Farewell for the 2016-2017 school year

This fall semester, a group of twelve students, ten sophomores and two juniors, were placed into the Online Communications course.  At first, the students did not know what to expect in this class.  After figuring out what they would be doing, they soon realized this class differed from other elective courses. Here are the roles the students played throughout the fall semester while participating in Burton's Blog.

Sophomore Austin Q., and Junior Michael M., had the pleasure of  being technical assistants who would fix any technical difficulties that occurred. Sophomores Makayla M., and Tiffany A., and Junior Tori F., had the honor of being advertisers that would come up with new ideas each week to advertise the blog. Sophomores Paloma B., and Kim H., managed the blog's appearance by fixing any highlighting errors and the updating its appearance. Sophomore Haley Q., took on the role of being the photographer for the blog, taking any photos that were needed. Sophomores Alex C., Megan D., and Haley H. took on the role of editing the students' articles before they were sent to Mrs. Bias for final review and publication.

All the students that were in the fall semester of Online Communications have enjoyed being in this class and contributing to the blog. Makayla M. said, "This class has created friendships that will last a lifetime." Haley Q agreed, saying, "This class has made many memories, and we all will certainly miss being part of the blog." Every student agrees that this class has helped them gain confidence and become more engaged in what is happening around the school. It has also improved all of our writing skills.

The 2016 fall semester blog students wants to wish all the new comers good luck and hope they can keep the the blog as interesting as we have. We all suggest if anyone enjoys writing and being creative to join the Online Communications class. The students in this class have learned the true meaning of teamwork and because of that we have bonded as a whole. 

Written by: Tori F. and Austin Q.

"My Life Next Door:" "A boy. A secret. A summer."

"My Life Next Door" by Huntley Fitzpatrick is a novel full of friendship, family, and romance.  Samantha Reed's family is as perfect as it can be without her father, who left them before she was born.  The Garretts are the polar opposites of the Reeds:  unorganized, obnoxious, and caring.

For the past ten years, ever since the Garretts moved in next door to them, Samantha's mother has looked down on the Garretts, calling them indecent.  Samantha has always watched the Garretts, yearning to be one of them.  Then everything changes the night Jase meets Samantha, after climbing up to her roof.  The Garretts welcome Samantha with open arms, while her own family and friends know nothing of her and Jase's relationship.  When the unimaginable happens and Samantha's world comes crashing down, she is faced with an undecidable decisions.

Will she ever tell her family and friends? Will Samantha be able to stay true to one she loves, without misleading another?  This book is available in the John I. Burton library.

Written by: Haley H.

Adios, Senora Beauchamp!

Sadly, John I. Burton's Spanish teacher of eight years will be leaving this chapter of her life behind.  This December, will be her last month of employment with Norton City Schools.  When this semester ends, she and her husband will be leaving Norton City. They will be moving to Hartford, Virginia as he was offered another position regarding his work.

Mrs. Beauchamp will be continuing to  teach Spanish but it will be at Chesapeake Public Schools.  The school she is transferring to contains 1,300 students, eight foreign language teachers, and a variety of foreign language courses.  She admits that she will miss teaching and coaching at Burton, along with the community and the scenery.  Her favorite part of teaching at a small school is knowing the names of everyone in the school system.

The students and faculty will dearly miss Mrs. Beauchamp.  Everyone at Burton believes that she will succeed at her new school and community.  As she turns the page to begin her next journey, students and teachers wish her the best of luck.   ¡Buena suerte, señora!

Written by: Megan D., Alex C., and Paloma B.

"Pasadena:" The truth behind Maggie's death

It is the summer before senior year and Jude is trying to enjoy some time with her cousins who live on the east coast. Jude has lived in Pasadena, California since her mother and father separated. One day, not long after arriving at her cousins, she gets a phone call. The heartbreaking call reveals that her best friend, Maggie, is dead.

Jude and Maggie had been best friends for years. They told each other everything, even their deepest secrets, or that's what Jude believed anyways. After getting the news of Maggie's death, Jude immediately repacks her belongings and gets on a plane to go back to Pasadena. When she arrives, she finds out that Maggie drowned in her family swimming pool and had traces of drugs in her system the night she died. Maggie's friends and family all think that it was an accident or suicide but Jude does not think so. She thinks that Maggie was killed and is determined to find out who committed the crime.

Was Jude right about Maggie being murdered? Does she ever find out who did it or does she realize that it was never a murder in the first place? To find out, check out the book "Pasadena" written by Sherri L. Smith from the John I. Burton library!

Written by: Tiffany A.

Merry Christmas from the National Honor Society

On  December 22, Mrs. Poteet and the National Honor Society will be going to Heritage Hall for their fall project. Each student has adopted a member of the nursing home and will buy them one or more Christmas presents. The student will purchase gifts for their angel with their own personal funds. Students will present their gifts and cater to members of the nursing home at their annual Christmas party.

