Beak 'n' Eye - Feb. 3, 2012

BeaknEye_5_11_ISSUU

2/16/2012

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Beak ‘n’ Eye

Texting in class? Page 2

Volume 52 Issue 5

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West High School

3505 W. Locust St. Davenport, Iowa 52804

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Iowans have first vote

By Hieu Nguyen

Photo by Christopher Gannon/Gannon Visuals.com/MCT

SHAKING HANDS - Mitt Romney greets supporters following the Iowa caucus voting on Tuesday, Jan. 3 in Des Moines, Iowa. The voting was the closest in history with the lead changing hands between Romney and Challenger Rick Santorum.

poll

If you are able to vote for president, whom would you vote for in these situations?

Not many young people went to the presidential caucuses on Jan. 3, according to some teachers who attended the caucuses.

“I planned on going to the caucus, but something came up and I could not go,” said Brianna Fisher, senior.

A West student also went to the caucus. Dan Dankert, senior, had an enjoyable experience. “I loved it. I was able to express my opinion on a particular candidate just as numerous others did.

Through all of this information that we shared; we were all more confident of the person we voted for.

Democracy is at its best,” said Dankert.

Some teachers, such as Justin Lamer, Clint Vanfossen, David Kintigh, and John Kealey said they went to the caucuses in their neighborhoods.

Iowa was the first state to hold a caucus; some states hold a primary. In the primaries, there is no meeting, no discussion; people just go and vote for the candidates. It’s easier for the second shift people.

Justin Lamer is from Michigan, which holds a primary election. He said that the Iowa caucus was an enjoyable experience because he had the opportunity to meet new people and he brought his daughter with him.

There were about 60 to 80 people, Lamer said.

These people were his neighbors. Everyone sat in their seats, chose a captain for their group, and listened to the discussion about politics and governments. The representatives of the candidates gave five-minute speeches; the audience discussed and voted. Then the voters voted again, this time for the delegate. After voting twice, people gave their ideas for the candidates’ representatives and voted for revolution. The caucus ended at 8:30 p.m.

Vanfossen had the same experiences. He said that he’s been going to the caucuses since he turned 18.

His family went to the caucus with him.

“Caucuses are good because voters must show up and represent themselves. They can meet their

Budget cuts affect many SOURCE: Beak ’n’ Eye survey of 200 students

By Erin Pershall

With a $3.4 million cut from our 2013 school district’s budget, many changes will be made. But with these changes, it will affect many families and students in the area.

The $3.4 million cut is necessary because Iowa was not awarded their available growth rate. In other words, each year public schools receive more money than they did the previous year. Without the extra money, our school district needs to find ways to save money without taking drastic measures.

The new budget is being debated by a group of 24 community members and Davenport Community School’s employees, otherwise known as Resource Allocation Committee (RAC).

Nothing is set in stone yet. RAC will make the final decision on Feb. second. RAC is also having meetings so that the community can voice their opinions and bring different ideas to the table.

Some cuts include, less bussing, one associate principal being cut from each school, the head athletic director cut, larger intermediate classes, and a local elementary school closing.

Some of the new changes are controversial.

John Kealy, social studies teacher and Davenport Education Association (Davenport’s teacher’s union or the DEA) member, believes that it is too early to decide if any teachers will be laid off.

“It is way too early to give a direct answer on this matter. In the nearly two decades that I have taught in the district, rumors have constantly spread throughout the community on this topic. However, over the years Davenport School district has hardly laid off any teachers. We hope that this practice will continue,” Kealy said.

There are around 950 teachers that belong to the DEA out of around 1,200 teachers. According to Kealy, associate principals are not protected this is why one could get removed from each school.

“The DEA has no say in the matter of jobs of administrators, for they are not members of our bargaining unit nor union. Administrators answer directly to the district,” Kealy said.

Emily Schlichting, a teacher at Lincoln Elementary school, is one teacher that will be affected by the budget cuts. If the budget gets approved, she may have to be transferred to a different school.

“My biggest fear would be that some of our students would have to be separated from the friends that they have gone to school with for so long,” said Schlichting.

Because there will be fewer teachers for all of the students, there will have to be larger class sizes per teacher. At Lincoln, there are about 15 students per one teacher. If the budget plan passes, there will be around 28 students per teacher. With around 13 more students per class room, teachers will have less time for one on one help with each student.

The enrolment rate at Lincoln is 180 students.

Only 55 of those students live within that area, the rest are bussed in. This is one of the reasons it may close. Students who need receive emotional and behavior disorders also attend Lincoln.

Students are upset that their school could close, considering they have gone there since kindergarten.

“The students at Lincoln Academy, especially the older students, are extremely upset and saddened by the possible closing of their school,” said Schlichting Budget cuts continued on Page 3

neighbors and discuss the issues before they vote.

Informed voters are a good thing,” said Vanfossen.

He also said that people have to be present and be at the right time and right place. It would not be easy for the second shift workers to go to caucuses because they have to work at night, Vanfossen said.

Vanfossen doesn’t like getting information from the newspaper instead. He watches the speeches of the candidates on television and listens to four debates. For more accurate information, he even goes to places where the candidates make their speeches in the public.

“The caucus is very important, it is the best example for the great season,” Kealey said. He also said that every high school students who could vote should go to the caucuses because it is their duty; he saw some young people at the caucus. Kealey has been going to the caucuses since he had the right to vote.

Kintigh went to the Democratic caucus for the first time. He said that things were well organized and he knew where to go. Everything ran smoothly.

He also saw some high school students went to the caucus. The Democrats will support incumbent president Barack Obama.

“I like the caucuses more than primaries. It has more feeling of community than being a part of Illinois primary,” said Kintigh.

Jason Schwartzhoff, husband of Armanda Schwartzhoff said his caucus was interesting. “It took about 24 minutes. It felt like real grassroots process. I submitted platforms (stances) to be discussed with the people who volunteered as delegates as their philosophy. Others did too...”

Schwartzhoff said he voted for Michele Bachmann. He said that Ron Paul was not a true conservative Republican- he was a Libertarian.

Schwartzhoff agreed and did not subscribe to everything on their platform.

Caucus continued on Page 3

Photo by Erin Pershall

CATCH THE BUS - Senior Aaron Smith takes the bus home after school. Transportation may be offered only to students living two miles away instead of 1.5 miles away from school.

BeaknEye_5_11_ISSUU

2/16/2012

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2 News

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Local school allows cell phones at lunch

By Erin Pershall

Recently, Bettendorf high school students were addressed that they are able to use their cell phones during passing time and at lunch. Bettendorf adopted this plan after many students provided feedback to the administrators.

At Bettendorf, students who are caught with their cell phones out during class time are expected to either get a detention or Saturday school because they could be using it to cheat. The Davenport school district bans all cell phone use during the school day, causing countless arguments on if students should be able to use cell phones during school time or for educational purposes.

Constance Williams, sophomore, thinks that students should be able to use them during school because they could use it to learn.

“It is there time. They are not in class and they should be able to do what they want during lunch and passing time. As in for class, they should be able to use them too. It actually helps kids learn,” Williams said.

Williams has had to use her phone in class to look up things like the spelling or the definition of a word.

Senior Kayla Pairrett thinks that students should be able to use them; in positive ways. “(Students should only use their phone in class) but only if it’s for educational purposes. Say they need to

Google something for an assignment real quick or they need to put dates in their calendars for important due dates.

Only for things like that. The only problem is that you don’t know for sure if the student is using it for the intended reasons,” said Pairrett.

Pairrett has had a teacher ask her to look something up for him.

“It’s happened maybe a couple times, but not very often because usually if they need it, they just do it themselves,” said Pairrett.

Having cell phones in classrooms could be used for emergencies as well.

“After class, I have allowed a few students to show me items from their phone. I recognize that there are times (such as a family member facing extreme medical situations) when a phone may be acceptable during class although any actual conversation should be taken out of the classroom,” said an anonymous teacher.

Having cell phones in class could be used for good, but they could also lead to cheating on tests and to disrupting the class.

When Pairrett was asked if it annoyed her when students continue to text after the teacher has told them to put their phones away, she replied with, “Yes! Very much! Especially when the teacher tells them to put it away, so they just put it back in their purse or pocket for like two seconds until the teacher turns around. It’s just really rude.”

Friday, February 3, 2012

tly ecreass? s u yo cl n do hone in e t f o p How our cell y use day very e es etim m o r s neve

9% 4 4% 3 17%

Some students think that cell phones are bad for the learning environment.

“Having cell phones in class is an awful idea. It’s detrimental to learning and just isn’t proper in a structured learning environment,” said Dan Dankert, senior.

He believes that having cell phones during passing time will increase tardiness.

“Having cell phones during passing time means the rate of tardiness will assuredly increase. I believe that having cell phones during lunch time is logical,” said Dankert.

“I feel that a stricter policy on cell phone usage during class should have a positive affect on classroom performance,” said Dankert.

Pairrett seems to feel like West already has this cell phone freedom that Bettendorf has.

“We all do that here at West anyways. Most the time they don’t say anything or they just tell you to put it away and then like I said most people just take it right back out when the teacher/security guard is gone,” said Pairrett.

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poll

Do you have a cell phone?

