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December Events | For teens in grades 6 - 12 |
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Teen After Hours: Cheesy Movie Bingo
How many cringe-worthy holiday movie moments can you find?
Registration required! |
Register HERE
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Hot Cocoa Dip Recipe
Review written by Kira V. (12th grade)
This rich and delicious Hot Cocoa Dip is made with only 4 ingredients! All you need is a and or stand mixer to combine the cream cheese and the cocoa packets. If you want to make this delightful treat, here’s how.
Ingredients -8 ounce block of cream cheese (softened) -4 ounces of Cool Whip (I used half of an 8 ounce container) -4 packets of hot cocoa mix
-Mini marshmallows -Optional: Holiday Sprinkles. |
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Recipe
With your hand or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Once your cream cheese is beaten, add in the cocoa packets and mix until combined. Take the bowl off the mixer and use a spatula to fold in the Cool Whip. Don’t mix it too much or you will deflate the Cool Whip.
Once combined, let your dip chill in the fridge until you want to serve it. Serve it topped with mini marshmallows and holiday sprinkles and enjoy!
(This is the link to the original recipe, but I recommend following mine. The only change is when to put the marshmallows on top. The link also includes suggestion of what to serve with the dip. I used apple slices, Nilla Wafer cookies, pretzels, and hunks of banana.) |
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Carnifex: Slow Death |
Review written by Dylan V. (10th grade) |
Fans of deathcore should find this album enjoyable. Slow Death, the sixth release from the American deathcore band Carnifex, is a bludgeoning, thrashing and smashing 10-track onslaught that will leave your neck in agony from headbanging so hard. This beast of an album will surely melt your face and burst your eardrums with onslaughts such as “Dark Heart Ceremony,” “Drown Me in Blood,” and “Six Feet Closer to Hell” that will leave a trail of carnage and destruction behind you. |
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Abby's Bookshelf | Book recommendations from our Teen Librarian |
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| The Davenports by Krystal Marquis |
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| The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz |
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| Imogen,Obviously by Becky Albertalli |
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| Reign by Katharine McGee |
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Twisted Traditions of the Claus Culture by Ella L. (7th grade)
Santa Claus had a problem, and her name was Missy.
Missy frustrated him day and night, in so many ways. Once, she had opened the gate of the reindeer pen, and lured them out with sugar cubes and carrots. It took weeks to round them up. Another time she had run away from home and made an igloo nearby, which she lived in for 3 days. Yes, she was a troublemaker. Nevertheless, Santa loved her dearly. He couldn’t imagine life without his daughter.
“I don’t want to do this,” Missy said stubbornly. “Who needs to know how to fit millions of presents in a big bag? It’s not a life skill most people learn.” Santa sighed. “You’re not like other people. You’ll understand when you’re older. It’s a family tradition.”
Missy rolled her eyes. “Just like sending little elf spies to every house? Having them hide and collect information on children?” Santa looked uncomfortable. “Well-” “Or the creepy songs? ‘He sees you when you’re sleeping’?”
Santa frowned. “When you put it like that…” “Don’t even get me started on the whole nice and naughty list system. Have you ever heard that there’s more than the colors of black and white, but also shades of gray?” “I-”
“But we’ll break into your house regardless, it’s just if you are naughty we leave fire hazards in your socks. So be good for goodness sake!” Santa’s mouth was hanging open. “You can bribe us with sugary delights that you leave near the tree corpse you decorated!” Missy finished defiantly.
Santa’s brow furrowed in thought. “What would you have us do instead?” Missy smiled. “You know, maybe I will be Santa one day. I’ll do you a favor and continue the family business. Then I’ll finally be able to fix this holiday up!” Santa smiled wearily. “I’m sure you will sweetheart. Let's get back to putting presents in this bag?”
Missy glowered at him. He smiled merrily back at her.
“Come on, honey! This is your first step toward greatness. Show me some Ho-Ho- holiday cheer!” Missy rolled her eyes. “I’ve got a lot of work to do.
The End! And Happy Holidays!
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The Christmas Disaster by Skyler R. (9th grade)
It’s that time of the year again. The trio of boys are back together again. After a long break, they’re finally ready to celebrate christmas. Nothing could possibly go wrong. The tree would not fall because the trio is responsible enough to keep the tree up. All four have gotten each other presents. *Joe plays christmas music*. “JOE! DO NOT PLAY CHRISTMAS MUSIC. IT IS VERY CRINGE!” Said Donald.