The nursing home adoption is a great opportunity for the National Honor Society students to understand the meaning of Christmas. Vice President, Mazzy T., stated "I hope that we realize how much more it is to give than to receive this Christmas."  Senior, Torie A., says that she hope that the students learn to appreciate what they have and never take anything for granted. Today's youth frequently wish for gaming systems and smartphones, while members of the nursing home wish for necessities, such as lotion and socks. Nowadays, young men and women do not always realize that they are very privileged.

This year is Mrs. Poteet's second year as adviser of National Honor Society. She thinks that it is important to have a group of students to represent John I. Burton in a positive manner. This is also the second year the students have visited Heritage Hall at Christmas time. Students may be a member of the National Honor Society during their junior and senior year.  To be a part of the National Honor Society, students must have at least a 3.5 grade point average, compose a personal narrative essay. obtain one or more teacher recommendations, and complete the application provided by Mrs. Poteet. Students are encouraged to join so that they may become a positive influence in the community.

Written by: Alex C. and Haley H.

Saying our goodbyes to Dr. Perrigan

On November 22, 2016 students and teachers at Burton were informed that  Dr. Keith Perrigan would be resigning as Norton City Schools' superintendent. On January 1, he will be occupying the superintendent position at Bristol schools. His last day working at Norton will be December 31st.

Dr. Perrigan said, "I am originally from Bristol and my entire family lives in that area. This was a very difficult decision to make but family always has to come first." He also says he will miss the people that he has met in this area. Perrigan stated that the students, staff, and community are the best he has ever worked with. He will miss watching the students learn and grow the most. Dr. Perrigan enjoyed working in Norton, and working with the students was his favorite part of his job. He hopes to take some ideas from Norton with him to Bristol, including how Norton uses Twitter to get information out to the students and the use of project based learning.

Our new superintendent will be Mrs. Gina Wohlford, currently the principal of NEMS. Dr. Perrigan would like to give Mrs. Gina some words of wisdom: "Always ask yourself what is best for the kids." He hopes Norton remembers him as a superintendent who always made the students his first priority. Here are some words or wisdom for the students: " You are getting a top notch education in Norton, use what you learn to solve tomorrow's problems by creating new and innovative solutions. Finally, Dr. Perrigan stated, "I loved working in Norton. It has been one of my most valuable professional experiences."

Written by: Makayla M.

Taking education to a new level: Topographic sandbox

On Friday December 2, three guest speakers from NASA Development came to visit John I. Burton's science department.  The guest speakers came to Mrs. Scott's 8th grade physical science class to discuss topographic maps.  The speakers, Micheal Brooke, Christine Stevens, and Aubrey Hilte, brought an augmented-reality sandbox for a hands-on learning experience.  The sandbox allowed the class to create bodies of water and any form of elevation.  This allows the users of the sandbox to have an overview of a created region.

The machine uses 3D visualization applications to project elevation lines on a regular sandbox.  The sandbox was not the only tool used in that lecture.  The visitors also brought authentic topographic maps as well as a PowerPoint.

Ms. Scott hopes that the session taught her students how to use/read topographic maps.   She states, "I hope this experience encourages them to read topographic maps properly.  This was a good learning experience for them."

Written by: Tiffany A. and Paloma B.

A WattPad series

 If you have not read the book review for Expiration date I recommend reading that first. Click here to read it: http://nortoncityschools.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-girl-who-never-expired.html

"Expired Generation" is the second book of the series "Expiration Date." This sequel focuses on the time where Iris is infiltrated into the society and the many events that takes place including the ball, and the gathering of the world leaders. Iris also chooses who she would like to be with in this book.

In this series, there are two types of people: the people who accept the society called zetas, and rebels to the society. While the rebels try to take over the society, the zetas stay loyal. Iris is stuck deciding what side she should take.

Which guy will she end up choosing? Jonas the one with power or Erik the one with love? What is underneath the society?  The book "Expired Generation" can be found on WattPad, as can the second book of the series "Expiration Date" both written by Mikaela Bender.

Written by: Michael M.

Everything is "Falling into Place"

"Falling into Place," by Amy Zhang, is a heartbreaking story that tells about a junior in high school, and how her life used to be.  At the very beginning, Liz purposefully wrecks her car.  Prior to the wreck, Liz learned about Newton's Laws of Motion in physics class and she becomes a victim to these laws when she runs her Mercedes off the road. In Physics class she did not understand Newton's Laws of Motion and even as her Mercedes hurtles toward a tree, it makes no sense. 


