Sandpoint High School
410 South Division Street Sandpoint, ID 83864 http://www.shscedarpost.com
Volume 84, Issue 1
October 9, 2006
SHS, Sandpoint population grow in unison TARA FULLERTON
Staff reporter SAVANNA LESTER
Seniors beat senioritis norm by stacking schedule with challenging classes TARA FULLERTON
Staff reporter
W
ith so many high achieving seniors this year, the number of Advanced Placement classes offered at SHS has almost doubled. “Our class is really competitive with grades,” senior Stephanie Bell said. Taking AP classes has proven to be an inexpensive method to get a head start in college before leaving high school. “I decided to take AP classes to get college credit a little cheaper,” senior Adrian Mitchell said. Around 30 percent of the seniors are enrolled in AP or Honors American Government, Science, and/or English. An additional 20 percent have chosen to take AP Statistics or Calculus. “I wanted to challenge myself, and I think I can do it,” senior Jerod Morris said Many seniors are driven by high hopes of getting into prestigious colleges, while others take the harder classes for nothing other than a higher-level education. “I’ve taken Honors classes, and they weren’t that hard, so AP is just the next step,” Bell said While some students stray away from harder classes in fear of all the extra time and work, many of these high aiming seniors feel it’s worth every A minus! WHAT? second. “If I wasn’t taking the harder -Stephanie Bell classes I’d feel very lazy,” Bell Senior said, “like I’m not getting the most of my free education.” Many seniors agree with Bell, and like to work hard in school because they feel it is worthwhile. “I’m actually accomplishing something,” Mitchell said, “I’m good at it, so I try hard at it.” Seniors this year not only work hard to achieve good grades, but also manage to fit multiple extracurricular activities into their schedule. “You get a few hours for homework every night,” Morris said, “but you don’t have as much free time to watch T.V. and stuff.” Encouragement from parents also helps some of these seniors remain competitive academically. “My parents encourage me to get A’s,” Mitchell said. “If I got B’s they wouldn’t like it.” According to Bell, her parents respond the same way to grades below a solid A. “A Minus! WHAT?” Bell said, imitating her parents’ reactions after receiving an unsatisfactory report card.
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As the population of Sandpoint High School and the surrounding areas reach an all-time high, there are less freedoms offered than in previous years. “Teachers are a lot more strict with tardies and a lot less forgiving if something prevents you from getting there on time,” junior Bonnie Snow said. In order to keep students from abusing privileges faculty and the school officer have begun to enforce less lenient policies. “It’s annoying, when you’re in the hall to use the bathroom, and they [SHS staff] yell at you,” freshman Minta Kramer said. However, with the tight leash that much of the faculty is exercising, some students have begun to question the necessity of a school officer. “I don’t necessarily think it’s worth the
VoluMe 85, iSSue 9
money to have someone policing things,” “Some classes don’t have enough senior Lindsi Griggs said, “but it’s smart to supplies for all the students that want to make people know that if they do something take them,” Snow said. bad they will get Many students, caught.” however, look upon the To new, and student growth as a chance old students, the Some classes don’t have to broaden their horizons, hallways have regardless of the privilege enough supplies for all the loss. once more posed a problem. “There are more people students that want to take “We don’t have and more opportunities,” them. the facilities to new student and junior accommodate so Ben Myers said. -Bonnie Snow many people,” Another way to look Junior Griggs said. at it is that although the In addition halls are more crowded to the crowded halls, lack of supplies in it’s good that students are showing up. some classes is another issue aroused by “It’s good that people are coming,” overcrowding. Kramer said.
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Sandpoint HigH ScHool
May 30, 2008
Senior Edition
K
LEIGH LIVINGSTONE
■ STANDING GUARD: Principal Becky Kiebert greets more than thirteen hundred students every morning before school.
THE
IEBERT REPORT
MICHAEL TIBERI
Assistant News Editor When students arrived at SHS this year all things seemed to be in order: the overcrowded halls, new freshmen and concrete floor resembling that of a penitentiary. But instead of gray hairs and old war stories, this year brought a new face, one with high heels, skirt-suits and a brand new set of rules. Dr. Becky Kiebert was appointed the new principal of Sandpoint High School last spring
Kiebert continued/page 2
Newly instated principal looking to enhance learning experience, environment RYAN WILLIAMS
Staff reporter
Students were greeted when they walked in the school for the first time this fall with a slew of new policies. Many of the policies were already in effect, or were state law, but are now being enforced, and others were brought to the school by new principal Dr. Becky Kiebert. “Some policies have worked at LPO [Lake Pend Oreille] or other large high schools in the
Policies continued/page 2
WBL adds breakfast treats to store menu RYAN WILLIAMS
Staff reporter
LEIGH LIVINGSTONE
■ EARLY BIRDS: WBL- Adviser Steve Abels divvies out morning goodies to stifle the hunger of the store’s many eager buyers.
The Work Based Learning (WBL) store was a popular choice for lunch last year, and now students can get food before school and during the nutrition break as well. The WBL store is an entrepreneurial venture that is dedicated to giving students a chance to gain real world experience. “The biggest thing I hear from employers is that students are not
prepared because they lack customer service skills,” WBL store advisor Steve Abels said. The store gives students wages for working, and the number one focus is making money. “We have 1400 possible customers,” Abels said. “We try to offer high quality value for their money.” Last year the WBL store sold
38,000 cookies, which is an average of about 100 bags a day. The store made a gross profit of $50,000 and netted $15,000. This year the WBL store is open everyday before school from 7:15 to 7:45 and during the nutrition break from 9:25 to 9:35 selling donuts, muffins, coffee, and juice. They are also still open during lunch with cookies, pizza sticks and pretzels.
