The Eagle's Eye; Issue 1, Vol. 12; Akins High School

Eagle’s Eye The

Band Leadership Pg. 9

Follow the Eagle’s Eye on our new website www.AkinsEaglesPublications.com W. Charles Akins High School

Student Life

Employment

Balancing work and school difficult for some students

“Everything That Concerns You”

Academics

Austin, Texas

www.AkinsEaglesPublications.com

Flipped Classroom

New teaching methods take place outside of classroom

Elianne Candelario Staff reporter

Waking up, getting dressed, and going to school, going to work, going home, sleeping, waking up and doing it all over again. This is the routine many students follow everyday.

While having a part time job is great to pay for expenses, juggling both school and a job might be tougher than it seems.

“I spend almost all of my spare time working on homework,” senior Alexis Colunga said.

Many students deal with the struggles of growing up and having to start taking on more responsibilities such as paying for their gas, school supplies, and clothing.

“I use my paycheck to pay for gas, car payments and save the rest,” Colunga said.

Because working a part time job does take a lot of time away from the day, students that do have a job are restraining on how much they can do each day.

“I have no time to spend with friends on weekends because I work,” Colunga said.

On the other hand, some students choose to only work on weekends so they’d have plenty of time during the week to work on anything school related and even hang out with friends after school.

“I do my homework on the weekdays, see friends at school and work at iHop on the weekends,” senior Venessa Buol said.

Doing so, Buol only works ten hours a week, which leaves her with more time to focus on her grades, dancing and her social life. uSee “Employment” pg. 4

Performing Arts

Musical

Journey Theatre presents award winning musical Liz Hernandez Staff reporter Last year it was Sweeny Todd, the year before that was Hairspray. This year it is Westside Story. Akins Journey Theatre will be presenting their annual musical in the theatre this year.

“It is a classic and one of the top-10 plays on Broadway,” Director Maureen Siegel said. “Westside story was appropriate for this year because I feel like we have a strong cast of singers, performers, and dancers.”

The play is strongly based on a Romeo and Juliet modern day story but instead of families battling against each other like in the original Romeo and Juliet play by William Shakespeare, it is now gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, who are featured in West Side Story.

the insight

uSee “Theatre” pg. 9

inside

Elianne Candelario

Surfing the text books Freshmen Jaelene Cerrito watches a video assigned by her English teacher using Youtube. “I like it better than reading out of the book,” Cerrito said. “It is so much faster listening and taking notes from a video instead of reading through a book and taking notes.”

Students having problems using popular video website for learning Ben Livingston Sports Editor

A new school year brings a new set of ideas, goals, and a new method of learning. The campus has been introduced to a fresh way of life known as “Flipped Classroom.” This system of education is redefining how students will approach a school day.

Teachers will find an educational video, or construct an instructional video or lecture, then have that material for the student to access at home. This way, a student is able to get a grasp on the knowledge before the class begins, enabling a discussion or a series of questions to be asked, hopefully speeding up the learning process in order to move on to the application of knowledge. The aim is to have more learning at home and more worksheets and questioning in the classroom.

Flipped classroom provides a lot of opportunity to view information at home, for any help on work that may be needed at home or anywhere with access to video viewing websites.

Some students have been able to find some use out of the flipped classroom structure. In mathematics classes, students have indicated it can be helpful for problem solving and homework.

“I can replay videos on my own leisure, and the pressure of interrupting a teacher mid-lesson is completely gone,” senior Katrina

Faculty and Staff

Agudo said. “I feel like I’m interacting with the lesson when I take notes along side being online rather than sitting in a seat and nodding my head.”

In some classes, teachers have utilized the flipped classroom format in order to communicate through email or websites like Edmodo, giving video opportunities to students. Other teachers have recorded themselves giving lecture, with visual aids in order to help explain.

“My government teacher lectures us through video and tells us to ask questions in class,” said senior Leif Montgomery However, for some students, there has been difficulty accessing the videos.

“I have trouble viewing the video at home sometimes just because of Firefox or my computer,” senior Cynthia Arteaga said.

Potential connectivity issues to the Internet or individual computer issues can greatly prohibit the learning process. Some students don’t learn as well on their own at home opposed to with the teacher in class.

“I would prefer to learn everything in class. I learn better in a class,” senior Joseph Hernandez said.

For some students, it’s an issue of having questions but not having the teacher on hand to answer them. uSee “Flipped” pg. 4

New Teachers, New Staff

New school year brings campus turnover Dez Moore Editor-in-Chief Unfamiliar faces introducing themselves to students as they enter their new classes. The campus has seen an arrival of many new teachers and staff this year. The entire district has seen a overhaul in teachers and staff.

“At the end of last year the district was not in a financial exigency anymore,” Assistant Principal Matthew Lopez Brandi Hosack said. “People were Getting adjusted now comfortable with retiring or Algebra teacher Leslie Wood explains a problem to sophomoving away.”

Many teachers that taught last more Julio Gallegos. Wood is a first year teacher at Akins.

Losing streak snapped Halftime stage shared Akins has been waiting and a struggling fan base have plagued this team. In two and a half long years to 2010, the Eagles see a football win went 0-10. from the varIn 2011, sity Eagles. the Eagles Countless also went losses 0-10. Now against in 2012 the rivals, varsity Eagles inner dimight have fivision foes, and powerhouse nally ended the inLuisa Veronica Talamas football programs, famous 27-game losing multiple coaching changes, streak. Check out page 11.

In the past, the Diamond Dazzlers had their time to shine during halftime of the varsity football games and the band had their seperate time to shine.

Now both, the Dia- Luisa Veronica Talamas monds and the

band must share the stage while performing at halftime. Does the band want to share their stage with the Diamonds? Do the Diamonds want to dance a r o u n d the band? Is anybody excited? Turn to page 8 for the details.

year left the school, leaving spots to be filled for the next school year.

“We have had very low turnover before,” Hosack said. “Teachers could now leave or retire feeling secure.”

Some students enjoy the fresh faces on campus and appreciate the roster turn over.

“I like the new teachers on campus,” senior Nicole McClellan said.

“We started a new year and with new teachers it makes the environment more relaxed.”

5

uSee “Turnover” pg. 4

things to know

Chick-Fil-A criticized... pg. 2 College and Career Center... pg. 5 Foreign exchange student... pg. 6 Sinsored band... pg. 8 New coaches... pg. 11

Vol.12 No. 1

October 15, 2012

Opinions...pg 2, 3 News...pg 4 In-Depth...pg 5 Student Life...pg 6-7 Entertainment...pg 8, 9 Photo Essay...pg 10 Sports...pg 11 Community Page... pg 12

Opinions The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 10.15.12

page 2

New online work results in flipped views editorial Starting this year every teacher is being required to send home an online assignment consisting of a YouTube video, with a work sheet or quiz to follow it the next day.

This new program is called “Flipped Classroom.” With this push for a new “culture” at Akins, many problems have arisen.

The first problem is the lack of Internet access for some students. The second biggest problem is the fact that it counts as a grade. Another problem is if students don’t do the assignment, they could become further behind on the subject in that certain class. Another problem is that students are not usually taught with videos. Also, some teachers on campus are relying on this new tool to teach students their subject matter.

The final difficulty is that some students cannot learn from just watching a video.

Akins is a low-income school and that it is a known fact. Being a low-income school, many students cannot afford to have the Internet at home. This can result in not completely the assignment. When a student does not complete an assignment it could bring down the students grade in that class.

Another fault is, if they don’t complete an assignment it can lead to not knowing how to do things in class. In some classes, teachers assign a video that is part of the next lectures notes. In class, if you have not completed the assignment, you will have no clue what to do in class. If you’re behind on the notes, you won’t be able to complete other assignments that go with it.

John Hauser

Also, students at Akins are not used to this system. The videos should be eased into teachings instead shoved onto students as a quiz grade. Many teachers have never used a video to explain something to a student before, and now they are expected to do this. How is this fair to a student?

In some classrooms, teachers are using this new assignment to teach students the subject. The teachers are relying on the computer to teach the student. The teacher should be teaching the student, not a video.

Many students have trouble understand a new lesson, let alone from a video. This can keep the student from being successful.

A final problem with this new teaching technique is that some students may not be able to learn something from watching

a five-minute video. With a video, you cannot get the same hands-on effect that you get in a classroom setting. A student may be able to fill out a worksheet or get a 100 on a quiz, but do they really learn the concept? Also, the flipped classes really do not aid some subjects. In a class such as art, how can this really save time and teach you something?

Proponents suggest that if a student does not have access to Internet at home, they should try going to the library or using their phones and that they have more than enough time during lunch and after school.

But, not all students have Internet on their phone. Also, many students may not have the ability to stay after school or arrive early to school due to the fact that they ride

the bus, have family obligations, or even a job. Duing lunch, studens should not have to choose between lunch and doing that assignment. That is not fair.

Other arguments include the idea that it is the students responsibility and they should be held accountable if they don’t watch it.

Yes, all students should be held accountable but not to the point where their learning is effected, or their grade suffers for something that they cannot control like not having internet at home. A student’s notes for the next class should not be homework, they should be taught in class. It should also not effect the grade of a student in a class in the form of a quiz grade.

Another reason that some may suggest fixing the problem is that if a student cannot learn from a video, they should just go to tutoring. But how does this save time? It would save more time for the student and teacher if the topic or video were taught in class with an explanation to help everyone’s learning needs, not just a select few.

The flipped classroom should not be used as an extra assignment, but an aid to learning. In subjects like math where a lot of notes are taken the videos could be used as tools if you don’t know how to do something.

Many students already use online textbooks or YouTube for help. The videos should be used as an extra tool, not as an extra grade in the book. Teachers should be teaching the information and not relying on the videos to teach the students. These “flipped” assignments should not be weighted quiz grades either. Use this to help us learn, but don’t mandate this as a grade.

High school is only a glimpse of what real life means

It’s where we learn and make friends, where we grow and mature. If nothing else, it’s the place we have to show up to by 8:50 a.m. Monday through Friday because it’s required by federal law.

School is something everybody has mixed feelings about. Some like it, some don’t.

