Labor Day, Texas Style

No more easing back in: the ebb and flow of school and homework is back in full swing! But fear not; this upcoming weekend is Labor Day weekend, so it's the perfect time to recharge after these busy first two weeks of school. Here are some fun suggestions for what to do this Labor Day weekend, courtesy of Savannah Biggert:

Things to do for Labor Day weekend 2014 

Current Event: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

By Waverly Spratt

Casually scroll through the feed of any social media outlet. Aside from the constant inundation of "selfies" and "Throwback Thursday's", What do you come across? Chances are, you will encounter a video - or several videos - of people dumping buckets of ice water onto their heads. But what is the meaning behind this new fad? Well, just in case you have been living off the grid for the past month, I am happy to inform you that what you are seeing is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: The charitable phenomenon that is taking the world by storm.

Bill Gates partaking in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

The premise of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is simple: If someone nominates you, then within 24 hours, you must either dump a bucket of ice water onto your head or donate $100 to the ALS Association (to be used towards ALS research). Then, after you have completed one or both portion(s) of the challenge, you nominate three more people to do the same. At first, this challenge drew a large following of skeptics and critics. There was speculation as to how anything charitable could come out of dumping ice onto yourself, especially when it seems as though more people are opting to take the chillier way out of the challenge.  However, thanks to the popularity of the challenge, the ALS Association has raised a total of $79.9 million so far. This is $77.6 million more than the amount raised at this time last year. The challenge has proved successful due to several factors, such as its rampant presence on social media outlets and the chain reaction of nominating others to take the challenge. The awareness being raised is subsequently raising money, as many people are choosing to donate as well as choosing to get drenched. Plus, the involvement of celebrities (everyone from Bill Gates, pictured above, to Jennifer Lopez) has garnered some big bucks for the ALS Association. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), is a horrendous condition that deeply affects the central nervous system. In the past, ALS Research has been radically underfunded, so this huge spike in donations has been a wonderful feat.

To donate or to learn more about ALS and the work being done to combat it, visit www.alsa.org.   Source: http://time.com/3173833/als-ice-bucket-challenge-fundraising-total/

Current Event: Celebrities Stand Up Against Cancer

Celebrities Stand up Against Cancer

By Claudia Jimenez
Edited by Waverly Spratt

On September 5^th, 2014, the Stand Up To Cancer telethon will commence. Stand up to cancer is a charity designed to raise money over televised a event as well as online. The telethon lasts an hour and in that hour you are invited to call in to donate money towards funds to find a cure for cancer. In past years, Stand Up to Cancer has pledged more than $260 million in part due to the influence of multiple celebrities. This year, big names such as Jennifer Aniston, Jon Hamm, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, Pierce Brosnan, Rob Lowe, Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Eric Stonestreet, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kiefer Sutherland will be taking part in the event. Celebrities have always helped in donating to the cause as well as talking to some of the viewers that have called in, but this year they’ll be connecting more with viewers by phone and on Facebook from a "digital lounge", hosted by Katie Couric. This has been dubbed “We’re Calling You”, a segment in which donors call in to donate as well as interact more with the celebrities involved with the telethon. Reaching out to donors via social media outlets is a relatively new concept for this charity, but it is expected to increase the amount of donations due to the popularity of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Stand Up to Cancer special will also include performances by Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, The Who, Common and Lupe Fiasco and Dave Matthews. Another big and exciting new change that will occur this year for the first time is the addition of a Canadian co-broadcast, which will raise funds that will benefit research and awareness programs in Canada. If you’re interested in participating in the "We're Calling You" you can sign up at werecallingyou.org.

Sources: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jennifer-aniston-jon-hamm-sign-on-for-stand-up-to-cancer/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/jennifer-aniston-jon-hamm-halle-berry-to-stand-up-to-cancer-1.2741447

Woodlands Prep Tour

Video: A Quick Tour of the School

See the Woodlands Preparatory School at a glance with this awesome new video by senior student Claudia Jimenez.

A Look Into The First Day of A Wolverine

It's not always easy coming to a new school, but here at the Woodlands

Preparatory School, we try to make the experience as painless as possible. Deen Osman, a new freshman, can concur:

The First Day

By Deen Osman 

Edited by Waverly Spratt

Hello! My name is Deen Osman, and I am a new student in the ninth grade at the Woodlands Prep. This is my first year here, and so far I am having an astounding time. The morning before I started my first day, I had mixed feelings about the school.  I was nervous and anxious because I would have to start all over again in a new place. However, I was excited to meet new people. My worst fear was that I wouldn’t know anyone in the school, but surprisingly, I did know some people because of the international environment. I am thankful for those people because they helped me, guided me, and talked to me on my first day to make it a day to remember. Without them my first day wouldn’t have been the same.

In the classroom, I had a great experience as well. I witnessed how professed the teachers are and how much they care about their student’s success. Teachers in my own opinion are the foundation of the school, because without them, students may struggle to find direction in life. Also, the Woodlands Prep has earned the reputation of a college preparatory school by having an excellent staff that cares about the student’s success. I do plan to have a fun and studious year and so far, even on the first day, I feel that it will happen.

In conclusion, I thank all of the students and staff for making my first day one to remember. I plan to make new friends and to learn a lot more this year and years to come at the Woodlands Prep. 

Cool School: Check out some of the exciting new features at The Woodlands Preparatory School!

From the moment you step foot into the building, it is evident that there are some big changes underway here at Woodlands Prep. Although these changes have certainly presented some challenges and growing pains, there is still a plethora of new features that signify that the school is headed in a fresh new direction. Check it out for yourself! 

Feature #1: The Nook. Study, socialize, or simply just relax at this cute new seating area!

Feature #2: The Wonder Wall (among many wonderful walls). Woodlands Prep is delighted and honored to have Mr. Luis Castillo create magnificent works of art throughout the school. Keep an eye out for his unique, colorful designs - like this one, located behind the front desk.

Feature #3: ROYGBIV Hall. Located at the back of the school, it's impossible not to smile while walking through this colorful corridor!

Feature #4: The Front Desk. This clean-cut design, complete with 6 sleek televisions on the wall, is the first thing you see when you enter the school. A lovely and informative spot.

Feature #5: The trophy case. As bright bold as the awards it stores!

Feature #6: The Clocktower. You can see this impressive new clock upon entering the school. Time for class!

Feature #7: Solar-powered trash bins. These solar powered compacting trash bins are as stylish as they are smart - its compacting mechanisms allow it to store up to 50 gallons of trash. Talk about eco-friendly! After all, a worldly school has worldly responsibilities.

Feature #8: The art room. Get inspired to create something wonderful in this beautiful space.

Feature #9: School values. Some of Woodlands Prep's core values have been plastered all around the school. They are sure to inspire you to walk through the halls with purpose!

Feature #10: The Wolverine Cafe. Arguably the most exciting new feature at Woodlands Prep, the Wolverine Cafe boasts a cafeteria-style kitchen with gourmet international food and a salad / pasta bar, 3 state of the art TVs in the wall, napkin dispensers at each table, a projector, and plenty of fun colors! The very back wall displays the words "think", "learn", and "act" - easy to do when your body is fueled properly, courtesy of the chefs at the Wolverine Cafe. Anybody else feeling hungry?