Countryside High School Paw Print Newspaper Volume 34 Issue 1 by Center for New Media

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

Volume 34 Issue 1

brianaDILWORTH

opinion editor

As of the 2012-2013 school year a new policy has sprung up: Countryside High School is now a closed campus. This policy includes; not leaving without a PTL as well as not delivering food items to the school for students. The policy not only refers to students, but also teachers. Similar to previous years teachers are required to sign out in the office if they wish to leave campus. The student consequences for going against the policy is very much like all policies at the school; they start off gently and then slowly increase. The first time, they get IC for two days. The second offense is a one day out of school suspension. Third is a two day out of school suspension. If students get caught with food of an outside source it is taken away and brought to the office to receive after school. Teachers also have to adapt to this major change in schedule. Overall the opinion about lunch for the teachers is varied. “Love. Love. Love it!” said Mrs.Dimmer. Some teachers are not in favor of the lunch because it runs into after school time with students, such as clubs and detentions. During lunches, Mrs. Saginario is in the office to discipline students that come in, police officers guard the doors and Mr. Angelo patrolling the parking lot. There were two main changes in the lunch arrangement for this year. One made by the district was to enforce two thirty minute lunches in the middle of the day to Countryside. The second was the decision to make the school a closed campus. “It was made over the summer as a team.” said Mr. Whitaker about the decision. The team made the decision to protect students off

campus. If a student leaves school to go pick up some Taco Bell for lunch, and they get in a wreck, Countryside High School is at fault. They put the new policy in to photo credit Katelyn Wabnum avoid these types of situations. Mr. Whitaker also mentioned the difficulty in patrolling the lunches, because the administrators are not getting time to go to classes and oversee or finish work needed in the office. Rumors around Countryside are that the school called local restaurants to tell them not to deliver here. Many teachers find this new addition to the schedule a hassle because of the after school conflicts. In previous years, teachers were able to hold after school detentions and club meetings. Now, because busses leave directly after school they no longer have this advantage. “I think they changed a lot of rules this year, so we are all just stuck here and it feels like a jail.” said Junior Meaghan Henry. Many students already referred to the school as a jail because of the lack of windows. Students feel even more secluded as a result of there being no outlet now. Countryside is changing year to year. New things are being enforced and old things are getting booted out. This is a never ending cycle that will continue to shape the school. Next year some new and shocking thing will be changed, and yet again the students will roar. The chain will go on and it is our jobs as students to go with the changes and help to decide what new change is to come next.

In this issue...

Entertainment

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

Swift shows compassion for cancer victim alexMILLER

design editor

On May 12, 2007, a blessing was brought into the life of a family located in Phoenix, Arizona; Ronan Sean Thompson was born. Ronan was a little brother to twin boys, Liam and Quinn, and the son of Maya Thompson. “From the moment [he] was born, we knew that he was the missing piece to our family puzzle. He completed us. We were amazed and in awe of this spicy little spirit who took over our world. We spent the next 3 years in total bliss,” said Thompson. In August of 2010, the family took their annual trip to Washington State to visit Maya Thompson’s parents’ house. Since the birth of the twins, every year the family took a group picture for their Christmas card there. When Thompson looked over the picture, she noticed that Ronan’s eye was slightly off. No one else in the family noticed it. Mrs.Thompson and her children returned home the day after and Mr. Thompson pointed out almost immediately that something was wrong with Ronan’s eye. First, Thompson took her son to see his pediatrician, Dr. Lindsey Campbell. Next they were referred to an ophthalmologist who simply brushed them off, telling them there was nothing wrong with Ronan. Thompson, however, remained persistent. She called a number of doctors to get her son seen on short notice until Dr. Brendan Cassidy agreed to see him the following day. By this time, his eye was bulging from its socket and Dr. Cassidy knew something was wrong. He sent them to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for testing. Ronan underwent an MRI and CT scan; a small mass above the left orbit of Ronan’s eye was found first, and then a mass was found in his abdomen. On August 12, 2010, Ronan was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma--cancer that occurs in the immature nerve cells of infants and children. Surgery successfully removed the orbital tumor on August 13. That day he also received five rounds of chemotherapy.

With this now in process, surgeons at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City could almost completely remove the tumor in Ronan’s abdomen. Ronan responded well to the chemotherapy, so next he endured standard treatment for Neuroblastoma-radiation therapy and biological therapy. Dr. Kushner took care of the Thompsons while their son’s scans began improving. After a few weeks, Ronan’s metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) activity increased greatly and caused his disease to take a turn for the worse. He went through radiation at Sloan-Kettering, but his body failed to respond to the chemotherapy. As his disease rapidly progressed, Thompson took her son to meet with Dr. Mosse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Mosse instructed the family to take Ronan home and enjoy the rest of the time they had left with him. Ronan died May 9, 2011, the day his body gave out against its battle with Neuroblastoma. Ever since this tragedy struck the Thompsons, they worked to carry on Ronan’s name and find a cure for his disease through The Ronan Thompson Foundation. On September 9, 2012, Maya Thompson received a phone call from the pop country singer, Taylor Swift. “I wrote a song for Ronan,” said Swift. Swift explained how she had been keeping up with Thompson’s blog dedicated to Ronan and that it has greatly inspired her. She asked Thompson if she could perform the song on the nationally televised Stand Up 2 Cancer show and use a picture of Ronan in the background while she sang. She then told Thompson she wanted her to be noted as co-author of the song with her. “I was a blubbering mess telling her how much this meant to me as she was helping me keep [Ronan’s] memory alive and helping me to do amazing things. How if I had to pick my dream person to be tied to [his] name, it

