October 2008

BuccaneerBulletin Volume 12 Number 1 October 2008

Bulletins

Calling All Parents

In effort to increase parental involvement and decrease unexcused absences, the Oswego City Schools have added parental phone alerts, to send automatic emergency alerts by telephone. This system is called SchoolMessenger.

At 9:15 a.m. the attendance status is checked at the Oswego High School and the Oswego Middle School, and calls the homes of absent students. The Oswego High School sends calls at 6:30 p.m. as well.

Not only does this system make emergency alerts, but it will notify parents or guardians of early dismissals, if their child is absent, test date reminders, as well reminders for scheduled parent meetings. However, it will not replace the letters sent home or personal meetings with the principal.

Grants Accepted

Two grants were accepted by the Oswego Board of Education recently.

One was a $1,000 Tony Cook Memorial grant for OHS. This grant will be used for foreign exchange students and extracurricular activities.

The other grant was a $6,589 in grants from the Oswego County Teacher Center.

Spirit Rekindled

As a result of the combined efforts of the OHS junior class, the Buccaneer Boosters and Athletic Director Scott Sugar, this year’s homecoming became a weeklong celebration that kicked off in school on Friday, October 3 and culminated with the presentation of the homecoming court at the dance on Friday, October 10.

Junior class president Jeremy Gosek said, "We wanted to add more excitement this year than in the past, and the parade, Buc Fest, and bonfire did that.”

Peace Sign Makes a Comeback Page 4

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

BUC buc$

Hundreds of U.S. Schools Investigating A 4-Day Week

By Emily Difabio Reporter

Photo by caitlin sawyer

Receiving BUCS has become a source of pride for dozens of students.

PBIS Program Aims to Minimize School Conflict

By Caitlin Sawyer Reporter

The start of the new academic year brought many changes to Oswego High School. With the help of school social worker Ms. Heather Andrews, a new framework has been put in place, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports or PBIS. PBIS aims to prevent conflict and behavior problems by teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior for school.

The framework enables good behavior to be acknowledged in the hope that, in turn, it will spread to other students.

Across the country, PBIS is spreading and it’s changing attitudes and behavior of many students and teachers.

The new framework focuses on proac-

Who Did OHS Students Pick for Next President?

Page 7

tive thoughts by seeing the good things that students are doing. Although it is a new tool being used at OHS, Andrews sees huge success in the future with attitudes of students and teachers.

Four OHS staff members received training in PBIS in the spring of 2008, however this past Superintendent’s Day (September 26), more teachers attended a seminar to learn about the new discipline program.

Andrews believes that PBIS will be good for OHS because “They have done research on PBIS and it is a framework, not a program that we are buying into or trying to implement. We are simply trying to focus on good behavior and the positive things students do.” see

“positive behaviors” page 2

Impact Testing Page 10

Schools across the nation are experimenting with a new policy of only going to school four days instead of the usual five-day week.

This may sound unconventional, but more than 100 school districts in at least 16 states are adjusting their schedules in this manner. The reason is simple--to save money. With skyrocketing gas and heating costs, these districts are taking a philosophy of “drastic times call for drastic measures.”

With the price of diesel fuel(which most school buses run on), at a minimum $4.59 per gallon, fuel budgets dwindle quickly. School districts in California that are not required by law to bus students to and from school are thinking about not providing transportation to their students. Many students have to now walk miles to get to school, get there really early or have their parents adjust their schedules to bring them. This is a huge inconvenience to many people.

One of the school districts that is only going four days a week is Kentucky’s Webster County School District.

They operate on a Tuesday through Friday schedule. The first year that they started this program, the district saved $250,000 out of an $8.9 million budget. This district has had a positive experience with this program. Their Superintendent, James Kemp said, “Attendance has improved, disciplinary problems have decreased and test scores have steadily risen.”

On the contrary, Superintendent Tamara Uselman of Minnesota’s Persee

“mixed reactions” page 2

Also Inside ...

lLowering teen drinking ages lGoing Green

2

News

Positive Behaviors are the Goal of PBIS Continued from page 1

The district is trying to implement PBIS district wide along with using the BUC program. In the elementary schools, it is believed that acknowledging students’ pro-social behavior early, can teach appropriate behavior for school. Learning these proper behaviors early can prepare them for middle and high school.

The “BUC Stops Here Program” is the school motto which is part of PBIS. It calls for every school to have three to five expectations that anyone would know when they walked into the school. At OHS we have four simple expectations.

• Be responsible. An example would be being prepared for class.

• Use time wisely. An example would be going right to class the fastest way.

• Chose safety. An example would be walking on the right side of the hallway.

• Show respect. An example would be don’t talk back.

It is also a tool used to help acknowledge students who are always doing the right thing. Part of PBIS is establishing consistent rules for students and staff to follow.

Many students at OHS believe

the BUC program is too childish, but raffles encourage people to do things along with being recognized. The raffle system gives students a chance to be motivated and encouraged for doing the right thing. Some feel that the program is barely being used “In the whole three weeks I have been in school, I have only seen one kid receive a BUC,” stated junior Steven Dahar.

