August 2013 by The Crimson Connection

the

crimsonconnection crimsonconnection

cypress woods

volume 1

issue 1

Monday July 26

Welcome Back

Wildcats

the

crimsonconnection EDITORS-IN-CHIEF nikki carter rachel kainer

LAYOUT EDITOR alexis starkey

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR cassie cotton

NEWS/FEATURE EDITOR gail mcghee

EDITORIAL EDITOR adayre bevill

SPORTS EDITOR abbie mcintosh

PHOTO EDITOR sarah orr

BUSINESS MANAGER brad wargo

SOCIAL COORDINATOR byria hamblin

editorial policy The Crimson Connection is published seven times a year and distributed free by the Cy Woods Journalism Department. The Editorial Board consists of two editors. The Board determines the stances of editorials, as well as the content of the newsmagazine. Letters or comments are welcome and should be sent to room 1866 at the school address. To be printed by the school newspaper, the letter or comments must be signed and legible. The editors reserves the right to edit letters. The opinion of the staff does not necessarily represent or reflect the opinions of the faculty of this school or this district.

Make your voice heard. The Crimson Connection staff wants to know your questions, concerns, or comments. If you would like to contribute to the next issue of The Crimson Connection, please email us at: abigail.paysse@cfisd.net. Cypress Woods High School 13550 Woods Spillane Blvd. Cypress, TX 77429 (281) 213-1913 abigail.paysse@cfisd.net

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Letter from the editors:

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Welcome back Wildcats!

We are so excited to bring you the new and improved student publication, The Crimson Connection. The whole staff has worked long hours during the last few weeks of summer to make sure this newsmagazine was ready to put in your hands on the first day, and we couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out. We hope that you read this cover to cover and like what you see, because there is much more to come this year from the Cy Woods Newspaper Staff! Sincerely,

contents

Rachel Kainer and Nikki Carter Editors-in-Chief

3 Photo by: Sarah Orr

Photo by: Craig Self

8 Photo by: Sarah Orr

6 13 Photo provided by: Flickr

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8.26.13

Meet the 2013 WildThings gailmcgehee COME ON CROWD

Alex Thompson Captain

“No matter what the score is I always want to see the crowd loud and hyped, it’s better for the team.”

“I want the crowd to be the loudest and proudest it has ever been!”

Class|| Mr. Wilson’s APUSH Super Hero|| Hero Captain America Quote|| “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

Carter Clancy

Class|| Statistics Super Hero|| Hero The Hulk, He’s a stud Quote|| “Even though some of you are pretty thin, you all have fat hearts, and that’s what matters.”

“I want to see the crowd have a lot of energy!”

Favorite...

Class|| American History Super Hero|| Spider Man Quote|| “If you ain’t ﬁrst, you’re last.” Quote

COME ON CROWD “I want the crowd to be active PARTICIPANTS, not spectators.”

Hannah Robertson

Favorite... Class|| World Geography with Mr. Sandefur Super Hero|| Jesus Quote|| “The key to leadership is understanding when its time to follow.”

COME ON CROWD

Taylor Ray

Taylor Alva

COME ON CROWD

“I want the student section to go crazy and show the 212 spirit at every game no matter what!”

“I want to see the student section packed and everyone wearing red!” Class|| Photography Super Hero|| Hero Iron Man Quote|| “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”

COME ON CROWD

Adayre Bevill

“I want to see that 212 spirit, loud and proud! #Bringit.”

Favorite...

Class|| English with Mrs. Schlarmann Super Hero|| Hero Cat Women. Meow Quote|| “Who are you not to be great?”

COME ON CROWD

Cy Bruce

COME ON CROWD

Favorite...

COME ON CROWD

Melissa Schmitzer

COME ON CROWD

Cash Coffman

Class|| Theatre Super Hero|| The Power Puff Girls Quote|| “Do what you feel now, electric feel now.”

COME ON CROWD “I want to see enthusiasm and excitement in the crowd as well as school spirit.”

“I want the crowd to show school spirit.”

Abby VanEman

Favorite...

Class|| Statistics Super Hero|| Batman, duh Quote|| “Cash is the coolest most handsome, smartest guy I know.”