Yes - 91% No - 9%

Should students be able to use cell phones during lunch and passing times?

Yes - 98% No - 2% Has a West teacher allowed you to use a cell phone for educational purposes?

Yes - 74% No - 26%

SOURCE: Beak ‘n’ Eye survey of 156 students

Dance team goes to nationals

By Jessica Bennett

Photo by Steve Lyle

DANCING- Karlee Shaffer, freshman, dances during a pep aud. on Jan. 6 The team is going to compete in Disneyland this weekend.

The dance team is going to nationals Feb. 2-6 at Disneyworld to compete against other dance teams from around the country.

The dancers will compete on Feb. 4 or Feb. 5 in the Indiana Jones Theater in Hollywood Studios and at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. They could compete up to three times for each routine, depending on whether or not they advance to semi-finals or finals.

“We hope to make it to semi-finals and to come together as a team,” said coach Lisa Schmidt.

Schmidt knows that it will take lots of “hard work and dedication” to be successful, which is demonstrated during the dance team’s practices every day after school.

When the team is not practicing or performing,

they will be having a character breakfast at Chef Mickey, designing team T-shirts, and enjoying the parks.

The dancers have also been working hard to fundraise for their trip to nationals by hosting a trivia night and a Wii bowling tournament, getting sponsorships from local businesses, selling Pampered Chef and Scentsy products, having car washes and bake sales, holding a yard sale, and participating in Birdies for Charity.

In between all of their practicing, fundraising, and performing, the dancers do some work for charity as well. They worked with kids in vacation bible school at a local church, volunteered at the Junior Bix, and made baby blankets to donate to the Edgerton’s Women’s Center.

New classes offered next year

By Hieu Nguyen

West will offer some new courses for the next school year, and more new courses in the two years for the classes of 2016.

Pre- AP Biology is a brand new class; it is for ninth and tenth graders mostly.

“Pre-Biology is a higher level biology elective.

Students can only take it with teacher recommendation. It would be taken in place of regular biology.

Students don’t need to take this class to take AP Biology,” said Renne Lietz, science teacher.

The purposes of changing are to make classes useful for the students after high school and to match up the courses with the Iowa Core Curriculum. All high schools in the state need to update or change the courses.

In Davenport, American Studies will be changed into U.S. History.

Students only have to take Computer Application 1 for graduation requirement instead of Word Processing, which will no longer be offered.

Earth Materials and Weather, Climate, and Space are combined into a course named Earth and Space Science and it’s going to be a two term class. The

administration also combines Investigative Biology and Molecular Biology into a course of Biology.

Meteorology will be dropped.

“Since Earth Science is not required for all students, Meteorology has been dropped for now. We would like to add advanced Earth Science classes at a later time,” said Lietz.

Lietz said the change with Earth Science starts with the class of 2016; other students will not be required to take it.

The Class of 2016 has more new classes to take for their freshman year and their high school career.

The new classes are Forensic Speech Inclusive (one term), English 10 ( two terms), World Literature ( one term), Writing Communication (one term), World Studies (one term), AP Human Geography (two terms),and AP Macroeconomics (three terms).

“I think that the changes will benefit the students,” said Pat Sheehey, language art teacher.

“Honor students will be more attracted to better classes and AP classes. I think that these changes will increase the rigor and academic achievements overall and still give students choices for electives.”

Sheehey said the reason for changing courses is basically to match the Iowa Curriculum.

Photo by Hieu Nguyen

THE LAB- Cody Geurtsen, junior, does a lab in AP Biology.

Next year, freshmen and sophomores can take Pre- AP Biology, only with recommendations from teachers. Students don’t need to take Pre- AP Biology to take AP Biology.

Caucus- cont. from page 1

Romney first was announced as the winner with 30,015 votes.

However two weeks later, the official count reported Santorum had won by 34 votes. Newt Gingrich won South Carolina primary with 243,153 votes on Jan. 21.

Officials on Jan. 3 reported that Mitt Romney won the Republican presidential caucus by eight votes over Rick Santorium. However, the official count two weeks later gave the win to Santorium by 34 votes.

Since the Iowa caucus, three candidates have dropped out: Michele Backmann, Rick Perry and Joe Huntsman.

Barack Obama is obviously the only Democratic candidate.

Romney won New Hampshire primary with 97,532 votes on Jan. 10. The Republican National Convention will be held on Aug. 27 in Florida.

Budget cuts continued from page 1

“Most of our older students have called Lincoln home since Kindergarten. Many of our students have written letters and made signs lobbying for Lincoln to stay open. Some of our students have asked us, ‘What did we do wrong?’ ‘We will do anything to get more kids to come to Lincoln so that we can stay open,’” said Schlichting.

Having one school closing isn’t the only problem. At West, we will be losing an associate principal and students will be limited to busing.

Because we will be limited on busing, students who live in certain areas of the west end of Davenport will not be able to ride a school bus.

“It aggravates me that if my car ever broke down that I wouldn’t be able to have a ride to school just because of where I live,” said senior Brianna Fisher.

Incoming freshman may have to find a new way to school.

“What are incoming freshman supposed to do? Not all of them know someone who can drive. It will just cause more stress on them and their parents,” Fisher added.

The budget has not yet been decided. They will be voting on new budget plans in April. Everything may not be set in stone but Schlichting doesn’t like the budget plan.

“I do not like the budget because it is causing stress on staff and students. However, I understand that the district is being forced to make some changes whether people like it or not,” said Schlichting.

Kealy just hopes that the government realizes that education is important.

“I am hoping that in this and in future years, that Governor Brandstadt and the General Assembly can come to a reasonable understanding about the importance of education in public schools and that it needs to be properly funded. By this I mean that the annual “Allowable Growth Rate” that the state provides to public schools to operate needs to be constantly set at the recommended six percent rate and not the two percent or lower that we have seen in recent years,” said Kealy.

News 3

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Friday, February 3, 2012

Student Journalism

West journalists win big

By Ellie Moler

The Beak’n’Eye newspaper last month was awarded the George H. Gallup award –the highest award given by Quill and Scroll— for the 39th year in a row.

In the news media evaluation of last year’s issues, the judge commended the newspaper staff and their adviser Steven Lyle for scoring superior ratings in the three main categories: writing/editing, coverage, and visuals.

“The staff of the Beak ‘n’ Eye has a lot to be proud of,” the judge commented. “The staff is to be commended for producing a newspaper that is unique and distinctive. Beak ‘n’ Eye especially excels in feature writing.”

“The student journalists at Davenport West High School provide a valuable service to the community by showcasing many of the school’s interesting and worthwhile activities. The Beak ‘n’ Eye is the voice of Davenport West High School, and the community depends on you for school news,” the judge wrote.

“Finally, I hope adviser Steven Lyle and you continue doing what you do best: Using solid journalism skills to produce an outstanding newspaper.”

Lyle said the staff appreciated the judge’s comments because the students go the extra mile to do things right. They are proud to be recognized as one of the 50-some best high school newspapers in the nation, he said.

“The newspaper staff worked hard last year to improve the look of the paper,” Lyle said. “We added more graphs, more art, and we got more creative with headlines and the layering of elements on a page.”

The judge also looked at one of this years issues.

Photo by Erin Pershall

IDEAS - Co-editor in chief Krista Johnson and newspaper adviser Steve Lyle share ideas for the design of a newspaper page after school in the Newspaper Office.

The judge considered the Oct. 7, 2011 issue one of the finest newspapers produced by Beak’n’Eye for a good attention-grabbing cut out background photo, a nameplate that was designed skillfully and layouts with smooth horizontal line flows.

The judge also said the cover photo was very creative. “By covering the boy’s body with slurs and epithets, you have proven that a picture is worth a thousand words. The picture also makes a bold statement about the problems that are stated in the headline. Keep up the good work!”

“It feels great to hear such good feed back about my photo illustration; I was really happy with the design of that page when the paper was distributed but it makes it so much better to hear that others appreciate it too,” said Krista Johnson, co-editor in chief of the Beak ‘n’ Eye.

Newspaper adviser wins court battle over censorship

By Staff Reporters

An Iowa court ruled on Nov. 9 that a school district could not discipline a newspaper adviser for allowing his students to publish articles that the principal thought were objectionable.

Adviser Ben Lange of Waukon High School sued the Allamakee Community School District to have two reprimands removed from his personnel file after principal Dan Diercks got upset after reading a 2008 April Fool’s edition. Diercks wrote that the edition “was done with poor judgment casting a dark shadow on our school district.”

Students changed the name of their paper from the “Tribe-une” to the “Bribe-une,” showed a picture of a baby smoking a cigarette, and made up quotes from students saying they dreamed of being Victoria’s Secret models or male strippers after graduation.

The Iowa Court of Appeals ruled that the articles were clearly parody and that no libel or disruption of school policies had occurred.

Eight states including Iowa have student press laws that prohibits school administrators from censoring student publications unless the articles are libelous, obscene, or encourage stu-

dents to break the law or disrupt school.

This court case is the first in the nation to rule in favor of those states’ student press laws.

Members of the Beak ‘n’ Eye said they were happy with the court’s ruling.

