October 2015 Cedar Post

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cedar post

SANDPOINT HIGH SCHOOL

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october 2015 highlights

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jostens opinion column

foreign exchange

student artists

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volume 93 / issue 2

from shs cedar post .com

XC REGIONALS

Chromebooks Cause Complications ^ Seniors Makenzie Tillberg, Riley Couch, and Andrew Peck display their thoughts on the laptops.

S T O RY C O N T I N U E S B E L O W

“I think it enriches the learning experience. I’m glad we have them.”

JOHN SEARCH, ENGLISH TEACHER

the first few weeks to load simple websites like Google Drive due to the overload of devices on the school network. The speeds are showing an increase in performance, as they have been slightly faster in the weeks after the Chromebooks were first distributed. “For now, things will essentially remain the same, however, efforts are being utilized to ensure appropriate connectivity for staff, students, and guests,” Erik Olson, Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Director of Technology, said via e-mail when asked to comment on the Wi-Fi speeds. Distractions have proved to be a second problem with the devices. The Chromebooks have become a great platform to play games

books, because of the convenience of Free Rider,” senior Tyler Presser said of the gaming opportunity. Even so, teachers are encouraged to incorporate the Chromebooks into their daily lessons. The laptops allow students to submit work online, and have a digital copy of their homework to reference outside the classroom. “I think it [having Chromebooks] enriches the learning experience,” English teacher John Search said, “I’m glad we have them.” In addition to the debate over the usefulness of these devices, there have also been some problems with students damaging them. According to Alex Gray, a technology teacher, an estimated 70 repairs have been

What do you think of the Chromebooks?

r

ISABELLA MORTENSEN

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“I think they’re helpful when it comes to the people that don’t have computers at home.” SHERIDAN LUNDE

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o re

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an “I think the Chromebooks are slow.”

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THE SIDESHOW

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tudents spend up to 80 percent of their time sitting in chairs/ desks that aren’t compatible to height or bone structures. This not only affects your learning but also blood flow, rounding of the spine, tense shoulders and neck, and constricted digestive organs.

TRISTEN PLAIL

compiled by Cooper King photos by Cooper King

CHECK OUT S H S C E D A R P O S T. C O M FOR A VIDEO ON THIS TOPIC!

Chromebook Complications

LEARNING DISTRACTIONS

SLOWED WIFI

WEBSITE BLOCKS

$274,462 total cost for Chromebooks

DON’T BE A SICKO

A

s a new school year progresses and people start to get into their schedules, the hallways are constantly abuzz with the chatter of over one thousand students. However, as the weather gets cold, new students arrive, and people travel [sickness arrives].

dates to remember in

compiled by Sarah Wells

Check out a compilation of a movie, an app, and a song/ album that the Cedar Post staff recommends.

“I think the Chromebooks are good for homework.” SARAH DONNELLY

> media mashup MOVIE

n Thursday, Oct. 22, the Sandpoint Cross Country teams traveled to Farragut State Park in Athol for the Regional Cross Country Championships. All four teams (JV girls, JV boys, varsity girls, and varsity boys) earned first place in the 4A Inland Empire League division. (See more online)

“Mostly a good thing, but a big waste of money.”

seni

made on Chromebooks so far, ranging from broken keys to shattered screens. The school purchased the Chromebooks in two phases, the first being the major purchase. At a unit price of $243.25, the first purchase cost $237,462. The budget for the computers came from the 2015 Supplemental Levy. The second phase cost $37,000, and was paid for through a general fund according to Lisa Hals, the Chief Financial and Operations Officer for the school district. “I don’t think we ever would be ready; we could have taken two or three years […] but at some point in time you have to dive in,” Principal Tom Albertson said about the high school’s readiness for the Chromebooks.

jun io

that aren’t restricted by the otherwise firm filter. Students now have the ability to play games whenever they desire, as long as they are not instructed to put their ‘lids down.’ “As of now there’s very little educational use for the Chrome-

s o ph o

T

he distribution of Chromebooks at Sandpoint High School provided students with a personal learning device but resulted in excessive website blocks, slow Wi-Fi speeds, and learning distractions. Students struggled

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fresh

by Cooper King, Editor-in-Chief photo illustration by Sarah Wells

basicallyspeaking

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The Chromebooks, which were rolled out in September, have been met with mixed reviews by staff and students.

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A P P L I C AT I O N

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ALBUM/SONG

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Passenger by Legs of Steel

Sleep Cycle $0.99/iTunes

Don’t Move by Phantogram

With ski season coming up, get yourself in the mood with Legs of Steel’s latest release: Passenger. Watch on RedbullTV.

Track your sleep phases so your alarm clock wakes you up in your lightest phase of sleep.

Alternative/electronica group Phantogram released this album in 2011, but this single is still just as great.

november

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parent teacher conference 4 p.m.- 7 p.m., nov. 11-12

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non-student days nov. 12-13

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thanksgiving break starts nov. 26-29


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