East Scroll issue 2

2,500 25 The

number on the Drake University jersey that Drake wore at his concert

It has been 106 yeasr that the Chicago Cubs have went to the World Series and won it all. This year the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians with a 4-3 victory to break history.

l or l

East High has a total of 2,500 student currently enrolled in the 2016-2017 school year.

10:15 am The time that students

walked out of class for a distrect wide protst

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Photo/ E. Rothmayer

46

The United States Olympic team brought home a total of 46 gold medals from the 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

The team dominated the games bringing home a total of 121 medals over all.

School records broken, ranging from track in the spring to swimming in the fall

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Volume 85 Issue 2 Dec. 22, 2016

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Girls rugby brought home a state championship trophy, being the only team to make it to state and bring home the trophy. pg. 18

173

In 2016 alone there was a total of 173 fatal shooting by police upon citizens

Police deaths pg. 17 sky rocketed this year, leaving 64 law enforcement families with out their officer.

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The highest grade you can possibly get with East High’s new grading system

2016 eastscroll.com

@EastScroll

pg. 8

EastScroll

pg. 17: Officer Trudy reflects on recent police officer events

Scroll Staff: Issue 2

pg. 14: bodyshaming; we are all worth much more

December 22nd, 2016

pg. 10 & 11: inside tour of WHO13

Co-Editors in Chief

Robbi Boggess Elaina Rothmayer

Feature Editor Abby Folkerts

Staffers Anthony Arroyo Kyleana Whitmore Alyssa Ayersman Jordan Williams Lynsey Borgen Mayson Williams Laurie Custard Elise Dowler Mason Fisher Cover Elizabeth Flores Alyssa Ayersman Nicole Grove Gwendolyn Major Adviser Toni McPhee Natalie Niemeyer Madison Stout Principal Tanner Tillotson Christopher Trevino Leslie Morris Fallon Trenter

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DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL EQUALITY STATEMENT

The Des Moines Public Schools prohibits discrimination in educational and employment prog rams and activities based on age, race, creed, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

In addition, the District prohibits acts of intolerance or harassment toward employees or students that are not related to the individual’s employment or education.

ADS POLICY

Ads are available in quarter page, half page and full page sizes. Ad inquiries should be directed to Natalie Niemeyer at natalie.niemeyer@dmschools.org.

The Scroll reserves the right to reject ads deemed not in the best interest of East students. The paper is printed every four weeks by Wilcox Printing in Madrid, IA.

LETTER POLICY The Scroll welcomes letters but reserves the right to edit for space as needed. Outside contributions are subject to the usual restrictions of libel and obscenity and must conform to general paper policy, which is available upon request. Signed commentaries represent personal opinions, not views of the staff. Also, your letter needs to include your full name and grade. Unsigned letters can not be printed. You can deliver your letter to Natalie Niemeyer in room 3060N.

NOTE: All contents are the product of the EHS newspaper production staff. Occasional stories are contributed from the Journalism Intern program.

The Scroll is a public forum for student expression.

Page Editor/Abby Folkerts

Family Trumps Hate Coexisting with family during the best time of the year

Photo Illustration/ A. Folkerts & E. Rothmayer

Story/ A. Folkerts

Snow is falling steadily outside, while you are inside wrapped up in a plethora of blankets and drinking a smooth cup of hot chocolate. You have the faint sound of Christmas music playing from your radio.

This particular moment is the moment you have been waiting for all year, up until you heard the results of the election on November 8. Half of your family supported Donald Trump, and the other half supported Hillary Clinton. You know that there will be arguments this holiday season. The “holiday” mood is way different this year than in years past. There is a divide in some American families this year...all based on the outcome of the recent presidential election.

Happiness usually is in the air around this time of the year. The holiday season typically brings out the happiness in most individuals.

People seem to be more energetic and positive during the holiday season as well.

There are many reasons behind this theorysome being the Christmas spirit in the air, and others are being able to buy gifts for the people that you love, and whom are closest to you. Seeing family and friends is another big part of the holiday season. Being able to connect with family that you don’t see

Page Editor/A. Folkerts

very often is another great reason why the holidays are the best time of the year. On the contrary, some people are not looking forward to seeing family this holiday season, and rightfully so. As Americans, we are very opinionated on issues that are happening within our country and in our world. If your family is divided between their beliefs on who should have won the election, there is bound to be some sort of argument this holiday.

Another part that most people look forward to is the food that is put on the table during the holiday season. The chocolate, cookies, and pie just all seem to taste better around this time of the year. While most people look forward to receiving gifts from loved ones, most people enjoy the spirit of giving as well. Buying gifts for others is empowering in of itself. Being able to make somebody happy, is priceless. Also, the fact that students and teachers get a longish break during the holiday season is another reason why it’s a great time of the year. Let’s be honest, students are ready for a break, and most teachers are probably ready for a break as well. We all need a little time away from school, to refresh ourselves and relax for the next part of the school year. In year’s past,

winter break has been a time of relaxation.

This year, it might be a little different. How are we supposed to relax when our families are going at each other about the election? Well, that honestly is the million dollar question.

