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Interview With Mrs. Goes
By: Josi Engle Josi- Why did you choose to present this challenge to Bondurant Farrar Middle School? Mrs. Goes- After many years of watching B-F Middle School students read while headlines say teenagers don’t read any more, I wanted to give students here a chance to prove the negative voices wrong. Josi- Are you proud of the students who have put in, not just minutes, but hours? Mrs. Goes- I am incredibly proud of all of the students who pick up a book and read. I know some students read all of the time and some students just read to help with the contest, but any reading comes with its own rewards. Josi- How many total hours were put into this reading goal total? Mrs. Goes- 48, 209 minutes or about 804 hours Josi- Is there anything you’d like me to put into the article, and what would you like to share? Mrs. Goes- A 2014 study by Common Sense Media shows the following: 53% of 9-year-olds are daily readers, but only 17% of 17-year-olds are daily readers. It also shows that the proportion who "never" or "hardly ever" read tripled since 1984. A third of 13-year-olds and 45% of 17-year-olds say they've read for pleasure one to two times a year, if that. Reading scores of 9- and 13-year-olds have improved, but those of 17-year-olds haven't changed in 30 years. Reading improves vocabulary and comprehension skills which come with lifetime benefits. Check it out yourself at this website: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/4- surprising-findings-about-kids-and-teens-reading-plus-what-you-can-do-to-help-kids-read-more Josi- How did you come by this challenge? Mrs. Goes- The National Education Association website had an article on the Read Across America challenge for March 2, 2016. This fit right in with my wanting to challenge students to read more and show adults that B-F Middle School students already read more than the national average. About NEA’s Read Across America:The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. Now in its 19th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child." |
Q & A With The Cast of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!
Article by Lillie Hamlin Question: What is your favorite musical number from the play? Cassie Bucklin (Hedy LaRue): My favorite musical number is Brotherhood of Man. Jessica Fenton (Smitty): I actually wasn’t in this one, but Grand Old Ivy with all the boys was so hilarious to watch. None of them actually play football or sports, so it was hilarious watching them try to figure out what to do. Macy Harban (Ensemble): A Secretary is not a toy. Allison Ramsey (Rosemary Pilkington): My favorite number from the show is Act one finale or Paris Original (I can't choose). Question: Who is your favorite character? Cassie Bucklin: My favorite character in the play was Bud Frump. Jessica Fenton: Easily Bud Frump. He was so narcissistic and snarky, and his character was so much fun to work with and develop. Macy Harban: Smitty. Allison Ramsey: My favorite character is by far Rosemary (not because I played her). Question: What in your opinion is the funniest part of the musical? Cassie Bucklin: The funniest part of the musical was during Paris Original, the dress scene. Jessica Fenton: The way the boys reacted to Hedy LaRue in each scene she was in. Macy Harban: When Hedy makes her first appearance and they boys all gawk at her. Allison Ramsey: Paris Original because all of these girls are coming on to the stage all in the same dress. Question: How long did you have to practice? Cassie Bucklin: I had to practice constantly to make sure I was prepared and ready to perform. Jessica Fenton: We had to practice for a long amount of time, but we actually only practiced two nights out of the week. We started just before winter break, then practiced every Tuesday and Thursday night until the show. We spent the first couple months learning the music, then began getting the lines down. Macy Harban: For a while, maybe 5 months. Allison Ramsey: We have been in rehearsals since December. Question: What did you like best about the play? Cassie Bucklin: I liked being able to get close with many others who share the same love of performing that I do. Jessica Fenton: I really just love musical theatre in all. I plan to go into theatre, and starting in an environment where I get to work with friends, teachers, and directors that I love is an amazing way to start out what I’m doing. Macy Harban: I liked being able to just joke around and hang out with the cast. Allison Ramsey: I loved the music because it wasn't too challenging, but it was tough. Question: What was your favorite scene, line, or song? Cassie Bucklin: I really liked the Coffee Break scene. The dancing and comedy is why it is my favorite. Jessica Fenton: I loved loved LOVED putting coffee break together. The song is just so angry and full of frustrations and emotions that at first it was hard for us to put together. We quickly caught onto the anger within the song and how each line was supposed to sound. It was so much fun to put together. Macy Harban: The party scene on the roof with drunk Hedy and Mr. Biggley trying to keep Ovington quiet. Allison Ramsey: My favorite scene is Rosemary into Act one Finale. |
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