THE
CRIMSON
CONNECTION
VOLUME 2
ISSUE 1
AUGUST 2014
BEGINNING TO UNFOLD
NEW YEAR, NEW SEASON
SHANNON STEELE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMMA FRITZ MANAGING EDITOR DELANEY VASISKO LAYOUT EDITOR ABBIE MCINTOSH MEDIA EDITOR BRADLEY WARGO BUSINESS MANAGER
EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Fellow Wildcats, Welcome back to another year! The staff has devoted the final few weeks of summer to make sure this issue was ready for the first day of school, so we hope you love it. This year we will focus more on our website, thecrimsonconnection. com, so I hope you take the time to check out all the exclusive content online. I hope you have a fantastic first day, and expect to see even more of the Cy Woods Newspaper Staff throughout the year! Sincerely,
REBECCA RUDOLPH NEWS EDITOR KAURIANA KENDALL FEATURE EDITOR
Shannon Steele Editor-in-Chief
COLIN GAY SPORTS EDITOR DAVID GAY ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR BYRIA HAMBLIN OPINION EDITOR ASHLEY PELTON SOCIAL COORDINATOR
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 one editor. 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 editor reserves the right to edit letters. The opinion of the staff does not necessarily represent 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 abigail.paysse@cfisd.net
IN THIS ISSUE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
HOW TO BE A WILDCAT
MEET THE ADMIN
5
7
11
MEET THE NEW DRUM CAPTAIN
YOU’RE ON THE CLOCK
6
8
GIRL CODE GUY CODE 14
STRIVING FOR PERFECTION 13
Front cover photo provided by Carson Photography
FEATURED ONLINE thecrimsonconnection.com
MEET THE EDITORIN-CHIEF
MEET THE WILDTHINGS
YEARBOOK PREVIEW
PEP RALLY WILDCAT EXPRESS PHOTOS
MEET THE
ADMIN
NAME: GARY KINNINGER POSITION: PRINCIPAL
GET TO KNOW THE 20142015 ADMINISTRATION SHANNON STEELE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EMMA FRITZ
MANAGING EDITOR
FAVORITE TRADITION: THE CULTURE OF THE WOODS BEING SHAPED AROUND 212
NAME: DIRK HEATH POSITION: ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
NAME: KELLY ELLIS POSITION: DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION
FAVORITE TRADITION: SCHOOL SPIRIT
FAVORITE TRADITION: AFTER THE FOOTBALL GAMES WHEN WE SING THE SCHOOL SONG
NAME: ANDREA LAGARD POSITION: AP
NAME: KYLE COOPER POSITION: AP
NAME: LISA BERGERON POSITION: AP
FAVORITE TRADITION: THE MIDNIGHT PEP RALLY
FAVORITE TRADITION: THE C-DUB
FAVORITE TRADITION: THE C-DUB WITH YOUR HAND
NAME: RICHARD CHACON POSITION: AP
NAME: KATRINA NELSON POSITION: AP
NAME: BRUCE HILL POSITION: AP
FAVORITE TRADITION: MIDNIGHT PEP RALLY
FAVORITE TRADITION: THE IDEA OF 212
FAVORITE TRADITION: 212 DEGREES
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FEATURE
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 8/29 vs. Klein Collins Pridgeon Stadium 7:00 pm
10/10 @ Cy Lakes Pridgeon Stadium 7:00 pm
9/13 @ Cy Ridge Berry Center 6:00 pm
10/17 Homecoming @ Langham Creek Berry Center 7:00 pm
9/20 vs. Cy Falls Pridgeon Stadium 6:00 pm 9/27 @ Cy Ranch Berry Center 6:00 pm 10/3 vs. Cy Creek Pridgeon Stadium 7:00 pm
10/25 @ Cy Fair Pridgeon Stadium 1:00 pm 10/31 @ Jersey Village Pridgeon Stadium 7:00 pm 11/6 vs. Cy Springs Berry Center 7:00 pm
2015 SENIORS
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AD MATERIALS ARE DUE BY 11/11/2014 (photos and message text)
Email: cywoodsyearbook@gmail.com OR mail (on a CD) to: 13550 Woods Spillane, Cypress, TX 77429 CONTACT ABIGAIL PAYSSE FOR SPECIFIC AD DETAILS, GUIDELINES AND DISCLAIMERS. ALL SALES ARE FINAL
WHERE: The Drama Room ON HIS PLATE: Juggling the stresses that junior year brings, grewling band practices almost everyday after school, and not having a single Saturday in October to himself because of band competitions.
What does your job drumming as another require you to do instrument to play. I this year? thought it would be better to hold it down Be Mr. Casillas [the than to play melodies. Percussion director] It [drumming] just when he’s not around. appealed more to me. I enrolled into How is the line Percussion in sixth preparing for not grade, and my mom only this upcoming bought me a drum set. Marching Season, It just took off from but for Football there. Season as well? For Marching Season, we’re trying to learn all of our music as fast as possible. For Football Season, we’re getting all of our cadences ready. We’re making fat beats that the student section can really get down to. That’s our main goal; to hype everyone up. What can the student section expect from the line druing third quarters?
THE PAPER NAPKIN INTERVIEW
Dishing with We talk Drum Line, dating, and Division 6 football with Nic Rundell, your new Drum Captain [and two year drum line vet] ABBIE MCINTOSH
MEDIA EDITOR
RUNDELL PLAYS HIS TENORS DURING DRUM CAMP. PHOTO BY: ABBIE MCINTOSH
6
Craziness. It’s going to be crazier than ever. We’re going to be very hyped this year. That’s our whole theme for the year. We all know the line is working on new cadences. Can you give us the name of a few?
Do you pay attention at the football games? I would be lying if I said I did. Unless it’s like Ranch or Fair, a rivalry game, I really don’t pay that much attention. What is your favorite part of Marching/Football season? The football games for sure; third quarter, playing with the band druing halftime, even though that’s when everyone is at concessions getting snacks, it’s still my favorite part. Do you have any hidden talents? Geez. That’s a good question, give me a second. You’re putting me on the spot here. I’m pretty good at being a boyfriend. That’s all I really have. Me and my girlfriend, Melody, have been dating for almost three years. I must be doing something right.
We have tenor cadence one and two. It’s kind of a special tenor thing. And then we have Flap Jack, which is also a tenor thing. We played it last year; I’m not sure if we did at football What’s the last games, though. Those thing you scribbled are just a few we have on a napkin? coming. I know it’s lame, but my How did you get into signature. band and drumming in the first place? Any last words? I started playing guitar It’s coming. when I was nine or so, and then I kind of saw
WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
FEATURE
HOW TO BE A DRESS CODE
WILDCAT
•PANTS – worn at the waist and not reveal underclothing •SHORTS/SKIRTS – worn at the waist, not reveal underclothing, at least mid-thigh •TOPS – must not reveal underclothing, midsection, torso, back, chest, breast or cleavage •DRESSES – must not reveal underclothing, midsection, torso, back, chest, breast or cleavage and must be at least mid-thigh in length •PAJAMAS/LOUNGEWEAR/HOUSE SLIPPERS – Prohibited •HEAD COVERINGS – No type of head covering should be worn unless (1) it’s part of a uniform worn at a school activity or (2) for religious or medical purposes •JEWELRY/PIERCINGS – Noisy, distracting and excessive jewelry or accessories are prohibited •TATTOOS – Tattoos must be covered at all times. •HAIR/MAKE-UP – Must be well groomed, neat and clean at all times; hair style/color and make-up must not detract from the learning environment
PARKING
Students will be given the opportunity to select a lot. There are four different lots, from which students can choose a spot.
ALMA MATER
To Cypress Woods we pledge our hearts and minds Within her walls vast knowledge we will find Along with friends and pride for all to see That Wildcats forever we will be We wear the crimson and we wear the gold Our future lives beginning to unfold Fond memories to hold within our hearts Of Cypress Woods we’ll always be a part
BELL SCHEDULE 1st period 2nd period
7:25-8:16 8:21-9:20
3rd period
9:25-10:16
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
ELECTRONIC POLICY Use of electronic devices will be permitted in the building during all non-instructional time. Use of electronic devices in classroom is at teacher discretion.
STUDENT LIFE
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7
YOU’RE
ON THE
CLOCK
TIPS AND TRICKS TO GET TO CLASS ON TIME
DELANEY VASISKO
LAYOUT EDITOR
A
After each period thousands of kids are on their way to the next destination. This means crowded hallways, and with only five minutes to get to class you may find yourself in a time crunch. More
often than not you will find yourself traveling from one end of the school to the other and wondering how you will make it on time. With these tips getting to class will no longer be an issue.
FINE ARTS/TECH ATHLETICS
ADMINISTRATION SCIENCE WING
MATH WING
BATHROOMS TO AVOID
BATHROOMS TO USE
The girls bathroom located in the 1656 hallway
The boys bathroom upstairs in the history wing
Both bathrooms located by the 2606 hallway
The girls bathroom in the 1306 hallway
The bathrooms by the commons - these are the most crowded bathrooms on campus.
Both bathrooms in the history wing. These are some of the least crowded bathrooms in the school.
HIGH TRAFFIC HALLWAYS Avoid the stairs by the commons at all costs. Before and after school the main hallway is the most crowded.
The English hallway stays packed the entire day. Avoid this main hallway to save time.
MODERATE TRAFFIC HALLWAYS The athletics hallway stays moderately full the entire day. Before school the hallway located by the auditorium contains a steady flow of people.
LOW TRAFFIC HALLWAYS Use back hallways and stairwells to save time. Take the stair cases at the end of the 1201 hallway to get upstairs. The main hallway in front of the science wing has minimal traffic.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
HISTORY WING
ENGLISH WING
HALLWAY ETIQUETTE Always walk on the right side of the hallway. This will avoid stopping traffic on your way to class. Do not just stop in the middle of the hallway. There is plenty of room alongside the main walkways to stop and chat. Try and keep texting to a minimum while walking. Most of all, be courteous to others in the hallway.
KHAN ACADEMY Not getting whats going on in class? Khan Academy offers further explanation with videos on most math and science topics.
QUIZLET An all around study helper, Quizlet offers flashcards, games and practice tests to help you ace your classes.
EVERNOTE Evernote uses your phone’s microphone to hear what is going on around you and takes notes for you.
WIKIPANION Need to access Wikipedia on the go? Wikipanion is the way to go for all your study needs.
ISTUDIEZ LITE
A great way to keep track of your class responsibilities and when deadlines are coming up.
THERE’S
FOR
CHECK OUT THE BEST APPS FOR ALL THINGS SCHOOL
SPARKNOTES If the concepts of a book you’re reading are a little fuzzy to you, SparkNotes can help elaborate on what you’re not understanding.
AN APP THAT
HOMEWORK APP The Homework app is a self organizer that helps you keep track of your due dates as well as your study time.
KELLI KUTACH
STAFF REPORTER
LEAH TOREZ
STAFF REPORTER
EMMA FRITZ
MANAGING EDITOR
SPOTIFY Spotify is a free way to listen to music while studying. Thousands of artists and albums keep the playlists interesting.
FLASHCARDS+ Create your own flashcards or browse through the million of pre-existing cards.
Make sure to download the official Cy Woods app for all things Wildcat. The best feature is the great checking application. It will send you notifications when new grades are added or school reminders.
GRAPHING CALCULATOR Use all the features of a graphing calculator without spending money.
Striving FOR Perfection
WILDCATS LOOK TO CONTINUE SUCCESS PHOTO PROVIDED BY: CY WOODS FOOTBALL FACEBOOK PAGE
COLIN GAY
SPORTS EDITOR
Perfection is a state of complete flawlessness and demands a huge commitment from everyone involved. Complete perfection is almost impossible, but the Wildcat varsity football team, led by head coach Trent Faith, is trying to get as close to it as they possibly can. This idea of perfection started even before Faith became the head coach three years ago. With a team so used to making playoffs every year, Faith came in with big expectations for this program but fell short his first year. “We didn’t make the playoffs, and it was a very big letdown,” Faith said. “When we clinched a playoff spot last year, that was most definitely the highlight of last season.” Faith and the Wildcats didn’t stop at just clinching a playoff spot however. They beat Nimitz in the first round, but eventually lost to the Katy Tigers in the second. The second round loss didn’t change the mentality of the coaches on the staff. “I think it reinforces what we are already doing and we just want to get better at it,” Faith said. “I think as a staff we want to do a better job at coaching and demand
12
perfection from our players. I think just getting better and better at what you do is not necessarily what you’re doing X’s and O’s wise, but it’s how well you do them.” The Wildcats are looking forward with
“The legacy is to continue the playoff run that we’ve done so well here.” that ideal to that first game against Klein Collins on August 28. For some, including senior center Koltin Sabrsula, this will be their first varsity experience which is different from any other level of football they have ever played before. “It will be a very different experience walking out on to the field wearing full varsity gear instead of the regular JV [junior varsity] stuff,” Sabrsula said. “It will be real, I guess, with big stadiums and big lights. This is the closest us nonprofessionals are going to get to professional football.”
WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM
To achieve near perfection, all three phases of the game – offense, defense and special teams – have to be great, according to Faith. “This school has always been known for offense and good special teams,” Faith said, “but I think we are going to become a respected defense as well, which I think we showed last year and not just a good offense.” With all three phases of the game mastered, the Wildcats have a legacy to uphold: winning. “I think the legacy is to continue that playoff run that we’ve done so well here,” Faith said. “The senior class does not want to be the class that doesn’t continue that run, and there are some pressures and expectations put upon them as they want.” However Faith believes that this team can take it a step further. “If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best,” Faith said. “So if we have the opportunity to play Katy again, we want to beat them this time.”
SPORTS
7
Rants in 212 Words BYRIA HAMBLIN
OPINION EDITOR
People who act differently during the summer are annoying. Like, why aren’t you this fun in mid-January? Why does summer end on the 25th when it’s going to stay above 100 degrees for another month? In all honesty, summer is kind of like a bad girlfriend. She’s hot and always fun. However, she eventually turns cold, moves on to someone else and is never interested in the long term. The only really good thing about summer ending is the
back to school shopping sales. I’m all about “buy one get one free” even if the prices are doubled. College applications are probably the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Actually, the application part is a breeze. However, deciding where to apply to is like choosing which strand of your own hair you like the best. Traveling with friends is so clutch. It’s like a taste of college except no one’s broke yet. Besides, getting away
from the dirty CYP every few months is so important. I hate talking to adults now because all they ask about is college. “Where are you going?” “What are you interested in?” Hmm well clearly not this conversation. Besides it’s not like they have some sort of college “advice” you haven’t already heard 50 times.
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13
girl code
DELANEY VASISKO
guyde co
LAYOUT EDITOR
BRADLEY WARGO
BUSINESS MANAGER
ASKING PEOPLE TO HOMECOMING It is now my senior year and that means my fourth homecoming season. I have literally seen it all, from the initial asking someone to the dance to the mums and spirit week craziness. One thing that is for sure is that the dance approaches us much faster than we think, and you have to be prepared to get the ball rolling on finding a date. Finding who you want to go to the dance with is the easy part, but actually asking them is more difficult. Personally speaking, when someone asks you in a very original way it makes me want to accept the offer. Having someone come up with a way that is out of the box just to ask me to a dance is paving the way to a great homecoming. Stay away from the cliché ways. The ‘check yes or no boxes’ have been done so many times that it loses its touch. Think about things that your possible date likes and incorporate that into how you ask them. Try to make asking them a surprise. Having that element of surprise will make the moment way more special
and chances are it will help you get that “yes.” Now if you find yourself in a situation where you are asked to homecoming by someone and you do not want to say yes to you need to know what to do. Whoever asked you was in a very vulnerable position and you have to respect that. Think before you reply, so you do not come across as mean. Do not make up a random excuse to why you cannot go with them, be honest. It will be awkward; there is no way around that. Just remember to take a breath before you reply. Times have changed. Do not think that just because you are a girl that you cannot ask someone to homecoming. If there is a man that you are interested in, go for it. The worst they can say is no; at least you are putting yourself out there. You will be surprised how many guys are actually nervous about asking you, so for you to take the initiative and ask them will relieve their stress and could lead to a great date.
Congratulations, Cats. You have made it back to school and now have one year full of late night studying, meeting new people and activities ahead of you. Before any of that kicks off there is one very special game that must be attended: the homecoming game. It is time to figure out how to ask ‘that’ girl to go with you. Even though we’ve only just returned to another school year, you have got to get your game face on and be creative. There are two ways to ask a girl to homecoming. The first is a classic approach, with dinner and a movie. Lame. Seriously guys, this is homecoming. This is not one of those times to pull out your wallet. In all honesty, homecoming is not truly a dance; it’s more of a meet and great. Most people will have dinner, go to the dance for an hour and then leave to go to a friend’s house. With that in mind don’t feel stressed asking a girl to go with you. Still though, you do need to ask them to go with you, and what better way than a creative and cheap way. For those guys who don’t know, girls obsess over the perfect guy and how he will ask her out in the cutest way
possible. Cute does not always mean expensive, nor is ‘cute’ the same for every girl. Some might want a big public asking while others might want the cheesiest way on earth. This means it’s time to use your resources to find the right way to ask her, and one of your biggest resources will be social media. Everyday people post stuff about how they wished they were asked out or even better, how they were asked out. Why this is helpful should be obvious; they’ve done the hard work for you by coming up with the ‘cute’ idea. Now it is up to you to find one that describes the girl you have in mind and then follow through and actually ask her to the dance. Use people and other cheap items to pull off the perfect way to ask her out. Also, don’t worry about her finding out you used social media to come up with the idea, she is obsessed enough with having someone asking her out in a ‘cute’ way that she won’t really mind. If you follow the above homecoming will be a breeze for you… well at least finding a date will be, everything else is up to you. Good luck.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: MIA LOPEZ
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OPINION
MIXED
BEST OF THE BEST: COMIC CON MOVIES 1)INTERSTELLAR 2)THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 3)THE GIVER 4)THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 5)THE HUNGER GAMES:MOCKINGJAY PART 1
6)MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 7)ANT-MAN 8)SKULL ISLAND 9)BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 10)THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR
HASHTAG:
Every issue will end with a Hashtag. In the next issue, we will feature the best tweets and pictures if you send the Hashtag to @CWHSConnection.
This Issue’s Hashtag: #Elevate212
UPCOMING AUGUST 26 First Day of School AUGUST 29 Football vs. Klein Collins at Pridgeon SEPTEMBER 5 Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars, AFI at Cynthia Woods SEPTEMBER 13 Panda Bear at Fitzgerald’s SEPTEMBER 19 The Maze Runner in theaters SEPTEMBER 20 Football vs. Cy Falls at Pridgeon SEPTEMBER 22 Alt-J: This is All Yours
PHOTO PROVIDED BY: @kyleighisaac
AUGUST REVIEWS
SEPTEMBER 27 Football vs. Cy Ranch at Berry Center Drake and Lil Wayne at Cynthia Woods
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MUSIC
- Monumentour featuring Fall Out Boy and Paramore
SEPTEMBER 30 Weezer: Everything Will Be Alright in the End
TELEVISION
-True Detective
SEPTEMBER 26 The Boxtrolls in theaters
FALL OUT BOY CONCERT PHOTO BY: SHANNON STEELE
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DANCE CLINIC 2014
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