In the words of senior John Haus-

School Policy

The Eagle’s Eye Editor-in-Chief Dez Moore Managaing & In-Depth Editor Haleigh Wagner Opinions Editor Marissa Sosa Student Life Editor Jacqueline Rodriquez Entertainment Editor Savannah Garza Sports Editor Ben Livingston Photo Editor Alex Herrera On-line Editor Matthew Lopez Advisor Michael Reeves Eagle’s Eye Staff Andrea Barrera-Rodriguez Elianne Candelario Harley Cruz Francisco De La Rosa Tyler Derickson Cristina Gonzalez John Hauser Elizabeth Hernandez Hannah Kerns Max Kosunik Sonny Molina Sean Moran Maria Moreno-Gonzales Caitlin Starks Luisa Veronica Talamas Mark Vallejo Christopher Yanez Stephanie Zuniga

Editorial Policy The Eagle’s Eye is the official student newspaper of Akins High School. It is published six times a year, generally once per six weeks for the school’s students, staff and community.

Then there’s the undesirable people, the homework, the strict teachers.

Oh, and not to mention the various tests: standardized tests, AP tests, college placement tests, sixweeks tests; all kinds of tests.

But guess what? That’s pretty much what life is.We’re all going to have jobs that require us to get up early.

We’re all going to have to deal with people we don’t like. We’re all probably going to have a lousy boss at some point in our lives. As for tests, they could come in the form of a job interview, a driving test, physical training, parenting. You get the picture.

Like I said before, the most important lessons we learn in high school are those about life.

High school gives us a glimpse at what we’re going to go through and, hopefully, succeed at in life. So if you don’t much care for high school and think you’re going to escape those early mornings and teachers and tests once you graduate, well... you’re in for a surprise.

Dress code

Teachers should take action for inappropriate school attire

The Eagle’s Eye is an open forum for student expression. The Eagle’s Eye is not reviewed by school administration prior to distribution, and the advisor will not act as a censor. Content represents the views of the student staff and not school officials.

The Eagle’s Eye will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful, timely and interesting to our readers. Our articles will reflect our genuine objective of reporting news and will be held to a high standard of quality.

We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Eagle’s Eye staff or administration as a whole.

The Eagle’s Eye welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to akins.journalism@gmail.com or mail them to 10701 South First Street Austin, Texas 78748 or drop them off in room 223 with advisor Michael Reeves or an editor. Letters must be signed, and emailed letters will require verification before publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters recieved and reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

The Eagle’s Eye does not necessarily endorse the products or services found in advertisements from local businesses.

Organizations CSPA

2011 - Silver Medal 2012 - Gold Medal

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All-American Superior w/4 Marks of Coverage Bronze Star Distinction 2005 Award 2011 2008 2006 2007 2007 - H.M. Sweepstakes 2011 2010 - 2nd Sweepstakes 2011 - H.M. Sweepstakes 2012

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Luisa Veronica Talamas

Hannah Kerns Staff position Girls that walk around in clothes that you would normally party in and boys whose pants are on the ground with a matching Tshirt with vulgar writing on it, is what I see at the school daily. The administration and teachers do not enforce the dress code strictly enough.

Everyone in the school should be able to express him or herself in an appropriate and less revealing way. It is very disrespectful to walk around in a shirt that does not cover up enough skin, especially in school.

It’s a distraction when a student chooses to wear something too revealing. School is for learning, not for deciding who is better looking and in what.

I understand that there are certain styles that are in and are really cute but when it comes to what you wear in school I think there should be a boundary that determines what is “too revealing.”

If you can see your midriff, bra straps or panties, what you are wearing is way to showy and not appropriate for school.

There are a lot of students in this school, most of who are usually out of dress code.

I feel that if all the teachers, administration and any adult on campus were to be consistent when reminding their students

about dress code sooner or later there would be differences in the way students decide to express their selves in their clothing.

It’s a little bit disturbing to see students choosing to wear only short shorts and a spaghetti strap to school, and then not having teachers or an administrator letting them know that they are out of dress code and forcing them to change.

If you wouldn’t wear it to church or work why would you wear it at school?

“Most teachers at this school don’t enforce it because the administration doesn’t,” physics teacher Ann Baker said. “Why should we put up the fight?”

“If it is a dress or an item of clothing I remind them about the dress code, but I don’t take a huge force of action towards it.” English teacher Christine Forbus said.

If all the administration and teachers are consistent with reminding students about dress code, things will change and more and more teachers will start enforcing it too.

“The faculty does not pay enough attention to the students when it comes to dress code,” sophomore Erika Senger said. “Why should we care if no one else does?

We should see more young men and women being more accommodating in the choice of clothing they make rather than having to look at students in inappropriate clothing.

The first step is for administration to be harder on dress code and the rest would be sure to follow.

Sonny Molina

Sean Moran Staff Reporter

er, “School’s school, you gotta learn. I just hate learning so early in the morning.”

Whether you like it or not, you have to go and you have to learn. You do learn, right?

That’s what I’m trying to figure out. I want to know what exactly it is that students bring home every day. No, not homework or books. I’m talking about knowledge, experience, something useful. What do students really learn during their transition from incoming freshman to graduating senior?

In my opinion, the most important lessons aren’t the ones we’re tested on or made to study. The most important lessons we learn are those about work ethic, deadlines (which I’m struggling with as I write this), people skills, and becoming a mature young adult.

Now, I’m not saying things like the Pythagorean theorem or thermodynamics aren’t useful.

They definitely are useful, and can even be interesting if that’s your field.

All I’m saying is, high school is like a four-year-long stay in a place where you can meet all kinds of people, learn all kinds of things, and choose what you want to make of yourself.

That actually sounds nice, doesn’t it? If only it were romantic as that. The reality is, there are all kinds of things that keep one from fully enjoying high school.

First of all there’s the waking up early in the morning.

Opinions

Monday, 10.15.12 Off Campus

page 3

The Eagle’s Eye

LGBT rights

Shedding light on family food business Eagle’s Eye writer shares his feelings on the Chick-Fil-A LBGT controversy sa

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Mark Vellajo Staff Reporter Even though a lot of people want ChickFil-A back here serving food after school, I don’t think they should come back. Two words why: Anti-gay.

Students wonder where some of the money goes when you buy something from Chick-Fil-A. I was really shocked that what would seem like a family place can support anti-gay organizations and actually donate some of their money to foundations that support this movement.

The founder of Chick-Fil-A, S.Truett Cathy, created the Winshape Foundation.

It’s a program, which helps young people succeed in life through scholarships, kidsupport programs and God. This is one of the foundations where Chick-Fil-A’s money goes and for a long time, anti-gay groups received money from Cathy and the Winshape

Opinions

Mari Foundation.

The big uproar began when President and CEO of Chick-Fil-A, Dan Cathy (son of S. Truett Cathy), stated, “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a familyowned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that. We want to do anything possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that.”

When Cathy made this statement he was hounded by the professional media for his anti-gay and anti-gay marriage stance.

It came out that the Winshape Foundation had been funding anti-gay groups like Focus on the Family and the National Organization for Marriage.

“We intend to stay the course. We know it not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles,” Cathy said.

Basically what Cathy is saying is that he knows that people might not agree with him, but thank God he can have his own opinion.

When this story broke, the public reacted swiftly. Certain groups started boycotting while other gathered outside restaurants

in support of Cathy. Some Akins students joined the protest.

“Personally I don’t eat there because I don’t want to give profit to a company that funds anti-gay organizations,” sophomore Airelle Phillips said. “I don’t feel their actions are right. They just don’t seem moral even though they think they are doing the right thing.”

Phillips is one of the people who don’t eat Chick-Fil-A because of where their money goes since she is part of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community.

Although Phillips still doesn’t support Chick-Fil-A, the company itself has gone back on its original stance and is no longer actively supporting anti-gay groups.

The Winshape Foundation reacted, releasing a statement. “The Winshape Foundation is now taking a much closer look at the organizations it considers helping, and in that process will remain true to its stated philosophy of not supporting organizations with political agendas.”

Some of the reasons people would hate the LGBT community is because of God and what they read and learned, politics. But if god didn’t care about the color of skin, hair color, eye color, why should he care if indi-

viduals of the same sex are in love.

I am worried that groups that are anti-gay are going too far. I think it might get so bad like when our country approved of slaving simply because African-American people looked different.

It would be as if the past is repeating itself about being judged for the color of your skin, slaves were nobodies, and people owned them. That wouldn’t be the world we would want to relive.

I know Chick-Fil-A supports the school, especially the T-Stem Academy when they are here selling but I don’t think Chick-FilA should be here on campus because they might be making money for the school but they are still sending some of their money to Winshape Foundation, which is still a very religious group.

If we were to protest we would get in trouble just for expressing our own opinion, which is why I think we just need to inform people about this, and tell them that they shouldn’t buy their food from them.

Chick-Fil-A, if you don’t like the LGBT community then do not worry about them.

You shouldn’t hate people who are in love or attracted to the same sex or feel the way they are as a person.

College debate

Students take sides on secondary education choices Differences between trade schools or four-year colleges have peers thinking early

Andrea Barrera Staff Reporter I believe that attending a university gives a better perspective to the students which a community college can’t.

While community and junior colleges have an automatic acceptance right after high school, universities look for students who are on par with the rest of the academically prepared students.

Which means competition is at a faster pace and will help students become more independent.

When a student chooses a very selective career, it helps them compete for the best careers in the market place.

I think that universities prepare students for the competitive market and also guide them to a better future by ensuring and providing economically and financial stability and those are good things not to worry about when you are just starting your life.Marossa Sosa A university counselor can help provide an accurate percentage of the best paying jobs and the highest percentage of degrees according to the degree plan.

It seems that today, students with master degrees who are competing with students who decided to

stay a little bit longer and get a PhD, compete but the market will continue to be difficult for finding jobs in the same area.

I imagine universities also provide a wide range of opportunities for their students that most community schools cannot.

If the university is an Ivy League institution student’s get to be apart of the music department or the athletic department and participate at the games. Marossa Sosa There are also study abroad programs where students get the opportunity to travel to other universities in places like Japan, Central and South America, and Europe.

This depends on what programs the university provides, but I feel that this is an opportunity students should take advantage of to have the chance to travel to other countries.

It might even be something to look back on and recommend to anyone who has that same opportunity. Choosing a university will give an edge on the academic competition.

Statistics even show that students who attend a university are able to keep up with their academic demands and end up graduating.

I believe that graduating from a university will urge you to keep looking forward, and will always be helping you to provide for yourself in the future.

Especially when comparing the financial income from the students who graduated from a university versus a community college.

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Elizabeth Hernandez Staff Reporter

Sonny Molina

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I think Austin Community College is a better choice than a fouryear college because the tuition is less.

An average four years in a regular college that offer financial aid would come up to about $35,000.

Including books and dorm.

That would be almost $8,750 a year, according to US.news.com.

With a university, it may not have financial aid, where you can’t cut your school payments into smaller payments.