Class|| PALs! Super Hero|| Batman Quote|| “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

COME ON CROWD

Alexs Galindo

Raj Asarpota

“I want the crowd to be loud and proud! And lots of dancing along to our cheers!”

“This year I want to see all the fans get way more interactive with the band, cheer and WildThings!”

Favorite...

Class|| Choir Super Hero|| Batman, Hands down Quote|| “Why ﬁt in when you were born to stand out.”

Class|| Pre-cal Super Hero|| Obviously The Batman Quote|| “Regular naps prevent old age, especially while driving.”

Class|| Architecture Super Hero|| Green Lantern Quote|| “You miss every shot you don’t take.”

“I want the crowd to be wearing red and gold and their 212 spirit!”

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“8.26.13

New year, new clubs

people

4“

A look inside the up-and-coming organizations Every year, each student, will hear the words, “join our club.” Selecting from 40 plus clubs is regarded as a critical task each year because it not only staff increases students’ involvement in the school, but it also improves their chances to get into their college of choice. Here there is a wide variety of clubs to choose from. Some of the most popular clubs include Key Club, FISH [Freshman in Senior Hands] Club and Student Council. This year there are numerous uncommon, new clubs, including HEAT Club, Freedom Club and QSA. HEAT [Human Environmental Animal Team] is for the future environmentalist who wants to enhance their experience with environmental projects. “In HEAT we raise awareness by doing fun and appealing projects through positive activism,” junior and president Aidan Ferrer said. HEAT Club won an award, “The Next Big Idea,” during the summer for their service project idea. “We won with our project idea at the National Sum of the Parts conference,” Ferrer said. “Our ‘Next Big Idea’ was to collect shoes from campuses around Texas which will be brought to Nike to be grinded up and created into playgrounds, tracks and basketballs.” Another new club is Freedom Club, which is focused on aiding the end

reporter

emma

fritz

of human trafficking. Freedom Club works together with Love 146, A21, As Our Own and Free the Captives, which are charities focused on ending human trafficking. “Through fundraisers and spreading awareness, we work with four charities to stop human trafficking,” senior Freedom Club President Rachael Hearne said. “We plans events, like the LOVE 146 concert, HEAT club members during Freshman Orientation to fundraise for those Photo by: Sarah Orr charities. We are trying to spread the word so more people know about human trafficking and that Houston is the main hub for it.” Freedom Club will be putting on events A brief overview of some popular clubs similar to the Love 146 concert held here and organizations at the Woods last year. The focal points of QSA [Queer Straight Alliance] are pride and support Triathlon Club: whether a student is straight or gay. QSA supportive team atmoshphere embodies unity by creating a safe and to achieve multi-sport goals unified environment for students to be themselves. Key Club: community “QSA is a safe haven for those who service organization; works are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight,” senior and co-president, Noor with local charities and schools Lino said. “We incorporate everyone because we are all trying to get through Fellowship of Christian high school.” Athletes: brings students These new clubs exemplify the ‘power together through the Word of of the red’ whether it is through service Christ projects or unifying all Wildcats.

Clubs&

Organizations

2 3

4 Invisible Children:

bring a permanent end to LRA conflict

5 FISH Club: seniors serve as mentors to freshman

Spanish Club: increase appreciation of Hispanic culture and heritage

Senior Freedom Club leaders Kristen Stubbe and Ryan Lucker during Freshman Orientation Photo by: Sarah Orr

QSA leaders seniors Allison Emery, Cassie Cotton, junior Phoebe Adams and senior Courtney Obendorfer at a leadership meeting Photo by: Sarah Orr

Proclaim the Name: connect with others and learn about God’s Word

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Q&A

8.26.13

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Former coach and teacher goes pro

editor

abbie

mcintosh

sports

If you were given the chance to go pro in your favorite sport, you would take it, right? That is exactly what happened to former English teacher Lauren Prewitt this past summer. She was given the opportunity to go pro in soccer, and she has not looked back since.

Q. What team do you play for? A.

I play for the WPSL [Women’s Premiere Soccer League] Elite Houston Aces. We hope to get moved up to the NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League] but won't know if we get the bid until a few months after that season is over.

Q. When did you start playing soccer? A.

When I was 7.

Q. How did you become pro? A.

It was a long process. I played semi-pro for several seasons and even attended a WPS combine. When the Houston Aces formed two seasons ago, I tried out and then when we became professional this year, I was invited back to the team.

Q. How did you feel when you became pro? A.

Surreal. It is almost unreal because I had been dreaming about it for about 12 years and I never thought I would get the opportunity.

Former soccer coach and teacher Lauren Prewitt kicking a goal Photo provided by: Lauren Prewitt

Q. What are some things you like to do when you’re not A.

Q. If you didn’t play soccer, what sport would you play?

Q. A.

Q. What’s it like playing soccer for a living? A.

In season is really busy, but I love being part of a team. It is a lot of commitment and sacriﬁce. Right now we are in the off season, so it is a lot of training on my own and working to promote the team.

Q. Do you get to travel? A.

Yes. We mainly traveled regionally but also made a few trips to California and the Midwest this season. Our travel schedule should be heavier next season.

Q. How often do you practice with your team? A.

In season it is at least three times a week with ﬁtness on days we don't train. Then, we have two games per week.

Q. How well do you get along with your teammates? A.

I love them and being part of a team! We are one big family.

playing soccer? Nap, cook, read, and hang out with family and friends.

There are other sports besides soccer? I would probably run track. Do you have any pre-game rituals? I always have to put on my cleats and shin guards in the same order, and I listen to Florence + the Machine and Imagine Dragons before games this season. I also spend a lot of time visualizing before games.

Q. How many people usually attend games? A.

Not enough! We need more fans!

Q. What is your schedule like now that you’re pro? A.

I'm in the off-season now, so I train for a local club, workout daily and do anything I can to promote the team. There is a lot of down time at the moment.

Q. Will you miss teaching at all? A.

Yes. It was a huge part of my life for 6 years. I will deﬁnitely miss it and I will especially miss the soccer girls. I may go back one day, but for now I had to take a chance on an opportunity to pursue my life's dream that may never come again!

Revival of the fittest As a new football seasons starts, new expectations arise haynes

reporter

cameron

Whether it is running out of the tunnel at the Berry Center, or refining their skills on the practice field, the optimism of this staff upcoming season is at an all-time high for the Cypress Woods Varsity football team. With changes being made, and a new class of seniors arising, this group feels something special coming and maybe even getting some revenge for last season’s ending. “I am most excited for the actual games and to get the bad taste out of my mouth from last year, and to prove everyone wrong,” Co-Captain, senior Samuel Stewart said. “I believe this season will be different because we have more chemistry than we did in years past, and we don’t have any individuals. We are one team and no one is more important than anyone else.” The Rice University commit has been a part of Varsity longer than most that are making their way up this year. He had made stints his freshman year in playoffs as well as his sophomore year in which he had 90 carries for 768 yards. His experience should help carry a young group through a season in one of the toughest football divisions in Houston. Fellow captain, senior Nick Csatlos seemed to bring on an attitude that matched Stewart’s. “Getting to play my last season of high school football with all of my friends, and to bounce back from last season and show everyone what Cy-Woods football is all about,” Csatlos said. “This season is going to be a lot different from last season that’s for sure; this is going to be the first season that Cy-Woods football

will win the district championship. ” As seniors, why not give yourself high expectations? This year’s 2014 class has experienced some of the best and worst times over the past three years. And it seems as if this year will bring a little bit of change as the team shifts in a new direction. “There are some pretty big changes coming,” Csatlos said. “We reconstructed our offense and defensive, and that will give us the advantage on our opponents because of the way we will be running plays that they haven’t seen from us as a team, and they won’t be able to stop us.” “The changes are more like little details that we are correcting,” Stewart said. “We’ve made changes on both sides of the ball. But there’s also been a change to things such as discipline, attitudes toward practice, and enthusiasm. We’ve got games to win. That’s where our focus lies.” To win games, every piece of the puzzle must ﬁt. The offense scores, the defense stops the others from scoring. Although, the last piece of the puzzle is the fan support each team brings. Chants, energy and grinding through each play of every game are a part of what Cy Woods has been known for for many years. “I think the cheers help us connect with everyone from around the school,” Stewart said. “They unify all the different groups of Cy Woods and bring us together. We are a school, we come from all different backgrounds, but we are united as a student body. Having everyone participate in our cheers is pretty awesome as well as motivating.” Be loud, stick by, and support this expectation-loaded season to come.