There are numerous students at OHS who, at first, may be against the framework. Although not everyone will be supportive it is hoped that students and staff will gradually adapt. “I guess it’s better to keep kids more in line, but it seems too strict and the teachers seem to be using it to their advantage which, in the end, makes school less entertaining and more like boot camp,” said sophomore Teal Palmer. Being informed about PBIS and the “BUC Stops Here” will give students a better understanding of the program, which may lead to more support.

The new school procedures include accountability for everyone. Students have a choice, and with this choice comes consequences, either positive or negative. Being motivated can change a person’s perspective on what they are doing and it might encourage them to do what they are supposed to do. Currently all of the reward prizes have been

Photo by caitlin sawyer

Recent raffle winner freshman Paige Hart is shown here with Ms. Heather Andrews and Principal Myles.

donated and do not cost the district any money. The OHS’ Paradox donated two yearbooks to the raffle that will be raffled off at the end of each semester.

Local businesses and restaurants have also donated things such as gift cards and bowling passes.

In the future, Andrews wishes to

expand the BUC raffle program by opening a store and using the ‘BUCS’ as our own school currency. The store would allow students to use their ‘BUCS’ to purchase a variety of items.

Andrews would also like for OHS extracurricular clubs/organizations to support PBIS in any way they can.

Mixed Reactions to a Four-Day School Week Continued from page 1

a normal five-day week, so with their elementary- ers and the students at the same time.” Morgia also ham-Dent School District, stated, “A four-day school aged children, the parents have to find and then pay considered that the school day could be longer, “I week is not in the best interest of the students.” for additional daycare. In the long run, the district think that it would be alright; you could have that Oswego teachers and students have mixed reac- will be saving money, but parents may be spending extra day to get work done.” tions as well. Rachel Baxter a junior said, “I think that more. This choice to change their school week is the Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that districts it would be good and bad. We have to go to school decision that many rural school districts are mak- have considered changing their school week. In the a certain number of days, so we’d 1970s when there was a gas crisis, probably have to go to school lon- “I like longer periods, it gives kids the time to many areas decided to save money on ger. I also think that teachers would their budgets, and only open for four give more homework.” Mrs. Lisa work rather than just throwing the work at them, days a week. The gas crisis that we are Schultzkie of the Math Department but I’m not sure if I would like having the extra experiencing now is not as bad as it is a fan of the four-day school week. was in the ‘70s, but schools around the She said, “I like longer periods, it day off. Kids might come back forgetting what country are looking back to the way the gives kids the time to work rather they learned Monday through Thursday.” crisis was handled more than 30 years than just throwing the work at them, -Mrs. Lisa Schultzkie ago. In the 1970s the Organizations but I’m not sure if I would like havof Petroleum Exporting Countries OHS Math Teacher (OPEC) shut off all oil exports to the ing the extra day off. Kids might come back forgetting what they learned Monday ing. The good side of this is a three-day weekend; United States for supporting Israel during the Yom through Thursday.” the down side is that the school day would become Kippur War. While we are not in as bad a situation in As great as going to school four days a week longer. David Morgia, an OHS junior said, “I think terms of gas supply as we were then, it is still forcing sounds, it is causing some conflicts with parents and it would be better; teachers could even assign more schools, businesses and families to explore creative students who are in these districts. Many parents work homework if they wanted to. It could help the teach- ways to save money.

Buccaneer Bulletin

October 2008

Features

3

It’s Necessary and Popular to ‘Go Green’

By Kaitlyn Scanlon Reporter

Whether it is in fashion, business or technology going green has become the popular thing to do around the country and at Oswego High School.

Environmental consciousness has taken shape in an increasing number of ways. T-shirts that say “I Love the Earth” and “Go Green” are all around malls and more businesses are using green techniques to sell their products. Also, a growing number of buildings are being built and renovated using environmentally friendly techniques.

Oswego High School is no exception when it comes to going green.“It’s everybody’s job,” said Principal Peter Myles, a former biology teacher. “Every little bit helps. The school district looks to do its part in several ways,” Myles said.

New heating and air conditioning roof-top units that are more energy efficient have been installed. The new lighting in some area including the library also uses less energy. Teachers are reminded by e-mail to turn off computers and SMART Boards at the end of the day and over the weekend.

The school cleaning staff is also in on the act.

Cloth towels are now used to clean instead of paper products. Harmful cleaning products have been replaced by other products that are more environmentally friendly. Custodians now throw away disposable items in separate containers for recyclables and trash.

Cindy Jiminez and other custodians sort through the recyclables to separate paper products from other products--even thought it is technically not their job.

Jiminez said she goes out of her way to recycle cans and bottles.

Mrs. Catherine Celeste adviser of the Oswego High School Environmental Club, said going green is not only a good idea, but it also saves money. She stated that there is more the school can do to be environmentally friendly. Bottle and can drives would help, for instance, but so far ,student organizations

have had trouble trying to do them.

Going green is important because the increased amount of CO2 emissions in our atmosphere is causing the global temperature to increase. The rate is three times faster than it has been in the last century. This increase is having harmful effects on our environment.

The amount of Arctic ice that has melted over the last 30 years is approximately the size of Texas. Losing glaciers reduces the amount of fresh water on our planet and increases flooding for coastal areas.

The rise in temperature is also affecting plants and animals. It is projected that 15 to 37 percent of all plant and animal species could be wiped out by global warming by the year 2050. This could disrupt the food chain and damage our planet’s ecosystem.

