September 2013 - Volume 107 Issue 1

The Horseshoe SEPT.

26

2013

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DENTON

HIGH

SCHOOL,

DENTON,

TEXAS

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VOLUME

107

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ISSUE

Behind the Lines Pages 6-7

The story of Mr. Ford’s childhood (pg. 11)

Ford in 1980, when he was in eighth grade

Denton’s overcrowding problem (pg. 2) And the proposed solution (pg. 3)

Horoscopes for this month (pg. 12)

Coverage of Denton’s new male cheerleaders, one student’s stand-up special, how to ask someone to Homecoming, and more

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NEWS SĊĕę. 26, 2013

New grading policy sparks debate Jordan Gill Assistant Editor As a new year swings into action, there are always changes and one of those is a new district wide policy has been introduced among the students and teachers.

“The new elements of the grading policy are making sure that students are being graded based off of their knowledge of the content of the classroom and not off of compliance grading,” Associate Principal Renee Koontz said.

Compliance grading was a very popular form of grading that was used last year.

“Compliance grading consists of bringing in a box of Kleenex and getting a 100, or bringing back a signed progress report

and getting a 100,” Koontz said. “When you look at a student’s grades you want that grade to be reflective of the student’s mastery on the content of a class, not whether they can bring some extra batteries. So that is something that we want our teachers, parents and students so that when they see that grade of 75 they realize that they’ve mastered 75% of the material.”

There are other forms of compliance grading that teachers have used as well.

“Compliance grading, whether positive or negative can include getting a check for doing your homework,” Koontz said.

“Getting a 100 for completing the homework does not tell you anything, for example several students copy homework and receiv-

ing a 100 so we don’t know if they know it or not.”

There are several elements to compliance, of which teachers will be starting to eliminate.

“Another aspect of it is that say you worked really hard on your English paper but you turned it in a day late and the teacher graded it for the content you made a 98, but then they take off 20 points for it being late making it a 78,” Koontz said. “The student sitting next to you turned it in on time and made an 85, you actually know way more than that other student does but your grade doesn’t reflect that because you were penalized for a compliance aspect.

So we would like for grades to accurately reflect what a student knows in the classroom based off of the

curriculum that is being taught.”

Several teachers are still adjusting to the new policy including math teacher, Megan Gabriel.

“I think that it will allow students to see what specific areas they’re struggling in so that they can work on those things to perform better for the summative assessment,” Gabriel said. “Mr. John Naylor explained this perfectly in one of our meetings. It’s kind of like we’re going on a diet where you eat more often but in smaller amounts. That’s what we’re going to be doing with our tests. Taking smaller tests, but more often.”

After being introduced to the policy, students have begun to form their own opinions. Senior Yas-

meen Alshara decided that she is against the new regulations.

“Learning about the new policy that we’re going to use this year was upsetting to me because I really care about my grades,” Alshara said. “I always try to do things right the first time and get them turned in on time as well. For me it’s not fair. Why should someone get just as much credit as me on something they did not try as hard on?”

She foresees a change in the amount of work that students will put in because the policy will make it easier to make a good grade.

“I understand that it’s supposed to promote learning, but I’m not sure how it promotes responsibility,” Yasmeen said.

Growth spurs crowded classrooms Brandon Shields Staff Writer This year, quite a few underclassmen have had to sit in spare desks, random chairs, and even on the floor in their classes. This is a direct result of Denton being the seventh fastest-growing city in the nation; its schools are taking a large blow.

All three high schools in Denton have received a surplus of students, and DHS is no different.

“From my first year four years ago to now, there’s been real rapid growth,” science teacher Corinna Greb said. “We definitely have more freshmen this year 2015

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‘10-‘11 ‘11-‘12 ‘12-‘13

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Denton High’s rate of growth of student population, according to Ms. Renee Koontz.

than any other year. The freshmen class has received crazy rapid growth.”

Across the board, classrooms are becoming overwhelming and overcrowded.

This has put many teachers and students in a tough situation because Classes like Ms. Kalynne Tweedie’s A4 Algebra class are packed so full that there aren’t some students have to go without desks. (photo by Shelby DuPont) enough desks or chairs to sustain “I don’t even think I have enough room the growth. to fit anymore desks,” Greb said.

“My biggest biology class has about 34 Keeping track of students and enforcstudents,” Greb said. “I have some of my ing the rules is another major concern of students sitting on the floor.” the surplus in students.

The growth of students brings on new, “Increasing staff size would help,” hisand enhances old, problems. The over- tory teacher Coach Del Scales said. “It’s crowding issue doesn’t just affect one class hard to keep track of 30 kids by yourself.” it affects all of them. This year, quite a few For continuing coverage of overcrowding and students were unable to select their favormore, go to dhshorseshoe.com or like us on ite ATC class because all the spots were Facebook. filled up.

Despite Yasmeen’s views, some students are for the new policy. Senior Rebecca Fu fully supports the new rules.

“I think it’s a good policy because the 80/20 breakdown means that tests are worth more,” Fu said. “This means that people will take grades more seriously and study harder for the tests.

Obviously you can retake the tests, but students will be unwilling to do that because it’s a waste of time, so they will work harder the first time.”

Fu hopes that this policy will not only encourage students to work harder but see an increase in grades.

“This will help everyone to get the highest grade possible,” Fu said. “I like it because I believe in second chances.”

NEWS 3 Bond package will bring additions to Denton ISD SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Three students make UIL journalism all-state staff Jordan Gill Assistant Editor Journalism students across the state of Texas were awarded recognition to the 201213 all-state journalism staff last week. There were 37 young journalists selected to the staff. Denton High’s three represented 60 percent of those from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex.

Seniors Emily Fu, Rebecca Fu, and George Roberson were recognized with this award by

earning at least 50 points through UIL competitions in district, regional, or state contests. The three competed in contests through the year across DFW and regionals in Abilene. Rebecca and George also represented the school at the state UIL meet.

“We’re really honored to have been chosen because Texas is a really big state and there are lots of people competing for journalism UIL,” senior Emily

Fu said. “There were only 37 people selected in the state, so we’re really happy with that.”

The sisters have participated in UIL activities all throughout high school being on the spelling team all four years and the journalism team for three.

“It was worth it because we already enjoyed competing in UIL and this was just an added bonus because we didn’t know about it until the end of the year,” Rebecca said.

“It summed up all of our accomplishments.”

The students all have a chance to earn these honors again their senior year.

“I’m extremely proud of all three of them for the hard work and dedication they have put into UIL and being successful,” journalism teacher Greg Bogomol said. “I’m excited about the upcoming year, and I’m looking forward to them doing great things again this season.”

