Countryside High School Paw Print Newspaper Volume 29 Issue 3

Serve,

set, spike, inspire...

Who is the group of hollering hooligans who best represents the Cougars? This collection of dedicated rooters is called the Maroon Platoon.

Preventing suicide in Countryside

“Statistics nation wide have been increasing, so due to that there’s more focus out there on it so the schools are getting involved,” said guidance counselor Joann Bulthuis.

Artist Spotlight

Countryside senior, Slawek Kozub, is spotlighted for an original painting entitled, Polish Woods.

Cooperative but confused Peoples reactions upon the evacuation of the school concerning December 6th’s bomb threat.

The countryside high school

PAW PRINT

Clearwater, Florida

One phone call causes mass disruption

editor-in-chief

Countryside students and staff received a rude awakening during second block at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 6th, when what appeared to be a fire drill materialized into a bomb threat. The incident evolved into a mass evacuation as the school was vacated and Clearwater Police units accompanied by a canine bomb dog searched the building for explosives.

"I was at a county level meeting that morning. I got a phone call from my secretary that they had a threat here. Finally when I was able to call back she said we had a bomb threat. My SRO guided the situation because we kind of look to them for some guidance in this case," explained Principal Gary Schlereth. According to Schlereth they, (school administration) met and immediately acted upon the threat that had been called in to the school.

"First thing we do is get together and put our heads together," said Schlereth, "what do we want to do? Do you want to take the chance of disrupting the whole school day? Nine times out of ten we’re going to move to disrupt the day. The first and foremost [thing] is to provide a safe environment for both the students and faculty."

As the fire alarm rang students filed out of the building, most expecting a drill. While administrators proceeded to move the students to the football stadium, rumors began circling that a bomb existed on

campus.

School Resource Officer John Cavaliere was notified of the emergency by an urgent phone call from Assistant Principal Cynthia Saginario.

"She told me that they had just received a bomb threat and it would go off in fifteen minutes so I told them to pull the fire alarm. We don’t want to create panic. Get everybody out was my first action," said Officer Cavaliere, "I immediately got on the radio and notified dispatch. We had about six or seven units show up to help and assist me here."

The threat specified an explosive device in one of the school lockers.

"There are 1,800 lockers here. That takes a lot of time, so I called in for a bomb sniffing dog and they sniffed the lockers to see if there was a device in there," explained Cavaliere.

As students migrated about the football field the campus was thoroughly swept. It wasn’t until nearly two and a half hours later that the okay was given to reenter the school.

In neither Principal Schlereth’s nor Officer Cavaliere’s time at Countryside High School had a bomb threat ever existed. Out of the five staff members questioned, all agree that no more than two similar events have occurred. According to English I teacher, Ron Marn, the school has witnessed one such incident prior, but none of such magnitude. The unsuspecting contingency gave way for both praise and

anetaKOZUB

Countryside High School students and faculty patiently await to reenter the school after the front office received a call threatening an explosion from one of the lockers on Thursday, December 6, 2007. After two and a half hours students and faculty were given the all-clear to proceed to fourth block.

CNM and Pride Images

Colors show support

old best friend to breast cancer, and is an active advocate of the pink breast cancer ribbon.

Colors have many versitile meanings to Americans, so it isn’t very surprising that charitable foundations choose to utilize colored ribbons and bracelets to represent and subsequently draw awareness to a massive variety of causes.

Some would argue this can be labeled as “slacktivism,” a means of supporting a cause without actually exerting any time or effort; however, the claim is completely unfounded. It is undeniable that some of these movements have made a tremendous impact. For instance, who doesn’t know about yellow Livestrong bracelets, or S.G Komen’s pink braclets and ribbons for breast cancer? Not only do they raise funds for research and development of anti-cancer technology, but as a tool, these small symbolic tokens also manage to recruit volunteers and inform anyone who may notice you wearing one about these noble organizations.

“You know, when I first heard about them, I was like ‘they’re just ribbons, no one’s going to do it.’ but the more I look around I see people wearing hats with them, I see the bands, and it just makes me feel like people are really growing more aware of [the cause],” said sophomore Kaitlyn Carson. She has lost both an aunt and her 19 year

Ribbon-bearers, however, are not limited to victims of personal experience. Junior Matt Stewart bought his just because he believes in the campaign. The red ribbon on his backpack is in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, an organization founded to help fund HIV/AIDS research.