Cedar Post
Page 3
October 9, 2006
Alternative Uses for Your Planner
OUR VIEW WITH
GRAHAM PAYTON
7:55 a.m. is five minutes too soon
OUR VIEW
First impressions matter, but don’t get caught up in them
Have you ever noticed that you can tell what people are like by looking at their shoes? You can make an impression on someone with every step! The first impression, however, seems to make the most impact. The beginning of the school year has been full of first impressions for students at SHS. We have a new administration, new classes, fresh faces, and, of course, the first issue of the Cedar Post. It’s a common belief that first impressions are most important, but most people also know that you shouldn’t make a concrete judgment about someone solely based on first time you meet them. Some people are always right about their first impressions; others are way off. Did you get some bad first impressions this first month of school? Ride it out. See what happens. We have a solid eight months ahead.
Nutrition break gives time for coffee, need for ice cube So we begin yet another year in our high school careers here at SHS. And I have to say I am at least excited for one thing. And yes, it’s the nutrition break. It’s pretty much the bomb; you have two whole extra minutes from last year and an in between bell, plus a shiny new name to polish it off. But, I have one complaint. While you have time to get coffee, which I might add is delicious, it’s extremely hot and requires much of your valuable time to cool down enough before you can thoroughly enjoy your tasty beverage without scalding your tongue and not being able to taste anything for the remainder of the day.
Now that you have your Java and a donut perhaps, you meander on down to your next class only to realize you can’t eat or drink in class. Now you must go to class and suffer the consequences of A: getting the dreaded tardy, or B: Drinking it as fast as you can and burning the inside of your esophagus. My suggestion: maybe the teachers could allow you to have drinks in class for 5-10 minutes after the fabulous new nutrition break. But until then, I recommend an ice cube.
No more sugar coats, frosted icing, or sprinkles, we want it raw
It was toward the dreaded ending to our glorious summer vacation and I was being a young, impulsive consumer at good ol’ Wal-Mart, when I overheard two adult women conversing over our very own school newspaper—last year’s issues to be precise. So naturally, as proud as I am of our superb paper, I had to indulge in a bit of eavesdropping. After the first few minutes, I was overwhelmed with shock and confusion, for they were not complimenting our wonderful staff or professional writing styles as usual. These
two very knowledgeable women were speaking knowledge of such mature content? Everybody. Nobody can just point a finger at one person and about the topics and content our of newspaper’s stories. They stated that we were too young decide they are at fault when we all contribute to to be talking about such mature material, and the negative parts of life. These are real situations that’s not what a high school newspaper, of all and issues that students at the high school, and I’m sure students in other cities and states, are dealing things, should be writing about. with. If this means the school My jaw, now hanging only has a big problem with the use a few inches from the floor, of marijuana in the school, or swung to and fro like a sparkling The newspaper should eating disorders are becoming pendulum in a hand carved oak not try to fulfill a stereomore common amongst the grandfather clock. type in order to hide the student body, it’s going to and After tossing the lower half should be addressed. of my mouth over my shoulder, fact that, although we Knowledge is power and for I carried myself out of the store are teenagers, we are not with a proud strut, but I was sheltered from ‘real’ issues us to know about these certain topics is only informing the unable to bury what the two in ‘real’ life. women had said, for this was student body and helping the only thought running laps students realize that they do around the inside of my cranium. My dwelling not live in an always-happy world, though that on this particular statement led me to become does sound quite wonderful. unstable in thinking whether or not they were A newspaper is used to report information that correct in their thought process, and I began to others need or want to read about. The newspaper ask myself questions concerning the matter at should not try to fulfill a stereotype in order to hand. Are the topics too big and mature for a hide the fact that, although we are teenagers, we student newspaper? No. Who’s to blame for our are not sheltered from “real” issues in “real” life.
Pushing a rock, punching a clock I’m going to take a wild guess and say that not all of you know the myth of Sisyphus? Right. Sisyphus was a guy in Greek mythology (did your brain just start bleeding? Bear with me.) He was condemned to push an enormous rock up a hill every day of eternity, but when he reached the top that gosh-durn rock would roll back down. This summer I had a brilliant idea to “keep myself busy”. I was going to get a summer job and learn all about money and punctuality and responsibility and all sorts of groovy, mature things! HAH! It worked out, though, that I took not just one job, but three. There was a time this summer when I would get up at 7:30 a.m.
