Issue 3

INSIDE

Administrators deal with student thefts

Soccer Sister Rivalry

Dancing through school and beyond

Sophomore twins share same DNA;Passion for soccer comes with a competion boost and support system

The dance team is going to the orange bowl to dance at halftime

Stolen items results in student and classroom searches

[ PG. 2 ]

[ PG. 3 ]

[ PG. 5 ] Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or of the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances

HOOVER PUBLICATIONS 4800 AURORA DES MOINES.IA. 50310 515.242.7313 10.30.09 V.43 I.3 WWW.HOOVERCHALLENGER.COM

Raﬄe for carnival cruise Seniors get chance to win four day cruise after post prom as part of a fundraiser BY MICHAEL ROBY OPINION EDITOR

Crack down on cell phones, behavior and a�endance BY JASON REICHENBACHER FEATURES EDITOR

With a new district policy on behavior and attendance, both staff and students are making adjustments in and out of the classroom. Vice Principal Janine Schochenmaier is in full support of the new policy. Schochenmaier explained that the new policy is more strict on attendance and tardies. “I think that for the most part there are new levels for the district, and for us we’ve gotten more specific on tardies and truancies,” Schochenmaier said. Schochenmaier believes the new policy is in place to prevent kids from making bad habits of being late and truant. “It’s for kids to see earlier that they are making a pattern,” Schochenmaier said. Schochenmaier believes the new policy has been effective thus far. “There has been a huge decrease I kids being sent to the office for behavior problems,” Schochenmaier said. Schochenmaier does not want to seem like the policy is against the students, but that it is more beneficial. “Kids think that behavior policies

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New district policies cause students and staﬀ to adjust to changes

are only there to get them in trouble, I don’t want it to seem that way. The intent is that we have to draw a line somewhere for the protection of everyone,” Schohenmaier Senior Charlie McInroy has felt the brunt of the new policy with office referrals for both truancies and tardies. “They are more strict, and not as lenient as they used to be,” McInroy said. McInroy does not agree with the changes in the policy. “Sometimes it’s hard to get back to class on time, and going to class everyday sucks,” McInroy said. McInroy sees the purpose in the new policy and agrees it has its advantages “Hopefully it gets people to go to class and get good grades,” McInroy said. However McInroy believes the new policy has not been effective at all. “People still skip class anyways and they don’t even go to the detentions they received,” Mcinroy said. McInroy says the policy has not changed a thing about his behavior. “I have senioritous; I skip a lot more than I did last year. It’s because I’m a senior,” McInroy said. The attitude comes with a consequence according to McInroy “They talked about getting rid of my release period and putting me in a study

hall,” McInroy said. Science teacher Eric Hall hasn’t seen a big change from last year. “The biggest change I’ve seen is the amount of documentation that teachers need to do this year,” Hall said. Hall feels the documentation of attendance and behavior is an advantage for the administration and student body. “I think it’s good because it gives teacher and administration a little leverage when deciding consequences and in a situation,” Hall said. Hall believes that the new policy eliminates confusion. “I think it really does help staff because instead of trying to remember how many times a student has been tardy or had behavior problems it’s documented, there is no more gray areas,” Hall said. Hall believes the new policy has a good purpose and that it will be effective in time. “Ultimately the change in policy is implemented to change student behavior. I don’t believe the change will happen instantly but if everybody (the administration) sticks to it I think it will be effective,” Hall said.

Year-to-date Data

Disciplinary Sta�s�cs: Then & now TWO

THREE

FOUR

I

FOR MORE INFO:

For more information regarding the rafﬂe, contact the Sea Advisors The Sea Advisors are a travel agency that is suppling the trip for post prom The Sea Advisors “We bring the ocean to you” Ross M. Peeler Manager Phone: 515-223-9440 Toll Free 866-992-SHIP(7447) Fax 515-223-8991 cruise@seaadvisors.com

ONE: Number of students TWO: Number of events/Resolu�ons THREE: Number of students serving out of school suspension (OSS). FOUR: Number of students serving In school suspension (ISS) plus number of students serving ISS following OSS. FIVE: Number of deten�ons

Fall 2008: Fall 2009:

