FEBRUARY 2013

the griffin

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

the griffin

See even more content on our website: http://my.hsj.org/griffin

Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 52, Issue 4

February 11, 2013

IMPROVING

see page 6

#

TO KNOW

100

the number of students with library obligations as of Jan. 31 SUPER BOWLING THE TECH TAKES OVER. Clockwise from left: Sophomores Ben Reister, Matt Cooper and Matt Laird check text messages before homeroom; Sophomore Ben Lee uses databases to conduct research for his persuasive speech; Senior Cameron Snow surfs the web for information on romantic period literature with his iPhone in Elizabeth Benzinger’s sixth period Advanced Placement Literature class; English teacher Meekah Hopkins scrolls though apps on her iPad. photos by jen siegel and lucia tarantino

Portability ranks top among tech trends

W

see page 9

# TO KNOW

$20,000 the amount of two recent grants targeting minority students TRAINING

andrew oh, staff writer percent of smartphone owners actually use their hat once took an entire room of clunky device to make calls and only 10 percent of owncomponents and processing power can ers say it’s how they use their device the most. now be performed with the device in Texting is the most used function, with 59 peryour side pocket. cent of smartphone users using it.

Increasingly, teachers are allowSo it’s unsurprising that technol- Cell phone use in school ogy is increasingly prevalent in ing cellphone use in class. Eighty both the personal and educational -nine percent of students were alnever frequently lowed to use cellphones during spheres. A Griffin survey confirms 12% 23% class for educational purposes. this growing ubiquity.

(See cellphones emerge, page 2.)

Let’s start with phones. Forty Of those, 8 percent said the cellpercent of students own regular rarely cellphones, while 62 percent own phones were unhelpful. This begs 34% occasionally smartphones. the question of whether a more 31% lenient cellphone policy is war“I’m a little surprised that the ranted. number is 62 percent,” art teach“I’m for a change in policy reer Joanna Downs said. “I would think it would be higher.” garding cellphones if it can aid A 2012 Pew Internet Research study found that and make it easier to find information,” science 45 percent of American adults own smartphones, teacher Kim Culbertson said. while 85 percent own cellphones. see TECH SURVEY, page 2 As far as how smartphones are used, only 56

joe pezzulla, sports editor chool superintendent Dallas Dance’s proposed budget has tech liaison Amanda Lattimore foreseeing change. She’s just not sure when.

Dance has requested $4 million to expand and improve the wireless infrastructure of classrooms.

Translation: we could get real WiFi, a serious, password-protected Senior Charlotte Meredith accesses the BCPS network—a vast improvement over Databases app on her smartphone. the current unprotected BCPS Wi-

photo by jen siegel

INDEX 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-12

news opinion sports features

• 20 percent of students say they spend nine or more hours watching television per week • 67 percent of students say YouTube is the most frequently used technology in their classroom • 74 percent of students listen to music while doing homework • 47 percent of students say their most frequently used item is their smartphone • 14 percent of students spend more than eight hours on their smartphone on a typical day • 89 percent of students say teachers have let them to use their smartphones in class • 54 percent of students say they prefer to learn through a mix of technological and conventional media, rather than one or the other The anonymous, pen-and-paper survey of 281 students was conducted in a standard, honors and Gifted & Talented or Advance Placement English class for each grade level. Students answered 19 multiple choice questions.

Fault-free Wi-Fi comes with high price tag

S

see page 12

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS:

Fi network here.

Even if the school board approves the request, and even if the county preserves the school’s placement at the top of its Wi-Fi priorities list, don’t expect lightning speed change.

“They’d have to rip out everything we have now and put everything back in,” Lattimore said, noting that the administration here actually looked into improvements in Wi-Fi last year but balked once a

county tech crew estimated the cost would top $100,000, an amount the school couldn’t cover, Lattimore said.

Why the hefty price tag for WiFi? Part of the reason is the school’s construction.

“The new building is pretty much a fortress, with all the cinder blocks,” Lattimore said. “The old building is easier because of all the windows at the top, see WI-FI, page 2

FYI: rescheduled eighth grade visit Feb. 14 9 - 11 a.m.

sgo winter dance Feb. 16 7 - 10 p.m.

president’s day Feb. 18 School closed

interims distributed

http://my.hsj.org/md/timonium/griffin

Feb. 27 Homeroom

national wear red day

Feb. 27 Wear red to raise heart disease awareness

yearbook prices increase March 1 Yearbooks will cost $90

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news

the griffin

Portability ranks top among tech trends

“Which items do you own for personal use?”

67

laptop

percent

62

smartphone

percent

30

percent

11

percent

tablet e-reader

TECH SURVEY, continued from page 1 “But if it’s going to change, [students] need to accept responsibility. The reason there is trouble putting it forward is the abuse of the power of

TECH LIASON EXPLAINS CELLPHONE/WI-FI TROUBLE: Cell phones pick up the IP addresses—each device’s numerical identity—the Wi-Fi broadcasts. But since they pick them up faster than the computers, that doesn’t leave enough for the computers. Each router broadcasts a limited number of addresses.

When students turn off their phones, they are no longer stealing our IP addresses, so computers can grab them. When you use a laptop or netbook cart, students must turn off their phones so the computers can use the available licenses.

them, the usage of social media. If they just focused on school, the policy would change.”

Along with smartphones, tablet ownership is on the rise. The same Pew study found that 25 percent of American adults own a tablet. Students here followed suit with 30 percent tablet owndership. With companies continuing to release tablets – iPads, Windows Surface Tablets and the like – it seems this trend will only grow bigger.

“30 percent own a tablet. That’s a little low,” junior Ryan McCaffray said. “More people should own tablets.”

When it comes to social media, teenagers use it more than any other age group. Another Pew study showed that as of August, 66 percent of adults use Facebook, 16 percent use Twitter, 12 percent use Instagram and only 5 percent

february 11, 2013

use Tumblr. Here, students trumped all these statistics with 71 percent, 36 percent, 33 percent and 26 percent, respectively.

“I can’t believe that only 71 percent use Facebook on a regular basis,” junior Mac McShane said. “Everybody uses Facebook.”

As far as the national debate over e-readers replacing paper textbooks, the results here were a near even split: 49 percent for e-readers, 51 percent for paper.

Students of English teacher Meekah Hopkins actually discussed money for textbooks versus technology recently. Many actually called textbooks more engaging. A county plan to ditch paper textbooks is misguided, she said.

“Continuing to budget money for real books is important to students and makes the case that technology isn’t always most important.”

Fault-free Wi-Fi comes with high price tag WI-FI, continued from page 1 so if you put a couple in the hallways of the old building it could go through.”

In the meantime, Wi-Fi reception here is less than perfect. Hence principal Lyn Whitlock’s plea on the Jan. 13 morning announcements, when she asked students and teachers to turn off the cell phones because “they’re absorbing our wireless connection.” (See sidebar, “Tech Liason Amanda Lattimore explains...“) Some English teachers have experienced spotty Wi-Fi access,

often on the first floor of the new wing. But the problem isn’t limited to a single area. Grade 11 English teacher Meekah Hopkins calls her room (309) a Wi-Fi black hole.

“I’m stuck waiting for days, sometimes weeks for a place for students to use technology in my classroom,” Hopkins said. She added that earlier this year she had to halt plans to have students work jointly on Power Points or quick literary research on the English department’s 14 Dell laptops, stowed on a recharging utility cart.

But in Room 302, grades 10 and 12 English teacher Alicia Drechsler

reported no trouble with Wi-Fi connections for those same computers. Her seniors used them to conduct poetry research Feb. 1.

Some students in the class called the machines slow, but they said the 13 machines in use accessed the Internet with ease.

Drechsler, who said she uses the laptops on the cart every other month or so, said problems in her room were limited to an apparently broken machine that won’t allow anyone to log on and machines that simply hadn’t been recharged.

Staff writer Emily Sweigart contributed to this report.

Cellphones emerge from backpacks, become classroom tool

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Tech teacher Wanda Brown agreed. others have concerns. liz fordyce & mackenzie tewksbury, staff writers “I have 11 very old and slow computers in my “I feel left out; like I’m at a disadvantage because xact numbers are hard to come by, but increasing numbers of teachers allow classroom. Students have a much faster access to I don’t have easy access to the Internet on a phone,“ said senior Trevor Morgan-Westrick. students to use their phones for “I have to use a book when everyone instruction. else has access to helpful things like English chairman Elizabeth Benzinger electronic annotations.” uses smartphones regularly, encouraging her students to read plays, google Other teachers see smartphones as risky business. Easy access to the Shakespearian terms and complete Internet could lead to inappropriate annotations. usage in class.

“We have a tool in our hands that is “Students want to use it for the calunder-utilized,” Benzinger said. “In the culator, but there are always a few stuwork world, smartphones are increasingly becoming the reality.” dents who will go on the Internet and ruin it for the ones who wouldn’t,” And what do students think? math teacher Nicole Barton said.

“They are beneficial and other teachers Barton adds that she once caught a should start doing it,” said senior Nicole student Googling the answer to the Drinkwater. “All my AP classes use them. I haven’t heard of many honors or first question on a math test.

English teacher Dirk Frey tends standard classes doing the same.” to take the more traditional route.