and go to work. Then, when I got off work, I would bike across town to go to work. I would put in as much time there as I could before throwing myself back on my bike to go to work. Finally, at 10 p.m., I would get off work and give my friends a ring. “Oh, hi…” they would always say apologetically. “Car’s full, tickets are sold out, we’re already there, we, ah, we kinda had these plans…” I’d tell them everything was cool, I probably should just go home and get some sleep – I had to get up in the morning. As summer wore on, though, I noticed I wasn’t calling my friends so much because I wanted to see them, I was just clinging to the idea that I should. In fact, I didn’t really want to see anyone. I was cranky! I was a god-awful person
to be around – I was frustrated, Good grades, keep your nose clean? impatient, full of rage all the time. Not enough, son! The real world I felt like something was off, as if I only wants scholars and gentlemen, wasn’t getting enough sleep. pillars of the community and honest, I’m used to having lots of alone hardworking maestros of the twentytime. I go for walks and bike rides, six hour day! I drive just to feel the road, stay up Is this why adults are so boring? all night with my feet on the kitchen Because they worked so hard to get table, thinking of nothing special, where they are, so they could really just lots of anything. Then at 4 a.m. get down and work? I certainly I like to watch the people who water felt boring. But, I was tired. I had the flowers in the hanging baskets responsibilities to think of. downtown. I missed those crazy I’m 16 years old. I can barely kids. drive; I can’t Suddenly, I had stay out past I had no curiosity or midnight. I can’t no free time, all there enthusiasm. I felt like go see movies was room for was working and sleeping. with nudey bits I was disconnected I had no time to or bad words. from myself. think, no curiosity or They don’t want enthusiasm. I felt like I me to tattoo my was disconnected from myself. body, or smoke, or drink, or vote, or What takes the cake is that I fight. They won’t let me rent a car or don’t see myself getting that back call a TV psychic, but I’m 16 years old anytime soon. We’re a generation and I’m already living that grownof accelerated youth! We all are up life. I’m punching a clock every on a competitive, fast-paced track. dime day, I’m pushing that rock up We’re all scratching out that the hill when I know it’s just going to English essay, circling those SAT roll right back down. I’m 16, and I dates, taking that online course, already feel old. squeezing in that credit, changing The real world wants wonderkids. after practice to go to work and What the real world will receive is scheduling some community service a host of apathetic procrastinators hours on the side. We pick up our and resentful energy drink addicts pay check and cross one thing off of who can staple a list of their identity our planners to add something else. crisis’ to their transcripts.
Ah, yes. Summer is gone, fall is coming and we face a major crisis! School starts five minutes earlier. Many of us find this harsh reality crippling, and for those of us that didn’t know, school does start at 7:55 a.m. Why should we revolt against this major crisis? Let’s look at what you can do in five minutes. In five minutes you can make it to Starbucks; we all need caffeine. You could send a 640-word text message in five minutes. In five minutes I could actually give a darn about what my hair looks like. Or you could use up your one tardy per month. Yes, one per month. In five minutes I could finally finish my breakfast (I haven’t had a complete breakfast since school started.). Other ideas for this amazing five minutes include having a four-liter salmon flavored soda chugging contest or eating 1 ¾ pounds of salted butter or 80 chicken nuggets. Many of you are thinking, “Just get up earlier.” I see two problems in this; one, the word earlier, and two, if I get up earlier, that is at least a 10 percent loss of productivity throughout the day. So where do these five minutes go? A: our nutrition break! B: longer time spent in 2nd and 6th period for announcements. I suggest we start school at a normal time of 8:00 a.m. and end it five minutes later, as most of us haven’t left school yet. But we would still keep the 4-liter salmon flavored soda chugging contest.
CALLIE FIEDLER
Editor in Chief
MORGAN WILLS Assistant Editor
ALISON DUNBAR Online Editor
ANNA THORELL Office Manager
CORINNE FLOWERS Adviser
Editorial Policy The Cedar Post is governed by the same legal rights as the professional press. Under the First Amendment, we reserve the right to free expression and freedom of the press. The student newspaper of Sandpoint High School is an open public forum for the students of Sandpoint High School and the community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with its editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents; it is not subject to prior review by administration, faculty, or community members. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to law governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents for the paper. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should an opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
The CP strongly encourages you to voice your opinion through the student paper. E-mail your letter or bring it by E8. Sandpoint High School 410 South Division Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 263-3034 ext 244 editor@shscedarpost.com Printed by the Bonner County Daily Bee
Page 4 October 9, 2006
Cedar Post
Where were you when Steve Irwin died?
This is your newspaper. This is what you say. These are phrases our staff members have heard students of SHS saying in the halls and in the classrooms. Cedar Post does not endorse them.
“
Daniel Keough
- Each time you come to my house,
you run the risk of being shot.
FRESHMAN
- You dream about midgets with tattoos?
“I was at my house and I heard about it on the internet, and I wasn’t too surprised because it was Steve Irwin.
- The infant mortality rate of caribou in Alaska is at an all-time high because they huddle by the pipeline to stay warm. - I think children over 8 can make their own decisions about looking at porn. - Clean needle exchange? - Oh son of a gun! - All the freaks can dress up as ’70s and ’80s. - My teeth look pink. - Cheap bastards! - So if I came to school naked, you couldn’t do
Jordan Adair SSOPHOMORE OPHOMORE “I was at home, and my sister told me. She likes him so she knew pretty fast!”
Kari Mavity JUNIOR JUNIOR
“I was in Boise visiting my sister; we were watching a movie. My Dad got on the internet and found out and stopped it[the movie]. He told us, and we started texting all of our friends.”
Autumn Peach SENIOR “[I was] down in Coeur d’Alene. I was pretty upset I don’t think he deserved to die.”
Jeannie Hunter FACULTY “I was devastated, absolutely devastated, and I was on vacation.”
anything?
Guest Columnist: Amanda Kosten Life is about making the most of who you are in the better. Since we are the next generation, the future whatever amount of time you have been given. It’s president, lawyers and health care providers, it’s up to not about what you wore last Thursday or if you can us to start learning how to prepare ourselves for the go to the beach tomorrow. We as teens need to be future now. able to look back in 20 years and High school graduation is around be pleased with who we were and the corner, and whether you’re an “I certainly don’t think we incoming freshman or a soon to be who we have become. Without that, the time we were given wouldn’t are going to do that with senior, it’s time to prepare for college. matter. It would just be a spot in beer in one hand and a When we think about our choices for the sequences of life. post-grad education, we have to do it cigarette in the other.” So ask yourself this, have you with our futures in mind. Is it going ever made a positive difference in to be this college because it has great someone’s life? parties or this one because it offers a higher education? You can choose whether or not to be nice to the It’s our responsibility to fix the political and social new kid. It could make all the difference in their mistakes our age group before us made. I certainly don’t world. By utilizing that little part of us that makes think we are going to be able to do that with a beer in us want to help, we might have changed the world for one hand and a cigarette in the other.