ONE

A raffle is being held at home team sporting events and other school sponsored events throughout the year. With this raffle, a $5 ticket can win a student a four day trip on Carnival Cruises with everything from departure to gratuity already paid off anytime within 18 months of post prom. Ross Peeler, in charge of the committee, has been cruising for years and has grown to love the experience and wanted an opportunity to share it with high school students. “I’ve grown to become a huge fan of cruises over the years, and I’ve grown to love the experience and I wanted to share it with students,” Peeler said. While Peeler is hoping the students will be estatic for the trip by the end of the process, he and his committee haven’t seen their expected response from students, but is confident it will pick up in time. “I think they’re open to it, but to them it’s still a ways out,” Peeler said. Peeler’s second in command Judy Neal has enjoyed the experience, and may even continue it in years to come. “It could be something to do for the next year as well; it’s a great fundraiser,” Neal said. Peeler, Neal and the rest of the parents have all had fun with it so far, and are looking forward to anything else that may be ahead. “We have had great results so far with it, six months out,” Peeler said.

FIVE

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2 news

NEWS BRIEFS

Volunteering makes a diﬀerence Seven Members of the Gay Straight Alliance volunteered downtown at “The Center” on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The Center is a safe-space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight, but supportive youth to hangout and hold meetings. It has a meeting room, several free-access computers with WiFi, a library, a kitchen, a bathroom and an all-purpose space complete with TVs and couches. The GSA helped organize donations from a clothing drive for homeless LGBT youth, and helped organize new donations for their library.

Thespians host party for par�cipants in winter produc�on Auditions for Get Smart were held last week and seniors John Preston and Anna Swan were cast as the two lead Control agents in this winter production. Rehearsals began earlier this week and the cast and crew will continue to work on the production until December. The Thespians will be hosting a Halloween party for all Thespians and those cast in the winter play. The party will be held tonight in the Hildreth Auditorium. Doors open at 7:15 and the party starts at 7:30. Costumes are required for all attending.

Enter if you Dare The annual night of fun, Entertainment Tonight, will be held Nov. 13. The theme will be on horror and frights, featuring a haunted hallway and a horror movie playing in the auditorium in addition to older traditions like an open gym, pizza and music. Student Council teacher Kirk Stevens is in charge of the night and has always enjoyed the annual nights. “We’ve gotten good numbers in the last three years I’ve been here, and I hope that continues. It’s at no cost to the students and it’s just a fun time,” Stevens said.

10.30.09 v.43 i3

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Administrators deal with student thefts �� BY ALEKSANDRA VUJICIC SPORTS EDITOR

The school year has brought three student searches, including one classroom search for stolen valuable items. Sophomore Ashly George fell victim when her $300 iTouch suddenly disappeared in biology class. “First I asked two of my friends if they had taken it. When they said no, I told my biology teacher. He shut the door and told the whole class if whoever had it didn’t give it up he would call the cops,” George said. When nobody fessed up, vice principals Jeff Panek and Mel Green and Student Resource Officer (SRO) Ned Chiodo were called up to perform a bag search. Sophomore Erna Mahmutovic was in the classroom and was asked to empty her bag and place all the contents onto a desk. One of the vice principals came around to check for the stolen iTouch and to make sure all bags were completely empty. “I felt mad because I knew I didn’t take it and it wasn’t my fault somebody took that person’s iTouch. I had nothing to do with it and they still searched me. Whoever stole it was pretty immature,” Mahmutovic said. Administrators have the right to perform searches if they have reasonable suspicion. George feels the search was necessary. “If somebody has it, they’re not going to give it up unwillingly, unless you find it,” George said. The thief (name withheld pending legal action) was found. But the thief was not present when the search was conducted, although he is on the class roster. Principal Doug Wheeler feels that if a student skips class, it gives enough

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KIRA HERRON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