While we’re trying to be more environmentally sensitive at Oswego High, celebrities are doing their part to save the world as well.

Leonardo DiCaprio encouraged other celebs to arrive at the 2007 Oscars in hybrid vehicles and is releasing a documentary on global warming titled The 11th Hour.

Al Gore has also made a statement in environmental issues by creating An Inconvenient Truth, which nabbed an Oscar for best documentary. Gore also hosted “Live Earth,” the biggest global awareness gathering ever. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

Even Britney Spears auctioned off clothes to raise money for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

As a nation, we can still do more. The United States is ranked number one among large nations as a global polluter, contributing 25 percent of the world’s emissions, even though the U.S. makes up only 5 percent of the world population.

Despite the harm our nation is causing, no bills have been passed by Congress to cut global warming pollution.

What Can I Do?

Here are some ways you can help save the environment, according to The World Watch Institute.

•

Turn off certain electronics when not in use. About 40 percent of the electricity used to power electronics is actually used while products are off.

•

Drink filtered water instead of bottled water and carry your lunch in a reusable lunch box.

•

When you go to the grocery store bring your own bags and shop in bulk.

•

Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs and install a low-flow showerhead, a low-flow faucet, and a dual-flush toilet to save thousands of gallons of water each year.

•

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth to save 6 gallons of water each day.

•

Use cold water to wash clothes and natural cleaning products when you clean.

•

Make sure your home is properly insulated to reduce heating and cooling costs by 20 percent.

Peace Sign Should be More than Statement T he Witch’s Way Blair Harvey

In the past two years, I have gotten into the “hippie” style. Fashion like hemp jewelry, peace signs and the earth-tone colors such as orange and brown are a part of me now.

As I went school clothes shopping this year, I noticed that the peace

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sign was everywhere. It seemed like every store I went into was devoted to the peace sign, making it flashy and trendy again.

Frankly, it made me mad. I hate wearing what everyone else wears, and there was nothing I found more irritating than my style becoming the hot style that everyone was wearing. I try to go through life being unnoticed.

I wake up in the morning, go to school put on my school face (no smile), go to my classes and come home. I always liked filling my schedule with classes to make the day go by faster.

I spent my lunches hiding out in Mr.

Shaw’s room playing Sonic on the computer and doing my homework.

So when everyone started wearing what I was wearing,at first, I got mad.

I didn’t feel comfortable wearing the peace sign because I think it’s getting worn out this year.

I’m not afraid to wear it anymore because I know that I wear it because it is me and not because it’s the new hot thing. I actually believe in world peace, and I bet if you asked any freshman girl what the peace sign means to her, she wouldn’t know.

She wears it because it is “in” and there isn’t anything wrong with that

if you want to be like everyone else.

The peace sign is being worn more than those stupid sweater dresses that barely cover your butt.

So I ask you girls when you put on your silver peace sign earrings and the brightly colored peace sign shirts, what does peace really mean to you?

Does it mean looking like everyone else and being cool, or do you put on that shirt and practice peace?

Whatever it is, just think about the people who wear the peace sign because they believe in it, especially when you go to start your next cat fight.

October 2008

Columns

4

Limited Elective Offerings Hit Close to Home T he Witches Way Blair Harvey When I first got my schedule during the summer, I noticed that they had me scheduled for yearbook eighth period, but I did not have journalism. So, of course, being Blair, I called my counselor five times a day until she got back to me. She then told me that yearbook and journalism were going to be held in two separate rooms during the same period. I thought that this was just

outrageous. A million thoughts went through my head and I started to wonder how I was going to take both journalism and yearbook. So I decided that I was going to take journalism and do yearbook as independent study. I soon found out that was impossible. I am graduating early, so I am taking nine classes. So being a journalist, I asked why they would do this horrible thing, scheduling two classes that go hand-in-hand during the same period.

According to yearbook adviser Mr. Warren Shaw they did this because “The programs were proposed to be cut, so we decided to offer them the same period to see how that would work.”

Many programs were scaled back as a result of our contingency budget. This diminishes creativity in

our school. If we have fewer writing, photography, or music programs, then we have no way to express our creativity.

My point is that if someone is going to college for media or communications studies, they should have the option of exploring all media in high school--media like the yearbook, the school paper, and T.V., not yearbook or the school paper or T.V. If they don’t offer these classes at different times, then not only can we not take them, we can’t put them on our college applications. Some post-secondary schools require those classes--or at least expect them. It would lessen our chances of getting in a college of our choice. Some of us have the drive, but don’t have the option.

Roommate Choice Not Always Cut and Dry Caitlin’s Craze Caitlin Sawyer Starting college can be exhilarating, whether you’re going far away or close to home. Part of moving away from your high school and home town is having a fresh start, a new setting, new courses, new friends, and more. When you go to college, you have the opportunity to be anyone you want.

Deciding to bring a friend with you to college can change the outcome of your college experience; you may stay with them or you may urgently request a roommate change. If you live with a stranger, there’s nothing to lose. College is all about learning and expanding your horizons, so having a stranger as a roommate can be a challenge.

Bringing a friend to college can expand and strengthen your friendship. When you’re in high school, some friends practically live with each other.

Every weekend they are at each other’s houses spending the weekends together. Although living with someone can be hard, living with a friend you already know can be an advantage. You already know what ticks them off and the things they enjoy doing in their spare time.