2012 VMA’s takes the stage morganFULLER

staff writer

Young adults and students everywhere are abuzz about the results of the hottest award show. The MTV Video Music Awards - commonly referred to as the VMAs - are presented by the cable channel MTV to praise music artists and honor the best music videos. The VMAs are most popular among teens and young adults during award show season and have been coined as “Oscars for Youth.” “I attended the VMAs around ten years ago in California,” says award show enthusiast Alan Vaughn, “It was a night to remember. Never before have I been in a room with so much emotion. You can tell how much the artists’ hard work has paid off!” reproduced with permission by app.youth.sg This year, the highly anticipated show took place live in Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, September 6th with host, comedian Kevin Hart. Hart was a crowd favorite and the perfect choice for an entertaining two hours. Some engaging highlights included Taylor Swift’s first live performance of her new single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and the performance of United Kingdom’s boy band One Direction’s classic single, “One Thing.” The soul queen Alicia Keys also made the crowd roar when she premiered her newest song, “Girl on Fire.” Hold up, what’s the news? Wiz Khalifa is pregnant?! Maybe the infamous Taylor Gang leader does not have a fetus in his body, but his fiancée, Amber Rose, sure does! The couple confirmed the pregnancy rumors on the red carpet when Rose stepped out in a form-fitting dress that accentuated her three month old baby bump. Another thing that caught the eye of the world was the absence of Kristen Stewart during the Twilight premier. Wonder why that was. The stars that walked out of the show with one or more “moonman” awards included: One Direction for Best Pop Video “What Makes You Beautiful,” Chris Brown for Best Male Video “Turn Up the Music,” Drake and Lil Wayne for Best Hip-Hop Video “HYFR,” Nicki Minaj for Best Female Video “Starships,” and Rihanna and Calvin Harris for Video of the Year “We Found Love.” As for Best New Artist, viewers all over the world were surprised to see One Direction beat out highly anticipated Frank Ocean and Justin Bieber. “Good guys always win,” Justin Bieber tweets in response to the results. Music was not the only headline that got the crowd fired up at the VMAs. White hot fashion on the red carpet also scored some time in the spotlight. It was the best of dresses and it was the worst of dresses, but ultimately the award for best dressed goes to - drumroll please - Miley Cyrus! Her daring, vampiric number perfectly complimented her new platinum blonde pixie haircut. She has shown the world that she can rock every style from bohemian chic to soft grunge. Speaking of grunge, Nicki Minaj was not looking too hot in her red lace bodysuit. She accessorised the ensemble with a massive yellow wig and the title of worst dressed. The tradition of this award show has lasted twenty-eight years. From the very first show on September 14, 1984 at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, the VMAs are only getting hotter and more scandalous with age.

reproduced with permission by ksl.com

would be her because she is full of so much pure goodness, just like [Ronan],” Thompson posted on her blog later that day. “Taylor Swift is a true angel on this earth.” Even with Ronan being gone for a while now and Taylor Swift’s single released, Thompson continued to update her blog almost every day. However, at one point Thompson went a few days without blogging and some of her readers were concerned. They asked if she finally cracked under her stress or if she ran away, but Thompson finally posted an update on August 28; she was pregnant. Every new day is of course still a struggle for the Thompsons, but the family is doing better. The Ronan Thompson Foundation continues to raise money to be dedicated to finding a cure for Neuroblastoma. Now with a baby on the way, twins to care for, and the foundation, the Thompsons have their hands full but are managing well.

Fall

ts r e c Con

alexMILLER

design editor

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12th

- Journey @ 1-800-ASKGARY Amphitheater

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13th

- Project Independent @ The State Amphitheater

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16th

- John Legend @ Ruth Eckerd Hall

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17th

- 3OH!3 with Sammy Adams, Outasight, and Silas @ The State Theater

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26th

- Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town @ 1-800-ASKGARY Amphitheater

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd

- Hinder @ The State Theater

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9th

- Leann Rimes @ Ruth Eckerd Hall

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9th - Yellowcard @ Jannus Live

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2nd

- Alan Jackson @ 1-800-ASKGARY Amphitheater

Opinion

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

Staff Editorial:

Reduce parking lot stress

Homecoming Invades Dress Code Policies mollyCURLS

entertainment editor

Homecoming week was supposed to be a fun, exciting, and creative occasion for students. While the momentum of the annual Homecoming game built up, everyone from freshmen to seniors showed their spirit throughout the week by dressing up in accordance to each day’s theme. This year, Monday was “Twin Day”, Tuesday “Nerd Day”, Wednesday “Decades Day”, Thursday “Diapers to Diapers”, and Friday wrapping up the week with “Garnet & Gold Day”. With Countryside’s administration already under the district’s microscope at this point, rules became stricter, there was no mercy given. It was easy to get distracted from school rules with all of the excitement filling the halls. Dress code was an issue this year during the spiritfilled week. Some students paid little to no attention to the dress code policy while sporting spandex, short shorts, or other violations and administration was quick to notice. With the posters hung on the walls, announce-

ments made daily, and the overall hype of the week, it was apparent that the majority of staff and students at Countryside High School wanted this week to be as fun and enjoyable as possible. It was meant to be filled with camaraderie, cheer, and most importantly- school spirit. Some students argued that they were robbed from these activities due to the seemingly extra harsh rules employed during this buzzing week. It’s no argument that there does needs to be rules in a school- of course there does. What was upsetting to some was the complete drainage of spirit, in particular students who were in reality just trying to have some fun during this one week of built up enthusiasm for our own school. The question is- is there such thing as leniency? Is a girl wearing leggings as part of her “Twin Day” costume detrimental to the institution as a whole? What we feel, is that, if the week is advertised to be nothing but a good time where the school can get together and celebrate, could administration possibly even fake a smile and the smallest dose of apathy be given? Our prediction for future years- probably not.

Lunchroom changes come to a simmer jennaFENDER

staff writer

In previous years at Countryside High School the schedule of the day included periods one through four, a fifteen minute break, and returned to finish classes five through seven afterwards. Students who did not ride a bus could leave after seventh period if they did not choose to stay for lunch. In the 2012-2013 school year, however, Countryside changed the schedule so lunch is held in the middle of the day; half of the school has lunch after fourth period and the other has it after fifth. With any change, people have their own opinion on the subject, which may vary in this case due to which grade the students are in. Some of the teachers aren’t fond of the new schedule either, Mr. Marn says “I’d rather have it at the end of the day. I’m not saying it’s not working but in my opinion thirty minutes is just too long. I

think the kids get bored.” Officer Cavaliere’s opinion is, “I’m a police officer, not a babysitter.” Some student’s no longer have lunch with their friends. The deciding factor on if you have first or second lunch is what side of the school your fifth period class is on. If a student’s fifth period class is in A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I wing, the gym, or portables 4, 5, or 6 that student will have lunch after fourth period. If a student’s fifth period class is in J, K, L, M, N, the auditorium, or potables 1, 2 or 3 that student will have lunch after fifth period. Most student’s at Countryside High School do not like the new schedule. It’s strictly a matter of opinion, in this case the popular opinion is a big “NO” on the schedule.

al.

r ep rod u

ission of chath perm am by j ou d ce

thegeminigeek .com m

com

Sophomores: “I hate it. I wish they would go back to the old schedule.” -Kevin Rosins “I like it better at the end of Juniors: the day, I bring my lunch to “It freaking sucks! It’s school” very confusing. Who wants -Madison Pernell

of ion iss

Seniors: “It sucks so bad. I hate it, they should have kept it the old way because if you didn’t want to eat lunch you could leave and go home” -Riley Wallace “I hate it, I miss last year’s break. I miss leaving to get chick-fil-a” -Haley Sarbach

to be split up from their friends? Freshmen: There shouldn’t be two different “It sucks. It’s too time that fifth period is taking place.” early in the day” -Gabby Fitzgerlad -Kyle Kaina “I think they should go back to the “I don’t like it at all it old schedule when lunch was at makes our day longer” the end of the day.” -Emily Hasty -Tyler Patch

danaHARRIS

news editor

Student drivers are notorious for their recklessness. Speeding, texting and rolling through stop signs is commonly seen amongst all drivers. This knowledge provides for the warning to be careful in the student parking lot. Twenty percent of car crashes occur reproduced with permission in parking lots. by freefoto.com Meaghan Henry, junior, said, “The school parking lot is very dangerous and stressful. Everyone has to get into one lane; it is horrible. I think it would be easier if there were more ways to get out”. Students that are new to driving may be intimidated by the student lot. Two-hundred cars arrive and leave the school at the same time; it is a mad house. Here is a bit of advice to avoid the chaos: Dual Enrollment is not for everyone, but it is convenient for helping students avoid the parking lot. Dual enrollment students get to take either first or seventh period off, so they are able to dodge the traffic. If dual enrollment is not an option, another suggestion includes getting out of school as fast as possible, or wait until everyone leaves. Evading the mob of students is crucial in having a successful entrance/exit in the student lot. Finally, parking far away is the best choice. There is not as much congestion, so it is easier to avoid other cars and the exit is closer. Jessica Butler, junior, said, “I am a dual enrollment student, so I get to come in second period. When I arrive, the parking lot is mostly empty. I park at the far end of the row, so I can get out quickly in the afternoon”. The student parking lot is a scary place, but these tips will help it become more manageable. Staying calm and treating others with courtesy is key in preventing any unwanted confrontations in the parking lot. Good luck, you are going to need it.