Guest Cartoonist: Jake Rhodes
- I’m against the military. - I like playing football because you get to hurt people. - I was really buff last year after weight training. - It’s so lame-o. Lame-o. Lame-o’s a good word. - My cells are all going to burst; I drank too much water. - Yeah dude. Yeah dude. Yeah. - J’aime les bonbons. - You gypped me two points! - Of course everyone knows. Even an idiot would know that.
”
Cedar Post
Page 5
October 9, 2006
N ewfaces
Little guys tackle first year in big school Freshman Survival Guide
GLENN GENERAUX
ALEX GEDROSE Staff reporter
Do you remember your first day of high school? Perhaps you were the kid whose legs were shaking so much that morning they couldn’t make it from their mom’s minivan to the school entrance without collapsing once or twice. Or maybe you were the go-getter child who sprung awake at four in the morning, almost soiling yourself in excitement that today was the day you were officially a freshman. Or, if you were like the other 98 percent of your peers, you treated it just like any other day. As seems
to be the trend for the class of 2010. “It was just like, ‘oh boy, I’m going into high school’,” freshman Leonard Fister said. “It really doesn’t seem that different from middle school.” I guess it’s up to the teachers to change his mind come finals week. Many other freshmen showed about as much enthusiasm when it came to making the transition that junior-high school teachers yack on and on about, striking needless fear into your eighth-grade minds. Yet, when it comes right down to it, is freshman year really that scary of a year? “I never heard of any horror stories [about high school],” freshman Tommy Jacobs said. His older friends or siblings must have failed to mention at one point the grotesqueness of the paintsplattered floor with colors and anomalies that should scare the willies out of you.
Doug Stevens
He teaches: Computer Business Applications I, CMA and Accounting I. Past Experience: He taught in Ohio at the college level for two years and Texas at the high school level for five years. Impressions: Sandpoint’s a beautiful place to live, and there are good students here. His difficulty level: He doesn’t think he’s too strict; he just tries to maintain respect in the classroom, but gives the students an opportunity to be responsible.
Linda Semones
She teaches: Algebra, Geometry and Applied Math. She taught 18 years in Hawaii at the high school level. She also taught in Michigan and South Central Los Angeles at the middle school level. She fears: freezing to death in North Idaho. First Impressions: SHS has better facilities than schools she taught at before. It has a good parking lot! Inspiration: The look of comprehension on a student face, or what she calls the “light-bulb moment”.
EMBRACING NEW
EDUCATORS
Aaron Gordon
He teaches: Music Theory, and he directs band. He fears: He had some nervousness and excitement to get into the teaching scene. First Impressions: He likes the small town vibe – it’s not too small, and there are a lot of students that seem willing to work hard. His teaching philosophy: Music is a universal language. Everyone can learn it, and everyone has the potential to create it.
Angie Lynn
She teaches: Drafting Past Experience: This is her eighth year teaching, after teaching math, art, and drafting at various schools in the area. How she got here: She was in 4-H as a kid, and always had some good teen leadership skills. Her parents wanted her to teach, and after going to college and working for some architects and engineers, she decided she wanted to teach. Her theory: She is willing to help students, and meets challenges as they come. She is flexible and wants to foster the individuality in every student.
Mary Imaz
She teaches: Spanish II and IV (H) She fears: nothing -- she’s just trying to get used to the school and the students She has taught: for 13 years. Idaho for the last three, and California before that. She has taught Spanish Literature and Spanish at the middle school and high school level. Her main goal with teaching: She recognizes that each student learns differently, and she wants to teach and be caring to the kids to make them feel safe and learn well.Her advice: Keep up with your work and come ready to learn.
Even though not entirely awestruck by the change, both boys look forward to activities during the school year; Fister, anticipating wrestling season, and Jacobs eager to play with the school pep band at sporting events. However, even with items to look forward to, there is always an opposite to the pendulum. High school comes with the typical strains of homework abundance, keeping up with the latest fashions, overcrowded halls, and coming up with credible excuses for not running the mile in PE. But when asked if there were any specific things to dread these next four years, Fister showed off a red-streaked elbow and posed a question of his own: “Have you ever ran into the wall and got rug burn?” With classic tragedies like that, it’s a wonder how any of us are going to be able to make it through the remainder of our time here at SHS.
Tish Mullen
Matt Brass
She teaches: Physical Science Past experience: She has done student teaching, and she graduated from SHS in ’95. She went to North Idaho College, and then to University of Hawaii-Helo. She took a few years off and then moved back up to Sandpoint to teach. At one point, she thought about becoming a librarian. Impressions: She thinks she’s pretty lucky not to be a moving teacher. He teaches: Social Studies, Economics. First Impressions: Block scheduling is a little different, but he likes it. “Having three blocks a day plus prep is pretty different, but it’s good.” What’s his philosophy on teaching? “You really can make a difference - in other peoples’ lives, and in society.” What began his career? Although he worked for a computer firm after college, he kind of always had the goal and aspiration of being a teacher and always thought he’d probably end up teaching eventually.
Students from around the w
SHS becomes more culturally diverse with help of Foreign Exchange Program
Kevin Kenny
Argentina, Santa Fe Grade: Senior Age: 16 Favorite Subject: Life Sports Enjoy about Sandpoint: “People [and] playing tennis. I play singles.” Favorite player: David Nalbandian Favorite part: “Competition, I train everyday.” How long: “Since I was 10. but I don’t play at school, I compete representing myself.”
