The Growl Friday, Oct. 31, 2014
Bettendorf High School
Vol. 51 Issue 2
Germans and English students spend time visiting by Melissa Weinstein Staff Reporter
O
n Wednesday, Sept. 24, German students arrived at the school to spend three weeks as American high schoolers. “I am very interested in the United States and wanted to learn more about the culture,” Edin Masinovic said. Masinovic and senior Jess Jacobsen previously spent a month together as Jacobsen and other Bettendorf students visited Germany as part of an exchange program. “Getting to visit Germany was an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to go back. I made so many memories, and my German speaking skills improved immensely. I hoped that Edin would have a similar experience here,” Jacobsen said.
IN THIS ISSUE Opinions
The Snarl: ID’s, backpacks pg. 2 Take Publications pg. 2 Facing physical difficulties pg. 6 Music pg. 3
Exchange program gives students chance to enjoy US culture
language because “I really like the school overall. I England is an English enjoy the classes, teachers, lessons speaking country. I and the building, ” Masinovic said. also participated in this German exchange student program because it’s Sophie Endres found the school shorter than the other to be “simply overwhelming” programs. This way I because of the numerous class won’t get sick of the choices and the size. person that’s staying “The school is huge,” Endres at my house and vice said. versa,” Weaver said. Senior Olivia von Gries made it Senior Lauren Young her mission to make her exchange is looking forward to student’s time in America amazing learning more about because she “had a blast” while in the culture and meeting Germany. new friends. “We got to take Sophie to Saint “I showed my Louis which was neat because I Exchange students from England experienced life as American exchange student had never been there before,” von high schoolers until Monday, Oct. 27. America as well as I Gries said. could by taking him family, made new friends and learned so Masinovic and the other with on all my normal German students attended homecoming, much,” Endres said. activities. I took him to a football game, On Monday, Oct. 20, students from a cross country meet and on a haunted football games and went haunted housing. Jacobsen also taught Masinovic how to England arrived at the school for a shorter hayrack ride,” Young said. visit. Bettendorf students will travel to play football. The exchange students took various “I really like playing and watching England over spring break to stay with the field trips during the day to Dubuque and sports here. The food is also really good, same student who comes to visit. on a Mississippi River cruise. Bettendorf Senior Libby Weaver decided that the students and their England partners but unhealthier,” Masinovic said. Endres enjoyed getting the opportunity England exchange trip was made for her. traveled to Chicago the first day they met. “I chose to participate in the England to experience a different culture and better “I took Rebecca to all the important exchange program for two reasons. First, I places in the area like Whitey’s, Pancheros her English. “I’m happy that we’ve had a great host don’t need to be good at speaking a foreign and Lagomarcino’s,” Weaver said.
Teen parents find challenges, joy
Features
Spotlight pg. 3 ALICE training pg. 4 Hunger drive pg. 4 Ebola pg. 5
Sports Girls swimming pg. 7 Wrestling pg. 7 Boys golf pg. 7 Volleyball pg. 7
Follow us.... on Twitter @bettpress on Instragram #instabett and online! bettgrowl.com
by Christine Vincent Staff Reporter
A
ccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, almost 275,000 babies were born to teen girls between the ages of 15 and 19 in 2013. Although this is a decline of 10 percent from 2012, it is still a prevalent concern. This nationwide issue touches the lives of several individuals in BHS. Senior Devin Perkins became a father on May 1, 2014. Although his daughter, Kassidi, does not live with him, Perkins sees his daughter every day. “It was weird at first, because it was a lot of responsibility that I wasn’t used to. Now that it’s been seven months, it feels completely normal,” Perkins said. Another student became a mother during her freshman year, and chose to have a family member adopt her daughter. “I miss her every minute, but my aunt adopting her was the best thing, because it’s a stable environment. I visit my daughter as much as possible but that’s usually only once or twice a week,” said a student who prefers to remain anonymous. Matt Edwards, a social worker for BHS, helps to connect these students with supportive resources. Parent Pals, a nursing program that does home visits, is a common resource. “We deal with each case differently,” said Edwards. “We can help find day care, counseling services, or connect the student with a group of teen mothers.” Roxanne Schmertmann, ARNP, is also available to help students who discover