reasonable suspicion. Boston and a few other swimmers “We are cracking down. If you don’t told Wheeler about the disappearances want to get searched or accused, don’t and they made sure to lock up all put yourself out there,” Wheeler said. valuable items. Wheeler believes that theft being an “I feel like the locker room isn’t a issue goes back to kids carrying around safe place for my things because we’ve more technology, and having something gotten a whole bunch of stuff stolen. I that someone else wants. thought it was safe at first, I guess not. “Don’t bring anything to school, or I’m angry because people shouldn’t be in public, that you don’t want stolen. taking stuff that doesn’t belong to them. Also don’t let people borrow iPods It’s disrespectful,” Boston said. because they may not be responsible,” Wheeler responded to the complaint Wheeler said. by having the locks changed on the George is willing to forgive but not locker rooms. But he claims there were forget. no students in ISS on the day of the “I’m not really complaint, and the door of angry with him (the the locker room had been thief), it was just more propped open. of a surprise. I would “It angers me when “Students think we ask him why he did it,” students get things don’t care; it’s not true. But there’s only so much we George said. stolen. They don‘t can do. We need to balance Items stolen from locker rooms have also feel safe. They feel problem solving between the and the school,” become an ongoing violated,” principal students Wheeler said. issue. The school is over 40 Sophomore Olivia Doug Wheeler said. years old, and there haven’t Boston is on the been many updates to the girls swim team and facility. But Wheeler thinks keeps many personal technology can only go so far. items in the locker room. She recently “There are random searches, metal had food stolen and she noticed her detectors and cameras in prisons, and combination lock had been unlocked. Other teammates also complained about crimes still happen,” Wheeler said. Wheeler believes that theft is not stolen money, makeup, and they noticed a new problem- that thieves count on their stuff had been disheveled. lapses in responsibility. “I told another girl on the swim “It angers me when students get team and she said that people in ISS things stolen. They don‘t feel safe. They were using our locker room as their bathroom,” Boston said. feel violated,” Wheeler said.

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Keep them secret, keep them

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Debate oﬀ to a good start Debate had their ﬁrst competition last Friday and Saturday in Indianola. They placed pretty well overall according to debate teacher Sarah Hamilton. The debate team has two tournaments in November, they play East high school Nov. 6 and 7, and then they play Marshalltown Nov. 13 and 14. Recently the debate team has entered new categories in their competitions, trying something new and out side of the box for them. “I think that they have done well adjusting to the way debate works,” Hamilton said

iPod touch Cost: 8GB- $199 32GB-$299 64GB-$399

Money Cost: However much money a student has on them at the time

Jewelry Cost: Jewelry is based off of how much it’s worth and how much a student paid for it

Cell Phones Cost: depends on phone. Most of the phones photographed are over $100

Purses Cost: depends on the purse. coach purses vary in price. plus all the contents of the purse

Car keys Cost: replacing key sets and possibly a stolen car.

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features

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Dancing through school and beyond

3

�� BY JASON REICHENBACHER FEATURES EDITOR

Over the past 15 years senior Mallory Stites has been on two dance teams and has traveled all over the country. Stites has been dancing since she was two. “I see dance as my get-away from everyday life, like if I’m having problems with friends at school I can go to dance and forget about it,” Stites said. Stites dances for both the Van Cleve competition teams and the Iowa Cats All-star team. Practicing at least four times a week is not much of a chore for Stites. “It’s my passion; it’s what I do,” Stites said. On two dance teams, Stites competes in many competitions. “On Van Cleve we do local competitions, sometimes we go to Kansas City or somewhere close. With Cats, we travel all the time.” Stites has been to Florida and Texas with the Iowa Cats, and is headed back to Florida later this year. The Iowa cats were scouted at nationals in Florida to dance the halftime show at the Orange bowl in Fort Lauderdale with other dance teams. Stites has a place for dance in her future but dancing professionally is not her main goal. “I want to do dance through college, but I don’t want to be professional. I want to focus more on the training and rehabilitation for hurt professionals. I don’t want to go professional because I have other things I want to do with my life. Being a professional is too risky,”

Stites said. Dancing brings on a large financial responsibility for Stites. “Financially Van Cleve is just as expensive as any other dance studio would be, but Iowa Cats is a little more pricey because of the traveling and because it’s an elite team. Cats does a lot of fundraising though,” Stites said. Stites has taken strides to pay for some of her dance so the burden is not all on her parents. “I have started my own savings account to pay. I also talk to businesses about sponsorships, I go out and sell what I can sell for fundraising,” Stites said. Junior Kelsey Jespersen is a teammate of Stites on Van Cleve. Jespersen has been dancing for about 12 years. Jespersen sees Stites as a leader on the team. “She works hard, and when we stretch she always wants to get better and to push herself. She’s really helpful when people are dong something wrong in the routine,” Jespersen said. Jespersen acknowledged Stites as someone she could see making a living with dance. “She has real potential,” Jespersen said. Dance instructor Kelly Else has had Stites as a student for three years. Else teaches Van Cleve, Iowa Cats and Dowling Catholic dance team. “I think she (Stites) is very naturally talented, I know she is planning on pursuing dance in college and possibly professionally,” Else said “Mallory is a very strong person, with a very good integrity and a very strong work ethic,” Else said.

