Tornadoes

   We've all heard the tornado sirens go off this year but why so much? Tornadoes are caused by instability in the atmosphere. The National Weather Service in Memphis has reported more tornado watches and warnings than any other National Weather Service base in the country. Luckily, there were no tornado emergencies issued. A tornado emergency is when multiple or violent tornadoes have been spotted in the area. The last tornado emergency in Memphis,TN was on February 5,2008. This is better known as the Super Tuesday Outbreak. The tornado in Memphis was an EF2 it killed four people and injured many others. Some things you can do to help protect yourself from this devastating storm is to take cover if a tornado warning is issued in your county or the surrounding counties. You should also look closely if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Tornadoes often come from supercells or severe thunderstorms. If severe weather threatens your area stay alert. If you aren't alert it could possibly cause you your life. If you live in a trailer home, leave the home immediately and take cover in the nearest building. If there isn't a building go to the nearest ditch and get in tornado position.Always remember don't take tornadoes lightly. These storms can become very dangerous very quickly.  For more tips to stay safe in these terrible natural disasters go to www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html.

Middle School: The Do's and the Don'ts

 Most of us are starting middle school next year. We most likely are all a little bit nervous. Here's some advice to help you get through middle school. First of all, don't give in to peer pressure. Giving in to peer pressure can get you in to serious trouble sometimes. You can even get expelled or suspended if you end up with the wrong crowd. The next thing is be yourself. If you want to make your first year in middle school memorable you don't want to blend in with the crowd. The third rule is be on time to school and class. If you aren't you can get removed from the optional program, detention, or suspended. If you want to join multiple clubs, you should make sure that they either meet on different days or times. If you have all of your clubs on the same day, this can become stressful and you might have to leave some of the clubs you are a member of. Middle schools may have strict uniform codes but try to develop your owm style but make sure you are following your school's unifrom policies. It's also a good idea to stay organized and write homework assignments and project down in your agenda book. At some schools this is part of your grade. This also helps you to stay organized and remember to do homework assignments. Last but certainly not least, have fun. It may be kind of hard but try to make the best of your first year of middle school. It may sound hard but it's actually pretty easy just have friends who like you, stay out of trouble, make good grades, and say no to peer pressure.