How do we coexist with our families this year? How can we get rid of the tension in “No matter our beliefs, we all need to stick together and remember that at the end of the day, family is forever, and our future president is temporary.”

the room about who voted for who? The truth is, you really can’t avoid the tension about the recent election this year. Our world is on edge based on the results of our new president-elect. We all have our differences, but the holidays should not be centered around the presidential election. Instead of fighting with each other this holiday season, let’s grow closer. Nothing good ever comes from fighting and negativity. No matter our beliefs, we all need to stick together and remember that at the end of the day, family is forever, and our future president is temporary.

page / 3 opinion

How to survive a winter in Des Moines Things to do in Des Moines in the winter Story/A.Arroyo

Winter Jam

Capitol Hill

Brenton Skating Plaza

photo/A.Arroyo

The Winter Jam is on Jan. 27 at Wells Fargo Arena. The Winter Jam is a concert with 10 artist performing. The concert will last around four hours.

The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and it is show time at 7:00 p.m.. Tickets are only available at the door for $10 each. There is no age limit to attend.

The Brenton Skating Plaza is a great place to do something fun with family and friends. Brenton Skating Plaza is open everyday of the week. Admission for adults is $6 Monday through Thursday and $7.50 Friday through Sunday plus holidays.

Also there is a $4.25 skate rental.

If you have no money and still want to do a fun activity, go to Capital Hill on a snowy day. Go sledding with all your friends. It is free and a very popular activity to do in the winter. Also you get a great view of Des Moines skyline and the Capital building.

Story/F.Trenter

Everybody has new years resolutions, no matter who you are, there is always something you want to change or better yourself on. Of course there are the clichĂŠ ones.. lose weight, save money, exercise more, Can you come up with something better?

>>

>>

1.Good grades 2.Settle all problems with anyone 3.Be as helpful as I can

Cass Yates/10

Rhonda Shenan/9

1. Stop drinking pop 2. Stay off social media more 3. Get along with my Anna Armstrong/12 sister

>>

Page Editor/A.Arroyo, F.Trenter

1. Grow my hair out 2. Get better grades 3. Be more positive

page /4 feature

DIY Christmas How to do holiday shopping on a budget

M. Stout

As the holidays are fast approaching, overdue Christmas preparation is necessary. Parties being thrown left and right filled with holiday wear and last minute gifts are struggling to be bought or made. The nerves are rising up and you’re constantly overwhelmed. In order to calm your nerves, here’s how to destress with these DIY Christmas ideas.

DIY clothing DIY Christmas tree skirt

DIY gifts Snowglobes

Photo/ M. Stout Materials: - Tree Skirt (most likely a solid color, $4.99Walmart) - Felt ($1.53- Michaels) - Fabric Glue ($1-$3- Walmart)

DIY holiday sweater

Photos/ M. Stout

Materials: - Red or Green Sweater (Goodwill- $2.99) - Felt ($1.53- Michaels) - Tinsel ($3.99-$5.99 - Walmart) - Ornaments ($2.99- $5.99)

Page Editor/ M. Stout

Materials - Baby Food Jar - Plastic Figurine - Glycerin (optional) - Glitter (any color) - Water - Glue (to seal lid) Directions 1. Decide what you’d like to have in your snow globe.

2. Glue, place, and stick your pastic figurine inside the lid jar.

3. Fill your jar with water and/or glycern and add glitter (1-2 teaspoons).

4. Screw on the lid (or glue) 5. SHAKE IT UP!!

Photo/hometalk.com

Bath bombs Materials - 1 cup baking soda - 1/2 cup citric acid (you can find this in the canning aisle) - 10 drops essential oils - 1/2 tablespoon carrier oil -Spray bottle of water -Silicone mold or muffin tin Directions 1. In a medium bowl, mix together the baking soda and citric acid. You can strain them through a sieve for a finer consistency if desired.

2. In a small bowl, stir together your carrier and essential oil. Add to the medium bowl of powders and stir until well mixed.

3. Using a spray bottle of water, mist the surface until slightly damp. Mix until the consistency of slightly wet sand—it should clump together when pressed.

DO NOT OVER SATURATE!!

If it’s too wet it WILL fall apart when you are taking it out of the molds.

Photo/wikimediacommons 4. Pack into molds. You can use a silicone mold for smaller shapes or a muffin tin for bigger ‘pucks’. Be sure to add the mixture to the top of the mold and really pack it in there.

5.Cover mold with a paper towel, and carefully turn upside down over a baking sheet covered in another paper towel. Gently tap the bottom of the mold if needed, and unmold the bath bombs. Cover with paper towels and let dry overnight.

6. Package in an airtight container or bag so that your DIY bath bombs don’t lose their fizz, and

enjoy!

page /5 feature

5

things you didn’t know about East Story/ E. Flores

You’ve wandered these very historic halls that thousands of students have walked through for 104 years before you. Maybe your parents or even your grandparents have walked them too but do you really know East High School? Here are five things that you probably didn’t know about East.

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East has a basement also known as “The dungeon”.

This is where old yearbooks, trophies and documents are stored. It is basically a storage place. “I’ve been down there before. You’d be surprised about what’s down there,” teacher Long said.

3

There is an old pool underneath the current pool. It was was used in the 30’s and 40’s but was then closed in the 50’s.

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Back when World War 1 was going on, 11 students from East High had joined. Today, we have 11 trees planted outside of East named after those 11 students to honor them and their service. There are plaques buried underneath the dirt with their names on them.

