SIS Staff and Students Celebrate Veterans Day
By Monica D. and Olivia M., Viking Voice Reporters
Here at Shelton Intermediate school on November 11th, we had an assembly to learn about different background stories of veterans. We had four veterans at the assembly. Mike Kellett and Merle Chase from the US Navy, Kelly Stanton and John Gagne from the US Air Force, and Dave Knablin from the US Army. The 7th grade assembly featured a special appearance from SIS’s own Mr. Robert Yamnicky, from the US Navy and a teacher in our Nature Lab.
The Veterans received questions about their military service from a student panel during the assembly. One veteran stated: “I wanted to be in Navy aviation because I used to work at Sikorsky and work on the helicopters going into war. He knew because of the draft going on he knew he had to make a choice.
Mike Kellett followed his uncle and went to the Navy. He joined the Navy because he knew he wasn't ready for college and his family couldn't afford college, so he decided it was best to join the Navy.
Merle Chase was also in the Navy. Growing up, he enjoyed the water and swimming with a passion, but he also had a dad and grand dad were in the Navy, so this branch seemed like a logical choice.
John Gagne is in the Air Force. He wasn't ready for college, and he didn't know what he was going to do with his life. He shared that one day he woke up and decided to go into the Air Force.
Kelly Stanton is also in the Air Force. The reason she joined the Air Force is because it helped her pay for schooling. She served when 9/11 happened. Several of her family members also fought for the country. Her family was very supportive about it. Her brother joined the Air force a few years later. She met her husband during the Air Force. Now they have a family and 3 beautiful kids together.
Rob Yamnicky worked on a nuclear submarine during his time in the Navy. He shared that he would spend three months at a time under water and be completely isolated from what was happening to his friends and family. He served 21 years in total in a variety of jobs and responsibilities.
Shelton Intermediate was fortunate to learn from these incredible people who dedicated their lives to protect our freedom.
The student run digital newspaper of the Shelton Intermediate School community
From Left to Right: John Gagne, U.S. Air Force; Mike Kellett, U.S. Navy; Kelly Stanton, U.S. Air Force; Merle Chase, U.S. Navy; and Dave Knablin, U.S. Army.
Team Spotlight: Team Teal
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Team Teal has a total of 102 hard working students. There is lots of kindness that spreads around in the hallways. “Students this year are a pleasant delight and show strong academic ability,” according to Mr Monaco, Team Teal Social Studies Teacher.
Team Teal teachers bring a total of 57 years of teaching experience.
This team is located on the second floor of the building and occupies classroom numbers 230 ,231, 229, 228, and 227.
Team Teal has several PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) activities. Teachers give raffle tickets when someone is showing random acts of kindness or a positive attitude. The Team has participated in the schoolwide pumpkin decorating contest and Valley Goes Pink Day. At the beginning of the school year, we went outside and drew kind messages with chalk on the sidewalk. The team had Thanksgiving teamwork before the holiday break.
The Team Teal teach line-up includes: Mr. Monaco, Social Studies, Mrs. Debe, Science, Mr. Moran, Math, and Mrs. Nigretti, Language Arts. Team Teal has never won the pumpkin or wreath decorating contest. Perhaps this year will be their year.
By Natalie B. and Violetta K.
Viking Voice Reporters
It’s official! There will be a new addition to the community garden here at Shelton Intermediate School.
“We are getting rid of two of the flower beds and will build new ones,” said Mr. Yamnicky, the Nature Lab teacher and the garden cultivator. “The two we are replacing are falling apart.”
Mr. Yamnicky added that the two flower beds will be replaced by one singular bed that will hold twice as much. The new bed isn’t targeted to be used for anything specific yet but keep an eye out for what is growing there in the spring.
A big thanks to Mr. Yamnicky for answering some of our questions. As you can see there are many new projects going on in the garden, and we can't wait to see how they turn out!
By. Gianna K., Melanie B., and Sharan M., Viking Voice Reporters
One of the new garden beds.
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Viking Voices: Thanksgiving
Students and Staff sound off about what they are Thankful for this November
Yesenia P., Team Teal
I am thankful for Family, Friends, and Food.
Jose D., Team Blue
I am thankful for my family and friends because they mean a lot to me. My favorite food at Thanksgiving is Turkey because it goes well with every other Thanksgiving food. I am going to hang out and eat dinner with my family.
Mr. John Skerritt, Principal
I am thankful for my health and for getting the school back to routine without the masks and being post pandemic. I am thankful that the kids finally have the opportunity to experience some of the things they lost out on during the pandemic. Not having students in masks makes a huge difference. You get to see people smile and their complete facial expressions. Our non-verbal communication goes a long way in the classroom for the teachers to engaged the understanding that students have. It makes for a much friendlier environment here.
Brayden F., Team Purple
I am thankful for being around my family and friends. I am going to have dinner with my family this Thanksgiving and my favorite part of the meal is pie!
By Faith Scully, Cait Salemme and Melinda Madeira, Viking Voice Reporters
It’s almost that time of the year! Turkey, colorful leaves, mashed potatoes and most importantly… pumpkin pie! We went around SIS asking students and staff what they are thankful for this upcoming Thanksgiving!!
VIKING VOICE Page 3