Let’s kick this month’s article off with a Happy New Year to all of FDR’S students and staff! Hope everyone had a safe and happy holidays.

One little man did not welcome the year as well as most of us. Saint West, Kim Kardashian’s 2 year old son, was diagnosed with pneumonia a couple days before we welcomed 2018. Kim shared how challenging the experience was, but also acknowledged Saint is a little trooper and made it through the new year feeling better. She also thanked all the hospital staff stating, “I just want to thank every nurse and doctor out there who works so hard around the clock. We are so grateful for you all!”

Former president Obama ended the year by releasing a list of his favorite songs of 2017 to keep up with a tradition he started during his presidency. Obama said he does this to reflect on the works that resonated with him and to lift up authors and artists from around the world. The list is full of songs that are completely different from each other and show great variety. Some of these songs are Mi Gente by J Balvin, Humble by Kendrick Lamar, Sign of the Time by Harry Styles, and Rise Up by Andra Day. If I were you, I’d check out his suggestions because they are fire.

Another artist you should all check out is Nina Simone. Nina Simone is to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s about time! This honor was long overdue. Simone’s first studio album was released in 1958, marking  60 years since it came out. Crazy since the requirement to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is 25 years. She will be joined by other inductees including Bon Jovi, Dire Straits, Moody Blues, and the Cars.