Deciding to room with a friend from your hometown can be a stressful decision, but if you are compatible it may work. Class of 2008 graduates Casey Rose and Jessica Dickquist chose to room together at Oswego State University. Anyone who has ever seen them together knows that they are inseparable and have been best friends for a long time. Their rooming situation works out well.

Rose said, “ In my case, I’m not only rooming with someone from my hometown, but my best friend.

Before we arrived, we both knew before hand that I was more into going out and she was fine with staying in all the time. She knows she’s always

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invited if she wants to join, but generally, we are just home and it doesn’t cause any concern or trouble.”

In some cases, having a roommate from your hometown would be more comforting and safe.

“We share groceries, movies, and even clothes, not to mention it’s be rather weird at first changing in front of a complete stranger,” stated Rose, who greatly appreciated and enjoys rooming with her best friend Dickquist.

I can only imagine how awkward meeting my roommate will be when the time comes. I envision her as being girl that I have nothing in common with who hates my bubbly personality, along with hating the rest of the world. Although college will be exciting, living with another person and learning to tolerate them will be very hard.

Before you decide to room with a friend, ask yourself these questions.

• Would you rather live with a friend or a complete stranger?

• Would rooming with someone from home “tie” me to this friend too much?

• Do my hometown friend and you agree about issues such as using each other’s items, having friends

over, sleep habits, television/music/noise, etc.?

• Do you constantly want to be reminded of your hometown?

If you are a senior, consider all of your rooming options before making a decision you may regret.

Most colleges recommend you room with a complete stranger, which may be uncomfortable, at first, but in the end, you may leave college with even better friends than you started with.

October 2008

Features

5

Lowering the Drinking Age Debate Reopens

By Liz Waterbury

Reporter

The day most teens turn eighteen, a whole new world of options become available to them.

Adulthood allows many privileges as part of growing up such as voting, the ability to fight for our country, the right to purchase cigarettes, and the option of marriage without parental consent.

Years ago, the big eighteenth birthday opened the door for the right to purchase and consume alcohol.

As this seemed like a decent age for drinking, studies began proving most drunk- driving fatalities occurred at young ages, therefore putting the spotlight on the legal side of things. Furthermore, The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 required all states in the United States to raise the drinking age to 21 years old. As we near the twenty-fifth anniversary of that legislation, The Traffic Highway Safety Administration has reported that approximately 18,220 lives have been saved due to the increased drinking age.

The debate on the appropriate age for consuming alcohol is highly controversial. Special interest groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), argue the age should remain at 21 because driving fatalities are the leading cause of death among young adults.

In the age range of fifteen to twenty, car accidents account for one-third of the number of yearly deaths.

“Kids don’t take it seriously enough. Parents deal with it, kids drive so their parents don’t know they are out drinking. I still think it’d be an issue even if it was lowered. If it was eighteen, I’d question their judgment, if they’d think things through enough.” However, the group LAFAA (Legalize Alcohol for Adults) is in favor for the lower drinking age because the majority of college students have reported binge drinking each time they go out.

Buccaneer Bulletin

College professors and university presidents are starting to voice their opinions on the drinking age, due to the number of deaths among their college students as a result of binge drinking, and the fear of getting in trouble with the law if they seek assistance in deathly issues. One study has estimated over 500,000 full-time students attending four-year colleges suffer injuries each year, and approximately 1,700 students die in these accidents, all related to drinking. An analysis of federal records by the Associated Press has found that 157 students between the ages of 18 to 23 drank themselves to death in 1999 through 2005.

In addition, countries such as France or Italy allow the consumption of alcohol at any age, and do not have the same binge drinking problems as the United States does. Studies show, that frequently teens view doing things illegal is a way for them to rebel against the law, which is why getting drunk is so sought after in our country as opposed to places where it is legal. Many current college students have weighed in about this side of the issue, saying students drink because it is illegal. “At our age, I feel like people do it because you can’t do it. Often when people get older, they don’t find getting ‘wasted’ as appealing; it becomes merely casual drinking because they are allowed to at that point,” stated Adam Floeck, current sophomore at Syracuse University.

The disagreement on whether the age should be lowered or remain the same is referred to as a Conflict Perspective theory. This theory means inequality in society will lead to conflict. In some perspectives, officials say if you can die for your country, and be considered an adult, it should be legal for someone to drink a beer if they so choose.

“I know a number of people who have joined the armed forces, and gone overseas, and are old

enough to fight and die for our country. But here, they’re not old enough to drink. Which to me, if you can trust them with a gun, it would almost seem like you could trust them with alcohol, but by the same token, and with my 35 years in law enforcement, since we’ve raised the drinking age to 21, the death rate with young drivers and drinkers has steadily decreased. So I don’t know, it’s a two headed sword,” stated Oswego County Sheriff Ruell Todd.

Many states have attempted to construct accommodations for soldiers where drinking under the age of 21 is allowed. Kentucky, Wisconsin, and South Carolina’s legislation introduced the idea of lowering the drinking age for military personnel only. Others have proposed ideas for the general public such as South Dakota would allow students 19 and 20 years old to buy only low-alcohol beer.