“Donald is right for once. Christmas music has to be one of the worst music genres to ever exist.” Said Barack. “Why do you have to be so mean to me? I have emotions too.” Joe cried.
“The time I will be nice to you will be the time Santa arrives.” Said George. “All you guys do is get everything done. While leaving me in the corner. All you’ll do is take advantage of me and make me go into multiple crisis.” Joe cried. “ You don't deserve gifts joe. That’d be the last thing I want to see you have.” Said Donald. “Okay, can we just have a holiday where you guys are nice to each other for once?” Barack.
“Barack, Did you get the christmas trees?” Said Joe. “Yes, I did get the tree from the basement. Joe, did you wrap the gifts you’ll be giving us?” Barack kindly asked. “Yea, they’re in my car. I’d have to get them real quickly.” Said Joe. Joe went to get the presents that were in his car. “Donald, lets decorate the christmas tree before joe gets back.” Said Barack. “ Yeah Barack, I don’t want to decorate the way Joe wants to. So let’s get it finished now.” Said Donald. “Oh no, where did I put the presents. I thought I put them in the back seat.” Joe says as he is trying to find the presents in the car.
“Oh there they are. Just misplaced them in the trunk.” Said Joe. “So barack, how are we going to decorate this tree?” Donald Asked. “Uh, let me try to put this ornament up.” Said Barack. *Tree falls down and tears up into pieces. “Barack! Watch what you are doing! Now Joe is going to be mad at us!” Said Donald. “We need to pick this up immediately!” Said Barack. Barack and Donald try to put the tree up. Just to find it shattered in a thousand pieces.
“I guess christmas is ruined.” Said Donald. “Hey guys I am back with the pres-” “Guys, what happened?” Joe asked. “I can fix it. I’ll fix it within an hour if you tell me what happened?” Joe said. “I tried to put an ornament on the tree. And everything came down.” Said Barack. “It is okay, Just give me an hour to fix it okay?” Joe said. Joe begins to work on the tree. After an hour Joe fixes the tree and everything opens their presents and the trio enjoys the rest of their Christmas together happily.
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| Winter Story (part 1) by Cece N. (7th grade)
On the first day of December Little mouse shrieked with joy as it had snowed the night before, and she had all day to play in the snow. Little mouse got out of bed and immediately put on her jacket, boots, hat, and mittens, and soon found herself outside looking at the large, glistening, frozen lake. This body of water was not a lake however, it was a pond, but to Little mouse it didn’t matter! Little mouse ran back inside and came back out with her skates hanging over her shoulder while she rushed to the pond.
When Little mouse arrived, she found what seemed like never ending tiny little footsteps, even smaller than her own! “Who could these belong too?” Little mouse could only wonder. After skating for a few minutes, Little mouse heard some strange noises coming from the woods that surrounded the pond. Little mouse rushed to hide, but couldn’t find a hiding place! She panicked and hid underneath an old broken bridge that crossed over a small gap in the pond that used to be a river. The hushed noises started to become louder and louder, as whatever the source of the sound became closer and closer to a terrified Little mouse. Little mouse heard a cracking sound and dove into the snow.
Want to read more? Wait for the January Newsletter! I got the idea for this short story from a picture book called: “Gingerbread Mouse”. Here is a link to watch or listen to the story: Gingerbread Mouse
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If I Were A Man | Barlow and Bear |
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| Cover by Annapantsu |
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| Chxrlotte |
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| Em Beihold |
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This song has an *immaculate* amount of sass. It explains what it is kind of like for us people who identify as women.
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This song has a sadder feel to it but it still is a great song. It sounds like the story of longing for one special person.
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The song is just beautiful. It’s a faster pace and has an amazing ukulele in it.
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This song really explains what it feels like to be betrayed by someone you trust. Once again it has a sadder message but is still so beautiful.
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5: Epic, a playlist!
This playlist is an amazing rendition of the infamous Odysseus. You get a legend and great music all in one!
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The American Royals Series by Katharine McGee
Review written by Kira V. (12th grade) (*Note: While writing this review I have not finished the final book Reign, so I do not know everything that happens. This review will mainly cover my thoughts and opinions of the entire series as well as my thoughts on Reign so far. This will be a bit longer than some of my previous reviews so get comfortable.)