“I think that every young journalist should have freedom of the press,” co-editor in chief Erin Pershall said. “Many students don’t realize that we have such a privilege. If we were to go to a private school or any other school besides the one in the eight states that protect young journalists, we wouldn’t be able to inform students on interesting things such as teen pregnancy, tattoos, drugs, and alcohol.”

“I sometimes even take our rights for granted,” she added. “So many students in America don’t have these amazing rights and their work gets censored everyday. In a way, it makes me feel privileged that our government trusts me and my fellow editors.”

Steve Lyle, adviser of the Beak ‘n’ Eye, said it is important for students to exercise their constitutional rights.

“High school students do have free speech and free press because of the First Amendment,” he said. “I think it is the school’s responsibility to teach responsible

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journalism and then allow students to exercise that right.”

Lyle thinks the court made a right decision in this case because it involved an April Fools Day edition that was clearly parody—nobody thought the statements were true, such as a biology teacher having a meth lab in his basement. “It’s wrong for a principal to expect an adviser to censor a student’s thoughts,” he said.

Lyle said the Beak ‘n’ Eye hasn’t had any problems with the censorship since he began advising the paper in 1985.

“Not one principal has asked to see the newspaper before it is distributed,” Lyle said.

“However, one administrator did say that he ‘didn’t care about this student rights stuff’ and that he expected me to censor articles that were critical of the school. Let’s just say that we agreed to disagree. He did give me a written reprimand that year because a student published the wrong dates for spring break. He wanted me to play the role of editor, not adviser.”

Lyle said that all of his staffs strive to act professionally. “If there are any complaints from readers, I involve the student editors to answer them.”

2/16/2012

3:03 PM

BIG

4 Faces

“

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Trying to make it

Modeling can really take a toll on your body. If I am not aching by the end of a shoot, I know I didn't get the job done”

–Miranda Castel

By Arina Russkikh

1

1 - Photo from Castel’s photoshoot in Los Angeles.

2 - Miranda poses with her cousin, who supported her on her first photo shoot.

3 - Castel’s first photo shoot was in 2010.

2

Photos submitted by Miranda Castel

3

poll

What is your most attractive physical feature?

36%

31%

17%

16% eyes

hair

smile

body

SOURCE: Beak ’n’ Eye survey of 149 students

Photo by Donna Dubberke

SHAKE IT - Rayvonne Brown, senior, and Hannah Williams, senior, perform on the stage for the show choir dinner theatre on Jan. 22.

Friday, February 3, 2012

in modeling

Junior Miranda Castel has been to Hollywood, not as a tourist though; as a model.

She modeled for the one of the famous high end hats creators for some of Hollywood's biggest stars in Los Angeles – Ariane Millinary.

“I was so nervous to work for Ariane Millinary, but she is one of the sweetest women I have ever met,” Castel said. She didn’t get paid, but Millinary gave her a gift for her job – a unique designer dress from Kablan.

Castel got started modeling in 2010. Her older cousin is a model. “I look at her more as big sister really. We are very close. Once I was looking through her portfolio and it inspired me to want to become a model,” said Castel.

She never went to a school strictly for modeling, she found it unnecessary.

Castel also thinks that with a lot of practice, a talented photographer, and if available, the help of experienced models, anyone could do it.

She attended a local model agency last year, but decided that it’s was holding her down.

She said that her supermodel idol is Tyra Banks, not only because she is absolutely beautiful, but she is such a real, genuine person who has changed so many peoples' lives.

Castel denied having any unusual talents. “I mean I am only 16, I still have plenty of time to find out more about myself,” she said. However even at the age of 16, Castel accomplished a lot. She has modeled for Ariane, and she walked for Charlotte Russe a few

years ago.

The hardest part of the modeling business is the photo shoot. She said it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to almost eight hours.

Once Castel was on set for a photo shoot from 9 a.m. to around 7 p.m.

“Modeling can really take a toll on your body.

If I am not aching by the end of a shoot, I know I didn't get the job done,” she said.

Some of Castel's hobbies outside of modeling include drawing and working on her blog. She really likes to draw and since she plans on going to fashion school, she always keeps her sketchpad handy. Her fashion blog is called Elan, a place where she posts her own street style, fashion, beauty, and just about anything else sparks that an interest to her.

“Modeling has changed my life in many ways,” said Castel. She has met so many amazing people in the past two years, who share the same passion as she does. . “What I like the most of all just being able to enjoy yourself; modeling is so much fun!” she said.

The red gowns sparkle as the girls in show choir step into the arms of boys in grey suits and blue shirts. Rayvonne Brown smiles and looks confident about his moves on the stage.

Brown’s confidence comes from his performances. This is his third year in show choir. “You do get confidence from being on the stage a number of times. And practice. Practice makes perfect,” said Brown.

“Rayvonne is a very respectful, caring young man,” commented Rosalie Dunnegan, “He is a quiet leader and a good role model. He doesn’t need to be loud for others to start following him. I can see bright things in his future.”

READY, SET, MODELMiranda Castel,junior, struts her stuff and stikes a pose for her modeling pictures.

Leo Club, and Ecology Club. In his free time, which he does not have a lot of, Brown is sings, reads and studies.

Brown’s experience in show choir has taught him several things. “Show choir made me realize that you don't just compete, but you have fun and work hard at doing it,” he said. Show choir also made him more confident when he is singing for an audience or scholarships.

And as for advice for beginners, Brown said that every new show choir member should try their best, work hard, but have fun.

“They should pay attention, only speak when it spoken to, and perform like every time you perform is the last one.”

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Room 161

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Weekend

Junior hits the slopes for some sledding thrills

Teens are always searching for cheap entertainment on the weekend. I discovered that you can do a lot of fun activities with only $20.

To start off the weekend I went to cheer on the Falcons at the girls’ basketball game. The admission is only four dollars, because you get a discount for being a student. Basketball games are a bargain for students who want to hang out with their peers and love sports.

I wanted to have some winter fun over the weekend so I decided to go downtown to the Rivers Edge to ice-skate. To ice-skate with a shoe rental is $8. I went and skated throughout the whole afternoon. Ice-skating is a smart spend because you pay a little amount of money for a whole day of fun.

After ice-skating I was really thirsty, so I stopped by Oriental Foods to grab a Japanese soda. Oriental Foods is on River Drive, across from the skate park Japanese Sodas are only $1.50. They come in tasty flavors like strawberry and sangria.

Later in the day, I stopped by North Park Mall to play arcade games. Most of the games are 50 cents, so with $1 I got to play two games. The arcade is an old school way to have fun on a budget.

At the end of the day, I went to Steak-N-Shake for a hearty dinner. They have a choice of meals like, chicken fingers, a single steak burger, steak burger with bacon, and a double steak burger. All of these meals come with fries and are under $4 ($5 with a drink). I got the double steak burger with fries, and by the end of the meal I knew I got my money’s worth.

All of these great activities add up to $20. I was really surprised how much you can do with so little money. $20 can go a long way if you know how to spend it wisely.

Friday is when it all began, and I didn’t wait until the end of the day to decide. During school I decided that a great idea for a $20 weekend would be sledding with some of my closest friends, and then half priced appetizers at Applebee’s afterwards. It was my birthday weekend.

After school on Friday my friend Caitlyn and I went to Wal-Mart to pick out our sleds, I spent $10 on a bowl shaped sled, and it was the bomb! After that we went to my friend Alisa’s house, which was where we were sledding, to get dressed up in appropriate attire such as bikini’s and sunblock.

I’m totally kidding; mittens and hats were the appropriate attire. We sledded all night long. After we finished sledding we went out to Applebee’s for some half priced appetizers where I spent a total of $4 sharing a sampler appetizer with my friend Austin.

Saturday morning I woke up and decided it was time to go sledding with some new friends. My friend Hannah had a four-seat toboggan, and Cody and Bennett had their own sleds to ride. We took a short trip down to our very own Fejuvary hill, right by the IMAX. It was a blast. We sledded for three hours and had the time of our lives for free. We found a ramp that someone had built and just sledded off it for hours. By far the best sled was the toboggan though; it was incredible and made the ride so much more of a rush.

After we finished with our three hour sledding trip, we loaded up the car and went to Dunkin’ Donuts for some small hot chocolates, price: $1.50, and some free laughs.

Sunday was my birthday, so I spent it with my best friend Jaime Peterson. She bought me a cookie cake and we just relaxed with a few friends. It was a really good day, and sometimes relaxing with some good friends is a great, might I add FREE, way to have a good laugh and a good time.

4020 Brady St. Davenport, IA 563 323-4700

Game- $4 Rivers Edge- $8 Japanese drink- $1.50 Arcade- $1 Steak-N-Shake- $5

By Ashley VanWinkle

Video game

Rocksmith teaches guitar well

By Sean Dobbins

Background: Rocksmith is a new music video-game produced by Ubisoft that allows players to plug virtually any electric guitar into an Xbox 360, PS3, or PC. Good: With this game, people who have never played guitar can learn to play! The game begins with basics such as holding the neck of the guitar, how to use your pick, and moves from simple notes to chords and entire songs. The game has a HUGE set list, with Additional Download Content being updated every other week, so the options of songs to play will only grow. With just a few weeks, you will be able to play a few songs, pick out a few chords, and even sing along, as the lyrics are shown in the Rockband style above the display.

