Madi's Blog

Everyone struggles with battling their feelings and learning how to move on. Its difficult to let go of the past and be happy. In Kesha’s song “Praying” and Ray Bradbury’s book “Fahrenheit 451” both describe these hardships in one way or another. In “Praying”, Kesha battles fighting her feelings and is trying to find true happiness after being in an abusive relationship and is trying to forget all the bad things that happened. In “Fahrenheit 451”, Montag is trying to find happiness from ways that he has access to, but he cant because what gives him true happiness are books. He tries to find a way to be happy, but it all gets taken away from him. He tries to let go of his past memory’s but they are too strong to fight off.

Both stories have many similarities. A common theme that the stories share is that happiness is hard to find, but it is out there. In “Praying” Kesha doesn’t know how to be happy and positive after what happens in her life, but she stays positive through it all. One of her quotes is “I found a strength I’ve never known.” This shows after fighting for happiness in herself, she finally found it. In “Fahrenheit 451” Montag is trying to battle his own feelings too after not being able to read thanks to the government. He smuggles books and secretly reads them, but that isn’t cutting it. He doesn’t want to read in secrecy, so he finally overthrows the government and flees, trying to find a place where happiness can be found. Another common theme and both texts is that the main characters both have to learn how to move on. Kesha has to move on from her relationship and learn how to stand on her own. One of the lyrics say “I had to learn how to fight for myself.” She learns how to move on eventually. Montag has to move on from his past, his wife, and his home town. Even though its difficult, he still manages to do it, even though he still remembers the past from time to time.

Yes, the stories are very similar in many ways, but they also have some main differences. In “Praying” Kesha has to go through her feelings and trying to find happiness on her own. Even though she struggles alone, she eventually learns who she truly is. At one point, Kesha sings “I can make it on my own.” She learns she doesn’t need anyone except herself to do the right thing. In “Fahrenheit 451” Montag has others to help him through what he’s going through. He has his wife, Mildred, and a friend, Faber, to help him with his decisions, even if they have different ideas on what is right. Montag has other peoples opinions and help along the way through his journey of finding happiness. Another difference is that Kesha actually finds happiness, while Montag is still struggling. In “Praying” Kesha learns how to find happiness in herself. In “Fahrenheit 451” Montag is still battling for what he thinks is right at the end of the book. He’s still learning what to do to find himself.

In both “Praying” and “Fahrenheit 451,” the authors describe different ways to battle feelings and how to find true happiness. They teach that you need to move from the past, live in the present, and keep moving forward. After reading Ray Bradbury’s book and listening to Keshas song, one can conclude that its up to you to decide whether you want to be happy or not. You will be better off to find happiness within and you don’t have to go through things alone.

Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury, takes place in the near future. This dystopian story is about a firefighter, Guy Montag, and his adventure to change the law and make things right. During this time, firefighters don’t put out fires, but instead start them by burning books. They burn the books because they believe that they are useless to the people and they don’t need to know what’s in them. Especially for entertainment purposes. Society wants people to fit the perfect mold. One of the main themes of the book is that society has high expectations.

 

At the beginning, as well as throughout the novel, the author gives details to support that society has high expectations for people and it can take a toll on them. The government has such high expectations and harsh laws and rules for the people to follow, and sometimes they aren’t fit for what the people want to do. Many people miss books and choose to rebel against society, but it doesn’t always work for them. A big turning point for Montag in the book is when Captain Beatty forced him to burn an old lady’s books, as well as the rest of her house with her in it. She didn’t want to give up her books because she believed it would be giving up a part of herself too. This really left a dent in Montag. Bradbury describes this act as “with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world.” He used these words to make it sound more impactful.

