporter America is becoming a nation where more and more people are becoming obese. It all stems from chemically injected animals that are being killed and served. It can also come from trans fat in snack foods. Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat which is uncommon in nature but it can be created artificially. If trans fat is banned, it could prevent about 20,000 heart attacks and about 7,000 heart related deaths. Of course, you can’t get rid of all trans fat because it is naturally in meat and dairy products. If trans fat continues to be allowed, serious health problems could occur from eating too much. These problems include diabetes, high blood pressure, and dementia. The number of deaths in the United States would also take a dramatic leap. Knowing that trans fat can kill you but still continuing to consume it is displaying an attitude that your body doesn’t matter and that you do not need it forever. The first step to a long and happy life is to be a healthier person. Schools should decide on healthier alternatives for their snack bars and vending machines. Since most students form these bad habits from watching and learning from school, this should be the place to make good choices, other than the child’s home. School districts should take the initiative to influence students to pick up an apple instead of a cookie or a bag of chips. With one step at a time, the United States could slowly become a healthier nation. |
Teacher Spotlight
News Story Kyla Soward and Emily Whitney - Staff Reporters This year, we have had the pleasure of welcoming five new staff members to our UHSA family. Additionally, this school year has been an exciting time at UHSA with the addition of UPREP. These staff members have become part of a new and exciting time here at the U. They have come from different places, and have had new experiences during their first year at the U. The Soaring Eagle interviewed these staff members to get their opinions of their first year here. First we interviewed our new counselor Ms. Slevin. Ms. Slevin has been working for Southfield Public Schools for 20 years. Before coming to the U she worked at Southfield- Lathrup High School. When we asked her how she felt after her first year she said she loves the U and thinks it is awesome, and it is a welcoming place to be. Next, we talked to Ms. Lacey. In addition to team-teaching Algebra I with Ms. Hackworth, she also teaches Geometry here at the U. Before coming here, she worked as a substitute teacher in Waterford, and as a summer school teacher in Lakeshore. She says that she loves UHSA because the kids are motivated and the staff is nice. The third teacher we talked to is Ms. Dixon. She is the Microbiology, Medical Terminology, Physics, STEAM, and biology teacher here at University. She previously taught at Southfield Lathrup, and her last job was at Southfield High School. She said that coming to the U has been a really good experience because it is a demanding job and it forced her to have a positive change in the way she teaches. She also said that she loves the staff and students because they are wonderful and supportive, and even though she misses her old associates, she is happy with the ones she has made here. Our third new teacher is Ms. Mckenzie. She previously taught at Marvin L. Winans Academy of Performing Arts as a high school teacher, and she now teaches 9th grade English and Speech. Last, but not least, is Ms. Smith. Before coming to University, she taught at Detroit Premier Academy and Consortium Academy. She currently teaches 10th grade English. She told the Soaring Eagle that she loves the school because she thinks the environment, as well as the teachers and students, are much more welcoming than where she came from. |
Welcome Home UPREP
News Story Arianna Herrington- Staff Reporter Martez McDonald McClain- Staff Reporter The inaugural year of UPREP is in the books. With the addition of our first UPREP class to the 2013-2014 school year, there were many exciting times at the ‘U’ for everyone. UPREP offered much more than an opportunity for the 8th graders. As we spoke with Mr. Patton, our current Interim Dean, he shared some of the goals he and Ms. Williams had for the first UPREP group. “We wanted to give 8th graders a jumpstart so that when they enter our rigorous high school program they will be well prepared.” He continued on to say, “The school acts as an internal feeder to the high school therefore UPREP students who meet academic standards automatically have a seat in the high school.” As with all new things, there are normally a few bumps in the road; however, Mr. Patton expressed there were no unexpected challenges from UPREP. “They seemed to blend in well” says Patton “We just have to remember they are 8th graders because they are sometimes mistaken for 9th graders.” Despite some of the concerns many of the UHSA and UPREP students and staff had, everyone seems to have enjoyed their year. UPREP is located right inside of UHSA and the 8th grade students are housed in the back hall. They have been given their own cafeteria and sports program. These sports allow them to stay connected with other middle school students through basketball, cheer, volleyball, and track. The 8th graders have also become very involved with clubs and other activities at UHSA. 8th grader Kelly Keys says, “My year felt fast, rushed, and nerve-racking. We had to learn to be a lot more mature.” Fellow 8th grader Diamond Love said, “My year was fine, I like being in the high school environment and the help provided by the upperclassmen—it made me feel older.” Both Alexis Hobbs and Thomas Calhoun express that their work load increased across the board. Thomas really likes the high school environment and he feels that UPREP is like a summer camp because of its size. He feels he is prepared for high school because UPREP gives a general idea of what school is going to be like for the next four years. Thomas is involved in band, track, basketball and plans to be in Student Congress. He has pretty much enjoyed his year although he thinks the chicken and fries are overpriced. Some of the upperclassmen have expressed their enjoyment with having 8th graders at the school. Many of them have been like a big brother or sister to the 8th graders and have been given the opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and support. |
The staff worked throughout the year welcoming the newcomers this year. Mrs. Jackson, Department Chair for English Language Arts, had a lot of worry as this being her first year teaching middle school in over 15 years. Unlike Mr. Patton and Ms. Williams, Mrs. Jackson’s goals were more personal and geared towards her students learning. “My biggest goal was to introduce them to the many concepts upper levels learn, but introduce it in a way they understand. I definitely feel they have had enough experience that will prepare them for the academic rigors of high school.”
Ms. Lacey, a new 8th grade mathematics teacher who fully enjoyed her first year here at the U, helped her students focus more on meaningful discussions about math, stating opinions respectfully, and becoming well-adjusted to the high school. In her 8th grade math classes held in room 217, there is a never a dull moment with the group. Ms. Lacey enjoyed learning about each of her students and playing a part in their success of learning mathematics. She says, “The students here at the “U” are so unique, talented, and eager to learn.” Ms. Lacey had the opportunity to work with such a wonderful and helpful staff. “Working closely with Ms. Hackworth was probably the most beneficial experience of all.” says Lacey. The 8th graders will be promoted on June 5, 2014. As they move on, a few of their teachers have some words of advice. Mrs. Jackson says, “Continue to keep the end in mind– success. Remain humble and aspire to be successful and good people.” Mr. Patton reminds them, “We want you to act as leaders, that when other 9th graders witness your actions, they will have an idea of what’s expected in the learning community.” Ms. Lacey states, “Stay focused, stay respectful of peers and adults, and take advantage of tutors and seminar time.” So, to the Class of 2018-UHSA hopes your first year as a ‘Soaring Eagle’ was amazing and that you look forward to 4 more wonderful years. Congratulations! |