Bad: The price is a hefty one. If you already have an electric guitar, the game will only run you $80. If you don’t, the set packaged with a guitar is around $200.

Overall: Very much worth the money required. Within just a couple of months, a player can know enough about guitar to create his own music, and maybe even start his own band! Overall, Rocksmith receives a 9.5/10.

Leisure 5

briefs Drama Club has fun

By Tony Coleman

Drama Club hosted a Murder Mystery Night from 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 29 at Emily Crowe’s house where members got a role and acted in that character in order to solve a murder.

Last month Drama Club helped produce “Sleepy Hollow.” Students in charge of Drama Club include Emily Crowe, Alexis Lotspeich, and President Tony Kettelar.

Alternative Spring Break

By Cody Crawford

Sophomore races for a good time with a limited budget

By Mary Perez

Photo by Arina Russkikh

“I joined show choir when I was a sophomore, because my best friend Stepahnie Grubbs told me to do it. She said that I would love it,” said Brown. He sings tenor, the higher of the two male vocal parts.

In five years Brown sees himself as a pastor and possibly auditioning for plays, operas, and movies. After graduation he wants to go to Luther College and continue singing there.

Brown said that he is very excited about graduation, but he will miss competing in show choir, speaking Spanish in Ms. Hansen’s class, singing in choir, and all his friends and teachers.

He is involved in school activities such as Business Academy, cross country, track, Asian Club,

The

Friday, February 3, 2012

How much fun can you have on a budget?

We asked two students to see how far $20 could go

Senior shines in the spotlight

By Arina Russkikh

Beak ‘n’ Eye all

$20

Page 3

R E V I E W S

BeaknEye_5_11_ISSUU

Sled- $10 Appetizer- $4 Small hot chocolate- $1.50

Movie

‘Joyful Noise’ is great

By Haley Benisch

Overview: A small town in Georgia has had its hard times. The Divinity Church Choir always lift their spirits, especially if they win the National Joyful Noise Competition. Vi Rose Hill and G.G. Sparrow are like the head of the choir, but have very different opinions that could tear the whole choir apart. G.G.’s rebelious grandson causes even more chaos especially when Vi’s daughter Olivia catches his eye.

What’s Good: This story line is very nice. There aren’t very many movies that involve church in a good manner.

What’s Bad: Even though the story line is nice, it is very predictable. As a person watches they might be able to tell exactly what happens next.

Overall: This movie is a terrific movie, and it is worth the time and money to see.

The Ecology Club will participate in the Alternative Spring Break from March 13-16 around the Quad Cities.

This four-day event includes a cleanup of the Mississippi River, an invasive species pull at Nahant Marsh, preparing donated saplings for planting in Rock Island, and a nature hike at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Andalusia Also coming up is the Tree Hugger Trivia on March 3 to raise money for the club.

The purpose of the club is to educate people of the ways that they can make the earth a better place and doing so in a fun way.

Show choir raises money

By Jiselle Henderkott

Show choir waited on tables and later performed several songs at its dinner theatre on Jan. 22.

West Connection and This Just In showcased their competition shows to raise money to defray competition expenses. It cost $15 a person for dinner, and they had a choice of three entrees, a desert, salad, and drink.

They will travel to Mt. Pleasant for their first competition on Feb. 4, and then onto four more competitions. West also will co-host the Great River Show Choir Invitational at the Adler Theatre with Central on Feb. 17 and 18. They will then end their season performing at the Show Choir Show Off at the Adler. The director of West Connection, Rosalie Dunnegan, said show choir is all about entertaining an audience while learning responsibly and respect for others.

“It’s a younger group this year, but they have great energy,” Dunnegan said. “It just takes a lot to get it channeled to its full potential.”

Debate team plans trip

By Moesha Poole

The Speech and Debate team is preparing for a chance to go to nationals in Las Vegas this June.

The events they have to get through are districts, held on Feb. 10-11. As well as state, on March 8-10, at the University of Iowa.

“We have to make finals at state,” Emily Huber, sophomore, said.

Speech is acting out an emotion or giving an emotion. Debate is trying to prove your point on a topic. Most events are held in various parts of Iowa. The transportation for Iowa events is provided by Maggie Rietz. But the Las Vegas event is on air plane.

“The only thing we have to pay for is food,” Huber said.

Last December, the team competed at Dowling High School in West Des Moines. As a team they qualified for state there, but talent was also shown in the seperate events.

Things to do

Feb. 3 9:00 p.m.- Battle of the Bands Rock Island Brewing Company 1815 2nd Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201

Feb. 4 9:00 a.m.- Bald Eagle Watch Mississippi River Visitor Center Lock and Dam 12 West End Arsenal Island Rock Island, Il 61204 Feb. 4 8:00p.m.- nu.LOVE Red Stone Room. Five dollar entry fee.

Feb. 7 7:05pm- Quad City Mallards vs. Dayton Gems I Wireless Center

BeaknEye_5_11_ISSUU

6 Focus

2/16/2012

3:05 PM

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CLOSING THE DOOR TO SUCCESS Beak ‘n’ Eye

Friday, February 3, 2012

Friday, February 3, 2012

Drop out rates in Davenport school district raise many questions

By Krista Johnson The key to success is an education; however, many students are choosing to pass up their opportunity and close the door on their education. In Iowa, the Davenport school district has the highest drop out rate in the state at 6.32 percent which causes many to wonder what is causing so many students to lose sight of graduation and what is being done to help them.

According to Iowa law, in order for a student to drop out he or she must be 16 before the start of the school year.

While some students follow the law and remain in school until they are eligible to drop their classes, many students quit coming to school long before their 16th birthday.

For example, on Jan. 25, approximately 218 students at West were truant from one or more classes. While one day is not alarming, some of those students have missed multiple days.

When a student repeatedly misses class, the school has the responsibility of notifying the truancy officer, Gary Schroeder. The school must have four interventions, or attempts made to contact a parent about their child’s truancy which include a call home, a letter sent, a second letter sent, then a meeting. If none of the attempts result in a present student, Schroeder can bring a parent to court. Parents can be fined $180; Schroeder has not seen a parent found innocent in court during the 12 years he has been a truancy officer.

While the process seems simple enough, Schroeder explains that the problem and solution is not so cut and dry.

“Our job is to put kids in school, not put parents in jail. But sometimes that’s what happens,” said Schroeder.

However, he does not feel court is the answer to every situation presented to him. “Sometimes you have parents that are really trying but can’t get their kids to obey them.” He explained situations where you meet a single mom who works all day just to pay the bills so adding a fine to her stress isn’t going to

got involved. However, after trying out benefit her or the child if they don’t for the basketball team this year, he have a place to live. found out that super seniors aren’t And he admits there are situations allowed to participate. “I feel like an where parents truly do not care and old man still going to they are fined, school sometimes,” but “just said McMahon. “Just because you know it’s all on you. give someone a I really wouldn’t You might think it’s speeding ticket have gone cool to skip but doesn’t mean anywhere if I didn’t you’re the one who they will quit change.” will be dealing with speeding.” it.”

There are Programs such as several reasons the 9th grade acadea student may choose to drop out. Teen my, APEX, and a new after school propregnancy, drugs, alcohol, mental illness, learning disabilities, bullying, and gram referred to as night school are ways West is trying to prevent drop lack of supervision are all reasons a student might feel the need to leave the outs. However, none of these are guaranteed. school setting.

With every student being different For Bridget King, 20, making the and experiencing different situations, decision to leave West when she was administrators find it difficult to com15 is something she regrets. She now ment on statistics rather than specific realizes she did not have a good reasituations. son.

Principal Nancy Jacobsen explains “I can think of a million excuses that there’s a lot to discuss when it why I dropped out, but when it comes down to it, it was my fault. I didn’t like comes to the drop out percentage and that there is not a definite solution to school and I was lazy,” King said. the problem. “There’s a story behind While King did have a child when every number,” said Jacobsen. she was 15, she doesn’t feel this contributed to her dropping out. “My mom However, she explains that she feels tried to make me go to school; she just that the building as a whole is helping the problem. “When I came here seven couldn’t force me. I had to want it years ago, there wasn’t anything in myself, and I didn’t.” place to help these kids, if they wanted Wesley McMahon, a fifth year stuto go, they could go.” dent at West, explains he was close to Associate Principal Bob Tollefson dropping out. “Gangs, friends, skipping agreed with Jacobsen that every stuclasses, smoking weed are all things I dent needs to be addressed differently. wanted to do instead of school…I had “It’s important not to judge any stuto go through all that to find out who I was,” said McMahon. “I really would- dent. You can’t assume someone can’t make it…At this age I strongly believe n’t have gone anywhere if I didn’t the best thing we can do is to build a change. When you ask one of your friends for something and they tell you relationship with the child,” Tollefson said. to get it yourself, you start to realize For King, coming back to high it’s only you out here; no one is going school to get her diploma is not in the to support you forever.”

With graduation approaching at the plans. With three children, she feels the end of third term, McMahon has had to best thing she has done with her life is repeat classes and do credit recovery so bring her girls into this world. “I won’t give up on them; they will graduate. I he can finally graduate. don’t want them to live like me.”

He wishes he had done sports and

“

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Focus 7

Proposal will hold back deficient third graders

dents who struggle with reading but perform well in other area.”