Some of them are not buried but most of them are so it is hard to tell which trees represent those 11 men. “This next year we’re going to be researching it and looking for the plaques,” principal Leslie Morris said.

The weight room used to be a girl’s gym. The 1975 gymnastics team practiced there also. “I practiced there when I was on the basketball team and I’ve practiced there as a coach since I’ve been here,” Long said.

Page Editor/ E. Flores

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East High School’s newspaper is the oldest highschool news paper in Iowa. The very first issue was published on Oct. 16, 1931. Each issue was published every two weeks.

page /6 feature

Behind the podium Get an inside look on the face of East High Band

story/M. Lawrence photo/ J. Thering

Posing with Color Guard coach Maddie Williams at the Beaverdale Fall Festival parade is EHS Band Director Joseph Thering. Thering takes the band to many different events and directs four different ensembles and legitimately enjoys it. “I saw how challenging teaching could be and what impact it could have on people’s lives...I knew it would keep me thoroughly engaged for the rest of my life,” Thering said.

It’s 7:35 a.m and the band room is full of students. The air is buzzing with the sounds of conversations, sour notes coming out of instruments, and the shriek of that one kid who always has to make a scene. It’s the same thing every morning: the second the 7:40 bell rings, director Joseph Thering steps onto the podium and starts the band’s warm-ups. Thering may be a lover of polo shirts, red Converse shoes, essential oils, and Lysol, but there’s so much more to him than what meets the eye.

“I think the band has become better [since Thering came to East] and the song selection is way more hip,” fellow teacher and friend Kayla O’Connor said. “I have seen him trying new things and he is one of the hardest

working teachers here at East. He devotes so much of his time to the program and the students.”

Thering came to East for the 2012-2013 school year and has taught here ever since. The program had been on a steady decline since the mid-2000’s, and the band program had gone through three different directors over that time. Halftime shows at football games had become stale, sloppy, and boring. Members were discouraged by the band’s state, and many talented students quit. Band students felt a disconnect between them and the past directors, but this all changed when Thering came along.

“I feel the students connected to me first,” Thering said. “Everyone

Quick facts about

Mr. Thering

Page Editor/M. Lawrence

did their homework [on me] and knew everything about me first and accepted me right away.”

It’s not unusual to see a group of eight or so students huddled into Thering’s small office both before and after school just hanging out. But they aren’t just loitering, he’s participating in their

and out of the classroom,” 4 year band veteran Emily Ouverson said. “Part of the time anyway, the other part of the time he’s a goofball.”

Fellow senior Kayla Palmer agrees with Ouverson’s statement.

“He is extremely good at getting you where you need to be with being in your face about it,” Palmer said. “I am very sad that this year is my last, but I know that with the skills and knowledge he has bestowed on me, I am as ready as I will ever be for the rest of my life.”

However, there’s more to Thering than teaching Band, Boot Camp Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, and AP Music Theory.

He can’t seem to get away from music, even outside of school and

“He’s a guiding hand in and out of the classroom.” conversations on politics, movies, and more. This friendly environment Thering created has helped construct strong bonds with students, particularly with this year’s senior class.

“He’s a guiding hand in

Saxophone is his main instrument He was born and raised just south of Madison, Wisconsin

participates in the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, and plays saxophone for Central Iowa Wind Ensemble. Thering also enjoys yoga, running and biking, ghost hunting, and touring architectural sites.

“Traveling is always good even if I don’t get to tour some kind of massive structure,” Thering said.

Thering still has quite a few years left in his teaching career, and he’s prepared for it. He still has many new and exciting ideas for the band program and is ready to bring them to life.

Reflecting over his five years at East High School, Thering realizes how much the band has improved, but wishes to continue to move in a positive direction.

“I’m not done yet,” Thering said with a small laugh.

He has a mom, step dad, and two sisters who still live in Wisconsin.

He attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa

page / 7 feature

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The other side of Standards Referenced Grading

Fairness, accuracy, specificity, and timeliness: the goals of Standards Referenced Grading. The grading system with a plan to standardize grading for all teachers across all schools.

Is it working though? Are students benefiting from the new grading system?

The answer is up

agree with the SRG system, they feel that it isn’t preparing them for college. DrummondCroy points out this flaw, “I feel like SRG single handedly destroyed preparation for college. It does not give us a realistic expectation of what teachers and professors are going to want us to do, I mean there’s

“My freshman year of college is going to be the biggest wake up call I’ll ever experience” for debate, waging a war between the district and those who reside within it.

There are no clear sides, only opinions and unspoken issues never to be resolved.

“If dmps actually cared about their students going beyond high school, which is basically the whole goal of getting a valuable high school education, they should have looked at the system and looked at the flaws” junior Camryn Drummond-Croy said.

Many students do not

only one benefit and that is that our teacher will let us retake practically anything we want. And that does not prepare us for college at all,” Drummond-Croy said.

She was a part of the “guinea pig” year when it came to SRG. The first group to experience and grow up with it, this means that every year she’s experiencing teachers who are new to the grading scale. Teachers who don’t fully understand the ins and outs, which makes it difficult to succeed in their

classes. “What about the students who want to excel?

Who can excel when teachers don’t know how to work with their grading system. How are you expected to excel?”

Drummond-Croy said.

Drummond-Croy isn’t the only one bothered by SRG: senior Leo Garcia has issues with it as well. ”I think srg isn’t practical for use in high school.