they are pregnant. “I help to answer things they would normally ask their physicians, but when asking me they don’t have to wait for an appointment. Occasionally I also help with talking to their parents,” Schmertmann said Perkins found help in Child Development class. “Ms. Ferris gave me diapers and helped me learn to take care of Kassidi. After Kassidi was born, Ms. Ferris let me bring her to class on Fridays,” Perkins said. According to Centers Devin Perkins spends time with his for Disease Control and daughter, Kassidi Perkins, as often as Prevention, only about 50 possible even with a busy schedule. percent of teen mothers receive a high school diploma school accused me of lying. They said I by 22 years of age, versus approximately should try closing my legs and quit being a 90 percent of women who had not given slut. People were honest-to-god awful. My birth during adolescence. family and I decided it might be better to It’s an understatement to say that having go to another place, so I moved to live with a child while in high school changes the my aunt for the rest of my pregnancy,” she life of the student. said. “When we first found out that a baby was While both students agree that having on the way, everyone was talking about a child brings difficulty, they also said it it. It was all over Twitter and Facebook,” brings joy. Perkins said. “Before I became a dad, I “I’ve become more responsible. I want wanted to go to school out of state. Now to help support my daughter even if I’m not I can’t imagine leaving, so I’ll go to Scott her legal guardian. I have a job to help pay for the first two years and then find another for her things.” said an anonymous student. close school.” “I get a lot of compliments because I’m An anonymous student became pregnant helping out as much as I can,” Perkins because she was raped. While dealing with said, grinning. About his daughter, he said, the normal stresses of teenage pregnancy, “She’s able to crawl now, and can stand if she also had to cope with the horrible she’s holding on to me. She has started to emotions that followed being assaulted. talk; she can say mommy, daddy, hi, and I “Before I started to really show, people at love you.”
02 Opinion Oct. 31, 2014
The Growl Editorial
The
Too safe or not safe enough? Why backpacks, ID’s are heavily enforced
S
NARL
The
long running battle between students and staff about backpacks and ID’s has been notorious throughout many high school students’ careers. Yes, we have lockers. Yes, we understand why we need to wear ID’s. Yes, we do not like it. Walking around the school, besides the obvious difference in age and appearances, any staff member, parent or student should be able to tell the grade level of each student, as long as they wear their ID’s and lanyards. This year, freshmen wear hot pink, sophomores wear gray, juniors wear black and seniors wear gold. With these color classifications come an easy ability to differentiate the students, and to state the obvious: if students aren’t wearing a lanyard or ID, how can we tell if they are actual students? Although BHS has taken precautions to deny non-students access, one could simply slip in, whether before school, after school or by another student. On many occasions have I or another student walked into the school lanyard free with no administration or teacher asking me to put my lanyard on. Rebutting that, however, on many more occasions I have been stopped in the hallway or during class and have been asked to put my lanyard on as soon as possible. ID’s and lanyards promote both pros and cons towards the current policy. With most students for abolishing lanyards,
many arguments arise and faculty and staff fight to keep the legacy of the lanyards alive. A pro towards our ID’s would be that it keeps the student body organized. If every day at lunch students had to give the lunch staff their school numbers or pay in cash, the lines to the lunch room would exponentially grow longer and slower. Another benefit to school ID’s is, through using them, to get into school activities such as sports and theatre productions that are paid for with an activity pass. Another pro towards school ID’s and lanyards is that it creates a sense of community within the school. With everyone wearing a lanyard, including staff, substitutes and visitors, students should not feel like they are the only ones being “weighed down” by this policy. The idea of a ID and lanyard is to create a safe and efficient school day with little to no confusion. Cons also arise with this policy, however. If, for instance, a student forgets his or her lanyard at home and the extra is nowhere to be found, unless he or she goes unnoticed the entire day, the student will be forced to purchase a new ID and lanyard. Since the minimal cost of the ID and lanyard is $6, repeat offenders may find their school bill racking up. This is not to say that a slip of the mind should be enforced, but to say that one day without a lanyard is not going to hurt anyone.
For juniors and seniors, who have offcampus, this policy may also find itself unendearing. When walking towards either the north or south entryway, students have the door held open for them by faculty members. Expected to have their lanyards on, upperclassmen who find themselves without this essential are forced to come in through the main entrance. This extra walk could result in the students’ tardiness. The most blatantly obvious con of all, however, is that students do not like to wear their lanyards in general. With no choice in what type of lanyard they wear or where they can wear it, students have a hard time just accepting the fact that wearing lanyards and ID’s is school mandated and adds to the safety of our school as a whole. Creating even more uproar is the battle of the backpacks. With students wanting to carry them around and staff who know that most students can keep them in their lockers, the question arises to who is right, students or staff. “Backpacks, book bags, purses, tote bags or any device used by students to transport materials are not to be carried by students in the building during the school day. Students are to place these items in their locker when they arrive at school, and the purses, backpacks or bags, etc., must remain in the locker until the student leaves the building for the day,” according to the student handbook. Since every student, besides some seniors, has a locker, the argument shouldn’t even be in question. Backpacks go in lockers and students carry around their notebooks, pencils and iPads. But what about the rare occasions when that isn’t possible? With this policy, students coming from a Scott class, gym or from home may not have time to put their backpacks away without being tardy. Too many tardies on a student’s record could result in a loss of
learning time, an unexcused absence or even detention. Understanding that backpacks are forbidden to further school safety, i.e., making sure a student doesn’t carry concealed weapons, drugs or alcohol into the classroom, who is to stop them from keeping these items in their locker? If a student is going to bring something drastic into the school, whether he or she can wear a backpack or not, is not going to stop them. Backpacks, some of which are very expensive, could help keep the students more organized and less forgetful on what they need to bring to class. Never again would a student say, “Oh, I left that in my locker.” Also, offering a preparatory college environment to students, BHS would prepare college bound students by allowing them to wear their backpacks to class because that is how it is in college. To negate that, however, backpacks have not been enforced since as early as elementary school and students should not only be used to the policy, but just learn to accept it. To propose that backpacks are not beneficial to the student would be wrong, but to indicate that no backpacks take away from school safety would be wrong as well. Both sides offer pros and cons that are all reasonable in most aspects. The same goes for school ID’s and lanyards. Without lanyards the school would find itself with fewer complaints, but the efficiency of the day would run less smoothly. In the cliche “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” BHS is definitely choosing to be safe, despite opposition from every class, year after year. And to admit it, yes we don’t agree or always comply with some of these rules, but they’re here to help, and they’re here to stay.
Publications class offers opportunities to express creativity on. It takes a lot of time and effort to put by Brett Gaydos together the yearbook every year. Newspaper Co-Editor “I like how it enables us to have a creative outlet outside of art classes on our spreads,” yearbook editor Ashley Hertter said. Every couple weeks, the staff also produces a newspaper. It usually consists of eight pages of news from around the school of community. We also have ads from various business that support the paper. Without these sponsors, there would be no paper. Yearbook editors Ashley Hertter and Each printing costs the journalism fund Haidyn Hank work on the yearbook during $370. every class to make sure it is done by the “It gives me a chance besides end of the year. speaking to the school, I get to write about things people are interested in and write it about it in a positive ublications is unlike any other way,” senior Hannah Chin said. ”It is very class offered. Contrary to popular belief, interesting to get everyone’s opinion.” publications in an actual class, not just a While being in this class, the time inside club. Every day during third block, several and outside the classroom is very special. students go to the journalism lab and work The group usually does fun activities like on various tasks for the newspaper and the ice bucket challenge or gets lunch yearbook. Without this class there would together. be no newspaper or yearbook at the end of The class not only teaches you how to the year for everyone. meet deadlines and work hard, but also The yearbook is something that everyone bond together as one. So much time is in the class has a part of. Each student is spent together outside of class to meet assigned a spread (two adjacent pages are these deadlines that the class usually called a spread) that needs to be completed become very tight knit. by certain deadlines. Earlier this month the class and other Several times throughout the year the students interested in journalism had a staff sends in pages. When each page is great experience in Iowa City for the Iowa sent in, it is printed and peice by peice put High School Press Association (IHSPA) together. At almost every sporting event conference. or gathering, you can find someone in the “This class has really jelled together,” back taking pictures of whatever is going
P
to join this class because there is always more that could be done to make our paper and yearbook better. As long as Journalistic Writing has been completed, anyone can sign up by talking with a counselor. With such a small class, we hope with more support we can continue to have a great newspaper and yearbook. If you are interested in taking photos for yearbook or newspaper, stop by the journalism lab during third block or talk Adviser Connie King makes final edits to one of the editors or the adviser. The and decisions on everything in the class. editors are always looking for students to attend events and take photos. adviser Connie King said. ”The chemistry The yearbook editors encourage is good and everyone cooperates because students to add the app ReplayIt! to smart we do work hard. It can be stressful but we phones to upload photos to the yearbook also do fun things.” website. Those photos may be in the There is always time to join this class. yearbook. We are always looking to recruit students
Growl Staff
Editors: Brett Gaydos, Alex Connor Reporters and Photographers: Thomas Byrne, Hannah Chin, Haidyn Hank, Dajae Hanson, Ashley Hertter, Christine Vincent, Melissa Weinstein.. Columnist: Alex Connor. bettgrowl.com Editors: Hannah Chin, Christine Vincent. Adviser: Connie King. Mascot: Newsie. The Growl is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) and the Journalism Education Association. Visit us at bettgrowl.com. “Like” us on Facebook (bettmedia).
The Growl accepts all signed Letters to the Editor by the student body. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, and clarity. Letters may be dropped off in D100, journalism lab or emailed to bhsgrowl@gmail.com.
Use your smart phone or iPad to visit our website!
Oct. 31, 2014
Features
03
Lights, cameras, spotlights by Christine Vincent Staff Reporter
Sheila Conrad
S
heila Conrad has taught all levels of French for six years. She also graduated from BHS in 2003. Her former teachers have become her coworkers, and she has been able to watch the school develop from two different viewpoints. “When I was in high school, we used hard-copy French-English dictionaries in class, but now everyone has cell phones and iPads and Internet. The Internet has really changed the way people learn,” Conrad said. She also thinks that the social environment of the school has changed since she was a student.
“The climate still isn’t perfect, but students seem to be able to be themselves now,” Conrad said. Describing her former teachers who are now her coworkers, Conrad said, “I really admire them. Being around them is a great motivator for me to do my best and to make the school day positive.” Conrad said everyone knows she has a love of French culture and language. But she originally studied elementary education. If given the chance, Conrad would love to teach a film course, because she’s passionate about cinema. She is currently taking two graduate courses, putting together a portfolio, and teaching three BHS courses. She says it might be the craziest thing she’s ever done. She will soon have a master’s degree from Michigan State. It might surprise many to discover that Conrad is a die hard hockey fan. “I am obsessed with the Chicago Blackhawks,” she said. “I love the international aspect to hockey, I find it really exciting to watch games live. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are the most grueling playoffs in any professional sports, and it’s cool to see the athletes rise to the challenge.”
Music proves necessary by Amanda Kane Guest Reporter
B
eethoven. Mozart. Bach. Tchaikovsky. These names are of great importance to any student who has tried a hand at a musical instrument. But what becomes of those students who didn’t find solace in the strings of a violin? AC/DC. Nirvana. A Day To Remember. Blink-182. There is another side to the music world which is all too often overlooked by adults and peers alike. These bands and countless others continue to inspire and entertain those who didn’t find their niche in band or orchestra. Music has always been an extremely vital part of any culture. As the decades pass, music progresses. More and more genres are being established, and modern technology has provided a plethora of ways to listen to them. CDs and MP3s get downloaded constantly to computers, iPods, and tablets. “I’m always listening to [music] in the car on my iPod or from my massive collection of CDs. I’ll also listen to music on my record player,” senior Sydney Wientjes said. Sharing music has become an easy yet personal way to create a connection whether it be by posting a link, sharing the audio, or burning a CD for a friend. “I burn mix CDs for friends all the time as sentimental gifts,” Wientjes added. Although musicians are the main factor in creating and performing music, their success would not be possible without the love and support of listeners.
“There could be millions of artists and bands putting their material out, but without the consumers to actually listen and enjoy what they've produced, the deep connectivity and meaning in the music would be left solely in the artists' minds,” Wientjes said. Concerts provide a safe place for fans to connect with the music and to meet others who hope to do the same. “Without fans, who is going to go to concerts? Or buy the music? I may not know as much about music and it's technicalities as a musician but I think I can still appreciate it at the same level,” senior Olivia Solbrig said. The atmosphere of these events is what keeps listeners coming back for more, which ultimately supports the bands and allows them to create more music and reach out to more people. On a deeper level, the music people listen to both reflects and reinforces their moods. A recent study by psychologist Yuna Ferguson found that listening to upbeat music while trying to improve mood has significant results and can improve overall happiness in just two weeks. According to healthline.com, another study found that people experiencing an interpersonal loss find reassurance and identify strongly with sad music. “It makes me feel better...Music to me is the way I express what I'm feeling. Anyone could tell what I'm thinking if they listened to the music I was listening to at a certain point,” Solbrig said. Many people share an unbreakable bond with music, no matter if they are the ones on the stage, or the ones in front of it.
Joseph Parker
F
reshman Joseph Parker has enjoyed his high school career so far. He loves going to football games and is anxiously awaiting his first experience with high school P.E. class. In the cafeteria, his favorite food is the Chik-Fil-A served on Tuesdays. “My favorite class right now is business principles and managing, because I find that it stimulates my mind,” Parker said. In his free time, Parker plays soccer. He says if he was stranded on an island and given one wish, he would wish for a soccer ball. He also likes to bake, and he says his secret talent is making perfect mac and cheese, along with excellent frozen pizzas. Parker does not drink pop and greatly enjoys jazz music. His favorite show is “How I Met Your Mother.” “Everyone knows I’m a very serious person,” he said. “But not many people know that I really love to sing in the shower.” Even though his older brother attends the University of Iowa, Parker is a huge Illinois fan. “I hope the Iowa men’s basketball team sucks this year,” he said.
Parker also likes to watch equestrian races on TV. He says it’s invigorating and he highly recommends that other students watch it. Parker also found it exciting when he climbed Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. “It was the craziest thing I had ever done,” he said. Parker says he’s more of a gatherer than a hunter, and homework is his least favorite thing about humanity. He also would pick Texas, if we had to get rid of one U.S. state. “I think we could get along without them,” he said.
Remember us this way . . . But only if you buy a yearbook before the end of November! The price goes up to $65-get one now and save $5.
Download the ReplayIt® app and see your photos in the yearbook!
04
Oct. 31, 2014
News
ALICE training preps school for safety by Alex Connor Newspaper Co-Editor
W
ith instances of Columbine, the shooting in the movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, and Sandy Hook, fear has built in the minds of students, faculty, and staff. The new initiative of A.L.I.C.E (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) within BHS, informs students of what to do in case of an intruder. By educating the staff and students alike, A.L.I.C.E creates a safety net for those who could be in danger. Beginning with A, Alert, students and staff are asked to alert the school if danger has arisen. BHS created a Remind101 account to notify signed up students about the whereabouts of an intruder. The location will also be said over the intercom
to throw off the intruder as well. Secondly, L, stands for lockdown. According to alicetraining.com, the website recommends barricading the room to prevent the intruder from accessing the location. Should an intruder gain entry the last two steps are recommended. I, standing for Inform, means to notify the school and outside sources of the intruder and their location. “Video surveillance, 911 calls and PA announcements are just a few of the channels that may be used by school employees, safety officers, and other personnel. An emergency response plan should have clear methods outlined for informing school employees, hospital workers, or any other employees of whereabouts of a violent intruder,” stated alicetraining.com.
C, which stands for Counter, is to be used in instances when the intruder is in the presence of those not barricaded. Staff and students are asked to “create noise, movement, distance and distraction with the intent of reducing the shooters ability to shoot accurately,” quoted from alicetraining.com. Counter is by all means, not fighting. Lastly, when safe to do so, those in the building are asked to E, Evacuate. “By evacuating, citizens can avoid having to employ the techniques learned in ALICE training for how best to Counter an active shooter,” said the previously mentioned website. Although BHS hopes to never encounter an intruder, by initiating these steps, the administration hopes to better school and individual safety.
“I think A.L.I.C.E is good for our school. It is important in our society and I am glad administration is setting up these procedures,” senior James Gomez said. Gomez is involved in RSVP and NHS. “It could happen [a school shooting] but I feel like we’re prepared enough that it wouldn’t become a massacre. I definitely do not feel like school safety is lacking. Gomez mentioned that in the face of an intruder, he would help barricading or distracting the intruder for the safety of others. Although A.L.I.C.E has not increased the safety of the school by initiating backpack checks or higher security systems, it does provide knowledge about how a student or staff should handle the situation. “BHS is very progressive, they keep us updated and safe,” Gomez said.
Hunger drive ‘fights’ hunger back at BHS by Thomas Byrne Staff Reporter
I
“ f we don’t do something, who will?” This is the question Student Hunger Drive ambassador Melanie Trepa asks the student body. “Raising donations is not only necessary, but the need is increasing,” said Trepa. “In three years the need has Brent Hutton, Sarah Michaelson, and already increased by 70 percent.” Katherine Braught dish out ice cream at Bettendorf High School has Maggie Moos for a Hunger Drive benefit. participated in the Student Hunger Drive ever since it came into existence in the and its impact on the community can not mid 1980’s. The Quad Cities is one of the be understated. four areas in the country to hold the event, “Many people would be surprised to
know most of the recipients have cars and homes just like you and me,” Trepa said. “They all have different reasons why they need food, but when it comes down to it, if you were in their situation, you'd want help too.” Last year, the Quad Cities Hunger Drive collected 521,115 pounds of nonperishable food items. Trepa thinks that number can increase this year. “We would love to receive 10 cans from every student in Bettendorf High School,” Trepa said. “I think we will accomplish our goal, because Bettendorf is a community of selfless and giving people.” Although giving to the Hunger Drive is a gracious act in itself, Trepa wants to make sure that people are donating for the
right reasons. “Don't donate because you want a prize/ reward, or because you want people to think you're a good person,” said Trepa. “Donate because by doing so you are saving lives. Lives of people you sit with in class, of teachers who educate you, or even of your neighbors and friends. Do it because it's the right thing to do.” Upcoming events for the Hunger Drive include a Bettendorf vs. Pleasant Valley dodgeball tournament at PV High School on Nov. 1, and on Nov. 4 there will be a benefit at Chipotle where 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the Student Hunger Drive.
Dusterettes allows students to display talents by Melissa Weinstein Staff Reporter
D
usterettes, the inclusive dance team, was created three years ago by Claire Reisen, a former student, and her assistant coach, senior Hannah Chin. The team allows students with special needs the opportunity to learn a routine and perform it at football and basketball games during the season. “Dusterettes is a place you can go if you don’t fit into other places,” junior Julia Hanson said. Hanson has been on the dance team for three years and loves getting to spend time with her friends who also dance. “Dusterettes has benefited all of the dancers by providing them with a safe and fun environment filled with a group of amazing Senior Brittanie Becht agrees that girls who have all become best friends through many experiences together,” Barnett said. the best part of being on Dusterettes is being with others. over dance fundamentals and practice they are encouraged to cheer on the Barnett hopes to get the dance team “I decided to join Dusterettes because it the school fight song that they perform at school’s teams at events,” Barnett said. involved in more school events going is a chance for special needs kids to have football games. Hanson credits Dusterettes for helping forward. fun and be a part of a team,” Becht said. Hanson calms her nerves before her to improve her dance technique and “There is no difference between the Senior Heather Lane loves music and performances by telling herself not to mess eye-hand coordination. Dusterettes and the football team. The learned to dance since joining the team. up. Becht believes that it is important for all dance team gets kids who might not have “I love dancing and spending time with “Before I perform I think about mistakes students to join extracurricular activities had a chance previously to be actively my friends,” Lane said. I made before so that I don’t make them because it encourages members of the involved in the school. It creates amazing, Sophomore Erica Barnett knew many of again,” Becht said. community to come to the school and special athletes,” Barnett said. the girls on the team prior to becoming an The most rewarding aspect of being support the school. assistant coach this year, which makes the an assistant coach for Barnett is seeing “The dance team has helped me to get opportunity especially rewarding as she the happiness on the girls’ faces during out and do something instead of sit at gets to be involved in a big part of their performances. home. It has also helped me meet new lives. “It really means a lot to the girls when friends,” Becht said. During practice, the girls stretch, go