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Our goal is for Ryan and DHS to have 2,000 students each and have a 4A classification.”

Currently, many teachers are seeing more students and less empty desks in their classrooms.

Physics teachers are familiar with full class sizes, as all the physics classes are filled this year.

“I do think we need a fourth high school,” Physics teacher Karen Crockett said. “The new high school will alleviate class sizes.”

Assistant Principal Paul Martinez agrees.

“If it does pass, and the new

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Committee, comprised of parents, community leaders, and teachers initiated the bond, which took into account the projected growth of Denton ISD in the coming years.

“The growth has been so dramatic in the area, and we want to ensure good facilities for students to learn,” committee cochair Tim Crouch said.

One of the main objectives of the bond is to build a high school in a location more accessible to students living east of Denton.

“This will impact the students at Denton High School that live east in the highway 380 corridor around the area where the new high school [will be built],”Crouch

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Come November, changes may be underway for Denton Independent School District. This past September, the Board of Trustees called a bond election set for Nov. 5. If passed, the $312 million bond package will finance a fourth high school.

In addition to the new high school, the package will address the development of DISD as a whole, including plans for two more elementary schools, an eighth middle school, and a ninth-grade center for Guyer High.

Also, a significant portion of the bond package will be used toward renovations for schools, land acquisitions, and energy conservation improvements.

“Overall, [a bond election] is to build new schools and update older facilities,” Principal Dan Ford said. “The main purpose of this one is to build a new high school.”

The Bond Citizens’ Advisory

· A $312 million bond package has been proposed. · If approved, the package will bring a fourth high school to the district. · The new school will reduce crowding at the current schools. · Voters will decide on the package in November.

said. “Kids who come a long way will have a high school closer to where they [are living].”

Junior Jordan Lewis, one of the students who make the time-consuming trip to and from school each day, says that the combination of after school activities and the lengthy commute can be inconvenient.

“I spend a lot of money on gas per week,” Lewis said. “If I forget anything at home, I’m pretty much out of luck. When I have sectionals for orchestra, my mom has to spend extra time waiting for me after school. [There is] the activity bus, but it takes a long time to get home.”

If the bond passes, the fourth high school will reduce crowding in the current high schools.

The three high schools are full to capacity, with congested hallways during passing periods and teachers making use of all available classroom space.

“Guyer’s capacity will be up to 3,000 people, and we want the new high school to have around 3,000 as well,” Crouch said. “They will be under a 5A classification.

2013

Main points

2007

Emily Fu Rebecca Fu Staff Writers

Population Growth: The recent and projected population growth of Denton ISD, which is the fourth-fastest growing school district in the metroplex, according to a district survey.

high school is built, it will alleviate the large numbers of students from the three high schools and there will be more room in hallways and cafeterias and, hopefully, smaller class sizes,” Martinez said.

The bond package has the potential to accommodate Denton ISD’s growing number of students and make their lives more convenient.

“We, as a committee, think it is important that we have the facilities to ensure that each student receives a good education,” Crouch said.

NEWS BRIEFS Twelve girls advance to second round of TMEA All State Choir The choir had 15 young ladies compete on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the irst round of the Texas Music Educators Association First Round of All State Choir process. Of the 15 that competed, 12 advanced to the next round to be held on Oct. 5 at Boswell High School.

The 12 that advanced were Kristina Reed, Courtney Lawson, Megan Graves, Darby Birdwell, Sarah Fremder, Sarah Curran, Anna Passey, Jamie Morgan, Sammy Guerrero, Carissa Walker, Brittan Wawro, Haleigh Nevener.

Homecoming: Invasion of the Broncos This year’s homecoming game will take place on Oct. 11 when we battle Wichita Falls High School. The game will be at 7 p.m. at Bronco Field, but prior to the game, there will be festivities held all week at school, including the carnival on Friday in front of the school.

Dress up days for the week are as fol-

lows: Tuesday is Clone Wars Day (“dress like a twin”), Wednesday is Space Jammies Day (“save the galaxy, comfortably”), Thursday is Neon Color Wars (freshmen wear yellow, sophomores wear orange, juniors wear green, seniors wear pink, staff wear white), and Friday is Purple and Gold Day.

UIL preparing for upcoming year Once again, the UIL sponsors on campus are recruiting students to join their teams in preparation for the upcoming year.

Fred Mueller is the sponsor for the math events, John Curtis sponsors so-

cial studies, Barry Wagner sponsors computer science, Sandra Dieckmann sponsors spelling, Julie Seeley sponsors ready writing, Ashley Sharp sponsors literary criticism, and Greg Bogomol sponsors journalism events.

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FEATURE SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Comedic relief Senior finds comfort in comedy, debuts original stand-up special Dareious Scott Staff Writer Laughing is one of the best feelings ever. It helps the heart, and it brightens people’s days. Senior Jordan Brown is one of those people who just wants to make people laugh, even if that means embarrassing himself.

On August 31, Jordan Brown hosted a stand-up comedy special called “Adult Content” at the PointBank Black Box. “The weeks leading up to it, I was very nervous,” Brown said. “I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to pay off the theatre I was renting out.”

Although it’s all smiles for Brown now, it hasn’t always been like that.

“When I was a little kid, things weren’t always that good in my house,” Brown said. “There was a lot of turmoil. Whenever I would get upset, I’d go in my room and watch comedy for hours. It definitely gave me some temporary relief.”

The stand-up was a way for Brown to make people feel warm inside. It gave him a chance to see people happy and forget about all the negative things that may have affected them.

“I’ve always felt like comedy is a good way to help people forget about their problems for a while,” Brown said. “It feels good to help people forget about what they’re going through just by laughing.”

The special was somewhat

surreal to Brown, because both he and others considered it such a big deal.

“It’s real cool when you see four or five teenagers walk up to people and tell them that they’re doing stand-up comedy,” Brown said. “When you tell them that you’re recording and doing DVDs, people are always like, ‘wow, that’s crazy.’ I really feel way ahead of the curve. “ Brown’s steady motivation was just to show people what he, and his fellow peers, are doing is worth paying attention to, even if they’re neither professionals nor adults.

“I just wanted to show people that teenagers are capable of doing something big,” Brown said. “I had a lot of fun doing that.”

New male cheerleaders strut their stuff Bronco Bistro Floribel Núñez Staff Writer

Over the past two years, the cheerleading program has taken great strides, but none was bigger than adding three male cheerleaders to the squad this year. Asheton Crosby, Davonte Doucet and Carter Owen joined the squad at the end of last year and attended camp with the girls this summer.

“Having male cheerleaders has been amazing,” head cheerleading coach Courtney Swindle said. “It is just another step in building the program. We want to be competitive nationally. Having guys is essential to that goal. We are at a whole new

level thanks to the addition of Asheton, Davonte, and Carter. It’s very exciting.”