Another thing about college, especially if your planning on going to a big college like UT, A&M, or Texas State, you may have 300500 people in a first year class.

More students in the class means you wont get the individual attention that you need from the professors.

With a lot of students in one class, the professor has many teacher assistants that help the students that didn’t understand what the professor was talking about.

In most colleges, they have sports teams, which might inter-

fere with your schoolwork making you want to go to watch the Saturday football games.

With ACC, it’s really helpful for young adults with jobs or kids, but it’s great for individuals who didn’t finish college who would like to continue their studies, or improve their knowledge.

Most classes are $62 per hour that you’re in the class. Also if you drop one of your classes between the deadlines that is given to you

by ACC, you can get your refund.

The tuition compared to UT for instate students is $4,367 less according to collegenews.com.

“The classes also have maximum of 30 students, so you can sa So get more attention for the class sa s aro M you’re paying for,” alum Jennifer Ibarra said.

Something else that ACC has, is a hands on program, where you can study for what you’re wanting to major in and at the same time, your work with the people who do that for a living.

ACC is very flexible with your hours. So you can still go to work and just go to school twice a week on a full schedule but you will have to be in the class per class day than going four to five times a week.

So in the long run, Austin Community College is a smarter choice than a four year college due to its affordability.

man on the street Symphony Peterson 12th

Ronny Garza 11th

Deandra Tristan 10th

Brandon Carreon 9th

Janet Larkin Teacher

TOPIC 1: How is the new school year so far?

Actually it’s been really fun, honestly getting to go off campus, It really good, and fun and I am really This year I really like all my classes Pretty awesome, I have made a lot It’s a good year so far, I am teachof new friends and its a different looking foward to soccor season. they’re all pretty cool. ing something different so that’s classes seem easier too, experience. super exciting.

I have way more free time.

TOPIC 2: how do you feel about the new teachers on campus?

I don’t have any of them so I’m not really affected.

Some of the new teachers are cool and I have difficulties with one of the they actually help out more then some new teachers I can’t really underof the old teachers did. stand some of the things he says.

I like the new teacher I have he is really cool.

Their really young, sweet, and full of energy.

TOPIC 3: favorite part about summer 2012?

Not spending the summer in Austin, Traveling for soccer and hanging out Going to JROTC camp, but I mostly Marching band camp, you get a lot stayed home and played my of great experience and learn a lot with all my friends.

I was in San Antonio. video games. of new things.

I went to San Fransico and that was interesting and a lot of fun.

TOPIC 4: What are your goals for this scool year?

Get into A&M, and keep an A average for the most part in classes.

Make it past the first round of playoffs and pass all of my classes.

To get 90’s and above in all my classes for the rest of the year.

None really, I do pretty good already I just hope to keep it up.

To be happy and make sure my student’s do well on STAAR and pass their AP test, and have fun.

TOPIC 5: What is your choice fashion for this coming fall and winter season?

I throw on what I want to wear, if I like it, I wear it, I don’t have any type of style.

Whatever I really feel like wearing, I don’t care to much about my appearence.

Toms boots for sure, cardigans, thermals, and beanies.

I wear casual things it makes me who I am. So just my usual attire.

Jeans and cowboy boots because I just discovered they look really cute.

News

The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 10.15.12

page 4

Campus has an influx of new teachers uuCont. “Turnover” pg. 1 However, some students feel the hiring of so many new teachers could potentially hurt them.

“Some of the new teachers are good but some just seem shy,” Student Council President Stephanie Downs said. “I do not feel I am learning anything. My attention is distracted by their shyness.”

One question floating around the student body is why did the district hire so many new staff members when the district had budget cuts recently and let go of many teachers and staff.

“I am wondering why AISD hired so many new teachers when we just had budget cuts two years ago,” Downs said. “What happens if the budget drops again? Will Akins have to cut all the recently hired teachers?”

Teachers were assured they would have jobs here on campus for more than one year.

“Superintendent (Meria) Carstarphen said we should have our jobs here for the next two years,” first-year English teacher Joseph Kirksey said.

Teaching in a classroom has changed so much over the years, as

Social Media

Akins is seeing with flipped classroom, that teachers are adjusting their teaching methods and new teachers are being introduced to new ideas for the first time.

“Education has changed so much so quickly,” second-year teacher Christine Forbus said. “Because of all these new changes everything might not mesh. When we started college everything that was taught to us to become teachers is different now.”

Student proponents of the high number of new teachers feel that the new teachers could make the transition from standard teaching to flipped classroom easier.

“The new teachers are not changing any of their teaching methods because some of them are brand new teachers or teachers who recently started teaching so it’ll be easier for them to adjust,” senior Salim Elakhras said.

The hiring of so many new teachers and staff has been a topic that has been discussed highly among students.

“I just hope that students will fully learn the curriculum that we are supposed to follow,” Downs said.

Matthew Lopez

College essay preperation English teacher, Joseph Kirksey, speaks with senior Cameron LaSonde about his college essays. Kirksey is one of the new teachers. This is his first year teaching at the high school level. “I really like it here at Akins,” Kirksey said. “There is more of a campus feel here than when I was teaching at Austin Community College.”

Twitter and athletes

Student athletes punished for social media “tweets” Dez Moore Editor-in-Chief

For athletes social media has become an area off limits, a place where they cannot venture unlike their fans and friends.

Professional sports leagues and universities across the country have been cracking down on athletes that post on popular social networking sites, with Twitter being the focus.

Leagues like the NFL have rules in place for athletes that use Twitter. Any violation of the rules results in a fine. Some universities have suspended players from

playing in games for inappropriate tweets.

Those limits have now trickled down to Akins high school athletes. A few weeks ago some members of the volleyball program were suspended for violating social media policies.

“Some student athletes here at Akins have been using social media to disrespect coaches and athletes,” Athletic Director David Peavy said. “Certain athletes disrespected the coaches by tweeting certain phrases they often use in practice or games.”

Practice and locker room

time are viewed as sacred to the coaches and should stay in practice and the locker room.

“Basically our playing fields, courts, and locker room

Dez

re

Moo

are private between the players and coaches,” Peavy said. “What happens

between the team stays between the team unless someone is being mistreated. There is a proper way to handle that, however, social media is not.”

Coaches would like student athletes to use social media in a positive light instead of negative.

“Every time you tweet about your team or the opposing team it should always be positive.” Peavy said. “Never pinpoint mistakes on the coaches or players. Voicing your opinion about coaches is unacceptable.”

“Many people do not understand that when you post something on a social media site it is public for the whole world to see,” Peavy said. “It is already been a serious problem and it is punishable.

We are seeing it happen in the pros, college, and now high school.”

Although the athletes have been punished and served their time, coaches want to treat this as a positive lesson for current and future student athletes.

“I believe we had a great meeting with the athletes and it was a very teachable moment,” Peavy said. “They are now aware of how social media affects them.”

Classrooms “flipped” Students struggling with managing uuCont. “Flipped” pg. 1

briefs

“If you have questions you disruption has been complaints can’t ask them at home and you from students that it isn’t unforget the questions you had when blocked at school,” library clerk you get to class,” senior Madeline M i c h e l l e Dunlap said.

Herrera said.

“So far, YouOverall, the general student tube hasn’t response is negative, despite the been used accessibility of information at for much home. other than With the introduction of the stuthe new flipped classroom d e n t s teaching, there has been that want some new efforts to to look make sure sites at vidlike Youtube eos for are availclasses, able. In but we the past, will be Youtube keeping a er us Ha has been close eye on it.” n h Jo blocked At one point, Youtube was on camonly partially unblocked on campus, due pus computers. However, the to district restrictions. only portion of the website that With the exception of teacher’s was available was the Educational access, the general campus hasn’t portion, which was created to catbeen able to go to Youtube, until egorize the different instructive recently. videos that have been uploaded on “For the most part, the only the site.

work along with school and grades uuCont. “Employment” pg. 1

Elianne Candelario

Working hard or hardly working Senior Alexis Colunga bags one of her customers merchandise. “I like working but it is stressful when I have school work that needs to be done,” Colunga said.

Newspaper wins gold for

first time as publication NSAP recognized the Eagle’s Eye The accolades keep pouring in for with All-American status. the schools journalism department.

With the two awards, the Over the summer the staff learned newspaper was thrust into conthat they had won a Gold Medal from Columbia Schosideration for both lastic Press AssociaPacemaker and Crown awards. tion, the premier high Although the staff did school journalism rating not win either award, it system in the country. was the best the journalJust two weeks later, anism program has reached other major award arrived, Sonny Molina this time from the National in the 12 years the Scholastic Press Association. school has been open.

“I knew I needed money but didn’t want a job to interfere with dancing or my grades,” Buol said.

Of course teachers have their own say in this, teachers agree that having a job does teach students important qualities.

“Jobs are great for students, they help them get hands on experience of the real world,” business teacher Lisa Shaw said.

Many teachers though, are worried that their bosses are taking advantage of the fact that they need money now and are willing to take time away from school to get it.

“Employers don’t care how well you do in

school or your grades; they care how well you do at work,” history teacher Richard Westerlund said.

Working at a fast food restaurant, a clothing store, or even just with your parents should be temporary and not a lifetime goal.

“Students should limit their working schedule to only the weekends, holidays, and summer time,” college advisor Sarah Simmons said.

Some students need to gain employment to help out their families.

Some students want jobs to have their own money to spend on luxuries.

Whatever the case is, students are proving to have a hard time balancing school and work.

Blue and Gold night returns for 12th consecutive year

This year’s 12th annual “Blue and past year’s most popular booths and atGold” night will be held tractions were, the “Marriage on Wednesday, Oct. Booth”, the “Zorbs Booth”, 24th from 6 p.m. to 8 the “Haunted House”, p.m. Blue & Gold night and the “Funnel Cake is an annual carnival held Booth”. in the courtyard in mid Besides the booths, to late October during there will be an anhomecoming week. nual costume contest, Many of the booster in which a group of judges clubs, sports programs, will choose the top-three Sonny Molina and other organizations costumes of the night. There will host different booths, which will raise will also be performances by the Step money for their program. Some of the Team as well as the Diamond Dazzlers.

In-Depth - Life plans The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 10.15.12

page 5

College and Career Center sets high goals for new year Downstairs, by the library and nurses office, there is a small room filled with college flags, a laptop cart, two peppy advisers and wishful thinking. This room is the College and Career Center.

The College and Career Center is lead by Sarah Simmons, a former English teacher turned college adviser.

“I felt like I needed something new,” Simmons said.

Simmons is assisted by Ivanna Krippa this year. Krippa was placed Akins through a program that aids schools with college application or anything related to college.