Food facts On September 10th, 51 bags of fries were sold. That equals about 240 pounds of fries sold a day! There are approximately 190 cookies sold a day. Least popular item: PB&J Most popular item: Spicy Chicken Sandwich The cafeteria keeps food for only one day and then donates it to the Tampa Bay Har vest, a shelter for the homeless.

reproduced

by per

News

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

Obama and Romney present the battle royale morganFULLER

staff writer

Ta k e millions of people, fifty independent states, two fierce competitors, one controversial day = Election Day. Election Day represents the independent history and pride that America’s founding fathers established. This is the day that the President and Vice President will be chosen to serve the United States for four venturesome years. The rivals are President Barack Obama for the Democratic Party and Mitt Romney for the Republicans. It will be the 57th quadrennial presidential election. Who will come out on top? In one corner, we have current President Barack Obama, leader of the elephants. Obama is running with Joe Biden as Vice President. Democrats are categorized as those who believe in social liberty and the promise of progression or change. They are also firm believers of group efforts - better together rather than “on our own.” The current focus of the Democrats is to advance issues like education, healthcare, clean energy, and the economy, specifically job creation. Obama’s platform is fighting for economic growth and creating good jobs for the middle class and providing Obamacare. Obamacare is Obama’s plan for health care, which has the goals

reproduced by permission of usdailyreview.com

reproduced by permission of

of decreasing the number of uninsured Americans as well as lowering future deficit and Medicare spending. His most powerful weapon is his highlyoptimistic slogan, “ For ward ”. “I like how hard Obama’s working to support a health care system for people of all classes - upper, middle, lower and anywhere in between. Compared to Romney, Obama appears much more educated” says Angie Marini, a proud Democrat and student at Countryside High School. Betsy Walker, a dedicated Republican, weighs in with an opinion on the opposite side of the political spectrum. “Obama has no experience and it has become apparent. I believe that he is in over his head. I don’t consider him to be a bad person, just unprepared. He’s had his time and it’s time for the country to move on.” In the opposing corner, we have have Mitt Romney, donkey forerunner. As for Romney’s partner-in-crime, Paul Ryan is the man running for Vice President. Both Republicans and Democrats believe in a strong America, built from a love of liberty and the spirit of innovation. However, Republicans tend to stick to old fashioned ways of running the country as inherited by our founders; change is not always the answer. The Republicans are mainly focused on the economy, national defense, education, health care and energy. Mitt Romney strongly believes in free enterprise. He has developed a five-point plan for a stronger middle class: building energy independence, ensuring Americans to have the skills to succeed, opening markets that work for America, cutting the deficit, and champion-

allaboutbird.org

ing small businesses. Betsy Walker explains that she prefers Romney based on his familiarity of business. “Romney has experience in private businesses and proper knowledge of the economy. These small businesses run the country and fund the government.” As for Angie Marini, this is her rebuttal. “America is based on the dream to be able to work hard and make millions. Romney gives the rich tax breaks. How is that fair?” 270 Electoral Votes are needed to win. Tuesday, November 6, 2012 is the official date of this battle royale. May the best man win.

News

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

Cougars discover career opportunities abbyMILLS

business editor

On October 25th, Countryside High School will be hosting the fourth annual College and Career Fair. High school is a time for self-discovery and decision making. Decision making starts out small, but as each school day passes, students approach the end of their high school career. At the end of this short tunnel appears the question, what’s next? The possibilities after high school are endless and the pressure to decide is a stressful task for anyone, yet alone students who do not have a clue of what the world has to offer. To aid in the decision making process and present new options. Countryside hosts an annual fair catering to the open student minds.

Organized months in advance by the Career Center inside our school, there are over 125 colleges, universities, military branches, Bay area companies, community colleges, vocational and technical schools educating Pinellas County students and the community on education opportunities as well as career paths. In addition flyers and informative papers are distributed to help answer questions while also provoking further interest within the organizations. Since the fair is organized mainly by volunteers, responsible students offer their time to assist in the vendor set up and smooth running of the event. These students are Countryside’s Ambassadors, and not only are they offering their assistance to the vendors throughout the night, but they are representing our school.

