Week 1
Ruckus at the Radley House - Alexandra Voronchikhina
Early this morning, before even the sun was up, everyone in Maycomb heard a loud gun shot from the Radley house. People who used to be asleep got up to investigate. Moments later, Mr. Nathan Radley was seen with a shotgun broken in his arm. When questioned by the townsfolk, he said that he was just walking by when he thought he saw something through his window. He had gotten his shotgun and went outside. He spotted something and started shooting, without really thinking, but whoever or whatever it was got away from him. Mr.Nathan Radley says, "It was a Negro, who was so scared and pale that he looked white, so be on the look out for this white nigger!" He said that if he hears any sounds in the the patch, he will aim low and catch who ever what sneaking around in his backyard. Mr.Nathan Radley and everyone in the town of Maycomb may have to sleep with one eye open tonight and be ready for anyone. If you're a nigger, then you better think twice before trying to break into Mr.Nathan Radley's backyard because he is ready to shoot anything that moves.
Seeing Children's Education - Claire Takeshita
You might wonder about how the children in the neighborhood are with their education or how they are being developed into young grown ups. This is really normal. However , you might sometimes not get all the answers you want. We interviewed some people about what they think about the students in their classes. "Well, my opinion is that these children have not gotten the education they might need. They appear to miss a lot of school for no really important reason and they seem to not be particularly literate. I was surprised to find that some of them are reasonably educated. This is not definitely a good thing." A first grade teacher at a Maycomb school. "I think most of us kids have to be working, a few of us might want to be learning but there isn't that much time. In order for our families to make money we kids have to work. It doesn't matter if there's school or not. We got to have food for our family and houses!" A student of Maycomb school. As some schools can't even make sure their students can learn anything. This is because many of them is are not able to get as much information as the others. They don't come to school as much. These students might not pass the grade. A lot of students may attend for the first day and than not come for the rest of the year. They are as having attended for the first day and than they don't worry about going to school . Some of these kids have to come back each year and take the same class as they have miss this school. More of these kids miss this schools because they have to work during part of the year. Maybe to work on the farms or to help pick the vegetables or crops from their lands. This takes up a lot of the children's learning. Of course we think it is important for any families is to be able to eat. But it is also really important that a child can learn and get a education. These kids such as the Burris Ewell family, Cunningham family and many more should be encouraged to take up more education. It was found that most students in the first grade class of a Maycomb school is as Ms. Caroline's class a lot more of the students had not passed the class the year before. They also have not attended the whole school year.
New Learning System in Maycomb - Tania Martinez
There's a new first grade teacher at the Maycomb Elementary School by the name of Miss Caroline Fisher. Miss Caroline is a 21 year old woman from North Alabama, Winston County. As a first grade teacher, you may expect that Miss Caroline has to go through teaching her children how to read, but this time this is not the case. "It is called the Dewy Decimal System," states Miss Caroline. "I learned about it in my college classes." The only strange thing about this learning system is that it leaves books out of the picture. We question, but how are you supposed to teach children without the use of books? We observed how Miss Caroline teaches in class and the Dewy Decimal System isn't as tricky as it may sound. The teacher has 4-8 note-cards with basic words on them. She shows them to the class and sees what they know so far. The words that she thinks the children find more challenging she will work on twice as much as the other ones. This is to get a sense at where every one's at. However, for the children that already do read, very few, she would prefer if they could stop and start from scratch. Miss Caroline says, "It is best to begin reading with a fresh mind." Based on the results of this first grade class, Maycomb will decide whether to keep or discard the Dewy Decimal System.
The Death of Mr. Radley - Mysha Quader
In August Mr. Radley has passed away in Maycomb County. His death was presented by Dr. Reynolds and Mr. Radley’s absence was clear evidence that he has passed away. The family’s health is still enormously well, however, the death of Mr. Radley has shaken them. He died there in that very home that they lived in.
The Radley family was an unsocial group. They would keep to themselves and stay indoors, but were very religious people. They lived on the street next to the Finches and were a silent bunch. After a while, they were forgotten, but were brought up again after Arthur Radley’s many ambitious pranks. What Arthur did was on many offences and after that event much wasn't seen from that family. The family was sorry for the incidents and returned home. Fifteen years later, Mrs. Radley was seen screaming and galloping out onto the streets. It was heard that her husband was being assaulted by Arthur Radley. Arthur was taken to jail and later on taken back home. After that event, news of the Radleys was unheard of until surrounding neighbors noted that Dr. Reynold was visiting their home. After a few days the Radleys passed away. They were a silent bunch, but they would always be remembered. Let the Radley family rest in peace.