“I grew up in a family where college wasn’t a culture,” Krippa said.

“I wanted to help students get ready for college and open path ways for them.

This year the College and Career Center has set many goals.

“I would like to raise the amount of senior applying to a college,” Simmons said.

“But, I would really like to see the exact number of senior applying to a four year university grow. Last year, around 45% of seniors applied to a four-year university. It would be amazing if it was closer to fifty.”

Another goal of the College and Career Center is to have more students earn scholarships.

“When I was growing up, we worried about having money for Cristina Gonzalez small things and when I went to Filling out applications college I was on my own,” Krippa said. “I wish I would have know New college advisor Ivanna Krippa helps Senior Ciara Cortinas fill out a colyou don’t have to be in college to lege application. This year is Krippa’s first year as a college advisor at Akins. get scholarships. They make such a Kripa works with the program College Advising core. huge difference.”

Helping students is something reply to emails with the other, and Naviance and how to apply to colthat Simmons and Krippa help a student all the same time,” leges.” do on a daily Simmons said.

Last year, the senior class had R basis.

The CCC is open Monday through 41% complete a FAFSA or TAFSA. E B OCTO “I went Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and “I would really like to have 50% in during closes at 4:15 p.m. on Fridays. They of this years senior class have finanmy lunch,” are also open both lunches, everyday. cial aid completed,” Simmons said. senior “We have a lot of college Simmons biggest hope Va n e s s a R is that underclassmen nights in the evening this E B Montoya. year so student’s can get would realize how close OVEM N “ T h e y help,” Simmons said. senior year really is. helped me do “We also have “Late “You only have three some things on an Start, Head Starts” on years to set yourself up application and tell you how to do Thursdays for seniors.” for college,” Simmons something at home if you run out of The CCC also had a said. “Three years time.” summer boot camp for to set a GPA, and a Although the College and Career seniors. class rank. Senior Center may look busy, Simmons is “It was great and helped year is about getting always ready to help. a lot,” senior Montoya said. ready and applying for col “I’ve learned to eat with one hand, “We were taught how to use lege.”

Finish g to applyin s college

h at Finis ne o least ship lar scho ation c appli

Options After High School

Description Requirements Information

Colleges & Universities (private/public)

2-Year Institution:

Community, Junior or Technical College

-institution that offers bachelor or master/docterate -composed of programs inside school -community: ”open enrollement” -junior: “private two-year college” -technical: “focus on mechanical

-SAT/ACT scores -high school transcrpit -application -GPA & rank

-SAT or ACT -official high school -transcript -application -application fee

-proprietary

Trade, schools are privately owned Business and Technical School: for-profit business Propriety Schools: (ITT, Everest, Arts Institute, DeVry)

-training for certain jobs

Enlist in Military:

-the military offes education after service

Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, National & Coast Guard

PSAT for sophomor g school) and juniors (durin

Wednesday, 17:

Start on late start

Thursday, 18: Hea.din the CCC 9:00-10:30 a.m

Friday, 19:

Haleigh Wagner Managing Editor

4-Year Institution:

ber: October Dates to Remem es

-if under 18, enlisting is up to the student and can recieve no help can be from CCC

-SAT/ACT scores -HS transcript -application -GPA & rank

-research military -decide on branch -decide on job -take ASVAB -talk to recruiter

-collegeboard.org -applytexas.org -connection. naviance.com

-www.austincc.edu/ -www.wcjc.edu/ -www.tstc.edu/ front/page

-http://www. trade-schools.net/ locations/texasschools-directory. asp

-http://military. com/Recruting/ Home or -all branches have offices in South Park Meadows

Late SAT sign-up

deadline for 11/3

test at 8:00 a.m.

Saturday, 27: ACT college application Tuesday, 30: Senior . :00 p.m

triage night; 4:30-6

Dates to R emember : Thursday, 1

Novemb

er Head Start 9:00-10:30 Late Start in am and Dec the CCC ember 1 SA T deadline Friday, 2: D ecember AC T registratio n deadline Saturday, 3 : SAT test at 8 :00 a.m.

Thursday, 8 : Senior Scho larship Info Night, 6:30 7:30 p.m. :

Friday, 16:

December S

AT and AC T

deadlines

er: December Dates to Rememb Saturday, 1:

SAT test at 8:00 a.m.

ocess and Into to financial aid pr . options 6:30-7:30 p.m at 8:00 a.m.

Saturday, 8: ACT test

Thursday, 6:

Friday, 28:

e

January SAT deadlin

How To: Log into Navia nce and Get Your GPA Log into Naviance/Fam

ily Connection:

-go to the AISD homepag e, click on the quicklinks drop down m enu -select naviance and then choose Akins from the list of AISD school -enter student ID as the username and password to log in (not an email ad dress even though the page will say email addr ess)

To Find Your GPA: -click on the about me tab -next under official things at the bottom page, click profi le -scroll down to academic information and there will be a weighted GPA

Student excels through senior year adding to accomplishments Haleigh Wagner Managing Editor Senior year is hard enough as it is. The ultimate struggle between “work and play” becomes a big part of your last year of childhood comes to an end. Imagine adding the weight of an Ivy League school, being drum line captain, church, add in being a PAL, and an NHS officer.

This is what senior Nathaniel Buescher powers through evPhoto courtesy of Nathaniel Buescher Sharing designs ery single day.

The summer before junior Senior Nathaniel Buescher shares his rocket design with other year, Buescher spent a week students. Buescher spent a week at MIT during the summer. visiting colleges like Har“You can do different drology. vard, MIT, and Columbia. courses at the camp,” Bue“I’ve always been inter“I was selected with 20 scher said. “I chose Astro and ested in vaccines and the other students,” Buescher Aeronautical engineering. We movement of water and plan said. focused on the design of air- to use these interests to help Buescher looks plane wings and rockets.” better the world around me,” back on this trip Every since completing Buescher said.

Son ny M as something that the program, Buescher Although Buescher has olin a changed his view of has been set on MIT. many accomplishments likew what colleges were in his “It seems being at the top of his reach. l i k e class, in NHS and a “Without that visit, I don’t PAL he is proud of think I would have even MIT has being on drum line. thought about applying to a culture devoted to discov“Drums are not my such prestigious schools,” ering new things specifically original instrument,” BueBuescher said. for the purpose of applying scher said. “I would practice Buescher decided to return them to bettering the world,” in the hallways and people to MIT after hearing about a Buescher said. “It’s not like would tell me I would do it. week-long summer program other top tier schools.”

I tried out my junior year and called The Engineering ExAt MIT, Buescher would then I became the tenor capperience Program. like to study virology or hy- tain.”

Student Life The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 10.15.12

page 6

Yu-Gi-Oh rebirth

Hobbies

Old game brought back to life by students Mythical creature card game is played by the few who still hold to the nostalgia Jaqueline Rodriguez Student Life Editor Hands slamming down on a table with cards intact, the players at lunch known as the “Yu-Gi-Oh! Kids” call out another round of the famous kid-hearted card game.

The card game has been brought to life thanks to a dedicated group of students.

Juniors Nabeel Naiyer and Richard Black, and other students gather in the library during lunch and have a battle or two.

“The game is really based upon rules and lasts about five to six minutes, sometimes we would get really into the heat of battle and the librarians would yell at us,” Naiyer said.

For a few years the game has been played throughout the lunches here at Akins, but recently the amount of kids playing has taken a drop.

“The game was played a lot for the past three years, but not as frequent anymore,” assistant librarian Michelle Dunlap said. “ It did not matter what day or lunch kids would always play in here.”

No matter the outcome of who plays at school or not, some feel that the Yu-Gi-Oh!

Academics

duels will always remain on campus.

“I will play whenever anyone wants to play because the game is really fun and just an overall enjoyment,” Black said.

The game can involve as many players as possible and its main goal is to take down an opponents lives.

Yu-Gi-Oh!, which is also a TV show has been around for many years and is still played with the same heart.

“I really enjoy the game a lot and it’s just overall a really fun thing to do with friends,” Black said.

Though the game and show have been around for quite some time, many agree that no matter at what age and what time it is always an enjoyment to play.

“I grew up watching the show and I do not think that just because you get older that means you have to stop playing,” Naiyer said. “The game can be played by anybody.”

The game, once played by numerous students in the previous years, still holds to its tradition today. The students who partake in the card game do not play as much as the years before but will admit it is always fun to battle it out in the library.

“Lots of people left last

Savannah Garza

Choosing wisely Richard Black, a Yu-Gi-Oh! player decides what character to summon to go against his rival. Black went against the “master” Nabeel Nayier in a friendly duel. Nayier won the entire duel leaving Black with no lives left. year so it is not as intense as The spirit is still kept ing. good memories from my it was before but it is really alive from the few who still “I play it for fun, to keep childhood and it is really an fun to play here and there continue to play the game the nostalgia out of life,” overall fun thing to do with now,” Naiyer said. even with the popularity dy- Naiyer said. “It brings back friends or anyone.”

College readiness

College advisor opens pathway to higher education Harley Cruz Staff reporter

Savannah Garza

Lending a hand Sarah Simmons, sophomore Jonathan Hardy, and senior Lionel Hollins talk about college preparation. Simmons is aiming for 95 percent of the senior class to apply for college.

Alumni

Struggling to be successful in life after high school students tend to stress over choices they will have to make to further their education.

College is a big step for not only the seniors, but underclassman as well. Some would think being in their 2nd or 3rd year of high school is too early to be planning for college. However, college advisor Sarah Simmons feels that isn’t really the case.

“It’s never too early to be thinking about college and getting prepared for it,” Simmons said.

Simmons has made it her job to advise all students when it comes to what college students should attend and how to begin preparing for admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.

Simmons, who was previously an English teacher for 10 years, started her job here as the college adviser

in 2010. Since then she has been able to break down the barriers of applying to universities and colleges stepby-step. She is able to ensure that kids have filled out the scholarships and financial aid correctly, and are up to date on any deadlines, and have taken the ACT/SAT tests.

With the many things Simmons does for the students at school, many feel that she is definitely playing a big part in their lives.

“She’s really helpful and pushes me to make progress with my applications,” junior Katia Alcantar said.

Students are also welcome to visit the College and Career Center anytime before school and after school. There will also be more senior nights every Thursday during January and February, to help with scholarships. Mornings of late start Thursdays are also a time where students are encouraged to visit the CCC. Seniors are not the only ones that will be provided

with help from the CCC. “If a freshman knew they only had three years to get a GPA, class rank, and more importantly the skills and place before starting applying, they would not see high school as a four year stretch when they only have three years to have everything done,” Simmons said.