Having the three on the squad has let the team do some new routines that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

“The three of them have really helped us a lot with our stunts because they are stronger than the girls,” junior cheerleader Lexi Atkinson said. “They are also good leaders for the team and have brought a lot of talent onto the squad. We’re blessed to have them.”

The boys enjoy being part of a group that means something to the school. At first it was hard, but each has adapted.

Leading a chant, senior cheerleader Davonte Levy rallies the crowd at Sept. 6’s rout of R.L. Turner. (photo by Alex Meimers)

“When I let my parents know that I was trying out for cheer, they were okay with it,” Carter said. “Boys like to tease me, but I’m used

to it by now. People don’t understand that cheer is like any other athletic program.

We practice daily before school and then during first block.”

While some think cheerleading might be easy, Devonte, who played football last year, sees it a different way.

“I thought cheer was going to be easy, but it’s difficult, especially when you’re doing the stunts and tumbling,” he said. “Cheerleading is also harder for me than football because this is my first year doing it, and the girls have more technique. They help us get better, though. And we help them, too, when we can.”

The cafeteria added a bistro over the summer. The colorful mini-shop sells coffee products and cookies to students and teachers before school and during lunches. “I love the fact that we have it, its nice that we have coffee and other choices available,” junior Sydnie Evans said. “I like the sly, its a mocha hot chocolate with a shot of Espresso.” (photo by Austin Pugh)

FEATURE

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SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Don’t judge a book by its cover Freshman duo writes, illustrates, and publishes a children’s book KJ Cox Staff Writer When you picture an author, you see an old man or someone who looks like an English teacher, not some teenage girl. But that wasn’t the case for freshman Annika Ellis.

In her eighth grade year, she wrote and published a book entitled “Seasons with the Cosmics” before she even set foot in a high school English class.

The book is a science fiction/fantasy book

written for young children.

The book idea came about when Ellis was in science in middle school when her teacher brought a writing contest to her attention.

“It was my science teacher’s idea to write and publish a book,” Ellis said. “They had this author contest and she suggested that I plan out and write a book. Then, all the kids would vote on the submitted books and it could get published.”

Ellis also had help from her English teacher’s previous student who had also written a book.

“When I was in the seventh grade, I showed my English teacher some of my stuff and she recommended me to one of her former students, who had written a book,” Ellis said. “I started writing a short story and sent it to her, and she said, ‘Your writing’s great, just change this and that.’”

She worked on

this project with her best friend and fellow freshman, Natalie Cygan.

“My job was the illustrator and I came up with storyboards and she ended up writing everything out,” Cygan said.

Writing and publishing a book was a huge accomplishment for Ellis, since she is passionate about writing and literature, in general.

“I really want to be an author,” Ellis said.

“One of the main rea-

sons I started writing was Christopher Paolini, J.R.R. Tolkien, Orson Scott Card.

I was reading their books and thought I want to do that too.

I want to be an author because I want to make people smile I want to make people feel for my characters.”

Ellis found her whole family was supportive of her during the writing process.

“She would stay up till midnight for five nights in a row collaborating with Natalie

Freshman balances multiple roles Shelby DuPont Staff Writer

in the family, cooks for them often because he also takes cooking classes outside of school.

With a full plate, a big heart, “I have five sisters; I’m the and a fearless attitude going only boy,” Borst said. “Four are into his first year of high school, younger and one moved out. Evfreshman Eric Borst, shatters ery time I cook something they gender barriers without hesita- always want some, if they don’t tion. like it because it’s He does this Freshman Feature like a more mature by caring for his taste they get really mad at me, so that’s younger sisters and kind of fun.” taking Dance and Borst’s sisters love him just Theater with his head held high.

“I’ve always liked acting, and as much. They try to spend time I want to be in at least one play with him often, but with such a this year,” Borst said. “I took busy schedule sometimes it can dance because I thought it’d be be difficult. really fun to learn what all your “My sisters heard about me body can do.” taking Dance and Theater,” Borst, whose primary career Borst said. “Now they put on goal is to play football, is on the fashion shows and tea parties freshman A team this year. He for me and stuff, and they make does everything he can day in my friends and me judges.”

One thing that will always be and day out to accomplish that.

“It would be cool to play col- the case is no boy will ever been lege football,” Borst said. “May- good enough for his sisters. be, if football doesn’t work out, “I don’t know, maybe I’m so I could get my doctorate degree protective because I didn’t really and become a doctor or lawyer.” have anyone there for me growThere is one thing that means ing up,” Borst said. “I had my more to Borst than football; his dad but he always worked and family. Borst who is the only boy my parents got divorced. I guess

The Book Deal Title: Seasons with the Cosmics Authors: Natalie Cygan and Annika Ellis Pages: 26 Published: May 2013 Price: $23.75

over this book,” Ellis’ mother, Margie, said.

Ellis’ hard work paid off, and having a published book is a source of motivation for her to continue writing and improve herself.

“She wants to be-

come a published author and she got that, so I’m sure that really motivated her to do better,” Cygan said.

Ellis loves writing and she encourages others who love writing to pursue their interests.

“For all the writers out there, do not give up if you have writers block,” Ellis said.

“Read another book.

Try writing another story. Read someone else’s story. Just don’t give up because it’ll come to you.”

Online this month at dhshorseshoe.com

New attitude provides a chip

by Maggie-Mae Ellison The Denton Broncos have a chip on their shoulder… literally.

For years the team has been seen as an easy opponent that the other team doesn’t have to worry about, including being their homecoming game. They want to change that mindset, but in order to change other people’s minds the Broncos must ϔirst change themselves.

And in order to help do so, the Bronco Football shirts now include the all-caps word “chip” on one of the shoulders.

Runners seek another successful season by Mo Diop In dance class, freshman Eric Borst busts a move. (photo by Shelby DuPont)

it’s because I never had anyone to show me the way.”

Despite the hardships, he feels he has become stronger.

“It kind of sucked, because my mom never really acted like a mom should,” Borst said.

“She never seemed to really care about me too much. It wasn’t too bad I guess. I dealt with it, and in the end it made me more independent. It was pretty sucky back then, but not anymore.”

The alarm clock goes off at 5:45 a.m. and the students start jumping out of bed. These aren’t just any students it is the members of the 2013 cross country team.

While most of the 2,000 plus students enjoy their hours of sleep, these young men and women are on their journey covering several miles a day.

“These guys work very hard all the time,” head cross country coach Patrick Matous said. They run for fun because they love what they do.”