Science and technology teachers are also taking advantage of the availability Surfing the web. Seniors Lucas Myers and Amanda Olsen skim romantic poetry Though it serves as an extremely of smartphones. on Myers’s smartphone to complete an assignment in their Advanced Placement useful tool, he says, constant access to smartphones encourages us to become “About a third of my students don’t bring Literature class.photo by jen siegel calculators to school,” biology teacher mental couch potatoes.

“It is dangerous when technology becomes Marty Stranathan said. “It is easier to simply allow the Internet [with their phones] than my classroom smarter than people,” Frey said. them to use their phones that most have access to computers provide,” she said. already.”

While many see this “technophilia” as positive,

School databases qualify as one of several useful tools for online research

C

julia gomel-dunn, staff writer lass meets in the library. The librarian shows students databases. Students begin research.

Someone asks, “Can we just Google?”

Although precise figures on actual use of the school’s electronic databases are unavailable, anecdotal evidence suggests that students tend to limit their use to teacher-specified activities.

English, social studies and science classes use the databases provided by the library for research, whereas foreign language classes and math classes do not. According to head librarian Chris Senft, the databases cost $4,000 per high school, per year, whether or not students use them.

“They have scholarly, credible, updated information,” Senft said. She asserts that the databases are safer to use than search engines Google because the information can always be trusted.

English teacher Debbie Hamilton said that the Gale databases are helpful for research. Those databases are now available as a free app when students log in to BCPS from their smartphones.

Ideally, this will make databases more accessible and promote usage.

When asked about whether she would suggest students to use the databases or Google, Hamilton stood in the middle.

“Students should be educated to stay away from blogs,” Hamilton said. “Freshmen and sophomores should be restricted at times to the databases when doing research.”

Sophomore Vincent Song used the literary databases when required by his English teacher Dirk Frey, but said he prefers using Google and Wikipedia over the databases.

“I can go to Wikipedia and use the sources used to write the article that are provided at the bottom of the screen for the information,” Song said.

Frey maintains his stance against Wikipedia, but admits he is more lenient.

“I still don’t like students using Wikipedia,” Frey said. “There are still a lot of times I say no to Google and Wikipedia, since Wikipedia is one of the least reliable.”

The January discovery of an in-depth article on the non-existent Bicholim war threw Wikipedia’s unreliability into the spotlight. The hoax evaded editors for five years, Yahoo! News reported.

But Senft says Wikipedia has improved.

“I like how it recommends other links and includes an article’s revision history.”

Sophomore Avalon Bonlie suggests that some students are biased against databases since they seem more complicated than Google or Wikipedia.

“Students want to take the easy route out of everything. They are so against using the databases that they are being wasted,” Bonlie said.

Sophomores Justin Fitzgerald, Kelsey Talley, Annie Brantigan and Mike McClelland (bottom to top) use Worldbook to research their persuasive speech topics in Maria Hiaasen’s first-period English class. photo by lucia tarantino

Find us on Edline under clubs.

NEWS LINE SAT DURING SCHOOL Juniors will take the SAT for free during school this spring. The Baltimore County Public Schools is paying the College Board the fee for all juniors to take the college admissions test on April 17. Guidance counselor John Komosa said the move is an attempt by the county to see that all students, regardless of income, get a chance to take the SAT. At press time, logistics for administering the test on school day were still being worked out, Komosa said, and teachers who will administer the test were still being notified. He added that it’s expected that all juniors here will participate.

ARTISTS ADVANCE Five students’ original works will move onto the county level of the 20122013 “The Magic of a Moment” PTSA Reflections contest. Seniors Minwei Cao (“First Blade of a Leaf”) and Anna Jensen (“Tower of Terror”) and sophomore Chloe Messier (“Picture Perfect”) will advance in the literature category. Junior Ivy Gao (“A Midnight Sky”) will compete in dance, and junior Fareeha Syed (“A Mother and a Child”) will continue in photography.

CHINESE EXCHANGE Six students here have been selected for the Baltimore County Public Schools China Exchange Program. Among them are: sophomores Andrew Abell, Amanda Bilger, Laura Hillard, Kalie Paranzino and Emilia Waters; junior Ashley Schwanebeck.

They will depart May 18.

POETRY OUT LOUD She did it again. For the second consecutive year, junior J. Gourdin has won the countywide Poetry Out Loud competition. Gourdin, who performed Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “The Paradox” and Karl Shapiro’s “The Alphabet,” advances to the regional poetry recitation competition Feb. 23.

FBLA WINNERS Congratulations to the eight members of the Future Business Leaders of America tem, who, after wins in an event last month, advance to state competition this spring. The winning members are: senior Sanjay Kumar, first place, technology concepts; senior Yilin Feng, first place, business calculations; junior Thomas McShane, first place, business procedures; senior Lisa Ann Tang and junior Jay Han, second place, emerging business issues; junior John Anukem, second place, public speaking; senior Heetak Lim, third place, economics; and Michelle Njau, second place, marketing. The state competition runs during the FBLA’s state conference April 18-20 in Hunt Valley.

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news

the griffin

february 11, 2012

New safety measures draw mixed reaction

Features editor Jessica Hung compiled this story from staff reports.

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Senior Gary Fauntleroy, a Youth Forum panelist, discusses stereotypes in his opening remarks as junior and fellow panelist Isabel Garcia and moderator Lisa Williams look on at the Jan. 24 forum on race and diversity. photo by jen siegel

Forum launches conversation on race

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aysha khan, co-editor Turkish-Indian, an African American, a Cuban and a Scandinavian are sitting together on a stage. Nope, it’s not the beginning of a bad joke—it’s the panel of black leadership group Giving It Back’s first Youth Forum. The topic? Race.

“Faculty in schools across the district are reading books and engaging in book discussion on topics like race,” said Lisa Williams, moderator and Baltimore County Public Schools director of equity and cultural proficiency. “But I am unaware of students leading the discourse like those at Dulaney.”

The promise of free pizza, points for Key Club members and a student-led discussion on racial relations was enough to fill the auditorium with an audience of around 300 students and staff members on Jan. 24.

Williams introduced the four panelists and facilitated what she called a “bold and courageous” discussion, helping them field about a dozen student questions on everything from affirmative action to the difference between racism and stereotyping.

Senior Djenne Davis was the first audience member to take the microphone. Why, she asked, do people judge others by their race instead of by their personalities?

“Because race is obvious,” responded Turkish Indian panelist Erol Hoke, a senior. “It’s human nature.”

The highlight of the event seemed to be when an audience member asked about racism between teachers and students.

When four panelists—Hoke, senior Gary Fauntleroy, junior Isabel Garcia and senior Anna Jensen—came short, English teacher Jodi Wicks stepped up, amid loud applause.

“For a long time, I was the only black teacher in the school,” she said. She spoke of seeing other teachers displaying racism against students, whether about groups in the halls or a student’s academic level.

“As much as you all are experiencing racism,” she said, “I want you to know it doesn’t stop. It doesn’t get better.”

For more, see our website. A forum focusing on gender is planned for Feb 21.

n response to the Connecticut school shooting and recent threats of violence in our own community, administrators have taken a few new measures to amp up security. Additional student resource offices, a welcome desk and locked doors are among them.

Principal Lyn Whitlock said the new measures are effective and permanent.

“We had someone who wanted to go to guidance, a former student, and they wandered out of guidance,” Whitlock said.

“We found them, and reminded them that they can’t wander the building.”

The week after the shooting in Connecticut, all exterior doors are locked with the exception of one front door. At least one teacher reports that she was stuck waiting in her car for several minutes before 6:30 one January morning, because the building was locked and she had no key.

Assistant principal John Billingslea said keys have been distributed to teachers depending on the time they arrive.

“We’ve increased the number of keys to make it easier on teachers to get into the building,” Billingslea said. “Those who come earlier get first priority.”

Students seem to have a less understanding reaction. The locked doors are seen as more of a burden than a benefit.

Junior Carly Glinoweiki said that ever since her regular route has been cut off due to the door closures, tardiness is becoming a concern.

“I’ve been late to tech five times. It showed up on my interim,” Glinoweiki said.

In an effort to make sure students arrive to homeroom on time, the administration has been handing out passes to students.

Assistant principal Randy Rothschild is also trying to be by the lower doors in the morning to open doors for students.

Despite the new measures, students have been seen letting their peers in. Math teacher Victoria Bracken said that the mea-

Find us on Edline under clubs.

sures are a good idea in theory, but students are not fully aware of the situation.

Some students let her husband in without identification when he brought her lunch a few weeks ago.

Billingslea acknowledged that students will open doors for those who they identify as students.

“Students can sense when there is a legitimate threat,” Billingslea said. “Someone walking in with two large duffel bags is not someone whom students would open the door for.”

Some are looking for more measures to further increase their feeling of safety while at school. English teacher Jodi Wicks believes backpacks should be prohibited in classes, because they provide an easy way for someone to bring a weapon. Sophomore Sarah Gibson doesn’t think that just locking the doors is enough to keep the school safe. She feels that the school needs something more.

“I think a swipe card system would be better on doors because there are so many people in the building,” Gibson said.

Guitar teacher Brian Dickson agrees.

“It’d be good if they had a buzzer. As long as there is a door open, there is a problem,” Dickson said.

notice from the nurse

three things to know about the flu this season: 1. Get a flu shot. Check with a local pharmacy or your doctor.

