HA RK !
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VOL 53 Issue II Arapahoe High School DECEMBER 2016
EDITORS & STAFF
CONTENTS
PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAIGE PAULSEN WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PRINT MANAGING EDITOR MACKENZIE CALLAHAN
PEOPLE
4-5 Holiday Traditions 6 Student Initiated Clubs: Hacky Sack
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 Seasonal Event Highlights
COPY EDITORS BECCA SCHWISOW HAYDEN PEIRCE XAVIER MAIER
8 (303) Denver Music Scene 9 Christmas Spirit in Decline 10-11 Christmas Around the World 12 Christmas Horror Stories
INDEPTH 15-16 Make the Best of Stress 18 Measures of Success 19 Plagiarism: The Need to Succeed 20-21 Student Feedback 22 -23 Testing Tips for Final Exams 25 Reverse Classroom: Q & A
PHOTO EDITOR ABIGAIL GUADNOLA DISTRIBUTION & ADS MANAGER MADDIE EGERTON SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER SYBRAND BRAAKMAN REPORTERS GRACE ADAMSON COURTNEY BROWN
OPINIONS
26 Why I’m Ashamed
ABBY CASTER
27 Through My Lens
LAUREN DAVID DJ DEBONIS
28 Christmas Musings 29 Editorial: Thoughts on Amendment 106
HEALTH
VIVI DENITTIS DELIA GUILBERT AVI HATHORNE
30-31 Get Fit With Hot Yoga 32 Winter Activities
MURIELLE HECOMOVICH ALLIE HIGHSMITH
33 Health During the Holidays
TERRIOUS JACKSON-MOORE JR. HENRY KLINE
INFO
34 The Science of Snowflakes 35 How to Stay Warm
EMILY KOKE CHIARA KOVAR COLLETTE LEMANSKE
36 Winter Holidays 37 DIY Christmas Presents
TECH
ANNA MCCOLLISTER MEGAN NGUYEN RORY O’DONNELL
38 Holiday Apps 39 Christmas Lights: Energy Consumption
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ASHTON PHELPS KENDRA SULLIVAN WALTER WACASER LEA WOLFF
From the Editor In Good Company... There is no escaping the onset of the holiday season. For some, it starts at the first sign of colder weather while for others it never ended because they couldn’t be bothered to take down their lights from the year before (guilty). Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily routine, sometimes it can be easy to miss the transition. Still, it seems that each year the cobwebs are brushed away from seasonal decorations earlier and earlier while the scent of Thanksgiving dinner has just barely dissipated before preparations are started for the next feast. Whether or not Christmas is your celebration of choice, this time of year offers a great opportunity to prepare for the next twelve month installment. And sure, it can even be a wonderful time to reconnect with loved ones, among others. With the promise of festive gatherings and the start of a new year approaching, I suppose it should come as no surprise that people look forward to the holiday season. In my experience, holidays can bring out the best and worst in people, particularly due to the pressure to just “get along.� People either make it work or they snap. I have experience with both. From November onward, I often get a sinking feeling as the burden of seasonal cheer makes me reconsider what it means to be family. I will admit that my relatives have made a public scene on more than one occasion. While some people ooze holiday spirit, in the past, my family is usually lucky to make it through dinner without any blood shed as we grit our teeth and pass the salt. However, if there is anything I have learned from these experiences, it is that it should always be a priority to spend time in good company. When it comes time to celebrate the holidays, it is important to keep family close, and friends even closer. With all things considered, life is too short to forget the people who matter to you. Everything is temporary, so you might as well do what you can to enjoy the life you have. All my best,
Paige Paulsen
DECEMBER 2016
PEOPLE
Winter Activities by Collette LeManske
The winter season is the favorite time of year for many Coloradans, and Arapahoe students are no exception. From the light fluffy snow to the warm hot chocolate, there are so many reasons to love winter and so many different ways to pass time. Many choose to celebrate holidays while others play sports, but everyone has a special winter tradition.
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Celebration of Winter Holidays Christmas New Years Hanukkah Yule
2%
None
2%
3%
13%
PEOPLE
80%
15% of students
celebrate two or more religious holidays.
Participation in Winter Sports None 45% Swimming 10% 10% Ski and Board 9% Other 7% Basketball 6% Cheer 5% Hockey 3% Soccer 3% Skating 2% Track
Winter Traditions 1. Ice skating every weekend 2. Advent calenders 3. Going to the North Pole in Colorado Springs 4. Watching Christmas movies 5. Hanging up lights 6. Going skiing, sledding and snowboarding 7. Baking goods 8. Travel to see family 9. Snowball fights and making Snowmen 10. Secret Santa exchange
DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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PEOPLE
Spreading the Spirit of Inclusivity
How Junior Ian Toney Started a Club.
Photo by Ashton Phelps
by: Becca Schwisow and Courtney Brown
igh school is a stressful time in a student’s life. It can often seem very cliquish, and people find it hard to get involved in clubs or other activities. Ian Toney, a junior at Arapahoe, has spent this year spreading the spirit of inclusivity and making new friends. Here at Arapahoe, students are able to create clubs based on activities that interest them. Taking advantage of this, Toney created Hacky Sack Club. He started by getting a teacher sponsorship from Mrs. McGeorge, who Toney claims is the “chillest teacher in the school.” Then, after filling out the paperwork and getting the official approval at the end of last year, the club debuted at the start of the school year. “If you like to [play] hacky sack or you are just looking to have a good time, anyone and everyone is always welcome.” Before the club was created, Toney and his friends would play hacky sack outside. To avoid accidentally hitting people, administration asked that they stay out of the way. Toney wanted a safe and welcoming place to play the game with his friends; a space just for them and others who want to would want to join.
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“We got a lot of weird people already in this group so you don’t need to worry about being judged,” Toney said. Toney began playing hacky sack in middle school on the playground, and since then, has continued to play as a way to connect with friends. Clubs can be influential in a student’s life because they offer additional experiences, and present activities that appeal to a variety of interests outside of sports and academics. They also provide time to get to know a teacher or other students better. Hacky Sack meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:30 in the bio lab room, W2877. It is a relaxed environment where everyone is accepted and “anyone can come anytime,” Toney said. The chairs are pushed back, music is turned on, and hacky sack begins. In its first official year, hacky sack club is relatively small, as it is just beginning. Arapahoe has lots of clubs but there is room for more; whatever activity that a group of people enjoy doing together can become a club. “It gives people a chance to bring something to the school that maybe we don’t have, that a lot of people are interested in, it can bring people together more,” Toney said.
Think of an idea for a club that you and others are interested in starting (a good guideline is 7-10 people). Get a teacher to sponsor the club.
Planning: Decide on dates and locations of mee tings.
Make an appointment with Mr. Hawk in the attendanc e office, and fill out the StudentInitiated Application
ore to get m d r o w the osters Spread small p e s U . s r ents membe ouncem n n a V ey at and T rs. Rail M o t d e t t least submit .co.us a 2 1 .k s lp sa rrailey@ vance a d a in y one da de. oint sli p r e pow Graphic illustration by Becca Schwisow
A&E
Winter Events in Colorado by Avi Hathorne
Estes Park Winter Festival Saturday, January 14 - Sunday, January 15 Estes Park’s winter celebration is complete with live music, games and activities for kids, and a chili-cooking competition each day. In addition, Saturday is “Winter Trails Day,” when families can borrow snowshoe equipment and hike Rocky Mountain National Park.
Ouray Ice Festival 12 Days of Aspen Tuesday, December 20 - Saturday, December 31 Downtown Aspen offers a familyfriendly experience with activities for Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve that range from children’s storytimes to gift wrap design workshops and more.
Thursday, January 19 - Sunday, January 22 The Ouray Ice Park highlights the sport of ice climbing with gear demos for visitors, climbing clinics and presentations by professional climbers.
Snow Sculpture Championships
Ullr Fest Wednesday, January 11 - Saturday, January 14 Breckenridge brings a Viking-themed twist to winter festivities with a parade dedicated to Ullr, the Norse god of snow. Along with the parade, Ullr Fest also has the “Ullympics,” with activities such as the frying pan toss. A bonfire wraps up the festival.
Tuesday, January 24 - Sunday, February 5 Breckenridge features enormous, intricate snowy creations sculpted over the course of five days (January 24 - January 28) by competing artists from across the globe.
DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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A&E
Music
These Local Bands Are Taking Stages By Storm
M
ost people do not associate Colorado with rising stars, usually that is New York or California. Every now and then, there is a gem in the rough and some pretty spectacular talent arises. Some of these local bands are just up and coming while others are performing with worldwide known bands. From simple EP’s to several albums, each of these bands have had their own journey, writing in our own backyard, Denver, Colo.
