Snow days prove to be a student’s favorite news item

Kayla Paul-Koch
Staff Writer

After 10 days away from school for winter break, students grudgingly went back to school on Jan. 2. As if almost two weeks away wasn’t enough, when students heard about the possible snow storm hitting New Hope they prayed for a snow day.
  To the students’ joy there were two snow days in a row resulting in a four day weekend. And if that wasn’t enough for students, the next week there was an early dismissal on Monday and a two hour delay on Tuesday.
  “I was excited because we didn’t have school and I didn’t have to do any work!” said sophomore Sarah Block.
  On the contrary, Freshman Kevin O’Brien said “I was excited in the moment, but now I’m frustrated with the amount of makeup work I have to do from the days we had off.”
 The end of the second marking period is creeping up on Jan. 26, creating extra stress for students and teachers to makeup the time lost. Students have been dealing with a heavy load of new information to get in before the start of a new quarter.

The Roaring Corner: Episode 3

Amanda Horak & Parker Miele
Staff Writers

One question we sent out in a survey before holiday break was “what is stressing you out about the New Year?” Some of the options we listed were college, homework, family, and work. According to our responses, the majority said college was the thing that stressed them out the most.
  Both being seniors, we know how stressful the college application and waiting period is. Waiting to hear back from your top schools is the most stressful thing ever! However, we all just have to wait. There is nothing to stress about because we are all going to go to the place we are meant to be at!
   “I was very excited to be accepted to two of my top schools, which are Notre Dame and Georgetown University,” Max Chuma, who is also a senior, said.
  Besides college, another popular choice was homework. Lately, we have been receiving a lot of homework because we’re approaching the end to the second marking period. Again, it is nothing to stress about. Just make sure you start your homework ahead of time and don’t worry about it!
  Let’s have a great start to the new year by just relaxing and not stressing out about things like college and homework!

Explore a smarter way to keep your resolutions

Devon Beacham and Justin Horak

Staff Writers 

The New Year is behind us, resolutions have already been established, and maybe even surrendered by now, and if not now, then probably sometime soon. New Year's resolutions seem to always last temporarily. Of course it is nice to think of improvement and act on it, but the unfortunate truth is not everyone can always follow through with those intentions! Some cliché resolutions usually are regarding one’s health, such as eating healthier and finally joining the gym. Why are New Year's resolutions yearly? Because they never follow through the entire year! Individuals can maintain their goals and overall create a better lifestyle for themselves. But, what is the difference between the successful goals and those that often ultimately lead to failure?

 It seems the most efficient and achievable resolutions are by making measurable ones. Rather than creating a goal such as “being more active,” one could make their resolution “exercise for one hour everyday.” Instead of saying “make healthier choices,” have a goal of “eating at least one vegetable at every meal.” Instead of “lose weight,” one could plan to “lose 10 pounds.” By setting a target that people can make sure they can achieve, it is simpler for them to push themselves to complete it and mentally check it off when they’re done and further their goals after the first are achieved. If someone is trying to structure a goal that they are able to accomplish, the best choice, is to make it measurable. A goal that one can look back on after many days have passed and know for sure whether or not he or she has fulfilled is more likely to end in success.

The Year of Billion Dollar Disasters

Cooper Hendricks
Staff Writers

2017 was an expensive year in disaster costs for the US at $306 million. It is estimated to be the third most expensive year in the 123 years of records. It comes after 2014 and 2012 in disaster costs. With a total of 3 hurricanes, 8 severe storms, 1 wildfire and 2 floods, 2017 left a sizable dent in disaster costs.
  Some places in Florida and even Texas are still recovering from the damage done by Harvey, Irma, and Maria, granted some people haven't recovered from Hurricane Sandy back in 2012 so we will probably hear about this for years to come. Not to mention these hurricanes were some of the costliest disasters over the year.
  Each disaster costed more than a billion each. Which is quite shocking when you think about it. Some people have supported the idea of proper training and prevention for later disasters.