Ivanna Krippa, a new addition to the college and career center, has been helping Simmons and is also working to help students.

Krippa enjoys interacting with students and breaking down misconceptions about higher education.

“It’s so hard to explain how life changing college is, how needed higher education is to someone with no exposure to the job markets out there.” Krippa said.

Simmons has many plans for the students and is hoping to get many things accomplished.

“We still have a long way to go with much stuff to do, but the ball is rolling,” Simmons said.

Tragedy

Former 2012 prom king passes away over summer break Savannah Garza Entertainment Editor Alumni Freddy Zamora Jr. lost his battle this summer with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Zamora’s passed away on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, the summer after his final year of high school, after suffering the final stage of cancer.

The former high school wrestler won the title of prom king before graduating in the 2011-2012 school year.

Nohemi Ruiz was his best friend and was his date to the senior prom.

“I miss his smile and laugh, and how he could always give me advice and protect me,” Ruiz said.

Zamora’s goal was to graduate from high school while battling the cancer.

“He was still asking for homework. He asked us to put together work for him to do in the spring because his goal was to graduate high school,” Zamora’s English teacher Janet Larkin said. “He made that goal, what an amazing testament.”

At the class of 2012 graduation, the students gave Zamora a standing ovation when he walked the stage.

“It was to acknowledge the

courage of that young man,” Larkin said. “It’s very courageous what he did and how he conducted himself. I think it’s a wonderful testament to the hearts of the class of 2012.”

His funeral brought in many people and the respect and honor they had for Zamora was clear.

“It was a beautiful service, very uplifting, it was a great way of remembering him, the place was packed,” Ruiz said.

Zamora’s 11th grade teacher, Rebecca Redland, also attended his services.

“The tone of Freddy’s service was uplifting. The message was to be strong and live the life Freddy did,” Redland

said. “I know that many of his classmates were inspired; some even made changes to their lives that very day.”

Before Zamora passed away, he got to accomplish many things in less than a year.

“Prom king, graduated, rides in Vipers, fabulous cars, he got to go to Disneyland, talk about cramming a life time of things in just a few months,” Larkin said.

It’s been a tragic year for the Akins community as two other alumini passed away.

Alex Herrera 2007 graduate Lisa Arriaga A night to remember was killed in a car accident Alumni Freddy Zamora and Yera Vazquez dance togethand 2012 graduate Jeremy er during prom. Zamora earned the title of prom king.

Sanchez also passed.

Monday, 10.15.12 Spotlight

Student Life

page 7

The Eagle’s Eye

JROTC leader

National Guard training prepares student Senior becomes first student to ever attend basic training camp while still enrolled Christopher Yanez Staff reporter

Photo courtesy of Cheyenne Dobson

Shooting range Senior Cheyenne Dobson practices her rifle skills. Dobson attended basic training camp over the summer.

Photo courtesy of Cheyenne Dobson

Preparing for the future Dobson stands with other trainees during an exercise. Dobson learned many new techniques and skills at Basic Training.

Hobbies

Coming home for the first time after 10 weeks of basic training for the National Guard, senior Cheyenne Dobson returns carrying herself as a leader for her fellow classmates.

“Being back helps me more in JROTC, and I have more experience in being a leader and a role model for the others,” Dobson said.

Dobson initially decided to join the National Guard for benefits such as healthcare, a college education, and also to serve her country, in addition to a few added gains such as keeping in shape and the opportunity to travel. But Dobson actually returned to Akins with a few other advantages than she expected.

“I have returned back knowing that when I leave again I know what I would like to do when I go back, and I feel more comfortable with my situation now,” Dobson said.

Basic training for the National Guard is split up into three different phases Red, White, and Blue phase. Each of these phases deals with the transformation of a volunteer into a soldier through combat training, weapons training, physical fitness training, tactical training, and leadership training.

Throughout her experience Dobson had to interact with other trainees that did not always have the same likes or perspective as she did. Part of her training was to rise above the barriers that separated her from her troop which was her family for the summer and to be able to get along with them.

While she was in the 10 week training Dobson experienced many things that ordinary teens her age would not be able to expierence such as shooting machine guns and throwing grenades. “ It was definitely a step up in experience

for me and it was pretty cool to use weapons such as M16’s, grenades, and night vision goggles, things a regular high school student might not have even experienced in their lives,” Dobson said.

Dobson’s transition from the military lifestyle to high school life style wasn’t an easy one.

“I went to basic training and it really does mature you, so that when you come back to high school you have to deal with some immature kids that act like they know life but they don’t know what’s coming after high school,” Dobson said.

Dobson’s view and attitude have also been affected by her basic training over the summer and are seen by her JROTC commanders.

“As a result of her training she has a different view of the world,” colonel Ronald Oliverio said. “I think her eyes are opened and that she sees that who she is and what she does will impact the moral of the unit. and that the enthusiasm of a leader permeates the organization” Dobson’s experienced has had a huge impact on the JROTC program as well.

“The core is more disciplined and they are ahead of the power curb and have most of the things they need to have planned done,” Oliverio said. “This is the element that Cheyenne brings and I think she has done a great job.”

Before Dobson returns to her military training she plans to save the money that she earned from her recent training. Dobson is currently thinking about which profession in the military she might want to pursue in the near future when she attends college. Dobson is interested in psyhcology, education, sign language, and horizontal engineering.

Although Dobson is back at school she still has to keep up her physical training as well as attend to military training at Camp Mabry in Austin to improve her skills with new types of training and discipline.

Students performing live

Band continues success after a first place win in contest Savannah Garza Entertainment Editor

Savannah Garza

Rocking out Michael Loera, lead singer of Sinsored, sings at Battle of The Bands.

Sinsored will be preforming at Red Eyed Fly later this month.

Student Spotlight

School by day, aspiring musicians by night, first place winners at the final round of Battle of the Bands 2011, Sinsored, have since landed gigs at different venues around Austin are still continuing their musical aspirations.

Juniors William Prewitt, Santana Gutierrez and seniors Michael Loera and Francisco De La Rosa make up the punk-inspired band that’s played at Stubbs, Red Eyed Fly, and Club 606.

Prewitt recently joined the band after seeing Sinsored at Battle of the Bands last year.

“After I saw Sinsored at the Battle of the Bands last year I became a fan,” Prewitt said. “I used to play in a band where I played bass and did lead vocals.”

Though Sinsored has dealt with feuds and band members leaving in the past, they still managed to work together to book shows and draw in crowds despite hardships.

Their Facebook page also has over 500 “likes”.

“At our first show we drew 24 people and the crowd has grown since,” Prewitt said. “When we played at One Eyed Doll at a sold out venue our fan base grew a pretty decent size. We have two fans that drive an hour and a half to come see us at every single show.

I owe everything to the fans. I try and develop a friendship with each of our fans.”

Being a band is not a simple hobby that’s just about playing favorite music.

“It’s fun to play music,” Gutierrez said. “But sometimes we get a little too fed up with each other, creative dispute, arguing and what not; we work it out every time.”

Loera faces the most difficulty with song writing.

“Writing would have to be one of the most difficult things because the different opinions in the band makes us want to write a song but change it,” Loera said. “Usually the finished product is awesome.”

The attitude of other bands that Sinsored has met from previous gigs is also an obstacle the band face.

“The people you meet aren’t always nice,” Loera said. “A lot of bands are competitive for some reason when playing a show. They will boo at all the other performing bands which I don’t dig at all.”

Prewitt is a major contributor to the band. Prewitt has experience with the business and has booked many gigs for the band.

“The biggest challenge to me is pleasing venue owners with the size of crowds,” Prewitt said. “Any size crowd is great for us, while venue owners do like music, they are a business and small crowds don’t make as much money as big crowds,” Prewitt said.

As for now, Sinsored will continue playing gigs. They hope to start working on an EP sometime in the near future. Their next show is October 20 at Red Eyed Fly and will cost $8 for anyone 21 and under.

A whole new world

New exchange student takes journey to America from faraway home Lina Terhardt from Germany arrives to spend a year in America to experience a new way of life Jacqueline Rodriguez Student Life Editor A 24-hour flight and 5,000 miles away from home, junior Lina Terhardt steps upon the school grounds.

Terhardt is a foreign exchange student from Germany. Terhardt has been adjusting to the differences here at school and admits things are not the same here as in Germany.

“The school here is really big and it was really overwhelming at first,” Terhardt said. “It’s definitely different having only four classes a day.”

Though there are many adjustments Terhardt is facing, many students are making sure she feels welcomed.

“I have introduced her to a lot of my friends so she would know them and get to know everyone,” senior Emily Steger said.

Terhardt will live with Steger for the time she is in the states. A few years ago Steger found out about a program called “A Year in the USA” (AYUSA) and registered to bring an exchange student home.

“Literally a week after we registered she was here. It all happened so quick,” Steger said.

Terhardt was able to choose from 10 different countries to stay in and America was her first choice.

“I chose America because I heard a lot of great things about it and it seemed like a place I

would like being in,” Terhardt said.

Only a few months into school, Terhardt is already meeting new people and quickly starting friendships.

“When Lina first arrived I embraced her and got to know her,” junior Rebecca Preciado said.

“Now we’re great friends, she’s definitely a great addition to the school.”

While Terhardt is learning new things in America, her peers admit she is bringing new things to them as well.

“She has taught me a few German words for English words that she thinks are weird and we laugh a lot about the differences in our cultures,” Steger said.

Although far away from home, Terhardt admits that she is enjoying her time her in the states.

“Sometimes I miss my friends, but I like it here overall,” Terhardt said. “I definitely don’t miss the weather in Germany and it’s a good experience.”

With the rest of the year to come, Terhardt looks forward to the many experiences America has to offer as well as other things with her peers.

“I’m really excited to show her what school has to offer throughout the year and I really encourage her to do new things,” Jacqueline Rodriguez Preciado said.

Coming to America “I can’t wait to see all that America has to show Junior Lina Terhardt socializing in class. Terhardt is living me and what Akins has to in American for a year with senior Emily Stegger as a part of the A Year In The USA program. show me,” Terhardt said.

Arts & Entertainment The Eagle’s Eye

Diamonds

Monday, 10.15.12

page 8

Dance duo with Band

Half-time show introduces new twist

Marching band and dance team make a change to the traditional choreography Caitlin Starks Staff Reporter The Diamond Dazzlers astonished fans with the announcement that they would be a part of the marching band this year.

With the new concepts of marching and moving to “sets” on a football field, the Diamonds have had to work harder than they ever have before.