Throughout the book it tells about Liz Emerson's short and devastating life.  At the time of Liz's car accident, her mom, Monica Emerson was on a plane and her father was not home.  Later readers find out that this accident was not truly an "accident:" Liz Emerson wanted to die.

A few moments before her crash, she remembers the little girl she was before and everything starts falling into place.  In her last moments she was not alone.  She felt as if the friend she envisioned during childhood was in the passenger seat with her hand over hers.

Who was her childhood friend?  Why did Liz Emerson decide that her life was no longer important?  To find out why everything fell into place before her suicide, check out "Falling into Place," by Amy Zhang in Burton's library.  

Written by: Kim H.

"First & Then:" Tragic pasts and new beginnings

In the novel"First and Then" by Emma Mills, Devon Tennyson is a senior at TS High School who has no plans for her future.  Thanks to Devon's procrastination and lack of motivation, she is stuck taking a freshman gym class with her socially awkward cousin.  Foster, Devon's cousin, has recently moved in with her family because of his absent mother and deceased father. The town's star football player, Ezra Lynley, is also taking the class and discovers Foster's hidden talent: football.  Along with Devon's struggles with Foster and college plans, she is secretly crushing on her lifelong best friend Cassidy.  "First and Then" is a story of self discovery, romance, and unexpected friendships.

When Ezra begins coaching Foster to be the next star kicker on the football team, unlikely feelings emerge between Ezra and Devon.  The two bond over football, the school newspaper, and Jane Austen.  When their rival team's captain is killed in drunk driving accident, Ezra lashes out at Foster and Devon because of events that occurred in his past.  This puts a strain on their relationship and everything between them changes.

Will Devon and Ezra push through their differences? Will Foster ever feel like he belongs with his family or on the football team?  Read "First and Then" by Emma Mills to join these characters on their journey through the ups and downs of Devon's senior year.

Written by: Megan D.

Everything, but nothing

Madeline Whittier has never stepped a foot outside of her air locked home; she has never met anyone besides her mother and her nurse, Carla. This is because Maddy has a very rare disease called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, or SCID for short. In the novel "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon, Madeline Whittier is not the average eighteen year old teenage girl.  SCID causes Maddy to have reactions to everything in the world.  These reactions are set off by unknown triggers, which could be things as simple as the air she is breathing to the sun on her skin.

Even though she is allergic to the world, this does not keep Maddy from enjoying life. She spends her days reading and attending school via Skype and her evenings with her mother playing board games such as Honor Pictionary and Scrabble.  Along with these normal daily activities, Madeline receives hourly health checks from her personal nurse, Carla. She continues with that routine until the day the new neighbors move in. 

Oliver Bright, better known as Olly, is the new boy next door.  Maddy and Olly's rooms are straight across from each other and this leads to them seeing each other. One night, Olly writes a message to Maddy on his window, which included his email address. Out of curiosity Maddy emails Olly and they connect instantly. They begin to message each other every night and soon build a close friendship. This leads to the two wanting to meet each other, risking Maddy's health. 

As time passes, Maddy gains permission from Carla, for a visitation from Olly.  Thus, they finally meet and later develop a "more than friends" relationship.  But what will happen to their relationship if Maddy can never leave her house? Will she let SCID control her life, or will she take a chance that could possible end it? Will Olly be intolerant Maddy's illness or will love conquer all? Find out in the heart-wrenching novel "Everything, Everything."

Written By: Haley Q.

The countdown to Christmas

With Christmas spirit flooding the halls, John I. Burton is welcoming a central American holiday. This is a time meant for peace and joy, caring and giving. The .Raiders are looking forward to a variety of holiday traditions.

Cold winter nights will shortly be filled with Christmas movies accompanied by a warm cup of hot cocoa. Torie A., senior, always goes to Bristol Motor Speedway during the holiday season to be amazed by the spectacular Christmas lights.Mrs. Poteet always purchases a Christmas tree ornament with her husband every year, marking another year together.  Most Raiders also share similar traditions, a few of these include: a family gathering, gift exchanges, and a Christmas meal.  As the countdown to Christmas continues, each of the Raiders are starting to celebrate in their own way.


To get in the Christmas spirit, the Raiders along with their families are decorating their homes and trees in a festive way.  Most students and teachers have already started setting out Christmas decorations around their homes. A few of these decorations include Christmas trees and lights, wreaths and garland, and to top it off, Santa Clause with his reindeer. John I. Burton has been completely transformed into a holiday wonderland as well.  Mrs. Poteet, the school librarian, made her very own book tree. In addition to the decorations and tree in the cafeteria, there is a Raider tree in the lobby.

This weekend will also be important for holiday celebrations.  There are three upcoming Christmas parades, in which the Raider band will be participating. The days for these parades are Appalachia on Friday, December 2; Wise on Saturday December 3; and Norton City on Sunday, December 4. Be sure to come out and show your holiday spirit! 