2. Wash your hands. Professionals recommend for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t go to the bathroom.

3. If you get the flu, stay home! Stay home for 24 hours after your fever drops.

To read staff writer Kyra Twohy’s story on the flu here, see our website.

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the griffin

opinion

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Did you know surveys are the least accurate form of data collection? I was concerned about the statistics in your December article “Pot, alcohol stats here show mixed picture.” I find it difficult to accept the data from students as accurate, since both marijuana and alcohol are both illegal for high school students. How can you expect your classmates to be truthful on a survey?

The statistic chart could have been removed. Many read only the chart, disagreed, and didn’t read the article.

The articles often compares Griffin survey statistics to national percentages. But these national statistics could very well be as skewed as our own data. And when the authors use words like “roughly” to describe their numbers, how can readers find anything said to be realistic?

Constantly comparing our school to others nationally is not essential; instead, they could have brought in more information from the National Institute of Drug Abuse and contributed new knowledge on ways teens could avoid drugs and alcohol and make them reflect on how serious their choices are.

— Kate Porter, junior Editor’s response: The Griffin adheres to the principles of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, which suggests students reveal the methodology of their surveys and, when relevant, compare their results to similar national statistics.

An article in the December edition of the Griffin brushes aside the epidemic slowly consuming the school: drunk driving. In this article, slanted statistics portray the number of students who consume alcohol and then drive as significantly less that the reality. After the Griffin’s comparison against the national averages - 6.5 percent here and 8 percent nationwide - you stated that Dulaney students make better decisions with alcohol than the majority of the country’s teens. Teenage alcoholism and drunk driving need to be addressed as a critical issue.

But in the article, principal Lyn Whitlock praises this statistic, saying, “They’re making a good choice after a bad one.” The article refers to the statistics given as “those surveyed,” veryifying this is not for all of the school.

However, the large graph and robust statistics give the impression that drinking and driving is not as big of an issue here as a whole.

To address this fatal concern, I suggest a schoolwide survey given in homeroom to get an accurate percentage.

Then address these statistics, making it clear that they are only what teens here admitted to. A reexamination of students’ serious drinking and driving issue is in order. This is not a matter of correcting an article; it’s a matter of saving young lives.

— Johnny Dufrane, junior Remember the last day of school from last year? We spent months eagerly awaiting the last bell, the beginning of a two-month hiatus from homework, quizzes, tests and studying. I strongly agree with December’s article, “Yearround schooling would equate to academic nightmare.”

First of all, it would create memory problems. It causes fluctuations and deviations in a student’s mind, since after a few days of school, there will be a break, followed by school, and then another break - and so the cycle will continue, resulting in lower grades and increased student drop-outs. Even on the first day after winter break, hardly one student in my chemistry class remembered what we had been studying before break. The teachers also had a hard time reviewing the past week’s work, adding tons to their own workload.

Also, this system might create disruptions in parents’ schedules and lifestyles. Moving homes can cause problems in a child’s education. So would you like to ruin your summer and study the whole year instead of relaxing for about two months?

— Nikki Mehta, junior

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@dulaneygriffin corrections To DEcember edition:

In “Pot, alcohol states here show mixed picture” (December, page 1) a category in the graph showing how often students drink alcohol and smoke marijuana was mislabeled. The top bar in the graph should have been titled never or seldom. We regret the error and apologize.

Dulaney High School 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, Maryland (410) 887-7633 co-editors Aysha Khan, Anna Jensen deputy editor Ali Kochesfahani business managers Yejin Yoon, Kyra Twohy adviser Maria Hiaasen The Griffin’s mission is to enlighten and entertain.

february 11, 2013

Inching toward real change in gun laws

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alicia winton, online coordinator ow we’re getting somewhere.

Freshly-inaugurated president Barack Obama has drafted a legislative effort to start healing this country of the dangers provided by assault weapons and the protective attitudes surrounding them.

This effort can be broken down into four sections: (1) law enforcement, (2) the availability of dangerous firearms and ammunition, (3) school safety and (4) mental health.

The president recommends requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales; reinstating the assault weapons ban; restoring a 10-round limit on ammunition magazines; eliminating armorpiercing bullets; providing mental health services in schools; allocating funds to hire more police officers; and instituting a federal gun trafficking statute, among other policies. These will be accompanied by 23 executive orders to go into effect to enforce pre-existing laws.

Nice start, Mr. Obama. Everything you are proposing makes sense as a way to both decrease gun violence and protect those rights that we hold so dear.

But if this is all he is proposing, why is there so much opposition to a plan that is so logical? Well, according to Fox News, Obama is a tyrant who is climbing in your windows and snatching your guns up. Don’t forget to hide your wives, children and husbands too.

Wait. Do tyrants usually ask for what they want? I thought they just rolled in the tanks and personal militias.

But why, in this time where we need leadership, are Democrats from swing states retreating from Obama’s legislation? According to the New York Times, many are backing

away from the ban of semiautomatic assault weapons. It isn’t clear if the Senate will vote to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines. Did the Democrats come down with a sudden case of cold feet? Are they scared of the Republicans, who don’t even hold Senate majority?

Governor Martin O’Malley certainly isn’t. O’Malley plans to introduce legislation to would strengthen school security, expand the information sent to databases used for gun background checks and establish a “Center for Excellence” to study and treat mental illness. Under this proposal, any handgun purchaser would need a Maryland State Police license granted only after fingerprinting, a more extensive background check, and completion of a gun class like those taught across the country by the NRA. Look who is all grown up and going off to fight gun violence. O’Malley’s policies, while very similar to Obama’s, take the whole thing a few steps further-something a little easier to do while dealing with photo by kyra twohy a relatively solid blue state as opposed to fifty differently decided ones. Still, O’Malley should be praised for his bold steps which promise to make great strides toward gun limitations. Extra points for sticking it to the NRA. People doubt how realistic these reforms might be, but instead of criticizing them for having loopholes, we should think about the doors to violence that it closes and the out to the violence that plagues our lives. It’s certainly not a fix-everything-end-all solution, but like the president said: if there’s even one life that can be saved, then we’ve got an obligation to try.

EDITORIAL:

Changes for safety’s sake don’t all make the grade

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mong the recent changes in security here, we see We salute the administration’s decision to provide buildpositives and negatives. ing keys to many teachers who park in the lower lot and During the day, a secretary now sits at a desk in arrive early. Ditto for the move to station the school’s the main lobby, supervising entry into and second student resource officer near the exit from the building. Additionally, chorus room, expanding police presteachers have been asked to streamline ence into the new wing. Other wise the process by providing receptionists moves include the request that teachwith information, including times and ers remain alert to student behavior names of anticipated visitors, conferencand the decision to prohibit backpacks es and meetings 24-hours in advance. in the auditorium during the winter Those who enter the building must sign assembly. But the policy to have classin, receive their visitor pass and wait in room doors locked with one kept ajar the lobby unless otherwise instructed. for the administration seems cavalier Simple measures such as these are efmere months after a gunman stormed fective and practical. We recognize this a Connecticut elementary school, gunas a potential burden for secretaries, ning down 26 people. but we hope they can still perform their What to do next? While some call for NEW SECURITY MEASURES. daily tasks. completely eliminating backpacks, we say Yet this plan is not foolproof. The desk above: During B lunch Jan. 31, the no. Locker runs between classes would is not always staffed. Griffin report- welcome desk was left unstaffed. The jam the halls and make students tardy. same was true the next day. ers observed the desk to be vacant late photo by christine mckinnie Still others propose metal detectors. morning on Jan. 15 and 31 as well as Feb But such devices would impede flow 2. On at least one occasion, an alumnus below: The security notice once taped into the building. The daily morning passed a crowded busy welcome desk to the locked door near the library lay scene would include lines coiling like on the sidewalk Feb. 1. undetected. snakes around all sides of the school. photo by beth vita Requiring morning entry through We can just hear the unending bleepthe main lobby is well intentioned but ing with each and every earring, binder has reaped inconvenience. And, newly ring and coffee mug, and the ensuing locked doors are forcing many to search grumbles from tired teenagers. for alternate routes to their next classes.

We suggest a camera and buzzer sysTruth be told, many students manage tem, like the one installed within the to flag down passersby to open locked past month at Cockeysville Middle doors from inside. Principal Lyn WhitSchool. What did it take to get it? Aclock has asked that students and teachcording to a teacher there, parents puters be judicious about letting others into ting pressure on the school board. the building, but what does that mean Weigh in on the issue. Tweet the ediexactly? Signs on the side doors say, tors (@DulaneyGriffin) with hashtag “No Entry. Use front doors.” They men#DHSsecurity to share your thoughts. tion no exceptions. news editors Becca King, Mattie Gibbons features editors Jessica Hung, Thea Zurek opinion editors Jenny Ingliss, Katie Walters sports editors Drew Van Wagner, Joe Pezzulla chief technician Leander Bechtold deputy technicians Rashid Taleb, Alex Boellner photography editors Emily Park, Jen Siegel online coordinators Lily Klein, Beth Vita, Alicia Winton copy editors Malik Peacock, Isabel Griffith, Meghan Reinhardt, Nick Bond Find us on Edline under clubs.