Senior Mallory S�tes has a passion for dance and wants dancing to play a part in her life a�er high coaches and teammates are very suppor�ve Get the story in school. of what S�tes is trying to accomplish. “It’s my 100 words or less passion, it’s what I do,” S�tes said.

In brief:

       

Roosevelt sophomore Delaney Rhodes and senior Mallory S�tes prac�ce a dance move. S�tes has been on two dance teams over the past 15 years and traveled all over the country. “I see dance as my get-away from everyday life, like if I’m having problems with friends at school I can go to dance and forget about it,” S�tes said. ��

Junk in da trunk



                W W W. H O OV E R C H A L L E N G E R .C O M    

do onna all g a h Whac l tha’ junk o l with a nk inside y u j ’ ! tha trunk?

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A piece of brick wall from “The Wiz” Christmas lights

With senior Carolyn Thorn

Below are just a few of the items found in Thorn’s trunk

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Life guarding book markers

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crayons pokemon cards

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4 health/lifestyles

rofessionals from around the Des Moines area answer common medical ques�ons on four major health concerns that aﬀect teens. Infected piercings, addic�ons, obesity and the new H1N1 virus are included in this package, each oﬀering informa�on, treatment or causes.

TAKE IT FROM A O

INFECTED PIERCINGS Informa�on from sacred skin of Des Moines

About

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Common infec�ons

BY PAYTON QUINN NEWS EDITOR

ADDICTIONS With Cissa Schneider (Methodist adolescent department)

About

Infected piercings begin by the incorrect cleaning of it. Any piercing that anyone gets should be cleaned properly for as long as the piercing is in. Just because someone has had a piercing for a long �me doesn’t mean it won’t get infected.

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Surface piercings

According to Schneider, males are more common to come in with alcohol and drug addic�ons at her clinic. Schneider also says that each addic�on needs to be treated diﬀerently so there is no speciﬁc cure to addic�ons. When asked about sex addic�ons Schneider said she has never dealt with a teen sex addic�on but also says that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Each addic�on is evaluated and treated as needed. Many things play a factor in why these addic�ons start ( listed below).

Belly bu�on

Causes

Nose

Health Challenge A�er reading the content, match the following three photos to one of the four health concerns on the right without looking over. Include a symptom or cause for each. See if you can complete the challenge in less than 30 seconds

mental health issues

Gauges Lots of types of ear piercings (car�lage, tragus, e.t.c)

personal problems family problems environmental factors

Treatment Sea salt can be purchased at any piercing place and should be given to the customer a�er the piercing. Some piercing may get to a point where a family doctor needs to be consulted before things get worse.

Types alcohol

sex

drugs

gambling

OBESITY

H1N1

With the oﬃce of Laura Wharﬀ (West Des Moines Family Physicians)

Preven�on/vaccine 1.

If the pa�ent is feeling sick they should stay away from ac�vi�es with other people, especially small children. If a person gets the virus then it can be treated but it’s hard to treat and diagnose if only a few symptoms are in place. The vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, small children and people between the ages 18-25. Anyone is welcome to receive the vaccine.

Obesity is found borderline equally in both sexes. Once females get older and have children it’s harder to lose weight. When anyone gets older it’s harder to lose weight. Men tend to lose weight faster.

Causes excessive ea�ng emo�onal ea�ng out of control food intake (fats, sugars, etc)

fever

Treatment

cough

Weight loss supplement (research products ﬁrst) Gastric bypass (the band)

Exercise

sore throat Runny or stuﬀy nose body aches headache chills

3.

Men vs Women

stress

Symptoms 2.

With Cissa Schneider (Methodist adolescent department)

fa�gue

Medica�on Medica�ons vary for every pa�ent and it depends on medical history. If the pa�ent is allergic to a certain medica�on it’s hard to treat some things. Medica�ons should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor and if problems pop up the doctor should be no�ﬁed right away.

