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Feature Kayla Straw/ Illustration
By Sara Burtt
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magine coming to a new country and going to a school without a familiar face among 1,000 students. Several student exchange programs enable students from other countries to come to the U.S. as well as U.S. students to study abroad for a year. GHS receives applications from exchange students in May and scrutinizes them before making decisions. “This year we received five applications. We usually evaluate the application based on their grades, school of origin and recommendations, but there is no set criteria,” Mr. Bill Ronk, guidance director, said. Two exchange students -- Benedicte Helljesen from Norway and Anica Geringswald from Germany -- made the cut. Both students had similar reasons to choose the U.S. “There are a lot of things to learn here: learning the language better, knowing the American way of life, and having fun with all the people and making new friends,” Geringswald said. While living in Greenwood, Geringswald and Helljesen stay with host families. “I like my family very much,” said Helljesen. “I couldn’t have been placed with anyone better.”
At GHS, all exchange students are considered juniors and are required to take English 11, US History and junior levels of math and science. “The schoolwork is much easier, but math can be pretty difficult; I can’t always understand what the teachers say. But when I understand better, it should be simple,” said Geringswald. Even though the schoolwork may seem simple, these students may not receive credit for this year’s work. “The schools of origin do not always accept credits from transfer schools,” Mr. Ronk explained. While adjusting to the new school may come easily to some, adjusting to the new people can be quite a challenge. “I like it here a lot. The people are friendly, but it can be hard to approach and meet new people,” said Helljesen. There are also other differences for Geringswald and Helljesen to get used to. “(Greenwood) is nothing like Norway. Everything is much bigger here, even the carrots in the grocery store,” said Helljesen. “Everyone In Europe thinks that all Americans are fat.” Even though they have only been here a short time, Geringswald is already enjoying their experience. “It has been very good. I love watching the movies,” she said.
Junior Anica Geringswald completes her homework in the guidance office. Geringswald is a foreign exchange student from Germany. Jon Biggs photo
Junior Benedicte Helljesen eats lunch with junior Rachel Bond. Helljesen is a foreign exchange student from Norway. Julie Clites photo
Student sarcasm showcased in Oscar Wilde production Ms. Lori Foster works with 2D Art Students. She replaced Mrs. Christy Vance.
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Mrs. Melinda Neiswanger prepares for her next class. She replaced Mrs. Jan Brown in foreign language. Jon Biggs photo Mrs. Marci Davis replaced Ms. Deb Puaca in the Guidance Office. She will work with students with last names H-O. Morgan Welsh photo
New faculty, staff fill three GHS positions
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By Matt Jauck djusting to a new surrounding can be a challenge if not frightening. The first day of school was no different for teachers coming into GHS for the first time. “I was nervous at first to see what kind of environment I was entering,” said Mrs. Lori Foster, art. “But now that I’ve met my students, I enjoy working with them. My students were overly-accepting, and the staff was accepting as well.” Mrs. Melinda Neiswanger, Spanish, was surprised by the change in size and atmosphere from her former teaching job at Ben Davis. “Adjusting to a smaller group of students is definitely a bonus,” said Mrs. Neiswanger. “It’s great to get to know my students better, and I’m able to give each student more attention because
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of the smaller class sizes.” Behind an excellent teaching staff comes smart decisions; choosing who is fit for the job is no walk in the park. Mr. Todd Garrison, assistant principal, knows what to look for in a successful teacher. “The most important factors when hiring new teachers are passion for their subjects and how caring they are for their students,” said Mr. Garrison. “Teaching takes a lot of patience, and it is important that teachers put their students first.” Even though new to the school, Mrs. Neiswanger has a classroom management plan. “I hope to build respect with my students. If I can do that, there would no need for disciplinary action. Of course, there’s no gum in the classroom,” Mrs. Neiswanger laughed. Mrs. Marci Davis, guidance counselor, carefully selected GHS from among school with posted job positions. “Coming from Noblesville High School, it is great to come to a smaller school where I can get to know my students better,” said Mrs. Davis. “Greenwood is a great community and a great place to raise a family.” Even though beginning a new teaching career can be difficult, many veteran teachers are willing to help. “I feel like I have support from many of the other teachers around me. I’m always getting words of encouragement, and I feel like many of the teachers would go out of their way to help me,” said Mrs. Neiswanger.
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arcasm and mockery will invade GHS this November as students perform The Importance of Being Ernest. Students will audition for the play next Monday, vying for roles in a production that starts off with the main character attempting to marry the love of his life. He faces many twists and makes a few personal changes, including changing his name, which throws the audience in the end. Mrs. Susan Roberts, drama teacher and play director, explained what she is looking for in the cast. “I am looking for volume, diction, clarity and meaning behind the lines,” she said. “With just nine parts, there will be a lot of competition during auditions and a lot of lines to memorize.” A would-be actor has a major advantage in getting a part if something fits. For example, students might simply look like or show the same mannerism the director envisions on stage. “They could really be great performers, but they just need to fit the parts to get the parts,” Mrs. Roberts said. Freshman Cara Ford hopes she has a chance. “I tend to be sarcastic; it is just part of my personality. I am sure I can act it out,” said Ford. “Getting a lead would be really cool, but I’m not sure I would get a chance. If not, I would love to be part of the crew.” Freshman Angelica Sugden has been working a plan to prepare for auditions. “I do get a little stage fright, so I am going to do whatever I can to improve for auditions. I plan on acting in front of my parents first to see what I am doing wrong and, then, change it,” said Sugden. The drama teacher insisted that students who are new to the stage have opportunities for parts, from major roles to minor ones. “There are smaller parts that would be great for beginners,” said Mrs. Roberts. Sugden would love a big role as one of the two major female actresses, but she is not going to be picky. “I would like both parts, but I would enjoy simply getting any part,” she said. The community will be welcomed to the opening on Nov. 8. In fact, the play will run from Nov. 8 - 10 at 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Roberts expects a large crowd; she anticipates the content of the play will draw people to the high school. “It is a different play that I think everyone will enjoy, and it has a major twist that I think will draw people in,” said Mrs. Roberts. “The play has many descriptions that make it unique and entertaining. The play itself is sarcastic, witty, ironic and funny. It has a major twist. Oscar Wilde wrote it to mock aristocracy.”