THE SUNDIAL
SPECIAL
Parlez-Vous Français? BY TAYLOR LOCKMANN Co-Double Truck Editor
Photo By TAYLOR LOCKMANN/ Co-Double Truck Editor
Dr. Lindsey Peterson teaches French I and Intro to Literature. He engages his students by playing the guitar and teaching them how to make crêpes.
Q: Dr. Peterson, where did you attend college? A: I was born in South Africa, so I attended University of the Western Cape. I also attended Michigan, and spent a year in Grenoble in the French Alps, where I got my MS degree in Linguistics. Q: Where have you taught before? A: I have taught French, English and Music in Queens, New York, and in Oregon as well as here in California. Q: What brought you to Apple Valley High School? A: At the last college I taught at, they cancelled the French major, so I applied here because I like the feel of the desert. I was also interested in Alaska, but this opportunity came first. Q: What do you teach? A: I teach French I and Intro to Literature. Q: Why do you teach this? A: I have always taken an interest in foreign language. I learned German first, and after that, French just came naturally. Q: What are your expectations for the future here at AVHS? A: I would definitely like to see a very vibrant French-speaking community. Q: What is one crazy fact about yourself? A: I would like to go for my black belt in Tang Soo Do. I would also like everyone at this school to taste a real French crepe.
Attention! BY TAYLOR LOCKMANN Co-Double Truck Editor
Photo By TAYLOR LOCKMANN/ Co-Double Truck Editor
Lieutenant Colonel Todd Pennington hopes to help the ROTC unit grow to 150 members this year.
Q: Colonel Pennington, where have you taught before? A: I have never taught at a high school, but I have taught at an undergraduate training school, and I taught over in Iraq. Q: What brought you to Apple Valley High School? A: I applied for a position. I wanted to move out to California. I applied here, at Sultana, and for a position down the hill. I did not get the one at Sultana, but they called over here and recommended me. Q: What do you teach? A: I teach Junior ROTC. The kids in Junior ROTC, if they go into the military, can go in at a higher rank, so they do not have to start at the bottom. It is also good for students going to college. They have opportunities for scholarships, and possibly even a monthly allowance. Q: What are your expectations for the future at AVHS? A: I would like to see the unit grow to about one hundred and fifty students. I would also like to offer a more diverse curriculum. Q: What is one crazy fact about yourself? A: I once won a Pee-wee Herman dance contest at training school. Also, I was born in England because my dad was in the military, and I lived in Turkey for a couple of years growing up.
From Russia, With Love BY KRISSA LINDSAY Co-Double Truck Editor
Photo By TAYLOR LOCKMANN/ Co-Double Truck Editor
Mrs. Youlia Weber encourages her students to do well on tests by buying them candy bars in exchange for good grades on tests.
September 13, 2012
Q: Mr. Boyd, what do you teach and why? A: I teach life science. I have been a substitute teacher since 2005, and I have taught all the way from kindergarten to grade 12. In 2009, I was hired as an honors biology teacher at Granite High School. I have always loved Apple and I believe that this is a dream come true to be able to work here. Q: What are your main likes about Apple so far? A: I feel so welcome here. The administration and teachers are amazing people. There are also many opportunities here for the students. Q: What is one crazy fact about you? A: I actually have a cousin who is an actor. His name is Don Cheadle, and he has played in Iron Man 2 and also in Crash. Q: Who is the most important person in your life? A: The most important person in my life is my daughter, Marquita. She is the light of my life.
What Students Are Saying
“I think Mrs. Murphy is really cool, and she has great hair!” Junior Taneesha James
It’s Your Life ‘Science’ BY KRISSA LINDSAY Co-Double Truck Editor “Colonel Pennington is a huge movie buff. You can give him a line from any movie and he can name it.” Senior Leslie Michna
Photo By KRISSA LINDSAY/CoDouble Truck Editor
Mr. Boyd always has great company in his classroom with Mrs. Wilson and Clyde the skeleton.
“My first impression of Dr. Peterson is that he is a really crazy but cool person.” Freshman Joshua Coffee
Q: Mrs. Murphy, have you had any experiences here at AVHS? A: “No, I actually went to Granite. The only time I saw this place was when I went to the football games.” Q: Do you feel first year teachers get less respect from the staff or the students? A: “The students do not take advantage at all. It is like being a new student, in a way. Everyone helps you out and teaches you things.” “I think that Mrs. Weber is a Q: Have you seen any differences between high school now really great teacher. I actually and high school when you attended? understand what is going on A: “Most things are the same. The only large differences are in class. She always puts her clothes and music. But the high school dynamics are pretty much students first.” Senior Rosa Divene the same.” Q: How do you expect to adapt as you continue teaching? A: “I want to observe, and I am open to changing my methods to fit the student’s needs. Of course, I always ask questions about how to improve.” Q: Was teaching your first choice for a career? A: “When I had my son, I first wanted to be in mechanical engineering. But I realized that was too boring and that I was really good at math. So, I decided to work on my teaching “Mr. Boyd is a really fun and awesome teacher. He always credentials.” helps us when were stuck, and I really like when we read aloud.” BYJOHNATHAN BRYANT Freshman Samantha Burns Staff Writer
Murphy Makes Math Manageable
New Newman Makes Impression
Photo By KRISSA LINDSAY/ Co-Double Truck Editor
Mrs. Eden Murphy teaches geometry and advanced intergarted math.
Q: Mrs. Weber, what do you teach? A: I teach Geometry and CAHSE prep. Q: Where have you previously taught? A: I have taught language arts at Phoenix Academy, and algebra, middle school math, and geometry at Vanguard. Q: What are your first thoughts about Apple? A: So far I love Apple. The people are so friendly and I feel welcomed. They are also very approachable, and the students are very well behaved. I most definitely think I fit in here. Q: Have you always lived in Apple Valley? A: No, actually. I grew up in Russia and moved to America when I was 19. I have also lived in Indiana, North Carolina, and Wyoming. I moved to Apple Valley in 2000. Q: What is one crazy fact about you? A: Well, I am also a fitness instructor at 24 Hour Fitness. I teach yoga and pilates and I absolutely love it. Q: What made you decide to come to Apple High? A: I saw that there was an opening, and I thought that it would be a nice change. It is also easier now because my son goes here as well. Page Edited By TAYLOR LOCKMANN AND KRISSA LINDSAY/Co-Double-Truck Editors
New teacher Mrs. Newman teaches science in B- 4, in the science department, after refilling Mr. Jay’s position. Q: Have you had any past experiences here at Apple Valley High? A: “It is actually my second time teaching here. I am returning to the school to teach once more.” Q: Are there any differences between this year and the last time you taught here? A: “It is mostly just technology that’s different. Powerpoint is a huge difference.” Q: Do you have any particular style of teaching? A: “I want to engage the students. My goal is to help science come alive for them.” Q: Are there any other things you would like to say? A: “When this opening came up, it was unbelievable. It was exactly the position I’d wanted.” Column data compiled by KRISSA LINDSAY JONATHAN BRYANT TAYLOR LOCKMANN