ISTEM achieves academic heights haleySUHOZA

staff writer A few of the classes also work together to mix subjects ISTEM, Institute for Science, Technology, Engineer- and ideas together. ing and Mathematics, is an available program to take at “I try to incorporate as many ideas as possible from the Countryside High School for Freshman and Sophomores. kids science and technology classes.” Mr. Simeion stated. Many students have enrolled for the vigorous honors classISTEM is definitely something a student would want es and are prepared to work hard. ISTEM is a program to keep up with and enjoy in order to take in all the chalthat has been here for less than two years and it empha- lenges it offers. Former ISTEM student, Ida Fejzic, grade sizes strongly on the subjects of sci10, gave her strong opinion on ence, technology, engineering and what she thinks of the program. mathematics. Falling behind in the “ISTEM won’t help me at all in classes could be brutal for a student my future. I don’t think it will help because the classes do not stop for anyone unless they are dead serious one student’s screwup’s. If a student on wanting to become an engineer cannot maintain good grades then or something in that area of profesthey will be booted from the prosion. Most of the students had too gram. much freedom, such as the iPad’s. Most teachers, such as Mr. If I had to choose my favorite class Friedman, say the main idea of it would have to have been Intro ISTEM and his class, Intro to To Tech. with Mrs. Struthers.” photo credit by Frances Guarraci Tech., is to help students think cre“I love it! I want it forever and STEM student, Natalie Volk and Jesse atively and outside of the box. Some I hope it stays! I love the kids and Toothman, complete assignments on students would think that ISTEM the curriculum,” said Mr. Simeion their iPads during class. is all about homework when it can when being asked if ISTEM was be a fun time as well! something he’d like to teach for a long time. “Compared to regular classes, the kids are just assigned ISTEM has got to be one of the most complicated promore work but it is exactly the same curriculum,” said Mr. grams for students to enroll in and it takes a huge amount Simeion, algebra 2 honors teacher. of responsibility to accept the challenges.

Due to the previous success in the past years the College and Career Fair continues to expand in size and popularity. As the word gets out about this helpful event more and more students see the value in learning about the possibilities in our community and surrounding area. Countryside is more than fortunate to host this event and have the dedicated volunteers supporting our students and the community. Without the volunteers this event would not exist. The information gained through this night can aid in the inevitable decision making around the corner for high school students. Stop by room G7A for free career counseling, interview assistance, part-time job hunting aid and more, and be sure to see what the College and Career Fair has to benefit you.

National Honor Society captures its wild side katelynWABNUM

copy editor

At approximately nine a.m. on November 10th, 2012 a force of 88 high school students is expected to storm the north-west Clearwater area. Armed with sunblock, shovels and gardening gloves, the National Honor Society of Countryside High School plans to assist Moccasin Lake Nature Park in its mission. The park provides community members with a complete environmental and energy experience. A harbor of efficiency, conservation, and aesthetic value those who visit realize Moccasin Lake’s pivotal position in city life. Without it, an understanding of the natural world around us would be limited. However the entire operation, run by a small group of individuals, has found certain irritants plaguing its forest land- invasive(exotic) plant species. To restore the native vegetation and the park’s overall health a large workforce is ideal. That’s where you will find your fellow NHS (Margaret Mead Chapter) classmates participating in habitat restoration and alien plant removal. Leaving behind nothing less than a beautified park and plaque of servitude.

Dolphin pods chilled on Clearwater Beach

Gas prices continue to change

mollyCURLS

haleySUHOZA

entertainment editor

Clearwater Beach has discovered new-found fame thanks to the tailless, bottlenose dolphin, Winter, and her big movie premiere in ‘Dolphin Tale’. Winter lives and reigns at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the movie was filmed. This election year, Tampa was lucky enough to be the host city of the Republican National Con- reproduced by permission of vention. The RNC brings lots of tamingtampa.com visitors to the city and greatly stimulates the economy in that area greatly. During the convention, delegates and representatives from all fifty states will be scattered around various hotels in the Tampa area, more specifically Clearwater Beach. The hotels include the Hilton and the most-luxurious Sandpearl Resort. The fifty six-foot bottlenose dolphin statues, weighing merely eighty pounds each, were made essentially as a “blank canvas”. Assorted businesses, charities, groups, and self-made artists have purchased these decorative dolphins to unleash their creative masterpieces. They are made into anything you can think of, from a space shuttle dolphin, to one with great national pride-there’s even a “Hooter’s girl” dolphin in the mix. To get your hands on one of these stylish sea mammals, it’s an approximate $2,500; pocket change, right? The dolphins were displayed on Clearwater Beach’s own Pier 60 from August 6th through September 4th. The whole point of this project is to showcase Tampa Bay’s finest local artists through something cute and quirky that will grab hold of people’s attention. There was tens of thousands of tourists here during the convention and bragging a little about how impressive and wondrous our city is will be most beneficial to all parties involved.