 

As the story goes on, Captain Beatty and others force Montag to follow the laws more strictly. In the book, Montag “stood looking up at the ventilator…” He looked up at the vent because he was nervous that someone would figure out his secret on how he is stashing a bundle of books in secrecy.  He knows books are against the law, but he’s not ready to give up his freedom or give up his rights yet. After this happens, he decides to show his wife, Mildred, his books thinking he can trust her and she won’t overreact. That in fact, isn’t true. She freaked out and couldn’t answer his questions. After, he still had questions about his books, so he decides to go find a man that can answer them, and that man is Faber. Afterwards, Mildred reports Montag to the head of firefighters, Captain Beatty. Montag decides to run, and goes to Faber once again, to get help running away from society. Together they team up to try and overthrow the government.

 

Yes, there are laws put in place for a reason, but why would you take away the people’s right to read? Some people may say that this law is a good thing, but would you want your right to read taken away? Let me answer for you. No. Montag’s not able to read for education. He cant read about the world, and about animals, or any science. He cant read for entertainment. He cant read harry potter, or Dr.Seuss, or maze runner. You don’t think much about it, but that’s all Montag can think about. The government and society are so harsh with the laws and Montag doesn’t think he is able to do anything about it.

 

As it ends, Montag finally throws the government and has to start a new life in a new city once it explodes. He ha sto leave behind everything in the city, including Mildred. What will he do with his new found freedom? This shows that when you have knowledge, you can do spectacular things. Knowledge is power.

 

Picture this… dozens of students, sitting in an art room, laughing, talking, letting loose from the school day while they paint a picture or learn a new art technique. What would happen if this was all taken away?

Many of the arts are in danger of being cut due to budget cuts. Some people believe that the arts aren’t as important as the four core subjects, math, language arts, social studies, and science. But that in fact is not true.

Most students look forward to the part of their day when they can relax and take a break from their main subjects. They’d rather go and play an instrument, or sing, or even paint a picture. Camille Haines, a student at Blackhawk Middle School, says “The part of the day I look forward to most is Spanish and choir class.” These fun extracurricular activities are at risk of being cut so the students won’t be able to enjoy them. The arts have many benefits for students from developing useful motor skills, to even improving academic performances. Without the arts, there is a higher dropout rate for students.

Some teachers say that related arts are distractions to the students, but its been proven that they give an increased IQ, improved academic performances, improved test scores, and highly developed motor skills. Motor skills mainly happen in younger ages. Simple things like holding a paintbrush and scribbling with a crayon are an important element to developing a child’s fine motor skills. Also, persevering through learning how to do something, like learning a new instrument, teaches you new learning skills for academic performances.

Samantha Kabisch, a student at Blackhawk Middle school and participator in the arts, believes that “the arts are important and are a great way to express yourself and its an important unit of a students education.” Emma Fiess, another student at Blackhawk Middle School, say that “the arts are important and are a great way for students to find their calling in life.” Both students have a similar opinion on the arts and that many students benefit from them. It challenges them, but also allows them to have fun and express themselves.

On top of better education, the arts also help with language development and cultural awareness.  For very young children, making art provides opportunities to learn words for colors, shapes, and actions. When toddlers are as young as a year old, parents can do simple activities such as crumpling up paper and calling it a “ball.” As you get older, students can use descriptive words to discuss their own creations or to talk about what they feel when they see different styles of artwork.  If a child is playing with a toy that suggests a racist or sexist meaning, part of that meaning develops because of the image the toy reflects, the color, shape, texture of the hair. Teaching children why the artist made that specific choice shows cultural awareness.

Although the arts are very beneficial, some can be overpriced. Some families can’t afford something like an instrument or nice art supplies. Maybe even dance shoes or even a uniform. The schools should have an affordable way for the students to participate in them, even if their parents are financially challenged. Kaia Recker believes that “some of the arts, such as dance and band, can be overpriced, but some arts can be overrated. My life would be changed drastically if it weren’t for the arts.”

Overall, is it still a good idea to get rid of the arts? Or will it make our grades suffer? Is it really worth it? The arts can’t van gogh away without a fight.

 

Many of the arts are in danger of being cut due to budget cuts. Some people believe that the arts aren’t as important as the four core subjects, math, language arts, social studies, and science. But that in fact is not true.