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Answers: 1-Addic�ons, personal problems 2-Addic�ons, mental problems 3-H1N1, Runny or stuﬀy nose

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sports

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SPORTS BRIEFS High hopes for basketball season

aarrdd ScSocorerecc ter Hollis Laura n: Midﬁelder

Positio t: Header gh n Highli al. ter o he go my sis ge, g into t in v vanta ink ha “I th m is an ad each a f e o t f e f th d o n fee we ca .” other

First year basketball coach Courtney Henderson is excited about the upcoming season. “I was very fortunate to inherit such an established program,” Henderson said. Henderson has high hopes for the team this year. “I believe we will go as far as we want to, we can compete with every team in the state. This is a very talented group of guys,” Henderson said. Right now the team is doing regular weight li�ing a�er school and open gym to prepare for the season.

r llister sa Ho ensive cente s i l e f M f O n: Positio er rsity

ld a midﬁe t: Made v gh li h ig H ear men y thers fresh ow each o engths, n tr k and s “We t.” esses off of tha n k a e w k r o w e and w

Soccer sister rivalry BY MICHAEL ROBY OPINION EDITOR

K AT Y S T I T E S

Sophomore twins Melissa and Laura Hollister work together and play against one another on the soccer field. Laura and Melissa have both been playing soccer since they were five years old. Now the twins continue to play together on the team, offering each other support and competitive drive. Laura enjoys the feeling of wanting to play harder with a sibling to constantly try and bring the best out of. “If she’s (Melissa) doing better than me, I feel like I have to step it up,” Laura said.

While Laura enjoys the extra motivation and support from her sister, she also feels that it can bring out the negative sides of both of them. “Trying to compete for who scores, who gets more playing time, all that, I’d call that the worst bit,” Laura said. Melissa agrees with her sister’s statements, also enjoying the competition of natural sibling rivalry. “I always have her to rely on, to like, back me up or stand up for me,” Melissa said. Both Hollisters also admit that being related to a teammate does come with its difficulties sometimes. “The big thing is, the team likes to

�� like, call us the Hollisters or the twins on the field it makes me feel like we’re the same person,” Melissa said. Teammate, sophomore Alyxis Beltz enjoys the sisters on the team and believes the competition between them helps boost their games. “I think they help each other because they push each other. They try harder to beat each other out,” Beltz said. Despite the difficulties and competition between them, neither sister would have it any other way. Both are proud of what they do and proud to play with and against one another. “If she’s doing really good, I want to do better,” Melissa said.

Athlete of the issue Age: 16 Height: 5’4” Sport: Cross Country Year: Junior

Goals

S�tes hopes to get a good �me and good place in the districts meet. “I would like to make ﬁrst or second team for all conference, which is an award for how well you place,” S�tes said.

Bio S�tes started running cross country in eighth grade. “I always liked running. Sprin�ng was fun, but I like long distances,” S�tes said. S�tes enjoys hanging out with the team, and the feeling she gets a�er a race.

ents Accomplishm Every year, S�tes gets a new personal record. The team won the North Invita�onal this year, which was a huge victory for S�tes and her teammates. ��

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Cheerleaders aren’t a joke

The Varsity cheerleaders meet for prac�ce on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30. The sixteen members of the team will be cheering the home team on at the football games throughout the year. Senior Allison O’Braza enjoys being on the team, but feels like the cheerleaders are very underrated and unappreciated in what they do. “We work hard and we are athletes, despite what people say,” O’Braza said. O’Braza feels like the cheerleaders work out and try hard just like the football players do and should be more recognized as such. “It takes a lot of talent and skill to do what we do,” O’Braza said.

Swim team prepares for Districts A�er a season of early 5 a.m.

prac�ces and a�er having swam thousands of yards this season, it all comes down to the districts meet this Saturday for the girls swim team. The meet will be held at the Johnston pool, in Summit Middle School tomorrow. The �mes for the events swam at districts will determine if a swimmer is qualiﬁed for state. The night a�er the meet, the girls will watch scary movies as they await news from the coach if a relay or individual event is qualiﬁed to swim in the state meet in Marshalltown. “I get really nervous because it determines whether we go to state or not. And I really want to go to state,” sophomore Abby McNichols said.

Football season’s outcome shows room for improvement Football season has come to an end a�er many hard-fought games. The team only won 1 game this season, which was on homecoming night against North. Senior Shane Kitrell is happy with the season’s outcome. “We played pre�y well but could have done be�er with some things,” Kitrell said. Kitrell believes the team struggled due to playing and coaching. “I think both of those aspects made us lose our games,” Kitrell said. The team ﬁnished the season 1-8 and showed room for improvement next season.