The Also - The Herald has covered this band a handful of times, because a member
1.
attends Arapahoe. Almost a month ago, the band released their first EP, “This Is Not An Album.” The EP consists of five songs, “Patience,” “At Last,” “Mountains,” “Friday Night Psychosis” and “Railway Spine.” The alternative/indie group have done a phenomenal job at creating their own sound and after a long time waiting, have successfully produced an EP. Not bad for four high school seniors. The EP leans more towards a serene sound, but nonetheless, is still outstanding. Something you would hear in a rustic mountain cafe during an orange and yellow sunrise or in the dead of night with the moonlight shining in through a window. Find them through Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud and many other sites.
Violet’s Gun - Another group of high schoolers form Violet’s Gun. With a more rock vibe to their music, the group has already produced an album. “Viva II Duce” consists of 11 songs, one of which,“Trigger Finger,” came out as a single a month before the album. From the heavy guitar to the drum fills, Violet’s Gun gives off an old school feel with a modern twist. The band is inspired greatly by rock groups from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, to Van Halen and AC/DC. The band performed live Dec. 9, but will also be performing again at Merchant Mile Saloon on Jan. 28. Violet’s Gun can be found on Spotify, iTunes and also on their website, where there is more information about shows, the members, and and how to purchase a physical copy of their album.
2.
Valienta - The alternative rock group recently went under a name change, as well as some band member changes. Racing On the Sun, as they were once known, have released several singles and a small EP. Their EP, “Save Me,” consists of “Self Destruct,” “Consequences” and “Unbreakable.” Their other singles are “We Are Not Afraid” and “Luna.” After the band’s recent name change, they released “Only Human.” Valienta are a part of the Denver radio station, 93.3’s, Hometown For The Holidays, which is a free event on Dec. 17. Their music is inspired by persistence, determination and fierce self discovery. The trio manage to accomplish fantastic sound between guitar and drum solos, to their powerful lyrics. Readily available to hear through Spotify, iTunes and SoundCloud.
3.
Manic - Coming together to form this indie/alternative/rock band is another high schooler and an aspiring musician. Manic has been a rising band for the past three years, and have performed at pubs and music theaters. Manic released their single “Braille” in late September and have been working in the studio on new music since. The band recently played at the Marquis Theater with Against the Current and will be performing again Dec. 23 with Tonight We Rise. Creating music inspired from Nirvanna, Green Day and The Summer Set, Manic creates music with lyrics about feelings and situations everyone can relate to and have experienced. From love songs to rock ballads, the band continues to break barriers as they rise in the music business.
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4. Photos from: 1. facebook.com/thealso, 2. www. violetsgun.com/music/ 3. facebook.com/racingthesun, 4. instagram.com/manic
What Is Happening to the Christmas spirit?
CULTURE A&E
by Maddie Egerton
E
ntrusting that most people within this school are aware, I am here to state what we all know. Santa Claus is not real. That statement alone is the very first let down from Chirstmas. It means that you are growing older, more mature. The time to be a kid is over. Not to be a Debby Downer, but lately I have been noticing that the older we get, usually starting when we are told that Santa is not real, the Christmas spirit is drained out of us. Celebrating becomes more of a chore or burden rather than a time for cherishing loved ones. Having to get dressed up, attending family events, cleaning, it is all now a hassle. I am not saying that becoming older and taking on your rightful responsibilities should be considered a dreadful task, but that seems to be the case around the holiday season. I am sure that most people are overjoyed during the month of December, but almost every year since I was about 12 or 13, I have heard complaints from friends about what a certain family member said, cleaning the kitchen after dinner or not getting the present they wanted. I am in no way excluding myself from this statement though. I hate cleaning up wrapping paper and pulling box after box from the attic, but I know if I did not have lights around my house I would be disappointed. Wrapping presents is something I look forward to, but the aftermath... Not so much. Plus, being the more responsible of my parents’ children, I am generally in charge of more which means I am adding yet another thing to my to-do list. Nobody has time to focus on what to get their little cousin, or whose house they are going to with finals week breathing down all our necks. With study sessions, getting help from teachers, and trying to take a breather so we don’t have a panic attack, who has time to cook or go shopping? That is not what the holiday spirit is supposed to be about. Albeit ridiculous, there’s something about the weather getting colder that seems to make people more generous. I suppose less selfish would be a better phrase, but nonetheless. During the holidays, kindness flows out of people, charities receive more donations and people call their parents or old friends to wish them well. Why does this happen when we simply begin wearing thicker coats? I could not tell you, but that is just how it seems to work. Regardless, the point is that the holidays are a time for love and making sure the people you do love know that. It should not matter what gifts are under the tree, that your grandma asked why you’re single, or that the kitchen is a mess. What matters is coming together with those who make life worth living. Celebrating the year you have had, no matter the setbacks and realizing that there will always be someone in the world who would be more than grateful for your life. Making whatever moments you have with your family precious and being thankful for the life you have been given. It does not matter what is going on, everybody has something to be stressed about, so for just a day, realize that not everything is falling apart and that your life is what you make of it. Let those you love know it, and relish in the fact that you are cared for. Again, I do not know what makes people better when the roads freeze over, but whatever it is, cherish it. Use that seasonal joy to spread love and kindness through everything. Just because we are getting older does not mean we have to say “bah humbug.” Celebrate yourself and those you love.
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It shouldn’t matter what gifts are under the tree, that your grandma asked why you’re single, or that the kitchen is a mess. What matters is coming together with those who make life worth living.”
Graphic illustrations by Maddie Egerton DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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A&E
Christmas Around the World By: Grace Adamson
SOURCE: HISTORY.COM
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Mexico
2
Germany
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5
Argentina
France
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6
Itlay
Sweden
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Ukraine
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Greece
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Australia
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Ethiopia
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Piñatas are hung from the ceiling and are
2
Kids write letters to St. Nicholas asking
filled with candy and coins. Children take turns
for Christmas presents. They leave their shoes
hitting the piñata and then race to grab as many
outside with hay and carrots for St. Nicholas’s
3
Houses are decorated with lights, wreaths,
and flowers during the Christmas season.
Christmas trees of any kind are adorned with
treats as they can once it breaks. Poinsettias
horse. If the child has been good than on
are a popular decoration; the trend started
Christmas morning there will be nuts, apples
there are many fireworks going on throughout
in Mexico and spread to the United States of
and candy in their shoes. In the days before
neighborhoods.
America.
cotton balls to represent snow. At midnight
Christmas, treats such as sweet bread and spiced cookies are baked. Christmas trees originated in Germany and are still desired around the world.
4
Children go around to houses singing and
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Christmas is called Noel. Many people
reading poems. They wait until Jan. 6 to open
burn a log from Christmas to New Year’s Day.
their presents which are delivered by an old but
They do so to ensure they have a good harvest
kind witch. A popular treat during this time is
the next season.
a cake called panettone, stuffed with candied fruits. Manger scenes are a popular decoration in Italy.
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The Christmas season begins on Dec. 13,
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On Christmas, families have a 12 course
which is St. Lucia Day in Sweden. The oldest
meal. The dinner can begin when the youngest
daughter in the family wears a white dress, red
in the family sees the evening star.
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Gifts are exchanged on Jan 1. St. Basil’s
Day, which is the feast of their holy father,
Basil the Great. It is believed that goblins cause
sash, and a crown made of twigs and 9 candles,
mischief on the 12 days of Christmas.
She is called “Lucy Bride” for the day. At night everybody has a torch and the day is celebrated with a parade.
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Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25, which
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Christmas is celebrated on Jan.
falls into the summer months in Australia.
7 instead of Dec. 25. It is tradition to fast on
Going to the beach and having barbeques are
Christmas Eve. Many people wear a “shamma”,
common ways to celebrate. Christmas meals
a white toga with bright stripes on the bottom.
consist of ham, turkey, pork, or seafood.
During this celebration there are no gifts exchanged.
DEC. 2016
arapahoextra.com
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A&E
Holiday Horrors, Hilarity and High Jinx by Abigail Abigail Guadnola Guadnola
T
he holidays are usually a wonderful time filled with joy, family and fun. That all being said, things can also go terribly wrong. Children burn themselves with candle wax at Christmas Eve church services, trees fall, treasured objects break and absolute chaos occurs. Here are some of the funniest stories from our student body about Christmases past and the incidents that have occurred.