Karina Horanska
Ukraine, Konotop Grade: Senior Differences in US: “The food. You have a very different way of meals. In Ukraine for lunch we don’t have sandwiches; we have something hot like soup.” Why foreign exchange: “I’ve been here before with another exchange program. I was interested in the way of your education and students and culture.”
Sakina Talib
Pernille Seest
Alina Wilelmi
Freya Kleffner
Pakistan, Karachi Grade: Senior Favorite Subject: “Art. I love to sketch, but I’m not so good.” Enjoy about Sandpoint: “It’s beautiful here, the lake of course, it’s so beautiful. I live in a city and all you see is traffic so it’s different.” Living in Pakistan: “I love the dressings, some day I will come to school and show you guys, I will dress like a proper Pakistani girl.”
Denmark, Holte Grade: Senior Age: 16 Differences between home and U.S.: “People are very open, but at the same time they are very formal. You call teachers by their last name and in Denmark we call them by their first or a nickname.” Expectations: “I didn’t want to have expec tations so I wouldn’t be disappointed, only satisfied.”
Germany, Bitburg Grade: Senior Differences in US: “It is very different here, the people, the food. The food is good. Here there is fast food; we do not have that in Germany.” Why foreign exchange: I like the speech. Enjoy about Sandpoint? “I can choose my subjects here, and we don’t have the demolition and fair in Germany. I had not seen a cowboy before.”
Germany, Bad Schwalbach Grade: “Senior, but in Germany I would be a junior. I will have three years left of school when I go back because we have a 13th grade.” Differences in US: “I think the people are nicer and friendlier here in America. It’s another language, but its all the same for me, I like the people.” Why foreign exchange: “It’s a dream, a long dream.”
rld Larissa Ranft
Germany, Minden Grade: Senior Differences in US? “Oh my gosh, everything is different. Here you can choose your schedules. I feel like I’m in another world. I have to get used to it, and it’s good, not the food, but everything else.” Why foreign exchange: I don’t really know. At first I wanted to go to Africa. I just, I don’t know anything about Africa [and] I was afraid so, US
Page 6
Cedar Post
Arts & Culture
October 9, 2006
http://www.shscedarpost.com
Students’ fashion choices reflect individuality Everything old is new again: witness the return of slouchy bags, leggings and slogan tees VANESSA STANLEY Staff reporter
T
he high school world of trends is constantly growing, meshing with others and changing completely. After the dawn of the new millennium, fashion was at a bit of a standstill. Society had just broken free of the grungy ’90s, and as a result was attempting to make some kind of mark in the way of style. After several failed attempts (i.e.: bleached jeans, Ugg boots paired with a mini-skirt, pin-straight hair, hoop earrings larger than most teenagers faces…to name a few), we succeeded in finding our niche. Our generation has combined past influential eras (namely the late ’70s and the ’80s) to create a truly defining style. Our generation was among the first to truly embrace the iPod. That was then. Now the fad is how to accessorize the iPod. Simply owning one just doesn’t cut it. The Apple company is taking advantage of the fact this generation will be looking for unique and colorful ways to stylize the iPod. The company Nike has released a new “Nike + iPod Sports Kit”, allowing the athletic population to sync their workouts with their favorite songs. In a recent update, Apple completely revamped their iPod Nano. The new edition truly emphasizes the fashionista’s desire to look hip and match their music. The sleek new Nanos come in four new colors (silver, magenta, lime green and aqua), made with a specialized metallic coating that prevents scratching. These modern updates add a new edge to the standard iPod. The art of thrift store shopping has over the years become not only a fad, but also a sport. Unlike going to shop in department stores, which offer mass quantities of the same item, thrift stores are 100 percent unique. While thrift store shopping, one must have speed, agility and absolutely no fear of aggressively overtaking those who threaten your quest for the perfect vintage
item. A trend that accompanies the thrift store fad is the fact that many only go to thrift stores and buy items, to simply announce the fact that they do in fact go thrift store shopping. This only emphasizes that every style has its posers. Whether your item of choice is a pair of shorts printed with a one of a kind ’60s couch design, or a completely original “slogan tee” from 1970-something, it isn’t what the vintage item looks like, it’s how you wear it that defines you. The “Emotional Punk Movement”, is making one of the biggest comebacks of all the alternative styles. This style movement first thrust into society by the band “Rites of Spring”, with their emotionally intense lyrics, went dormant during the ’90s due to the excess of “punkpop” bands flooding the airwaves. With society looking for something more in their music than pre-pubescent boy bands, emotional punk music has the opportunity to really get their feelings across. However there is a downside. Based on the original definition of “Emo”, those who follow this trend are not supposed to care what the majority of people are doing. Their beliefs originated as extremely anti-establishment, and yet the entire style is becoming more and more marketed. If the Emotional Punk Movement had stayed underground,their beliefs could have been held up instead of being copied by misled teens shopping at Hot Topic. Trends come and go, but a personality is something that doesn’t go out of style seasonally. Individuals should buy what they like, listen to what they like; they are the only ones who’re going to have to live with their choices. If one conforms simply to please friends, they’ve become completely dependent on those other’s ideas. Personal style should be just that—personal. Pick and choose from this season’s latest fads, mix and match. Be VANESSA STANLEY ■ DIFFERENT STYLES: Junior Ashley Warrer accompanies numerous students in expressing daring…it’s all the rage.
Our generation has combined past influential eras (namely the late ’70s and the ’80s) to create a truly defining style.
themselves by dressing to what some consider the “in” fashions.