The Roaring Corner: Episode 2

Amanda Horak & Parker Miele
Staff Writers

Winter break is a time that almost all students look forward to. Unfortunately for most, teachers also assign work over that time that the students take to relax. After taking your responses on how you feel about homework over the break, we decide to give you tips on how to make it an easier and faster task.
   Spreading out work and choosing which days to do certain assignments is a great way to lessen stress and make the work seem so much easier. This also ensures that nobody will have multiple assignments all pushed back to Sunday night. You guys may also want to try and not do a whole assignment all at once, take a little bit of each and then it won’t feel like you have been working on something forever.
   Although some may hate not finishing an assignment when they start it, there is another option. Instead of picking a few questions from each to do one day, designate certain days for certain classes. Taking one day for a class is a great way to organize everything and make sure that you don’t miss anything.
  Good luck, and happy holidays!

2k18 New Hope Solebury Mini-THON promises to do it all FTK

Justin Horak & Devon Beacham
Staff Writers

With more than 90,000 student volunteers and 265 schools in 8 states, New Hope Solebury High School is contributing to conquer cancer. Mini-THONs are bringing hope to families in need and giving back to their community. During the 2016-2017 school year, high schools and colleges raised more than $6.46 million  for the Four Diamonds organization. This 2018, the high school’s annual participation in the Four Diamonds Mini-THON falls on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day. This year’s theme is based off the phenomenal Netflix series Stranger Things. Once again the school has teamed up with the Four Diamonds organization which amps it all up FTK-- for the kids. Every year, students raise money for childhood cancer and are a part of a team. Mini-THON begins with an exciting dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. After the dance, the doors are officially locked and teams are checked in for the night. From there until the morning, the teams compete against each other in a series of competitions to keep the night lively. Activities include games like handball, dodgeball, karaoke, bubble soccer, movie watching and so much more. Throughout the night, prizes will be awarded to winners of games, the top fundraisers, and more! Prizes include gift cards to favorite restaurants, apple watches, and Four Diamonds apparel! 
  Last year even after a long twelve hours of activities, too much redbull, snacks, lack of blankets, and complete exhaustion, NHS’s Mini-THON 2017 was considered a total success. Over $16,000 was raised through student donations, businesses, and from friends and family. This 2018, the goal is $18,000 but it is always great to go above and beyond! The best way to make this Mini-THON a success FTK is to start raising money now! Get creative! One day we will dance in celebration. Until then, we dance for the cure.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas

Caroline Donado
Staff Writer

Christmas season is a dangerous time for pets. There are a multitude of risks from snow salt to turkey bones that can seriously hurt your pup. It is crucial that owners are aware of how their actions will affect their furry friends. Here are some tips to keep your dog healthy and happy this holiday.
  When decorating for Christmas, it is best to keep the traditional holiday plants far away from pets. Poinsettia flowers, holly, and mistletoe are all poisonous to dogs. It also may be a good idea to buy a fake tree instead of a real one since pine needles can be sharp and pose the danger of puncturing a dog’s intestines if swallowed. Additionally, it is essential to be mindful while decorating your Christmas tree. Put low hanging ornaments higher up on the branches so your dog will not grab them. Many ornaments have sharp or small pieces that can cause choking. Dogs can also get electrocuted or burned while chewing on light strings. 
  Many dogs enjoy the snow; however, snow salt is severely irritating to their paws. If using snow melts, opt for a formula that is not salt-based such as Safe Paw. Salt can get lodged in the pads of your dog’s paws and heat up to 170 degrees. It can even lead to gastrointestinal issues and if consumed in large quantities, can cause seizures.
  Christmas dinner is also a time filled with risks. When guests arrive, watch that your pet does not slip out the door and get harmed in the street. During and after dinner, refrain from giving your dog table scraps. Bones can be lodged in throats and get stuck in the digestive tract and fatty foods lead to irritation in the pancreas. And, of course, no chocolate--it is toxic to dogs.
  Lastly, it is important that owners pay attention to their pet’s stress levels. With all the excitement of the holidays, dogs are prone to get as anxious as their owners. Furthermore, their routine is altered which takes some getting used to on their end. The best thing you can do is to simply spend time with your pup. Dr. Leni Kaplan, a Cornell University veterinarian explained to PressConnects, “Not only will the pets be happier and more relaxed but it provides protected downtime for the owners away from the stressors of the holiday season." Stay calm and your pet will too.
  Do not hesitate to get in contact with your local veterinarians immediately if your dog is not well. The Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at (888) 426-4435.