“The Diamonds are doing great, marching is just a whole ‘nother world for them,” head band director Gary Faust said. “They have never experienced marching before, the way the band and Diamonds rehearse is different.”

The band directors are excited to have the Diamonds as part of the band this year.

“The staff as a whole is thrilled to have the Diamonds. It’s something new so people are still getting used to it and some students don’t know what to make of it yet,” assistant director Tate Fincher said. “But the addition of the Diamonds and bringing them into the fold’s a tremendous advantage.”

The band students also have gotten a chance to learn new things with the inclusion of the Diamonds.

“The band students are going to experience an entirely new aspect of dance and visual. It’s incredible and its really an unknown,” Fincher said.

Also having the Diamonds being in the band gives them another chance to show off their moves.

“The Diamonds being in the band gives them another performance opportunity and another showcase to show off the team, not just in football games but competitions as well,” Diamond director Lindsay Ball said.

This year the Diamonds have not only had to practice with the band but they also just have regular Diamond practice.

“We practice for two hours on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and on Wednesday mornings we practice for one and a half hours and then we have normal practice,” junior Rebecca Preciado said. “But I’d rather have a bunch of practices than no practice at all.”

Off campus

Alex Herrera

Two teams go hand in hand First Lieutenant officer, senior Vicky Galicia, dances on the football field with the Diamonds during the football game against Westlake High School with the marching band at their side. Dance director Linsday Ball likes the idea of performing with the marching band because it give the Diamonds more opportunities for dance despite the obstacles of learning more routines and other practices to dance with the band during the half-time shows. “It’s just a challenge to adjust to how each organization warms up and practices,” she said.

There were rumors that the Diamonds didn’t like being in the marching band because of how hard it is.

“At first I was a little apprehensive but I fell in love with it when we met the choreographer,” Preciado said. “The other Diamonds feel like it is a lot of work but it isn’t like we

don’t want to work with the band.”

Some band students don’t feel that the Diamonds are living up to the Akins Eagle Band reputation.“Quite frankly, I’m a little torn, the Diamonds would be a great asset to the band if they could actually make their sets,” junior Eric Guerrero said. “This is

uuCont. “WEST SIDE STORY” pg. 1

Live music

World famous musical festival brings renowned bands to Austin

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Reserve your copy of the 2013 YEARBOOK with our 0 0 0 program by November 16!

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Akins Journey Theatre takes on West Side Story The Shark’s leader is Bernardo who will be played by Daniel Maya. Bernardo’s sister Maria, portrayed by Gabi De La Rosa, is in love with Jets leader Tony, portrayed by Jackson King, who is trying to make a life outside of the gang world.

“I love to sing and I have been in the previous musicals and I have had a blast. I have met great people and learned a lot,” De La Rosa said.

The actors, singers, and dancers have rehearsal every day after school and occasionally weekends.

“We rehearse about 40 to 80 hours each week,” Siegel said.

“I think we all will do great when performing on stage, but especially the first performance because that is the one that we want to excel in,” says Maya. “We want people to rave over our performance and tell other people to go see us.”

Journey Theater really hopes to have a great turnout so they can showcase their hard work.

Akins Journey Theater presents:

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What’s better than live music, great food, and awesome weather? Austin City Limits Music Festival includes these and more.

Last weekend, bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, Neil Young, and Jack White, headlined at that this year’s edition of ACL and made it one of the best that residents of Austin and visitor’s from around the world have experienced.

As if the headliners weren’t enough to sway you to attend, the undercards were just as good if not better. Iggy and the Stooges, The Roots, Florence and the Machine, Two Door Cinema Club, Weezer, and The Shins were a few of the rock and alternative bands that tens of thousands packed the confines of Zilker Park to have a good time and jam out to.

Electronic artists were also heavily featured. Avicii headlined one night, the first time a DJ has done so at this particular festival in it’s 11-year history. Other electronic acts included Bassnectar, M83, Crystal Castles, Lance Herbstrong, Thievery Corporation, and A-Trak.

For the hip-hop fiends, there was a good dose of dope acts like

Childish Gambino, Big K.R.I.T., The Weeknd, and Dev. Even students here at Akins went, like senior Vanessa Montoya, who had a three-day pass.

“I really enjoyed seeing Crystal Castles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Black Lips,” Montoya said.

Alumni, Ian Edgerly, also had a three-day pass.

“Bassnectar, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Childish Gambino were the highlights for me.” Edgerly said.

Food at the fest gave attendees a taste of what Austin has to offer as well, with places like Austin Pizza, Stubbs BBQ, Amy’s Ice Cream, Torchy’s Tacos, and Guero’s, open for business.

General Admission three-day tickets were $200, and one-day tickets were $90, all of which sold out.

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Max Kosusnik Staff Reporter

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their first time in the band environment, and it really doesn’t seem like they get how important doing your best in band practice is,” Guerrero said. “They are doing pretty well but they seem to be doing things half heartedly and the band students usually don’t do things that way.”

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Pick up your order form in room 221

December 5 December 7 December 8 December 9 Students Adults

West Side Story

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2:30 p.m. $5 $7

Monday, 10.15.12 Band

Arts & Entertainment

page 9

The Eagle’s Eye

New leadership

Band takes on new goals and direction Assistant directors push musicians to excel on the field and in the classroom Caitlin Starks Staff Reporter Over the summer the two new assistant band directors, Tate Fincher and Christopher Bronson had to step up and teach under head director Gary Faust.

The new directors already have brand new goals in mind for the band program and ideas on how to make them happen.

“The goal is for students to achieve some level of success and personal growth,” Fincher said. “A more long term goal is to increase long term numbers in the band program but my number one goal is for the students to feel like they have achieved something at a high level and have reached their full potential.“ Speaking of the new assistant directors, Fincher and Bronson were a big hit with the band students.

“I really like the new directors. They make sure we understand the music and the marching, and help us if we don’t,” junior Robyn Clapper said. “Mr. Bronson and Mr. Fincher make sure that we have what we need to succeed whether in band or out.”

The new directors are fun to hang out with according to some students in the band program.

“I think the band directors are awesome. Even though they are super pushy about some things they want done, they are funny and awesome to hang around,” freshman Luisa Talamas Jordan Espinoza said.

The march to success As the head band director, Faust has set aside specific Tuba players perform on the field at the halftime show at Burger stadium against Westlake high school. One of the new assisgoals he has for Fincher and Bronson. tant band directors use to be a student of band director Gary Faust. “It’s a real honor to have them here, they have really high “I want them to help create a program that they would standards,” Faust said.”They come from great college programs and they both taught at really good high school programs.” want to take over. They have new ideas and new ways of doing things and I’m very open to that even in my old All of the directors seem to belong in the Akins Eagle Band program. age,” Faust said. “They both come from very great college programs and both taught at really “They are all very good at what they do. They know how to teach us in a way that we can good high school programs so it’s a real honor to have both of them here.” all understand,” Clapper said. “Before we move on to something new they make sure we Faust had originally taken a year off from being head director because of illness due to have earlier things down.” stress but is happy to be back at the top of the band food chain and to have the two new asI don’t think I could choose a favorite band director if I had to,” Clapper said. “They all sistant directors by his side. have their own personal qualities that help us. There isn’t really one that is better or worse.”

“It feels great. Its who I am and I am happy to have two really fine young assistants who Recently the band competed at the Hill Country music festival on September 19. They are able to take a lot of the burden off of me so it’s really fun. It’s home,” Faust said. band was named overall Grand Champion and first place in AAAA band.

Music

Ensemble rocks the big stage

From debaters to actors

Theater

Advanced guitar class draws in Debate team learns acting skills crowd with a famous musician Cristina Gonzalez Staff Reporter

Maria Moreno Staff Reporter

John Hauser

Sonny Molina

Sonny Molina

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Haleigh Wagner In-Depth Editor

Speaking in southern dialect or using British accents, strutting back and forth; this is the new way to debate.

Under the new direction of coach Jesus Valles, the team is incorporating a lot more theater in their debating. The students act out their arguments, allowing them to compete locally and nationally.

“It is competitive acting,” Valles said.

Valles prefers debating in this style opposed to a nonacting style of debating.

cording to Valles.

“The turnout has been pretty good,” Valles said.

“So far there are seven regular members. The kids who have come are very committed.”

Valles has already set a goal for this year for the team.

“Since it’s the beginning of the year momentum is slowly building but my goal by the end of the year is to have a 20-person squad.

Valles also hopes to become successful in competition.

“I want Akins to be a top team in the state,” Valles said.

Son

Kelly Clarkson, Kathy Griffin, and now, the Akins Advanced Guitar Class.

What do they all have in common? All have performed in the Long Center, a concert hall that’s hosted numerous artists, theatrical performances, and comedian acts.

On the evening of Sept.13 at the Long Center, Akins High School advanced guitarists were given the privilege of performing before Russian flamenco guitarist, Grisha Goryachev, and in front of a crowd of approximately 1300 people.

“I’ve played in front of many people before, but this was quite the experience,” guitarist Alexis Sepada said. “It felt amazing to perform in front of everyone.”

-----Goryachev is well known for his passionate guitar skills and won “Best Performance of Spanish Music” at the VI

International Classical Guitar Competition held in Almería, Spain.

But to prepare for this concert, the advanced guitarists had two weeks notice to learn and become comfortable playing the song they were requested to play, “Palladio” by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins.

The ensemble contained not only the Akins advanced guitar class, but also several classical guitar classes from other schools, with a combined group of about 70 students.

For this performance, Travis Marcum, the director of education and outreach for the Austin Classical Guitar Society, conducted the ensemble. Several members of the organization helped to ensure that the group was prepared, which posed a difficult task considering that as a group they had only two rehearsals that lasted two hours each.Given such a short time to rehearse and get familiar with “Palladio” pressured student who are in advance guitar.

“I practiced anytime I could, that was the only thing I focused on,” first year advance guitarist Anastasia Barr said. “It was a difficult song for such an important event, it was either we did well or we didn’t.”

Students managed to play it, but some believe they could’ve done better.

“I feel like we were out of tempo and it frustrates me every time I think about it, we should have been given more time to practice,” Barr said.

“This type of debating allows the student to be successful in persuading their audience.”

Incorporating theater with debate enhances communicating skills according to team member and junior, Elana LeSonde.

“It enhances your ability to cooperate with people, competitiveness and individuality and articulation in debate and in theater,” LeSonde said. “Overall, your skill level increases in either field.”

The club consists of seven students. As the year progresses there are high hopes that it will grow, ac-

Fashion For Thought

As summer “falls” into autumn, trends around school are changing.