Aug. 29 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 28

Oct. 4

Oct. 12

Oct. 19

Oct. 25

Nov. 1

Nov. 9

Photo by: Rachel Kainer

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GIRL C DE GUY C DE First day flirting

ways to show your crush you’re interested in him without being creepy. One thing I can’t stress enough is to not come on too strong. If you’re flirting over text message or in person, remember to take it slow. Pushing yourself on a boy will only result in heartbreak. Coming on too strong can make the boy feel overwhelmed, so if the flirting happens over text, don’t blow his phone up. Just wait and be patient. Don’t become paranoid that he doesn’t like you if he doesn’t text back immediately. Imagine the roles reversed when you begin to panic over a lapse in texts, you wouldn’t want to be overwhelmed by a boy, so give him a chance to reply. The most important thing to remember when flirting is to be confident. If a boy sees that you are confident with yourself, it automatically makes a better impression. When you begin talking to your crush, be positive; girls who focus on negatives often push boys away. Boys don’t want to deal with drama, so show them that you’re laid back and positive. Times have changed, and it isn’t up to the man to take the first step. Don’t be afraid to walk up and ask his name or begin a conversation. I know from experience that boys like to see you walk up and begin a conversation. It takes lots of pressure off of them which makes it easier for you to connect. I remember when I first flirted with my current boyfriend. He was definitely more shy at first than I was, but by using my confidence and starting conversation we were able to build a more than just a flirtationship.

The first day is a crucial time to establish a social status. You walk through the halls and take glances at every girl that passes by. “Oh, she’s cute,” or “ah, she’s alright” are thoughts that roam around in the mind of most guys. Don’t feel alone. Say you see a girl that is pretty easy on the eyes, so to say, what are you going to do? Stare at her with your tongue out just hoping that one day she’ll talk to you? I can tell you, that day will not come. You’ve got to change the game. Find the manhood from inside that screams “I’ve got to talk to that girl!” First control your emotions. No girl likes a guy that cowers at the sight of her. Girls like bold, outspoken, friendly guys. If you are looking for the safest way to approach a girl, go with the messaging option, it allows you to collect your thoughts a little better. Whether it is Facebook or Twitter, messaging gives a better sense of who you are as a person and gives her the chance to find out more about you. No reason for sweaty palms and choking here, right? But, there are still some ways to scare the girl away this way. Proper grammar is a must. Be quick to reply, but not too quick. After you receive a message, it may be smart to distract yourself for a minute or two. You want to be cool and collected, not some kid who seems to creep and reply in 2 seconds. It may seem too desperate. Always be sweet, but be sure to keep a limit of just HOW sweet. Using smiley faces such as “(:” and “:D” can be harmful to the conversation. Stick to one smiley. If you are an iPhone user, USE YOUR EMOJIS. Keep the mood of the conversation light. The worst thing you can do is confuse a girl and give her any chance of becoming uninterested at any moment. Giving compliments on specific features of a girl is always a good way to add brownie points. Saying she’s “pretty”

or “cute” is haynes always nice. Be confident; expose the way you truly feel about something. senior O n c e you catch her attention and keep her somewhat interested, its time for your true colors to shine. If she seems like an easy-going girl, you should have nothing to worry about. Be sure to keep it flowing. Stand tall, keep a few sticks of gum nearby, and go in with a punch line. No, not a cheesy pick up line you hear in one of those comedy movies we love so much. I’m talking punch line! Walk up to that girl with a smile, don’t over-do it. Her mind is racing just as fast as yours. The goal is to finish last. Start with “hey!” or “how are you doing today?” And be sure to let her reply with ease. It’s a girl, not the monster that hid under your bed as a little kid. Speak slow and give yourself a few extra seconds to think of a simple but quality response to anything she says. The goal of the first conversation is to keep it simple. You’re not sharing life stories or signing a national document. Give her a chance to check out your personality. Whether you’re shy or outgoing, the first in-person conversation is her way of deciding if your friendship or even flirtationship will continue. Ask how her day is going, if there’s any way you could help her have a better day, or even ask what she’s doing after school. Show that you care about her experiences throughout the day. If you’re lucky to keep her going, the final move is to make her yours if you choose to do so. Keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be Homecoming date special or as serious as a marriage proposal. But to simply ask her to be your girlfriend can flatter a girl more than you know.

reporter

delaney

Coming back to school, we can’t help but take a look around staff at the boys. Whether you’re outgoing or shy, you need to know how to flirt in order to survive high school. Before you go and try to make an impression on a cute boy, make sure you know the dos and don’ts of flirting. For those of us who are too shy to strike up conversation face to face, messaging is a great way to talk to your crush. Since the conversation isn’t in person, the way you type can influence his opinion of you. It is critical to use good grammar and spelling. Guys don’t want to spend time decoding what you’re sending, so don’t make it complicated. Using correct spelling and grammar can not only make you look smarter but make it easier for your crush to fully understand you. Emojis are necessary when texting because it helps your crush know the mood of the conversation. Remember to look over a message before you send it because once it’s sent, you can’t take it back it. If you reread the message and have any doubts about it, don’t send ignore it; you’ll always end up regretting pressing send. As much as they might deny it, boys love attention. When you flirt with your crush, always laugh at his jokes whether they’re funny or not. Giving him attention will keep him engaged in conversation and show him that you’re interested. Two things every girl should do in conversation with her crush is to ask him questions and complimenting him. Complimenting him on his athleticism and how he dresses are almost foolproof

cameron

vasisko

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YOU

voices

8“

missed a spot Will the new assigned parking policy prove to be beneficial or will these restrictions hold us back? rudolph

reporter

rebecca

Scratch. Ding. Dent. All of these things are the result of free reign parking. At school, that is about to change. This year, a new policy has been put into place: staff assigned parking spots. Despite all of the pessimism about parking in people’s minds, the concept of this four-wheeled ﬁasco has brought about a relief to the majority of those that dread the

concrete spaces. The chaos of the parking lot has begun a never-ending line of calls to the local auto repair shops, insurance companies, and attendance ofﬁce. Bringing in this new policy will lower the amount of untraceable damage by connecting the person in the adjacent space to the damage done on that side of the car and making them fully responsible to foot the bill. It will also make students accountable for skipping classes by pointing out empty spaces that were taken earlier that day.

In addition to that factor, students will make their attendance regular to ensure a minimal amount of hindrance from faculty due to their absence. Another beauty in this is the assurance of having a space when driving to school, especially if one is a late arrival student. When adding these factors together, the outcome of the new policy can bring nothing but the promise of a less stressful high school career.

Ask Mrs. Rauch: Students say: Q: What sparked the idea for assigned parking? A: Sometimes it takes you a while to get the hang of things. Last year with the amount of kids who parked on campus that shouldn’t be was tough. It made our parking lot a free for all, and we don’t want that. We started talking about it last March, but the ball got rolling towards the end of the school year. Q: Are there any new rules for parking? A: You are not allowed to back in, and your parking sticker has to be on the bottom left of the rear window. It’s also tied to the tardy system; if a student has 3 tardies to ﬁrst period the student will lose their

parking pass for 5 days and that will continue as often as that happens. If they have 12 tardies then the student will lose their parking pass for 10 days plus the normal suspension and loss of exemption. Q: How has the feedback been? A: We’re not having sophomores park at this point, so it’s a combination of parents being concerned [with] why we’re doing it now and the kids don’t like it because they might not get to park in the parking lot they want. Q: How do you plan on handling those who got inconvenient parking spots? A: You have to go with the spot you got, the parking

pass is connected with your license plate number. There will be consequences and we will catch up to you.

Q: Are you increasing security on the parking lots? A: There is always an ofﬁcer sitting in the gravel parking lot. We’re in the process of looking into taking care of the parking lot security. We’ve also been telling kids to help their friends out and pick them up from their spot in the mornings. Q: What should students who park on campus now know? A: Take care of each other, if you see something going on tell us. Follow the rules because it will just cause problems.