“When I was about 3 years old, my grandparents came down to visit for Christmas. My grandpa and my dad had this idea to surprise me. So my dad got me out of bed and told me he could hear Santa coming. He lifted me up to my bedroom window and told me to listen. Under the window, my grandpa was jingling bells. I thought it was Santas sleigh. I turned to my dad and screamed at him to put me back to bed. I told him that he should’ve known Santa wasn’t going to come if I was awake!!! I apparently threw myself into my bed and almost hit my head on the wall.“ -Emily Abernathy, Sophomore
“I snuck down stairs and opened all my presents then tried to rewrap them by the morning...I got caught.” -Anonymous Freshman
“My Uncle told me he caught Santa when I was 9 and I cried and didn’t talk to him for three months.”
“We were on our way to my grandparents house with the chile, which took all night and morning to make, and we hit a sharp turn and spilled it all! It was the worst!!!!” Lexie Romero, Sophomore
“My dad started a house project 2 hours before going to my grandma’s house for Christmas Eve.” Kali Barber, Senior
“One time my dog ran was so excited he was running around the house that he ran into the Christmas tree. It came falling down and broke all the ornaments!” -Anonymous Freshman
-Anonymous Junior
“My dog decided to chew up my glasses on Christmas Eve, so that was a pleasant surprise.” Alex Matlock, Junior
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“On Christmas we were driving to Texas from Colorado (12 hour drive) and nowhere was open so the only place we could get food was a gas station. Our Christmas dinner was Twinkies and breakfast burritos. We also got stopped by a cop because of our Colorado plates and they wanted to search our car. It was an interesting Christmas drive. “ -Anonymous Sophomore
“I think the funniest Christmas we had was when everyone sang every Christmas carol off key and in funny voices. My family was literally on the floor laughing!” -Anonmyus Sophomore
“I would say that the whole concept of going to sleep to wake up to gifts and stockings was pretty magical and frightening to me.” -Anonomyus Freshman
“Well, let’s see here... Oh yeah. My family room has a fireplace with two sliding glass doors. My family had an 8 year old boy who was desperate to get to his stocking but was too small to reach it. My family hung stockings above the fireplace with heavy metal decorative hooks. My family was asleep. The little boy was awake. You can see where this is going, right? Christmas morning, bright and early, WHAM, CRASH, “WAHHHH!” Glass shattered everywhere, little brother has one hairsized cut and is wailing like a beluga whale, and the whole family is plenty awake. Well, at least he got his stocking down.” -Alyssa Leiby, Junior
“Only scrooge knows my Christmas past.” -Ryan Nourse, Junior
“Something frightening? Grades falling faster than the snow.” -Anonomyus Sophomore
“Something frightening? Grades falling faster than the snow.” -Anonomyus Sophomore
“One year my family decided to get a really really tall Christmas tree and little did we know, when we put it up in our house it was lopsided. So in the middle of the night I heard a loud crash and went upstairs to find our Christmas tree fell over, ornaments and all. All in all there weren’t too many broken ornaments and we ended up being able to put the tree back up, but needless to say we will never again buy a super tall Christmas tree and we will always make sure it is centered.” -Katie Prazak, Junior
“My dad “gave the donut shop a drive-thru” on Christmas...aka he drove through a donut shop.” -Sarah Kelly, Freshman
“One time, my family was in Palm Beach for Christmas. We woke up to a house full of people. Turns out, a baby alligator had gotten into my aunt’s pool and they were trying to remove it before the rest of our family arrived. It was kind of cool but also a little weird.” -Bergen Schmidt, Senior
“Oncce, my pjs lit on fire before opening presents when I was 4.” -Kathleen Fedorowicz, Senior
“I slipped on the snowy hill at the park onto my sled, flew down the steep hill, went over a jump, flew off my sled and landed on my collarbone. Completely broke it clean in half Christmas Day of 2006. Thankfully I had opened presents before going sledding.” -Tatiana Beasley, Junior
A&E
“Once, at the FCA White Elephant Christmas party, I gave away a cast from when I broke my leg in 5th grade. It had been signed by a not-super-famous NBA player and the signature was worth like $10, but it was a full leg cast, so that was really gross, haha!” Electa Sutton, Senior
“One year my brother was sleeping in my room on Christmas Eve and he started screaming in his sleep and we all woke up and tried to wake him up. After we woke him up he sat up and looked at us with a confused look and said “Can we open presents yet?” He was totally calm and we all laughed about it..” -Taylor Berry, Freshman
“When I was in 4th grade, I lost my favorite stuffed animal, Lamby. I got a wrapped item from my mom, and it was kind of in the shape of Lamby, and I was so excited I got him back, only to find out it was just a stuffed Pokemon toy. I was so upset I started to cry and in the process I threw up my arms and the Pokemon toy flew out of my hand, and into the furnace, and it just was decimated!” -Jacob Gonzalez, Senior
”While we were going to the car after mass, my father slipped on ice. He had to be rushed to the hospital at two in the morning to get ten stitches in his lip.” -Kathleen Burns, Senior
DECEMBER 2016 arapahoextra.com
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WE SHALL OVERCOME... [FINALS]
What’s inside ‘Tis the Season... Benefits of Stress Standardized Testing Plagiarism and Cheating Survey Results Study Tips Reverse Classroom
INDEPTH
Tis’ The Season... for Stress by David DeBonis
How you can turn hair pulling and nail biting into raised grades and productive days
S
tress is a reaction your body has when it needs more strength, stamina, or alertness in order to confront a situation. The levels of stress in today’s society are at the highest levels they have ever been. Everyone hates it, but it must be understood that it is a natural response of the human body, and [in moderation] it can be useful in our day to day lives...
DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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Although you may not be able to control the stressors in your life, your stress levels are often dependent on your reaction to those stressors. These could be anything from that important test that you’re not prepared for, to the argument you had with your best friend. Regardless, your outlook on the situation directly affects the way in which the stress will affect you.
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Despite common thought, In moderate portions, ‘acute stress’ can actually be very beneficial to our productivity and efficiency. The hormones can offer focus, energy, and even motivation to help you through the task at hand.”
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The Effects of Stress
Stress is meant to drive you when you are confronted with a ‘Fight or Flight’ type situation. Your body release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These are meant to assist you with the strength, stamina, and focus required to overcome these pressurized situations. Many of us have stress and anxiety triggers in our everyday lives. When these stress hormones are overproduced, the human body tends to see negative effects such as increased blood pressure, headaches, and emotional distress. According to American Psychology Association, there are two major types of stress; there is ‘acute stress,’ and there is ‘chronic stress.’ Acute stress is caused by the small stressors that we experience everyday, such as the pressure of an assignment with a due date, or the worry associated with showing up late to work. On an individual basis, these small bursts of stress are harmless. They can actually be helpful. But when they occur frequently, the overload of stress hormones begin to overwhelm the body. This is when it becomes ‘chronic stress.’ Chronic stress is a common issue in our world because there are stresses associated with so many things-- school, work, relationships, finances-- that by the end of the day the body begins to breakdown. It also causes long termnegative side effects, such as depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and increased anger/irritability.
The Benefits of Stress
Despite common thought, In moderate portions, ‘acute stress’ can actually be very beneficial to our productivity and efficiency. The hormones can offer focus, energy, and even motivation to help you through the task at hand. As long as it isn’t overwhelming us, then it can actually help us through difficult situations in our lives. The effect that stress will have on your body is completely dependent on your reaction to the stressors you encounter. Viewing stress as a positive in your life and utilizing it to motivate you is essential in the process of overcoming those negative effects. After you adapt your perception to use stress to your advantage, you will see that stress can benefit you everyday. While you are fighting through finals week, use stress to motivate you. Extra pressure allows us to perform in an efficient and productive manner. It gives us the energy and drive to study, take tests, write papers, and finish projects. In the end we see that the stress only affects us in the manner that we let it. Will you let it consume you, or will you overcome the negative stigma and use it to your advantage?