People who oppose lowering the drinking age, raise the point that the lower the age, the easier it is for even younger kids to acquire alcohol. Sheriff Todd said, “If a kid under the age of 21 wants to drink, they’re going to get it right now. There are a lot of bars here in the city and the county who will sell to anybody that can show any type of phony ID.” However, others argue that the young age is why people make the wrong decision of getting behind the wheel when they have had too much to drink. It comes down to whether changing the age would change the death statistics related to underage drinking. Partying has become a way for college students to be social and meet people. On the other hand, it may make it not as “cool” to be seen with a can of beer, because it is legally allowed.

A lower drinking age could possibly heighten the statistics. As far as the changes being made, much more debate and statistical research will be perfor med to prove each argument.

October 2008

Editorial

6 Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

Oswego High School’s Student Voice Staff Kimberlyn Bailey Kaylee Barkley Carissa Benson Kijafa-Monee Berkley Joe Bucher Rachel Clark Monek Cullen Jasmine Davis Emily DiFabio Nicholas Dunsmore Catherine Furletti Ryan Galloway Kailyn Gray Heather Hanlon Blair Harvey Emily Hoyt Stephen Livotti Mary Losurdo Fred Maxon Mackenzie Oatman Hazal Pacaci Brian Richmond Katherine Robinson Brittany Ross Caitlin Sawyer Kaitlyn Scanlon Mary Torbitt Rachael Walker Liz Waterbury Kathryn Whelsky

Cartoon by Brian Richmond

. . . to the new courtyard on Utica Street donated by the class of 2008 Good job! . . . to the newly added science classes. Many students were without a science to begin the year, but now most are accommodated. . . . to the new notification system that automatically calls parents if students are missing from class. The system gives parents the peace of mind knowing their child is safe in school. . . . to the addition/remodeling of the library. It looks great! . . . to the condition of the hallway floors. The new coat of wax gives the school a shiny appearance.

Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200.

It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body.

Printing services are provided by The Palladium-Times. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.

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. . . to the library not opening until two weeks after school started. We know progress takes time, but construction crews had all summer. . . . to the freshman bell during the first days of school. Although it was a good idea, it wasn’t consistent and freshman should be learning responsibility. . . . to bringing pre-signed and library passes to study hall and signing out. In large study halls it takes a good ten minutes to sign out, which is keeping students from their work.

What was wrong with the way we did it before? . . . to the limited number of candidates in the freshman class election. Three of the four positions ran unopposed. If you don’t get involved in your class’ activities as freshmen, don’t complain about things for the next four years!

October 2008

Editorial

7

In Our View . . .

We Should Care About November 4 It is hard not to notice the fervor the upcoming election has caused among students, but while tabulating the votes in an OHS straw poll, it was also impossible to neglect and not take offense to the numerous ballots that had “It doesn’t matter” or “This doesn’t apply to me” written in place of a candidate.

The idea that since we are just high school students, the upcoming election doesn’t apply to us is an awful misconception. It is nearly impossible to fathom what could have caused this notion.

Are we not students in the United States? With the amount of information available through the internet, television, radio, and newsprint, it is impossible to believe that this election doesn’t affect us or our lives.

What happens in this next election affects each of us (students, teachers, parents, alumni) for the next four years, if not for the rest of our lives. All of us have to deal with problems in our economy. Problems with our economy mean higher unemployment, smaller school budgets, more difficulties paying for the things we need to survive and so much more. Constellation Energy, owners of the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Generating Station and the company weighing its options when it comes to building another nuclear plant in Oswego, lost 58 percent of its value in three days following the banking firm Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy. Gas prices continue to rise, causing price increases for everything we consider essential, from bread and butter to iPods and clothes.

We have to wonder what you--the students-think is important. Is it really important knowing

how Audrina deals with Lo on “The Hills?” How about what they said on “Sportscenter” about quarterback Tom Brady being out for a season?

Oh no. We at The Buccaneer Bulletin also believe that our rights are important. We believe equality is important. “The Hills” and “Sportscenter” are nice distractions, but it’s time to realize that there are things more important than that, like how our country responds to problems such as global warming, or if the government is able to get the economy back on track. We recognize these problems, know that they affect us, and are ashamed that we walk the halls with people who are apathetic to these daunting problems.

Yes, you may not be able to vote, but that doesn’t mean your opinion doesn’t matter. To have an opinion is what is beautiful about this country.

By forming opinions on different issues, whether it is abortion or immigration, and by becoming informed, you are becoming a better citizen. We are reminded of the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, “The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.” We cannot agree more with these words. We implore you to become better informed, even if it’s just reading the headlines on a news website or listening to the news in the morning while you get ready for school.

When it comes down to it, we believe that through being informed, you may finally realize why this election is important and how it affects you and everyone you know.

What do you think is the most important issue in the presidential election?

Jared Meade “The war.”

Class of 2012

Devon Omundsen “Homosexual rights, and gay marriage.”

Class of 2009

By the Numbers...

Emilie Beginski “Pulling our troops out of Iraq.”

Class of 2011

Michelle Cigler “The environment.”

Graphic by Fred Maxon

In a poll last month, 1,131 OHS students were asked, “Who would you vote for for president?”

Buccaneer Bulletin

Class of 2009

October 2008

8

Walking the Plank

Andrews Makes Immediate Impact at OHS Buccaneer Bulletin: What are three words you can use to describe yourself?

