May+Newspaper

Aries Period: Mar 21 - Apr 19

Symbol: The Ram Element: Fire Group: Emotional Favorable Colors: Red Ruling Planet: Mars Cross/Quality: Cardinal Lucky Gem: Diamond Key Body Part: Head Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Dragon

You'll be interested in creative activities, such as drama, music, and art. Mercury and the Sun together in Taurus at the beginning of the month will help you focus on financial matters and get organized. Seek advice, take a course, or read up on financial planning and investments

Taurus Period: Apr 20 - May 20

Symbol: The Bull Element: Earth Group: Emotional Favorable Colors: Pink Cross/Quality: Fixed Lucky Gem: Emerald Ruling Planet: Venus Key Body Part: Neck, Throat Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Snake

You'll have a good memory and be organized with the Sun and Mercury in your sign this month. This is a good time demonstrate your skills and prove that you're capable and reliable. You'll be happy and focused on doing good work. Mercury will be retrograde until May 11, bringing some difficulty with important papers and various kinds of information. Others will find your presence soothing and grounding. Pay attention to money matters and try to stick to a budget. You'll plan a lot of activities with your family over the coming weeks and put a lot of energy into your home

Gemini Period: May 21 - Jun 20

Symbol: The Twins Element: Air Group: Emotional Favorable Colors: Green Ruling Planet: Mercury Cross/Quality: Mutable Lucky Gem: Agate Key Body Part: Arms, Shoulders, and Lungs Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Horse

Love and friendship will be a source of pleasure this month with Venus in your sign. There will be many chances to socialize and connect and want to catch up with friends. Mercury will be retrograde in Taurus until May 11, so you can expect a few communication glitches. After that, things should go smoothly and you'll be well liked, attractive, and in tune with others. The Sun and Mercury in Taurus will help you focus on details and planning. A Full Moon in Sagittarius on May 27 will intensify your need for freedom and might cause partnership headaches

Cancer Period: Jun 21 - Jul 22

Symbol: The Crab Element: Water Group: Emotional Favorable Colors: White, Silver Ruling Planet: Moon Cross/Quality: Cardinal Lucky Gem: Pearls Key Body Part: Stomach Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Goat

You may hide your feelings this month and find it difficult to reach out to others. Even though Venus will be in the social sign of Gemini, you'll keep to yourself. With Mars in Leo and your money sector, you may be overly generous with others and spend too much. This placement could make you think that you can win affection with gifts or gestures. The Sun and Mercury in Taurus will increase concentration, memory, and focus. Mercury will be retrograde until May 11, and you'll find that paperwork, data, and messages go missing. Be clear when giving instructions and keep written records

Leo Period: Jul 23 - Aug 22

Symbol: The Lion Element: Fire Group: Intellectual Favorable Colors: Gold, Orange Ruling Planet: Sun Cross/Quality: Fixed Lucky Gem: Ruby Key Body Part: Heart, Spine Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Monkey

Mars in your sign will stir up passion and intense creativity this month. You'll crave attention and put your heart and soul into all of your activities. After school matters will be stable, and this would be a good time to plan ahead and hone your skills. Beware of impulsive moves and the tendency to be stubborn about the need for change. Mercury is moving backwards in Taurus until May 11, it will be frustrating and bring headaches to you. Messages and important paperwork may be lost and instructions may be misconstrued. Put everything in writing and keep receipts, e-mails, and work orders

Virgo Period: Aug 23 - Sep 22

Symbol: The Virgin Element: Earth Group: Intellectual Favorable Colors: Green, dark brown Cross/Quality: Mutable Key Body Part: Nervous System Ruling Planet: Mercury Lucky Gem: Sardonyx Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Rooster

Saturn has moved back into your sign, causing tension and stress. New responsibilities will require strong organization and patience for a few months. A New Moon in the sign of Taurus on May 13 will help you slow down, be methodical, and pay attention to important details into June. The Sun and Mercury in Taurus will also bring a strong work ethic, a good memory, and the ability to concentrate. Venus in Gemini may be distracting due to a busy social life, career functions to attend, and friends who need your advice. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on May 27 could make you restless

Libra Period: Sep 23 - Oct 22

Symbol: The Scales Element: Air Group: Intellectual Favorable Colors: Blue Key Body Part: Kidneys Ruling Planet: Venus Cross/Quality: Cardinal Lucky Gem: Sapphire Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Dog

Positive and loving energy from Venus in Gemini will help make this month pleasurable and interesting. You might travel or sample exotic cuisines when you dine out with friends. You'll be drawn to the occult and metaphysics, but you'll maintain a healthy skepticism. Ongoing changes and disruption at work could be difficult to manage. With Mars in Leo now, you'll find that you'll be active and outgoing and enjoy your time with like-minded people. Get involved with creative groups or organizations. Issues buried in your subconscious may cause self-sabotage. It's time to take this seriously and examine the past