Most students look forward to the part of their day when they can relax and take a break from their main subjects. They’d rather go and play an instrument, or sing, or even paint a picture. Camille Haines, a student at Blackhawk Middle School says “The part of the day I look forward to most is Spanish and choir class.” These fun extracurricular activities are at risk of being cut so the students won’t be able to enjoy them. The arts have many benefits for students from developing useful motor skills, to even improving academic performances. Without the arts, there is a higher dropout rate for students.

Some teachers say that related arts are distractions to the students, but its been proven that they give an increased IQ, improved academic performances, improved test scores, and highly developed motor skills. Motor skills mainly happen in younger ages. Simple things like holding a paintbrush and scribbling with a crayon are an important element to developing a child’s fine motor skills. Also, persevering through learning how to do something, like learning a new instrument, teaches you new learning skills for academic performances.

Samantha Kabisch, a student at Blackhawk Middle school and participator in the arts, believes that “the arts are important and are a great way to express yourself and its an important unit of a students education.” Emma Fiess, another student at Blackhawk Middle School, say that “the arts are important and are a great way for students to find their calling in life.” Both students have a similar opinion on the arts and that many students benefit from them. It challenges them, but also allows them to have fun and express themselves.

On top of better education, the arts also help with language development and cultural awareness.  For very young children, making art provides opportunities to learn words for colors, shapes, and actions. When toddlers are as young as a year old, parents can do simple activities such as crumpling up paper and calling it a “ball.” As you get older, students can use descriptive words to discuss their own creations or to talk about what they feel when they see different styles of artwork.  If a child is playing with a toy that suggests a racist or sexist meaning, part of that meaning develops because of the image the toy reflects, the color, shape, texture of the hair. Teaching children why the artist made that specific choice shows cultural awareness.

Although the arts are very beneficial, some can be overpriced. Some families cant afford something like an instrument or nice art supplies. Maybe even dance shoes or even a uniform. The schools should have an affordable way for the students to participate in them, even if there parents are financially challenged. Kaia Recker believes that “some of the arts, such as dance and band, can be overpriced, but some arts can be overrated.” She has a fair point.

Overall, the arts are an important part of any students school day and should be taken very seriously. It can change so much about a students day or grade even. They shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Reporting from Blackhawk Middle School where the 8th grade language arts classes broke out in complete and utter pandemonium, learning that starting after labor day weekend they would be “getting uniforms.” But little did they know that it was all a prank. It was an average school day for the kids at Blackahwk, but Mrs.Oats, a staff member, along with other assistants, had a different idea planned. She told Mr.Hoering and Mrs.Godffreys language arts class that the dress code policy would be put into action.

Apparently what inspired this prank was to inspire the students how to write news casts. She also wanted the students to feel grateful that they don’t have to wear uniforms like some schools. The teachers loved the idea and approved. The kids were very opinionated on the matter.

I interviewed one of the students from Mr.Hoerings 1st period language arts class on her opinion of the recent events. “I personally think its not the best idea to give the students uniforms. Wearing whatever you want, within dress code, allows you to express yourself. Without that, everyone’s the same and its just boring.” As quoted by Emma Fiess.

So as you can see, students weren’t that enthusiastic on the prank. Everyone had their own voice. Once everyone learned it was a prank they sure were thankful that it was.

       One of the books I read this summer was “The Tales of Beetle the Bard.” What I liked about is that it adds on to the actual Harry Potter books. In most of the books, they bring up different stories from the Tales of Beetle the Bard, so it shows you what they are talking about. The Tales of Beetle the Bard are the wizarding worlds version of our modern day fairy tales and kids stories.

       The book I am currently reading is “Allegiant” by Veronica Roth. I chose this book because over the summer I read Divergent and Insurgent so I have to finish the last book of the series which is Allegiant. I think its gonna be about how all the Allegiants rise up and destroy the factions for good.

 

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