Game dates

Girls Swimming Oct. 31- Districts @ Johnston Nov. 7- STATE @ Marshalltown Volleyball Nov. 9- Regional Final (Location TBA) Nov. 11&12 (Location TBA) Cross Country Oct. 30- STATE @Fort Dodge

6 entertainment

10.30.09 v.43 i3

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Combo creates fusion �� BY ERIK HOFFMAN FRONT PAGE EDITOR

Jazz combo is an untraditional class that teaches music theory, improvisation and the history of jazz. Not only is the class educational, but it is also a performance based band. Band instructor Randy Hoepker said that the band involves a lot of improvisational skills. “I think it is difficult for people to improvise in front of an audience,” Hoepker said. Jazz combo is basically a band of eight students that play jazz music. There are three total bands, the regular band, the jazz band and the jazz combo. The difference between the three is that the jazz band has about 15-16 people and the regular band has a lot more people. “I think that they like playing their instruments with the freedom of the jazz setting,” Hoepker said. Jazz combo is a class unlike jazz band which is a before school and after school activity. Jazz combo does a lot

Musician

Junior Aaron Homard and band director Randy Hoepker jam to jazz combo music for upcoming concerts. Homard has been in the jazz combo class since he began at Hoover in 2007. Homard also takes part in band and jazz band. EDWARD RODRIGUEZ PHOTO

Sean Bremhorst Max Parks Eric Stacy Seth Jamison David Mathews Aaron Homard Jason Richenbacher Sam Duncan

more improvisation than jazz band. “The students in jazz combo class have to think more creatively with the elements of music,” Hoepker said. Junior Eric Stacy has been playing jazz since sixth grade and it’s his sixth year playing it. “It’s made me see how music is built and how it’s put together,” Stacy said. Stacy has found only positive elements to the class. “There’s nothing to dislike,” Stacy said. Junior Sam Duncan has been playing jazz for six years. “It’s (jazz combo) taken up time, and made improvising less scary,” Duncan said. On top of the improvisational skills and time the class requires, it allows students to express and develop their own musical voice, Hoepker says. “(Jazz combo gives students ) the ability for each person to develop their own musical voice while being sensitive about how others are communicating with music,” Hoepker said.

Instrument Guitar Tenor sax Trombone Guitar Bass Drums Guitar Trumpet

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2009’s most dreadful sequels lenge l a h C The

r ’s

S e q u e l F LO P S Crank: High Voltage

Crank is a bad movie. Period. The tag line for this crappy sequel is literally “He was dead...but he got be�er.” Most of the �me the main character Chelios ﬁnds odd ways of staying alive, such as humping an old lady. Really?

**Save $25 when you register between October and January 2009** only $310 (must pay by check or money order to receive discount using the Print-out registra�on form and only valid from September through December 2009) Not valid with any other discount. www.streetsmartsdriversed.com more classes oﬀered than anywhere Register online for a chance @ a FREE driver educa�on class with StreetSmarts. *Loca�on: Hoover High School Room #: 125 Class Session Dates Days Time HOV-1 11/9 – 12/14 Monday & Thursday 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Halloween 2 The ﬁrst one was ok but they should have ended it there. Remaking the movies so much has made the quali�es go down hill. The scares weren’t enough to save this tragic ﬂop from making the Challenger’s list.

*Loca�on: Creekside Shopping Center 9914 Swanson Blvd, Clive

Harry Po�er and the Half Blood Prince This Harry Po�er movie le� out a lot of key elements that readers were eager to see. A lot of the disappointment comes from the director’s decision to focus more on the lovey dovey aspect of the novel rather than the underlying stories. Despite the improved actors, the sequel’s lack of content made it a ﬂop.

ERIK HOFFMAN SIDEBAR

Class Session Dates Days Time CS-186 11/9 – 12/14 Monday & Wednesday 6:05 – 9:05 PM CS-187 11/10 – 12/15 Tuesday & Thursday 6:05 – 9:05 PM CS-188 1/11 – 2/11 Monday & Thursday 6:05 – 9:05 PM CS-189 1/12 – 2/11 Tuesday & Thursday 6:05 – 9:05 PM Please check our web-site for other loca�ons and classes! www. streetsmartsdriversed.com We are all fully licensed by the Iowa Department of Educa�on and the Iowa Department of Transporta�on.

www.hooverchallenger.com

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opinion

michael roby page design

staff editorial

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Get up, stand up for your rights

CHALLENGER ��

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Rushing through rush hour

My heart raced as I moved from table to table, clearing off dirty dishes as quickly as I could. I paused for just a moment to clear a single bead of sweat from my brow. The night had only just begun. I was the quickest bus boy the restaurant had and that made me the best. So in a glorious display of skill on this particular night, I decided to take on two trays stacked with dirty dishes. One in each hand. I took one step toward the kitchen, then another and another. Man did I have this down. I smiled with arrogance as I continued on from the dining room into the kitchen. No one but me had ever attempted to do this before. Of this I was sure. I was about five feet away from the dish area and all of the servers near there looked at me with awe. I smiled back, but as soon as I opened my mouth to talk to them one of my trays flipped over, sending me to the floor. My smile was gone and with it my pride.

