November 17, 2011

    Salutations! Can you believe it’s already November? The holiday season is approaching and I am extremely excited!
    On November 11, we had the day off from school for Veterans Day. It is a day when we pay our respects to those who have served and are serving in the military. People who have risked their lives to make America a safe place. Man, Veterans Day is really a special day, and in my opinion, every day should be Veterans Day! Check out our story on a Vietnam War veteran, the great uncle of staff reporter Akil Riley in 5th grade.
    Also, Thanksgiving is coming up! “Gobble gobble!” We lucky students at Saint Leo get a WHOLE week off to celebrate Thanksgiving. Isn’t that so awesome? Time for sleeping in, hanging out with friends, and of course, reflecting on what we’re most thankful for. This week, Saint Leo’s students filled boxes with food donations from students to those less fortunate, as we do every year. It’s always nice to give back.
    And what about us folks at The Lion Ledger? Well, we are doing just dandy. We’ve been working away writing stories for you beautiful people. If you ever pass by the computer on a Thursday after school, you will find the staff of the The Lion Ledger  hunched over keyboards, typing until their fingers are numb and their eyes can no longer handle light.
    We do this for all for you. Doesn’t that just make you feel so, thankful?

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Saba Kinfe, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief

October 20, 2011

Dear Readers:

      Greetings! The name is Saba Kinfe, (K-I-N-F-E not K-N-I-F-E) and I am the new editor-in-chief of the awesomest newspaper in the world, “The Lion Ledger.” I’m going to share a few things with you about me, just so you know what kind of a person is “editor-in-chiefing” this newspaper. My favorite color is blue, my favorite animal is the llama, my favorite singer is Frank Sinatra and I like to dance, alone, in my bedroom. Yup, just a little something something.
      There have been many changes this year at St. Leo’s. For one, the students have been showered with technology— new computers in the computer lab and a Promethean board in nearly every classroom! You can read more about it here. There are also many new teachers and staff members working at St. Leo.
      This is the fourth year The Lion Ledger has been in business and let me tell you, this is going to be the best year ever. We have a super cool staff full of great writers with seven new students on the team, and of course, our awesome advisor, Mr. Leo. My fellow editors and I have come up with a few ideas on how to spice up the newspaper. So don’t say I didn’t warn you when you find yourself spending more time on The Lion Ledger than on Facebook. Seriously, you’ve been warned.
      So make sure you check in often throughout the year so you can be up-to-date with things happening at our school and around the world! (Watch out CNN!). Get ready for some extROARdinary stories! (Get it? Since we’re the Lions, and lions roar… okay.)

Sincerely,

Saba Kinfe, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief

6/1/11 —

Well, this is it. This is my final letter for the the Lion Ledger. It has been a wonderful year and I could not have asked for a better staff. As I move on to high school (Go Dragons!) I leave my responsibilities and my title to your soon-to-be leader, Saba Kinfe. I promise you, she will be an even better editor-in-chief than I, (if that is possible, ha ha). Though all joking aside, I will deeply miss the teachers, faculty, staff, and both yearbook and newspaper. Let’s all hope they don’t kill each other over who is better, because there is no real competition, *cough cough, newspaper.”

Writing, or rather typing this right now, takes me back to the days of being an associate editor in sixth grade. I had Semhal, and Andrea to look up to (they are now graduate students from St. Leo and were the first-ever editors). It then went from writing the articles, to managing others in seventh grade when I became editor-in-chief. My classmate Dylan and I were very eager to be the heads of the newspaper and yearbook. It has been that way ever since. It amazes me sometimes how long I have been on this staff, and I must say, it has been one awesome ride.

So as I finish this year with the rest of the eighth grade class, the Class of 2011, I store all the memories and good times that I have had at the school, which includes being on the newspaper. Most of all, I thank all of you guys reading this right now. You play a major part in making all of what we do happen. If it was not for you guys, none of this would ever be possible. I am very thankful, and wish nothing but the best to all of you. Be nice to Saba, trust me, she is one of the best!! You will not be disappointed. Thank you and farewell!

by: Zyhir Brown, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief / THE LION LEDGER

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ADVISOR’S NOTE: Saba Kinfe, your editor for this school year, begins her job as the new editor-in-chief beginning in August (for the 2011-12 school year). She has also been elected Student Body President by her peers.

1/11/11—

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that your time off was wonderful, whether it was spent with friends, family, or loved ones.

For this new year the school has a lot going on. Yes sir, we haven’t even got to February and already we have a bunch of things going on. I guess that’s how it is done at St. Leo’s— perform first, ask questions later.

keep a look out for the “SLE” teams doing more skits for our behavior standards for the perfect lion. The eighth grade is of course graduating (go class of 2011!). Also fundraisers are about to start yet again, be sure to support all of those.