Scholarships vs. Loans vs. Grants by Raychel Jones Since no one has about $23,000 in spare cash a year to spend on college, loans, scholarships, and grants tend to be a big part of going to college. Knowing your options and starting early can take away some stress of applying for college.

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SPORTS SĊĕę. 26, 2013

The Unsung Heroes A day in the trenches with the Bronco offensive line

By Chandler Elsbecker Sports Editor

(photo by Chandler Elsbecker)

It’s just before 4:00 p.m. on the away team’s side of Bronco Field. It’s hot, possibly the hottest so far of a surprisingly mild August. Four varsity offensive linemen sit on a bench before practice starts. One of them, junior Rowdy Clark, asks a question of another, fellow junior Seong Jung.

“Seong, what day is it?”

“Uh, Wednesday?”

“Hump daayyy!”

Clark, getting a shot of water, notices my presence and asks the same thing.

“It’s hump day,” I meekly reply.

“Hump daayyy!” he repeats.

“See, Elsbecker knows what day

it is.”

“Biiiiicycle! Biiiiicylce! Biiiiicycle!”

Joe Gloria, another junior, has made his way to the congregation, junior David Deramee coming behind him. Apparently, Gloria’s in the mood for Queen.

“I want to ride my bicy-

cle; I want to ride my bike…”

Freddie Mercury he is not, and this fact becomes apparent quickly.

“I’m more of an AC/DC guy,” Deramee mutters.

A conversation begins concerning pepper spray, Chinese tourists and bear repellant, and

other canned, spraying products. Deramee, the center, has grabbed a football and is snapping to offensive line coach Del Scales. Senior Jacob Dodson mimes taking a handoff from Scales, hardly making a case for a move to running back.

“Really?

That’s how you’d do it?” Scales asks.

Gloria has moved on from singing and criticizing pepper spray to marveling at the water machine on the sideline, amazed at the range that the nozzle can propel the machine’s contents.

A whistle blows: Time for the first of many offensive walkthroughs. It’s light work: no helmet, no defense, just knowing what to do. The line blocks

their air-assignments with ease, then don their helmets and are joined by their teammates from the defense for stretches at 4:30.

“Offensive line is kind of a unique position in that we’re the only group on the field that doesn’t touch the ball,” Scales said. “Because of that, we’re kind of an afterthought to the average fan, unless something goes wrong. That being said, we’ve always had kind of a unique relationship. We have times when we’re serious, when it’s time to work, when it’s time to put the business face on, and it’s ‘let’s go.’ But we also like to joke around a lot. We’re a real closeknit group. Everyone gets along well, and we all make fun of each

SPORTS

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SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Always Watching: Coach Del Scales observes two linenmen battling under the chute. The fundamentals are a major sticking point for the whole team, the offensive line especially stressing proper technique. (photo by Chandler Elsbecker)

Pocket Protector: During a mid-practice scrimmage, the offensive line blocks for the quarterback (not seen). (photo by Chandler Elsbecker)

other – they make fun of me, sometimes – so we’re a really lighthearted group.”

At the conclusion of their warm ups, the line returns to their normal spot on the visiting sidelines (dubbed “the gravel pit”). The first drill of the day is running through the chute, essentially a platform lifted around three feet in the air. A pair of blockers line up under the platform, retaining a squatted position as they move the defenders across from them (“duckwalking”). The thinking of the drill is according to the age-old football credo, “Low man wins.” *** After a pair of short, technique-centric drills, the line is joined by the running backs and their coach, Tim Morrison. Despite a shift in the game to more mobile blockers, the linemen still look like a group of slow, giant, ant, hulking frames in pads ds and d a helmet compared to the d backs. Quick and agile, the Morrison group seems to move around as if on air. milar The drill is similar alkto standard walkthroughs, the differhe ence being that the nlinemen are no longer blocking thee

comes together for scrimmaging each other. Coaches are wearing headsets, spotting the ball, changing personnel – if there was full contact, it would be a perfect replication of an actual game situation.

After around 30 minutes of play, the second line is on the field. Deramee, Dodson, and Clark kneel on the sidelines.

Deramee comments on the quality of his new helmet. He finds it’s in good shape, except that his horse decal is crooked.

Dodson gets a shot of water. On the field is the mayhem of pads clashing, whistles blowing, and coaches yelling, but on the sideline it’s quiet. Clark is murmuring to Terry, who has just joined him.

The players on the line have a certain harmony between them. They know the others closer than they know anyone else on the team, going out for McDonalds runs before team meetings and joking to each other between drills.

“We’re very tight,” Deramee said. “It’s like family: We’re all very close. I want to say that the one who put that together in the beginning was Coach Scales. He’s always been pushing for unity, because with that connection, you’re going to work as hard as you can

earth’s atmosphere, but rather a ragtag scout team of players not currently getting reps and directed

by Morrison and Scales.

A pair of blockers go the wrong way. Morrison slams the ball in his hands.

“This is Wednesday!

We’ve still got two starters not knowing what to do.

It’s ‘Raiders.’ Get it right!”

The coaches are only hard on the players when they need to be. Their relationship with the players is strong enough to where it will mean something.

“There’s a saying that Coach Atkinson taught me,” Scales said. “‘Don’t write checks when you don’t have money in the bank.’ Meaning: if you don’t have a relationship with the kid, it’s hard to sit there and yell at him, and ask a lot from them without them just shutting down and asking, ‘Why should I listen to this guy?’

Scales puts puts a great deal

of importance in knowing his players personally.

“Once you have that relationship developed, it makes it personal,” Scales said. “If an athlete isn’t getting what you’re trying to teach them, doing the wrong thing, or whatever, you can get onto them a little bit and it means something to them – a lot more than [a coach] who just shows up on the first day and starts yelling at them.”

The strong feeling between coach and player is mutual.

“I love all my coaches,” Deramee said. “I don’t have anyone else to rely on, so I have to trust them, and it’s good that I get along with every single one of them.”

After a quick water break, the two groups split up for pass drills. For the line, this means a routine going-through of blocking more air-defenders.

This doesn’t last long b be fore it’s time for anbefore other shot of water, and then team t drills at 5:00.

On this end of the field eld, playing over the lou loudspeaker is highene energy rap music.

He Head coach Kevin At Atkinson finds that it helps the players’ morale while dealing with the heat.

5:15 – The whole team

for the man next to you. “ Scales knows that the chemistry of the line has contributed to his unit’s success, but it’s also the result of their relentless training since the end of the previous season.

“The whole unit has [gotten better],” Scales said. “We’ve gone back and looked at film, and you happen to watch the offensive line, and it’s night and day. All these guys have been working their butts off to make this a successful year for us.”

Another whistle, and the first-team is back on.

The four jog to the huddle.

“I can’t even describe it; it’s like a brotherhood,” Deramee said. “I’ve never been a part of anything – and I don’t know if I ever will be again – like it. It’s just one of those rare things.”

In the interest of mimicking a game situation, the offense has lined up to punt. Apparently short an actual punter, Scales lines up fifteen yards back. The kick flops around in the air, landing not more than ten yards past the line of scrimmage. A chorus of boos come in from the linemen’s spot on the sideline. *** “Everybody up!”

At 6:00, the team’s day ends. Atkinson addresses the team. They are

reminded that on Friday, they will only wear white socks – no black, a problem that made the team look out of uniform the previous season. They break and get their showers in.

Players filter out of the field house, those who can drive leaving sooner. The rest wait for their rides. Friday is the team’s first game in Dallas, traveling to Bishop Lynch. Last year, the Broncos were defeated on their own turf, 30-14, the first of seven losses on the season. Tomorrow is the last day for preparation.

“We just have to know we’re going to kick someone’s butt before we play them,” Dodson said.

“We’ve watched a lot of film on them, so we don’t think, ‘Oh, they’re bigger than us,’ because we know we’re better than them.”

The line’s role in the game will be key: As the offensive line goes, the team will go.

“We see ourselves as the flag bearers for the offense,” Scales said. “That’s a responsibility that we understand, and we like having that challenge.”

The Broncos narrowly lost to the Friars, 30-23. However, the following two weeks resulted in routs of R.L. Turner and Western Hills. During the former, the line allowed just one sack, coming late in the fourth quarter.

8

SPORTS SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Catching up with...

The Bronco Offensive Line

Left Tackle: Rowdy Clark Class: Junior Height: 6’-4” Weight: 245 Planned College Destination: Texas Christian University Favorite Football Movie: Friday Night Lights Target or Wal-Mart? Target Vote for Teacher of the Year: Del Scales True or False: People from the Netherlands are “Dutch.” True

Left Guard: Jacob Dodson Class: Senior Height: 5’11” Weight: 208 Planned College Destination: Texas A&M University Favorie Football Movie: Friday Night Lights Target or Wal-Mart? Target Vote for Teacher of the Year: Del Scales True or False: People from the Netherlands are “Dutch.” True

Center: David Deramee Class: Junior Height: 5’11” Weight: 245 Planned College Destination: Louisiana State University Favorite Football Movie: Remember the Titans Target or Wal-Mart? WalMart Vote for Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Nicewarner True or False: People from the Netherlands are “Dutch.” True

Right Guard: Joe Gloria Class: Junior Height: 6’-0” Weight: 215 Planned College Destination: University of Texas Favorite Football Movie: Friday Night Lights Target or Wal-Mart? WalMart Vote for Teacher of the Year: Del Scales True or False: People from the Netherlands are “Dutch.” True

Right Tackle: Judd Terry Class: Junior Height: 6’-3” Weight: 260 Planned College Destination: University of Oklahoma Favorite Football Movie: Any Given Sunday Target or Wal-Mart? Target Vote for Teacher of the Year: Del Scales True or False: People from the Netherlands are “Dutch.” I don’t know

(photos by Alex Meimers, Chandler Elsbecker, and Austin Pugh)

Football optimistic coming off of bye week Chandler Elsbecker Sports Editor After opening the 2013 campaign with a loss, the Broncos have come back to win two straight games in blowout fashion to make their record 2-1.

The first of these victories, a 51-18 home win over R.L. Turner, saw the Denton offense accumulate 520 total yards. It was followed up the next week with a 488yard performance in a 63-0 shutout

of Western Hills, whom the Broncos had only beaten by eight points the previous year.

“I’m very pleased with the way the kids are executing,” Atkinson said. “I don’t know if I can pinpoint one person [who has stood out as a major contributor]. That’s what’s cool about it. It’s a group effort.”

Even in the flaws in his team, Atkinson finds positive points, such as his defense’s ability to cause chaos in the

opponent’s offense, creating seven fumbles in their rout of Western Hills.

“We’re giving up some yards, but we’ve got to be leading the area in scoring defense,” Atkinson said.”

However, Atkinson sees that his squad needs to make some adjustments going into Friday’s matchup with their first District 5-4A opponent, Lake Dallas.

The Broncos have averaged 98.3 yards of penalties per game.

“We’ve had too many foolish penalties,” Atkinson said. “We’ve done some extra conditioning for the kids who have committed them. Overall, we’ve just done a lot of preaching.”

The Falcons, who are also coming off of a bye week, are 3-0 so far having averaged 44 points per game. Last year’s contest ended in a 21-12 Lake Dallas victory in which the Denton defense allowed 219 yards of rushing.

Piling It On: The Bronco defense swarms the R.L. Turner ballcarrier. Despite a close loss to open the season, Denton has won two straight games in blowouts. (photo by Alex Meimers)

SPORTS

9

SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Volleyball battles injuries as district play begins Leah Bowen Maggie-Mae Ellison Staff Writers In a season of injuries, the volleyball team is trying to keep its head above water as the district 5-4A race heats up.

The team has split its first two district games losing a thriller to Wichita Falls Rider at home, before defeating Wichita Falls on the road.

Overall the team is 1011 heading into the final 12 games.

In the four game victory over Wichita Falls several players had solid games.

“Kenzie Dozier got 22 kills, Jade Akins had 19 kills and 22 digs, while Hannah Altman had 35 assists, and Emily Curtis had 35 digs,” Coach Danielle Silva said.

Even though the girls did

really well, Silva is more proud of how they’ve overcome their injuries.

“Our injuries are hurting us, we actually made a list of all of them” Silva said. “We have a lot of injuries with a lot of our starters; basically almost everybody on our team is injured in some way. So we’ve really worked on overcoming that and just playing to the best of our abilities and not letting these injuries define us.”

The injuries are taking a hard toll on the girls and affecting the way that they have had to play.

“Getting the players back to being 100 percent is more important than playing 70 percent of what you’re actually capable of because you’re injured,” Silva said.

The injuries are an obstacle, but Silva also believes that the

team needs to work on their defensive game.

“I definitely think we need to one: get healthy, and two: work on our defense,” Silva said. “Offensively we are pretty solid, and defensively we’re still solid but just getting a little better passes so that we can be in system more, rather than being out of system.”

Defense isn’t the only important thing; the team also needs to win games.

“I like to call them the “Spose To Games”,” Silva said.

“We need to beat the teams that we should beat and we need to fight against our competitive teams. What it means is we need to make sure that we don’t have a game off, we can’t afford to. We need to bring it every game and make sure that we’re working and fighting. If we do that we will be ok.“

Up in the Air: Junior Kody Jones leaps for a shot against District 5-4A opponent Wichita Falls Rider. This early in the season, District 5-4A is still without a definite frontrunner. (photo by Austin Pugh)

Girls programs welcome new coaches Leah Bowen Staff Writer When it comes to change this season, the girls sports are no different. They are in for their shared of changes as well as the coaches have been rearranged and the teams should expect somethign new.

The main changes that have been brought to the girls, are in the sports of basketball, soccer, and track.

The past severl years teh girl’s basketball program has had four male coaches making it difficult at times for everyone involved. ”It just makes it easier to deal with any sort of locker room issues when you have a female on staff when we have female players,”

assistant coach Patrick Matous said. “She can go into that locker room when we aren’t able to.”

Now the basketball team has a female coach.

Sonya Calhoun, who has a long history in basketball. has joined the staff and will coach the freshman. She played in college and has been playing the sport ever since she was eight.

“I am definitely defense oriented,” Calhoun said. “So I really want them to understand that that is what’s going to win games, and I want them to also be ladies on and off the court. And I hope I can be the shining example for them. I just want them to have fun.

I want them to get better. And I want them to have, like play the game

and not have to think about it, just play it.”

The changes forced head coach Dennis Krishka to shuffle his staff promoting Matous to the junior varsity and Jason Shaw, who had the JV a year ago to the varsity assistant.

A brand new season awaits the track team as well, welcoming a new head coach, Gary Roberson. Roberson has an extensive and impressive history in track.

“I used to run track,” he said. “In fact, I have several records at Strickland Middle School, Terrell High School, and the University of Texas. I have high hopes for this season and I’m looking forward to being a leader for the girls.”

All the coaches are striving for the same

goal: to better their teams fundamentally, and help the girls achieve success.

The soccer program has also experienced changes to its program and has high hopes.

“This season I would love to accomplish winning more games than last year, junior Alana Burns said. “I have a feeling we will with all the new players and a new coach.”

Rocky Monk, who previously was a coach on the JV boys’ soccer team, has taken over as the head coach .

“I’m just trying to bring back the success the program has had in the past,” Monk said. “I really want the girls to enjoy it and feel like a family. We need more of that.”

Next up on the schedule

Sept. 27 Volleyball - vs. Lake Dallas - 6:30 Football - vs. Lake Dallas - 7:00

Oct. 1 Tennis - at Wichita Falls Rider - 4:00 Volleyball - at Azle - 6:30

Tennis opens season George Roberson Editor-in-Chief Coach Carlos Blanco has two goals for the tennis team this year: improve the players and make the playoffs.

The team admits it’s going to be tough since they lost their top player from last year, but they’re hopeful about the new season.

“We’re going to have some close matches this year,” Blanco said. “Improving the players as much as I can is my most important goal, and we’ve got to take advantage of every second we have in

practice in order to do so.”

Assistant coach Brian Redding encourages students, teachers, and parents to attend the team’s matches and support the players.

“There are exciting matches that take place,” Redding said.

Senior Truett Ide has played tennis for eight years, and is currently ranked third on varsity.

“It’s going to be difficult, but our team this year is pretty competitive,” Ide said.

10

VOICES SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Students abuse right to record Brandon Shields Staff Writer After being at Denton High for several years, over time, I’ve learned what you can and can’t do. In the student code of conduct there is one rule that I have not come to terms with yet, because I feel it works negatively towards students and teachers alike.

Having the right or the ability to do something doesn’t make doing it right. The rule I’m refering to is students being able to record their instructors. Not many students realize how much their actions affect others as it is, but when you record a teacher in class, you’re stepping over a boundary that shouldn’t be crossed.

Recording a teacher for notes is fine, but some students have been abusing their “right” to record, and they try to use what they’ve recorded to make the teacher look bad or get them fired. Kids across the country have been running into issues of re-

cording their teachers, and instead of the teacher getting into trouble, it’s actually the student. No one tells you all the facts and repercussions of recording a teacher. There’s much more to it than a one a done deal.

In New Jersey, a junior in high school recorded his teacher in the hopes of making sure that the staff knew he wasn’t lying about the content his instructor was teaching about.

After it reached the public, instead of the teacher being reprimanded, the student was, and recording is now banned in that district. This is a simple lack of communication.

There are plenty of ways to handle your problems with teachers other than throwing them under the bus. In my opinion I would suggest you actually confront and talk to your teacher instead of skipping the chain of command. It benefits you by getting the issue off your chest, and it also allows the teacher to know what they did to offend you.

I feel that students should only be able to record a teacher with fair warning. I’m not saying the teacher should agree or tell the student to put away the device, but I do ask that they be aware that everything they would say to you from that point on is recorded.

If you don’t need to record the teacher, then don’t. Make everyone else happy by lightening the load of drama everyone already has to deal with.

The main issue here is thinking before you act. I feel you gain nothing really from recording your teachers.

If you feel its absolutely necessary to record your instructor just think it all the way through on how you feel its going to go. Make sure you gain something from it constructive and you leave yourself with solid ground to move forward. It’s important to talk to them one-on-one to solve problems and try to resolve conflict. We all have to work on our communication skills instead of always trying to find the quick way out all the time.

Local bike shop offers community something more Ben Lyke Staff Writer Throughout the years, I have volunteered at a bike shop known as Querencia.

Querencia is a non-profit bike shop where bike riders can easily fix their bikes with little to no charge at all and get very good service from the volunteers.

I originally volunteered at Querencia when my mom found a chopper bike on the side of the road. I looked for a way to fix it up so it would be a ride-able bike again. My mother told me about a friend of hers, Howard Draper, who ran a bike shop in his backyard; I looked up the place and set off to fix my bike as quick as I could. I am a very impatient person, and I was very disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to fix it

on the first day I was there, but I was comforted by the fact that they would help me finish it lickety split.

When my bike was finished I decided to continue volunteering, and helping people ride their bikes around Denton. Also, if you have a bike that is too small or you don’t want any more you can donate it to Querencia to help people who can’t afford new bikes, I have donated two bikes over the years, and feel really good about my donation.

Querencia helps people to learn more about bike maintenance and how to fix bikes on their own. Over the years, I have developed a knowledge of bikes and bike maintenance. I have been building bikes from scrap parts to let people buy them. I find it very

fulfilling to see people buying and riding bikes that I made. Querencia is important to the community, because it helps people who don’t have bikes, or have a broken bike, that can’t afford to go to a large and expensive bike shop. Biking is helpful to the environment, creating zero pollution, and being a healthier alternative to driving. We need more people in the world biking.