Scorpio Period: Oct 23 - Nov 21

Symbol: The Scorpion Element: Water Group: Intellectual Favorable Colors: Dark Reds, black Ruling Planet: Pluto, Mars Cross/Quality: Fixed Lucky Gem: Opal Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Pig

Don't be surprised if things start to happen in your after school activities. Mars at the top of your chart will get you noticed. Venus will be in Gemini and your house of joint finances. That loan, settlement, or unexpected windfall may finally materialize. If you are in a relationship, communication and sharing will be important now. Don't withhold your thoughts and feelings. Mercury will be going backwards, and misunderstandings will be possible. Jupiter and Uranus could make romance unpredictable but exciting. A New Moon in Taurus on May 13 will bring out patience, reliability, and steadiness. You'll feel more grounded and serene

Sagittarius Period: Nov 22 - Dec 21

Symbol: The Archer Element: Fire Group: Theoretical Favorable Colors: Purple Ruling Planet: Jupiter Cross/Quality: Mutable Lucky Gem: Topaz Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Rat Key Body Part: Hips, Thighs

Get in touch with or travel to see friends who live in another location. Alternatively, you may want to plan a trip to have fun and relax. May is a great time for a vacation. Focus on relationships this month. You'll derive a great deal of satisfaction from communicating with your partner or other people in your life on a regular basis. You'll learn more about yourself by interacting with others. The Sun and retrograde Mercury in your work sector will help you focus and concentrate. Mercury's backward motion until May 11 will create havoc with plans and details, however

Capricorn Period: Dec 22 - Jan 19

Symbol: The Goat Element: Earth Group: Theoretical Favorable Colors: Brown Ruling Planet: Saturn Cross/Quality: Cardinal Lucky Gem: Onyx Key Body Part: Bones, Teeth Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Ox

With Mercury and the Sun in Taurus for most of the month, you'll work steadily and be very focused, methodical, and careful. Mercury will be going backwards until May 11 and this motion will cause problems with communication of all kinds, and possibly the loss of important data and documents. You'll take your time if you're thinking of getting involved with someone, even though Venus and Mars will bring a strong attraction around May 7

Aquarius Period: Jan 20 - Feb 18

Symbol: The Water Bearer Element: Air Group: Theoretical Favorable Colors: Turquoise Cross/Quality: Fixed Lucky Gem: Turquoise Ruling Planet: Uranus, Saturn Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Tiger Key Body Part: Ankles, Circulatory System

You'll be flirtatious and romantic this month with Venus in Gemini. A little romance will help you feel alive, passionate, and vital. Social events will be good places to meet new love prospects. The Sun and Mercury in Taurus could make progress with home projects and family matters agonizingly slow. You'll be focused on getting things done but experience delays and misunderstandings with Mercury going backwards and the Taurus planets in square to your sign. The New Moon in Taurus on May 13 will help you slow down and be more patient. Mars in Leo could cause friction and drama with someone close

Pisces Period: Feb 19 – Mar 20

Symbol: The Fish Element: Water Group: Theoretical Favorable Colors: Sea-Green Cross/Quality: Mutable Lucky Gem: Moon Stone Key Body Part: Feet, Immune System Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Rabbit Ruling Planet: Neptune, Jupiter

Jupiter and Uranus in your sign are still causing disruption and unexpected events. You've been changeable and moody for some time now. Venus in Gemini will help you to focus on family members, but don't let others take advantage of you. Connections with some relatives, neighbors, and members of your community will be helpful, however. You'll receive some good advice and support when you need it. A New Moon in Taurus on May 13 will enable you to be more practical and eager to help others. You'll understand the need for training and education. Mars in your work sector will bring a busy time

Top 10 Summer Jobs for Tweens By: Sydney Frey

1. Be a Camp Counselor 2. Be a Life Guard at your local pool 3. Start your own Business 4. Do some Lawn Care for your Neighbors 5. Be a waiter/ waitress at a restaurant 6. Start Tutoring for younger kids 7. Be a Sport Instructor 8. Work in a Movie Theater 9. Baby-sit for younger kids you know 10. Volunteer at a Preschool

**It’s Teacher Appreciation Month!** By Anna Zarov**
 * Top 10 Ways to Thank Your Teachers


 * 1. Write them a short note.**
 * 2. Draw them a picture.**
 * 3. Get them a present.**
 * 4. Remind them of what a great teacher they are.**
 * 5. Write them a funny story for them**
 * 6. Remind them of a good time you had with them.**
 * 7. Stay after school and help them clean up the classroom**
 * 8. Stay after school and help them grade papers**
 * 9. Bake them cookies

10. Just stop by some time, and say, "Thanks!"**

Interview of Maddie Hirsch By: Carli Fox

Q. What did you feel like when you first came to Northwood and why? A. “I was nervous because I wasn’t sure what to expect.”