You can read about a new fundraiser we are doing this year in the Features section. It’s easy to help and you don’t have to make much effort other than eat your lunch!

So, what did you get for Christmas? Me, I got an iPod touch. It’s so awesome! That’s what gave me the idea for my story in the newspaper this month. I was asking Mr. Leo what apps are the best to get and he suggested that I write a story on it so that I could find out.

Make sure you read it. And everything else in this month’s issue.

by: Zyhir Brown, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief / THE LION LEDGER

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ADVISOR’S NOTE: Zyhir begins his third year on the newspaper. He started in 6th grade as a reporter during The Lion Ledger’s inaugural year, became its editor-in-chief the next year, and continues his duties into 8th grade as the leader of this online publication. Zyhir can be found after school on Tuesdays, always hard at work in the computer lab.

12/7/10—

Ahh, yes. We are finally in the month of December. You know what that means! No, not Boxing Day, Christmas!

Alright, truth be told, that was kind of cheesy, but it was in the spirit right? I hope so, because if not, then I don’t know what is in the spirit. Perhaps egg nog (a.k.a., the second best drink in the world), presents up to the knees, or maybe, just maybe…

…celebrating Jesus’s birthday?

Kids should be looking forward to that instead of Santa — well, I will admit, he does a lot of work (because he is REAL) — because this holiday is meant for Jesus.

You could take away the holiday ham, recycling bags filled with shredded gift wrap paper, or the weird feeling on what to do during the middle of the day when there’s no school during the Christmas Break. But without Jesus, it’s not Christmas.

And that, kids, is the true meaning of Christmas. Happy Holidays!

by: Zyhir Brown, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief / THE LION LEDGER

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ADVISOR’S NOTE: Zyhir begins his third year on the newspaper. He started in 6th grade as a reporter during The Lion Ledger’s inaugural year, became its editor-in-chief the next year, and continues his duties into 8th grade as the leader of this online publication. Zyhir can be found after school on Tuesdays, always hard at work in the computer lab.

11/16/10—

Change. What does that word mean to you? Is it a simple noun, a common word, or just a cheesy way to start a paragraph? Well, for one thing, it is our new theme here at The Lion Ledger. We are committed to deliver stories that are both interesting and informal. They will be fun to the reader (we hope) and of course, they will be relevant.

In addition to our change in stories, a change in staff has been made which means: more stories for you to read on the site. Expect new columns, exciting pages, and hard-hitting stories from the editors (Saba, Alinda, Hiwot, and I are all back again this year) and our new team of reporters who all make up our excellent staff.

Since we are always wanting new ideas for our website, this year you, yeah, YOU, will be given the opportunity to have your say of opinions on what should be on our website. In my next “Editor’s Desk” edition, I will give you an email address where you can tell us what you think we should cover or add to the site.

We hope to please you as much as possible and hope you continue to read the paper. Expect to see great things as we start off the 2010-11 school year. See you real soon!

by Zyhir Brown, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief / THE LION LEDGER

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ADVISOR’S NOTE: Zyhir begins his third year on the newspaper. He started in 6th grade as a reporter during The Lion Ledger’s inaugural year, became its editor-in-chief the next year, and continues his duties into 8th grade as the leader of this online publication. Zyhir can be found after school on Tuesdays, always hard at work in the computer lab.

We have been in school for a while now so it’s kind of pointless to talk about the holidays, but… my holiday was just fine, thanks for asking. I got a new phone for Christmas along with a lot of clothes, headphones, and a Tech Deck. For those of you who would like to know what type of phone it was, it’s a Samsung Freeform. For New Year’s I got $100 for a clothing store called Tillys. I bought some grey skinnies, a grey flannel, and a grey beanie. It was a really good time.

Over the holidays, a lot of things have changed at our staff. First off, our editor Donnie has resigned. Anyone interested in the position, talk to me. Also, our dearest friend Emely has changed schools, so we now have a new managing editor to take her place, my cousin, Simone. And no, I did not choose her. What position she was in was entirely her own doing, none of mine. Also we have a new position, photo managing editor, and Javion has been hired for the job.

A lot of things have been happening in the world now as well. First off, it has been Obama’s first year in office. Do you think he has been doing a good job? I think so, though I know that there are a lot of people who disagree. Also, there has been a major earthquake in Haiti. It wasn’t to long ago either. Just happened a few days ago. It’s very sad. Good and innocent people just hurt and some killed for no reason. All of it is very tragic.