“People will sometimes come up and ask what it is and I tell them,” said Stewart. Though it may be simple, that is precisely how these seemingly plain ribbons can actually spread awareness and bring about change.

Of course, as with anything there are still people who laugh at the idea of wearing awareness ribbons; even those who go as far as to wear “anti-ribbon” ribbons as a blatantly hypocritical mockery of the practice. However, ironically, these people do little but bring even more attention to awareness campaigns. Though obviously it is ridiculous to claim that every ribbon campaign is actually assisting its cause (if they don’t specifically say they are donating profits, they probably aren’t), there is no reason to discount groups who are really working to make a difference with the help of colors and their unusually prominent value to the human psyche.

MEANING BEHIND THE C O L O R

Yellow Ribbon- Light for Life, suicide awareness and prevention.

Mint Ribbon- Triumph over Tragedy, stop child abuse.

Violet Ribbon- Artists Against Racism, support racial diversity and anti-racist principles.

Yellow Wristband- Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation

Orange Wristband- Dear Jack Leukemia Foundation

Blue Wristband- helping third world countries

Pink Wristband- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

100% college tuition assistance

$1,000 Senior Bonus until ship date $40,000 Enlistment Bonus

Guaranteed Choice of Training

Over 150 Career fields FREE single and family housing, meals or meal allowance, medical and dental care

criticism of standard procedure and actual execution of the emergency plan in a crisis situation.

"The school should inform us of exactly what’s going on," said junior Catherine Hartigan, "the teachers gave us different answers and it was very confusing."

"[There was] not enough supervision. Kids were jumping the fences," said senior Danielle Long.

"That's probably my biggest problem with it is that I didn't hear a lot if information about it. I didn't really know what happened or what went on. I didn't feel like the information was related to the parents," said parent Lisa Cohn.

"Not everything was done the way I would like it to be done. In a way it’s good that this happened to see how we can do it better," explained Officer Cavaliere.

Protocol requires that teachers evacuate with their classes and take roll to account for all their students. The

Harbor Wireless

main goal is to vacate the premises and distance students and faculty from the imminent threat.

"They got everyone out of the school safely," said sophomore Craig Gordon.

In the upcoming weeks Countryside High School's Safety Committee headed by Assistant Principal, Chris Bates, comprised of teachers, administrators and SRO John Cavaliere will be reviewing the incident and undertaking the task of ensuring an updated, comprehensive emergency plan. Already suggestions for improvement are flowing in. According to Bates the committee has established three main goals they wish to pursue and present to Principal Schlereth to adopt as an official crisis plan. The goals include improved communication, a thorough outlined procedure as well as incorporating of Television Production teacher, Carl Zimmermann, as a communication liaison. Additional precautions include collectively organizing individual wings in the evacutation zone where teachers would remain with their classes in assigned positions.

"When the students go out we're going to have the stadium with assigned sections where wings A,B and C are going to be in this section of the stadium and if you're a teacher in those wings you're going to have to be with your students," explained Bates.

Students themselves have ideas on enhancing the existing evacuation procedures.

"Secure the area with police officers, get a phone tracker and more information," suggested senior Catie Munns.

"Maybe we could have a better system and try out the system and actually have bomb threat drills in case this ever happens again," said sophomore Shelby Wilson.

Dealing with such a mass number of students proved to be challenging. According to Principal Schlereth many aspects of the incident were handled well while others could have been improved.

"You’re not going to get one hundred percent compliance in anything you do. Overall, the behavior of the students and the faculty as far as the willingness to work and provide that safety net was there. They did an excellent job," he remarked.

Students are led to the football stadium to wait while the school is searched by police.

