Recent Recital

Last weekend the LOCS musical community gathered together to perform in the recital. There was a wide range of musical instruments: violin, acoustic guitar, and the piano. All the grammar school kids were required to play the violin, but for the high school it was an elective. Most of the kids played the violin, but there were two pianists and three guitarists. Every participant in the recital worked very hard to learn their instruments and for many of the students it was their first year to play the violin. The pianists were led by Mrs. Pacetti and the violinists and guitars were led by Ms. Yoder. Everyone did very well and there were very few mistakes made.


--Sam B.

New Years Resolutions of LOCS

What is a New Year's Resolution? Well, according to Wikipedia.com, a New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.

We asked a few Legacy students what their New Year's Resolutions were.
"To do more this summer, and not stay in the house all day." --Melissa L., 8th grade
"To get through the year." --Jonathan S., Junior
"To do better in school." --Selina N., junior
"To make my lunch before work everyday" --Mrs. Pacetti, Journalism teacher

From all of us in the LOCS Journalism class, good luck with your New Year's Resolutions. Here is a tip most may know: It helps to get a friend involved and to keep you on track of your resolution.

--- Breana P., Melissa L.

The Golden Compass - Flop

The Golden Compass is the story of a young girl who is following her "destiny" and runs into many problems along the way. As expected, the movie received terrible reviews, scoring a 2.8 out of 5. Comments like "Just plain bad", and "The holiday equivalent to a lump of coal," flooded the user review section of Autin360.com. According to the Austin-American Statesman, "The film tried transparently to replicate the cash-box fomula, 'The Lord of the Rings,' but it was so cleary not up to the task." In the eyes of many Christians, the movie was not good because it appeared that it was attempting to bash their religion.

---Matt B.

Rockband

EA, Harmonix, and MTV collaborated in order to make a musical simulation game. This type of game was introduced in "Guitar Hero," which only included playing a fake guitar that was plugged into your gaming console. Rockband has added two new instruments: drums and a microphone. The new instruments are expensive but are worth the money in the long run. If you are a social person you can join up with your friends and up to four people can play at the same time. The game is available on the Xbox 360, and the Playstation 2 and 3. The Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions allow online game play and downloadable content, but the Playstation 2 version does not not allow either of these features. With the holidays approaching, this will be a hot item for any future gaming musician.

---Sam B.

Finding Your Voice

In the midst of trying to fit in with our peers and trying to get along with everyone, people tend to lose their identities. Although all of us were made in one image --God-- when we look around, there are no two people that look alike. Each person is unique and different in their own special way. Being like everyone else takes away from your personality and special nature.

Our writing styles, art, and dressing manner are all different. Our skin colors, height, and weight, but is it such a big deal that we discriminate? No, being different is the best thing in the world; it sets you apart from everyone else. There are two main types of people: the leaders and the followers. Which do you want to be? Don't be afraid to be different; it is a wonderful thing, for God has given each and everyone of us a gift and we should use it. Be bold and find your own voice, and when you do, don't let it go!

---Liny H.

LOCS Volunteers

The LOCS book fair so far has been a big success. The journalism class has shown great character and responsibility concerning volunteering and helping Mrs. Randol out. Although Mrs. Randol is a great organizer, it was a lot of work for one person to do, so the journalism students stepped up. It's nice to know that the students of LOCS will lend a hand when needed.

---Liny H.

North Korean Christians arrested; staus unknown.

This news is brought to you by VOM (Voice of the Martyrs), telling us about our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Fellow Northern Kearean Christians, Christians like many of us here at Legacy Oaks, have been said to be missing. In all, there are nine men and women.

Some of you might not know that in North Korea, following Jesus Christ is considered treason. For these missing men and women, it is possible that they have already been executed. We pray they are alive, but it is possible that they have finished their race on earth doing God's Will. I just ask that we as a school and as a family in Christ to pray for our fellow Christians that God help them and their families and friends.

Here are their names to keep in prayers:

Onseong, North Hamgyong Province:

Chul Huh, male

Chun-Il Jang, male
Young-Su Jin, male
Myung-Chul Kim, male
Nam-Suk Kang, male
Young-Yae Lee, female

Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province:

San-Ho Kang, male

Cheongjin, North Hamgyong Province:

Mi-Hae Park, female

Suk-Chun Suh, male

---Selina .N.

Legacy Oaks Gives Back

Most kids in Austin, Texas are excited about what they are going to receive for Christmas, but for some kids they spend their Christmas worrying about keeping warm. Legacy Oaks is participating in a drive called Coats for Kids that gives children in the Austin Area coats for winter. The results of the drive were successful. Now, many more kids will be nice 'n toasty this winter.

Legacy is also giving back to SafePlace. SafePlace is an organization that "exists to end sexual and domestic violence through safety, healing, prevention, and social change." Legacy has a Christmas tree in the lobby. But instead of ornaments, the tree is decorated with scarves, mittens, hats, and gloves. The tree is a reminder to all who visit Legacy that we can make a difference in our city, no matter how big or small. SafePlace also has a wish list for their Christmas that includes...

• Diapers - sizes 4, 5


• Pull ups - all sizes


• Children's underwear - all sizes


• Woman's underwear - all sizes


• Baby Wipes


• Body Products - shampoo, conditioner, body wash


• Body Care - oil, lotion, powder


• Female hygiene products


• Bath towels


• Full sized deodorant

If you do happen to purchase any items for SafePlace you can drop them off at Legacy, and we will take the items to SafePlace. Thank you for your contributions. Merry Christmas!