Heather Andrews: I would say positive, hopeful, and adventurous.

BB: What is the best book you have read and why?

HA: My favorite book is actually a play, it’s called Our Town by Thornton Wilder. The play really taught me to stop and pay attention to the simple things in life and not take them for granted. of?

BB: What accomplishment are you most proud

HA: I would say earning my Master’s Degree. I love going to school. A lot of people tease me about that, but I love it. I knew I had to be licensed or trained in something in my field in order to get hired somewhere.

BB: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

HA: I lived in Las Vegas for three years, but I wouldn’t live there. I’d love to live anywhere that was on the water, even though I can’t swim!

I like the peacefulness of water.

BB: If you could trade places with one person for a day, who would you choose?

HA: Definetely Angelina Jolie so I could see what it was like with all of those kids. She also does a lot of charity work which I also enjoy, and of course, she gets to go home to Brad Pitt.

BB: What’s your full name?

HA: Heather Lea Andrews.

BB: What are three things you cannot live without?

HA: Reality (TV I love reality TV), family, and shopping, but specifically, shoe shopping.

BB: Is there anyone you look up to?

HA: My parents.

I’m so grateful to them for always pushing education as a priority, it has heavily influenced me.

BB: What do your

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hobbies include?

HA: Step aerobics, rollerblading, reading, and going out to dinner with friends.

BB: Where did you attend high school?

HA: Cicero- North Syracuse.

BB: What do you like best about OHS thus far?

HA: I love the energy of the school. There’s a lot of energy between students and teachers, along with passion.

most memorable moment at OHS? HA: Getting mistaken as a student.

BB: How do you remember high school?

HA: I remember high school as very big. Also friendships were very important to me, so important that I don’t really remember academics when I look back and think of high school.

BB: What’s your biggest fear?

HA: Hands down, snakes. I didn’t have any bad experiences with them, but I’ve had many bad nightmares.

BB: What is your favorite holiday?

HA: Thanksgiving, that’s an easy one, I love being with family and eating.

BB: What’s a major pet peeve of yours?

HA: Cracking knuckles. I don’t like that at all. It gives me goose bumps!

BB: Do you have a goal for OHS? HA: I hope for the attendance rate to rise and there will be fewer people late to classes.

BB: Do you have any personal goals while at OHS? HA: I hope to work on getting my LCSW, which is a clinical license for social workers. I’m also getting married this summer in July!

BB: Where did you attend college?

HA: For undergrad school I went to SUNY Buffalo and had a double major there, sociology and communicative mental health. I then went to Syracuse University for graduate school where I was in a Master’s program (MSW) for social workers.

BB: What’s your

BB: What’s your favorite food?

HA: Steak (dinner), Calzones (lunch), Cheesecake (Dessert). I also love the school food. Personally right now I love the calzones and the taco bar.

BB: Were you involved in any sports of clubs while in High School?

HA: I was in color guard and the school paper, but only for one year.

BB:Is there any particular quote or line you live your life by?

HA: Yes it is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent(Eleanor Roosevelt) BB: If you were on a deserted island what three things would you bring with you?

HA: A book, my fiance, and my cell phone.

BB: If you could have dinner with three people who would they be?

HA: Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, and Barack Obama.

Editor’s Note: Walking the Plank is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. This month’s interview and photos were done by Caitlin Sawyer.

If you know somebody we should have “walk the plank” contact Mr. McCrobie at mmccrobi@ oswego.org.

October 2008

Entertainment

9

Fall Brings New, Adventurous Fashion Trends Fresh from the pages of Elle, Vogue, Kailyn Gray and countless other top fashion magazines, the hottest fall fashion trends for females have recently been released.

When worn correctly, they’re trés chic, but when randomly combined in ways that can only be described as an all-out assault on the eyes, we’ve got a problem. Here are my tips on the top five hottest trends and fashion follies for fall, and how to create the perfect “avant garde” style.

• Leggings: Okay, I’ll admit, I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve shot down the idea of leggings, either writing them off as “hyped up footless tights” or just completely passé, but even I’ve begun to see them for what they really are; an awesome accessory. Paired with a cute top, a jean miniskirt and some ballet flats, leggings can turn an outfit from okay to awesome. Just a few words of warning, however: leggings are not now, never have been, nor will be an acceptable substitute for pants. I don’t know who got the brilliant idea to pair leggings with nothing, but please, stop the vicious cycle. Unless you’re wearing a leotard and “sweatin’ to the oldies,” do us all a favor, and cover up.

• Odd color combinations: Trust me on this one.

If you’ve ever been afraid of mixing colors together,

Shades of Gray

Photo by Caitlin sawyer

Junior Jillian Doty’s mini-dress is a fun and trendy new style this season.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Photo by Caitlin sawyer

Senior Jessica Benjamin’s outfit is a perfect example of mixing different colors.

now’s the time to cure the phobia. My suggestion: start out small. Try putting a certain color shirt with a pair of shoes of the opposite color. I’ve found that teal and hot pink look good together, and any combination of shades in the blue and red spectrum usually work out well. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try some brighter colors that may or may not be complimentary. Proceed with caution, however. Keep in mind that the point of trying odd color combinations is to temporarily set aside the normal rules of what matches and what doesn’t. You have to have a discerning eye about how odd is too odd. For instance, neon yellow with bright red is an absolute no-go. Combined properly, though, they’re an easy and fun way to change up your wardrobe.