CNM and Pride Images

Life’s good for Lion

Name: Lion

Age: 11 years old

Breed: red coat labrador

Born: Minnesota

Handler: Pat Shea

Began training: 18 months old

Training: dual purpose passive alert, narcotics dog

Job involves: detect narcotics

Price for purchase of the dog: $2,500

Other facts: Lion will retire in January, 2008. He enjoys watching Animal Planet while eating Frosty Paws.

anines catch the scent

Detecting illegal drugs is very difficult because small amounts can be easily hidden and stored. That is were Canine units come in. These special units are just one component of law enforcement and consist of an officer and one dog. It is the dog’s job to detect and find the odor of certain drugs. The most common drugs dogs are trained to detect are marijuana, cocaine in any form, methamphetamine, and heroine. However the dogs can pick up on other narcotics, if they have a similar scent.

Usually german shepherds, golden retrievers, and labradors are the dog of choice when it comes to detecting drugs and even explosive devices. The dogs usually begin their training at a little over one year old. The dogs are paired with one handler, and will stay with that handler for the remainder of their career. An enormous amount of responsibility is placed on the handlers as they must train their dog, feed them, take care of any veterinarian visits, and even house the dog.

To train the dogs towels are laced with the scent of either a drug or explosive device, and hidden for the dog to find. When they find them, the dogs are rewarded with a game of fetch. So, the dog associates those particular scents with their play toys. Because dogs are only trained to detect either narcotics or explosives their olfactory senses become very attuned to that scent over time. They smell that marijuana, cocaine, or smokeless powder all day long.

“We train in your high school at night when you’re not here, on your football field, and in any number of businesses that I have keys to. It’s a program we have, they give us the keys to the business and we bring the dog in at night, and that gives them a little extra security with police officers always being there,” said Sergeant Jim Hall.

It is very important that the dogs be trained in real world scenarios. The Canine unit trains their dogs to search ofce buildings, parking lots, and even neighborhoods. The dog’s training usually lasts for about 17 weeks. After they’re finished with the initial training period one shift per week is spent doing additional training.

Most dogs are now trained as passive alert dogs, which means when they detect the odor of a substance they sit down. However, their handlers can usually tell they have found something even before the dogs sit because their manner changes, they become excited and even wag their tails, since to them training is no different than a real day on the street. They are still expecting a good game of fetch as soon as they have fulfilled their duty. Passive alert dogs are especially useful in crowded areas such as, airports, bus stations, and even mailing facilities.

“A lot of narcotics come in through what we call trojan horse, where they’ll hide it. We’ve found marijuana in over 100 coffee cans, we had a case in Puerto Rico recently, and they had 12 kilos of cocaine that were welded into mirror frames,” said Pinellas County Sheriff deputy Pat Shea.

“If a dog alerts it’s probable cause. If the dog alerts to the outside of a vehicle, I can go in it. I don’t need a warrant,” said Hall.

Due to the Carol Doctrine which holds that if a drug sniffing dog detects the odor of narcotics in a place were it can be easily moved, i.e. a vehicle, or locker, from smelling the exterior of the vehicle, the officer has probable cause to search that vehicle. People attempt to hide drugs in a glove compartment, center console, or even a secret compartment built into the car. However, the dogs will still be able to detect the odor and will know it is or was somewhere in the car.

When it comes to narcotics searches in school, it is up to administrators to contact the police department and request a canine unit. The administrators choose the time and classrooms that are visited. When an officer enters a room to complete a drug search, he will state to the students the reason he is there, and proceed to offer students an amnesty period. During this period, the officer urges any student with drugs to come forward as this usually will result in a lesser punishment depending on the drug and the amount the student has. Possession of over 20 grams of marijuana is a felony in the state of Florida, any other narcotic such as methamphetamine, heroin, and any form of cocaine.

“We offer the amnesty so if you have something usually you won’t get in trouble if you turn it in, if it’s criminal, a lot of marijuana, or something like that, you might not go to jail, you know, but we’ll write a report on it,” said Hall

School administrators do not have to offer amnesty, so students may not be arrested but could still be punished according to the Code of Student Conduct. After the amnesty period the students and teacher are asked to leave the room, and the dog goes to work. In-school drug searches are always performed during school hours, usually lasting only one period long, and spontaneous to everyone except administrators.