High-wasted shorts, pants and chiffon shirts fill the halls on girls. Many celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Kendall and Kylie Jenner have influenced this new boho-vintage chic style.

A basic store for this style is Forever 21, with a cheaper alternative being thrift stores like Goodwill or Savers.

A huge trend for boys this season is Ralph Lauren Polo’s and cargo shorts. Influential stars to this style are Chris Brown, Jay-Z and Kanye West.

A basic store for this is the online store Karmaloop with a cheaper alternative being the Ralph Lauren Outlet in San Marcos.

Fall 2012 runways were filled with colors such as burgundy; mustard and taupe. Metallic colors such as deep gold’s and muted silvers also played a large part in the

color schemes.

The styling included many long flowing pieces topped with multiple large layers.

A great way to achieve this runway look for boys or girls is to add a cardigan to anything. Another way is to add a hoodie under a leather jacket on cooler days.

For girls, patterned tights under a dress or skirt paired with a pair of tights.

For boys, change out your sneakers for a pair of desert boots.

Haleigh Wagner

Sophomore Paisley Gonzales shows off her style daily by wearing what she want’s and not caring about what others think.

“Don’t focus on what others are wearing, just wear what you want,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales uses pieces to stand out from the crowd. Her

Picture Perfect Sophomore Paisley Gonzales wears thick glasses to show off her hip style. Gonzales’ style icons are Bettie Page and Stevie Nicks, a member of the band Fleetwood Mac.

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most prominent piece is her flower crown. Gonzales made the accessory after hearing a Led Zeppelin song.

“In the song it said, ‘she had love in her eyes, and flowers in her hair’ so I decided to make a crown so I could have flowers in my hair too,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales says to always shop in the places you wouldn’t expect and try something new.

“I always go to the men’s section, then little girls then women’s,” Gonzales said. “I really like shopping at thrift stores.”

Photo Essay The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 10.15.12

page 10

The road to improvement

Matthew Lopez

Haydee Rodriguez

Joseph Featherstone

Edna Ramirez

Volleyball starts new traditions Opportunity has struck the Lady Eagles volleyball team by having the ability to work on specific moves such as blocking and defense during their new Saturday practices that varsity coach Amanda Thomas started this year.

“I’m tired of being the school that everyone under estimates and that really inspires me to get better,” Thomas said. “Having Saturday practices has given the varsity an opportunity to work on specific moves such as blocking and defense.”

That practice has benefited the team in their pre-season schedule and the team grabbed a district victory over Del Valle. It was the teams first district win in two years.

“When I’m on the court, the first thing that comes to mind is how great it would be to win the game,” senior Roxann Cavazos said. “When I think that, I’m just really hoping the rest of the

team is thinking the same thing.”

Starting this year, the team visits Parades middle school to give a prospective on how much work goes into high school volleyball.

“I want all future players to know me and my expectations for this program,” Thomas said. “The only way to do that is to start improving the younger players that will attend Akins.”

According to the Lady Eagles, there are many expectations for the rest of the JV and varsity volleyball season.

“I am really honored to be on JV because I know that other girls didn’t make the team,” sophomore Erika Senger said. “My goal for the rest of the season is to win at least two district games.”

The varsity team currently has four wins, twelve loses and no ties. The next game will be is against Austin High at Akins on October 19 in the gym.

Story by Alex Herrera

Haydee Rodriguez

(Top left photo) Whatever it takes Senior Hannah Holder serves to her Anderson opponent. The Lady Eagles came out with a loss of 3-0. “It was a really important game to all of the volleyball players to show how much we’ve improved,” Holder said. “We were ready to put up a fight.”

(Top right photo) It’s a volleyball thing The varsity Lady Eagles huddle up with thrill and excitement after a winning point. Winning or losing the point the players still come together. “When scoring a point we always come together and celebrate the win. It’s just a “volleyball thing,” sophomore Valerie Machuca said.

(Middle right photo) Runout Sprinting out the gym doors with joy, junior Roxann Cavazos is hyped to play against LBJ High School. At the end of the night the Lady Eagles were disappointed at the 2-0 loss, but still were happy to play. “I was most definitely excited to play just because every game is a new game,” Cavazos said. “You never know what the outcome of it could be.

(Bottom left photo) Eating the floor Sophomores Erika Senger and Santana Gonzales dive for the ball during the game. Knee burns and bruises are what the JV players experience when going head first for the hit.

“I get nervous when I dive in, but just knowing I attempted to get the ball makes me feel good,” Senger said. According to Gonzales and Senger they are both honored to make JV. “It’s really an honor to be on JV because I know other girls didn’t make the team and I did,” Gonzales said.

(Bottom right photo) Mentality before reality Senior Cassie Robles positions herself before hitting the ball. According to Robles being a hitter is her favorite position, but being a short volleyball player is holding her back.

“When I’m in my ready position I always say to myself how the ball will probably come towards me,” Robles said. “Good passes are my main goal so the setter can get the hitters to make a good kill.”

Sports The Eagle’s Eye

Football

Monday, 10.15.12

page 11

Season recap

Battling for some redemption Tyler Derickson Staff reporter The improbable finally happened. It took a blocked extra point and raw determination, but finally after 27 match-ups the varsity football team won a game beating the Bastrop Bears 17-16.

Senior lineman Alonso Silvia is one of the Akins football heroes credited for bringing the big win back to campus.

“The biggest highlight was the game against Bastrop when Alonso blocked the game tying extra point to give us our first varsity win in almost three years,” junior Marshall Trevino said.

Coaching has made a huge difference according to players. The new coaching staff brought in their own style and formats to the game of football.

“I am very proud to be the coach here at Akins and I am very proud of the team and of how hard they worked for this,” head coach Humberto Garza said.

The team already has Dez Moore more wins this year than the Gun slingin’ quarterback last two years combined.

Senior quarterback Jerad Loyd throws a pass against the “I think we will have a Crockett Cougars. The Eagles fought hard until the end losing 29-14. “We were learning a new offense and just couldn’t positive record and make it to playoffs,” junior receiver run it correctly against Crockett,” Loyd said. “We know we Robert Walker said. matched up better athletically so once we get our offense The most impactful down we can be a competitive team.”

Cross Country

player this year has been Aunrie Davis according to most of his teammates.

“Aunrie has had big runs in crucial situations.” Trevino said.

The junior Akins running back has been carrying most of the workload this season. He has 331 rushing yards on 37 carries and six touchdowns.

“I think that Aunrie has preformed best so far this season, he has contributed a lot to our offense and the running game,” Walker said.

A quick recap of what has gone on so far this year:

Crockett In the Crockett game, a 29-14 victory for the host Cougars, a fumble picked up inside the ten yard line was converted to give Akins their first points of the season. Even though it was as a loss for the team some of the players had already felt they had a better bond with one another.

“I feel we have connected as a team, you can see it in the way we have played this year” Trevino said.

McCallum In the 48-35 loss to the McCallum Knights, a 21-7 halftime lead looked to secure the Eagles their first

victory, but missed opportunities piled up, ending their chances again.

“The coaching changes have made a big impact on the way we have played this year,” Garza said. “All the coaches love working with the kids and they are getting better and better every week.”

Del Valle Against Del Valle, Josh Cleveland, the district’s leading rusher, ran for 185 yards and three rushing touchdowns as Del Valle shook up the Eagles for a 35-3 win.

“We have to be more of a team and have to be better on the defensive side of the ball.” Trevino said.

Westlake The Westlake battle was a crushing loss to the team. A 68-7 romping to the hands of Westlake was the worst defeat suffered so far this season. Three kick off returns were fumbled backto-back-to-back early in the game costing the team 21 points. When Akins ran their first play from scrimmage they were already down 28-0.

“I could have stayed after practice to work on my skills and better myself” Walker said.

Staying fit

Cross country competition continues fitness Hannah Kerns Staff reporter The rapid pitter-patter of every athlete’s feet race with their shallow breathing shows what kind of start this year’s cross-country team is going to have.

Cross country starts the second day of the school year, there are no try-outs and anyone willing to show up for practice, cross country meets, and of course being ready to run, are welcome.

Last year the team didn’t qualify for the district meet, but the year before current senior Evan Ortiz made it to district.

This year he is driving his team to do better and he wants to beat his personal goals.

“I am very determined to making it to district this year, with a better time then my sophomore year, along with others,” Ortiz said.

Coaching Staff

“Even with new coaches this year the team is doing very well, especially since we have almost three times more runners,” sophomore Autumn Anderson said. “Their practices are a lot harder, we also have to hit the weight room every day before we go out to run.”

The coaches practice strategies are a lot different from last years and it’s directing the students to work harder and push themselves to their limits.

“I feel like we are doing well, there is a bigger number of runners this year and the kids are really working well,” cross-country coach Helena Martin said.

Most of these cross-country runners joined the team to get in shape for their sport seasons like soccer and basketball.

“I do cross country to prepare for our Lady Eagles basketball team, and I also love to feel the trails under my feet and wind in my pony tail,” An-

derson said.

This past week the crosscountry team has met up in the dance room near the gym to do insanity, to give the team an easy work out, but it most definitely gets a sweat going and is a great work out.

Insanity is a work out video that helps one to perform long bursts of maximum-intensity exercises with short periods of rest.

On Oct. 5th there was a cross-country meet held at Manor Sports Complex. Three cross-country runners, seniors Fredrick Barton, Ortiz, and freshman Caleb Calderon won medals for placing in the race.

“It is a lot of hard work but it is completely worth it and I am going to continue running cross-country for the rest of my high school years,” Anderson said. “I can not wait to Aless Luna see what we make, if we get Cross country makes a body good into district, and I am going to Senior runner Brinee’ J Stewart pushes herself to work harder every year.” complete the race. Three runners received medals.

New arrivals

New look coaching staff eager to start strong Marissa Sosa Opinions Editor

Marissa Sosa

Coaches make their presence Assistant Varsity football Kevin Hendrickson mingles at the kickstart rally. New coaches were introduced at the rally.

Brand-new coaches step foot upon Akins fields, courts, and mats this year.

“It’s truly a great mix,” athletic director David Peavy said. “This year already I see great attitudes, they’ve changed drastically with the new mix of coaches. So far it’s been a great turn out.”

The female coaches and positions start off with Theresa Morgan as the new varsity softball coach. Tasha Ridgeway is the new JV volleyball and girls track coach. Ashley Hayes is the new head cross country and freshman girl’s basketball coach.

“I am busy, busy, busy.

Volleyball is super busy, but its been a fun ride, everyone

is so welcoming to keep my little head above water,” Ridgeway said. “I would love to coach here as long as I can, hard work pays off so I have to put in the hard work just like the kids are.”