Nearly one in three Iowa The district will be workfourth graders last year lacked ing with hundreds of stubasic literary skills that should dents during the summer have been known in third grade. reading program and give Thirty-one percent of Iowa them an alternative test to fourth graders scored below basic provide extra help to the stuin 2011 in the reading portion on dents that are having trouble. the National Assessment of The new exam will be Education Progress, a test given designed with the expectato a sample of the states students tion that all students who can in fourth grade. read will pass the test.

The performance given on the Students, who do not pass Iowa Test of Basic skills showed the test on the first try, will nearly 23 percent of students get the opportunity to re-take scoring below proficient in readthe test at locally-offered ing. Somewhere between 7,800 summer school, and could and 10,000 Iowa children were move to fourth grade if they considered illiterate in third grade pass on that attempt. last year. Still, by the next year “Students who are strugstudents will advance to fourth gling in reading need to be grade despite low scores. evaluated by a group of eduGovernor Branstad uncovered cators and the parents,” said a $25 million education reform Kelly. “Then, a decision can plan last month in Des Moines, Photo by Scott Moore be made as to what would be Iowa. The proposal is aimed READING IT UP- Brian Butler, senior reads to first, second, and third graders at most beneficial for that towards holding back third Wilson Elementary with other IJAG members for the Day of Caring. child. Parents must be a part graders who are unable to of this decision. It would be demonstrate basic reading skills wrong to simply say that all in efforts of bettering the student child…Students could be retained even though they students in third grade need to be retained if their for their years to come by taking a test designed to are succeeding in other areas like math, etc. It test scores are not high enough. I don’t believe that find out where the student stands in their education. would be a waste of their time, unless they had a this decision should be based on one test score!”

For third grade teacher, Debra Kelly, each child teacher who could meet their needs in other areas, If approved by the state board of education, it needs to be looked at individually. which would be difficult.” would take affect for students finishing the third “It is wrong to say that any child who is strug“I had one child who was very young and could grade in the spring of 2013. gling with reading should be retained,” said Kelly. not pass a single test. I held her back and she then “Circumstances are different for each became very successful. However, there are stuBy Blake Rees

Community member helps kids

Truancy officer teaches MMA to teens around the West End

By Krista Johnson

For Gary Schroeder, Davenport truancy officer, opening a mixed martial arts gym in the West End of Davenport isn’t just about exercise and self defense, but rather helping kids feel successful and stay out of trouble.

Growing up in Florida, Schroeder recalls not having much to do. His mother had him join a boxing gym in Miami. “It gave me something to do and kept out of trouble,” Schroeder said. He credits his mother for the idea of opening his own gym, “She told me to do something for the kids; she said someone did it for me.”

Schroeder opened his gym in 1981 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church while working as a police officer. The church was happy to give him the space for free; it allowed them to get a tax break for having a youth program as Photo by Krista Johnson well as gaining a good reputation for the POUNDING IT OUT- Gary Schroeder holds pads for Kody church and neighborhood.

Burke, 18 while calling out kick boxing combinations.

After Schroeder received support from the Burke has been training at M.M.A.G. since he was 16, havchurch, he found kids around the neighboring 4 MMA matches since. His record is 2-2. hood simply by word of mouth. Having raised his own kids in the West End, Schroeder feels, “The kids in the West End jiu-jitsu and kick boxing skills, a 145 pound amateur are the greatest kids in the world. They don’t give up; title, and friendship.” they have fight in them.”

Since 1981 a few things at the gym have changed.

Asking for donations ranging from 50 cents to $1 The biggest change is location, with the gym being from each kid, Schroeder would use the few donations located at Roosevelt Community Center and Schroeder he received to take kids to tournaments. Those without paying his own $300 a month to maintain the gym, like money were never sent away. paying for new equipment, supplies, and transportation “I like working with kids…I hope this gives them a to competitions. He does this because he believes the sense of accomplishment and that they can succeed at gym is helping children. something,” says Schroeder.

“We even have opposing gang members who come For Patrick King, 21, Schroeder’s gym, or the Mixed in here and completely get along. The problems stay Martial Arts Group, has given him the sense of accomplishment and much more. King started coming down to outside,”said Schroeder.

“I grew up with the help of the gym…It’s helped me the gym when he was 17. Simply appealed by the fact stay out of trouble and out of jail,” said King. “I get to that it was free, he quickly realized the gym had a lot of release stress and anger in a way that won’t send me to good people with a lot of talent. He gives credit to the jail.” gym for giving him, “Cardio, strength and conditioning,

WHO IS CONSIDERED A DROP OUT [LOCALLY]:

● As soon as a person receives a GED, they are considered a drop out from the Davenport school district ● One person can be counted as a drop out multiple times (ex. If one person drops out as a freshman, returns their sophomore but drops out as a junior, they are counted twice on the out list) ● Those under 16 can be counted as a drop out if they leave West, never enroll in another school, and there’s not a way to contact them.

SOURCES: West High Administrators /Truancy Officer

DROP OUT STATISTICS [NATIONALLY]

● Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone. That’s a student every 26 seconds – or 7,000 a day. ● On average, only 58% of students in America's 50 largest cities make it to graduation. ● America’s high school graduation rate ranks 19th in the world.

(Forty years ago, we were number one.)

SOURCE: dosomething.org

EARNINGS OF DROP OUTS

● In the last 20 years the earnings level of dropouts doubled, while it nearly tripled for college graduates ● Recent dropouts will earn $200,000 less than high school graduates, and over $800,000 less than college graduates, in their lives. ● Dropouts make up nearly half the heads of households on welfare.

SOURCE: kidsource.com

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8 Sports

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Friday, February 3, 2012 SCORING ONE FOR HIS TEAM Jordan Phillips, senior, left, takes certain steps when scoring goals for him and his team mates of the QC Blues.

Photo submitted by Jordan Phillips

Slammin’ the puck with the QC Blues

By Ashley VanWinkle

It’s a Saturday afternoon in Des Moines, Iowa, Jordan Phillips is drenched in sweat as if he just stepped out of the shower. The reason being, an intense hockey game against the Des Moines Oakleafs, ending in not only a win, but also what the QC Blues considers one of the most exciting and intense games of their season.

However, hockey is more than just one game; it’s about focusing on all 32 of the regular season games, and preparing for the last three at the championship tournament. So far the record is 14-7-1.

To practice the team does both on ice and off ice workouts. “For the on ice workouts, we do various drills that will stimulate the game situations at full speed, typically for as long as a normal shift on the ice takes, which is normally 45 to 60 seconds,” coach White explains, “But as for off ice work outs we do various aerobic and anaerobic exercises to strengthen and condition the body specifical-

ly to hockey.”

Hockey may seem tough to some, easy to others, but everyone sees an ideal hockey player as something different, “an ideal hockey player is someone who is committed, has a positive team first attitude, has a love for the game, and has their skills in order”, White said.

Phillips sees his ideal player as something a little different though, “In order to play you need to be able to lay out your body and take pain.”

“A skilled professional hockey player is on the same level of other athletes such as Michael Jordan and you have most just a notch below that”, White states.

The boys play Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday mornings and afternoons, home games being played at the River’s Edge, adjacent from Modern Woodmen Park.

To help try to win the games, the team often times uses little plays such as cycling the puck out of the corners with a man going to

poll

Which sport do you like best?

Hockey

Soccer

7%

14%

16% Baseball 21%

Football

42%

Basketball

SOURCE: Beak ’n’ Eye survey of 170 students

the net, but the team also uses a play called the Power Play, “This is where one team has a man advantage due to a penalty, this is the biggest play and teams who have success during these situations tend to win more games than not,” White explains.

Fighting is a part of hockey that seems to not only lock viewer’s interest but affects the boys

and their coaches as well.

“Fighting at out level is a sign of losing control emotionally and is frowned upon for the most part,” White explains. The coaches don’t encourage letting the players emotions get the best of them and feel it serves no purpose for the team what so ever. “When people fight it swings to momentum of the game greatly,” Phillips adds.

“On average there is about one fight per game at the higher NHL levels, but at the lower levels there may be more on average,” White explains.

However, since fighting is frowned upon, there is a penalty.

“A fighting penalty gets you five minutes in the penalty box, which we also call the “Sin Bin” in slang, and can be more if you instigate the fight,” White said.

Losing a game can affect the team in quite a few ways, good and bad. “Winning is our ultimate goal,” White begins, “it gives me and my coaching staff a very satisfying feeling which makes us

think that what we are trying to teach the team about being successful is sinking in.”

But along with teams anywhere, along with winning there is losing as well. “The vibe in the locker room after a loss is not good,” Phillips says.

When the team loses White has two thoughts before entering the locker room, “Did we play the game the way we practiced?” and “Did we play the game contrary to the way we practiced?”

“If one is the answer, I point out the positives, but if the answer is two, I stress to them what we need to improve on., but emotions do run very high so it’s a fine line between staying positive and being negative,” White says.

The boys have a benefit game on Feb. 17 at the Iwireless Center, Varsity plays at 6:30 p.m., and JV at 8:30 p.m. “It’d be great if we could get more West High School kids out for our games, but since it isn’t a school sport we don’t get that support,” Phillips adds.