Thanks to canine units police are able to find and cut down on narcotics in schools and around the community.

samanthaMALONE editor-in-chief

indicates higher alcohol and tobacco use D rug survey

helenCATANESE

In Western society, youths begin drug use with caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. If they go on to use other drugs, the next drug of choice will most likely be marijuana, followed by one of the hallucinogens, depressants, or stimulants. These drugs are taken at first on an experimental basis, they are reinforcing, and lead to few serious consequences. Marijuana is seen as a step on the road to the use of other substances. Once the illegal barrier is crossed, it becomes easier to take a second and a third drug (Gould and Keeber 1974; Kandel 1978).

After about 30 years, this is still true. The exposure to, or at least knowledge of, substance abuse is an unavoidable aspect of life in high school. The problem is multifaceted, and being that it is rooted in many cultural habits, and supported by some adults who may even serve as mentors, it is one that is all but impossible to eradicate. According to some sources it is on the rise, and others it is declining, but really, it is very hard to measure.

Though certain aspects of the matter are contested, most sources agree that alcohol is the number one substance abused by minors. This is not hard to believe, given alcohol use’s general social acceptability among high school students. Of course, for many, caffeine is far preferable.

Biennially, the Juvenile Welfare Board Children’s Services Council of Pinellas County Contract Management & Evaluation Center publishes a report called “Prevalence of Substance Use among Pinellas County Students.” The information is gathered from a survey given to 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade students. It covers issues such as substance abuse, motor vehicle-related risk behaviors, and school safety issues. As of 2006 it [the survey] was administered to over 27,000 elementary, middle, and high school students from 125 schools within the county public school system, as well as 3 of 26 pri-

vate schools invited to participate, who accepted the off to this, in nearly every grade and every substance, use has decreased since 2002. However, since it is not a scientifi have some level of error.

stance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Pinellas county youth (ages 10-17) report higher alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse than Florida’s statewide averages. Th erages age of onset for alcohol use is 13.3, and 13.2 for cigarettes.

ing opinions in relation to the legal signifi stance abuse and the forms of rehabilitation or retribution which are most sensible and effective. Not many would comment for print.

“I think all drugs should be legalized and dealt with in the same way as alcohol,” said Mark Stauderman, Countryside High psychology teacher. According to Stauderman, when something is forbidden, it tends to be more desirable, and legalizing all of these substances would not only abolish this mind-set, but eliminate the profits being made illicitly through drug trafficking.

The laws are not likely to change, however due to the multitude of harmful effects related with substance abuse. The top five substances having reportedly been used by high school students, according to the 2002 Households survey, were, as follows: alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, misused prescription drugs, and inhalants (such as nail polish, glue, or correction fluid).

Jax is on the track

Name: Jax

Age: four years old

Breed: German Shepherd

Born: Czech Republic

Handler: Sergeant Jim Hall

Began training: one and a half years old

Training: dual purpose, narcotics dog

Job involves: track and locate suspects and evidence, detect narcotics, crowd control.

Train time: 17 weeks

Other facts: trained to bite when apprehending suspects

CULTURE

Christmas around the world

samanthaMALONE

editor-in-chief

Santa Claus, presents, Christmas trees, stockings, snowmen-all are synonymous with Christmas. Every family has holiday traditions, whether it be attending church on Christmas eve, opening presents on Christmas morning, or listening to holiday music all through December. But what about family traditions in other countries? Although the purpose of Christmas is universal, with Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus

Christ, the traditions of the holiday are very diverse in different parts of the world.

In France, Christmas is also known as the “Twelfth Day.” French children leave their shoes by the fireplace on Christmas Eve in hopes that Pere Noel will fill them with wonderful gifts and sweets. Most homes will also display a nativity scene featuring small clay figurines called Santons or “little saints.”

In Italy, the Christmas celebration lasts for three weeks, but children must wait until Epiphany, January sixth, to receive their presents. Gifts are stored in a large jar known as the Urn of Fate, and are left for children by an old woman named Befana.

In spite of communist rule, there are still Christians who celebrate Christmas in China, decorating trees and hanging lights outside homes.