The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters to the editor. These may be brought to room 115, placed in Maria Hiaasen’s mailbox in the office, or emailed to dulaneygriffin@bcps.org. All submissions are subject to editing and must be signed. The Griffin Editorial Board makes all final decisions regarding content.

Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information.

5

the griffin

opinion

State reconsiders executions: writers weigh in 10

Pass repeal to make society more humane

Defeat bill to deter crime, protect citizens

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nick bond, copy editor overnment sanctioned killing of individuals. It sounds like something out of a futuristic sci-fi fiction. Deep down, everyone knows that killing is wrong. So then why do we give government the power to take someone’s life?

It’s just not right. Maryland needs end this cruel, unethical, ineffective practice.

Contrary to popular belief, the death penalty does little to deter crime. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, states that have legalized use of the death penalty also have the highest murder rates. People turn to crime when they are facing desperate circumstances. Instead of imposing harsh punishments, states can reduce crime by investing more in police officers, increasing efforts to prohibit illegal drug sales and by building growing economies with stable jobs to reduce poverty.

Imposing a life sentence on criminals instead of the death penalty has economic benefits as well.

According to a Baltimore Sun article, there is an expected $1.4 million reduction in litigation costs after the first year of the repeal of the death penalty, and $800,000 in savings the year after. The taxpayers’ money will no longer go towards expensive trials and appeals for criminals on death row.

Furthermore, the current execution of the death sentence is unfair. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 76% of murder victims in Maryland are African-Americans. Despite this statistic, all of the men on death row in Maryland were arrested for killing white victims. This unconcealed racism and inequality in our state justice system makes the use of the death penalty an unmerited practice.

Think about the criminals on death row, who despite their atrocious actions and mistakes, are still human. They are loved and their lives are still important. Is it right for the government to take the lives of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends who happen to have committed horrific crimes?

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kaeli o’connor

alex goldberg, staff writer hould a man that preyed on and killed women for years be allowed to live? Is it right for him to wake up every morning while his victims’ families mourn? No. Even in prison, criminals receive more than many Americans. Shelter, air conditioning, TV, food.

Legislation that would abolish the death penalty is on the agenda in the Maryland General Assembly yet again. It should be rejected.

The cost of life without parole is extraordinary.

Ruth Delaney and Christian Henrichson said in a booklet describing the price of prisons that taxpayers have to pay for hospital and health care of prisoners and the education and training of officers. They also pay for employee benefits and retiree health care of corrections officers.

These costs could be reduced, even a little, if the death penalty is kept as an option for punishment.

Taxpayers still pay for the health care of prisoners, but paying for one less person is worth it.

The death penalty acts as a deterrent. According to ethicist Michael Davis’s article, “Death is the Most Effective Deterrent,” it’s common sense that a person is less likely to act if he knows that his own death is a possibility. The ultimate punishment to a criminal is his own death.

A study released by Gallup, a company that delivers research and analytics to the public, shows that 49 percent of people believe the death penalty is a better punishment than life imprisonment (46 percent). This may be a slim margin, but it is a margin.

The death penalty will not stop people from killing. There will be murders and crime no matter what anyone tries to say or do. But, if the death penalty can stop just one person from committing a crime, if just one person can be saved, it’s worth it.

Superintendent’s Budget Plan: Investing wisely in tech?

february 11, 2013

sanity

Hardcovers before hashtags thea zurek, features editor

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s a conscientious teen, I’m sure you’re very concerned about the Pew Research Center survey showing that 19 percent of adults read zero books in 2012...haha, of course you’re not.

You haven’t even read that article because of how busy you’ve been with your college preparation. In fact, you’re only skimming this column with one eye while you use the other to review your history notes while running a marathon and knitting sweaters for orphaned pandas. That’s a mistake, by the way, because while you’re momentarily distracted, another college-crazed teenager is sneaking up behind you and…oh my God, he stole your internship! He stole your super-competitive, once-in-a-lifetime internship!

You’ll never get into an Ivy League school now! You’ll have to go to CCBC and live in a cardboard box. You threw your entire future away for a stupid column, what the freud is wrong with you…

I’m sorry. That was just a little wacky columnist humor, designed to make you smile or force you into total neurological breakdown. Whichever comes first.

The truth is, with all that community service to do, clubs to lead, sports to play and live goats to sacrifice to the GPA Gods in a desperate attempt to get into their dream college, it’s no wonder teenagers today have less time for reading.

It was easier in elementary school. Then, you’d read a book (something peppy, like “Alfonso the Clinically Depressed Platypus and the Magic of Heroin”) and your parents would praise you because hey, at least you weren’t watching television again or stuffing random objects up your nose. Then they’d drive you

“Books are like cerebral Stairmasters that transform us into Olympic caliber cogitators...”

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katie walters

Questioning value of BrainPop, Gale, Net Trekker, SIRS, et al.

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mattie gibbons, news editor t’s a Wednesday afternoon and while approaching your English classroom you see a handwritten note taped on the door: “Period 6 in the library.” Yo know what that means. In the upcoming week, you’re going to have to conduct extensive research on the school database, and you have no idea where to start.

Don’t get me wrong, the BCPS database is beneficial and provides its users with a plethora of information at their fingertips. But the usefulness of this information comes into question based on how much money is spent on the program. $4,000 every year. So over my high school career, $12,000 has already been spent on this system. That amount of money could buy some new computers

or printers to improve the current electronics rather than a relatively useless program.

That is a lot of money for something that I have used only three times in my

“...the database is useless unless you are specifically instructed to use it.” high school years. The detailed information on the life of Zora Neale Hurston was a life saver for my research project on “Their Eyes Were Watching God” sophomore year, but that is just about the only time it will be helpful.

Senior Tilghman Sanders, after transferring here for his junior year, admits to have only used the database once for, as all students are likely to find, an English research project.

The information can also be found through a simple Google search or, a foreign idea, of reading a book! The money we spend on our database is quite simply going to waste. Although we are offered the experience of signing onto it at home and using the links for homework and personal use, the amount of people that actually take advantage of that ohso appealing opportunity is slim.

It all comes down to one thing: the database is useless unless you are specifically instructed to use it.

And that doesn’t seem like a good reason to spend $4,000 on anything.

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to the library where you’d turn the name of the book into the Summer Reading Program desk and receive, say, a glow in the dark zebra keychain, which you then would stick up your nose. So, okay, it wasn’t a perfect system but at least there was clear motivation to read-parental approval and florescent ungulates.

Nowadays, even if you can find 3.5 nanoseconds of leisure time, reading isn’t too appealing. It’s not social and fast like Twitter. So why would anyone want to waste their time reading?

Because life is not like the internet. We’re a generation that spends almost all its time online. We’ve gotten spoiled. Technology immobilizes us, keeping us searching for easy solutions online instead of venturing out into the world and finding our own answers.

What would America be like today if instead of organizing freedom marches, Martin Luther King had started a @SegregationProblems Twitter? What if instead of inventing the lightbulb, Thomas Edison had bought cute vintage candlesticks on Ebay? What if Abraham Lincoln had read Twilight fanfiction instead of writing Moby Dick and thus winning World War Two? Is that the kind of world we want to live in?

That’s why we must read, because books are neither quick nor easy. They’re full of archetypes to decode, paradoxes to cognize, allusions to catch and characterization to analyze. They’re confusing, unclear and strange, but they force you to really think about their message more than 3,000 informative webpages ever would. Books train us to focus, unscramble, analyze.

Books are like cerebral Stairmasters that transform us into Olympic caliber cogitators, while technology is like brain Burger King—leaving our opinions out of shape and our inferences flabby.

In the future, the people changing the world will not be the ones with the million extracurriculars but the people with the craziest, smartest, best ideas-and nothing turbocharges your ideas like a good book.

Now aren’t world changing abilities a worthy reward for a few hours of reading?

6 sports

from

february 11, 2013

the griffin

bleachers

Raving over the Ravens’ success drew van wagner, sports editor till seeing purple?

Ravens mania still reigns in parts of the building. And some students are especially crazed, thanks to their unique Super Bowl experiences.

Take junior Joey Eller, for example. He perched in the Superdome for the Super Bowl XLVII right on the 45-yard line, 13 rows up from the field. Don’t be too jealous, but he had police escorts to and from the stadium, free food and the chance to meet his beloved purple warriors. How was all this possible? Eller’s father is the vice president of operations for the Ravens.

“I was so proud to be there to experience it all,” Eller said of his New Orleans visit. “I almost cried.”

Junior Azia Hewitt also has a connection to the team and attended the Super Bowl. Her father Chris Hewitt is the assistant special teams coach. Hewitt has followed the team through the regular season and the post-season at home and away games, and she said watching the team perform at the Super Bowl was “definitely amazing.” Of course Flacco, Rice and company weren’t all she raved about.

“I’m really excited I got to see Beyonce,” Hewitt added.

And she wasn’t the only one still talking about the pop singer’s stellar performance afterward. Sophomore Maddie Mitzel—yet another student who attended the Super Bowl – lists the half-time show among her most vivid memories.

“Before the concert, they handed out ring lights and told us to do the ‘Single Ladies’ dance,” Mitzel said.