Gas prices are going up all because of supply and demand. Most of the western countries are not Over the past few years, gas prices have exporting any of their oil, or goods to the changed rapidly and never once stayed the states anymore. When America has a high desame for more than a few days. As most mand of more oil, the prices rise and there is would say; the prices are absolutely ridicuno way to avoid paying the high prices. Looklous and outrageous compared to the prices ing back in the history charts, gas prices once that were up barely a year ago. The price for a were as low as $0.38 a gallon in the 1970’s. gallon of gas in the year of 2010 (during the To make sure one could stretch their oil spill) was $2.87. It is now almost an enmoney and gallons of gas purchased, one tire dollar higher, leaving many drivers with might plan their stops before leaving the less money in their pockets after filling up. house. A select few people will only fill “I believe the gas company’s are siphontheir tank with a gallon of gas and then ing off many people’s chances to get bestop home. Filling up an entire tank can hind the wheel. Many young people today cost up to $100.00 sometimes and most won’t have the money to be able to supply people do not have that kind of money. One gas for their new vehicle and that just isn’t photo credit Haley Suhoza simple tip for drivers everywhere: do not fair. The prices have risen substantially and I think it’s just wrong.” said Steven Velasquez, grade 10. drive too far away from home unless truly needed! staff writer

Focu

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

TwoStudents sides of express color in

Scheduling chaos resolved angelaBOOTH

staff writer

The new school year has just arrived and Pinellas county schools either have, or are requesting a formal dress code. The majority of these schools are elementary and middle schools, which include Azalea Middle, Dunedin Elementary, Dunedin Highland Middle, John Hopkins Middle, Largo Middle, Lynch Middle, Palm Harbor Middle, and Tyrone Middle. Many schools are turning to uniforms because they believe that a strict dress code policy will prevent bullying from occurring and have kids that are less stressed about what they wear and focus more on academics. Parent Anastasia Paskalidis said that, “School uniforms would bring a sense of social equality to school. Student’s home life and

social class would not reflect on what they wear.” Student Lauren Wilder thinks that what students wear has nothing to do with bullying. “Bullies typically pick more so on the things that involve other students behavior, or social abilities. I think that having a stricter dress code, or uniforms, would not make much of a difference.” Many students would agree with that statement, supporting the idea of school uniforms not being brought to Countryside High School. Many parents believe that uniforms would not affect bullying and that students should be able to express themselves through what they wear. Many high schools are also considering making the dress code more strict. Details of the items that may be prohibited in the future include band t-shirts, visible undergarments, yellow, orange, green, blue, and pink shirts,

gym shorts, hoodies, and torn pants. This may just be strict to black or khaki pants, blue jeans, knee-length skirts, and school logo sweatshirts and T-shirts or any other shirts that have school colors. Staff members of Clearwater High School have come up with these ideas and many other schools, such as Countryside, Largo, and Palm Harbor University High School seem to be interested in this idea as well. Uniforms or not, many schools and board members are beginning to become more tough on what students wear to improve grades and reduce bullying. The opinions of dresscode seem to be as colorful and varied as some of the clothes students wear.

Photo credit Rachel Waag

Photo credit Briana Dilworth

Color ignite

kelleyBUTTERFIELD

Homecoming 2012 was a “ro made it the best year so far with food, p provided in previous years and the dr stepped it up and made it worth the $4 In the middle of the night at cause a fog machine had been placed ne eryone was evacuated and firemen cam to the firehouse. After the alarm was s the building to continue the night. The famous South Korean son the night even though there are only a fe the dance broke out into a flash-mob fa played the top 40 songs and made the n

Photo credit Briana Dilworth

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

fn aCountryside colorless environment

Countryside’s colorless policies

katelynWABNUM

copy editor As days slowly shift back from the chaos of summer to the more routine ways of a new school year, Countryside High students begin to form expectations for their first day. These expectations consist of catching up with old classmates, drowning in homework, and for seniors, preparing to undock from adolescence and set sail into college adulthood. Almost all of this is certainly predicted to occur with one unexpected set back, a missing class schedule. These students are well aware that a personalized list of courses with period numbers is the only thing standing between them and Countryside’s clustered, hectic hallways. Serving primarily as a road map, one without a schedule can be assumed to be completely and utterly lost. For those students whose August 20-24th was spent in the ‘lost and waiting to be found’ (auditorium)

let’s focus in on the blur of confusion. At the beginning of each school year guidance sees an influx of students waiting to receive schedules and it is categorized under the norm. However, this year’s eruption of missing classes and misplaced students was not the mistake of slacking youth refusing to enroll carefully the past spring, but of several other uncontrollable factors. To begin two of Countryside’s well-known guidance counselors were offered positions transferring them to different schools; including Ms.Hall who now resides at St.Petersburg College Tarpon Springs campus and Ms.Erickson currently working for Dunedin Middle School. With this loss weighing heavily in on our remaining staff, two new counselors were hired. The first being Mr. Hayman and the other a returning Ms.Ackerman. Even working to the best of their ability, the counselors still saw geometry students being sat in AP

Calc and unqualified students hanging with yearbook. Adding to the trouble was the new restriction on core class size; making for a class of forty to be thinned out to nearly half its size. Twenty-five students in a class offered three times a day is in no way a desirable fit for student demands. To sort all of this out would be a nightmare to say the least, yet our guidance staff somehow pulled through. Choosing to miss lunch for a week straight, their patience and cooperation was highly appreciated by all. Although Countryside’s welcome back got off to a rocky start, from here it should be smooth sailing. It is quite easy to see if you gaze past the new restrictions, math tests, and jam packed class sizes. Enjoy your year, Cougars, at least until another catastrophe occurs.