The children are awarded with stockings filled with

Navidad Alrededor del Mundo

Papá Noel, regalos, alegría, Árboles de Navidad, Iglesias, medias Navideñas, hombres de nieve, y duendes. Todos estos son sinónimos de Navidad. Todas las familias tienen tradiciones para está época, puede ser ir a misa de gallo, o abrir regalos en la mañana de Navidad, o escuchar villancicos todo el mes de Diciembre. ¿Pero que hacen en otros países, acaso familias Italianas celebran de la misma manera que familias Japonesas? Sea lo que sea el mensaje de la Navidad es universal, los cristianos celebran el nacimiento de Jesús. Las tradiciones e iconos de esta fecha son muy diversas. En Francia, la

Navidad, también es conocida como el “Doceavo Día,” el ultimo dio de los doce días en que celebran Navidad. Niños franceses, dejan sus zapatos al lado de la chimenea, en Nochebuena en esperanzas que Pere Noel los llenara con muchos regalos y dulces. Si tienen un árbol de Navidad, al día siguiente también tendrá dulces y pequeños muñecos colgando de árbol. Aunque árboles Navideños nunca fueron muy populares en Francia, la mayoría de las casas tienen un Nacimiento. En Italia la celebración de Navidad dura tres semanas, comenzando ochos días antes del 25 de Diciembre, conocido como Novena. Niños deben esperar hasta la Epifanía, Enero 6, para recibir sus regalos. Los regalos son guardados en una urna de fe. Los regalos son dejados por una anciana en una escoba, con el nombre de Befana. Dicen que ella suele estar cubierta de hollín por entrar a las casas de los niños por la chimenea.

Aunque China esa comunista, muchos de los cristianos que viven ahí celebran Navidad. Muchos decoran árboles y ponen luces alrededor de las casas. El árbol es decorado con faroles, y flores de papel. En las medias navideñas, los niños reciben esto llenos de regalos de Dun Che lao Ren

gifts from Dun Che Lao Ren or the “Christmas Old Man.” Although the main winter celebrations take place around the Chinese New Year, the Christians enjoy both holidays.

staff translator alessandraYOUNG

OPINION

Favoritism at Countryside

rudiGRUB

staff writer

Seniors always seem to get all the perks and privileges at Countryside High School. They get first dibs on homecoming tickets, locker selection, they are released from fourth block five minutes early on Fridays, and they get exempted from all second semester exams (as long as the student maintains an A or B in the class). To a senior, all of these privileges make their final year of school a fun and easy one to slide through. But what about juniors? In some public and private high schools throughout the country, juniors and seniors share equal privileges. For example, let’s take Lakeside Christian School, a private school in Pinellas Park, Florida. The shared privileges works just fine over there. The school has a massive junior/senior Prom at Clearwater Beach every year. Both grades get out 10 minutes early on Fridays and they have huge tailgating parties at all their football games. Also, they go on an end of the year trip to Europe or

a place of their choice. So, why can’t we do the same thing here at Countryside?

Juniors sharing the perks of the senior class sounds like a fantastic idea, but due to certain perspectives, the freshmen and the sophomore students will (and already want) extra privileges too. This year, the freshmen had several new privileges as a result of the implement of the Freshman University, such as getting into all the home football games for free and hosting several “freshmen only” tailgating parties before each game. This would be a neat concept if the freshmen and sophomores could share along with the juniors, but that would defeat the whole purpose of even having special perks in high school. The juniors would be the only ones that would get the most benefit out of the change because they are only a year behind the seniors.

The bottom line is that Countryside should take this idea into serious consideration. This could be a great step towards keeping more kids in school by letting lower grades have a few perks. After all, who doesn’t want a few extra privileges?

Evacuation perspectives

“I thought it was fun,” said freshman, Kyle Andrews

“We were safe. I think if we had permission we should have been able to leave, because you couldn’t do anything,” said sophomore, Tony Presutti

“They didn’t let those who had cars or rides leave when they heard about it,” said sophomore, Paige Nevez.

“I thought the school did really well by offering water, but I feel that the student body should have been more informed about what was happening,” said junior Katie Humberstone

“During an emergency situation like the bomb threat the staff needs to do a better job at informing the students about what is actually going on,” said senior, Matt Kelsey

“We weren’t informed about the situation. I can understand keeping it quiet until we were out of the building, but once out of harms way I’d like to know why we were going into the field,” said senior Samantha Mohr

“The bomb threat is actually my second bomb threat in my years of school, so nothing was new to me, except it was very hot and had little shade.”