Week 2
Local Fire - Alexandra Voronchikhina
Everyone was awakened this morning by the sirens of fire trucks. Miss Maudie’s house was on fire. Maycomb’s fire truck was frozen and couldn’t move and, therefore, had to be pushed by the firemen to the burning house. One hose was not enough to take out the huge fire. The firemen rushed to get as much things out of the house as they could, knowing that they could not save it. Mr. Avery was inside the house during the fire, and trying to save his things, almost cost him his life. The stairs had caught fire, so Mr. Avery’s only way out was the window. In attempting to get through the window, Mr. Avery got stuck. With the fire slowly creeping up on him, Mr. Avery managed to squeeze through he window and get out safely. Meanwhile, fire trucks from nearby town were coming to the rescue. Since there was only one fire hydrant, the other fire fighters had to use hand extinguishers to try to tame the beast. Everyone knew that this house would not make it, but the fire fighters were trying their best to make sure this fire did not spread to the neighboring houses. Roaring, the house collapsed, fire went everywhere, and fire fighters immediately put out fire that was going to nearby homes. Miss Maudie’s home was destroyed and only ashes and burned wood was left.
Who wants cake? - Tania Martinez
Have a favorite dessert? Favorite sweet? Well the people in Maycomb do! It’s called cake. Specifically Mrs. Maudie’s cakes. Mrs. Mauddie is a cheerful middle-aged woman living in Maycomb. She loves to cook, and her specialty is making cakes. Pound cakes, Marble cakes, Cheesecakes, Ice Cream cakes, you name it and she’ll bake it! We interviewed Mrs. Maudie and asked her what’s her secret ingredient. This is her response, “My grandmother was the one who was the first to show me the secret ingredient for she was the one who came up with it. Some people may guess more sugar some people more cream. But this secret ingredient is nothing edible. In fact, it’s more of a belief. My secret ingredient is Passion!” So there you have it. Passion created these magnificent cakes from heaven. We believe it is her passion of cooking that helps her naturally make the perfect cakes. Cooking can be such an amazing talent.
Hows the Weather in Your Neighborhood - Claire Takeshita
It’s been really cold here in Maycomb today. We may not welcome this cold weather but it can be good to have some fun in this new kind of climat e. We went to go see how some neighborhood people saw this surpris e. The weather started to become really cold the day before the snow came . “It’s the children in our neighborhood, they’ve brought this.” says one person in the neighborhood. Even though we might have some superstitution about this as some people seem really positive about this. “I think it’s really fun, this can be real interesting, for everyone in the neighborhood too . I never seen snow you see right ?” tells a person of the community. Also there are more thoughts about this occurence. “I think these people should get out of the snow an get where it’s warm . They ain’ t got no business being out there .” Explains a person who normally goes to this neighborhood. As this has been the coldest day for a long time. An is school was canceled much to the glee of many children. The city is trying to make sur e the neighborhoods have enough to keep them okay as it is cold. As some tips are to dress as warmly as you can and try to stay inside if you can . Try to stay warm!
Mad Dog in February - Mysha Quader
No ever suspected it in February, but it came. It was February when the report of a mad dog was reported in Maycomb County near the Finch’s home. The first to see the dog on the sidewalk was Jem and Scout Finch. It was reported that the dog was in he’s switching stage and Calpurnia the maid of the Finch’s was the one that informed the neighborhood of the sickly dog. As a result to this threat, the neighborhood locked-up tight and there was not a soul out in the sunlight of that day. Officer Heck Tate and Mr. Atticus Finch rolled up on the seen. They stepped out of the police car and, with Mr. Tate armed with a rifle, a waited the mad dog. Mr. Tate gave the rifle to Mr. Finch, but he declined to the offer. Mr. Tate edged Mr. Finch some more and after a little persuasion had Mr. Finch handle the gun. The dog was at the Radley’s front gate when Mr. Finch fired the gun. The bullet went through just above the dog’s left eye and the neighborhood was amazed at the sight. On-Shot Finch has done it again and after twenty years. Mr. Tate and Mr. Finch returned to the car and drove off. The area were the mad dog died was avoided and Zeebo came by and picked up the dog in his garbage truck. The Dog was later found out to be Tim Johnson, the dog that belonged to Harry Johnson. No one would be able to prove when a mad dog would come and the town has been on the look out ever since this incident. Be careful and report if any weird gestures happen to any animal. Watch out the disease is still out there and it’s dangerous.