Written by: Haley H. and Haley Q

He never goes out, but lets others in

Stepping outside to go to school or the backyard seems to be a simple task, but for some people, it seems to be impossible. "Highly Illogical Behavior" by John Corey Whaley tells the story of Solomon Reed, a sixteen year old boy, with severe anxiety as well as a seventeen-year-old girl, Lisa Praytor, who is determined to "fix" Solomon, due to her interest in psychology.  John Corey Whaley's third book, "Highly Illogical Behavior" is an eye-opening story that reaches beyond the surface and finds abnormalities and friendships between unexpected characters.

Solomon Reed suffers from agoraphobia, which is a fear of situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment.  When he was in junior high, he stopped leaving his house. Now, it has been over 3 years since he has gone outside. Lisa Praytor, an ambitious former classmate of Solomon, is searching for colleges with the best psychology programs. She finds her dream school to be Woodlawn University, which has the second highest ranked psychology program in the country. To go to Woodlawn, she must write an extraordinary essay in order to receive a full scholarship. She plans to write about "the kid who never left home again."

As Lisa begins to evaluate Sol, she realizes that she started out with the wrong intentions and tries to change her relationship with him.  She begins to forget that this is only for an essay. Over time, Solomon, Lisa, and Clark, Lisa's boyfriend, form a powerful friendship. Will they continue to be friends after high school? Will Lisa be accepted to Woodlawn? Is Sol ever going to leave the comfort of his home? Visit John I. Burton's library and check out this story that emphasizes the appreciation of the little things in life. 

Written by: Alex C.

ASVAB steers students toward future career options

On Friday, September 16, 2016, Burton's sophomore class took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.  The ASVAB program is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command to determine if the one taking the test is qualified to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.  The test can also be used to guide students to a suitable career.

On September 29, the results were distributed to the students.  On that same day, the students took an aptitude test that was provided by the ASVAB program.  The "F.Y.I." test described each student by grouping him/her into different categories such as Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.  After the student is categorized, the program then offers hundreds of options for careers that best suit that individual.

Most students felt as though the ASVAB test and "FYI" test provided them with accurate results and career options that suited their interests.  One sophomore who agreed with the feedback said, "For the most part I do agree, but I feel like just one test would not define my knowledge."  The test is available for anyone who is interested in joining the military or for anyone who is exploring career options.  To take the test, visit the closest Military Entrance Processing Station.  

Written by: Megan D. and Tiffany A.

Student Thanksgiving traditions

On Thursday, November 24th, 2016 families throughout the United States gathered together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Here in Norton, students celebrate Thanksgiving in many different ways. Some go out to eat at a restaurant, others cook at their houses, or some go to other family members houses. Even though families celebrate the same holiday, many celebrate differently, with different traditions or different foods. Many people are also thankful for many different reasons.

Ron Y., Senior at Burton, this year, is thankful for his family and his girlfriend. His favorite Thanksgiving food is turkey, but he also loves to eat many different Asian foods, such as rice and different types of meats. Aaron M.,10th grader, is thankful this year for having a roof over his head and that his family in Mexico is safe. He also says " Don't take Thanksgiving for granted . . . but spend time with your family." Holden H., 9th grader, says his favorite tradition is sitting down with his family and watching the Redskins game.

Most of the students at Burton have celebrated Thanksgiving for many years. A new student, Dwight D., who came to Burton from Thailand has only celebrated Thanksgiving once before. He was hoping that his parents would celebrate it this year. The first time he celebrated Thanksgiving was in Thailand, and his family ate KFC.  This year they could not find the food they preferred so they just ate bread.  Overall he was very thankful for his Thanksgiving.

Written by: Makayla M. and Tori F.

Burton's last football game of the season

On Friday, November 18, John I. Burton faced off against Galax High School in the playoffs.  Before the team headed out on the road, Burton held a pep-rally for the football team.  The team was honored with a heartfelt speech from Coach Adams, and there were performances by the band and the cheerleaders   To celebrate the team's achievements, Burton's students lined the parking lot to send the team off to play Galax.  

By the end of the night the final score of the game was 44-14, ending the season for the Raiders.  Losing this game was very disappointing to the football team and to the school.  Roy T., a senior football player, said, "Galax was stronger than us and we just could not keep up.  We tried to stay in the game until the third quarter and then the team got discouraged."   He believes that in order to make it further next year, the team will need to spend more time in the weight room.  Roy also stated, "This was not the best way to go out.  We could have went to state, which would have been the best way to end my high school career, but they were just better and stronger than us."

Though the team did not advance into the next round of playoffs, they played an amazing season and made John I. Burton proud.  Congratulations to the football team on a great season.  The school can not wait to see what next year has to bring.

Written by: Kim H.