Michael Requena Freshman

“Well, kids jumped the fence. There were two fights. It seemed kind of crazy and out of order.”

Ricky Morgan Sophomore

“It was annoying that we were sent outside and didn’t know what was happeing, we had to stay on the field a long time, and it was really hot.”

Kristina Pabon Junior

“ I believe it was a good idea to say it was a fire drill at first because it kept everybody calm and able to get out of the building safely.”

Sara Shammos Senior

Share your Opinions

If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please bring your completed letter to A-3. Letters should include the writer’s name and grade. They may be edited for taste, clarity and length.

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Editors In Chief

Editors

Staff Writers

Adviser

Principal

Samantha Malone, Aneta Kozub & Andew Tannahill

Megan Hays, Jordan Gentry, Christina Lupi, Pauline Murphy, Sabrina Rocco, Roger Schmidt, Morgan Swim, Christopher Carr, Helen Cantanese, Jessica Congdon, Rudi Grub, Jannelle Howell, Heather Macdonald, Marcela Mati, Haley Maerker, Joseph Polt, Andrew Wood & Alessandra Young

Joyce Dimmer

Gerald Schlereth

The Paw Print is published by the newspaper staff at Countryside High School. Advertising rates are available upon request by calling (727)725-7956 ext. 2046. Advertising which promotes illegal products under Florida Law, or opposes any religion will not be accepted.

The Paw Print has been established as an open forum for student expression as outlined in the Student Press Law Center’s model guidelines for student publications. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the faculty and administration but rather of the author or the newspaper staff and its editors.

The Paw Print welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to Countryside High School and its surrounding community. We also welcome contributions from writers not associated with the newspaper staff. All freelance material should be submitted to room A-3. All submissions must bear the author’s name.

How do you think the bomb threat was handled? What do you think about the bomb threat and how it was handled?

6

2 4 5 7

1) Mason belts out the lyrics to “Kelsey” towards the middle of the show.

2) Trace slams on his guitar while screaming out background vocals.

3) Trace and Blake pose for a quick picture after stepping offstage.

4) Trace tunes his guitar pre-show.

5) It is imperative for bands to pack up instruments quickly after playing, so that the next band in the line-up can get on stage as fast as possible. Trace is doing so.

6) Sweaty Mason stands outside the venue after the show and poses for a quick picture.

7) Trace feverishly packs up instruments after getting off stage.

ALL PHOTOS BY SABRINA ROCCO

and a high energy performance. I spoke with two out of the four band members and lead singers, Mason Musso and Trace Cyrus before the show.

1. Describe the sound of your first and new album, Metro Station.

Mason: Well, we’re big into dance. Like, the main thing about our music is we love playing and we want the kids to enjoy it too. We just want it to be like a big dance party. We just want everyone to feel free to like have fun... [laughs]

2. What was your vision of the album before you started producing it?

Trace: I think me, Mason, and Blake; we were all together making music and we all basically wanted the same thing. Like, we’re all into the electronic drum beats. We wanted it to be totally different from anything else that was out there and basically, I think we achieved that. We just

produced some of our stuff and Justin sang on “Kelsey” with Mason. So that was the first experience we had and yeah there are so many bands out there I love and honestly, like if any band I enjoy asks me to do a song, I’d be more than happy to do it.

5.Is there any- thing else you’d like to say?

Mason: Thanks for the love! If you don’t know us just check out our stuff. See what you think.

In July 2007 Alternative Press, an Indie magazine, listed Metro Station as one of the “22 Best Underground Bands That Likely Won’t Stay Underground for Long” and for all of those that know Metro Station, know that this is very true.

Their tour ends December 16th in Chicago, Illinois. Like Mason said, check out Metro Station’s music onmyspace.com/metrostation.

MEET THE BAND

Mason Musso vocals guitar

Trace Cyrus vocals guitar

Blake Healy keyboardist synthesizer

Anthony Improgo* drummer

Trace pumps up his fists to the screaming crowd after “Control” was sung.

sabrinaROCCO editor

“I’d swim the ocean for you, the ocean for you.”