I got up slowly and then looked down at the colorful mesh of food, salsa and broken dishes in horror. My manager shook his head and handed me a broom as the servers around me laughed and smirked. But it was still rush hour so I grabbed the broom and quickly scooped up the broken dishes and tossed them into the “glass bucket”. The second I was done, I walked back into the dining room with a tray (just one this time) and hit four different tables within five minutes, thinking of nothing but the tables I was working on. My face was covered with sweat as I heaved the tray toward the kitchen. This time I was nowhere near the dishwasher when my arms gave way and lost grip of the heavy tray. My manager sighed and helped me clean this one up while I wondered what was going on with me. I had never dropped a single tray before and now I had dropped two. “Take it easy, Eddie,” my manger told me. “Just breathe and don’t go back out there until you’re ready.” I took a cone cup and filled it with water and drank while I relaxed and focused on the job at hand. I grabbed another tray and headed into the dining room once again. I decided to only clear off two tables this time so the tray wouldn’t be as heavy. I made my way past busy servers and chatty customers into the kitchen. I walked up to the dish area and set the tray gently on the counter and began to clear off the dishes and cups. I picked up a half eaten bowl of pasta diablo and scraped the remainder of it into the trash. I turned around sharply when I was done, running into my manager and

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into believing that the only route out of high school is college. At home, many teens face family instability and personal problems. If a staff member over hears a student talking about an at home issue, it is not there right to step into a personal matter by contacting school officials. Leave that to the family and parents. Musicians, entertainers and athletes all have common goals around the school and the world - to be famous. A person who disagrees with the values and views of another person is only showing selfishness, and lack of hope that one can pursue a dream. Students have noticed a big change in bad behavior consequences this year. After working a new code of conduct, staff members have taken the extra step to punish students, playing more of parental aspect in students’ lives than a mentor aspect.

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personal column

by edward rodriguez editor in chief

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Student sound oﬀ

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t is not a teacher’s responsibility to change and force opinions onto students. While some teachers strongly believe and know that you have to get an education to be successful, students will commonly disagree. Having confidence in dreams and knowing that one can accomplish them is all a person needs to be happy and successful with life. Students have noticed a big change in bad behavior consequences this year. After working a new code of conduct, staff members have taken the extra step to punish students, playing more of parental aspect in students’ lives than a mentor aspect. For example, one tardy leaves students Staff members don’t seem to understand with a warning. Two tardies leave them with how old and wise most high school students a detention. Skip that detention, and students are. A student doesn’t need their phone taken are left in a cold room with a busted heater, away if they pay the bill and they miss the serving a full day of in school suspension. It curriculum. A student doesn’t need to spend a was never the norm day in a cold room for missing to find a student in part of their class. Students The Challenger staﬀ this position, but the will suffer the consequences voted 10-0 new policy hasn’t by themselves. It takes ones done many favors for confidence and will power to for this editorial students. go to class and get the work Teachers should let students done efficiently, not a teachers ISS has its perks such as getting demand and constant presence, learn from their ac�ons homework done in whether that presence is visible themselves a timely fashion or or through voice. meeting a fellow The staff is only making troublemaker. life more stressful for students in what are Impenitentness hits students hard in supposed to be their “best years.” Teens will ISS, which isn’t a fun experience. Students not have the same energy and aspirations that should not be put through the misery of tough they have now, and won’t realize how fast it consequences for a mistake that was so little. will dwindle away until they’re brainwashed