Girls basketball shoots for best

By Ashley VanWinkle

Photo by Becca Sandry

PREPPING FOR THE GAME - Girls bring it in to prepare for the game they are about to play.

The girls’ basketball season is coming along, but placing seventh overall for varsity, and not ranked at all for the junior varsity girls, it might not be coming along exactly how the team had hoped for at the beginning of the season.

“We are getting a lot better, just a long way to go,” Coach Saladino said.

Syanne Saladino agrees things need to change.

“I would love to change the passion, the chemistry of the team, and the drive of the game this year honestly,” said

Shyanne.

Misfortunes doesn’t stop the team from trying their hardest to make the best of their season.

Coach Saladino had been preparing the girls with a lot of drills and game strategy. “I work them hard, and they work hard,” Saladino said.

Girls like Shyanne are used to the tough basketball practices.

“I have been playing since I was eight, and I love the strategy of the game, that keeps me motivated”, Shyanne begins, “The team is getting better, we put a lot of time into it and we’ve been doing a lot more fundamen-

tal drills.”

The Central at home was one of the games on Saladinos mind.

The girls went into over time against the Lady Devils. “I felt nervous, excited, and anxious about the last few minutes of the game,” Shyanne Saladino says.

Coach Saladino says the girls play well together.

“My seniors are stepping it up big as well as sophomore Brooke Garnica and juniors Lexi Quandt and Celina Manly.” said Saladino The girls next game will be played at Bettendorf High school tonight at 7 p.m.

Coaches pick: Seniors who lead the way

Breaking a sweat and kicking up the heat with Speed and Agility

By Becca Sandry

Even though the weather is cold outside, that isn’t stopping students from working up a sweat inside.

Whether it’s running in the halls or improving foot work, Speed and Agility workouts help athletes, teachers, students who aren’t involved in sports, and even parents improve their speed, conditioning, mental strength and unity.

“I like Speed and Agility because I get to have a good work and be with my friends!” said Laren Skulte, junior, who has done Speed and Agility since her sophomore year. “The strenuous running activities get my muscles adjusted from not doing anything to running everyday for track.”

“It’s healthy for you; it helps to improve your over all health and helps to improve your speed and agility” said Gene Belz, who is one of the teachers involved in organizing Speed and Agility. “I hope it

“Joe gives great effort in the classroom, has priorities in the proper order, and helps the younger players,” coach Mark Bigler said.

“I feel good being chosen because of the fact that younger guys are looking up to me and I get the chance to teach them,” Scott said

Shyanne Saladino Girls basketball Chosen by Coach Saladino

“Shy is very organized, she communicates well with all ages of girls on the team. She is also told to be one who can calm people down, and voice an opinion for the team,” coach Joy Saladino said.

“I feel very honored to be chosen,” Saladino said.

Josh Wendell Wrestling Chosen by Coach Heilman

“ We depend on him and a few of the other captins as well. He is a good person who is also a great examples for young wrestlers on and off the mat,” coach Chris Heilman says.

“It feels like hard work paid off,” Wendell said.

gives our student athletes the mind set that they can achieve anything they want by working hard and together”, Belz adds.

Speed and agility allows students to come after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get a workout supervised by teachers and/or coaches for one hour.

The workouts end Feb. 9. Once athletes completed the course of workout they receive a free tshirt provided by the school.

RUNNING YOUR HARDESTJunior Lexy Devlin runs at Speed and Agility.

Photo by Becca Sandry

By Becca Sandry

This winter has brought challenges for the boys’ basketball team, losing two of their last games. On Jan. 24 the boys lost to the North Scott Lancers 67-36. That same week the boys lost their game against Pleasant Valley 60-43.

Coming from a win against Pleasant Valley previously this season, the boys losing to the Spartans was a downfall of their season.

“We played with lots of effort, but struggled with our shooting,” said coach Mark Bigler. “This has hampered us throughout the season, so hopefully we will find a hot streak to finish the season.”

The Falcons overall record is 5-8.

“Each game is pretty much the same in regards to goals,” said Bigler. “We attempt to identify their best scorers and try to take them out of the flow.”

The boys will try to avenge the teams that have beaten them in the past, such as Bettendorf on Feb. 3 and Assumption on Feb. 17.

“We look forward to facing teams that have beaten us the second time this season, to have a chance to reverse the fortunes,” said Bigler.

So far, the Falcons have made 74 of their 241 attempted three point shots.

The Falcons guard, Joe Scott leads the MAC in shooting with an average of 20

Photo by Becca Sandry

TAKING DOWN THE COACH- Junior Tyler Wells, left, works on his take downs with assistant coach, Ryan Delf at practice after school.

Photo submitted by Donna Dubberke

STRETCHING TO THE TOP -- Cole Tatge, senior, jumps over his competition at the Assumption vs West game Jan. 13.

points a game.

“If you’re a three- point shooter just keep shooting don’t hesitate,” said Scott.

With the first sub-state game coming up on Feb. 24 the Falcons prepare for the competition. “I’m very excited because sub-state is coming up and it’s crunch time,” said Scott.

Senior breaks school assists record

By Ashley VanWinkle

Senior boys basketball player Daren Stringfellow has broken the school record on number of career assists during the West vs. Assumption game on Jan. 13.

“It made me feel proud because I did something that no one else ever has, and I don’t think I could have done it without my team.,” Darren said.

Darren has a few goals for this year,

“I want to make a run at the conference race and hopefully make a run at state.”

The sub state games for the boys are Feb. 24, 25, and 28, leading up to the state tournament from March.

6-10.

Photo By Ashley Vanwinkle

Daren Stingfellow

Wrestlers end their season while new journeys begin

By Tyler Masterson

The wrestling team has had some good days and some bad days, resulting in inconsistent scores in January and a 4-8 record, according to coach Chris Heilman.

Although the wrestlers’ biggest weakness is their inconsistency, they do have athleticism and strength, which allows them to play at a high level every week, Heilman said.

The team’s inconsistency has come from off-the-mat issues involving disciplinary, academic, and motivational troubles. The team also lacks in depth chart, which causes them to forfeit in the heavy weight class and makes it hard to win duals.

The wrestlers ended on a good note in the MAC tournament by winning several of their last matches with senior Joe Bierl and Nic Bacus finishing highest. However, the team didn’t place as high as it wanted to.

“Zach Blizzard beat a guy who he had lost to earlier in the MAC tournament and Caleb Cousino came back after a tough loss to beat his opponent from Muscatine,” said Heilman.

The wrestlers need to believe they can beat the top guys in state and that they have the ability, they just need to perform, according to Heilman.

Swimmers finish strong

Brad Rollins Boys swimming Chosen By Coach Heller

“Brad is leader by example.

Everything he wants to be or to do he does.”, Coach Heller says.

“I am honored to be chosen, I feel like everything I have worked hard for has paid off,” Rollins said.

“

Those who sweat together work together as a one.

- Gene Belz”

“At the end of speed and agility you’ve realized that you’ve accomplished so much.”

Kris Burney, junior says.

Burney uses workouts to stay in shape for soccer. “I love being able to stay in shape for all of the sports I do,” adds Burney.

Belz said the athletes bond by working out together. “Doing speed and agility creates a family like atmosphere between all who do it. Those who sweat together, work together as one.”

For the students who were unable to attend speed and agility. The Bulgarian is also available Mar. 24 and Mar. 31 for a more intense work out that focuses more on core body strength.

Boys basketball crunches down the remaining time ‘till sub-state

By Allie Walters

Joe Scott Boys basketball Chosen by Coach Bigler

Sports 9

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Friday, February 3, 2012

Photo by Becca Sandry

WET! -- Brad Rollins, senior, and Kyle Dittmer, junior, practice their starts off the blocks.

The boys swim team lost 11553 to Clinton on Jan. 19, leaving the Falcon’s record for this season is 2-4. Other losses came from Central and Rock Island.

However, despite the losses, coach Brian Heller is staying positive about the season.

“The boys are a little more driven, they are working hard and it seems like they really want to be good,” said Heller.

The boys have been working hard with a full swim schedule, practicing Monday, Wednesday,

and Friday mornings at 6 a.m., everyday after school from 35:15, and Saturday mornings 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Heller believes that the team’s strengths come from the senior leadership. Varsity captains are seniors Brad Rollins and Matt Aney. The boys struggle due to the fact that there are no freshmen on the squad.

The boys will swim at districts at 12:30 p.m. on Feb.4 at Burlington High. If they do well, the team will then go to the state swimming meet on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Marshalltown, Iowa.

That’s just what they did when they went back and forth against Clinton. After giving up a forfeit, they really performed well and stepped up and won, according to Heilman.

The team has several top wrestlers including junior Randy McPhee, who is a returning state qualifier but has been dealing with challenges that has kept him off the mat this year Seniors Kyle Beale and Caleb Cousino are leading the team in wins, and seniors Dylan Mitchell and Nic Bacus score a bunch of bonus points. Joe Bierl has beaten very tough opponents this year with Josh Wendell wrestling tough too.

The district meet on Feb. 4 in Burlington, Iowa will mark the end of the season for some wrestlers but the start of another journey for others. The wrestlers will put what they have learned to the test to see if they can be one of the top two wrestlers in their weight class to qualify for state.

