Inside 15000 November by Battlefield High School

Battlefield High School student news magazine

Virginia

Volume 2, Issue 2 November 2014

TIRED OF BEING STRESSED? Ways to deal page 13

is for

ALL

LOVERS Bobcats reflect on the state's recent lift of its ban on same-sex marriage page 8-9

REAL-LIFE “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL” A freshman's take on entering high school page 7 Volume 2, Issue 2 November 2014

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PHOTO Senior Jordan Robson, left, and junior Georgia Matthews, right, compete in a recent cross-country meet photo courtesy of Victor O'Neill Studios

cover story

VIRGINIA IS FOR ALL LOVERS Virginia passed a law in October making marriage legal for any couple. Read more about what this means to students and the history of the legislation.

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REAL-LIFE “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL” Freshmen begin their high school careers. Now that they have attended Battlefield for a few months, hear whether or not it is living up to their impressions of high school.

p.5 BETTER KNOW A BOBCAT Anika Lyer is not your average perky freshman girl. Read more about what makes Lyer such an interesting character.

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p.3 POST PEP RALLY

NO HALFTIMES, NO TIMEOUTS, NO SUBSTITUTIONS

Read about student responses to the Fall Pep Rally.

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BEING TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The cross country team talks grueling practices, hardearned victories, and lasting friendships 2

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Students share their favorite memories and traditions for this month's holiday...Thanksgiving.

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p.13 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PATRONS

FAVORITE FOODS NOVEL WRITING OF THE HOLIDAYS MONTH Read about favorite treats and dishes that families and students enjoy over the holidays.

November is Novel Writing Month find out which students and teachers aspire to be writers of novels.

Sydeny Guyton - Jennifer Guyton - Sabrina Thistle The Scotts -Susan Mephatter - Simon Moon Linda Hadginikitas - 7-eleven - Janet Ricahrds - Ms. Dumm - Maureen Castellano - Mr. Metts - Paula Scalo

STAFF

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p.7 WHAT THE TURKEYS DIDN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW Every quirky fact you didn't know about turkeys.

p.11 THE ROAD TO DANCE CHAMPS The Battlefield Dance Team heads to Dance Champs on November 22.

2014-2015

FALLING FOR THE SEASON

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jayne Ross & McKenna Roper DESIGN EDITOR Justin Michna BUSINESS MANAGER Lauren Ainslie COPY EDITOR Thomas Kelly SECTION EDITORS Kelsey Ainslie, Shelby

Learn what is trending this fall, and what students' favorite fall traditions are.

Cesario, Kirsten DeZeeuw, Grant Donaldson, Lily Korpella, Jessica Kronzer, Allie Paoli, Catie Villavicencio

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DEALING WITH STRESS Students discover the helpful stress relieving qualities of ASMR.

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8 STUDY TIPS

AUTUMN TRENDS What is fashionable this fall season? Make sure to read this story for fashion trends and advice.

Reports cards are coming out, the first quarter has come to a close. Read these study tips to help raise or maintain your grades this winter.

STAFF WRITERS Marissa Alessi, Claudia Almeda, Inez Asiama, Emily Balog, Lily Bartone, Lauren Bennett, Sidney Brooks IV, Allison Brown, Regan Buckley, Kayla Coleman, Becca Davis, Jake Dedekind, Alyssa Estrellado, Jordan Fleming, Kiwi Franklin, Megan Guthrie, Sydney Guyton, Charis Hadgikinitas, Danielle Harrington, Brandon Hoagland, Emma Hummer,Theo Key, Gyu Ri Kim, Cassidy Lee, Emily McCauley, Kyleigh McGinnis, Simon Moon, Ashley Osuna, Zach Plaster, Bryan Plonk, Alexis Radun, Jordan Richardson, Mary Riley, Maggie Ryan, Sam Scott, Cheyenne Shifflett, Madison Southwick, Heather Trobridge, Zoe Voettiner, Megan Wagoner STAFF ADVISOR Charlotte Peyton Publisher: Herff Jones Software: eDesign Paper type: 80# Gloss

Volume 2, Issue 2 November 2014

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Behind the scenes of...

“HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL” By: Gyu Ri Kim

By Gyu Ri Kim Photo by Shelby Cesario

“I want fabulous, that is my simple request,” sings the fashionable Sharpay Evans of the ever-so fantasized movieHigh School Musical, speaking the minds of many incoming freshmen of the 2014-2015 school year. Little did they know, high school is not a big-screen Disney film with the sudden urge to automatically coordinate into dances during the middle of class. In fact, as freshman Caroline Villagomez quotes, “High School Musical gave us only high expectations on what it is supposed to be like.” The sudden transition from middle to high school was not a calm experience for most freshmen. Due to newly established middle schools, some students were delighted to reunite with formerly separated friends at the start of high school , but the majority of the students were nervous to start this four-year chapter to their lives.

“High school is not what I imagined it to be. In the movies, they make it seem like it will change your life and it will be the best four years that you have ever experienced,” remarks freshman Cheara Watts. Junior Annaya Gabriel supports her by stating, “In the movies, high school is the best thing ever, but it is just so different from reality. We do not break out into a song and dance, it just does not happen.” And though there are many opinions on this new chapter, Watts assured us with one fact, that high school is definitely an experience that is different than what she had gone through before. The loud rustling and bustling of the new Class of 2018 are heard in the hallways, while they converse with both familiar and unfamiliar friends. Villagomez says, “Since the start of high school, I have drifted away from a lot of

close friends I have had throughout middle school,” she states; “but I have also met and have grown close to a lot of [new] people this year.” Freshman Livi Morrow adds, “Though making friends is quite difficult when you're shy, you really need to break through the walls you have put around yourself and find people who share common interests with you.” Not only were there social changes as students entered high school, but academic adjustments as well. Schoolwork became progressively harder, and classes noticeably longer. A definite difference was set upon freshmen as they quickly transitioned from middle school to high school: getting piled with more and more homework as the days got longer. Villagomez says, “An expectation that I had about high school was the amount of homework. I knew we were going to get piled on with assignments from

every class and I have actually got to say, in some ways, that is a positive thing. Of course, a lot of homework is time-consuming and more often than not, boring; but throughout middle school, and even elementary school, I have been a really bad procrastinator. I was very lazy about homework and always did it at the last minute. High school has already forced me to drop the habit, and it saves me a lot of stress.” Though not many may agree that high school is the romanticized musical that they had been waiting for all their lives, Watts says that “High school is fun. You get to meet new people and experience different things that you couldn't do in middle school.” As the Class of 2018’s four-year adventure begins, freshmen await to experience what high school has in a store for them.

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Photos by: Samikshaya Adhikari

2014 Fall Pep Rally By: Grant Donaldson

Students were polled on their response to the events of this year's first pep rally. The responses were positive: out of the 270 students polled, the tug of war was most popular, with the tricycle race talling second, and the sing off coming in third. Many of the students surveyed would like to see new events being added to the next pep rally.

Infographic by: Grant Donaldson via Info.gr

a Better know“DNA”

By Shelby Cesario

Anika Lyer is not your average perky freshman girl. Her name derives from the Indian goddess Durga, so it is not a surprise that she is bright, bold, and ambitious. For many autumn birthdays, parents choose enroll their child to school the following fall, when they become a year older, but Lyer, born on October 1, 2001, choose quite the opposite. She was put in a year early, and entered high school at the impressively young age of thirteen. She finds this exceptionally controversial as she says that she wishes she “would stay thirteen forever, I had just entered high school and everyone thought that I was too young, which made me

feel special” but also says she more you learn, the better off you would change her are in life,” and decision of would name skipping a grade her so she “could fit autobiography in better and “DNA.” stand an Although advantageous spending much chance.” of her time Lyer’s parents watching were born in Netflix, like India, where one most teenagers of her role in this models, generation, she Mahatma is also in many Gandhi, shaped advanced the native nation classes such as and the culture Pre-Ap World Photo courtesy of: Anika Lyer that reflects It. History and PreLyer interprets her favorite quote Ap Geometry. Having a “Glass“knowledge is power,” into “the being-always-half-full” attitude,

Lyer describes herself as “lively, active, and dedicated,” her best feature being her ability to stand up for others according to her best friend, who does not attend Battlefield High School. The inspiration and passion Lyer has for science strides her to be excepted into a medical school in order to become a biomedical engineer within the next five years. In ten years, Lyer plans to be finishing up her schooling and to have entered her chosen field. In a thousand years, Lyer wishes she could see the advances in science that will be created.