---Alex G and Lindsey S

PreK Today

Among the many students of our school, the youngest are working on some very special projects. They are currently learning songs and getting ready for Carestone as well as the Christmas Program. The students just started both Mandarin and Spanish, and are studying bears and sign language. For Christmas they will be working on mangers made of graham crackers. Their teacher, Mrs. Puryear, said, "They are a wonderful class and are working really hard."

What a smart bunch of students. We look forward to their upcoming projects and achievements.

---Liny H.

Legacy Oaks Gives In

Five seconds left in the game, Legacy down by twenty eight points. Buzzzz! Time's up as the Lions' JV team lose their first game of the season, 54 to 26 against the Christian Covenant Wariors on December 4.

This loss for them was not one to be worried about for it was expected, considering they played against a varsity team.

Just as the streak against the Legacy JV team had taken its toll, it seemed all the same for our middle school team as they suffered for the second time in a row a 35+ point loss. These losses can be blamed on the consistent miscommunication between the players.

However, they do see the light, and improvement is present. This improvement has been shown

at the last game on December 17, in which they lost in style with a final score being 49 to 23

Keep up the good work

LSU VS. Ohio State

When LSU lost for the second time in triple overtime against an unranked team, it seemed that the Arkansas Razorbacks were going to end their chances at the National championship . BUT NOT NOW SON! After Mizzouri lost to Oklahoma and West Virginia lost to Pittsburgh, LSU and Ohio State took the no.1 and no.2 spots.

This will be the second consecutive year Ohio state has gone to the National Championship. Last year they went and got beat by the Florida Gators. They will likely make a repeat performance. Ohio state has yet to beat anyone of any importance this season whereas LSU has beaten the likes of Florida and Virginia Tech, both top ten teams at the time.

For all the hype in this game there is one important fact to note. Neither team is undefeated. For the first time in the history of the BCS two non-undefeated teams will play for the National Champioship. Even though ths season has been proof that the BCS should be discarded and a playoff should be made, this years championship game should be one to remember.

---Micah O.and Jonanthan S.

Book Fair

Monday, December 10th will be the kick off for the Legacy Oaks Book Fair. Books will range from ages in PreK and will go all the way up to adults. There will be books to fulfill all interests, including genres like fiction, non-fiction, some poetry and specially requested Bionicle.

Hours from Monday to Friday will be 7:30 to 8:00 am with the exception of Wednesday which will be open till 6:00 pm, so that adults may shop for their children. The rest of the weekdays, students will have opportunities to shop during study halls and lunch, as well as library time. We look forward to seeing you there!

---Liny H.

Toys to Avoid for Christmas!

This picture may look familiar to some of you, but what you may not know is that this is listed on W.A.T.C.H's [World Against Toys Causing Harm] '10 Worst Toys'. The "Aqua Dots" have been found,when swallowed, the child can slip into a coma state. according the the W.A.T.C.H web site [http://www.toysafety.org/worstToyList_index.html] there have been two reports of kids slipping into this state after swallowing a few of the Aqua Dots.

Here is the complete list of the '10 worst toys':

1) Sticky Stones- can attach to inside of the body if swallowed. Causing intestinal perforation, infection of blockage which can be fatal.

2) Jack Sparrow's Spinning Dagger (Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean) -

This toy has spinning action at a push of a button, but the company has failed to label the warning of serious eye and other impact injuries.

3) Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boat- The paint on the toy has excessive levels of lead. Exposure to this neurotoxin can have serious long-term effects, particularly for children.

4) Dora the Explorer Lamp- Although the lamp comes with a warning stating the usual "keep out of reach of children to avoid electrical shock and burn injuries," and also extra precaution telling children to UN-plug when the lamp is unattended or if the child is going to bed, there have still been reported injuries.

5) Lil "Giddy Up" Horse: Sassy Pet Sacks- This rocking horse has handles (like on a purse) that allows you to take it with you. The bag has small wooden beads that could cause a choking hazard for young kids. The hourse states that the toy is sold for newborns but the bag says not for children younger than eighteen months.

6) Spider Man 3 New Goblin Sword- This sword can extend 3 feet long in a matter of seconds. This may cause facial injuries and impact injuries.

7) Hip Hoppa- There is a platform on top of a ball that you use to jump on like a pogo stick. This toy can cause head or other impact injuries.

8) B'loonies Party Pack- You are to take a small ball of the plastic substance out of the tubes, put it on the end of the pipe and make all kids of bubble shapes. The plastic substance inside of the tubes have chemicals in them that are dangerous if swallowed. It can also cause burns on the person's skin.

9) My Little Baby Born- This is a soft baby doll for toddlers to enjoy and cuddle. There is a choking hazard for this doll, a pacifier that is attached to the baby's clothing.

10) Rubber Band Shooter- This toy's title explains just what it is: a rubber band shooter. This could be potential for eye injuries.

From all of the Legacy Oaks Journalism Staff we wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

--- Breana P. and Melissa L.

Theater Class

LOCS has added many new electives this year and one happens to be the theater class. The class is led by Mrs. Randol, who is also the school librarian, and it is going well so far.

Recently, the class started a report on the history of theater and each student will write about a different subject. The students will write about the following: costumes, the basic progression of theater throughout the ages, Shakepeare's works, and a few more.

The drama class is also preparing for a day-long presentation: the students have picked a character, researched their character, and will spend one day dressed and acting as the character that they chose. When asked about the class, Jonathan S. and Micah O. said that it was hard.

Drama class will also be reading, as one would guess, dramatically in the Christmas performance. In all, this class is a benefit to the school and is definitely a great addition to the electives at LOCS.


---Sam B.