Week 3
The Passing of Mrs. Dubose - Mysha Quader
The passing of Mr. Dubose was a sad event. She was the woman that told children to behave and mind themselves. With her gone, the neighborhood would be a quiet place to live. She was know to have a maid named Jessie that tended to her needs. Before her death, Mr. Dubose spent her days in a wheel chair if she wanted to get around. A few weeks after her movement in her trusty wheelchair, she was confined to a bed and a prisoner to her house with Jessie a long side her. It was later found out that Mrs. Dubose was suffering from a horrible disease that was unknown. This disease caused her to retreat to her bed and take a drug called Morphine. This drug eased her pain as she was dying from this disease. She was a woman that despised drugs and she eventually discontinued her usage of this drug. A few days later, she was reported dead. The medication that she took didn’t even help her, either. A funeral took place and she was buried. May Mr. Dubose rest in peace and sleep without any pain from that horrible disease. Amen in.
Yard Vandalism- Alexandra Voronchikhina
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Ms. Dubose has had her lawn destroyed. All the tops of her beautiful camellia bushes have been carelessly cut off. Ms. Dubose found her lawn completely covered in crushed bushes and littered leaves. Later, it was found out that it was Jem that vandalized Ms. Dubose yard. Jem had confessed to Ms. Dubose and he apologized like a gentleman. Jem shouted out that he had a good reason of defacing her yard. Ms. Dubose had yelled “Atticus was no better than the niggers and trash he works for” and Jem just lost it. Jem was lucky that Ms. Dubose didn’t hear him; otherwise, he would have been in the hospital with a bullet lodged in his leg. Ms. Dubose demanded that Jem do something to make up to her for ruining her lawn. He is currently making it up to her by reading to her everyday. With any kind of crime, comes some kind of punishment.
New Case Speak of by People of the Town - Claire Takeshita
Most likely you have heard of this new case that has been spoke n of throughout the town. This is the case, which has Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell. This case has caused a lot talking among more of the skeptical people. As the descriptions and talk of this case has spread their has been more tension between a bunch of the whites and the African Americans. An this case will be taken by as Atticus Finch. This might start to cause problems in the neighborhoods. We walked around the communities and interviewed some people. A lot of opinions had been found and they might be offensive. “I don’t think them ‘people’ should even have the right to defended. They’s ain’t got the right to go to any jury or court.” Says the declined being named person of Maycomb town. “ That black man, we all know he done it. See, I don’t see why people even bother trying to give him an rights or seeing what’s he’s got to say about it.” Says a woman of the neighborhood. “Anyway, me and my family think that as boy is innocent is an always will be. See, I don’t think there can be any other answer.” Says a respected man of the Maycomb town area. “ This doesn’t make anyone different. At least not this case. We are hoping that anyone will help Mr. Tom Robinson’s wife and give her many prayers, things as you can.” These stories will be continued to told of and reported on. The case will take place in the Courthouse, an they will be as reported on as well. This is how the case is going an we may keep up with an developments.
Death of Mrs. Radley - Tania Martinez
It is just in that Mrs. Radley died on this snowy day in Maycomb County. It was said that she died of a common cold. Mrs. Radley was the wife of Mr. Radley who also died about a year ago. The Radley family was, and still is, known for their odd behavior. They were religious at home so they would never attend church. Mrs. Radley was a quiet type of woman, most people thought because she married Mr. Radley who was even quieter than she. We interviewed some people who lived on her street to see what they thought of her death. A man named Atticus stated, "The Radley's were always judged as bad people. It was cruel to think of them as bad just because they did not believe in socializing." Around that street it was found that there was a myth called the Boo Radley myth that children believed. "Boo Radley" was the shost of Arthur Radley in his dead form. This is one way the Radley's had a bad reputation. "My children are so obsessed with the Boo Radley myth that they believed that Boo Radley was the one who caused the death or killed Mrs. Radley. I simply told them she died of a natural cause." said a man living a few doors down the Radley house. We may not have known the Radley's very well but may Mrs. Radley rest in peace.