On a lighter note, a few things are happening right now in our own community of St. Leo the Great. The annual crab feed is coming up, as well as Catholic Schools Week, and for all you 6th, 7th, and 8th graders out there, be on the lookout for a Valentine’s Dance very soon. And if you’re looking to get away from the real world, why not go out with some friends (or your family) and go see a movie? If you haven’t seen “Avatar” yet and have been wondering whether to see it or not, go read my review.

by Zyhir Brown, 7th Grade
Editor-in-Chief / THE LION LEDGER

Hey hey it’s me Zyhir, your new editor-in-chief for the Lion Ledger. I haven’t been talking in a while, because things at our main office have been moving kinda slow but we are trying our best to get things back in gear. Aside from that, let us talk about what’s going on this time of year.

The holidays are coming up, and there are lots of things going on this time of year here at St. Leo the Great. Not only did we have our Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, but we had the Christmas concert last night (which was amazing by the way) and also the Holiday Dance! I’m really excited for it.

By the way, for those of you who are in 6th, 7th, and 8th who didn’t know, it is going to be on Friday, December 18th from 7:00p to 10:00p.

What else? Oh yeah, do you know about Emely? She is the new managing editor for the Lion Ledger. She is a really good editor and always gets her work done. We didn’t have anyone from 8th grade class on the editorial staff, but now we do, so that’s good. (Even yearbook got one too). Emely has two stories on the front page so if you have not seen it yet, you should hit it up.

A couple of real news before I go. I am sure you all heard about President Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize, and if you have not, then listen up. Mr. President himself got this very inspirational prize today. I am really proud for him and hope he stays modest about it.

And this just in. You probably know about Tiger Woods since he’s one of the most well-known golfers ever, like up there with people like Arnold Palmer. While I was writing this, we found out he is going to be taking a break from golf. Hope he turns it around since he’s a big figure and some kids looked up to him.

Well, Season’s Greetings and have a Happy New Year. Goodbye for now.

by Zyhir Brown, 7th Grade
Editor-in-Chief / THE LION LEDGER

We’re back! As you may (or not) know, Andrea and I have just come back from our class trip to Washington, D.C. and it was AMAZING!! I can tell you, first hand, that it was great and I had a lot of fun. It took five hours to get there, but it was worth the flight. There is an article on this website about the whole trip–written by yours truly–so I can move on to other things. Make sure you read it!

Coming up is our annual Spring Concert. Each year there is always a new theme. Last year’s theme was the “80’s” and this year it’s “Motown.” It’s always a pleasure seeing each class perform. Also coming up is the Spring Recital. It’s when the choir, band, and some soloists come out and perform to parents. It’s always a great show, and it’s great to see the talents students at our school have!

One thing the choir does every year is sing at the Oakland Police Department’s memorial service for their fallen officers. They’ve been doing it for ten years now (that’s a decade!) and, well, read editor Andrea’s article about it to learn more. This year’s memorial service also honored the four officers who were shot and killed while on duty back on March 21st.

Here’s a question for you to think about– do you think this would have happened if there were no guns at the site? Do you think this would have happened if guns were not allowed to people other than police officers?

It has been brought up many times that if guns were banned, less fatality and injuries would occur. Although guns are one of the main causes of fatalities in America, it is not the only reason. Personally, I believe that if guns were not at the site on that sad Saturday back in March, I believe no one would have experienced death, maybe a few injuries, but no deaths.

So, the school year is coming to an end… literally! There will be more articles coming up, and I have one more editor’s letter left, my final one, so it might be a little long.

AND DON’T FORGET! The 2009 yearbook is on sale. And let me tell you, they are AWESOME!! I got to see a preview of the book and it’s new and improved and the whole yearbook is in color. It is even selling for a reasonable price! You might think it’s a little expensive, but for $35, you’re getting twice as much inside for only five dollars more than last year’s price ($30). So don’t forget to order one soon, because they are selling fast!

Make sure you end the year off right! See you next month.

Sincerely,

Semhal G., 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief

Hello all Lion Ledger news junkies (people hooked on the news)!  It’s me, your editor-in-chief after a month of absence.  Well, more like two since there wasn’t a February edition online.  If you watched the video we posted online a few weeks ago, you’ll know why the newspaper staff has been absent.  If you didn’t, it was because we were helping the yearbook staff finish up the yearbook– which is now finished and on sale for a great price.

If you have been on the site lately you have seen a lot of other articles from the newswire service, but no worries, we are back and new articles written by us are on their way.  Look out soon for stories on the hot Summer movies coming out (reviews and previews), the Oakland A’s and if they’re staying or not, Spring sports season wrap-up, and a whole lot more.  Plus don’t forget to check out the video section for any new uploads!

As you may already know, Andrea (the other editor) and I will be on our way to D.C next week.  Not just us two though.  Our whole class.  We plan on seeing a lot of museums, monuments, and memorials.  Maybe even get to see the President!!  We’ll let you know how our trip to Washington, D.C. went when we get back from the trip.  Bye for now and keep your eyes open to the site!

Sincerely,

Semhal G., 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief