Gathering to raise awareness
By participating in local events, students are given the ability to make a difference page 6-7
“This is something that you can actually do.� Kylie Mauch Sophomore
Vol. 88, Iss. 9 April 20, 2011
Inside
Salina Central High School
Cell phone policy may change in 2013 By Hayley Hager Arts Editor
Giving a final lesson Page 3
The administration and school board has discussed the idea of a new cell phone policy that may take effect during the 2012-2013 school year. 7KH VFKRRO ERDUG PXVW Č´UVW pass the new policy and the verdict is to be announced on April 24. The new policy states that students may use their cell
phones before school, after school, during passing period and at lunch. If you are able to use your cell phone in FODVV \RX PXVW Č´UVW KDYH teacher permission, and it can only be used for instructional purposes. The current cell phone policy has been in effect since the 2009-2010 school year. Since then, cell phones have become more user friendly as if they are personal assistants to some people. Becoming
more lenient about WKHLU XVH PD\ EHQHČ´W WKH learning of others. If in fact the policy is passed, expectations would remain the same and consequences would still be in effect if people abuse their privileges. “The new policy will support the students in learning how to use a cell phone in a proper manner and at appropriate times,â€? principal Mrs. Rector said.
A staff survey was conducted at both Salina high schools and 44 of the 52 Central staffers replied as in favor of the new policy and 39 of the 40 South staffers supported the new policy as well. One staffer replied “Cell phones are a ‘fact of life’ in our modern society. This policy is realistic and teaches students appropriate times for cell phone usage.�
According to the statistics
Spring sports update Page 8
Results from the Kansas Communities That Care Student Survey in 2010. Percentage of students who reported smoking marijuana at least once in the past 30 days
2010
11.1% 8.5% Family Opportunities for Involvement
51% 55%
Back on track Page 9
Awing the audience Page 10
1
day until
Prom
20
days until
Summer Break April/May Calendar
4/20
Belief in Moral Order
58.74% 59.63%
Peer/Individual Social Skills
63% 68%
USD305 Data State Data Rachel Hodges / The Pylon
Mystery remains behind underground holiday By David Weiner Lead Reporter The reason for why April 20 has become National Weed Day holds just as much mystery as why a dried up plant bud could be called “Vermilion Spider Bite.� Thick white clouds of uncertainty shroud the topic and leave marijuana smokers confused about its origin, but in full support of the underground holiday. “Ultimately, it’s against the law to smoke marijuana,� substance abuse counselor, Linda Benjamin said. “The arrests go on your record and hurts your chances on receiving college loans.� Benjamin also believes the day is a chance to teach students about consequences.
Benjamin sees the problems that come with the drug such as poor physical health, low grades and struggling relationships. It is a violation of federal law to own, grow, sell or use marijuana. Penalties in relation to any of these violations can range from drug awareness classes and probation to jail WLPH DQG WKRXVDQGV LQ Č´QHV “I get my paycheck on 420, so for me it’s just another pay day,â€? chuckled a junior. Weed enthusiasts will be smoking for a whole day as tradition on April 20, according to senior Juan Espino. ČŠ:DV WKDW OLNH WKH Č´UVW GD\ people smoked weed?â€? senior Cassie Claybaugh said in confusion. “Let me Google it.â€? “Farm season starts around then,â€? said junior Teejay
April 21 Prom
April 23 Talk Like Shakespeare Day
April 22 Earth Day
April 26 Academic Awards Program
Johnson. “That’s like when growers will start to see their Č´UVW EXGV Č‹ Others have their own ideas about the origin, correlating the date to various weed smoking celebrity’s birthdays (Hitler’s), numbers of songs a pot smoking band created, or a time some historical stoners used to smoke, that turned into a date; from 4:20 p.m. to April 20. According to interviews taken by the +XÉšQJWRQ 3RVW, the date was created in relation to a California police code, 420, for Marijuana Smoking in Progress. A few marijuana users heard of the code and turned it into a slang term for going out to smoke. “Hey, let’s go 420.â€? For one central junior, the controversial plant has become
May 4 V Boys Tennis Regionals Star Wars Day May 13 Graduation
“89% of USD305 students chose not to smoke marijuana.� more than a recreational substance, but a stress reliever during hard times. “My grandma just passed away. I was so scared when it happened. I didn’t know what to do. I smoked with my brother and stopped crying, I felt happier and was able to think about the good times and memories with my grandma.� The student described the drug as being “like a cigarette, but makes you feel better.� According to the junior, marijuana has changed his life, making him more social, helping him maintain a healthy weight and relieving the stresses in his life, but the plant is still an illegal substance and can result in serious consequences.
May 11-12 V Boys Tennis State May 14 V/JV Boys Golf Regionals