INDEPTH
STRESS
DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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INDEPTH
Our System is Broken
by Hayden Peirce
Mr. Escue Discusses Flaws of Standardized Education s high schoolers, we all have to deal A with the burden of tests. From quizzes to final exams, tests are used as the primary
of the test, Escue allows students to work with each other and for the final portion he allows students to use whatever resources are tool to assess students in almost every available to them, including the internet. class. The question that surrounds testing is “I want to know what [my students] whether or not tests alone are effective means know, not what they don’t know. I feel like of measuring success. a traditional test just shows me what they While most teachers use tests at least don’t know. To me, it’s all about retention. I occasionally to gauge progress, some use honestly don’t care how much [students] can other methods to assess their students, such memorize and regurgitate back to me,” Escue as presentations, essays, or group projects. said. Most of us, it is fair to say, have accepted that Escue’s method of assessing students this is the system. We learn the material, do is designed with the intention that students the homework, and are then remember the information from assessed on it in some form. his class after the final while also A person who is enjoying the content rather than interested in and passionate being bored by it. We always preach about the material taught In Escue’s class, students never in a class might retain the have homework and are given the individuality, and say information they gain from option to opt out of any assignment. that everyone has If they choose to opt out, then the class for a long time afterwards. On the other their own mind, yet students create their own alternative hand, a person who is just we give them the assignment. going through the motions “To me, the problem with same test.” of school, remembering the education is standardization. We information for the final and always preach individuality, and say then forgetting it after they have no use for or that everyone has their own mind, yet we give interest in it. them the same test or assignment,” Escue To Mr. Rob Escue, social studies teacher, said. that pattern of learning the material for the In an ideal world, there would be no final only to forget it once school no longer standardization, however Escue does requires that you know it represents a broken acknowledge that for certain subjects it is education system. While Escue does give a difficult to adapt assessments as he does. variation of a test, he also has other means of In those particular subjects, there is truly no measuring students’ success. Those methods other practical way to assess students other include self-assessments, projects such as than a test. making personal budgets and doing a stock While Escue, along with many others, market simulation and more. hope that standardization in our education The test that Escue gives is not at all system begins to fade away, he acknowledges traditional; instead of having his students that it is unlikely that all, if any teachers will sit down and fill in bubbles on a scantron adopt similar methods to his. At least for now, for an hour, he breaks the test up into three the system remains as it has always been. components. The first few minutes of a test are traditional, where students answer questions on their own. For the next portion
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Plagiarism and Cheating by Chiara Kovar
The pressure to succeed has many complications. Students want to do a good job when they are doing something but at the same time they do not want to put in the work and effort. Whether we want to admit it or not, everyone has either thought about cheating on an exam or has actually followed through with it. There seems to be no end as to how far students will go to get the highest grade, without doing the work. Some of the reasons why students are so open and willing to cheat include:
Safety net: Students use cheating as an extra sort of padding, sometimes, they stay up very late into the night studying for an exam, but have an extra cheat sheet to help them get through just in case.
Academic pressures: other students are cheating... so why can’t I? There are too many tests in a single day and too many things to remember. These pressures often cause students to cheat.
Believing it is quoting: What is the difference between plagiarism and quoting? Quoting is copying down something that someone said word for word, putting the phrase in quotation marks and citing where you got that phrase from. An easy way to avoid plagiarism is to quote and cite where you got the information from. Make sure to give the person or website credit for something you got offline.
Non-academic pressures: Pressure to succeed from your parents, having a job leaves no time to study, and getting good grades needed to graduate and get a good job are all factors that lead to cheating. There might be a lack of effort in the student which causes them to cheat. Also, opportunities might present themselves such as: the teacher left the room in the middle of the exam, another student nearby did not cover up their paper and the teacher was not paying close attention.
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I also make more of an effort to do assinments that aren’t as easily found on the internet. That’s partly why I do work time in class because in theory, kids whould have so much time in class that there’s no reason to plagiarize.” -Kendra Ackerman, Language Arts Department
Facts
These statistics and facts were taken from the “Academic Cheating Fact Sheet” authorized by the Educational Testing Service
- 73 percent of all test takers, including prospective graduate students and teachers agree that most students do cheat at some point. 86 percent of high school students agreed as well. - Students who cheat often feel justified in what they are doing. They cheat because they see others cheat and they think they will be unfairly disadvantaged. The cheaters are getting 100 percents on the exam, while the noncheaters may only get 90 percents. DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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Survey Results: How 357 students responded to the survey from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6
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by Rory O’Donnell
INDEPTH
Stressed is Arapahoe Do Athletics/Sports Create Stress?
46.7%
Sometimes
27.8%
No Yes
25.4%
DECEMBER 2016
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Nine study tips for finals by Lea Wolff
The time for finals is here. Time for stress and anxiety as we try to prepare for finals in various ways. Ways which include but are not limited to procrastination, empty prayers begging for mercy, cramming, and completely giving up and not studying at all. Luckily, finals week will end and we can all take a moment to relax. For now though, a holiday gift is given to you from the Arapahoe staff on how to prepare for finals.
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“I always tell my students not to cram but to prepare over the duration of the semester. Ask for help if they need it. [Studying] a little at a time rather [than] trying to do two or three hours the night before I think is important.” –Melissa Smart, World Languages Dept.
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¨Start reviewing early and mix up your study methods. The more neurological connections you make to the material, the better you will remember it!¨ – Rebecca Monson, World Languages
Dept.
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“Always ask yourself ‘why’. If you can answer, then you know what you are talking about.” – Sarah McGeorge, Science Dept.
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¨Prioritize and use your time after finals wisely. If you can begin studying early (10 mins a night) do so and final weeks will seem less overwhelming.¨ – Jeremy Hawthorne, Social Studies Dept.
“If it is an essay, make sure you have your ideas prepared before you go in to write the essay. Make sure you’ve done the reading and if there’s terminology make sure you review it thoroughly using flashcards.” – James Neenan, Language Arts Dept.
“Always make sure you get enough sleep the night before. A lot of time in mathematics we give multiple choice finals. Being a good multiple choice test taker would come down to being able to eliminate answers you know are wrong.” – Jon Thurmond, Math Dept.
“It always helped me as a student to write on top of the test at the beginning major formulas, or dates or concepts that are gonna be talked. I [didn’t] have to recall it. It’s just written at the top of the test.” – Charlene Brock, Study Center
¨Go back through notes. Do several problems from each unit to make sure you remember the basics. Ask questions in class for each problem that you did on your own, that you have forgotten how to solve. Come in for help.¨ – Alejandro Tyler, Math Dept.
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“I think one of the big things that impacts grades is a student’s anxiety when they’re trying to take that test. If you’re anxious you can’t think clearly. When that anxiety comes up just breathe through it.” – Charlene Brock, Study Center HERALD
INDEPTH by Lea Wolff
DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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The Reverse Classroom An Interview with Mr. Lutz by Emily Koke
Q: A:
What is a “reverse classroom”?
A “reverse” or “flipped” classroom is a method of teaching that has students watching lectures and taking core content notes at home. During class, students spend time on discussions and homework. Why might student driven learning be better than a lecture period? What might be some drawbacks? There are several benefits of student driven learning compared to lecture. First, students are able to watch the lectures at a time that they are conducive to learning as well as at their own pace. In a traditional classroom, a teacher relies on all students being attentive for the duration of the lecture to take notes and process the new information. If you have a first period class, maybe you aren’t able to stay “tuned in” for the duration of the lecture… or maybe your lecture class is right after lunch when you get a bit sleepy while your food is digesting. The inability to remain attentive in either of these scenarios, plus a multitude of others, means that you are missing some of the core content. Having pre-recorded lectures allows to students to watch at a time when they are ready to process the information. Whether you are ready to take notes during your unscheduled 3rd hour or at 9pm at night, you can get the notes when you are most receptive to processing and learning the information. Having pre-recorded lectures also allows students to pause, rewind, and rewatch any segments that don’t make sense the first time through. You can also stop and process the information before the next big idea is presented. The second aspect of this style of teaching that I find very useful is that it frees up additional time to show chemical demonstrations during class. One of the greatest aspects of teaching chemistry is that there are so many engaging ways to reinforce the content by showing the chemistry actually functioning. It is difficult to look at an equation on paper and know what that reaction looks like in reality. Having students walk in the door already exposed to the core content enables me to spend time supporting that content with demonstrations and discussions… truly showing the chemistry in action. The final aspect of this style I find most useful is that students are not asked to leave the room to work on all of their practice problems, traditionally the “homework”, without
Q: A:
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support. Giving students time in class to do their practice work allows them to ask questions as they arise. No matter how many times I’ve tried in lecture to forewarn students of the standard pitfalls of a specific type of problem, it isn’t until that student is working the problem and encounters the pitfall that they are primed to understand the solution. What inspired you to use this teaching technique? Was this always your goal or were you introduced to it? I decided to try this technique after realizing it would help overcome a few obstacles I had identified while teaching. First, there is a large amount of content to cover each semester. I can easily spend the entire class period lecturing. Unfortunately this does not allow enough time for enrichment, such as cool chemical demonstrations, or for student Q & A while doing their practice work. I also found that most students can take notes on their own, but working chemistry problems is another story. Often students would go home, and either do all of their work incorrectly or run into a problem they didn’t know how to do and quit. By having students working problems in class, I am available to answer questions as they arise and keep students moving along the right track. It is not useful to spend an hour or more outside of class working problems incorrectly. It reinforces the wrong way of solving problems and is truly a waste of time. Another problem that this technique helps to overcome is that our current lecture based model of teaching is unsupportive of the type of learning and thinking students will need to employ outside of school. In my non-teaching work experience, it was rare to sit in front of an “expert” and have them tell you everything you need to know. Typically I was given a project to complete with a due date. I had to be organized and self-directed, as well as find answers to problems that presented themselves along the way. Many of the solutions were found by locating online and offline resources, dissecting the information provided, and implementing the solution. Using this type of problem solving I have been able to fix my own broken home appliances as well as create a defect management database and reporting system for the software development team at the phone company in Illinois… and I have never been lectured to about home appliance repair or anything related to computer science.