And as some fans connected with the Ravens, others, ironically, found connections with the 49ers, doing so right here at home. Sophomore Andrew Sugarman literally got stopped in classes and in the hall repeatedly Feb. 4. Friends and classmates apparently couldn’t resist telling him he looked exactly like San Francisco’s quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. Some Monday morning hecklers jokingly gave Sugarman their condolences on account of his doppelganger’s three-point loss. Other comments were more benign.

“Someone said I should get a buzz cut,” Sugarman said.

Others also suggested that he should get tattoos to match Kaepernick’s inked-up arms. One friend even texted Sugarman during the Superbowl to say he saw the similarities.

The uncanny resemblance between the two apparently stems from similar smiles and skin tone. But Sugarman wasn’t sure how to take this celeb look-alike thing. He said he always thought Kaepernick was funny looking.

“I really don’t think I look like him,” Sugarman said.

Girls’ basketball “sticks” together

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Staff writers Alex Goldberg, Ben Merenbloom, Essence Smith and Ethan Griffin contributed to this report.

PLAYING IN THE DEN. above: Girls’ varsity basketball coach Jessica Szymanski, with seniors Corrine Wood, Kelsey Swanson and Claire Reider, watch from the bench as their team takes on Catonsville on Jan. 18. The Lions kept the game close but lost 37-42. right: Senior Nia Marrow and junior Erin Briggs fight for a rebound as sophomore Ellie Mathey stands by for a quick pass. photos by jen siegel

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franny brancati, staff writer irls’ varsity basketball has bounced back better than ever this year. Already, they’ve produced a higher winning percentage—11 wins, 6 losses as compared to last year’s 9-10. So what’s the biggest change second year head coach Jessica Szymanski brings to the team? Stickers.

Szymanski and assistant coach Casey Bryant handcrafted 13 paper basketball hoops, now pasted onto the team lockers. Players receive customized stickers for sterling statistics—excelling in rebounds, foul shots, steals and so on.

“I reflected on what I could do differently to try to motivate the team, and came up with this,” Szymanski said.

She added that the inspiration came from her own high school coach’s philosophy.

Above all, Szymanski said she rewards players who are willing to take charges. Because not many players are willing to collapse to the floor for the team, players who give up their bodies and take the hits earn a special present from their coach.

Senior captain Sarah Dorl said she enjoys this new system.

“We’re getting praised for what we do

right. Looking at our stickers shows we each individually and as a team accomplished a lot,” Dorl said.

This reward system was chosen to combat the cohesion that manifested in the previous winter.

“Last year I dealt with different attitudes and personalities, so now we have the team and personal goals to try and help centralize those differences, so we can be a more united team,” Szymanski said.

Periodically, Szymanski corrals the players into the team room and announces the most recent stats as Bryant distributes earned stickers.

Senior Corinne Wood, a varsity player since her sophomore year, said that she likes the feedback.

“I think it’s really important for coaches to let players know that they see them trying,” Wood said.

Others said they appreciate the changes, but emphasized that it wasn’t the sole reason behind the team’s improvement.

“I don’t go out thinking I’m gonna earn some stickers,” junior Carly Glinowiecki said. Though the stickers are a great way to display accomplishments, she said, they aren’t everything.

Sophomore starter shines on the court

Point guard Ellie Mathey defends the key against the Comets in a Jan. 18 game. To read staff writer Kalie Paranzino’s story about the youngest starter on varsity, see our website. photo by jen siegel

Hockey beats Arundel with stellar offense

PURPLE PRIDE. top left: Sophomore Andrew Sugarman, a Colin Kaepernick look-alike. photo by alex goldberg top right: Senior Maddie Mitzel’s Super Bowl XLVII ticket. photo from mitzel

FREEZING THEIR OPPONENTS.

bottom left: Junior Joey Eller meets and poses with Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta after the Feb. 3 Super Bowl game. photo from

above: Senior Cameron Snow fends off an Arundel defender and reclaims the puck during a Jan 22 game at Reisterstown Arena. right: Senior Michael LoRusso slides past the Wildcats’ goalkeeper and scores. The hockey team won their game 4-2.

eller

bottom right: Beloved Ravens line backer Ray Lewis waves to fans from his float at the Feb. 5 Ravens victory parade in downtown Baltimore. photo by alandra smith

photos by jen siegel

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7 sports

february 11, 2013

the griffin

Team triumphs at newfound skill

athletes

month

Reliable senior leads her team sam miller, staff writer hardworking, enthusiastic leader is how senior Kelsie Swanson would describe fellow senior and co-captain Nia Marrow.

Marrow has been on the basketball team since her freshman year at Dulaney; three on varsity. She is known for her dependability and her aggression on the court. photo by jen siegel Besides the defensive aggression she has, Marrow is also known to be a stand out leader for the Lions by her teammates.

“Nia demands the best from every person on the court and she makes me want to play my best for her,” senior Corrine Wood said.

Even though she is a loud and expressive leader, many teammates said it pushes them to improve their skills every day.

According to senior Sarah Dorl, she’s also one of the most dependable players on the team.

“I know that I can give her the ball and she will always do something positive with it,” Dorl said.

That statement was no exaggeration. At the team’s Feb. 16 game against Franklin, Marrow hit a jumper at the buzzer to give the girl’s a 47-46 win.

A leader is imperative for a team of any kind, especially in sports, and Marrow said she strives to fit that mold.

Marrow said her dad instilled these qualities in her by always encouraging her to not be a follower.

“I’ve learned that being a leader does not mean you have to lead the team in sprints, points, rebounds or steals, but being a person that your teammates can come to talk to trust,” Marrow said.

Head coach Jessica Symanski also praises Marrow for her positive attitude. Symanski said that Marrow is always there to help newer members of the team if they don’t understand the plays.

“She is definitely a competitor,” Szymanski said.

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Junior Tionne Barmer (top) flies over hurdles, clenching victory in 8.28 seconds at the Jan. 10 indoor meet at the Armory. Junior Stephon Smith (below left and right) soars into second place at the same meet with a time of 8.35 seconds. photos by john roemer

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lily klein, online coordinator heir career started with a series of bruises, cuts and belly flops.

But now, after working diligently at practice, the boys’ hurdle team – seniors Trent Bae and Dre Lewis along with juniors Tionne Barmer and Stephon Smith – have come into their own. Or, as their coach Dion Hylton says, “They’ve evolved into being a quality hurdle team.”

Recent results back him up. The team claimed first place in the ShuttleHurdle Relay at the indoor county relay meet on Jan. 4. More recently the team impressed observers with a second place finish at a Jan. 26 meet at Georgetown Preparatory School, com-

peting against some of the very best teams in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. That includes private schools from the Northern Virginia, Prince George’s, and D.C. area. The team placed second running a 29.33 4x55 shuttle hurdle relay.

Ask Lewis what’s the secret, and he’ll tell you the foursome functions like a family. Bae goes so far as to say he’s motivated win and “make Coach Hylton and the family proud.”

Far from considering them pesky younger brothers, both senior teammates said they see their underclassmen teammates as influential to the team. Bae credits Smith with being a hard worker who is always helping

out and practicing over and over again until he masters a skill. Barmer, fellow hurdlers say, self motivated and versatile. He’s able to do well in multiple races while still qualifying for finals in hurdles.

So how did each of these guys learn to combine running with leaping over a 39-inch hurdle? They began with advice from Hylton and then spent hours studying videos on their own time. Counting steps and internalizing the process were also part of the time consuming learning process.

“Once you know what you’re doing it’s not that hard,” Barmer said, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and not getting discouraged.

Lochte explains BFS’s shift to the classroom

photo by christine mckinnie

Early in January, physical education department chairman Matt Lochte appeared on “Live on Five,” announcing the Bigger, Faster, Stronger program’s conversion into a class. Students who aready have one year of gym under their belts can take BFS in the upcoming school year for credit. Staff writer Gina Lee sat down with Lochte to discuss the controversial change and his expectations for the class’s pilot year.

Q: Why the change?

A: BFS kind of exploded in a very good way. You know we have upwards of 250-300 kids taking BFS before and after school. Baltimore County Public Schools adopted the BFS curriculum for our weight-training curriculum so now, we’re gonna teach BFS during your weight-training periods. What you’ll actually do is lift three days a week and then there will be a variety of different conditioning two days a week, could be different cardio activities, speed and agility stuff, different plyometrics.

Q: What do you have to say to the critics?

A: Here’s the deal--some kids, they’re happy they can get credit for it. You’re working so hard before or after school... why not take it during a class, get credit for it, you know get the A for it? Putting in the work would be some of the pros. Some of the cons would be that a lot of times there are concerns. “Am I gonna be able to shower after class?” “Am I gonna be able to work out with my teammates after class?”

That’s some of what I’ve heard.

Q: So do you just accept the cons?

A: Yeah, absolutely, because we’re still doing it. Baltimore County adopted the curriculum.

A: A variety of reasons! It’s promoting health and fitness,.

You’re gonna feel better. There are numerous studies that show exercise helps with learning – more oxygen to the brain. I think it helps you in classrooms as well.

Q: There were rumors that this class was connected to the fact that there were no more labs for chemistry. Is this true?

A: Apples and oranges, nothing to do with it. It’s that Baltimore County adopted the curriculum for BFS to be taught during the school day.

STUDENTs REACT TO BFS CHANGES: “[Many BFS participants] won’t have the opportunity next year to take advantage of it because they either don’t have room in their schedules or have other classes they’d rather take.”

