Academics

Do AP classes provide better learning opportunities?

by Jack Sparks, intro student At CMR, there are dozens of classes offered, all with varying difficulty. Among the numerous elective and common core classes, there are some labeled as Advanced Placement (AP). AP classes have a higher intensity and rigor to them, making them more difficult than normal courses. They differentiate from honors classes, as they can be used to earn college credit. AP classes are often considered the next step up from honors classes, such as in CMR’s chemistry department, where students have to take Honors Chemistry as a prerequisite for AP Chemistry. However, this is not the same for all AP classes. For instance, AP Montana Government can be taken without an honors government class first. Many teachers recommend taking AP classes over normal classes if students have motivation to learn. “It allows an AP class to go much more [into] depth,” said Brian Halverson, who leads the AP Government studies at CMR. Halverson explained that most people become more interested in government when they have to pay taxes, and the class is a good way to increase understanding. Jordan Hollern, the physics teacher at CMR, agreed with Halverson, saying that there was a definite difference between the rigor of general and AP classes. AP Physics can also cover things such as the Chaos Theory and Butterfly Effect, things that are not covered in general physics due to the fact that they require a more advanced understanding of the subject. The main differences between AP and normal classes are the intensity, speed, and depth that they require. Halverson said AP classes are better for students if they’re trying to increase understanding certain subjects. Rustlers can enroll in AP art, U.S. history, government, biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, and English.

Burke Allen’s AP history class reviews for their AP exam. Photo by Taylor Willmarth.

DO SEXIST DRESS CODES TOWARD WOMEN AFFECT THEIR LEARNING?

by Peyton Premo, intro student This ridiculous logic demonstrates that the schools that enforce these outdated dress codes either don’t trust or don’t believe that their male students have the ability to control their thoughts and actions, especially around their female peers. Even more ridiculous, in practice, it’s the girls who are punished for this. In one example, Tottenville High School in New York gave 200 students — mostly girls — detention for two weeks for violating the school’s new dress code. The students then planned a protest. If dress codes are meant to minimize disturbances, it seems counterintuitive that other distractions are still fine. These outdated cultural norms have no place in the 21st Century. Dress codes encourage modest apparel, but by doing this they also encourage overly restrictive, and oftentimes sexist, gender norms of past centuries. The consequences go beyond reinforcing norms. Punishing girls for something as simple as bare shoulders makes girls feel embarrassed and ashamed of their own bodies. Pulling girls out of class to make them change clothes results in a loss of valuable learning time. While some clothing is, of course, inappropriate for school, girls are more paid attention to for dress coding.

WITH CAELEY LUOMA, FRESHMAN

by Aiyana Guerttman, intro student Q: What’s your overall opinion on masks? A: I think they’re good, I just think a lot of people don’t wear them so they don’t really do a lot. I just think a lot of people don’t wear them correctly. Q: I understand you’re in Chanson choir; how do masks affect your ability to perform everyday tasks? A: It makes it a lot harder to sing and do the daily warm ups. Q: I heard there’s certain masks you all use specialized for singing, do you find these masks more effective than regular masks? A: They work but they’re not entirely practical for everytime we sing because the masks are fairly uncomfortable and expensive. They have more space for your lips to move so your mouth isn’t constantly brushing against the mask, so I guess that’s supposed to be helpful. Q: Do you feel that without masks completely in your class that your choir could operate as one much better? A: Yes, I think without masks it’d be much easier to hear those around you and blend.

23 INTERESTING

courses at CMR

by Aiyana Guerttman, intro student

Charles M. Russell High School allows students to take a weight training class. Mostly seniors and juniors tend to get into this course first, but it’s offered to freshmen as well.

Students in Culinary Arts build knowledge in cooking, baking, recipes and kitchen etiquette.

John Stewart, above, teaches Driver’s ed. Students learn the rules for driving and get behind the wheel.

CULINARY ARTS 1-2 /3-4

DEVELOPING CHILD

This class focuses on the development of children, the parenting of children, and working with children.

SIGN LANGUAGE