Skip to the ‘loo’, darlin’ and experience delights of SHS restrooms sparkling cleanliness that these things to make us safe! Instead of traditional toilet radiate. The floors are spotless and the dispensers that become breeding grounds for faucets all work in mint condition. As an violent wild animals that could pop out at your extra bonus, if you scope around on the walls weakest time, these things are guaranteed next to the sink is a plug-in. For you. The to protect you from such nightmares. possibilities now become About 1,200 bodies— endless. A quick touchapproximately 24 up with curling irons, hair After school was over, bathroom stalls. Do the You’ve walked past them every day. straighteners, blow dryers, I walked into the same math. If you really have to go and can’t afford walking You may have even used them every day. or even a speedy iPod Before we begin I need to make one quick charge in quiet solitude restrooms and felt like past the commons by the T rooms, you are going to apology. It appears, try as I might, I was in the morning. Now that I had entered an alterhave to expect a line. And not able to gain access to thoroughly is high class. Also, you’ll sometimes these get long. review the men’s restrooms. I was usually notice all toilet dispensers nate dimension. So if you ever see a parade caught on behalf of my strikingly beautiful are full. And if you’re even of people the same sex, all feministic looks—or perhaps it could have more observant, you can bouncing in some sort of ridiculous dance possibly been the skirt I was wearing. say a quick ‘thank you’ to Either way, I was constantly suspected the people behind Oceans San Jamar that that stretches down the hall just be able to as being someone who did not belong in make it possible for your toilet paper to recognize them as those waiting for their these boy’s rooms and therefore cannot be easily accessed on the stall wall. Better turn. Or—hey!—join them. Actually, the part you’re most used to give an accurate description. But if you just yet, on their dispensers they even promise (the part where people complain about bare with me, I know off hand that both “Smart - Safe - Sanitary”. Which brings us to our next point. Yes, the bathrooms) begins toward the end of gender bathrooms are basically the same. Let’s just focus on the southern—most I’m all for sanitation and being smart (and the day. After school was over, I walked bathrooms in the East Hall (boy’s west). these things should be obvious perks of any into the same restrooms and felt like I In the morning, you’re going to notice that restroom), but they even go the extra mile had entered an alternate dimension. In
place of the beauty I had seen before, toilet paper littered the floor, the garbage was overflowing with paper towels, and some people still haven’t even figured out the advanced mechanics of the new automatic toilets (when it doesn’t work there IS a button you can press). Yes, I know, there’s a lot of us. But can it really be that hard to keep them in their morning conditions? That being said, I have to say I’m impressed with our restrooms. And you’ve probably never taken the time to care before. That’s fine. That’s totally fine. But maybe next time you find yourself squeezing your knees together and waddling towards the public bathroom, you’ll take a moment to reflect upon the fact that you’re not squatting outside in the woods behind the school, dreading to take your next course of action that involves this newspaper taking on another role… And it doesn’t guarantee safety. SHS restrooms receive an overall thumbs up rating
Page 7 October 4, 2006
Cedar Post
HANNAH VOGEL Staff reporter
If a tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound? If someone tags a skate park, does anyone care? Sandpoint Parks and Recreation certainly does. While the majority of graffiti has been scrubbed off since it appeared in late August, the reward for any information about the graffiti is still standing. “Parks and Recreation’s policy is to try and clean it up as soon as possible. The sooner you clean it up, the less likely it is that it will keep growing,” department head Kim Woodruff said. “We’ve purchased security cameras to deter that kind of activity. Not just vandalism, but any type of inappropriate behavior. Now we’re just waiting to have them installed.” This is a shame. Not because it means every time a skater eats it, or their following rude hand gesture will be caught on tape. It’s a shame because most likely it will be the $1,000 raised by skaters for new grinding rails that will fund the cameras. The skaters at the park are unimpressed—both by the threat of comeuppance and the graffiti itself. “Everyone’s pissed about it. Lots of the adults are all pissed off... there’s something about the insurance and the paint. They can’t get it off. We’re pissed because it’s gay,” senior Johnny Cook said. What exactly seems to be the problem here, sir? From up on the knoll next to the skate park, you can see what’s left of the original effort. “JollyRoger” proclaim the big blue letters. Apparently, the Concrete Lake is a victim of pirates. “Look at it,” Cook said, “‘JollyRoger?’ ‘Eyeballs?’ ‘Roku?’ We need to pay someone to come in here and do something good, not this Pokemon shit.” When asked if they’ve ever heard of anyone getting busted for vandalism, the skaters smirk at each other.
“Yeah, this one kid. They killed him and buried him in the swamp,” senior Cameron Carlson said. “But normally it’s just twenty to life,” adds Cook. When pressed, they admit being disappointed they won’t have new rails. “Personally? It [graffiti] doesn’t bother me. And we’re the ones skating here,” Cook says. Graffiti, defined, varies. Some dictionaries offer it as “deliberate marking on a surface, public or private”, while others like to throw in the words “illegal” or “unauthorized”, and the law files it as a type of vandalism -”malicious injury to property”. That means from the huge “uncensored public” mural walls of London or Berlin, to the sides of railway cars and skate parks, to the school desks and City Beach arches that bear such firebrand messages as “420!!!” and “Joe is such a quiere!” - it’s graffiti. So, what exactly is graffiti? Is it art? Is it free speech? Is it a problem? Is it in the same category as the cigarette butts and crumpled pop cups in the gutters? “As manager of a park system, there is no appropriate place for graffiti,” Woodruff said. “The community paid a whole bunch of money for the skate park, and as far as I’m concerned it’s just like any other park. It’s like a baseball diamond or a tennis court, and you don’t see anyone going out and defacing those.” Some might argue that graffiti has always been an outlet for messages with an edge. Although not always popular or accepted, it is in ways natural and necessary. Where would Thomas Paine have been if someone told him he couldn’t “stick it to the man”? What would “Common Sense” have looked like if Paine had a can of spray paint? “Putting something on a skate park is hardly sticking it to the man,” art teacher Dan Shook laughs when consulted for his professional opinion on graffiti. “When it’s in a public place and people don’t want it there, like the people who built the skate park, I think it’s really, really dumb and stupid. But, personally, I think it’s really neat on railroad cars. I don’t think it really hurts anything, although I’m sure
SAVANNA LESTER
■ TAGGED CARGO: Graffiti marks numerous train cars that pass through Sandpoint. This form of vandalism is considered by some a work of art.