Q: How do you feel about the new parking? A: There was nothing wrong with the parking system before, first come first serve made more sense. Things were fine; now there are so many rules and they’re making it difficult to park. Senior Logan Shea

Q: Will this affect your day by parking in an assigned spot? A: Being in Cross Country, my new assigned parking spot will make my mornings difﬁcult. I have to be at school early for practice and now I’ll have to walk across campus alone to make it to practice. Athletes may end up far away from where they need to be, forcing us to leave earlier just to make it to practice. Junior Brenda Villarreal

Q: Why do you think assigned parking will help? A: Assigned parking will help because I have late arrival and by having an assigned spot I’ll be guaranteed a spot every day. Senior Jonny Groff Q: Do you like your parking spot? A: I have a big truck that I can’t park well and giving me a parking spot between two cars is going to be a huge hassle. I liked the parking before because I could choose a spot that I could easily park in. Shea Q: If you could improve one thing about the new parking policy what would it be? A: If I could improve anything I would keep it the way it was, we already had to

pay for stickers so we should park wherever we want. Senior Margarita Castro Q: How do you feel the students will react to the new policy? A: It will take a little getting used to it; not everyone likes change. Students won’t like being confined to a spot, but as the year goes on everyone will eventually stop caring. Senior Taylor Height

Q: Do you think students should have had a say in the new policy? A:Students should have had a say because it’s our school and we spend more time here than at home. Students should have been allowed to vote on it. Castro

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people

AP Class Survival Guide

9“

Make sure you are successful this year madelynnmarlow&davidgay

Strive for an A, settle for a B.

Don’t compare yourself to others in the class. Everyone learns at his own pace. It is okay to not have a 95 average or even make an A every six weeks. As long as you try your best and are sincerely applying yourself, you will take away more life lessons from the class than history lessons.

Find a study nook

Find a quiet place where distractions can be blocked out. Quiet ofﬁces, libraries and coffee shops are good places to start. Also, don’t be afraid to put your phone away for a n hour. The world won’t end, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you take away distractions.

Breaks are necessary for your sanity

Find study buddies

While it’s good to focus and block out distractions for a while, overloading on homework can be just as unhealthy as being distracted. It helps to stop every hour and do something to help you decompress from the stress. You will form more productive study habits when you do.

AP courses can be tough if you go through it alone, so it’s a good thing to ﬁnd friends with whom to study. Study groups are a good way to encourage each other through the course and sharpen each other’s study habits. Comparing reading notes allows you to gain new perspective on the material you are studying and catch important details you may have missed.

Study for the test early

Most importantly. RELAX.

Don’t put off studying until the week of the AP test. Start at least two months in advance with an AP study book, practice tests, and the notes you have taken all year. Plan a study schedule for every day leading up to the test, hone your writing skills for the essays and become familiar with the potential essay topics and formats.

Don’t over stress. It’s bad for your health and will hurt your grade more than you think. If you relax and are ﬂexible to the challenges the class will bring, you will find your work ethics and study habits strengthened in the end. In all AP classes, you reap what you sow, and going into it with an open mind and relaxed perspective will lessen your stress load.

Messes and Masterpieces marlow

reporter

madelynn

Regardless of what grade you’re in, the first day of school has always been centered around impressions. From impressing senior new classmates to impressing new teachers, there’s always been underlying pressure to make your mark as you enter into a new school year. In the midst of trying to make good impressions, it’s easy to become consumed with what other people think of us. In doing so, we slowly begin to put up a façade. We pick up on the things people want to see in us and start to shape ourselves to the image of us we think others want. We get thrown into this cycle where we crave the confidence we’ve been told will get us far in life. The only problem is that we too often place our confidence in the wavering identity the world gives us instead of the unique identity that we’ve been given.