In theory it makes sense, students get graded on different levels of proof of knowledge. Those who do good still do good. The issue is that even though those students are more than likely doing the same work, they often get lower grades since the teachers are bound by stiff grading criteria” Garcia said.

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taking classes at Central Academy is almost having a meltdown because she didn’t have any (homework) in sixth and seventh grade and is now stressed out because she is assigned homework,” Keith said.

Keith is not the only teacher at East who is feeling the effects of SRG. English teacher Virginia Johnson expresses her concerns with SRG as well.

“I don’t think SRG is pushing the best learners. I think it provides more for the lower students. I think everyone deserves and I don’t think everyone is getting what they need from SRG at this time,” Johnson said.

With all of this said, SRG is still the grading system everyone Students needs to get “It doesn’t make sense to have students be allowed to aren’t used to. It’s the only here to stay, have infinite opportunities for ideal grades, and at the people whether we same time expect them to know how to go above and frustrated like it or not. beyond at every opportunity the first time.”

by SRG As students g r a d i n g. we have an M a n y obligation teachers are as well. standards referenced grading. to adapt to the grading Freshman English “My daughter who standards. It’s only four years, teacher Julie Keith is fed is in eighth grade and let’s make the most of them. up with the issues of SRG. “I think one of the huge disadvantages to standards referenced grading is that it has narrowed what I can grade (students) on to such a fine point, that students who are worried about just passing and not necessarily learning, it leaves them with very isolated pieces of what we have learned instead of an overall education” Keith said.

One of Keith’s biggest problems is the lack of homework that teachers are able to give students, which makes her feel that her students, and her own children, will be unprepared for the college level. Keith is in a unique position as her own kids are experiencing the shift by DMPS to

How is the role of assessment different in this system?

2012-13 District-wide task force study SRG In a traditional grading system, student assessments were often 2013-14 Middle school partial implementation breaks given (5 teacher leaders from every MS) down a students grade for the purpose of entering a score in the grade 2014-15 Full MS implementation; select 9th into different topics. Each topic book. Assessments grade courses has several lessons that need to be taught, in an SRG system are given for the 2015-beyond SRG system and corresponding assessments which count as a body of purpose of identifying future evidence. These assessments are then given a score of 1-4 depending will follow students learning opportunities

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on how well you could apply the lessons. The body of evidence scores are averaged with other body of evidences to create the topic score. The topic scores are then averaged for the final grade, which can be translated as an A,B,C,D, or F

What

Page Editor/ E. Rothmayer

for students.

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page /8 feature

w

Photo/ M. Fisher Doing a puzzle during morning hours of Metro, Fourth grader Mikayla Smith, Kindergartner Harmony Cook, and First grader Riley Gibson.

DMPS Metro Kids What is it?

F

rom playing tag, serving snacks to being a mentor is just a taste of Metro Kids caregiver’s daily responsibilities.

“Providing care and guidance to the kids as well as improving behavioral issues,” are some of the responsibilities that senior Ben McGregor has.

Metro Kids is a before and after school child care program designed to have fun and interactive relationships with elementary students. Metro Kids is offered to grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. The hours are from -Metro 6:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. During regional days, Metro Kids is offered at specific elementary schools throughout the district.

The goal for Metro Kids is to provide a safe and loving environment for children who have parents who work.

“I know how they act and how they react, they know me and they trust me to do what’s best for them. Other kids don’t have the bond we have,” senior Lexi Lingner said.

Responsibilities as a Metro caregiver goes from playing with the kids one on one, to making sure they are making good decisions.

“Some kids who go to Metro Kids are usually ones with behavior issues due to problems at home. Other than that, most

of them are like your everyday elementary school kids,” McGregor said.

What makes Metro Kids different than just going home, taking the bus, or at a daycare is they get to experience all the art projects, science experiments, reading stories, and physical activities outside. Kids can enjoy all of these with the help of the caregivers.

Metro Kids is a paying job through Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). You apply through the school districts website, under the Jobs @ DMPS Kids student dmschools.org under Child Care. Every year the starting pay raises, the shifts are set and guaranteed, and you build an amazing relationship with the kids. The hours offered to work are 6:30-8:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Before hired, they ask if you want to work AM/PM or both.

love coming to Metro “Ibecause I love the toys and the teachers and the art crafts.”

Page Editor/ M. Fisher

“

Playing with babies are First grader Audrey Weber and Kindergartner Mia Seibel.

Photo/ M. Fisher

page /9 feature

Life on the other side of the lens A look inside the lives of WHOTV journalists Story/ Boggess/ Custard You’re scrolling through your feed when you come across an article “East High School Student Displays Confederate Flag on Car, drawing differing reactions.”

You roll your eyes in disgust of another article displaying the side of East High the public has its opinions and reputation dead set on.

Disbelief sets in on how news stations have yet again broadcasted the few students who do not reflect the 2,300 other students at East. Before you jump onto social media flooding the notifications of reporters and anchors for doing their job, think about life on the other side of the lens. That is just what two East High students decided to do.

Two jittery journalism students from East await their job shadow at WHOTV HD, with clammy hands they extend their hands out in greeting to none other than evening anchor, Dan Winters. Right away Winters gets straight into a tour of the newsroom.

The newsroom consists of desks for producers, assignment directors, reporters, photojournalists,

and anchors. Assignment directors are in charge of knowing the whereabouts and sending out of reporters, cameraman, photojournalists, and cars when a story idea arises. Constant sound of the police scanner and clicking of keyboards fills the silence.

When something catches the attention of the newsroom, assignment directors choose the reporter and cameraman and send them on their way.

The afternoon meeting gets

she got in contact with the girl who organized the protest, who also happens to be East High’s very own Jalesha Johnson. Eager to fill Jodi in we tell Dan and he takes us right over to her. With a subtle introduction Winters said “These are East High’s stellar journalism students, and they have a few comments about your story.”

We pull up two chairs next to hers and get lost in conversation. We eventually

underway and news director Rod Peterson kicks things off introducing each producer.

Each show has its own producer besides the 5-7 a.m. they have two. Each producer outlined how they pictured the show running, where each story fit in the ladder, and if any reporters or anchors had any questions. During the meeting Jodi, mentions the few details of her story, one being

ask her about her personal experiences on the street as a reporter, good to note she has had no awful encounters.

Whitworth also mentions that she just doesn’t dwell on the negative. Shortly after, Dan approaches us to continue the tour. He then took us to “ the guts of the station” as Dan would say, which happens to be four large towers that are full of cords and is lit up

“

I have to go powder my nose.

”

like a Christmas tree. He then led us to the design area. We had a quick chat and learned that the promotions that air before the news are made by Doug Sawyer.

Towards the end of the quick promotion how to with Doug he looks at Dan and says, “Have you taken them to the set yet?”

One would have thought our seats were on fire with how fast we jumped out of them with huge grins on our faces. Allowing us to enter first, Dan holds the door open and our jaws drop. Straight to our left is the one and only Meteorologist, Megan Salois.

We walk just fast enough to get there without seeming anxious, and wait for our introduction from Dan. As we shake hands Salois asks if we have any questions. For a reason we will never find out the only thing that seems to stumble out is “So how much snow are we gonna get?”

After a quick laugh we let Salois get back to work and head out. Right when we walk out the door Dan’s phone starts ringing, he points to the lobby area and tells us to wait there while he finishes the call. Waiting there gives us an opportunity to reflect on how

much we love our lives. We looked at the time and couldn't believe three hours had already past. Mid fan girl conversation Winters comes back and we quickly act like nothing happened. He informs us that he is doing a Skype interview in 5 minutes, walks us over to the control room, where we will be waiting, and simply says

Keys to survival in the newsroom Make-up Reporters’ Notebook

Coffee

Hairspray

Page Editor/ Custard

page /10 feature

photo/ WHOTV Camera-man

Taking a moment to snap a quick picture are East High seniors Robbi and Lou. They had the privilage to job shadow journalists and WHO’s 4 o’clock co-anchors, Dan Winters, and Sonya Heitshusen. As the camera man gets ready to capture the moment, Sonya whispers, “Put on your best T.V. smiles guys.” the action happens.” We be late”, as Dan runs into the Peterson jumps quickly out of take our seats and as Dan break room to warm up his his desk to say his good byes. starts to walk out he adds “I coffee five minutes before the “Thank you guys so have to go powder my nose show starts. We follow him much for coming, You guys now.” The next time we see down the hall and wait for are welcome back here him, he is on many of the Dan to get camera ready and anytime, we want this to screens displayed in front quickly run onto set. Sitting feel like your second home” of us. Once the interview in awe of the calm, cool and Peterson warmly said. concludes Winters disappeared organized 4 p.m. news, Sonya We then grabbed the from the screens and appeared and Dan invite us to sit behind rest of our things and ____ ____ in front of us seconds later. the desks during a recorded headed toward the exit.

We head back to his desk so he part of the show. Quick fix “So when do we start?” can make any changes needed. of the hair and we excitedly We jokingly say in the elevator While we awaited Dan hopped up and put on our best on the way down to the lobby. editing his story, we spot the TV smile. With a few minutes One short afternoon at ____ ____ 4 o’clock co-anchor, Sonya to spare we asked how do they WHOTV was not enough to Heitshusen at her desk, after not freeze up when the light fully understand the demands photos/ WHOTV website a silent fan girl scream and of being in the newsroom, but arguing over who approaches was just enough to wrap our her we awkwardly spit out heads around the demands of ____ ____ hi. Even when we caught her being on the other side of the with no makeup and her hair lens. As reporters and anchors up still making edits to her fall to victim of the negative scripts she graciously gave stories about schools, they are us a few minutes to ask her just the warm, smiling faces ____ ____ questions. We asked her how we see on our screens. They she deals with people calling are only doing their job and in and emailing about how her getting the most important hair looks, what she is wearing news into the ears of the and how harsh they can be viewers. They are not just a but she assures us that being pretty face to manipulate but ____ ____ in this business you have to turns on and the Teleprompter these are the friendliest, hardhave tough skin and not let starts to run. Winters said, working, and reliable people A. Has never had a Pb&J sandwich people’s opinions alter your “It is really nerve racking.” you will meet. So before you look. Heitshusen said, “If I Heitshusen chimes in, “It is just go onto facebook to make a B. Has been in a developing tornado were to change my hair every repetition, you just get used to nasty comment about Sonya’s time someone said they did not it.” “Just like swinging a bat,” hair, or how you do not like C. Completed multiple marathons & triathlon like it” Robbi chimes in “You’d Winters said as he used Dan’s glasses, remember have green hair” and we all his job as a comparison to they are humans just like us.