- Sarah Schaeffler, junior “I like not having to get up in the mornings...But it takes away from other classes that I might want to do since a lot of the coaches are pushing that we do it.”

- Cameron Carter, sophomore “I think a lot of girls don’t want to get sweaty and gross during the school day. I like to sweat during BFS, but not if I’m going to a class right afterward.”

- Sarah Gibson, sophomore

Junior won’t fold under pressure

essence smith, staff writer ionne Barmer, a junior, knows the pressures of track better than anyone.

Why? Because he is the anchor; the final runner in his relays.

“I know my teammates have tried to get us up and going… I know it’s my job to get as close to first place as possible for my team,” said Barmer.

Barmer knows the sacrifices that need to be photo by jen siegel made in order to be one of the best. Barmer sometimes has to wake up at 6 a.m. to go begin intense early morning practices.

There are many events to compete in in track. So what is Barmer’s favorite? Sprinting.

“I’m a sprinter before a hurdler, but I take pride in all my events. My goal is to be elite in both,” said Barmer.

Barmer said track has taught him more than merely the value of athleticism. “[Track] teaches you to be motivated and determined, to do really well even when you think you can’t do it. You realize you always have more to give,” said Barmer.

Even the hardest workers on the track team occasionally become fatigued by the strenuous work load required to excel in multiple events. There was even a time when Barmer had three events back to back.

Barmer is heavily influenced by his mother and coaches. “[They] put positive thoughts in my head and keep me strong,” he said.

“He’s determined and resilient,” Coach Chad Boyle said in praise of Barmer.

Even though track is an individual sport requiring a lot of effort Barmer said he enjoys training with junior Stephon Smith and seniors Travis Washington, Trent Bae and Isaiah Garner, all fellow members of the sprint team.

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Online coordinator Lily Klein contributed to this report.

For junior varsity athletes of the month Raynard McCamie and Casey Dermowitz, visit our website on Edline under clubs.

“Having BFS after school was nice because it gives you a little more time and it lets you forget about the school day.”

- Chloe Messier, sophomore “I’m excited for BFS during school. Not only is it a stress reliever, but it gets you in the zone for practice.”

- Ida SchianodiCola, sophomore

Q: Why do you think this will be a good class?

photo by kalie paranzino

Find us on Edline under clubs.

photo by jen siegel

8 features

post JOHN murdock, a physics and algebra

teacher with a doctorate in science education, has begun his second full year teaching here. Murdock, who is married with two children, sat down with staff writer Missy Elrick to discuss what he has been up to recently.

reading? I’m reading Steve Jobs’s biography.

He’s a very interesting person, and I actually lived down the street from him when I used to live in southern California. I just started reading it, but it was interesting to learn that he lived where I used to live. I’m about 50 pages into it, so I’m still reading. watching? I watch a lot of football when I can, college and pro football teams. The Ravens are my favorite team. Even though I’m not originally from Baltimore, I still cheer for the Ravens.

I’ve lived in Baltimore for about half my life. The whole family usually watches their games, and sometimes we’ll have people over to watch the games. That’s the only thing that I consistently watch. A lot of times, I watch whatever my wife wants to watch. listening? I have Sirius XM, which I can listen to online, so recently I’ve been listening to a lot of the live stations, which feature a lot of classic rock groups, as well as other groups, and a lot of live shows. They also have a Pink Floyd station, which also plays unreleased interviews and demos as well as Pink Floyd tracks, so that’s pretty cool. I like The Beatles, [The Rolling] Stones, and The Doors from the 60s. Either you love The Doors or you hate The Doors. Obviously, I like Pink Floyd. I also like a lot of punk, like The Clash, and heavy metal groups like Guns N’ Roses and AC/DC. AC/ DC is always good.

february 11, 2013

the griffin following? I’ve been following the gun control debate that’s going on as a follow up to the school shooting in Connecticut. I think it’s interesting that people may have changed their minds about gun control. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in Congress and how they actually vote. That’s where we’re really going to learn some things. eating? I’ve been eating a lot of pizza this January since it’s both my son’s birthday and my daughter’s birthday. We’ve been out bowling to celebrate their birthdays. Just regular cheese pizza, that’s what they like, that’s their thing. changing? This is the first year in my teaching career that I’ve been teaching math as a standalone course.

I’ve always had to teach it as part of physics, but this is the first year I’ve t a u g h t math. In physics, it’s much easier to find subject matter and concepts. Sometimes it’s difficult even for me to understand how some of the concepts in math are connected to daily life.

We try to spend much more time on the topics that are relevant. I’m also going to be teaching Introduction to Physics for non-science majors at Towson [University].

I’m going to be teaching that all spring.

photo by emily park

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REVIEW

Steve Jobs bio reveals character

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rahul joshi, contributing writer before he invented the telephone?” ho could do justice to the he scoffed.) complex life of Apple enHe simply refuses to be a flat chartrepreneur and revered acter that bores you. By the end of innovator Steve Jobs? Jobs decided the book, you are not admiring an to leave the job to the man who idealized version of him, but a gewrote the biographies of Albert Ein- nius, explosive, flawed personality. stein, Benjamin Franklin and Henry Isaacson’s creativity is evident Kissinger. throughout the book. What stood Published 19 days after Jobs’s death out to me in particular, believe it on October 24, 2011, this book is dif- or not, was the titling of the chapferent from most authorized biogra- ters and its subsections. The chapter phies. When the content entitled “Icarus: What is filtered by the person Goes Up…” lays out the book is about, what the events that lead to you get is essentially a Jobs being kicked out huge public relations of Apple in 1985. piece.

The first subsection Isaacson, on the other within that chapter is hand, was given free titled “Flying High” reign. Jobs refused to and describes when read the book until afApple was rapidly spiter it was published. raling towards success; So we get to see Jobs the second subsection, in a light that wouldn’t “Falling,” focuses on have been possible othwhen the Mac’s sucerwise. cess begins to drop Who would have ever in late 1984. Isaacson photo from goodreads.com tucks guessed that Jobs had inconspicuous been such a prankster growallusions into titles, like ing up? In elementary school, he and “The Mac is Born: You Say You Want his friend put up posters announcing a Revolution”—a reference to The “Bring Your Pet to School Day.” Beatles’s song.

(I’ll let you imagine the next day.)

Isaacson has put together an unexI usually find non-fiction books a pectedly engaging biography filled drag, but this book kept me turning with creativity and characterization, pages. Maybe it’s because of Jobs’s bringing forth little-known facts and complex personality. anecdotes to about the multifaceted, Jobs, who died of pancreatic cancer enigmatic character that was Jobs. at the age of 56, is characterized bril- Perpetually chasing perfection, Jobs liantly. His refusal to accept his own would go to great lengths to achieve child juxtaposes stunningly with his it. jokester response to a reporter quesManipulative, loving and strangely tioning the lack of market research apathetic, Jobs almost seems to be conducted before the unveiling of close friend at the end of the book. the 1984 Macintosh (“Did Alexander Graham Bell do any market research overall rating:

9 features

february 11, 2013

the griffin

Derivative of y = ln[(x2+3)/(cos(3x))] with ‘Shine Bright’! Follow that up with Lose Focus!” my Music-self is smirking.

Well. I can already hear the imaginary narrator in my phantom mind battle say, “It’s super effective! Calculus Homework is defeated in a one hit KO!” So much for that, right?

But, there’s a remedy! A cure that doesn’t shatter my lack of concentration AND it’s not like I am getting turned into road kill.

Slow moving, soothing, tranquil, hidden, multitasking, versatile classical music.

I’m not too big of an opera fan myself. But there’s classical music without opera singers. As an avid Harry Potter fan, I listen to “Hedwig’s Theme” pretty often. Its melody is still unpredictable enough not to feel like I’m getting hit over the head with a frying pan.

For those of us who tend to fall asleep doing social studies homework, radio music is a fantastic way to keep us awake. But there’s also the isFeatures editor Jessica Hung completes a history assign- sue with distraction. Again. In that case, classical ment. Like 74 percent of students here, she listens to mumusic doesn’t seem like such a good idea when sic while doing homework. it’s all soft and soothing right? Then get rid of the photo by jenny ingliss soft and soothing! Listen to something upbeat like memoir “Pirates of the Caribbean – He’s a Pirate” to stay awake. It’s like getting swept off your feet, except you’re still standing with your pen and paper in your hand.

But hey, maybe you’re a fan of listening to a story within the piece. Perhaps you’re a fan of Taylor jessica hung, features editor Swift’s ability to make her songs into an entry of a t’s like getting hit by a truck diary or The Killers’ ability to place meaning into A fast, fingernail-against-the-blackboard kind their song, “Human.” of truck… while I’m trying to get work done.