The best form of confidence we can have is assurance in the perfectly unique selves we are. The more we try to create ourselves based off of what we think others want to see, the more we lose ourselves along the way. The best version of yourself is cultivated when you’re rooted in who you are and all of the incredible things that make up your true identity. When you take time every day to admire all the quirks and qualities that are wonderfully woven together to make up who you are, you’ll find a deeper affirmation of self worth than you ever could have looking at yourself through the eyes of the world. None of us are perfect. We’re all messes in our own ways. But we are beautiful messes nonetheless, and everyday we’re given the choice to look at our beautiful mess and see a perfectly, uniquely composed masterpiece or a sloppy craft in the shadow of someone else’s showcase. You are a masterpiece

in every way, and your worth could never be compared to that of anyone else. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” There’s so much truth to his words in that the more we compare ourselves to others and seek happiness based on someone else’s standards, the more we miss out on the beautiful journey of discovering who we are and the joy that comes with it. As you start this school year with the inevitable anxiety of making your mark already swelling up within you, remember not to get consumed in worrying what other people will think of you. You are a wonderfully woven masterpiece, and everyday is a new opportunity to pull back the curtain a little more to reveal the incredible spectacle that is your true self. Step out in boldness this year and seize that opportunity daily. You’ll be amazed at what you uncover when you do.

SURVIVAL KIT Everything you need for the new school year

Post It Tabs

editor

sarah

orr

Flashdrive

It is very important to keep all of your papers backed up on a ﬂash drive. More than likely you will forget to print one of your assignments and you can run to the library and print it out in the morning without having to take late points.

In the books you will read, it will be helpful to place a post it tab at the literary elements your teachers will want you to keep track of. It is a lot easier to mark them as you go along rather than trying to ﬁnd them all after you're done with the book.

photo

Scientific Calculator It makes doing your math homework a lot easier and as a plus, it does the order of operations for you.

Highlighter All of the hand outs teachers give you can start to look like a bunch of random words on a page. Using a highlighter can help point out the important facts you need to remember.

Pencils Make sure you have more than one, because if you loan them to someone you will not get them back. Trust me.

Planner

Notebook

Pens

It gets confusing trying to keep track of all your upcoming tests, deadlines, concerts, club meetings, etc. throughout the school year without one.

Unless your teacher speciﬁcally requires a composition notebook, no exceptions, get a spiral with perforated edges. It will make handing in notes or assignments a lot neater when you rip them out.

Along with the black and red pens that you will need to have, get colorful pens to add into the mix because they will make looking back at your notes a lot more interesting.

Plastic Folders The paper ones will break. Spend the extra money, you'll be glad you did.

and always lets me “Mr. G. He’s cool, reliable, have a problem, you hang out in his room. If it. h oug thr he’ll talk you 11

ning very “Mrs. Tate. She makes lear easy and fun.” arne, 12

Rachel He

Emily Parks,

Juan Guevara

lot of great “Mrs. Fox. I’ve learned a techniques from her.” le, 12

Sarah Eberso

Tina Fox

reporter

Favorite teac at the Woods

shannon

class Best in he rs

steele

staff

to choose from, With over 200 teachers at least one favorite students are bound to ﬁnd y; there is always sta ear during their four-y an impression on that one teacher who leaves of the year. No end the at his or her students at Cy Woods always matter what, the teachers bring the 212 spirit. lly went “Mr. Villamagna. He rea lly rea is s into detail and his clas g.” entertainin

sweetest “Mrs. Puckett. She was the teacher I’ve ever had.” a, 12

Maria Sosa, 12

Madie Kaderk

Pamela Puckett

Naomi Tyler, 11

s isn’t always good, so - “Picking friends for project watch out.” place, don’t be afraid of it.” - “The library – it’s a good

reporter

rebecca

rudolph

staff

gs Cheat codes. The simple thin d min r you that immediately draw h hig in ly, Sad to video games. on ks tric of list no is re school the hman how to get through your fres you, for , kily Luc year in one piece. . nge cha to ut that is abo

Cheat codes Upperclassmen’s life hacks to freshman year Chris Hackney, 11

Colton Campbell, 12

can’t wing it.” - “Study for your tests; you not failing, it will help ’re you if n eve g - “Use tutorin improve your grade.”

Drew Sullivan, 11

little thing is - “Always be yourself. Every .” ght gonna be alri ps you on top - “Organization is key. It kee of things.”

till after - “Your girlfriend can wait s.” school, so don’t text in clas ‘swag’ or as g thin h suc no - “There is being ‘ﬂy’.”

Valerie Nieto, 11

It’ll bite you - “Don’t slack off. Like at all. t.” in the but try to grow too - “Live your life. But don’t g to live for.” thin any e hav n’t fast. You wo

All photos by: Sarah Orr

What you missed this summer

June

July

August

The Wolverine

The Purge

Planes

July 26th Starring: Hugh Jackman

June 7th Horror with a political twist

August 17th An aerial look at the world of cars

Kanye West Yeezus

Daniel Bradbury Single

Parachute Overnight

Teen Wolf MTV

Project Runway Lifetime

Breaking Bad AMC

June 17th Darker tones, same Kanye

June 3rd Season 3 thrills audiences

New this Month movies

[

August 30th

July 18th Season 11’s fashion dazzles

]

One Direction: This Is Us August 30th

Getaway

August 30th

Sick Puppies

]

September 18 House of Blues $22.50 General Admission Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco September 25 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion $65 Lawn

concerts

[

Empire State

August 13th The softer side of pop

July 16th The sweetheart of Cypress

August 11th The final season, season 5

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Mallene

Homecoming Mums and Dresses Don’t settle for what’s in the stores when you can create whatever you want (713)557-1054

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“13student life

NEWyearNEWpolicies

“

8.26.13

Changes at the woods for the new year BELL SCHEDULE

ELECTRONIC POLICY

1st period

7:25- 8:16

Use of electronic devices will be permitted in the building during all noninstructional time.

2nd period

7:25- 8:16

Use of electronic devices in classroom is at teacher discretion.

3rd period

7:25- 8:16

A lunch

10:16- 10:46

4th period

10:21- 11:12

4th period

10:21- 11:12

4th period

10:51- 11:42

B lunch

11:12- 11:42

5th period

11:17- 12:08

5th Period

11:47- 12:38

5th Period

11:47- 12:38

C lunch

12:08- 12:38

6th period

12:43- 1:34

7th Period

1:39- 2:30

TARDY POLICY per grading period

Tardy

Consequences

3rd

D-hall assignment

6th

2 D-hall assignment

9th

Saturday D-hall assignment

12th

Notice placed in 2nd period teacher’s mailbox. Teacher distributes, student signs, signature sheet returned to AP. Teacher distributes, student signs, signature sheet returned to AP.

Notification by administrator.

1 Day Suspension Loss of semester exam exemptions 10 school day parking suspension Notification by administrator.

15th

Administrative Discretion

*** Students who accumulate 3 tardies to first period, within a grading period, shall have their parking privileges revoked for 5 school days. this consequence will occur for every 3 accumulated tardies to first period within a grading period.

Life at the Woods

September

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

A U G U S T SEPTEMBER First Day of School

Welcome back Wildcats

Volleyball Game 6 pm Cy Ranch

Football Game 7 pm Pridgeon Stadium Theatre Lock-In Klein Collins 7 pm 28 First of the Year 29 Commons

HEAT 2:40pm

FCA 6:35 am

Proclaim the Name am 3 6:30 Large Group Room

Senior Women 2:45 pm Key Club 6:35 am and 2:40 pm Large Group Room

Volleyball Game 6 pm Cy Creek Triathalon Club 2:45 pm FISH Club 2:45 pm Teaching Theatre

QSA 2:45 am Large Group Room

FCA 6:35 am

Proclaim the Name Freedom Club 6:30 am Large Group Room11 2:40 pm

Football Game 7 pm Berry Center 12 Langnam Creek

FCA 6:35 am

Volleyball Game 6 pm Cy Falls

School Pictures

Football Game

Proclaim the Name 7 pm CWTC Talent Show 6:30 am Pridgeon Stadium 7 pm Large Group Room18 Cy Ridge 19 Auditorium 20

27 Key Club Volleyball Game 6:35 am and 6 pm 2:40 pm Large Group Room23 Cy Fair

QSA 2:45 am Large Group Room

Proclaim the Name FCA 6:30 am am Large Group Room25 6:35 3rd Gym

Football Game 7 pm Berry Center Cy Lakes

OCTOBER Volleyball Game 6 pm Cy Ranch

Proclaim the Name 6:30 am Large Group Room

Football Game 7 pm Berry Center Cy Springs

FCA 6:35 am

3 Homecoming Game

the

crimsonconnection

The official student newsmagazine of Cypress Woods High School