D. Is a 3 time Iowa all state choir mentor laugh. “You just have to say softball. The cameraman’s 1 We all know if we woke up thanks for writing in and thanks minute warning scares us off tomorrow and there was no for watching the news, always the platform as we resume news, the world would not go E. Was president of his fraternity at ISU be polite,” Heitshusen said. being starstruck from our round. Thank you WHOTV. Sonya excuses herself to finish seats behind the camera. As F. Has went sky-diving before her scripts for the 4 o’clock Dan finished introducing news and we slip away to see the 5 p.m. news, he removes G. Was serenaded by Steve Miller if Dan is done. Dan emerges his mic, grabs his coffee, flustered and directs us back and waves us out the door.

H. Went to the university of London to his desk. We sit in shock Bursting with compliments as Dan slams on his keyboard about the show, Dan walks us I. Can recite every word of “Christmas Vacation” to finish his scripts minutes past the news director’s office, Was her High School’s first African American before the 4 o’clock news.

“Our future replacements are J. Homecoming queen “Keep up, we’re going to heading out”, Winters jokes. photo/ R. Boggess

Can you guess

?

“Keep

up we’re going to be late.”

Page Editor/ R. Boggess

page /11 feature

Scarlets worldwide Meet three ELL (English Language Learners) from all over the world Story/ T. McPhee

100 languages spoken in the households that make up Des Moines Public Schools. 6,100 ELL students. 156 committed and dedicated staff and teachers, including bilingual outreach staff at 50 different locations in the community. ELL is a program for students who have traveled to Iowa from another country that are not fluint in the English language. This progam provides students the opprotunity to speak a new language and learn how any other student in DMPS learns. Get to know three of East Highs own ELL students.

Fatuma Abdullahi

Kevin Argueta

Amani Shaldbi

Q: How old are you?

A: Abdullahi is 16 almost 17 years old.

Q: When did you come?

A: She came to the United States eight months ago and moved to Michigan.

From there she moved to Iowa.

Q: Where did you come from?

A: Kenya Q: What do you do for fun?

A: “I normally ride my bike, and I like to play piano.” She also likes to eat pizza and Angela (pancakes) and listen to music like Selena Gomez and Jason Derulo.

Q: What do you like most about East?

A: “My childhood friends go to East.”

Q: Why did you come to Iowa?

A: Abdullahi lived with her uncle in Kenya for six years. She then followed her mom and siblings who lived in the United States already.

Q: How old are you?

A: Argueta is 15 years old.

Q: When did you come?

A: He arrived to the United States eight months ago.

Q: Where did you come from?

A: Argueta came from El Salvador.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: “I like to play soccer and go to the park with my brothers.” Argueta might plan on playing soccer for East as well.

Q:What do you like most about East?

A: “ East is a really good school.”

Q: Why did you come to Iowa?

A: “ El Salvador is very dangerous, a lot of delinquiency like shootings and petty crimes.”

Q: How old are you?

A: Shaldbi is 17 years old.

Q: When did you come?

A: “I have been here for six months... it took me three days to get here.” She with her mom, dad, two brothers, and three sisters.

Q: Where did you come from?

A: Shaldbi is from Sudan.

Q: What did you do for fun in Sudan?

A: “We played volleyball, we go dancing and we just read the book.”

Q: Why did you come to Iowa?

A: “My family needed money, and Sudan is not safe. We help other people in Sudan, too. If people need money, they call me and we send them the money.

Page Editor/ T. McPhee

page /12 feature

VVho Are|erA yoUU We all have a persona that we create while we’re around others, whether that’s with strangers, with friends, or even, with family; but who are you when you take your mask off ?

Story/J.williams

“My brutal honesty.”

“My lack of caring/caring too much.”

“My sense of humor.”

“My individuality.”

“My talent for everything.”

“My fear for the future.”

“Hot or cold.”

“My selflessness.”

“I am not judgemental.”

“I am not the looks I am labeled by.”

A Student A Baker A Person: “Some people make you feel like less than a person.”

Lover not a fighter An Iowan Hypochondriac Cry baby Worry wart -Anonymous “Instead of a wall, I’m a curtain; I’m easily pushed aside,” “A little crazy and weird; I’ll always be that way.”

Independent “I’m not a football player; I can never be that again.

-Anonomous “I have been many things.”

“I don’t know who I am anymore; I kinda got lost in the mix.”

“I get injured really easily.”

“I’m a little bit of an asshole.”

“African American girl in “I can’t hurt anyone; it’s not me.”

America” “I’m no superhero, but I do try to do good things.” very Lazy opinionated “I like my hair.” emotional A fun -Anonymous person upbeat Smart positive Athletic trustworthy “I like to try new things.” a good person Daring an open book Funny “I’d rather have it said by me” Creative “I don’t care what people think about me” Crazy Caring Awesome The story of Jekyll and Hyde -Anonymous Sad Angry “Like the string A coward tied around someone’s finger, A runaway because I’m easily forgotten about.”

Weak Nice Worthless Creative Useless Introvert “I show care for others Crazy when some don’t give that care back.”