If you are looking to buy a bike Querencia has an overabundance of perfectly usable frames and bikes, and I encourage anyone who has a broken bike or needs a bike for a cheap price to go to Querencia. Querencia is located at 215 West Oak Street, their hours are; Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM, and on Saturday from 2-5 PM.

New bistro not all it’s cracked up to be Jantomi Hall, Isreal Harris, NiQuan Farmer

Contributing Writers Every teenager needs energy, so when the school added a coffee bistro this year, we were excited.

We knew going in that it wasn’t going to be on par with Starbucks, quality-wise, but we also didn’t expect the prices to be on par with them.

We thought they would be a little more affordable for those of us who can’t afford Starbucks but want our morning coffee fix.

Not only are they

expensive for a school bistro, but they often run out of some products.

Our other complaint is they keep changing the prices.

At the beginning of the year a cookie cost just 75 cents, and the price has gone up to $1.00.

Instead raising prices, they need to look at some better options of how to reduce the prices to make sure more can afford the things we would all like.

How to Ask Her to Homecoming Raychel Jones Staff Writer In general, texting or asking someone to do it for you is the wuss way out. Even secretly writing a note, just asking, and especially begging,

isn’t the way to go. You have to make it memorable. If it doesn’t stand out, your approach won’t be bragged about later.

Plus, if you ride up on a white horse singing your proposal, on a path lit by candles, she won’t really

be able to say no. Writing it on a football and tossing it to her, writing out your question with something romantic on the floor, or just holding a huge sign outside her classroom door would all be unforgettable.

The Horseshoe 1007 Fulton Denton, TX 76201 940-369-2150 Editor-in-Chief: George Roberson Assistant Editor: Jordan Gill Sports Editor: Chandler Elsbecker Online Editor: Ryan Carr Staff Writers: Mohammad Alshara, Leah Bowen, Alex Byrd, KJ Cox, Mo Diop, Shelby DuPont, Maggie-Mae Ellison, Emily Fu, Rebecca Fu, Raychel Jones, Brendan Kimberlin, Ben Lyke, Floribel Nunez, Dareious Scott, Brandon Shields Photographers: Alex Meimers, Austin Pugh Graphic Design: Cynthia Pantaleon Adviser: Mr. Greg Bogomol Principal: Mr. Dan Ford

The student newspaper of Denton High School is published by the publications staff.

The ideas expressed in this publication and on the Opinion page are solely those of the individuals providing them, and do not necessarily re lect the opinion of the entire staff, adviser, faculty, administration, or the Denton ISD Board.

DHS is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, National Scholastic Press Conference, and Columbia Scholastic Press Conference.

Find us online at www.dhshorseshoe.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

A version of this issue formatted speci ically for the Internet can be accessed at issuu. com/dhshorseshoe.

FEATURE

11

SĊĕę. 26, 2013

Ford talks about childhood as an adoptee George Roberson Editor-in-Chief On September 13, 1966, a child named James Lee was born in Lansing, Michigan. He was immediately placed in an orphanage and was later adopted by Charles and Rosemary Ford. That boy would grow up to be our current principal, Dan Ford.

Growing up, Ford’s parents told him that parents don’t usually have a choice in their kids, but that he was chosen.

“They made me feel special,” Ford said. “I was adopted, and I always grew up knowing I was adopted, but ‘adopted’ didn’t mean anything. They were just mom and dad, and I was their son, and that’s just the way it was.”

As Ford grew, he had more and more questions about his biological parents and himself.

“I asked my parents what information they had,” Ford said. “I asked, ‘what’s my heritage? Am I just this white guy? Where did I

Q&A

come from?’ I found out my birth name, but that really didn’t give me any information about who my parents were.”

Ten years ago, he started to dig deeper, only to find out that adoption records for Michigan in 1966 were closed. He had to hire an attorney to ask a court to

her information, I contacted her and talked to her on the phone for a couple of hours. I asked questions like, ‘why was I put up for adoption?’”

This she answered. When he asked about his father, though, she wouldn’t tell.

“She was married at the time,

“I was adopted, and I always grew up knowing I was adopted, but ‘adopted’ didn’t mean anything,” Ford said. “They were mom and dad, and I was their son, and that’s just the way it was.” open the records.

“The court sent a letter out to my biological mother, and they said, ‘somebody from your past wants to meet you,’” Ford said.

“They asked her if she wanted them to release her information.

The ball was in her court.”

If his biological mother had said ‘no,’ the adoption records would have been sealed forever.

“She said yes, thank goodness,” Ford said. “As soon as I got

and my biological father was also married at the time,” Ford said.

“I found out that I have a lot of half-brothers and half-sisters as a result of this, and I was able to contact them. One of them, who I still keep in very close contact with, remembers who my father was, and gave me his information. I went ahead and contacted him, and he didn’t even know that I existed.”

Ford and his family decided

to fly up to Michigan and meet his biological parents. When he met his birth mother for the first time face-to-face, the questionasking continued.

“She had a lot of questions for me, and I had a lot of questions for her,” Ford said. “I was thankful she didn’t choose to have an abortion, and I was thankful she placed me into an opportunity to succeed. I came from a family where education wasn’t important. They may have had high school diplomas, or they may not have had high school diplomas.

Further education was not really considered.”

He grew up a “preacher’s kid” and says his family raised him well.

“I was adopted into a fantastic family,” Ford said. “We talk about nature vs. nurture, and what I would say is that it doesn’t matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, you can set your mind to do anything you want to do and become anything you want

to become.”

Ford considers what he has accomplished in life, at least to some degree, a reflection of his upbringing.

“It’s not what I have in my background, it’s what I’ve had all along supporting me,” he said.

“It’s caused me to have an internal drive. I didn’t know who I was, so I always wanted to succeed and please people. I appreciated some of the things other kids take for granted.”

He feels a calling to be around kids and give them opportunities to succeed.

“While there are boundaries and guidelines, students should know they can reach anywhere they want to go,” Ford said. “If I can provide a little tiny bit of inspiration and always be in their corner, that’s great. Maybe in a subtle way, in the back of my mind, being adopted did influence my career path. Maybe it made me say, ‘let’s show these kids that they can reach their dreams.’”

Señor Don Place left his Nicaraguan home when he was only 16 to start a new life in America. He went to UNT, got married, became a Spanish teacher, and has been at DHS since 2002. Besides teaching Spanish, he also gives back to the community through NHS, which he sponsors. (by Ben Lyke)

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Nicaragua. It’s a tropical country, it’s always hot; it either hot humid or hot dry.

Growing up there, I went to a Catholic school for all boys.

When did you come to the United States?