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Q: A:
Does this learning environment work for every kind of student?
I personally believe this kind of learning can work for all students who are willing to give it an honest attempt. Some students are frustrated at first because it is different than their typical class experience. The main problem I have encountered is with students who don’t buy into taking notes from pre-recorded presentations as their homework. Those who resist the method show up to class unprepared for enrichment and practice. The secondary problem I witness is no different than in a traditional classroom model... students who have poor organizational skills and who lack motivation to learn. Thankfully this model enables me to watch students attempt their work and diagnose those issues.
Q: A:
What is the general student response to this? Do students tend to utilize the time given to work or do they take advantage of it? For the most part students adapt quickly and perform on average as well as my past classes when I taught a traditional lecture style course. However the overwhelming response I hear from students who have graduated and gone on to college, is that this style has prepared them for the kind of thinking and learning they are required to do in college. The self discipline, self motivation, organizational skills, and ability to learn content from available resources supported in the flipped classroom are assets that can help lead to future academic success. Since my job is not only to teach chemistry to students, but also to prepare those students for their futures, I know this style is valuable. There are students that do not utilize their time wisely in class, and typically these students perform below their ability level. This will happen regardless of teaching style. Unfortunately there are always going to be students who lack focus and urgency with regard to their education. With the flipped classroom approach I can witness directly the reason that some students underperform and reach out to them with the appropriate interventions.
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OPINIONS
Why I’m Ashamed by Xavier Maier
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am ashamed. Yes, this is about the election. But no, this isn’t just another whine-fest about Trump winning; I’ve already gotten that out of my system. This is about the people who largely share the same views as me doing things that no American should ever do. I don’t care how upset you are; you cannot burn the flag of a country that has given you all you have, a flag that so many people have traded their lives for so the rest of us could keep waving it. You cannot riot or say “the system is broken” when the person you are protesting said the exact same thing to garner pity that he was (or so it seemed) losing. That is ridiculous, unprompted, and exactly the kind of hate that got Trump elected. I’m all for expression through the First Amendment, and I encourage protest, but not when it insults a country that still has so much good despite electing a president who may as well already be impeached. That is why I am ashamed. I understand being upset. Believe me, I’m just as upset as the next guy that we have racist, misogynistic Creamsicle strutting into office this coming January, and I’m not really happy with our country either. But I am also doing my best to understand. Most of the people who voted for Trump are not intolerant pigs like their president-elect appears to be. They have valid views and many good reasons for making the decision that they did. I don’t share those views. In fact, until recently, I was acting under anger so intense that I had a genuine desire to suppress the opinions of those who support Trump. But giving in to the kind of intolerance that I’m so afraid will run rampant under Trump’s reign is not the way to stop it. A man who boasts about sexually assaulting women will be the next president. A man who was repeatedly sued for systematically discriminating against African-American tenants in his apartment complexes will be the next president. A man who cannot take criticism for his plethora of unacceptable actions and words without responding like a petulant child will be the next president. A man who scammed people out of millions of dollars for his self-titled “university” (yes, Trump is as much of a criminal as Hillary is alleged to be) will be the next president. A man who campaigned on excluding an entire major religion from a country founded on religious tolerance will be the next president. This is all true, regardless of political affiliation, and I don’t like it. But you won’t see me trying to incite civil war by saying things like “he’s not MY president.” He
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is your president. He is everyone in America’s president. Sure, he needs to condemn spreading hate in his name before I will have a shred of respect for him. No, I don’t think it’s even remotely okay to use his economic policies or a hatred of Hillary to justify voting for and ratifying Trump’s actions. But other people do, and it was enough people to elect him president. Personally, I believe the electoral college was implemented precisely to prevent candidates like Trump from being elected. However, it happened for a reason other than a new White Power movement, and to believe that’s the only reason is naive and untrue. You don’t have to agree with Trump or his supporters. As I’ve made blatantly obvious in my article, I hate the man with a passion that parallels his passion for building walls. Even so, you can’t show them the same kind of hate that you fear. Racism still exists, true, and sexism is likely even more prevalent. But very, very few of Trump’s supporters genuinely want to send America back to the ‘50s. It is worth understanding and considering that their reasons are largely based on foreign policy, economic policy, and a desire to see something change in our great country. I am not proud to call Donald Trump my president, but I will not continue to allow myself to hate over it. That only accelerates what I don’t want to happen. In order to prevent such radical views from swinging into office in the form of a toupee-toting baked potato again, an effort needs to be made to find middle ground and compromise between both parties. As Obama reminded Americans after whom I once believed to be the next Hitler was elected, “we are all on the same team.” That’s right: Team America. If we want what’s best for this country, we have to treat it like a child with one parent who is laid-back and lenient and one who is strict and wants the kid to grow up the same way the parent did. With some issues, we give the child free reign to make their own decisions and learn from the consequences, good or bad. In others, we lay down the law with an iron fist and stick to tradition. If this country is to progress into adulthood, we have to combine liberal views and conservative views. So what do you want to do? Do you want to divorce your spray-tanned spouse and leave the child to burn? Or do you want to find an understanding and raise the child to become the land of tolerance and power that Grandpa Washington and Pop Jefferson always wanted? It’s your choice.
I am not proud to call Donald Trump my president, but I will not continue to allow myself to hate over it.”
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Dear Board of Education
OPINIONS
Abigail Guadnola
It is time to reevaluate the standards in education
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have a serious question: Are we really truly learning? I’m genuinely asking, this isn’t me giving the same rant every teacher has heard millions of times and every student has spat after failing an exam. I think it is time we all sit down and have a genuine and honest conversation about education and its practicality in the 21st century. My issue with education now is mainly that it has become an old, worn and beat up game: Lecture. Notes. Memorize. Test. Repeat. Instead of truly learning, we play the game so we can get a good grade so we can move on to the things we actually care about. We sit each day in rows and listen to the subject matter politicians say we need to learn, we speed through material in order to meet state and federal standards and in the process, students are left behind. This is an issue. As a student, it is frustrating when teachers speed through material and are unable to slow down because everything must be covered in order to meet state and federal standards. It’s absurd that these hoops outweigh students in the grand scheme of education, it infuriates me. Shouldn’t we be focusing on the students, ensuring they understand the material before we push them onto the next concept that builds on the previous one? From my perspective, it seems like the system is setting us up for failure. For example, I am an English, History and Performing Arts student, I’m not a science or math student. I need more time to grasp concepts in STEM subjects, time I don’t receive because the quantity of my education outweighs the quality. That’s not to say I have bad teachers or receive a poor education, I have amazing teachers most of which I believe genuinely want to help me succeed and be the best I can be. However, there isn’t much those teachers can do for me when they have to meet expectations beyond their control, they can’t slow down. The bottom line is standardization harms both teachers and students.
Not only does the standardization frustrate me, education and schools themselves haven’t been updated to meet the needs of the modern world. Schools are designed the way they are
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My issue with education now is mainly that it has become an old, worn and beat up game: Lecture. Notes. Memorize. Test. Repeat.”