TAG: A tag is the style of graffiti you typically think of in reference to vandalism. It’s merely the artist’s (“tagger”) name in usually simple spray paint or marker. THROW-UP/FILL-IN: A throw up is a simple piece, few letters, few colors, which the artist can slap out quickly to decrease their risk of getting caught. A fill-in is a fancier throw up for quality, not quantity. PIECE: Possibly short for “masterpiece”, but who cares anymore? A piece is complex fillin, incorporating visuals as well as slogans. BLOCKBUSTER: A piece deliberately covering an entire wall, train car or other surface. STENCIL: As opposed to freehanded graffiti, an image is pre-cut into something like a cardboard refrigerator box, then stenciled onto the surface. Allows for a sharper image and more detail.
some railroad companies would disagree.” If graffiti is regarded as little more than a more vocal form of vandalism, do content and location make a difference? You see a little girl with a balloon on the side of a train and it wil make you feel very different than reading “This town blows!” on a bathroom stall. “If you do it right, it’s almost like a type of free art - for instance, someone has been painting really random, cool things in New York. Giant ants, things like that. There’s thoughtful intelligent graffiti and graffiti that’s just stupid,” Shook said. However, there are opponents to even the New York ants Some say it ruins the integrity or the solemnity of a building some are offended by the perceived message, or just the thought of the money it’ll take to clean it off. “Art is in the eye of the beholder. There are art commissions whose job is to see about public art.” Woodruff says. “As far as calling graffiti an expression of free speech, you can’t go down the street yelling the f-bomb and not expect to get in trouble.” Although one might watch their language in front of family when meeting the parents, or the PTA, it must be remembered that tagging an area makes the content not optional. “Some of it’s just like litter, gives me the same kind of feeling. You’re driving along the road and it just makes you feel bad, diminishes you as a human being, “ Shook says. Is that the best you’ve got?
Graffiti has been around since there were stone walls to squish berries onto. But, you’ll note there are no records of “Joseph doth be a queer - 1500 AD”. It’s not going to go anywhere soon, and nor are the dedicated people holding the scrapers and sponges in tired hands. “I don’t see a lot of it [graffiti]... but when I do it’s lame Dirty words and stuff,” junior art student Sara Murphy said. Shook, who had seen countless talented students pass through his doors, gives a nodding assurance. “There are some people around, some nifty stuff. I’m sure there are people who are out there who are capable of it, it’s just a matter of whether they choose to.” When asked what they think of the quality of graffiti in Sandpoint, the boys down at The Concrete Lake look at each other and make a rude hand gesture. They better watch themselves, though. That might have been caught on tape.
Before you uncap that spray paint, you might want to know… First, it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase spray paint. MALICIOUS INJURY OF PROPERTY: the type of vandalism graffiti is prosecuted under. Yes, it is illegal. “But it’s ART, officer” – Particularly, with malicious injury to property, there is no responsibility to prove the act was malicious, just that the property was injured. MISDEMEANOR vs. FELONY: Vandalism is a misdemeanor if the damage is under $1000. However, between $1000 and $20,000 it’s a felony. COMMON CONSEQUNCES: Fines/restitution, community service, suspension of driving privileges, arrest/detention, “stacked” offenses to equal a felony conviction. RESTITUTION: n. a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury. BROKEN WINDOW THEORY: Graffiti creates a sense of decay, like a broken window and encourages other, more serious crimes such as burglary.
WHO? That’s it – we don’t know. Banksy has managed to remain anonymous even as he’s been active all around the world for the last five years. In London, his home base, he is a veritable rockstar and has even been compared to a terrorist Andy Warhol. WHAT? Stencils, subverted paintings, sculpture. His work is typically anti-war, anti-capitalist, anti-establishment, and profreedom. WHERE? If flattery is the biggest compliment, Banksy must be feeling pretty smug. There are Banksy knock -offs all over the world, but as far as confirmed works go you can find his mark in Bristol, London, Palestine, Jamaica, New York, Anaheim, CA, and Las Angeles. YOU’RE KIDDING! A taste of Banksy’s stunts… -In the Bristol Zoo elephant enclosure he left the message “Keeper Smells - Boring Boring Boring” -In 2005 he snuck in and hung up his own subverted paintings with tacky glue at the Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and American Museum of Natural History in ■ ON THE WALL: A piece by Banksy, featured on the the US, and Tate Britain gallery in the UK. cover of his book of artwork., Wall and Piece.