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�� dropping the plate. I stared down at the broken shards in misery and then up at my manager. “Come here,” he said as he walked into his office after directing another server to clean up the mess. He closed the door behind me and I got ready to receive “the talk.” Instead he asked me to sit down gently. My curiosity intensified. “Eddie, what’s wrong?” he asked. “What do you mean?” I asked, puzzled. “This is isn’t like you,” he said. “I can tell that there’s been something really bothering you today. You’ve been different since you got here. What’s wrong?” “I—I…” I didn’t know what to say. I never know what to say. I looked down and wondered if I had really been that obvious—if my masked smiles weren’t enough this time for people around me to think I was ok. “My mom’s getting a divorce,” I finally told him, not looking at him directly. “It’s getting kinda messy and my step-dad threatened to kill himself today if she didn’t return to him.” I had only told him the tip of the iceberg but it was enough to make me choke back tears of frustration. Everything else started to make sense now—the dropped trays and the intense focus while clearing tables. We talked for a long time after that. I don’t know for how long exactly. I wasn’t paying attention. Everything and everyone else was put on hold. It felt good to be listened to, to be heard. When we were done talking I walked back out into the dining room with a tray in hand. But when I looked around I realized the rush was gone. And with it, I wished, my problems too.

�� Publica�on dates for 2009-2010: • august 27-orienta�on • september 25-homecoming • october 9 • october 30 • november 13 • wednesday, november25 -Thanksgiving • december 18 • tuesday january 19-second sememster • february 5-black history month • february 19 • march 5-spring break • april 9 • thursday, april 22-drake relays • may 14-commencement • may 28 subscrip�on rates $10/year

Ad rates for 2009-2010: 1/16 page (2.5” x 2.75”) $25 1/8 page (5” x 2.75”) $45 1/4 page (5” x 5.75”) $80 1/2 page (10” x 5.75”) $130 full page (10” x 11.75”) $230 banner (10” x 1.75”) $80 (across bo�om of page) The CHALLENGER is published by the newspaper staff of Herbert Hoover High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, staff, administration and community. All state and federal laws regarding the publication of student materials shall apply, and the CHALLENGER will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Des Moines Public School system, and are deemed libelous, obscene or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities. The views expressed are not those of Des Moines Public Schools, faculty, staff or administration. All articles are researched, written, edited and designed by the staff, and are the result of editorial decisions made by the entire staff. Any student, faculty, staff, or community member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit copy within deadline restrictions; however, final publication is at the discretion of staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 250 words or less in length and signed; letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, etc. Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author, and no anonymous letters will be published. Advertising will be accepted for all products or services that are legal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space should call 242-7313 and leave a message.

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{THE CHALLENGER BOARD} } Events Calendar }

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 5 6 7 2 3 8 4 Band Boost 6PM

East Debate

Meredith Orchestra Concert 7PM

East Debate G Sw State @ Marshalltown

Senior Orders 9-12 V Vb Reg Final

9 1st G BB, B Sw, B/G Bowling Prac�ce Financial Planning Night 7PM

November

10

11

12

13

14

IHSSA Parent Mtg 7PM

120 Minute Dismiss

Parent Advisory Mtg 5:30-7PM

Publica�on Ad Sales

Entertainment Marshalltown Meredith Band Concert Tonight 7-10PM Debate 7PM Marshalltown Thespian Fest Debate V VB State @ Davenport

V VB State

Thespian Fest @ Davenport

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V VB State

}3 people to know}

Senior Ka�e Hawks

Special Ed Associate Tracey Eddy Eddy works with students and helps them in their classes and school work. Eddy also assists teachers and ﬁnds the other students in the school to be suppor�ve toward the students she works with. “I enjoy working with special needs kids,” Eddy said.

House Of B ricks

3 places to go

House of stage and Baricks has good food its trashy good sound syst , a nice ho�est cityﬂoors it features soemm. Despite acts from , local, state and e of the geared towacross the country.reMgional ard punk an o d metal. stly

Nova Cinemas

Ritual casofrtement of

Nova Cinemas, located off Merle Hay Road offers a variet selec�ons, new and old y of movie at a cheap an affordable price for studen ts. Their popcorn and other con cession items are also offered a very che compared to other theatr ap price es.

Junior Jocelyn Merino

Merino received a $500 scholarship at the Iowa La�no Fes�val held anually at the Blank Park Zoo. Merino’s name was chosen out of a drawing. Over 110 people had submi�ed their names. “I was shocked that I won,” Merino said.

Hawks was selected for a third year in a row to be a part of the All-State band. Hawks audi�oned last Saturday in Indianola along with hundreds of other students. Hawks was one of only seven trumpet players selected in the district.

ers and as d Downtown Ritual cafe oﬀ ee. Locate ﬀ co goods and ntral Library Ritual Cafelk acts near the Cein local and regional fo specializes A friendly and is LGBT

Wanted: le�ers to the editor

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soccer twins jazz combo

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