Volume 2, Issue 2 November 2014

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Because nut'n is better than being together for the holidays Photo courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/will_spark/8603567984/

By Thomas Kelly The Thanksgiving holiday is considered to be start of the holiday season. Overeating, watching parades, playing football, and reconnecting with family are among the list of traditions that Americans celebrate each year. During the Thanksgiving holiday, people all over the nation travel to be with family, but the actual numbers of people who do travel can be surprising. Most people have come to the conclusion that Thanksgiving is one of the worst times to travel besides

Christmas; however, this reputation is not true. USAtoday.com reported that Thanksgiving is indeed not the worst travel time of the year. It is reported that Fridays in the summer are in fact the worst days to travel in the year. USAtoday.com also reported that only about 13.7% of Americans travel during Thanksgiving. Some students, like sophomore Emily Balog, travel to tropical locations during Thanksgiving break. “We’re going with my grandma since it would’ve been her fiftieth anniversary

with my grandpa,” Balog said. She plans on staying in a tropical resort while enjoying family time and having a big feast oceanside. Balog is only one of countless Americans that will be celebrating Thanksgiving in a luxurious fashion. Senior Natalie Peterson says, “I never really travel during Thanksgiving,” when asked if she travels. Peterson also said that “being close to family makes it easy to celebrate without having to travel long distances.” Traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday can be

fun, but sometimes it can be just as enjoyable to stay home and celebrate with loved ones nearby. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate American settlement, enjoy a huge feast, and spend time with family. Whether or not one chooses to travel during the holiday, people all over the nation enjoy fun times reconnecting with friends and family around a table in a suburban home or in a tropical resort.

FAVORITE FOODS OF THE HOLIDAYS

By Lily Bartone and Megan Guthrie

turkey pumpkin pie sweet potatoes cranberry sauce potatoes green bean casserole stuffing

Thanksgiving is a time for parades, football, family, and most importantly, food. Many different cultures celebrate this holiday with different types of feasts. Inside 15000 was curious as to what Battlefield High School students’ favorite food to eat during this season is. They interviewed a plethora of students about Thanksgiving food. Some of the top ranking favorites are classics such as turkey and pumpkin pie; however, more unique dishes are also surprisingly popular. Turkey was by far the favorite in the traditional foods category, but potatoes and stuffing also came very close. Many families also enjoy foods that are on the more unique side when it comes to this traditional holiday, like chicken. Other foods that were mentioned when students were asked what they eat were beans and rice, prime rib, and pumpkin pudding. No matter what families prepare for this iconic dinner, it is not so much what is prepared as with whom it is shared. No matter if it is friends or family, make this Thanksgiving one to remember.

Photo by Kirsten DeZeeuw

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What the turkeys didn't want you to know Fun facts all about Turkeys

Photo courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/kazvorpal/8282985194/

Regan Buckely and Alyssa Estralado The male turkey is called a tom. A female turkey is called a hen. 200 years ago in England, turkeys were walked to market in herds. They wore booties to protect their feet. Turkeys were also walked to market in the United States. The popular ballroom dance “The Turkey Trot” was named after the turkey’s gait. A turkey holds stones in their stomach. Turkeys can blush when they become frightened, excited, or ill. Turkeys have a 360 degree field of vision.

Benjamin Franklin never proposed the turkey as a symbol for America, but he did once praise it as being “a much more respectable bird” than the bald eagle. A turkey’s gender can be determined by its droppings–males produce spiral-shaped poop and females’ poop is shaped like the letter J. Turkeys sleep atop tree branches, to keep away from predators such as coyotes, foxes, and raccoons. Turkey meat contains tryptophan, an amino acid used in the body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep.

Turkeys lived almost ten million years ago.

Baby turkeys, called poults, eat berries, seeds and insects, while adults have a more varied diet that can include acorns and even small reptiles.

Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.

The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.

More than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the U.S. at Thanksgiving.

Turkeys can run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and fly as fast as neurotransmitter that regulates sleep. Turkeys will generally have 3,500+ feathers at maturity. Tom turkeys have beards. That is comprised of black, hairlike feathers on their breast.

The wild turkey we usually see in photos or pictures is not the same as the domestic turkey that we serve at Thanksgiving. Turkeys can see movement almost 100 yards away. Facts from various sources

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Virginia is for ALL

LO Evolution of gay marriage in Virginia August 1975 The Code of Virginia was amended to prohibit marriage between same-sex couples.

February 4, 1997 The Virginia State Senate approved a bill banning the recognition of same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions by a 37-3 vote,

By McKenna Roper and Jayne Ross

Personal sexual orientation is not something that most teens flaunt in school. For one thing, it does not often come up in a typical lunchroom conversation, but for another, many are afraid of isolation, teasing, and even physical abuse if they do reveal that they are gay. At Battlefield, however, the case seems to be different. “Thankfully, our school isn’t too homophobic,” says Rosie Clink, senior and president of Battlefield’s chapter of the Gay-Straight

ERS

Alliance, or GSA. The GSA, sponsored by history teacher Stephen Dittmer, works to promote respect and understanding between gay and straight Bobcats. And it looks like the entire state of Virginia might be following suit. On October 6, 2014, gay marriage was officially deemed legal in Virginia. The U.S. Supreme Court denied review of the federal case, ruling that prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples is “unconstitutional,” and homesexual marriage

became legal in Virginia that very day. The state began issuing marriage licenses immediately, and many couples have jumped at the chance to tie the knot in the weeks since the decision. Of course, “hopefully, no one in our school is getting married,” says Clink with a laugh. But the ruling has been a “good morale boost” for her fellow GSA members. “We’re all happy,” she says. “I believe that everybody should have the right to marry the person with whom they’re in love.”

March 10, 2004

The State Senate, by a 2810 vote, approved a bill prohibiting civil unions or similar arrangements between persons of the same sex.

February 13, 2014 U.S. District Court Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen ruled in favor of the freedom to marry, striking down the marriage ban in Virginia.

July 28, 2014 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit affirmed the freedom for same-sex couples to marry in Virginia.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Kris White

October 6, 2014

On March 26, 2013, Mr. Kris White and his wife Lyssa White show their support for gay marriage at a Same-sex marriage is officially rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington DC. The sign that they are holding states, “Not long ago, our marriage was illegal. Be on the right side of history. Marriage equality for all...” legal in Virginia.

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In Preflight

the GSA, has heard before. For those who oppose the law because of their religion, she proposes looking at

And for those who have questions, she is more than willing to share her perspective. “I think a lot of

If straight people can get married, gay people should be able to get married too. things from a different perspective. “Read the Bible again,” she suggests, explaining that verses are often taken out of context.

gay people are willing to explain,” she says. “If you actually show interest in the situation, they’ll be welcoming.” Clink is familiar

with the religious argument as well, but she holds the position that marriage goes beyond religion. “Marriage isn’t just a religious institution,” she says. “There are also political and legal things that go with it.” Virginia’s decision certainly seems to be a step in that direction. For 18 other states in the country, however, propositions to legalize gay marriage have yet to come to fruition. Even within the state itself, the law has brought on mixed feelings. But amidst all of the political chaos, Clink’s advice is simple. Whether one agrees with the state’s ruling or not, it doesn’t take much to learn more about it. “Just look into it more,” she says. “Be open-minded.”

Infographic created by Jayne Ross using infro.gram

Junior Erin Foulke agrees. “Why shouldn’t [gay people] be allowed to get married? They’re people,” she says. “If straight people can get married, gay people should be able to get married too.” Not everyone feels the same, though. Many oppose the state’s new law, and mostly for religious reasons. According to sophomore Alex Przybocki, who is Catholic, “ [gay marriage] goes against what the Bible says. Marriage is between a man and a woman.” Virginia’s ruling, however, does not seem to affect him much. “I let them do their thing,” he says. “I just don’t want to be a part of it.” This is a view that Cat Lamb, senior and secretary of

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3. 1. 4.

NO halftimes, NO timeouts, NO substitutions

By Allison Brown 8. “Running is a mental sport, and we are all crazy.” That is exactly what the back of the Battlefield Cross Country team shirt says this year. Senior, and captain, Matt Tschida says the best thing about the team is the team bonding. “Everyone is becoming a family and getting really close,” he shares. “I love everything we do together from pasta parties to just hanging out with each other. I feel like we’ve all come a little closer and we’ve really made our mark on the Battlefield Cross Country team for years to come,” he comments. Junior and captain Georgia Matthews says, “The best thing about this year is how everyone has so much fun together, that they want to hangout as a team outside of practice times,” she says. “Not many teams can say that they all

get along to the point where they are all close friends and are there for each other no matter what.” Emily Wall and Daniel Christopher are both freshmen on the Cross Country team this season. Christopher has been running on varsity since the beginning of the season

Woodberry Forest Invitational and finished with a time of 22:22.55, in the 5k run. Emily says she was surprised to hear her name called for varsity. “I kind of enjoy it, though it’s definitely harder than the freshman race.” Wall also received her personal record at the Oatlands

I love everything we do together from pasta parties to just hanging out with each other. and says, “I enjoy running varsity, but it can be very challenging keeping up with the older boys.” Christopher received his personal record of 18:15.00 in the 5k run, which he got on Saturday, September 20, at the Oatlands Invitational Meet. Emily Wall began running varsity on Saturday, September 14, at the

Invitational meet on September 20 with a time of 21.50.00 in the 5k run. The team could not be more proud of these two for accomplishing what they have. On Saturday, September 14th, at the Woodberry Invitational, the girls varsity team, made up of junior Miranda Bartheld,

1,2, 4,8 Photo courtesy of Victor O'Neill Studios . 3,5,6,7,9,10 Photo Courtesy of Afua Asenso

sophomore Saige Cisler, senior Becca Howe, sophomore Shannon Lee, junior Georgia Matthews, freshman McKenna Palmer, senior Jordan Robson and freshman Emily Wall won first place and received “the tray”, a silver plate with first place written on the inside. The boy's varsity team,made up of sophomore Zach Cannon, freshman Daniel Christopher, senior Robert Drummond, sophomore Jay Kennedy, senior Cameron Mims, junior Grant Mitchell, junior Alexander Robey, sophomore Jonathan Robson, senior Matt Tschida and senior Mike Villagomez, received the runner up tray. Both varsity teams did an amazing job as well as the boys JV team who also got first place. The team has much more to accomplish this season and we can not wait to see how far the team can go.

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The road to

DANCE CHAMPS

The BHS dance team strives for success By Heather Trobridge Grab your pom-poms and jazz shoes because it is that time of year! The Battlefield High School Purple Reign Dance Team is excited to be competing at the Prince William County Dance Champs Competition on November 22, 2014 at Patriot High School. The team will be competing in five categories; Jazz, Hip-Hop, Poms, Kick, and Variety. The senior leadership will be performing a captain’s dance as well. Last year, the team took third place overall, and Michaela Sedlak won Miss Prince William County title. This honor has gone to a Battlefield dancer for seven

years in a row. This year’s team of twenty-five is lead by Michaela Sedlak and Brooke Golden. They practice on Mondays and Fridays in the enclosed cafeteria. The team also has extra weekend practices for choreography. Golden gives some insight into what the weeks before competition are like. “The Battlefield Dance Team will and always has thought of our

competition as something. very important. We practice the whole week and a half before. We always want to make sure we all look very good before the big day!” Freshmen Kiley Mcgee and Ashlee Parks were the captains of the Ronald Reagan Dance Team last year. Mcgee said that the best thing about being on the dance team is “Meeting new people and becoming sisters to people I

I love the team this year. We are 100 percent more cohesive and the epitome of a true team!

Photo Courtesy of Heather Trobridge

never thought I'd talk to!” They both agree that the transition was, at first, strange. Parks said it is weird not being the oldest on a team anymore, but everyone is so close!” Melissa Golden has been coach for the team for the last ten years. Her dedication has allowed the team to become what they are today. She truly puts her heart and soul into making this team the best that they can be, and she cares for every single dancer on the team. “I love the team this year. We are 100 percent more cohesive and the epitome of a true team!” The BHS Dance Team is always excited to find out what they will be dancing to at Choreography camp over the summer. Coach Golden says, “All the music is picked by the coach or choreographer, with the coach consent, based on what is current or on the radio.” The team’s goal this year is to become a cohesive family, which they certainly have accomplished. Brooke Golden says, “A team that sticks together stays together! We all try to make our team strong. Michaela and I always think about those who are on the team, and honestly love each and every one of them. We truly are a family!” Come out and support the Dance Team at competition and during the upcoming basketball season!

The 2014 Dance team poses for a glamorous group shot. Volume 2, Issue 2 November 2014

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November, Novel Writing Month By Megan Guthrie and Lily Bartone November is a time for pumpkins, pies, and turkey. However, November is also a time for writing as it has been listed as “National Novel Writing” month by the National Days calendar. For those with creativity flooding their mind, here are some tips and advice. Also these tips could benefit for those who wish to pursue a future with English. Inspiration is a cruel master; it comes to one when there is no need but when it is being desperately called for, it vanishes. Creative writing students are a font of advice about pursuing that wily inspiration. Senior Eve Mathews says that, “my role model [inspires me, he] also inspires me in all aspects of life.” As a Creative Writing 1 student, senior April Cabanelas has personal insight into a more recently refined sense of inspiration. She says, “personal experiences [inspire me, as well as] outside influences.” Personal experiences are a highly insightful way to show emotion and instances that may be difficult to share with others. A clever way to use life experience in writing while hiding moments you would rather others not know are yours is to mix it with fiction, change names and a few details and no one will have to know that you were even involved in that experience. Grammar is often confusing; wondering where to put those pesky commas and semicolons is enough to make anyone want to tear

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their hair out. The creative writing teacher, Mr Bridges, says, “[My favorite thing to teach is] grammar; I hated it when I was a student but it makes sense now.” As writing matures it becomes clear that grammar is one of the most important tools at your disposal. Creative writing veterans will happily tell you of instances where their teacher had highlighted most of the page because of grammatical errors; they realized quickly that to make sense while writing is a difficult charge to pursue. Grammar is highly important for creative, cohesive writing. Senior Eve Mathews advises, “make sure your grammar is in check and make sure you know how to use dialogue. Use enough imagery to make your writing interesting.” Teachers often tell their students to “show not tell.” This is definitely the case for writing a novel or any other form of fictional story. Novel writing month is a time for the writing and publication of novels. So, Inside 15000’s interviewers asked several teachers if they were writing or planning on writing any novels in the near future. English teacher, Mr. Lem says, ”No [I have not written a novel], but I plan to [write one] about the misadventures of a Chinese English teacher.” Other English teachers have no drive to write and publish some of their works. Mr. Bridges states that, ”No, [I have no desire to write or publish a book].” Mr. Bridges

photo courtesy of www.cei-bg.org via creativecommons.org

shows that not all who become involved in a career with English want to necessarily publish their works. English teacher, Mrs. Provenzano, on the other hand, is working on “a book, called Surviving Third Grade, based on my son.” Her son’s personal experiences with the third grade have inspired Mrs. Provenzano to write her son’s tale and share it with the rest of the world. Novel writing month is a time for writing new stories, becoming inspired, and being advised by those who

have more experience with matters of creativity. So as November comes to a close, try to focus more time on improving literary skills and utilizing the resources that most students take for granted- peers and teachers. There are also a multitude of websites that can help to ameliorate neglected writing skills. For example, National Novel Writing month hosts a competition each year called “NaNoWriMo” for students to enter and publish some works. So get out there and write some novels!

photo courtesy of blog.fitnyc.edu via creativecommons.org

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Autumn trends: What's “in” right now? By Gyu Ri Kim As autumn falls into place, students at Battlefield prepare for the upcoming trends. Fall, the season of colored leaves and pumpkin spice, has finally dawned upon us. As the American poet William Cullen Bryant states, “Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.” The fall is a perfect time for students at Battlefield to familiarize themselves with different terms based on the different trends available. To some, it is known as 'PSL season' (known for the popular drink at Starbucks Coffee, Pumpkin Spice Latte) and to others, it is known as a football season. From Uggs

to black leggings and hot chocolate to haunted mazes, students eagerly await to take their part in this long-awaited season. “I’m excited to start my fall trends again this year,” says freshman Katarina Ayala. “I’m hoping to bring back some memories of past seasons in doing so as well.” The first well-known trend is the fashion duo of leggings and Ugg boots. Black leggings are known to be compatible with practically any other kind of clothing, so many girls love to compliment their sweaters and tees with these pants. On the other hand, Uggs are

the perfect shoes for the upcoming cold weather. Not only are they furry and warm, but they can never go wrong with any outfit, especially leggings. Another popular fashion trend is sweaters. The cold temperatures of winter and fall are what people like to call ‘Sweater Weather’ ( based on the song by the well-known indie rock band, The Neighborhood ). They also go well with the leggings and Uggs duo, and is a very hot trend for girls. A Starbucks favorite for many people is the seasonal PSL, or the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Many Starbucks fans enjoy this pumpkin-spice

flavored coffee, which is only offered during the cold season. Many Battlefield students await to reunite with their old trends. While the weather gets colder, trends of the past are restored, bringing back the holiday fun and cheer.

photo courtesy of wikipedia.org via creative commons

Falling for the season

By Kirsten Dezeeuw

The blazing Virginia heat has finally said its last “goodbyes” and made way for the fall season coming into the area. From the leaves finally turning colors and falling to the pumpkin spice lattes donned by Starbucks drinkers, everywhere the evidence is clear- fall is certainly here. Now that everyone can comfortably enjoy the great outdoors everyone is going out and about to do their favorite fall activities. Every fall, freshman Olivia Manning and her family, “get together with another family [and we go] camping together. We take the dogs and [have] a cookout over a fire.” Sophomore Montanna Coward and her family also take advantage of the great weather, “I like to go to an apple orchard and pick apples with my mom,” says Coward. In addition to spending

time with family, students spend time with their friends as often as possible. Everyone is back in their school routine, and spending time at school means meeting new friends and being reunited with old ones. Senior Samania Abbasi and her friends love the fall because, “we go ice skating all the time.” Students spend time with friends around town, but seeing friends at football games is another highlight of the season. “I like the football season and

hanging out with friends” said senior and varsity football player Chris Przbocki. This time of year, mother nature shows everyone a thing or two on how to rock the “natural look” as she shows off her most vibrant colors on her trees. Sophomore Sydnie Key takes special notice of the colors in her art. “I like drawing [trees and backgrounds in the fall because] of the pretty colors.” Fall has something

special for everyone, even if it is something as simple as “getting to wear sweaters and Uggs,” as sophomore Emma Hart enjoys doing, or having a favorite fall food such as pumpkin pie like sophomore Amon Belai. No matter what it is that one likes, everyone has something about fall that they look forward to every year. Now that autumn has come back, go out and enjoy it before it falls through everyone's fingers.

photo courtesy of cookingshorts.com via creativecoomons.org

Volume 2, Issue 2 November 2014

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8 study tips

that will help bring your grades up

By: Zoe Voettiner

Average number of days students spend studying Made with: magic.piktochart.com

First quarter grades have recently been distributed and some students are not so happy with their grades. When students receive bad grades, no one wins; not the teachers, not the students, and definitely not the parents. Here are eight tips that can help you get better grades when next quarter rolls around:

Statistics from: nces.ed.gov

1. Ask your teachers for help. Whether you like them or not, most of our Bobcat teachers are always willing to help.

2. Reach out for help from your peers. If you

notice someone in your class who is consistently answering questions correctly, ask him or her for help. The best thing you can do is to schedule a date and time to meet up with your helper. By doing this, you are less likely to back out and you both know what is going on.