Reproduced by permission of Liana Herron

es the night

Reproduced by permission of Danielle Russo

sports editor

oaring” night. Countryside high school pictures and drinks. Food has not been rinks have run out but the committee 40. t 10 o’clock the fire alarm went off beear the sensor and set off the alarm. Evme because of an alert sent by the alarm shut off the students were let back into

ng Gangnam style was played and lit up ew English words. Everyone who knew ashion. The DJ, a Countryside graduate, night.

Reproduced by permission of Gianna Diaz

Sports

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

rileyNARUM staff writer Countryside High School’s football team is rising up in the rankings. Continuing on from the the back to back undefeated seasons in 2010 and 2011, there are high hopes that this year’s season will not break their streak of a winning record. After losing their quarterback, Gray Crow, to the Miami Hurricanes, Countryside seemed troubled. Coming to their rescue was a new quarterback all the way from

Canada, Christian Strong. Strong was in the “New Guys To Watch” category from the Tampa Bay Times. All the talk about the Cougars’ expected season does not go without reason. Starting the year off right with a record of 3-1, including a tremendous win against Eastlake High School, they are proving worthy of the positive feedback to which they were receiving from the beginning of the year. After a tough loss to Largo High School, Countryside maintains their upbeat outlook. The cougars came

back more ready than ever and had a high scoring defeat over Seminole High School. Ryan Yates, being one of the 3 members on the team to make top 100 list from Tampa Bay Times - Home Team page, along with AJ Sattinger and Mike Love, are persistent on saying that “this is our year to show people what the Cougars can really do”.

jennaFENDER

swim; for some it is fun, while for others, they have been swimming for so long that now it is now second nature. The swim team practices are every weekday after school from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Countryside Country Club, and on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. There is optional morning practices every Wednesday at 4:45 a.m. at the club as well. Just like in any sport, the members on the team have certain events that they excel at, and others that test their strength and skills. Swimming requires complete dedication; from what you eat to how many hours of sleep you get a night. Also, having practice every single day takes up most of the student’s time outside of school. With any extracurricular activity, the swimmers and divers of the team must learn to balance swimming, homework, sleep, friends, or for some jobs. Members of the team must make sure their school work does not suffer. If their grade point average drops to below a 2.0 then they

are kicked off the swim and dive team. “I’ve been swimming for a very long time, over ten years but I only got really serious when I entered high school. My favorite part about swim team would have to be how close we are. It truly is a team and everyone on it is just so nice and great to be around. It is hard for me to balance my life. I tend to get worse grades that I should because I expend all my energy on practice. I do make time for friends but most of them are on the team so I see them everyday anyways.” Ryan Peters (14’) Some students have been swimming competitively for years, while for others it is their first year of swimming. Tyler Gates (15’) who was on the team last year said “I try my best to do school work during classes but sometimes I have to stay up late to finish everything. The best part about being on the team is hanging out with my friends and making new ones.” -The countryside swim and dive team is a group of dedicated students who share a passion for swimming. Being part of the team requires hard work and a love for what you do. It takes time to learn how to balance everything.

Cougars make a giant splash staff writer

When most people think about high school sports, football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball come to mind. Often times, swimming is overlooked as a sport. Countryside High School has a ranked swim and dive team that consists of all grade levels. Summer Finke, (15’) on the swim and dive team who made it to the 2012 Olympic trials, has been swimming for nine years. “It’s hard to balance school work and swimming, but you find time after practice and dinner, food first” Finke says. Everyone on the team has their own reason why they want to

photo credit Jenna Fender

Sports O

C T

E R

reproduced with permission by paranormalclaims.com, Ashley Williams O B

SUN

MON

TUES

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

WED

FRI

SAT

C ugar calendar f events

reproduced with permission by newevolutiondesigns.com, Ashley Williams

8 FCAT math and reading retakes

Report cards JV/Varsity distributed Volleyball Swim & Dive game Vs. St. Vs. Clearwater Pete at 6:30 @ Long Center

JV/Varsity Varsity volleyball football Vs. Vs. St Pete. Wiregrass JV football Ranch Vs. Tarpon

25 26 27 ACT Varsity College and test football Vs. Career Fair 6-8pm Pinellas Park

JV football No school for PSAT, Swim Eagle Invite @ Vs. East Lake, students VarPalm Harbor Drama booster sity football YMCA, Vol- club Coffee Vs. Clearwaleyball PCAC House ter @ home

NOVEMBER

MON

SUN

WED

TUES

FRI

SAT

2 3 Varsity foot- SAT subject ball Vs. St tests Pete @ home

10 Swim & Dive FHSAA Championship @ Orlando YMCA 16 17

2nd grading period ends 18 ER

MON

TUES

WED

FRI

SAT

1 SAT subject tests

6 8 4 5 7 Boys basACT test Boys basBoys ketball vs. ketball vs. basketball Northeast. Clearwater home game FCAT 10th vs. PHU graders 11 12 13 15 14 Boys bas- Boys basBoys basketketball vs. ketball vs. ball vs. St. Dunedin Seminole Pete