“Classical music is a story without words. You There is nothing to alert me of its presence, don’t need words to tell a story, just listen to the just the body-crushing, mind-numbing, coma- notes and you can imagine the scene and the drainducing collision. Then prances in the mind con- matic events that are taking place,” my father trol. My mouth moves on its own accord and my once told me. brain whizzes away to La La Land, paying no atSometimes, you don’t need words. You just tention to the homework before me. need unintelligible sounds.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to find In all seriousness though, it’s true. Give “Spirit: myself in the constant predicament of needing Stallion of the Cimarron,” the soundtrack of a noise to increase productivity. Calculus Home- movie your ear for a few minutes. Even if you work vs. Music. Bring it on. don’t know the movie, you can still create a scene “Go, Find Derivative of y = ln[(x2+3)/(cos(3x))], I for yourself. With this one, you’re not getting run choose you!” my Brain-self stands with her arms over by a freight train, but rather, hooves - in a crossed, staring down my Music-self. good way, where your brain doesn’t get pulver“I summon, Diamond by Rihanna! Attack Find ized to pulp.

Back from the Bowl with stories to tell

“M

mattie gibbons, news editor attie! I saw you on TV!” senior Beebe Rose exclaimed after third period. Rose was one of about 15 students and teachers to stop me and let me know of my post-Super Bowl appearance on CBS. Thousands of fans flooded the streets outside of the Superdome after the Ravens were deemed world champions. I just happened to stumble upon what looked to be a

CBS news interview with Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

What did I do? Like any sane person would do, especially after their team just won the Super Bowl, I leaped into the air and screamed.

Or tried to. The leap I got, but my voice was shot, so not much sound came out. I’d love to describe the sound for you, but the noise level was so loud that I could not hear my own voice.

For the full story, see our website.

Math teacher inherits the crown

Enhancing focus with music

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Math teacher Ken Nwocha has accepted his regal title humbly. photo by ali kochesfahani

mattie gibbons, news editor ath teacher Ken Nwocha is a prince. And not just in the classroom.

The kingship of Nzerem, a moderately large settlement in Imo State, Nigeria, rotates through his family, and it is finally Nwocha’s turn to rule.

“I am just as normal as I have been before my trip to Nigeria.”

Although Nwocha knew his time

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as prince would come, it was never something he craved.

“I don’t think, frankly, the pattern of life of kings and princes is my thing,” Nwocha said. “I know what I want and simply reach for it.”

Despite his new status, Nwocha asked to be treated the same as always.

“Prince or no prince, I am me.”

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february 11, 2013

the griffin

Making a wish list for tech upgrades alex boellner, deputy technician & sarah fisher, staff writer aptops for people who don’t have computers at home,” junior Charlotte Groseclose said.

“Tablets because they do everything.

Students can write on them, take tests on them, and look at teacher- made PowerPoints,” junior Iris Zou said.

Tech priorities this year seem to focus on portable devices. Their mobility is just part of the appeal, says junior Maddy Brancati.

“I have all my classes in one little folder, and I eliminated a 3-inch binder and two notebooks,” she said, adding that she uses her iPad routinely for note taking in class.

Spanish teacher Meghann Ervin uses her iPad as a teaching tool. Having

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done so for a while, she sees a related need: displaying presentations using her iPad’s apps.

“There are a lot of cool apps for use that would be very valuable to use in the classroom, but I don’t currently have the capability to transmit them to everyone,” Erwin said. “The only option I have is to use the ELMO document camera to project, but that is not very clear and often casts a glare on the iPad.” English teacher Meekah Hopkins requests student access to websites like Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

“Social media isn’t a ‘bad thing’ or a waste of time if we teach students how to use it for purposes other than, say, stalking friends” she said.

Hopkins has been lobbying for the school system to permit student access

to social media since last year so that her creative writers and Sequel staff could easily post content and advertise for submissions. (Only teachers have access to sites such as these on school computers.)

Nearly every source reported a desire for improved Wi-Fi. Among them, math department chairman Nancy Reigle, who cited spotty Internet connectivity before and after winter break as particularly frustrating. Seniors Chris Watson and Bobby Donald concurred.

“The computers can be state of the art, but if our Wi-Fi is slow then it won’t count for anything,” Watson said.

“The problem isn’t these computers,” Donald said. “It’s the poor construction of the network that’s slowing us down.”

Semifinalist reveals work behind award

scene

photo by alex boellner

REVIEW

REVIEW

Techie shares top apps

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aysha khan, co-editor ess than a week after school let out last summer, senior Lisa Ann Tang began interning at the National Institute of Health’s cardiovascular health lab in Bayview, Maryland.

She’s a Doctor Who devotee, a floweryDoc Martin enthusiast, a debate team leader, a guitarist and occasional Open Mic Night performer.

But others may know senior Lisa Ann Tang for her most recent academic accomplishments: an acceptance letter from Yale University, and her status as one of 300 semifinalists in the national Intel Science Talent Search.

Tang and her mentors traced the signaling pathway of RAGE, the cell membrane receptor for advanced glycation end products.

Accumulations of RAGE and its signaling molecules have been linked to diseases like atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding its pathway is critical to developing treatments, she said.

Besides attending seminars and researching RAGE, there was plenty of lab work.

“Running lots of gels and printing images in dark rooms. Splitting cells to grow fresh batches,” Tang listed. “And changing the medium they were in to keep them growing.”

The NIH had asked interns to work a typical nine-to-five schedule until August, but she often ended up working after hours.

“Cells are like babies, ” she said. “Gotta be

Spanish teacher Meghann Erwin shows Akram Khan an app for lanugage instruction during sixth period Spanish V Feb 1.

Surface tablet yields more bang for buck

leander bechtold, chief technician he new app Ruzzle is photo from bechtold huge. Ruzzle strips away the coins and power-ups littering Scramble With Friends, offeringgameplay closer to that of the classic Boggle.

Ruzzle consists of a four-by-four grid of letters. Your job is to use sequentially adjacent letters to create as many words as you can in 2 minutes. Words can be oriented diagonally, horizontally, or vertically, and can even change directions to form “L” or “V” shapes. Of course, what sets Ruzzle apart from Boggle is that you can compete online against players from around the world.

As you find words in Ruzzle, just swipe your finger across the letters to record them. Each letter offers a specific number of points, and some letters offer double and even triple-point bonuses.

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Senior Lisa Ann Tang, seen here at the National Institute of Health last summer, was named semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search.

photo from NIH

constantly checking in on those suckers.

“She seems to genuinely enjoy learning,” said Edward Lyons, who teaches Advanced Placement Chemistry. “I think she had fun doing all of those chemistry experiments.”

Her mentors in the lab encouraged her to submit her research to the Talent Search. To expand her project, Tang chose to continue her work at the lab until November.

“My research itself, while unlocking a tiny link in the RAGE craziness, was relatively not-groundbreaking,” Tang said.

Tang was one of Maryland’s 11 semifinalists and the only one in the county. Though she was not chosen as a finalist, both Tang and the school received $1,000.

To finish this and read reviews of Wanelo and Snapchat, see our website.

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lily klein, online coordinator ame concept—tablet. Same price— $499. Different memory. For $499 the iPad only has 16GB of memory, but you can buy the Microsoft Surface for the same price with twice the memory. That’s only $499 for 32GB of user friendly tableticious beautiful product that’s bound to become your newest cuddle buddy.

The exterior has a beautiful finish, and the touch screen doesn’t show gruesome finger prints. With the fancier portable keyboard case you get the same sensation typing as you would on a laptop, which is nice because it gives you a sense of security that you are accustomed to. I especially like the touch capability on the screen and mouse on the keyboard, each giving more versatility with the zoom.

For more, see our website.

Middle school student Emma

Klein, the writer’s sister, uses a Microsoft Surface tablet for homework. photo klein

by

lily

dulaney THIS WEEK ON

the really good show On Episode 22 of the school podcast The Really Good Show, English teacher Debbie Hamilton discusses her experience as a teacher and the process of grading essays. The following are short excerpts from the interview: Q: English, compared to all the other classes, is the most subjective of all the courses. What I’m interested in, is when you grade an essay, how do you go about doing that?

A: It’s very similar to how they grade the AP essay. I get in my head what a 9 looks like and I have specific things that I’m looking for as far as style and writing. And before I read anyone’s essay, I go and I try to think what the purpose of the essay is and then what would be the main stylistic techniques that the writer should use.

EMBARKING ON AN “ODYSSEY.” Freshmen Bill Kinara and Seth deKoomen hang up their character portraits in Dirk Frey’s Gifted & Talented English period 6 class as Tori Vandervest, Marella Schammel and Sydney Parker watch last month. photo by alise collins

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Q: Having relationships with students – is that something that you had in mind before teaching or was it something that as you continued to teach, became more prevalent?

A: That’s something that grew because as a first, second year teacher they say, “Don’t smile until Christmas.” I don’t think you’re thinking about a relationship with kids; you’re told that that’s not something that you want to engender, so that has come, I think, as the age difference between me as a teacher and the kids has grown. It’s certainly not buddy-buddy; it’s more of a mentor thing. I can relax; they can relax. I think it definitely has grown.

To listen to the full interview, visit: http://thereallygoodshow.com Follow The Really Good Show on Twitter: @dulaneypodcast

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february 11, 2013

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among us:

Exploring creativity with technology

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SENIOR STEVEN PAPPAS works in the lighting booth to set cues for a presentation to incoming eighth graders on Feb. 1. photo by jen siegel

alicia winton, online coordinator xpressive, dedicated and joyful—three words theatre teacher Susan Lev used to describe head of tech senior Steven Pappas.