“In terms of ability and athleticism, I think we are comparable to many top teams.” Heilman said. “However, we need to expect to win, like many of the top teams do. We are on our way to that. Our wrestlers just need to buy in to the program, make sacrifices, and believe they can win.”

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10 Editorials

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Friday, February 3, 2012

Friday, February 3, 2012

dim view

Ethnic classes should remain

our view

Art by Sami Mills

Cell phone policy should be changed The Bettendorf High School administration this month allowed students to text during passing times and lunch.

Although Davenport High Schools students are not allowed to use cell phones at all, there are some very good reasons to why we should be allowed to use them.

Texting, cheating, and bullying are reasons that students are not allowed cell phone use in the classroom. Phones ringing in the classroom are a problem too.

Teenagers’ cell phones have basically become an extended appendage. Not many students can say that they have never used their phones during school, whether it’s texting or getting online, a very large percentage of us have used them at school.

We see kids at school cheat all the time, from writing the answers on a piece of paper and hiding it under a piece of clothing to texting friends the

“

questions. Yes, many kids are bullied over technology; no one can really control that, but have the school boards only seen the bad things that can come from a cell phone, rather then the good?

According to PBS, 83 percent of adults own cell phones and over half of them use that phone to obtain information faster. Not to offend adults, but

Having this kind of technology in the classroom would make the learning process a lot faster.”

teenagers tend to be a lot faster on any kind of technology, let alone cell phones. So instead of using our slow computers at school, we should be allowed to use the internet on our cell phones. Having this kind of technology

in the classroom would make the learning process a lot faster.

In Rochester, New York the Webster Central School District now lets students use their cell phones during school. According to WHEC, Glen Widor, the principal, said, “For the most part it has eliminated confrontations over cell phones and some students appreciate it.” The principal and teacher in Webster, feel that the cell phones do a lot more help then harm.

For this policy to change, students should address the school board. The school board would possibly vote and then we would either be able to use our phones during school or not, but we have to start fighting somewhere.

The Beak ‘n’ Eye believes students should be allowed to use their cell phones during passing time and lunch.

With teacher permission, they should be able to use them in class for educational purposes. It’s easier to compromise than to fight with angry teenagers.

Censorship has no place in schools In 2009, English teacher Ben Lange of Allamakee, Iowa, was issued two formal reprimands for allowing the publishing of two articles in the school newspaper. One had an altered image of a baby smoking a cigarette and one was an April Fools edition of the paper that the principal thought was offensive.

Lange sued to have the reprimands removed and the Iowa Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Lange.

This was a good decision since the student articles did no actual damage to a person’s reputation since it was clearly a spoof. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that high school students do have free speech. In 1969 the Tinker v. Des

Moines case, the school district infringed the student’s First Amendment rights by not allowing them to protest the Vietnam War by wearing black arm bands. The students were forced into suspension until they decided to return to school without the arm bands.

An Iowa law passed in 1989 limits the circumstances that student-run newspaper publications can be censored.

The law helps student journalists publish what should be heard. Student journalists most likely would have restrictions limiting what is published, if we did not have the laws in Iowa. In Iowa schools are able to report stories that they would not be able to publish with-

out them.

The Beak’n’Eye has never been censored by an adviser or principal. The Beak’n’Eye uses research to investigate the problem so that the facts are accurate so students can find solutions to problems.

The Scholastic Journalism Week is Feb. 19-25. It is a time when people help promote the benefits of scholastic journalism and help teach about the First Amendments. We encourage you to exercise your right to free speech by writing a letter to the editor of the Quad City Times or the Beak ‘n’ Eye on a timely issue that concerns you.

If you had a boyfriend or girlfriend what would you do on V-Day?

“We are going out to eat, then to Vanderveer, and after that go back to his house to watch romantic movies.”

- Maranda Lucas senior

“Do nothing, because it’s a Tuesday. I’d wait til the weekend.”

- Kyle Braumman junior

“I’d buy her flowers and chocolate, then I’d take her out to Applebees for the 2 for $20.”

- Nate Clark sophomore

“I’d give him flowers and a teddy bear.”

- Nicole Benisch freshman

Compiled by Haley Benisch

In school students learn about American History, and sometimes in other classes they learn about other ethnic people’s history. In Arizona students don’t have that choice. Arizona’s law prohibits classes designed for one ethnicity. Starting this semester, Mexican-American classes, or any other ethnic classes, are being taken away from the schools in Tucson.

According to Arizona Central, “House Bill 2281 bans classes in kindergarten through 12th grade that promote the overthrow of the U.S. government, promote resentment toward a race or class of people, are designed primarily for pupils of one ethnic group, or advocate ethnic solidarity.”

The students at the Tucson schools believe that these classes are very important. They help kids feel wanted, smart, and like they are part of something bigger than themselves.

The school board had to abide by the judges orders. “I made a decision based on the totality of the information and facts gathered during my investigation — a decision that I felt was best for all students in the Tucson Unified School District,” said Judge Lewis D. Kowal.

At West we have classes like those, only ours are college-prep classes, like Hispano and Iberia.

Hispano teaches students about Mexican literature, while Iberia teaches students about Spanish literature.

Emily Thompson has taken Iberia and has said, “It’s a higher level class, it teaches you about the culture, not just the language.”

In school, we’ve learned that we wouldn’t be the country we are today without people from different countries. We don’t think that the issue is just Mexican-Americans’, it’s every country. Perhaps to get rid of this problem, the schools should teach a class about every ethnic group. That way no student feels left out.

In the Quad Cities have very large variety of ethnic groups. In Davenport, Iowa we have very heavy roots from Germany, while in Rock Island, Illinois there are very heavy Hispanic roots. There are so many more then just those too. All of these roots have what the Quad Cities are today.

The United States is a huge melting-pot; we can’t discriminate against one race, without discriminating against another. “We can’t all be on layer; we have to be more than one layer. We have to be aware of everything around us, and know what is going on in the world, rather then just in our own lives,” said Thompson.

Letters wanted

SHHHH! Do you hear that voice? ‘Tis I, your opinions! As of right now, I am absolutely fuming and/or rejoicing about one of the topics that were addressed in this issue. I am becoming rather disquieted, because you are shutting me inside your head, Therefore, please write a letter to the editor, detailing just how irritated and/or over-joyed I am.

All letters should be 300 words, and there’s a good chance that it will shortened if it’s too long.

Don’t forget to include your name and grade in your letter. Just drop them off in Room 161.

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Editors-in-chief News editor Faces editor Focus editors

Sports editors

Leisure editors Voice editors

Backside editor Artists Adviser

Erin Pershall Krista Johnson Hieu Nguyen Arina Russkikh Blake Rees Krista Johnson Ashley Vanwinkle Becca Sandry Staff Haley Benisch Logan Allen Emily Crowe Sami Mills Steve Lyle

The Beak ‘n’ Eye serves the West High student body by informing, investigating, and interpreting events which concern students. It also provides an open forum for its diverse readership.

The school board grants student editors the First Amendment right to determine the coverage and content of their pages. The adviser’s role is to teach and advise the staff so that it can follow responsible journalistic practices.

Readers are encouraged to submit letters to Room 161.

Letters should be 300 words or less and should be signed.

We reserve the right to edit the letters for length.

Unsigned editorials represent the consensus of the student editorial board and not necessarily the views of the adviser, administration, or Davenport Community School District.

The Beak ‘n’ Eye is published eight times a year from 3505 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52804.

Member of Iowa High School Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Quill & Scroll International Honor Society.

Voice 11

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Gingrich all wrong about teenagers’ work ethics

Art by Sami Mills

Do all Iowans have meth labs? quixotically believe, like Little Orphan Annie, that, ‘The sun’ll come out tomorrow.’ ” Bloom also writes that some names are common in Iowa and that, “Everyone knows someone who has had an unfortunate and costly accident with a deer.”, and that “Religion is glue that binds everyone…”

Bloom doesn’t understand that many states have those common names, that in every state there are have different kinds of people and some who choose to stay where they are and that everyone believes something; but none of those things make a state bad or a place that doesn’t deserve to be.

Those are the common things of America, not just in Iowa.

I don’t agree with what Bloom wrote in his article. First of all, I think it was wrong of him to complain about the state he lives in.

We live in America! We have the right to live where we want to live. If he doesn’t like Iowa then he should leave. And second he shouldn’t have said all the things about Iowa because people live here. I don’t think it’s his goal of IOWANS- A RayGun t-shirt makes life to upset people. Why would fun of Steven Bloom who accused all anyone write anything like this Iowans of having meth labs and about any state?! It’s rude disremany other outrageous things in an spectful and it’s just gonna make article in The Atlantic. people upset. An Iowan would never do anything like this; Iowans are friendly and kind; I know The comment was completely inapprobecause I’ve only lived here for four priate and should have not been in his months and I’ve noticed it. article. When writing, people should tell Bloom finishes his article by writing, the truth and when writing it not in a “That’s the place that may very well way that may cause one to become offended because of the disrespect, espe- determine the next U.S. president.”