because the intent was to train students for life in a factory. Each student sits in a row and works at their own station, the bell rings and they move on to the next group of rows and stations. This form of education is no longer practical, most students aren’t going into a career based in a factory. Why are we still pretending this is the industrial age? Our world has seen hundreds of revolutionary inventions and advancements in almost every field, every field except education. At what point do we decide that we are no longer okay with our complacency? Aspects of education are fine, I personally don’t mind a bell system. I think the bell system is helpful and keeps everyone on task. Sitting in rows listening to someone talk at me, that’s not. Class shouldn’t be sitting in a desk for an hour,
hearing a lecture, maybe asking some questions, receiving homework and then moving on and repeating it the next hour. Many might read this piece and simply hear a whiny teenager. However unlike my peers, I have a solution. Classes need to be based on how students learn with few, select classes that intermingle the learning styles. What I mean is the students who show what they’ve learned best by writing essays should have a class where they write. Students who like to present should have classes that are grade by presentations and speeches. Every student should learn how to exemplify what they learn in different forms but shouldn’t be penalized for an inability to learn a specific way. I think we should test the idea of seating students in semi circles or in a way that is more open and flowing rather than the blocks of desks we have now. It may also prove to be beneficial to make classes more discussion or conversation oriented, or at least providing that opportunity for students that wish to have it. Students need time to openly process, to discover and to learn on their own. My algebra two teacher never told us the answers, he made us work for them. It was annoying, and though I still struggle with algebra. I understand it better because he made me try, something most of my teachers don’t make me do. Instead of answering, explaining and asking “does that make sense?” it serves students better to make them work for their answer. They certainly retain more. I don’t know if all, or even some, of my ideas are practical, and reworking education will take time and effort. However the rewards will absolutely surpass the drawbacks. If school is going to prepare us for the future, the system needs to be thrown away and recreated. It doesn’t matter if this is the way things have always been, when something is broken it must be fixed. Our future depends on the youth, it’s time to start acting like it. DECEMBER 2016
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Christmas: Not Just for Christians D by Vivianna DeNittis
isclaimer: I am not anti-Christian, and neither is this article. In today’s society, Christmas simply is not a Christian holiday anymore. This might be contradictory, because “Christ” is in the name, but I would argue that strawberries have the word “berry” in the name, but they are not actually berries. Words can evolve from their original meaning and shift to better fit a new age. People do celebrate Christmas to glorify and worship Christ, but there are so many more reasons for people to celebrate it. Christmas is commercialized. The original meaning from the immaculate conception of Jesus as a sign of hope and rebirth is lessened to nothing more than long lines on Black Friday for great deals and a fat man in a red suit. Big companies bank off of this season and make more profits than any other time of the year. The Christmas season has turned into bustling stores, holiday promotions and endless gushy commercials. Christmas should be about the spirit of giving. Even though I think that Christmas is overly commercialized, I love the positive change I see in people during this season. People are generally nicer. It is a time where we get to tell people how we feel about them and reach out to talk with family. People spend time shopping for the perfect gift for all of their loved ones. It is a time of giving back to the community. People volunteer at soup kitchens or go present shopping for less fortunate families or donate to local charities. Christmas is less about the story of Christ, but rather about what we can do to make others happy.
You do not have to be Christian to participate in the Christmas season. You can enjoy the Christmas songs and jam out with all of your friends to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You,” at full volume. You can enjoy all of the touching movies about this season, while you are all cuddled up under bundles of blankets and enjoying hot cocoa. Seeing Santa Claus and spreading Christmas cheer around is something for all to enjoy. I would say Christmas is not Christian, not because I am antiChristianity, but because I am pro-Christmas. It has positive aspects that everyone should feel included in. I am a proud supporter of this season and would never be ashamed of that, but I believe we need to shift our view of this holiday.
ChristmasMusic: The Classics Live On
by Lauren David
D
ecember is upon us. Snow is falling, lights are being hung and Christmas is officially in full swing. Whether you are the grinch, or the person in a reindeer sweater and Santa socks, there is one thing we all cannot avoid this time of year: Christmas music. It is truly inescapable, radio stations have been blaring holiday songs since the dawn of Thanksgiving. Have you ever noticed that most songs played, such as “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey (1994), “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano (1970), and “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms (1987), are classics that your parents listened to when they were younger? Christmas is full of traditions, such as having presents under the tree on the morning of December 25th, stockings hung over the fireplace, and
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listening to the decades-old songs played every year. Yes, there are Christmas songs by popular artists that roll out each December, but they are not exactly new. Nowadays, very few original holiday songs are written and released, just different variations of these age old classics. But it’s okay, since the traditional songs still thrive each year. It is an unspoken tradition, from the moment these songs came out they have been played non-stop each November and December, bringing holiday cheer to all. Without Christmas music, the world will fall into a black void where no bells are ringing or children are singing. The spirit of Christmas thrives on these musical treats, just like children thrive on jumping down the stairs in joy and ripping open their presents before the parents even have their morning cup of coffee. Although by the time Christmas arrives, everyone is dying to hear or see something not related to Christmas because when December 26th comes, everything Christmas-related is out the door.
EDITORIAL
Thoughts on Proposition 106 This editorial represents the views of the majority of the Herald staff
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n November 8, 2016, Election Day, Coloradans voted on a variety of bills for raising minimum wage, “Coloradocare” (an extension of Obamacare), and assisted suicide rights. Proposition 106, the new bill, made the choice to end a terminally ill patient’s life legal, under very specific conditions. Many opponents of the proposition, whose opinions are most often tied to their own personal or religious beliefs, preach that no human has the right to take anyone’s life, including their own. Proposition 106 does not trivialize suicide. It provides distinct guidelines which prevent abuse of the system. The patient must know they will die within six months and have it confirmed by two physicians in both a written and oral manner at least 15 days apart, be over 18, be a resident of Colorado, and be mentally sound enough to ask for the medicine themselves. One major difference between committing suicide due to depression and physician-assisted suicide is merely an issue of quality of life versus longevity. Is it preferable to have a longer life (by only months with more suffering, or a slightly shorter, more enjoyable one? Keeping in mind that the patient must have a maximum of six months left to live, consider the fact that it is quite rare to have a person who wants to keep on suffering for longer than the years and years they already have, funneling more and more money into keeping themselves alive when many would prefer to die peacefully. One important fact to remember is that physician-assisted suicide gives terminally ill patients the option to die on their
own terms with less suffering. There are also considerations for the well-being of the families who must face the consequences of terminal illness. Without physician-assisted suicide, the family may watch for months to years as the life leaves their loved one’s eyes. While it is certainly difficult to hear that a family member has made the decision to leave this world, it is undoubtedly better than the agonizing suffering of a loved one. In the case that a patient wants to end their life against their family’s wishes, the amendment still provides them with the ability to control their situation. Many argue that the patient’s family should also have a say in the matter. However, it is rather inhumane to keep someone alive against their will when they are not really living and would most likely prefer to die anyway. Another important matter to keep in mind is the humaneness of making someone suffer for longer than they already have rather than letting them pass peacefully. Not everyone agrees with the bill, and that is okay. However, that does not mean that anybody should get to deny someone else the right. The wonderful thing about this law, and many others like it, is that no one is forced to use it. What matters is that the choice may be applied if the patient so chooses. Physician-assisted suicide is an important step in becoming a more humane country in which citizens can better the quality of their lives.
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HEALTH
Feeling the Burn: A Look Inside Hot Yoga by Henry Kline
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t is getting cold outside and people are searching for a new way to work out - a way to mix things up. Going to a crowded gym everyday gets old and loses its appeal, while going for an outdoor run in the frigid cold is never enjoyable. I myself have come across this issue every year for many years now. Luckily, I have stumbled across a new way to get my move on: hot yoga. Hot yoga was developed by a man named Bikram Choudhury to combine 26 poses with the heat that, according to Choudhury, would help “practice your postures optimally”. Studios around America are popping up teaching the basics of Chourdhury’s practice and encouraging lifelong yoga practice. I recently attended my first class with a good friend and yoga enthusiast Payton Moody. Payton, a junior, has been practicing hot yoga for several years now and loves the many benefits she gets from her classes.
Henry: Where do you practice your hot yoga? Payton: CorePower on Hampden and Happy Canyon. H: What brought you there and to the practice of hot yoga? P: My Dad and I thought it would be something fun to do together and we decided to give it a try. H: Have you been doing it for long? P: Yeah, we started probably about two years ago-ish. We usually go on the weekends, I really like going on Sunday because then I start my week off de-stressed. We usually go after my swimming to their candlelight class from 8:15 to 9:15 which is super convenient. H: Did you start out with the beginner classes and work your way up or did you have knowledge coming into it? P: (laughing) That is what we should have done, I don’t know why but we kinda just jumped right into this super hard class and then we didn’t come back for like a month because it scared me off.
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Don’t focus on anything other than yourself, if you get caught up in other things it defeats the purpose.”
H: What role does the teacher play in your experience?
P: Honestly, I am always amazed they can remember all the traditional names for the poses (laughing), but my favorite thing about the teachers is they always start the class with a focus and the focus is always something different, a story, a special yoga tip, wisdom, that sort of thing.