After joining junior year for a resume builder, Pappas realized that he really enjoyed tech lighting and was trained to take over as head of tech, a responsibility and honor that Pappas does not take lightly. “I’m pretty proud that I’m head of tech even though I’ve only been doing it for two years. It’s a definite time commitment but I know that with commitment comes responsibility,â€? Pappas said But for those not familiar with the art of theatrical lighting, what exactly does being head of tech entail? Other than flipping switches, of course‌

“Lots of times it’s about creating the mood. In ‘Twelve Angry Jurors,’ the lighting got brighter and more intense as the play went on and that reflected the intensity.� Pappas said.

And if the subtly increased brightness slipped your attention when you saw the fall play, maybe you remember the effect of the sun setting behind the “windows� of the courthouse, Lev’s personal favorite of Steven’s performances.

His favorite part? “I really like planning what the scenes are going to look like in terms of taking what’s going on onstage and making it more visually appealing, finding what lighting complements what’s going on,�

Pappas said.

Pappas’ work is not to be missed by those it benefits. “Steven basically is the reason that we’re able to be seen,� senior Andrew Carey, an actor who sees Pappas’ handiwork from the stage

itself, said. “On top of that, he projects a mood from the setting he creates with his lights.�

And Pappas does more than lighting cues; he also attends rehearsals as part of the creative team, so he understands what is happening on stage and can create the “character� of the lighting.

But being in tech comes with certain traumatic experiences. “During the winter assembly this year somebody leaned up against the house lights during the performance so during the middle of the dramatic dance number all the lights in the auditorium go on and that’s all I heard the rest of the day from my friends.� Pappas said.

But despite the occasional embarrassment, Pappas plans to continue lighting in college. “In fact I’m starting to question whether I want to be a doctor or whether I want to be involved with theatrical lighting for the rest of my life,� Pappas said.

Smartphone competition heats up with androids

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katie boltz, staff writer t’s too soon to call the iPhone5 the king of the smart phone market. Just ask owners of Android phones, like juniors Sarah Schaeffler and Richard McBryde. They both praise their Samsung Galaxy S3 phones, especially the new S-beam where you place the Galaxy’s back-to-back and can transfer media from one phone to the other.

Schaeffler takes advantage of the customization for the home screen which makes the phone more universal. “I like having the calendar on my home screen,� Schaeffler said. “And the lists are helpful for school with reminders.�

McBryde likes to listen to his music on the Galaxy, especially 2 Chains. He enjoys being able to watch videos and text at the same time. The Galaxy is $600 at face value

but with the 2 year contract upgrade they are $200, same as the iPhone. “I like to find Sarah to S-beam kitten [meme] pictures,� said McBryde. “I try to find her to as often as I can.�

Sophomore Elizabeth Gillum would recommend the Droid, another popular android, over the iPhone. Gillum says the Droid’s multiple buttons are an advantage over the iPhone’s single button. Like the Galaxy, the Droid’s home screen can be customized. Droids are updated and advanced more often, making them more appealing to the technologically advanced than iPhones.

The Droids are normally $600, but, like the Galaxy and iPhone 5, the Droid is $200 with an upgrade.

The LG Android is another popular choice; the customizable home screen is a continu-

ous trend. Senior David Parks prefers his LG over the iPhone for its longer battery life.

Apps can start to get pricy when they reach $4.99, but according to Parks there are more free apps available on the Android market. “iPhones are locked into Apple products,�

Parks said, “But with the Androids you have a wider variety.�

A drop in demand for the iPhone5 last month sent Apple stock downward. The Wall Street Journal reports waning demand even has Apple lowering orders for iPhone5 parts. Trending Smart phones from companies like Samsung may be partly responsible, according to National Public Radio’s “Marketplace.� The war for the best smart phone GALAXIES COLLIDE when juniors Richard McBryde and prevails, with the release of the Blackberry Sarah Schaeffler S-beam their phones. McBryde reZ10 – Android and iPhone competitor—on ceived a picture of Schaeffler’s cat.

Jan. 30. photo by katie boltz

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february 11, 2013

MAKING A MASTERPIECE. left to right: A Hollywood star adorns the Film Club display at Club Rush in October; Freshmen Alexis Cooper, Christine Condon and Sarah Stockdale discuss Alfred Hitchcock’s works; Seniors Thomas Coard and Will Clare film a scene from “Asian Invasion” while club sponsor Richard Englar supervises. photos by zoss assefa

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Club spotlight: Students run the reel

zoss assefa, staff writer & anna jensen, co-editor van rolls in, its doors ajar. A beat drops and the van “dances” to the rhythm - its windows roll up and down, its headlights flash on and off, its door swing open and slam shut seamlessly.

There are no people guiding the action.

“Live on Five!” aired this commercial early in the school year, nudging students from their homeroom slumber with neon colors and booming substep music. These commercials were produced by Film Club, a group which was born three years ago and has since grown dramatically, currently boasting 30 members.

With this new publicity campaign, club sponsor Richard Englar said, the group aims to involve students in fun activities that may someday culminate in career development.

The club’s weekly meetings are time-effi-

cient - Englar and co-presidents Will Clare and Christine Kirchner, both seniors, carefully design an agenda and remind their peers about upcoming events like film premiers.

Members then break into smaller groups and work independently on projects - these range from commercials to music videos to short and stop-motion films.

Members are free to pursue whatever type of project they’d like, Englar said. The club is there to provide guidance, support and publicity for young filmmakers.

“We make a variety of videos. Will makes short videos and I make sad music videos.

We do commercials, too,” Kirchner said.

She recently completed a music video to Linkin Park’s “Leave Out All the Rest.”

Clare said he appreciates the artistic freedom the club grants him.

“I just do whatever comes to mind. Like

Band performs at Sugar Bowl

Dubstep Van for the Film Club commercial,” he said. “There was really no point to it, but that was the point.”

Many club members, like Clare, try to experiment with different types of videos. The club’s first film premier featured a diversity of subjects and formats. Clare’s group produced the nonsensical “Asian Invasion,” a stop-motion film telling a King Midas-esque story of an Asian student —in place of gold, everything the student touched became Asian as well.

New club members Christine Condon, Sarah Stockdale and Alexis Cooper, all freshmen, presented “Stuff Freshmen Say,” poking fun at the stereotypically clueless ninth grader.

The club plans to host a feature length movie premier sometime in May. The exact date has not yet been decided.

But Englar said he’d like to break club

members away from their comfort zone of short, humorous videos. He said he would like to direct a movie about the school’s new motto “We Are One,” though no plans for this have become definite yet. Additionally, Kirchner expressed her desire to see the club host a film festival sometime near the end of the school year that will include contributions from all members.

Members said they enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of their meetings.

“It’s just a fun thing to do,” senior Richard Buck said. “Even if you aren’t filming, you can hang out and talk to friends.”

The zeal for the club is shared among both returning and new members alike - according to Condon, the free and open nature of meetings fuels her love for film.

Film Club meets every Monday after school for an hour in room 115.

Astronaut grad trains for first space mission

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IN THE SUPERDOME. The Lion’s Roar Marching Band performs in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Halftime show at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans Jan. 3. Students said highlights include a visit to the French Quarter, a riverboat cruise and the regional cuisine, including raw oysters and gumbo. photo from kyra twohy

kyra twohy, business manager hen you look into the night sky next year, give a little wave to Class of 1993 graduate Reid Wiseman. He is training for a six-month stint on the International Space Station.

When his crew launches in May 2014, he’ll be one of five flight engineers on Expedition 40.

“My time in space will be a lot like yours from day-to-day, without the gravity,” Wiseman said.

A typical day will consist of mandatory exercise, sleep, the occasional repair to the space station and – most importantly – science experiments.

Most experiments aim to assess behavioral changes in microgravity. The crew will experiment on insects, fish, animals – even on crewmembers themselves.

Recent experiments conducted on the ISS, for instance, demonstrated that microgravity strengthened the salmonella bacterium. By reversing the process,they created a vaccine now under FDA testing.

“We never know which experiment could end up changing the world,” he said.

To become familiarized him with the Russian spaceship he’ll travel into orbit in, Wiseman works in Russia every other month.

While stationed at Mission Control in Houston, he’s learning to conduct experiments and maintain the $100 billion laboratory he’ll be working with.

Wiseman, a naval test pilot, was deployed in the Middle East when his application for astronaut training was approved. After a week of “disbelief” and “pure excitement,”

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ASTRONAUT & ALUMNUS. above: Reid Wiseman suits up for an underwater walk at the NASA Space Center in Houston. left: Wiseman’s official NASA portrait photos from wiseman

he began training in the summer of 2009.

Wiseman said the hardest part of training is the physically exhausting six-hour training sessions in the pressurized space suits.

“Just the simple act of squeezing your hand becomes a serious chore,” Wiseman said.

“After these training runs, it is tough just to use a fork and a knife to eat dinner.”

Though he was never an A-student here, a lifelong fascination with airplanes and rockets plus the math and sciences classes he took as an upperclassman pushed him to study engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, he said.

“Dreams of joining NASA were just too unrealistic,” Wiseman said, “although the thought was there.”

It was the “quality of teachers” and “competitive spirit” here that set Wiseman on the road to NASA. He particularly remembers retired chemistry teacher Gary Schreiber.

Wiseman recommends that students aiming to join his ranks look for work they enjoy in “operationally-oriented” technical fields like geology, engineering or pilotage.