I came to the U.S. when I was 16. There was a revolution going on in Nicaragua, so most schools would receive a bomb threat and would be closed for a few days. It wasn’t conducive to a stable environment. The war was out in the country and hadn’t reached the city yet, but my parents saw that it wasn’t safe for us kids, so they sent me to California to live with a friend of the family who my dad had gone to college with.

I inished my junior year and started my senior year there. I left California when my parents came to Texas, and I inished school here in Fort Worth.

Did you learn English before you came here?

Why did you go to UNT?

In Nicaragua, we spoke Spanish, but my dad is American so he spoke English with my mom, and she is Nicaraguan but she was raised here and spoke English also. When I came to the U.S., it was hard in school because they didn’t have any ESL or sheltered environment classes, and I had to learn very quickly.

I wanted to study music for classical guitar, but I pretty quickly igured out there wasn’t really any careers with classical guitar. So I moved my major over to Political Science, and I wanted to have a job in international relations, but the government stopped hiring people, so I decided to pursue a masters in Spanish and became a teacher.

Have you been back to Nicaragua?

I haven’t been back because all my family moved up here. My grandma was the only one who was still there, and she would travel here.

In the irst 10 years of the revolution, if you were a certain age, you could be taken to ight in the army. Even though I was an American citizen, they could still take me to be in the army, and I didn’t want to run that risk. Later on, though, I had a family and priorities changed. I have never been back, but I would like to go back to see how it has changed and see if my old house is still there.

Don Place at the NHS induction ceremony in May 2013. The Spanish teacher and NHS sponsor fled Nicaragua and came to the United States when he was 16. (photo by Austin Ridgdill)

12

ENTERTAINMENT SĊĕę. 26 2013

Breaking Bad’s final season meets expectations and then some season so far, and it is turning out to be a wonderful conclusion to a series that has grabbed so many viewers and awards.

The makers of the show have done a marvelous job on not just the writing and the acting but the overall feel and tone of the series. That dark essence of doing whatever you have to do to survive is well done here. The presentation feels so alive.

In Season 5, the goal Walter has been trying to accomplish in Breaking Bad has shown new light, you get reminded of why he started dealing and what he’s fighting inside.

Some of Walter’s classic quotes will remain in our heads until the end of time, like in season two where he said, “stay out of my territory.” Walter is seen by everyone across the spectrum differently. Many feel that he’s evil or insane, which I personally think everyone is to a degree. I see

Brandon Shields Staff Writer The fifth and final season of Breaking Bad will come to an end this Sunday. Season 5 was split into two parts, each part containing eight episodes. As normal for Breaking Bad but few other shows on television, each episode of the season has been filled with excitement, shock, and awe. Each breathtaking scene has you nervous wondering what will happen to Walter next.

Without revealing too much, Walt and Jesse are back, and it is not a disappointment. Those two add intensity to every week, every twist, and every turn. After the great Season 4, many said that Season 5 would be (and could be) no match for such an epic bar. I assure you, however, that Breaking Bad Season 5 is the best

Walter as a man trying to provide the best way he sees fit before his time runs out.

And I see him as an old man trying to do what all of us wanted to do on our bucket lists. He’s trying to go out with a bang, and every season so far, he has not left us disappointed. The only disappointment we are feeling is that the show is coming to a close.

The final episode of the season will be extended to be longer than the usual hour. The series finale is all we have left.

More twists are sure to arrive before our beloved drama of the decade departs us.

I suggest if you haven’t already, watch all the seasons from start to finish and see how the magnificent writers put this piece together. Breaking Bad will be loved and endeared and dearly missed for a long time.

A

New network comedies’ pilots hit-or-miss Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher and was created by two producers from Parks and Recreation, so it’s fair to have high expectations. The irst episode sets up the characters nicely and largely rises to those expectations.

Plus, a police precinct is an interesting setting for a workplace comedy.

B+

From left to right: Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Jeff Garlin, The Goldbergs; Seth Green, Dads; Malin Akerman, Trophy Wife.

Dads (Fox)

I’ve seen worse, but not very much worse. The comedy (if you can even call it that) is lazy and lat and, at times, plain offensive.

Avoid at all costs.

F

The Goldbergs (ABC)

The Goldbergs, a family comedy set in the 1980s, is cute and likable and worth watching to see how it develops, but it’s nothing to get too excited about.

B

George Roberson Editor-in-Chief

Trophy Wife (ABC)

Trophy Wife is the surprise best pilot among those which have aired or been released online.

Malin Akerman stars as the younger third wife of a man who already has two families. Akerman is immensely enjoyable as a woman suddenly thrust into the role of mother.

B+

design and content by Cynthia Pantaleon

Hey, your birthday is coming up! That’s definitely something to be excited about. This month, you’ll be highly aware of your own limits, emotionally and financially. Don’t get too out of control if you have a breakdown. Just go out and surround yourself with people this month.

Watch out! Family drama is soon to unfold. This will surely make you angry and defensive this month. Plan to face the bickering.

You’re going to get picky with your love life, but this will help you more than you realize.

Don’t shut yourself out. Give people a chance.

Show that special someone how you feel. Don’t worry; you’ll be fine. Don’t be too harsh when communicating with others. Be careful with how you present yourself at an important interview this month. It may not go well.

Exaggerating qualities will be the highlight of this month, which means extra crabiness! But don’t worry; your family will be very patient, and are looking forward to helping you. Keep an open mind and help out your neighbors.

Use this month to your advantage! You will be feeling strong and independent. Try not to get too caught up in it, though. It’s only to help you solve that situation that’s been bugging you lately.

Time to straighten up your act.You’ll have a strong need for perfection. Sure, people are annoying, but they will be especially bothersome to you this month.You will get caught up in little things that bother you instead of looking at the big picture.

Slow down and take a breath. Pay attention to things around you.You might be too impatient to do this, but you can avoid certain mistakes if you just slow down. This month, time is most important to you.

Everything’s a mess right now.You’re stressed out by all these complications, and progress has been slow.You’ll be able to set new goals, and those goals might involve travel or education. Don’t get too impatient with slow results.You’ll be expecting everyone to be perfect this month.

It’s your chance to meet new people.

You’ll find that there are actually people out there who know how to drive a conversation with you.

Learn to be more organized. It’ll help lower your stress levels.

Lots of stress and change this month.

Things will be tense and you won’t be happy.

You put on a good act of happiness, but we all know that beneath that, you’re just a huge mess. Try to do some writing to calm down.

Take charge with your partner, but not too strongly.You’ll need a lot of freedom if you’re in a relationship currently. If not, then art, music, and literature will distract you this month.

You’re feeling insecure, anxious, and unclear of your future. Protect yourself emotionally, eat right, and get in all your sleep. Don’t take anything for granted. Listen to people when dealing with important issues.You might seek attention through drama. Be careful with that.