• Mini-dresses: I’ve seen them everywhere this season. Every shape, size, cut and color. It’s officially official; knee-length and lower dresses are a thing of the past. I’m not talking, “Your mother let you out of the house in that?” short. Don’t get me wrong. But don’t be afraid to buy a dress that’s a little shorter than traditional standards. My favorite styles are the mini-dresses with hemlines that are tighter than the top half of the dress itself. They go great with a cute pair of pumps and chunky bead necklaces, and are flattering on almost every body type. I’ve been seeing more and more of these minidresses in fun, daring patterns, which is a great way to experiment with two trends at once.

• Jewel tones: According to Vogue, jewel tones for outfits are in right now; ruby red, sapphire blue and emerald green, to name a few. They look great with dark colors, and when paired with white, the

colors really pop. My advice would be to start with jewel-toned accessories with your everyday outfits, to get a feel for how these colors look best on you.

Then work your way up to clothing in those colors.

Never, ever mix jewel-toned clothes with jeweltoned accessories, though. Not only does it look tacky, but it’s obvious to anyone who knows fashion that you clearly don’t have a clue what you’re doing.

Let’s face it, the only person who could work gaudiness that comes with a combo like that is Elton John. If you’re going to fake style, at least make an effort to fake it well.

• Mixing patterns: Along with the previous four style “do’s,” I figured I should add in an absolute fashion “don’t” for this season. I’m asking, no, I’m practically begging, that everyone please, find it in your hearts, to end this horrid fad. The fad I’m talking about is the visual atrocity that is mixing patterns. Unless you’re Donatella Versace herself (you’re not) you don’t have nearly enough “fashion cred” to try to pull off mixing plaid and stripes with any real success, and the failed attempts I’ve witnessed over the past few months have been nothing short of horrific. No star patterns with plaids. No stripes and polka dots. If the two patterns look like they weren’t meant to be together, then they weren’t. I shouldn’t bash the entire fad, however. Some people really can pull it off. The problem is, none of those people attend this high school. So please, do us all a favor and stop trying.

Step away from the multiple pattern choices, and I’m sure we’ll all lead a much happier and visually pleasing life.

Photo by Caitlin sawyer

Senior Taylor Castaldo uses accessories to her advantage when putting together her outfits.

October 2008

Features

10

Impact Testing Program Screens for Concussion Oswego Health, Buc Boosters Provide Funds for Screenings

By Joe Bucher Reporter

Entering his first full year as the Athletic Director, Mr. Scott Sugar has brought an idea which he originally had during his tenure at Red Creek, to Oswego. He has instituted the relatively new “Impact Testing,” to help doctors and athletic trainers identify an athlete who has a concussion, and to assess when that athlete is ready to return to activity.

All of the fall athletes have already taken their first “baseline” test. That information is stored in an account at the Impact Test’s website. When an athlete has a concussion, he/she must wait about two weeks before retaking the test. If a score similar to their original baseline test is reached, that athlete is cleared to play.

This testing is used from the professional level to colleges and at high schools all over the country. It has been very effective for the few years that it’s been in use. Of the athletes at Oswego High School who have had concussions, all have been cleared to return to their respective sports without any further issues.

Many physicians aren’t trained specialists in head trauma, therefore they often have a hard time deciding when

it’s appropriate for an athlete to return following a concussion. Often times they send athletes back too quickly and this results in more concussions and more damage done to the brain each time an athlete is concussed. On the other hand, some doctors err on the side of caution and keep an athlete out of activity for extended periods of time.

Michelle Wink, the athletic trainer at Oswego High School stated, “I would recommend impact testing, especially for the multi-concussed athletes.”

The test is pretty simple, but many athletes go in thinking it’s a pass or fail type of test, which it is not. It tests your reaction time as well as your memory.

It records a score called the “baseline.”

This score determines where the athlete’s memory and reaction time were prior to the concussion. As an injured athlete is sitting out from games and practices, he/she continues to take the same test over and over until a score that’s relatively close to the original “baseline” is reached. Once the baseline is reached, the athlete is typically cleared to return to sports by the doctor as long as he/she can do so without feeling anymore effects from the concussion.

The test is also very affordable.

The New York State Athletic Administrationoffered the program to schools for $450. Locally, it was paid for by a sponsorship that the Buc Boosters received from Oswego Health.

Photo by caitlin sawyer

Varsity football players go through a blocking drill at practice recently.

The impact of concussions has been addressed this season with the implementation of the Impact Testing Program.

Oswego High School Junior Enters Guinness Book of World Records

By Emily DiFabio Reporter

Bobby Natoli a junior here at Oswego High School shattered the Guinness World Record for doing the most consecutive chin-ups in one minute earlier this year. On February 9, Natoli completed 53 chin-ups in this short amount of time.

Surprisingly, this was not Natoli’s first attempt at a world record; he has held four. When he was 12, he did 209 chin-ups in a half hour, and then when he was 13, he bench pressed 240 pounds at his weight of 140 pounds. Again, when he was 13, he dead lifted 360 pounds and when he was 14, he

Buccaneer Bulletin

dead lifted 375 pounds. All of these records are for age-group and weight-class marks. Natoli is the youngest person to hold a Guinness fitness record.

Natoli isn’t the first person in his family to hold a certified Guinness World Record. His dad, local businessman Bob Natoli held a record by doing 44 chin-ups last year.

“That was the most I ever got in practice, so I was hoping for that number,” the younger Natoli said. “A lot of training went into it. I was training for about three months.”

Photo by Morganne Atutis

Bobby Natoli trains hard for his attempts at world records. In a photo from last spring, he does some chin-ups in the OHS weight room.

October 2008

Sports

11

We are the Bucs; We are United; Act Like it Shades of Gray Kailyn Gray Stop bashing our sports teams. Stop laughing every time the football team loses. Stop making fun of boys’ soccer. Just stop. Oswego High School athletics are something to be proud of, to respect and appreciate, not something to be ridiculed and disrespected by every “anti-jock,” “school-basher” and “nay-sayer” here.

I can’t even tell you how infuriating it is to hear the snotty remarks and catty giggling every time Oswego football is brought up in conversations over the past few years. Think what you want, but I’m here to tell you that those guys work harder than many other teams, and they shouldn’t be subject to hearing things like; “Are you gonna win this weekend? Oh wait, I already know the answer, no!”

To be honest, I give them credit for taking so much continuous abuse, yet still putting forth their best effort.

Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, the reason their successes have been so few and far-between is because the guys have gotten the impression that no one is backing them anymore?

I’m so proud that they’ve managed to pull off a

record 3-2 so far this season (as of this deadline), but it’s no thanks to any of the so called “fans” who repeatedly doubted and criticized them. Way to jump right on that bandwagon, though. It’s really funny to see how attendance jumped after they won their first game. Can anyone say “fair-weather fans?”

The football guys aren’t the only ones subject to nasty remarks. I’ve heard putdowns towards the boys’ soccer team, the girls’ swim team, gymnastics, track and field and more. Almost every single sport here has been criticized at one point or another for mistakes they’ve made, or games they’ve lost, for the sport they play, or even for their uniforms. What’s probably the worst part about it all, is that many times the criticism of these teams comes from other athletes, and sometimes even from the players of the team being put down. If you don’t even have faith in your own team, how do you expect anyone else to? That, to me, is completely unacceptable.

As for athletes bashing other athletes, where do we get the right? As members of an Oswego High School athletic team, we are also members of a virtual fraternity, somewhat of a family, if you will. We should be banding together as one group; Oswego High School athletes. We should stick up for one another, not because it’s the right thing to do, and not because it looks good for the school, but because we take the field, and track, courts, ice and

mats every single day, with the same goal in mind: bringing pride and prestige to Oswego High School.

We are the Bucs. We are united. Maybe it’s time we started acting like it.

If you don’t personally play a sport, do not criticize how our teams perform. You aren’t at practice. You don’t know how hard playing a sport really is. You don’t know the struggles team members and coaches face. From personal experience, there’s a lot going on below the surface of a sports team than just what the spectators see.

We’re all dealing with different challenges that can keep us from victory. Just because you don’t have the same drive and willpower to take on the rigors of playing on a sports team, doesn’t give you the right to put down all the athletes who do.

The bottom line is: our athletes work their butts off to be the best they can be. We should all appreciate the hard work they do, instead of telling them how badly they “suck” every time they lose. There isn’t one single team in this school that hasn’t lost a game. It’s impossible to have a perfect record every season. In case you didn’t notice, our athletes aren’t pros, and we shouldn’t expect them to be. The next time you have something so incredibly witty to say about one of our sports teams that you can’t possibly keep to yourself, why don’t you share it with them? I’m sure they’ll have a few suggestions as to where you can put those comments.

Athlete of the Month Schuffenecker Right on Par

By Ryan Galloway Reporter

Corey Schuffenecker has been a leader on the golf team since his eighth grade year.

The four-year varsity athlete had some big golf shoes to fill this year with the loss of June graduate Chris Sova. Schuffenecker has embraced his new role as leader, and likes the challenge.

“We’re doing well this year,” said Schuffenecker, “right where I expected us to be.” The Buccaneer golf team has won and lost some close matches this year, but in most of them, Schuffenecker has shone.

The challenges of leading a young team are not lost on Schuffenecker. He said, “It’s definitely a challenge, I work hard everyday to try and be a leader.”

It’s shown not only in his game, but in his young teammates’ games as well.

Sophomore Matt Lloyd commented on photo by Caitlin Sawyer

Corey Schuffenecker practices an iron shot.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Schuffenecker’s leadership skills. “Corey’s a great leader, seeing how hard he practices makes me want to work even harder,” he said.

It helps having such an experienced player to look up to for guidance. “Corey’s a four-year veteran, he’s always stepped up to be a leader,” Lloyd said.

As with most great athletes, the question of college comes up. “I’d love to play division one golf, but I’ll probably play division two or three. I want to play down South so I can golf all year round,” stated Schuffenecker.

Schuffenecker will continue to shine for the Bucs not only this year, but next year as he returns to the team as a senior. Like Sova before him, Schuffenecker has been a leader on and off the course for his young team and will no doubt continue to improve not only his, but his teammates’ golf games in the future.

October 2008

12

Buccaneer Bulletin

October 2008