Q. Has Northwood been fun for you? If so, why? A. “Northwood has been fun because I’ve met new friends and learned new things.”

Q. How do you feel about going to high school? A. I’m scared. I feel very prepared, but I’m scared.

Q. What was your favorite grade of Northwood and why? A. “8th grade because it’s challenging, but also fun.”

Q. What are you doing this summer? A. “I will be volunteering at Oak Terrace because I can help students and teachers. Also, it is a good experience for my future.”

Q. What has been your favorite subject in your 3 years here at Northwood and why? A. “English, because I love to write.”

Q. What are you going to miss most about Northwood? A. “I’m going to miss my teachers, and getting a second chance to redo things. Plus, I will miss not having as little homework.”

Q. What are you most looking forward to at the High School? A. “I want to meet new people and join new clubs.”

Q. What do you suggest about homework for other students at Northwood? A. “Study a lot! Otherwise you won’t do well, especially in 8th grade...”

Q. What has been your favorite spirit day and why? A. “I like color wars, because they are friendly competitions.”

Q. What is your favorite movie? A. “Mean Girls.”

Q. What is your favorite book? A. “Eclipse from the Twilight saga.”

Q. What is your favorite food? A. “Pasta and Chinese Food.”

** 8th Grade Community Service Day by Maddie Hirsch ** On April 30th, 2010, the 8th graders had community service day. On this day the 8th graders got to volunteer at different places around Highland Park and Highwood. In the morning students worked at elementary schools, nursing homes, pre-schools, Heller Nature Center, and some worked on a mural near downtown Highland Park. It was an experience to help out our neighborhood, and it may influence more community service in the future. In the afternoon, the 8th graders cleaned the windows, repainted the bike racks, weeded the grass, and helped clean up different rooms around the school. Finally the 8th graders ended the day of watching a video of President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, talk about community service. It was a fun experience, and I hope Northwood continues to have Community Service Day in the future.

Ten Things To Do When You Are Bored By Max Grosshandler 1. Read a good book. 2. Play with your pet if you have one. 3. Help your parents do chores. 4. Listen to some music. 5. Call a friend and talk. 6. Read the paper. 7. Clean your room. 8. Take a nap. 9. Study for a test. 10. Do your homework.

Writing Tips from Kathryn Erskine by Alyssa Smolensky

The famous author Kathryn Erskine visited our school recently and hosted a writing workshop for a few selected students. I was part of the writing workshop and want to offer some of the tips she suggested. Tip #1 Powerful words will help set the scene whereas sentence structure will help describe action. When I say powerful words I'm talking about the words that you'd look up in a thesaurus, for example; clammy, blissful, rattled, words that will help paint a picture in your reader's head. And to describe action, you need to vary your sentence structure and sentence length. If you are describing a location you want to use longer sentences with plenty of descriptive words. If you are writing an action scene then you should use very short sentences, sentences that will give off a very frantic mood, such as; He attacked from behind. My calf was throbbing. I turned and turned. I tried to get a glimpse of my mysterious attacker. No one was there, yet I heard and felt a presence. Tip #2 Writing should be organized and written in scenes. If all of your details and all of your dialog doesn't fit into a single scene, then you have unnecessary information which can be confusing. Your story should progress scene by scene also. So, for example; if you have a birthday scene, then an action scene, you probably shouldn't go back to the birthday scene. Instead, you should use that action scene to progress the plot, things shouldn't return to normal. Tip #3 Use grounding. Grounding- feeling, hearing, and seeing what the character is experiencing. You should use this to make the character more relate-able and it will make your reader's feel more involved with the story. Plus to make sure the reader is really involved, you can use name brands like Coke and Hershey's as long as the first letter is capitalized. However you only need enough grounding to help the reader visualize what's going on, not to much or to little. Tip #4 If you aren't a very experienced writer then you should write in first person. However if you want a challenge try writing in third person. Tip #5 When stuck, try to find out more about your character.See what he/she would do in that situation. Or reanalyze your story plot and see if any scenes are unnecessary. You can see if your scenes are unnecessary or not if it does not move the plot along. Tip #6 Use voice. Voice- the mood you set your story in. For example; if your character is a nerdy, over worker, then you might want to make the story very boring until he suddenly receives an award for one of his essays and is popular because everyone wants to get on T.V. Tip #7 If you want to use a room or a food that you are familiar with in your story, but you want your character to be experiencing it for the first time, then try to use a different perspective. You can have someone else try the food or walk into the room and ask them what they think it's like. Or you can try it yourself and try to notice the details you haven't noticed before.

Now use all of these tips and try to form a story. Here's the prompt; You walk into to your sibling's room. It's your turn to empty out their trash. What do you find inside the trash bin?