By the Bulldog Beat Staff
Interview with Adelyn McKenzie
Mercy Moore, 6th-grade homeroom reporter, interviewed fellow classmate Adelyn McKenzie.
Mercy asked:
What grade are you in, and who is your homeroom teacher?
6th grade — Ms. Espinoza.
What’s your favorite subject and why?
Math, because of Ms. Millner. It’s the most fun!
What do you like most about being at Martinsville Middle School?
Getting to see my friends.
Do you participate in any clubs, sports, or after-school activities?
Yes — Robotics and Sports Club.
What’s something that always makes you laugh at school?
My friends.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned this week?
Dividing and multiplying integers.
Which class keeps you on your toes the most, and why?
Math, because Ms. Millner corrects us when we get messy!
What’s your favorite project or activity you’ve done this year?
In science, when we did our solar system project.
Who inspires you to do your best at school?
Ms. Millner.
How do you stay organized or prepare for tests?
I always have a pencil and try to study before every test.
What does Bulldog Pride mean to you?
It means feeling happy inside.
What’s your favorite MMS event?
All the 6th-grade incentives!
How do you show kindness?
By saying hi and giving everyone high fives.
What makes MMS special or different from other schools?
It’s more fun!
If you could plan one fun event for your school, what would it be?
A school dance or prom!
If you could switch places with any teacher for a day, who would it be and why?
Ms. Millner — her job is fun, and she gets Starbucks!
What’s one thing you like to do outside of school?
Sing songs and play basketball.
What goals do you have for the rest of the school year?
To get good grades.
What are you most excited about in the next grade?
Seeing new things.
How do you think middle school is preparing you for the future?
They give us tough love!
What’s the one thing you’ll always remember about Martinsville Middle School?
All my friends and teachers here.
By Mercy Moore, 6th grade
This week was so fun for the Bulldogs! Monday was a teacher workday, so there was no school for students. On Tuesday, we had MMS and varsity volleyball games against Patrick County — sadly, we lost both.
On Wednesday in science, we worked on a worksheet about metabolism, the four basic needs, and growth and development. After school, there were two basketball games and open gym for girls and boys.
On Thursday in Algebra I, we had a scavenger hunt with ten questions. In science, we made up ways to remember the classifications: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
My group came up with the phrase:
“Don’t Kick Phyllis, ’Cause Oliver Finna Get Smacked!”
Katie Wall, 7th grade
On Monday, we had a day off for Columbus Day, which is about Christopher Columbus, the first European to learn about the Americas.
In math, we found the values of variables, and we also voted for new clubs. I got into Gym Club!
Shaurya Mahajan, 7th grade
Interview with Mr. Michael Smith, Civics Teacher
Maya Williams interviewed Mr. Smith, one of our new teachers at Martinsville Middle School.
How long have you been teaching here?
One year.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I like history.
What do you enjoy most about working with middle school students?
Every day is something different.
What’s something students might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a cat person.
What’s your favorite lesson to teach?
The Legislative Branch.
What’s one thing you hope your students learn that goes beyond the textbook?
To help your community.
How do you make learning fun or exciting in your classroom?
Using gim kits and hands-on activities.
What’s your best tip for students who want to do well in your class?
Stop talking, pay attention, and do your work!
What does being a Bulldog mean to you?
Being brave, strong, and confident.
How do you encourage school spirit?
By participating and showing pride!
What’s your favorite MMS event?
Battle of the Classes.
What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show?
William Blount.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you want to have?
Archivist.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
To Vicksburg, Mississippi, for the history museum.
What advice would you give students to make the most of their middle school years?
Do what your teachers ask you to do!
Maya Williams, 8th grade
In science, we’re learning about energy — how it moves in different forms, and about kinetic and potential energy.
TayShawn Hairston, 8th grade
This past week, I got a Boo Basket from my girlfriend, and today is an open gym — I’m going to that!
T’Kari Breedlove, 8th grade
Interview with School Nurse Toya Johnson
Ka’Zairah Adkins interviewed our school nurse, Ms. Toya Johnson, and asked her the following questions:
What made you want to become a nurse?
Caring for sick people.
How long have you worked as a school nurse?
Nine years.
What do you like most about working at Martinsville Middle School?
The students and the support from coworkers.
What is a normal day like for you at school?
Busy!
What kinds of things do you do to help students stay healthy?
Educate them about proper handwashing and help manage medical conditions.
About how many students visit your office each day?
Around 20.
What are some common health problems you see at school?
Asthma and diabetes.
What do you do if a student gets hurt or feels sick during the day?
If hurt, I check the injured area. If sick, I take their temperature and call home if needed.
How do you help students who need medicine while they’re at school?
Parents must have a medication form completed by a doctor and submitted to the nurse.
What are some important ways students can stay healthy during the school year?
Practice good handwashing and stay home when you’re sick.
What are some good habits to help prevent spreading germs?
Proper handwashing.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that has ever happened in the nurse’s office?
A student had a bug crawl down inside their ear! They were taken to urgent care for removal.
What’s the best part of your job?
3:15 — haha!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a nurse one day?
Go for it!
By Ka’Zairah Adkins, 7th grade