3. Keep all electronics out of your study space

in order to help yourself stay focused. Some people find it helpful to lock your phone away in a drawer and to promise yourself not to open it until you have completed your work.

4. Always turn in your work. Work that is “not

handed in” can bring your grade down significantly. If you do not understand something, it is in your best interest to take your best guess and TURN IT IN.

5. Keep

your study space clean and consistent. Most work best when they study in the same space every night and “clutter-free” is always the way to be.

6. Make specific plans. Mentally create a list of the subjects you would be studying and give yourself enough time to fit it all into your schedule.

7. Stay organized. If you write all of your

homework and everything you need to do in your agenda you are more likely to remember it. You should also keep your binders organized with specific section tabs and have have a homework folder so that you can be sure to complete it.

8. Give your best effort, all the time. Being lazy is not an option if you want to improve your grades. Always give 110% on all the work you do.

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Are you tired of being Though most people have never heard of it, Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is something plenty have experienced. Those who know what it is and what its benefits are use it for stress management and relaxation. Though it is still a theory, it is believed by most scientists to be a scientific occurrence in the brain. So what is this newly discovered phenomenon? ASMR is the goodfeeling tingle or chills one gets on the back of the head and upper and lower back when one experiences his or her triggers, according to asmr lab.com. It is often said by people as being hard to describe, but a good interpretation of ASMR is being a physical feeling that one gets when receiving personal attention and having a feeling of appreciation. Most get this feeling when hearing certain noises such as tapping, typing, and whispering. Others, when being touched

by another, receiving personal attention, or when others blow air on them. When asked about ASMR, the majority of the time people do not understand it until they experiences it first hand. Sophomore Ryan Hausman has his share of stress to deal with between soccer, ROTC, and school work in general, but he deals with his stress with ASMR videos on YouTube. “There are some people who just watch ASMR videos for personal enjoyment, but I like to watch them mid-week, when I feel most stressed,” Hausman says. Some of his major triggers are common ones, such as typing and tapping. According to Bryson Lochte, an ASMR researcher, this phenomenon is a softer, quieter version of musical frisson, the thrilling ripple of chills over one's body in emotional response to music. Asmr-research.org states, “All ASMR episodes begin by an external or internal trigger

and are so divided for classification.” The two types of ASMR triggers are Type A and Type B. Type A episodes are elicited by the experience using no external stimuli and are typically achieved by specific thought patterns unique to the individual. Type B episodes are triggered involuntarily by an external trigger, via one or more senses and may also involve specific thought patterns associated with the triggering event. Sophomore Theo Dacales says, “I just found out about what ASMR is this

year, and now, I've used it to the best [of my ability]. I can't believe what it's done [to help me]. When I'm doing a bunch of homework, I like to take a small break and listen to an ASMR video. You can find them on YouTube and the tingle I get when I watch it just helps [with my stress].” The good feeling on the spine and neck can relax most who are stressed. Stress levels are especially higher in high school students. When feeling stressed, listening to ASMR videos and sounds on YouTube is a smart idea to try to relieve it.

Battlefield students rank their stress on a scale of a low1 to a highly stressed 5

made with: magic.piktochart.com

By Jake Dedekind and Bryan Plonk

Stressed?

Photo by: Shelby Cesario

The Spectator

By: Lauren Ainslie

Tommy De Angelus catches up on his social media between classes

Some people focus all too much on social media status; whether it’s trying every new app or getting thousands of followers or likes. It seems as though it’s all for show, to place themselves on a pedestal above everyone else. I believe social media has become a justification for a student's ‘social status.' There is a constant need for a million followers, more likes

on a picture, more retweets, and more subtweets from famous people. If you're not satisfied with your amount of likes or retweets you might as well take down the entire thing because it is embarrassing. Another popular issue not many will admit to but we all do, is the serious contemplation of what caption and emoji to use with your post. It is

practically a life or death situation. If you put the wrong caption on a picture, the whole world may end. The caption of your picture and the number of likes or followers you have on a social media website shouldn’t matter. What do you gain by having 50 thousands followers? Nothing, and students need to remember that.

Volume 2, Issue 2 November 2014

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Inside 15000 Battlefield High School News Magazine

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