H: What is your favorite focus you’ve ever received? P: They are all really good. This one time the teacher told us
that yoga is not about getting to the end, it is not about the benefits you’ll get after class, it is about enjoying it during the practice, in the moment. I really connected to that I guess. H: What are your favorite things about hot yoga? P: Sweating everything out and feeling better, the way it calms your mind, relaxes you, that sort of thing. H: How does your practice enrich and translate into your everyday life? P: It helps me drop everything I’m doing and focus on myself. Sometimes I think I focus too much on others instead of taking time to worry about myself. I love how it is not a competition; so much of life is a competition and this is just a personal thing. It is not you versus someone else, it is a you for you type of experience. I feel like it is a super personal experience and I like that. H: I have to ask, do you really like the heat? What is it like? P: No, actually. Well, it is not the worst. On one hand I don’t because it is hot and all, but on the other side I like it because I sweat, like really sweat, I like how I feel clean after I finish. H: Have you learned things about yourself from practicing hot yoga? P: I learned I need to spend more time doing things for myself rather than on what others want me to do. I have awful balance, I definitely learned that one. I guess I also didn’t realize how great of cross training for swimming it would be. H: What what is your favorite pose? P: Parivrtta Utkatasana [revolved chair pose]. I really like how the twisting and lengthening of the spine works together. It feels really good. H: Would you recommend hot yoga to others? And would you have any advice for them? P: Yes, I would definitely recommend it. The advice I’d give them would be, don’t go to an actually hard class the first time. Also, I would say don’t focus on anything other than yourself, if you get caught up in other things it defeats the purpose. Especially don’t focus on the other people in class because that takes away from what is going on on your own mat. DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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Winter Activities
By Anna McCollister
1. Pastry shop (Manna Bakery and Deli) 2. Ice skating (South Suburban Ice Arena) 3. Ice skating (The Ice Ranch) 4. Pastry shop (The Market at Larimer Square) 5. Go to a play (Clifford Still Museum) 6. Go to a play (Arvada Center for the Arts and Humaities) 7.Go to a play (Garner Galleria Theatre) 8. Pasty shop (Honey B’s Macaroons) 9. Ice skating (Family Sports Ice Arena)
1. Ice climbing (Leadville) 2. Ice climbing (Vail) 3. Winter hiking (Roxborough State Park) 4. Winter hiking (Emerald Lake) 5. Winter camping (Mueller State Park) 6. Winter camping (Lost Creek Wilderness) 7. Winter camping (Great Sand Dunes) 8. Winter camping (Wolf Creek Pass)
Physical: Finding motivation to go to the gym is often tough at any point in the year and going on a run in the winter is not an activity that most want to do. However, there are many other physical activities that you may not have thought about to keep you active this winter! • Ice climbing: Whether you are a first time climber or you go every other week, Apex Mountain School takes trips in which you can experience an adventure you may never have thought possible.
Social: Snowy cold days often make people want to isolate themselves inside, try some of these activities with your friends to make the most out of this winter. • Go to a play: It’s warm, it’s entertaining, and it can help break your Netflix and chill routine. • Visit a pastry shop: Deliciousness is never overrated, plus a warm pastry might help release those winter chills.
• Winter hiking: If you enjoy hiking in the summer, you will love hiking in the winter. Walking around in nature • Winter camping: It may sound cold, but amidst falling snow is breathtaking. adventure is always calling. A chilly excursion with your friends may make everyone closer than ever. • Ice-skating: “Walking on water” is bound to be exciting. Besides, ice-skating can be fun no matter if you • Play a winter sport outside: Kickball can are good or bad at it. be very entertaining if you wear enough layers and are not afraid to slide through the snow. • Hit the slopes: If you have been skiing/snowboarding before, you know how fun it can be. If you have • Decorate cookies: Cookies are fun to not, I highly recommend trying. The sport itself is truly decorate, but even more enjoyable to eat afterwards. unique and unlike anything you have experienced before. Maybe throw in a friendly cookie-decorating contest to spice things up. 32 HERALD THE
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How to Stay Happy and Healthy All Winter Long by Abby Caster
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he temperature may be low, but that does not mean your outlook has to be. There are many simple ways to stay happy and motivated. Use these three tips
and tricks to stay sunny all winter long, without having to go to the beach!
Exercise Regularly
Winterize your workout! Getting motivation to workout in the winter can be tough, but exercise boosts your mood. Write down your exercise schedule on your phone at the beginning of the week and stick to your schedule! Be realistic with your goals so you are more likely to stick to them!
Spend Time with Friends
When it is cold outside, it is easy to want to stay in your room and watch Netflix. But humans aren’t meant to hibernate in their rooms all winter! Socializing is a simple way to boost your mood. Surrounding yourself with people you love is a great way to stay happy.
Get into the Holiday Spirit Spend time doing all of the activities the season has to offer. Go ice skating and drink hot chocolate. It is proven that when you embrace what is happening around you, you allow yourself to be happy and appreciate your surroundings.
Stress and Athletics Do sports and athletics relieve high school stress? by Kendra Sullivan
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igh school students suffer from stress and anxiety and find themselves trying to figure everything out in the four short years before college. The last step before adulthood is full of anxiety and worries about the future. Students have to balance academics with activities they are interested in. They handle school, homework and jobs. Not to mention figuring out a social life, which everyone needs to be successful in school and in life. Even with all these tasks, students are still expected to do a sport or activity in their school. Can athletics be helpful to students to relieve stress?
Experts say that working out help to lessen the stress load, but adding another responsibility can create a School new type of stress. A survey sent out to all Arapahoe students showed, Social Situations unsurprisingly, that most students stress Family about school. When asked if athletics Friends and sports reduced stress, 46% of Relationships students said yes. However, when asked Extra Curricular if sports and athletics create stress, 25% Body Image said yes, 27% said no, and 46% said Jobs sometimes. Some of the reasons given Other were that sports were a distraction, there was not enough time for homework, and the pressure that teams and coaches place on athletes. DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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INFO
The Science of Snowakes by Emily Koke
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nowflakes are winter’s hieroglyphics. They paint intricate patterns that tell the story of their creation and whimsical joy in our hearts. Snowflakes flutter through the crisp air, laying kisses on your rosy cheeks but rarely inspiring the question of where they come from. A popular misconception is that snowflakes are simply frozen raindrops; however, this is untrue. A snowflake is water vapor that transforms into ice by completely skipping the liquid stage. This nascent occurrence can create many different styles of snowflakes, the most common being the Stellar Dendrites, which have radial symmetry. The hexagonal water crystals that are a seemingly perfect example of uniqueness
and symmetry twiddle through the air and collect water molecules. These molecules accumulate along the corners and connect the six facets. They then cystallize depending on the humidity, temperature and extremeness of the weather. Sculpted by chance, these developed snowflakes fall to the ground and find their place among the innumerous amount of other snowflakes. Though these fleeting gems seem completely organized, they are created in the least organized conditions. Snowflakes create whimsies of uniqueness while still remaining chaotic. In a whirlwind of chance and beauty, these fairy-like particles tickle our imagination and provide us with a brilliant wonderland.
graphic illistration credited to Emily Koke
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How to Stay Warm This Winter Delia Guilbert
INFO
Winter in Colorado is not quite what it used to be. Urban development and global warming aside, there are still plenty of creative ways to stay cozy when the weather outside is not so delightful. Opening up blinds and curtains during the day lets in sunlight, which helps heat your house. Leave the windows closed, though, or you will be letting out more heat than you trap.
Oftentimes the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures in winter is drastic. Being able to remove heavier coats and sweaters is a relief. As a bonus, the idea that excess layers can be taken off inside makes wearing warm clothes sound much more appealing.
Though often either overlooked or used solely to accessorize, scarves are versatile, quick, generally cheap, and are unparalleled in the world of neck warmth. Cozy and snug, but not as restricting as a turtleneck, scarves are a wonderfully warm way to accessorize on chilly days.
The theory that most of your body heat exits through your head has been proven false. However, leaving it uncovered is still one of the largest obstructions to warmth. By wearing a hat or hood, less of your skin is exposed to icy wind and frigid temperatures, leaving you warmer, more comfortable, and all around more equipped to spend time outside in some of the coldest months of the year.
The main benefit of lotion may be hydrated, pleasant smelling skin, but the thin layer of oil does help retain some body heat.
While most people already have a sturdy pair of boots to keep feet warm outside, it’s easy to stay warm indoors by putting on a pair of thick socks. Socks are great for insulating, but make sure to change them occasionally, as sweaty feet actually make you colder.