Bloom’s article was written in no cially journalists like Bloom. respectful way, whether it was true or Bloom writes many other things that are unnecessary like, “Those who stay in not. It is possible for people to write what they think and still do it respectfulrural Iowa are often the elderly waiting ly. It may take longer and be harder, but to die, those too timid (or lacking in it is the right thing to do. And when educated) to peer around the bend for writing with respect, respect will be better opportunities, an assortment of given in return. waste-toids and meth addicts with pale skin and rotted teeth, or those who

One of the professors at Iowa University wrote an article that was very displeasing to many Iowans that began an outrage, as far as the making of tshirts to death threats go.

Stephen Bloom, a Jephthah professor of journalJon Yarian ism at Iowa University and a well-known writer, wrote a disrespectful opinionative article titled, “Observations From 20 Years of Iowa Life” posted Dec. 9, 2011, in The Atlantic. All throughout Bloom’s article he writes disrespectful, rude, and unneeded comments on Iowa; like when he writes, “Iowa is a throwback to yesteryear and, at the same time, a cautionary tale of what lies around the corner.”

The topic of Bloom’s article was to “explain” “what Iowa is.” He started and ended the article by saying that Iowa has a big impact on who will be the next president; he uses President Obama as his example at the beginning.

Bloom doesn’t think that Iowa should be the state to impacts the nation. He shows this when he writes, “Iowa’s not representative of much.”

Bloom has a sarcastic attitude in his article like when he wrote, “On the state’s eastern edge lies the Mississippi River, dotted with towns with splendid names like Keokuk, Toolsboro, Fruitland, Muscatine, Montpelier, Buffalo, Sabula, Davenport, Dubuque, and Guttenberg.”

A sarcastic attitude shouldn’t be written in any writing because it is disrespectful of another’s position and may cause people to be offended. And a professor of journalism, like Bloom, should be someone expected to know this.

Bloom also wrote about the Mississippi River negatively. “Not much travels along the muddy and polluted

Mississippi these days except rustybucket barges of grain and an occasional kayaker circumnavigating garbage, beer cans, and assorted debris.” The professor continues writing, “The majestic river that once defined the United States has rendered commercially irrelevant these days.”

His comment may have been true in some places of the Mississippi River, but not in all. Never have I seen any debris or garbage floating throughout it.

With Michelle Obama’s new Healthy Kids Act, I have seen many changes come to our lunchroom, but is it enough? I do not believe so. If Mrs. Obama wants us to eat healthy, we

should have more healthy options.

What is healthy about chicken nuggets and French fries? Granted, the school has limited the French fry servings from four days a week to tow, but why are there no other options? I say we should have salads as sides. Salads are available in the lunchroom, however, they are not offered as a side like fries are; they are only offered as an addition-

Healthy Kids Act not as healthy as we thought

LIKES-

Cortney Haines

Likes & Dislikes

HAVING A VALENTINE makes a person feel special, no matter who the admirer is. It’s like realizing that other people do care for you besides your family.

SHORT TRAINS When you get stopped because of a train, but then realize it’s really short.

LOUD MUSIC If you’re talking to someone you really don’t want to, you can turn the music up really loud, and can’t hear them anymore.

al purchase. The fact that students must pay extra for healthy choices does not quite make sense. The argument that the school will lose money is invalid; the cost of a side of fries (about $1.25) is more expensive than a side of salad ($1.00).

So why are we not given that option?

Has Mrs. Obama’s Act really made that much of a difference? I believe not!

DISLIKELIKE MY STATUS This is too overrated. No we will not like a person’s status for a shout-out or a confession.

LOUD IN THE LIBRARY Since we were kids we’ve been told to be quiet in the library. Be considerate and be quiet.

CRUSHESIf a person tells another you that they like them, but then goes to a dance with a whole different person. That person should’nt have told you that they liked you; or they should’ve asked you to the dance.

“Really poor children, in really poor neighborhoods, have no habits of working and have nobody around them who works. So they have no habit of showing up on Monday, and no habit of staying all day. They have no habit of I do this and you give me cash, unless it’s illegal,” Newt Gingrich said on national television recently.

Newt Gingrich believes that all teens who have grown up poor will always be poor. He believes this because if the kid’s parents haven’t worked, why would they want to?

What we are wondering is where Gingrich received his information about teens and the poor. Or did he just state his opinion on national television for all the people, whose votes he would want, can see.

Gingrich also stated that the rate of unemployment in Haley Benisch African-American teenagers is 43 percent. What he doesn’t state is that the unemployment rate for teenagers as a whole is 24.6 percent; or that adult’s unemployment rate is 8.5 percent according to the National Employment Law Project. Teenagers now have to compete, for jobs, with the baby boomer generation. Really, who is the boss going to choose, the experienced adult or a teenager?

I know a bunch of kids who want better for themselves and their future children. Many of the juniors and seniors at West have jobs. Some of the kids at West work at Menards, McDonald’s, Hy-Vee, TjMaxx and lots of other places. We want to be able to say, “hey look, I grew up poor, but I worked my butt off and I’m head of my own business, so that I can give my kids more than what I had.”

Teens these days are also very involved in extracurricular activities, like: show choir, sports, clubs, and volunteering. Teens involved with a lot of these things have no time for a job and school. Some teens have a school, extra-curricular activities and a job. These teens are so stressed that they come to a point where they just completely break down. Or when teachers see a kid sleep in class, they just assume they that kid is lazy. The teacher doesn’t know what is going on in that kid’s life.

That kid could be working a double shift at McDonalds to help his mom pay the rent.

Isn’t Photo by:Jeff Sinner/ school supCharlotte Observer/MCT posed to come before everything else? Parents tend to say you have forever to work, worry about school now. Should we grow up too soon and live our life as an adult before we are even adults?

Gingrich explains nothing in this statement; he just goes forth and states it on national television.

Since the recession many adults have been taking jobs that teens would normally work. He doesn’t state this either.

Gingrich needs to look more into things before criticizing the youth of America. Gingrich for President? Anyone? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Top 5

reasons why we like West High

1. Everybody loves the School Spirit at West 2. The Newspaper is the best!

3. Foreign Language Department is muy bien!

4.Drama Department, have you seen their plays?

5.Security Guards, because they are freaking cool.

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12 Backside

Beak ‘n’ Eye

Friday, February 3, 2012

Gala 2012 Girls ask guys to dance in clever ways

Bellman said she had him walk into the bathroom

By Hieu Nguyen Guys usually ask girls to Prom or Homecoming. without being too obvious. He walked in the bathroom However, Gala is the opposite. Most students said it is and saw the sign; then he began to laugh out loud and said: “Of course I’ll go with you, not that awkward to ask someone but that was really gross.” to a dance.

Another girl used a musical invita“I would feel happy when a girl poll tion to Gala. “I made a rap and postasks me to go to gala because I’ve ed it on his Facebook page,” said got a date,” said Zach Jacobsen, Which would you Megan Rice, senior. She asked junior. worry more about: Dayne Rodriguez, senior, who told “I wasn’t really nervous to ask asking someone to a her yes. my date to Gala,” said Dawn dance, or getting your The rap was like this: “Yo Dayne, Vickers, sophomore. “But I didn’t wisdom teeth pulled? wouldn’t it be. Real nice to go to ask him face to face. He wanted to gala with me. Cause I’m so fly, and borrow a CD; I put a note inside you’re a nice guy. Why don’t we the CD cover. Later he said yes.” just give it a try? What do you say Some guys refuse to go to the I’m asking today? So hit me up a dance if they’re asked. “If a girl yay or nay.” asks me to go to the dance with her, The dance was held at Col I’d tell her that I can’t. I’m hanging Ballroom on Jan. 28, and the theme out with my friend at SunDown ski The Wisdom was ‘Untie the Night’ Laken resort,” said Zac Mirfield, junior.

Dance Teeth Fluegel was crowned the Gala “I’m not going to the dance SOURCE: Beak ’n’ Eye King. because my girlfriend’s mother survey of 200 students “The dance was fun. It was the won’t let her go. I would say no if most fun I have had in a long time,” someone else asked me,” said said Fluegel, senior. He said that he David McVay, sophomore.

Some girls have creative ways to ask the guys to the felt excited, emotional, and thankful when he was dance. “I ordered a fortune cookie to ask Tyler Hoth to crowned Gala King.

Music was a mix of popular songs and some old the dance,” said Emily Thumann, junior. Hoth said yes romantic songs. Although the DJ took a few requests, to her.

Brianna Bellman asked her boyfriend to Gala in an he picked most of the songs.

“There were 490 tickets sold this year,” said Mark unusual place. “I made two signs, one placed on top of Kretschmer, band teacher in charge of Gala. my bathroom toilet,” said Bellman.

Photo by Hieu Nguyen

UNTIE THE NIGHT- Students have fun and work up a sweat dancing at Gala last Saturday. Senior Seth Malloy, left, shakes his groove thang and shows his classmates how to get down on the dance floor.

Photo by Hieu Nguyen

CROWN ME- Laken Fluegel was crowned Gala King on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the the Col Ballroom.

Photo by Hieu Nguyen

GALA COURT- The boys of Gala Court line up for a group shot. From left to right: James Thames, Austin Wolf, Tony Ketalaar, Joe Bierl, Rayvonne Brown, Nick Munger, Kyle Beal, Joe Scott, Laken Fluegel, Jake Yoke, Shawn Simmons, Darren Stringfellow, and John Solbrig.

To advertise in the March 2 issue, call 563 386-5500 ext. 161