What if the United States was run by a monarchy instead of a presidency?.... Everyone dreams of being a prince or princess, but if you’re part of the American royal family, it’s not as glamorous as it seems. Beatrice is the eldest daughter of King George Washington IV and is in line to take the throne. When the king |
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unexpectedly passes away from cancer, Beatrice is suddenly thrust into the position of America’s first queen all too soon. Meanwhile her younger twin siblings, Prince Jefferson and Princess Samantha are struggling with finding their place both in and outside of the royal family.
Daphne Deighton is one of the closest allies of the royal family– on the surface. But underneath her shining position as the daughter of Rebecca Deighton, who is a former model, Daphne is cunning and knows how to get what she wants- including the prince himself. Even if it ended up hurting her best friend Himari, who caught Daphne in some very risque situation with Jefferson’s best friend, Ethan and later mysteriously ended up in a coma.
Nina Gonzolez is best friends with Princess Sam, which does put her in the spotlight much more than she would like. Nina just wants to be an average teenager heading to college, but being best friends with a princess as well as being in an on-again-off-again relationship with Jefferson, that seems like a nearly impossible situation. 👑👑👑👑👑
My thoughts on Reign so far: I am really enjoying this book so far and I’m so excited to find out what happens and also sad that this series is reaching its anticipated end. Luckily, there is no shortage of juicy drama and love triangles and I’m about ¾ through the story while writing this review. If you are a fan of Princess Diaries and The Selection, I highly recommend this juicy, drama filled series by Katherine McGee. |
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Holiday History
Written by Mason C. (9th Grade)
On December 25 in the 4th century a holiday was born called Christmas, made by the Romans. Before it was called Christmas, it was called Saturnalia, it was held in mid-December, this was an ancient Roman pagan festival honoring the agricultural god Saturn. Saturnalia has a lot of things in common with Christmas, such as gift-giving, feasting, candles, and wreaths. Also Christmas also commemorates the birth of jesus christ, who is/was regarded as the creator and supreme spiritual authority of christianity. Christmas is an amazing holiday for all that celebrate it and who don’t, this is a time of giving.
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Winter Songs Trivia
Quiz written by Eva V. (9th Grade)
1: What is the 7th thing to appear in 12 Days Of Christmas? A- Partridge in a pear tree. B- Golden rings C- Swans a’swimmin’
2: What are all the reindeers names in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?(Hint: Rudolph isn’t in any of the choices. Don’t look for his name.) A- Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Olive, Blitzen B- Dasher, Dancer, Vixen, Cupid, Comer, Prancer, Donner, Blitz C- Dasher, Comet, Dancer, Vixen, Prancer, Blitzen, Donner, Cupid
3: What type of soul is Frosty the Snowman? A- Holly, Jolly B- Jolly, Happy C- Joyful, Excited. 4: What is the 6th thing to appear in the 12 Days of Christmas? A- Geese a’ layin’ B- Birds flyin’ C- Turtle doves
5: Could you sing all of these songs from memory? A- Yes! B- Maybe a little bit… C- Nope. |
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Answer key! 1:C 2:C 3:B 4:A 5:It should be A, but I guess B or C is okay… 😛
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Which youtuber are you most like?
Quiz written by Dylan V. (10th grade) 1) What genre of games/type of content do you enjoy watching?
a. Indie-horror/surviva
b. Try not to laugh/reaction videos c. Minecraft lets plays
2) How family friendly do you prefer your content to be? a. PG-13 is fine, swear all you want. b. I don’t mind a few swears here and there, as long it remains fairly PG throughout. c. Totally clean! There are children watching!
3) Answer Mark’s question: Was that the bite of ‘87?
a. Yes b. No c.…the what? |
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RESULTS
If you chose A for ⅔ or more, you are most like Markiplier. You enjoy getting the crap scared out of you with jumpscares, and you don’t mind profanity.
If you chose B for ⅔ or more, you are most like Jacksepticeye. You just want to have a good laugh and some PG rated fun!
If you chose C for ⅔ or more, you are most like Stampylongnose. You want some family-friendly fun, and just enjoy silly little quests/challenges with no profanity at all!
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