The new male coaches and positions are Chris Randolph, who coaches’ varsity football and JV basketball.

Also, Howard Guttmann coaches varsity football, and freshman baseball.

Kevin Hendrickson is the new assistant varsity football coach while Joe Kirksey is one of the two newest coaches for the wrestling team who, along with Kyle Alvarado, not only coaches wrestling but is also a member of the football staff.

Joseph Sax coaches football and boys basketball.

Wade Ezell is a student teacher for the football team.

Joe Mendoza is a former coach from Paredes Middle School, takes over as the new coach for the freshman girl’s basketball team.

The last addition to the staff Sherman Smith, who arrives on campus every afternoon for practice from his home school Mendez Middle School, to coach the freshman football team.

“Our new coaches and kids work real hard and we are coping well they wanted to make a good impression and you can see the bond between everyone,” Peavy said. “I see trust, the kids really trust us and it shows in the coaches and the kid’s performance. I know this is going to be a good year.”

This year, all the coaches, new and old, have one main goal: help the athletes set and achieve goals.

NFL refs strike back Max Kosusnik Sports Columnist Eight seconds left. Green Bay has a 12-7 lead. Seattle’s got the ball at Green Bay’s 24-yard line. Rookie QB Russell Wilson takes the snap and drops back, taking his time as the clock runs to zero, then tosses up a hail mary to wide receiver Golden Tate.

It looks like he has possession with one hand the ball, but you could say the same about Green Bay’s cornerback M.D. Jennings, who appears to have both hands on the ball, as they wrestle for the ball in the end zone. Players rush around them to catch even just a glimpse of who has possession.

One replacement official stutters on his decision of the call while another throws his arms up for a touchdown. The play goes under review for nearly 10 minutes when replacement referee Wayne Elliot let’s the Seattle faithful and the millions watching at home in on the final decision…

“The ruling on the field stands. Touchdown. Seattle wins the game” This was one example of the embarrassing, unreputable calls that the NFL’s temporary replacement referees made to impact regular season games in a negative way, both angering fans and players of the game.

The replacement referees were put in on June 4, 2012, when the officials’ union and the NFL could not come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.

A main issue between the NFL and the officials’ union was a new retirement plan.

In the original contract, NFL refs received a define benefit plan, where retired refs were guaranteed a fixed amount of income based on the length of their employment.

The league wanted to switch to a defined 401k plan, where there would be no guaranteed amounts of income and benefits the performance of the plan’s investments.

Refs felt inferior to this proposal because it would have reduced the league’s funding obligations by 60 % and shifted additional investment risk to the employees.

Referees did say they would be willing to adjust to the change, only if it applied to new officials, but the NFL still insisted that all refs switch to the new plan.

All of the madness ended on September 26, when the NFL and officials’ union agreed to a new, eight-year contract, which retains the referees defined benefit plans until 2016, or until an official earns their 20 years of experience. Starting in 2017, all refs will switch to the 401k plans that the NFL wanted.

Original referees, like the crew led by Gene Steratore, returned on September 27, for the Thursday night game between the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. They received a standing ovation from the Baltimore crowd before the game.

Community Page The Eagle’s Eye

The Community Page is an advertising page paid for and designed by the Akins Administration.

Monday, 10.15.12

page 12

Student Support Services freely helps Akins students

Principal’s Message Dear Eagle’s Eye Reader: The 2012-2013 school year has gotten off to a fabulous start. Folks tell me each day that they cannot remember a better beginning of the year - we have more than 2650 students!

Last school year, we ended with wonderful celebrations around student achievements, It was the first time in Akins High School history that exit level TAKS scores in all four content areas were in the 90’s.

Now that seniors have passed their TAKS, our focus this year is to work closely with our seniors to help them prepare for college admissions through the application process; English teachers have been working with our seniors to complete their essays .

Seniors also need to pay close attention to the upcoming application deadlines and start thinking of FASFA (financial aid) deadlines in the spring.

Our underclassmen have a different challenge with regards to State Assessment. Ninth and Tenth grade students must be sure to prepare for their STAAR/ EOC exams at the end of the school year.

Students must pass Reading, Writing, Math-

ematics, Social Studies and Science assessments along with their courses in order to meet high school graduation requirements.

This year at Akins, I have asked teachers to ‘flip’ their classrooms in order to help students be more prepared for the rigorous requirements under STAAR. The ‘flipped’ idea is simple. Students are asked to watch an educational video or read some material prior to class such as videos on the Khan Academy website at a convenient time (http:// www.khanacademy.org/) so that they come to class with some prior knowledge of the topic of the day.

With background knowledge, teachers are then able to have deeper conversations and have students do more in-class practice for immediate feedback.

Please watch this 60 Minutes story around the concept on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zxJgPHM5NYI .

Your child should also be doing a lot of reading at home (at least 60 minutes per day) to make sure that his reading level (lexile) is appropriate for his grade level.

The STAAR/EOC is written on grade level, so students reading on the

Mr. Daniel Girard correct grade level will be most successful. Students are aware of their lexile and should be able to tell you.

You can see the following lexile grade conversion chart for your own information ( http://www.cpschools. com/Schools/HMS/SummerReading/LexileConversionChart.pdf ).

One of the best ways to make sure our kids are successful in school is to get them involved. There are many extra curricular opportunities for students for students that include athletics, fine arts, band and academic.

This year, we have started a new Speech and Debate team that is already competing and winning at tournaments. Speech and Debate is a great way to get involved and can open a lot of college scholarship opportunities!

The Student Support Services is continuing its yearly quest to help Akins students in need.

Students who feel they might need additional support, but are either unable to get help at home or from other resources should visit the SSS in the office at the front of the school. Teachers are also encouraged to support their students in need by filling out an anonymous form for the child. All SSS services are held in strict confidentiality and students are protected at all times.

All services are free and operate voluntary, meaning students are free to come and go as needed.

SSS is more than just counseling though, as their goals are to help all students in need.

A Clothing Resource through Operation School Bell that allows 55 of our students to try on, select, and receive $100 worth of clothing at Target and $30 worth of shoes from Payless.

“We are resource savvy and want to make sure that our students have what they need to be successful,” program director Colleen Arnold said. “If there is every anything we can go to support teachers in their efforts to help students be academically successful we want to know.”

This event will occur after-school in

late Oct. Parent consent forms are needed for this resource. The Clothing Closet is also operational and can also be a clothing resource to students in need School supplies including some backpacks have been donated. Students who might need help with supplies are encouraged to stop by.

In late October SSS will have their annual Baby Stuff Give-away for this semester. The community is encouraged to donate anything that is baby/parent-related, SSS will be accepting donations during the first three weeks of Oct. (Oct 1-19th).

Questions can be directed to Arnold at 841-9878.

Support Groups Available 1. Anger Management 2. Pregnancy/Parenting Group 3. Healthy Relationships Group 4. Emotions Management Group 5. LGBTQ Support Group 6. Sober Living Group 7. Girls Empowerment Group 8. Grief and Loss Group 9. Crisis intervention 10. Peer mediations 11. Peer mentors

Austin Corps meets with mayor

Sincerely, Daniel Girard.

9.11 remembered on campus Francisco De La Rosa Staff Reporter

New York city’s main streets full of smoke, the sound of ambulance sirens, the horrific sight of two 747s crashing into the World Trade Center, is the picture painted in the heads of students for the morning of September 11, 2001.

In remeberance, the Akins ROTC Saber team held a reminder ceremony of

that tragic day.

Also in the ceremony was Akins Choir, joined by band trumpet player junior Cameron LaSonde.

The Akins Saber team led by team captain junior Tessa Samano in their drills, eventually leading to the raising of the flags half-staff.

Corps commander senior Cheyenne Dobson spoke in memory of the victims to close the ceremony “It is important that students remember and honor

the victims of that day, and keep ceremonies like this alive and teach each others to be united,” Samano said.

This honor of carrying on this ceremony even inspires new team members.

“It felt very cool and special to be part of the ceremony and honor the 9/11 victims,” freshman Maritza Ramirez.

ROTC members believe that it is important to keep ceremonies alive in our school.

Photo courtesy of Akins Corps

City council office visit Members of the Akins Corp program take time for a group photo before their day long visit with members of the Austin City Council, including Mayor Lee Leffingwell.

Students will begin internships with city soon

The Eagle’s Eye

W. Charles Akins High School 10701 S. 1st St. Austin, TX 78748

Even though the internship portion of the Austin Corps program doesn’t begin until the spring semester, that hasn’t keep members of the team from preparing for the experience.

Last week students visited the Austin City Council chamber and had time to meet with Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell.

“We get so much support from the campus and our kids really know that they are preparing for an exciting spring semester,” program director Linda O’Neal said.

In preparation student

have already been involved in a number of areas they might work during the spring.

Students have completed a CPR training course, something that is required of all interns.

Other students have been to a local fire house and learned how to use fire hoses, while others have spent time with Homeland Security.

As part of the program, one focus this year has been the pending Presidential election, a registration drive was held at Akins. Austin

Corp students registered 50 Akins students to vote.

The program is a yearlong commitment for the students and is an extension of their required government courses.

To complete the program, all Austin Corps students will work directly with city staff as a part of their internship Last year some students were so involved that they have continued their work with the city as they are continuing their education at various collegiate institutions.

Akins cares encourages volunteering LABEL

On and near campus, there are many opportunities for volunteering.

At Blue and Gold night, students can help set up and take down booths. Blue and Gold night setting up will start at 4:15 p.m. in the courtyard and will end at 8:00 p.m.

Contact Erika San Miguel in room 314 for more information.

Another on-campus option would be helping the Raise for the Cure benefit sell ribbons during both lunches

in the cafeteria. For more information contact Tonya Kallfelz in room 330.

The Dittmar Halloween Spooktacular will be held at Dittmar Park between South First and Manchaca on October 20th, 2012 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The volunteering involves helping set up and take down booths and the haunted house.

There are also some options for volunteering that are not on, or near campus.

The first is the Austin

Film Festival and Conference. Here you will be setting up any time, depending on your schedule.

For more information call 512-478-4795.

Another option for volunteering further away is assisting Aids Walk Austin.

The volunteering consists of walking and passing out water to participants.

For more information about this opportunity, go to the Aids Walk website at www.asaustin.org.

Spirit Week

Monday- Crazy Hair Day 2015 Tuesday- Twin Day Wednesday- Whats Your Class?

Thursday- 80’s Day! 2016 Friday- Spirit Day!! 2014 2013

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