Although perhaps not energy efficient, using a hair dryer to blow warm air on your clothes before you wear them is an easy way to start the day. DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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INFO Photo by Sarah Cherin
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Photo by Me gan N guyen Photo by Kw anzaa Estab lishm ent
The holiday season consists of more than Christmas, with the inclusion of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. The majority of the nation is familiar with the adorned tree, wreath, and garland that are associated with Christmas. Other holidays are often overlooked. In order to be more knowledgeable of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, and Kwanzaa, an African holiday, knowing the symbolic object pertaining to each celebration will educate upon these cultures. It is important to consider those who celebrate other holidays this season and not just Christmas. A known symbol used during Hanukkah is the Menorah, a nine- branched candelabra, significant to the history of Hanukkah. Formally called the “Hanukkiah”, this object n ye contributes to celebrating the victory of the Jews when they revolted against foreign dictators in 168gu N n 165 B.C. When constructing the temple, the leader of the Jews, Judah the Maccabee, needed the Menorah ga Me to burn without end, but there was only enough olive oil to last a night. Miraculously, it lasted eight days, and y b so the Menorah is traditionally burned throughout the eight-day celebration in honor of this event. During this period, the Menorah is placed by the window. The middle candle, called the “shamash”, is the only candle lit on the first day. Each day, one additional candle is lit at sunset using the flame of the shamash, beginning at the far right. This repeats for eight days until Hanukkah is concluded. Unlike a lot of holidays, Kwanzaa is not derived from a religion but focuses on African-American values. Based on sevenday African harvest celebrations, there are seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. One of the many symbolic objects is the Kikombe Cha Umoja or Unity Cup. Within a closeknit family environment, each member of the family drinks from this chalice tin representation of harmony in the family. The ritual reminds those who celebrate Kwanzaa of what it means to be a part of a community and that there is a certain degree of responsibility associated with it. For example, it is important to know that one’s actions affect those around them and one must always be aware not to disrupt harmony. As one out of the seven values in the Kwanzaa holiday, the Unity Cup celebrates the structure of a community. Though not superior, Christmas is the most popular celebration during the holiday season. The depicting object is no doubt the Christmas tree, a major icon of the modern celebration. The history of the tree dates back to pagan beliefs. Back then, the time between December 25th through the middle of January consisted of the most brutal winter days. People brought evergreen trees into their homes in order to bless stamina, will, and strength that would get them through the severely cold winter. It was later that Christianity adapted the tree and dubbed it as a version of the Tree of Life. After this event, the tree began to be decorated. As time evolved, the decorations turned into lights and ornaments found on the modern Christmas tree. December can easily be thought of as only the “Christmas” season when, there are other celebrations to be considered. Just as different symbols represent varying principles, different people value varying holidays. So, take into consideration the diversity of culture and create a warm, welcoming season of all holidays.
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DIY Christmas Presents
by Murielle Hecomovich
Christmas is a time for giving and family. But sometimes buying gifts for your relatives can become expensive. This holiday season save your wallet and put the most creative gifts under the tree with these do-it-yourself gifts your family will actually want to receive. 1) Custom Kitchen Utensils Supplies: Wooden Utensils, Craft Paint, Painter’s Tape, Paint Brush a. Starting from the top of the handle, measure down five inches. Make a tiny mark with a pencil. Place the top of your painter’s tape on the mark. b. Using your chosen paint colors, apply the paint to each utensil handle. Apply the paint by brushing away from the painter’s tape to avoid paint getting underneath the tape. Tip: Use a baking rack to place the utensils on while they dried. This allows you to paint both sides at once and for a quicker drying time.
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4 3) Homemade cards Supplies: Blank Cards, Paints, Stickers, Pictures, anything you want to decorate the cards with. a. Choose a blank card or piece of paper for your base. b. Choose layering pieces to add to the top of your card. Try to add something personal to the person you are giving your cards to, like a picture, or things that would remind them of a memory together. c. Add splashes of color, and bring the final piece together.
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2) Hand warmers Supplies: Whatever fabric you have in your house, scissors, pinking shears (optional), sewing machine or needle, long pins, rice, and thread. a. Using scissors, cut two and 3/4 inch squares from your fabric. You will need two per hand warmer. b. Place the two squares of fabric sides together and stitch a 1/4 inch seam around the outside, leaving a 1-1/2 inch opening. c. Fill 3/4 of the way up with rice. d. Using a long pin, block the rice from falling out of the opening and sew closed. e. To use, warm up in the microwave for 20 seconds or so, but make sure they aren’t too hot when you take them out!
4) Customized Mug Supplies: Any ceramic mug (preferably white), Sharpies a. Find a white ceramic mug or cup. b. Pick a Sharpie. For long-lasting results, choose oil-based paint Sharpie markers. Regular Sharpie ink can come off even after baking. Pick colors to use on your mug. You can also stay simple and choose one color. c. Start drawing. Decide what you want to put on the cup, and practice drawing it on a piece of paper before drawing on the mug. d. Dry it out. Let your mug dry for a few hours or overnight before placing it into the oven. e. Bake the mug in the oven for 30 minutes at 350°F. It is important to place the mug in the oven before it heats up and leave it in until the oven cools completely so there won’t be any cracks. You can bake the mugs twice to really set in the Sharpie drawings.
TECH
1
ELF-CHRISTMAS STICKERS
HOLIDAY
Sparkle your Christmas spirit with the awesome collection of Christmas Elf stickers! If you have an iPhone and love the holidays, this app is for you. Simply download the app and Elf christmas stickers will appear in your iMessage keyboard and be available to send to anyone in your contacts. This is a great way to spread holiday cheer to your loved ones even when you are far away.
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by Ashton Phelps
THE IMPOSSIBLE TEST CHRISTMAS
Who remembers playing the “Impossible Test” game in middle school? Now there is a holiday version! Throwback to the “Impossible Test” game and try to beat festive levels without running out of lives! New features will put you in a cheery Christmas spirit. Take the test!
SECRET SANTA GENERATOR
Everyone loves secret Santa, but with a big group of friends it can be difficult to organize. Invite friends to the secret santa generator app and random people are selected to give and receive a gift. This app allows you to join existing groups or host a new group and share the invite code with your friends. Then you can view your match in the app. Now it is secret and simple!
Graphic illustration by Ashton Phelps
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ELF YOURSLEF
The annual holiday tradition allows you to “Elf Yourself” and become a star of a personalized video featuring your photos on holiday dancing elves. Simply upload photos of your friends and family, select a dance theme and the app generates a custom video. Easy to save and send to friends, or post on the internet.
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POUNCE
See someone wearing a jacket you love or some cool shoes? Secretly take a photo of any item you like and immediately see similar items from a variety of stores. If you order from the app, your purchased is processed and shipped directly by the retailer. This is an easy way to shop for the things you desire.
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VIDEO SANTA
Do you have younger siblings or friends who love Santa? This app lets you videochat Santa and find out what they really want for Christmas without having to ask them! Connect right away with Santa or even set up a specific time you want to receive a video call from Santa. What a fun way to spice up the holidays by exciting your kids with seeing Santa! Video recorded conversations are saved and yours to keep on your camera roll, or to share on social media!
TECH
Christmas Light Energy Usage by Walter Wacaser and Terrious Jackson-Moore
Christmas lights can seem fun, harmless, and beautiful, but there is a devilish side to them. They can end up costing you and your family hundreds of dollars more than you would expect and waste tons of energy if you are not careful. Here in Colorado, even with just the basic decorations we waste about $49.16 per season on just a pre-lit tree. With LED outdoor lights it costs $4.54 perseason but with incandescent bulbs it changes to $38.62 so all together we waste as a state about $92.32 per household that uses basic decorations. When you start to add more decorations like the moving deers, inflatable snow globes, or even a little train it can add up to $50.64 or more. With these being common purchases among Americans and with the 5.474 million people in Colorado, the price starts to become very steep, around $277,203,360 just for our relatively small state. In one month, Americans use up more electicty than develoing countries, such as Ethiopia or El Salvador, use in a year. Our christmas light usage is enough to run 14 million refrigerators. In a British survey, 52 percent of those surveyed intended to put up some kind of outdoor decoration. It was calculated that 100 5-watt light bulbs that are turned on for a consecutive 6 hours would equal up to 207 kilowatt hours. With this data, it is proven that in most American and British households wewaste almost a year’s worth of energy per household in only 2 months.
Calculate Your Cost Per Season
3. Multiply your kilo-watt hours by the amount of hours you have your lights on per day to get your kilowatts per day
1. Find out how many watts your Christmas lights are using. These can be found on the box the lights came 4. Multiply your kilo-watts per day by 30 days for the season in. 2. Multiply the amount of watts by .001. This will give you your kilo-watt hours
5. Multiply your kilo-watts per season by .113 cents (average cost of electricity) to get your total cost per season DECEMBER 2016 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m
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WHAT?! Ridiculous, out-of-context comments overheard throughout the school.
“If Internet Explorer has the courage to ask you to make it your default browser, then you have the courage to ask out a girl.” -E1288
“Just ignore the demonic circle in the corner.” -W2887
“Using Bing is psychopathic behavior.” -Library “I almost snapchatted your dad. He always loves getting pictures.” -W2886 “Can you use colored pencils on a scantron?” -C Hall
“I really like the feng shui in this locker room.” -Locker Room “It’s not a rant. I’m aggressively educating you.” -The Bubble “...So what exactly do you do when you ditch?” -Courtyard