-In 2005, he painted nine pieces on the Palestine side of the Israeli West Bank barrier, featuring ladders, balloons, open windows, and children digging tunnels. - Over the last two months, Banksy replaced over 500 copies of Paris Hilton’s new cd in British record stores. The replacement cd featured his cover art, remixes by DJ Dangermouse (sound familiar? Think Gnarls Barkley), and tracks with titles like “Why am I Famous?” “What Have I Done?” and “What am I for?” Copies that were purchased before they could be removed can be bought online for upwards of $1,430. - On September 16 he held a warehouse show in Los Angeles featuring, among other things, a live elephant painted to look like flowered wallpaper. Get it? OH YEAH? In fact, you might have seen some of Banksy’s work and not realized it. Brit rock fans - Blur’s 2003 “Think Tank” album art was his work. Then, toward the end of 2005’s Match Point, as Jonathan Rhys-Myers character makes the fated ring toss, he runs by one of Banksy’s signature pieces - a little girl holding a red balloon. (Fallen mad in love with the man? Go to www.banksy.co.uk)
Page 8 http://www.shscedarpost.com
October 9, 2006
Cedar Post
Sports Terms For Dummies
Fall athletics take optimistic view on upcoming events KYLE GIBSON Staff Reporter
A slight chill blows through the air, signaling the beginning of fall and the beginning of fall athletics at Sandpoint High School. Cross country, football, soccer, volleyball and swimming all had an early start to their seasons, which began before most teachers were thinking about their classes. An early start meant plenty of preparation time for teams, all of which are looking for another shot at a state title. Swimming, which only lost three seniors last year, is looking to dominate the district and make a good run at state. “We have really strong swimmers and they have another month to improve,” swim team mother and math teacher Jane Davis said. The swim team worked very hard in the off-season, with some -Mike Mitchell swimmers spending as Head Football Coach much as three and half hours a day training. The team got off to a great start with the girls’ team taking first place at the Ice Breaker Invitational in Moscow and boys placing third with only eight athletes. Volleyball is another legitimate threat at state with returning seniors and freshmen looking to make an impact on the team’s dream of a state title. “We need to work on blocking and playing consistently, if we do this; the team could go to state,” coach Karen Alsager said.
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In their home opener, the girls took care of Moscow, beating them three games to one and will need to defeat the Bears in Moscow to qualify for state. Starting a new season with a new coach can be tough, but the cross country runners don’t seem think so. The boys’ team is lead by seniors Adrian Mitchell, Steve Teran and junior David Householter. Sophomores Kathleen Vardell and Megan Bartlett anchor the girls’ team. “The team’s hard work and dedication is what make this team good; some runners ran up to 300 miles this summer,” coach Matt Brass said. “If everyone continues to push each other then times will start dropping. Both teams are looking to win at districts, and continue running well at state. Boys’ and girls’ soccer teams have made it to state for countless years and are looking to continue the trend. The girls won their first game of the season 5-1 against Lewiston. The team is returning with many experienced seniors, who are complemented by talented younger players. “So many players are playing well as a team, and everyone is making a great effort,” spectator David Jenkins said, “They just need to keep improving.” The boys’ team, who tied a thrilling season opener 2-2 on a late goal, has been plagued
Grap Glen hic by n Ge nera ux
This team needs to learn when to get excited at a certain time.
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with injuries throughout the beginning of the season. “If the team could get healthy, I think they could surprise everyone,” former boys’ soccer coach Rik Mickelson said. “Their defense has played well, the offense just needs to score, and they can’t get down on themselves.” The boys’ team also has steady senior leadership in Drake Hanson and Kyle Meaux. Other up-and-coming players are getting more and more experience with each game, which could mean trouble for opponents later in the season. After an emotional one point loss to Bishop Kelly in last year’s state semi-final game,
Bulldog football is looking for another shot at the state title. The team is lead by a number of seniors, but is inexperienced in some positions. “This team needs to learn when to get excited at a certain time,” coach Mike Mitchell said. “We also need to execute on both sides of the ball.” The football team has had a rough early season, losing their first four games against 5A teams, but is looking forward to the rare stretch of four home games. “We need to win all these home games and beat Lakeland to go to the playoffs,” Mitchell said.
Students work to increase school spirit STEVE TERAN Staff reporter
HEATHER ALLEN
■ THE CROWD GOES WILD: Students cheer at a football game to support the Bulldogs. There was recently a new cheer section added at the football games for enthusiastic students like these.
Sandpoint High School’s spirit, other than at football games, has begun to degrade over the years, and many think it needs to change. Though the spirit is not the most excellent the school has ever had, senior cheerleader Victoria Johnson helps keep it alive with fellow cheerleaders. “We wear school colors and sometimes paint our faces,” Johnson said. Through the last few years Johnson has noticed a need for change as well. “It seems like people only support football,” Johnson said. “It’s really emphasized and other sports don’t get noticed.” With more participation at sporting events it only helps, especially for the athletes. “When the crowd is loud, it makes me want to play even harder,” freshman football player Ben Fisher said. “It gets me pumped, excited and makes me want to win.” As a cheerleader, Johnson knows how the crowd’s attendance and cheers aid the players on the field.
“When the football players start scoring then the crowd seems to get more involved,” Johnson said. In order to stop the school spirit from dwindling this year, the student council has discussed different ways to get students to participate in the festivities. “We’re going to try to do two pep assemblies per quarter,” senior class president Stephanie Gregg said. “At them [assemblies] we’re going to throw red and white shirts into the crowd and this will eventually turn into a competition to see who can wear the most school colors.” School spirit is supposed to be a feelgood activity for the entire student body, and our school seems to have forgotten just that. “It’s something that’s going to be beneficial for everyone,” Gregg said. As our high school careers seem to fly by, we don’t comprehend that it’s all over until the senior year. “You [seniors] come to the realization that this is the last year to do this,” Gregg said. “I think it needs to change.”
Cedar Post
Page 9 February 22, 2006
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October 4, 2006
Cedar Post