19 Boys basketball vs. Pinellas Park 26

20 21 Boys basketball Big Cat Shoot out 27 28

Dec. 23-Jan 5

Winter break

SUN

reproduced with permission byempowermoments.org, Ashley Williams

T h a n k s g i v i n g b re a k 26 27 Boys basketball game Vs. Sunlake @ home

Report cards, boys basketball game Vs. East Lake @ home

October is national breast cancer and domestic violence awareness month

Features

October 18th, 2012 | Issue 1 | Paw Print Newspaper

Save a life and donate victoriaULINE & angelaBOOTH

staff writers

Jenna Ribble, senior at Countryside High School, brings to students information about the significant role organ donors have played in saving people’s lives. She shared the story about her brother, Nicholas Ribble, a former student at Countryside High School, whose life was saved by an organ donor. It all started when Nicholas Ribble started experiencing minor cold symptoms at age 7. His symptoms became worse and the point came to where he ended up in the hospital. It turned out that he was suffering from liver failure. When Nicholas was in the hospital, a little boy from a different family was riding his bike and was hit by a car. Immediately, when the parents found out about their son’s death, they made the decision to donate his organs. The young boy’s liver was immediately given to Nicholas through LifeLink. LifeLink Foundation is a community service organization dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue transplant therapy. They are only allowed to step in after the organ donor is considered to be brain dead. There were three different possible outcomes of this type of auxiliary heterotopic liver transplant. One, the liver could be completely rejected by his system. Two, the liver could function, but he would need to live on Reproduced by permission of Jenna Ribble medication for the rest of his life. The third outcome could be that the liver would be completely accepted by his body without any repercussions. Thankfully, the liver reacted with his body well. He recovered fully from the surgery and is now able to go through life without taking medication every day. Nicholas Ribble was the captain of the track and field team and the transplant had no effect on his ability to run. He is now a senior at Florida State University. Becoming an after-death organ donor is simple and does not jeopardize your health while you are still alive. It is not until you are considered to be brain dead when Life Link steps in and gives the recipient your organs. Jenna Ribble shared her story with LifeLink to let students at Countryside High School know that becoming an organ donor can play a huge role in someone’s life and to encourage them to help make a difference. “The moments you have in life, whether they are good or bad, determine who you will be in life as a person,” said Jenna Ribble. Her story with her brother is the reason why she is an organ donor herself and is a volunteer with LifeLink today. reproduced by permission of Jenna Ribble

kelleyBUTTERFIELD

sports editor

Welcome to high school! Coming into this psychotic place thinking people were going to put small people in the lockers and steal lunch money may have been at the top of your worries list but do not fret, we are all here to help. As upperclassmen it is our job to watch out for bullies and your safety. Countryside is a bully free zone and that means anyone and everyone will help. If someone is not standing there at the moment that the offense is committed tell someone. They will do everything in their power to solve the problem. Countryside High School consists of a large student body that will overwhelm many new people. Everyone now had schedules fixed and the chaotic mess we call the concourse has begun to become more organized; the traffic is flowing. High School will be the best four years of your life. Regardless whether you take the traditional course of just basic classes, Advanced Placement/Honors path, early college, or even dual enrollment. Be sure to choose the best path and not the one of least resistance. Remember to be yourself, spend time with friends, and mostly keep up your grades. Grades will be there to get you through life. Have fun and stay safe!

Class of 2016 3000 State Road 580 Clearwater, FL 33761

No one is hidden from society haleyTROYER

staff writer

In the past, homosexuals had to hide from society. Since time has passed people have become more accepting, causing some homosexuals to feel comfortable with letting people know who they really are in the world. But there are still people who feel it is wrong to be homosexual, making some gays uncomfortable with who they are and not willing to show it. Many people at Countryside High School may not know that there is a Gay Straight Alliance Club. The GSA is a club to promote acceptance and tolerance to get rid of hate; meetings are on a month’s first and third Thursdays in room L-5. In the GSA there are people who are straight, bisexual, and homosexual. At the school, there are homosexuals who do not mind letting people know that they are gay. But how do the other students feel?

“I don’t have anything against gay. If you’re a guy and want to be with the same sex than I don’t see anything wrong with it. Same goes for girls; whatever makes you happy,” said junior, Brus Malasi. What about the teachers? “I have no problem with them. One percent of the entire population is homosexual. Why do they have to celebrate if there is only one percent? If we can just accept photo credits Haley Troyer them as regular people everything will work. Celebrate life not individuals,” said band instructor, Mr. Purruli. But why are there some homosexuals afraid to let it out in the open to people? “Guys have big mouths and would tell everyone. Plus, they’re immature,” said Anonymous. “Honestly when you’re ‘in the closet’ it’s usually harder on yourself. When you’re open, the weight comes off your shoulders,” said sophomore, Jason Carroll.