Manipulative Unique -Anonymous A hard-worker Worrier Quiet Passionate -Anonymous

“

I am not the looks I am labled by.

Page Editor/J. Williams

page /10 feature

never

going to be

Body shaming needs to stop, people are more than the way they look

“

Body shaming takes many forms such as, criticizing your own appearance or judging another person's appearance either in front of them or behind their back. No matter how it occurs, it leads to the idea that people's worth is judged solely by their appearance.

This happens to celebrities in front of millions of people everyday, and more than likely has happened to everyone else in this world at least once, whether it be about your stomach, legs, or face, we are afraid of what others say when we aren't looking. We judge ourselves just as harsh as they do, and that's terrible.

Body shaming is big problem in today's society. Not only have we degraded women's bodies but now we are also degrading men's bodies, and it has became a problem for both genders. We live in a world where magazines question whether or not female celebrities are pregnant based on their body size. The comments made

towards people are why men and women both have low self esteem.

In today's society, it is not wrong to express your full opinion, but using it to shut out someone who has a different body than what you consider "perfect" is not ok. Body shaming is humiliating and can have big effects on people. In the world today you see young girls with eating disorders such as anorexia because they feel it will make them look like society's image for a "perfect body", because the media has promoted the hour glass figure.

We should not be body shaming. We should be supporting and motivating each other and until people start to realize this, body shaming will still remain in the world and will remain an issue until people learn to accept their bodies and others for who they are, and until the media stops promoting a "perfect body". Be you and never let any one tell you that you’re not beautiful, pretty, or good enough, because you are enough.

Be you and never let anyone tell you you’re not beautiful.

photo/N. Grove

East students Rico Field, Averi Dyer, Keagan Dolphin, and Savannah Young hold up signs describing themselves in one word that isn’t related to their physical appearance, showing there is more to them than what meets the eye.

Page Editor/ N. Grove

page /10 opinion

private fears in public places Story/ M. Williams

everyone is afraid of something

“I am honestly just so scared of being alone; It genuinely terrifies me.”

-Anonymous female, age 15

“Being rejected by the one I love.”

-Anonymous male, age 16

“My biggest fear is that my dad will get back into drugs. I’m afraid that something will make him unhappy and his life will fall apart all over again.” -Anonymous female, age 15

“Feeling like I’ve wasted my time.”

-Anonymous male, age 62

“Losing my family because I love them so much,” -Anonymous male, age 10

“My biggest fear would have to be death and dying. I’ve lost a lot of important people in my life and i would say that it’s really scary to think that those people don’t exist anymore; the unknown of knowing if I’m ever going to see them again. As well as not knowing what happens when you die. What was the point of living if you have no idea what’s on the other side? I’m not worried about being remembered; I’m worried about the finality of it all.”

-Anonymous female, age 28

Page Editor/ M. Williams

“A realistic fear of mine is being jumped, in my front yard for being the person that I am,” -Anonymous male, age 16

“I’m scared that my granddaughter doesn’t have any opportunity to be successful because of her parents.”

-Anonymous female, age 57

“I’m scared of dying because death is such a scary situation. One day we’re here and the next day we’re not.

It’s kind of a scary concept, to be honest.”

-Anonymous male, age 15

page /15 feature

Guns don’t kill people, people kill people

Story/ C. Trevino

It’s 2:30 a.m. An extremely loud noise just woke you up. Your dog is barking at an alarming rate. Your worst fear just became a reality, someone broke into your home. Your heart is about to jump out of your chest. You ask yourself if this is really happening? What do you do? What can you defend yourself with? A Louisville slugger? Your pillow? All these things are going through your head and you have a rush of adrenaline going through your body. You get your Mossberg 12 gauge and the single pump of the shotgun scares the intruder away.

The thing about guns is that some people totally love them and others sweat at the thought of them. Why? Democratic news reporters have put that fear in the head of their viewers that guns have one sole purpose, to kill. Any smart and responsible gun owner knows that that’s not true. Look at the Utah schools. Ever since they let teachers conceal carry, with the proper training and multiple backgroud checks, there

5 safety tips for handling guns

Photo/C.Trevino

Always treat the gun as loaded.

Here you can see the three common types of guns. At the very top is a standard pump guage shotgun. In the middle of the three, is a semiautomatic handgun. And then, the one at the bottom, is the infamous AR-15.

hasn’t been a single school shooting in Utah.

I personally think that guns are both a good and bad thing. Guns have many uses. They help defend single mothers who live in unsafe neighborhoods.

They help put food on the table, for hunters that live outside the suburburbs and can’t get their food otherwise. They help our law enforcement and our military.

We’ve all heard the phrase “Guns kill people”. I don’t know

about you, but that really grinds my gears. Guns do three things. They shoot, they fail, and they rust. Violence comes from the heart of those terrible people. Saying that guns kill people is like saying pencils misspell words on their own. I am fully aware that no matter how many guns laws or restrictions are passed, there are those individuals that will some how be able to get their hands on guns.

We need to start accepting that guns are

“Check their sanity.

going to be around for a good while. Guns manufactures aren’t going to stop making rifles and handguns just because a group of liberals think “guns kill people.”Guns were intended to protect us and help defend from all bad.

As soon as we educate ourselves in firearms, we’ll realize that they’re not “killing machines.”

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.

Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy.

”

http://www.magtechammunition.com/

Janet Malmberg, pro-gun teacher, said about ensuring background checks for gun owners Page Editor/ C.Trevino

page /16 opinion

photo/K. Whitmore

Des Moines bleeds blue After the tragic loss of two officers we hear from people who were affected by it and how it impacted the community

3

facts Officer Trudy about

She knows Portuguese

She has six siblings

She can snowboard Page Editor/ E. Dowler

“

“

School Resource Officer Trudy shows her badge. She has worked at East for two years.

Officer Anthony Beminio from the cerned about the safety of others but DMPD, and officer Justin Martin from there are family members who are conthe Urbandale police department were cerned as well. Senior Courtney Downing shot and killed on Wednesday Nov. 2. has a special connection to a Des Moines Around 1 a.m. the police in Urbandale re- police officer; her mom is dating one.

“My biggest fear is him leaving that sponded to reports of gunfire at the intersection of 70th street and Aurora Avenue position,” Downing said. He is a SRO at and found officer Martin, who had be- Roosevelt. When she heard about those ofcome an officer last year, (shot to death). ficers, she and her family were shaken up.

“With everything going on its good to be Then around 1:30 a.m. about a mile and a thankful for the men half away at Merle Hay Road and We look at them like they’re and women who risk lives everyday Sheridan Avenue eight foot tall and bullet their because they have Sergeant Beminio proof...and they’re not. families at home and was found killed in that they put thema similar ambush.

Officials say he was married and had selves out there to protect us,” Downing said.

Lastly there was the people who got hit children. Both officers were gunned down in the driver’s seat of their pa- the hardest, they were the officers. Officer trol car Later they identified a suspect Trudy is the SRO here at East and she knew of both killings, who then surrendered. one of the officers personally who was killed.

“My reaction had to be the total op“We look at them like they’re eight foot tall and bullet proof... and they’re posite of what a normal person would not,” SIL and former police officer Sherry think, which is cry because that guy is still Poole said. Poole was an officer for eleven out their and being on SWAT you have to years before she retired and became a SIL. push your emotions aside and focus on “My first reaction was incred- that guy because and make sure he does ible shock, dismay, followed by in- not do kill anyone else,” Officer Trudy said. credible sadness,” Poole said.

Not only are the officers con-

photo K. Whitmore This poster was hung above Trudy’s office while she was at the funeral for the fallen officers. East students wanted to remind her of how much she means to everyone here at school.

page /17 feature

The new powerhouse East Girls Rugby wins the 2016 state championship

Photo/ T. McPhee The girls rugby team holding up number one after winning the state champtionship against Valley. Emotions were running high after winning their first state championship.

Story by T. McPhee

The East High Girls Rugby won the Iowa she was one of the people who got me to Girls State Rugby Tournament 21-14 on Oct. play in the first place and she always works 22 against Valley at Bondurant High School’s hard she also had the assist to every score stadium at the state rugby tournament. I had except for one,” Anderson said.

The Girls Rugby team finished the season The East Rugby team, included five with a 11-1-1 record. The team is made up were first time players, which can be very of 12 players, along with head coach, Nick tough. Anderson was selected as a second Sawhill and Assistant coach Victor Mayes. team all-state player during her first year “My goal going into the season was for us of Rugby. Junior Carly Reynolds was also as a team to prove that we were contenders for selected for second team all-state. There the state title and that we were the powerhouse were also two first team all-state awards given team,” junior Bailey Gladson said. to seniors, Camryn Carpenter and Patience In previous seasons rugby wasn’t as Murray. Being selected gave these girls a popular and even this year they struggled chance to play for the Hawkettes and will to find girls to play. They had plenty of be traveling to Colorado to play other states. talent, but the issue was finding girls to go “During rugby season I live rugby in when others needed some time because that’s all I have time for... I the breathe. After picking up want to be the best coach I can a few more girls, the team possibly be,” Sawhill said.

“When grew together and became Rugby is not a school the “powerhouse” they sanctioned sport which means we were on had planned to be. are not paid at all. that field there’s coaches “Before we even got Too add the athletes are not to the championship the not a damn thing given credit for playing a whole team had it in our varsity sport. All coaching is we wouldn’t minds that we were going done fully off of volunteer. do for each to win it, so going into the Coaches like Sawhill give up championship we just had the much of their own time to teach other” mind set that we needed to leave teenagers to play the sport they fell it all on the field and bring home the in love with as a high schooler. Sawhill trophy,” sophomore Marisa Anderson said. spends much of his time out of season Going into the champion game, the working with the IAYRA (Iowa Youth Rugby team had to clear their minds and get into a Association), being on top of insurance for mindset to win. With the mindset they came players, fundraising, giving kids and parents in with, they took the title and won state for information, hosting tournaments and the first time. Following the game there was organizing and setting up the practice field. a ceremony to give the team the gold trophy “I’m excited for what the future holds for that they had their eyes on. This moment was the rugby community and next year’s team. a long time coming for the seniors who stuck I encourage girls and boys to come out and with Rugby for their time during high school. try the sport I fell in love with and has made “I look up to Cam Carpenter because me the person I am today,” Sawhill said.

Page Editor/ T. McPhee

page /18 feature

What(ever) it takes to stay in the game Eating disorders affect at pounds in one week to go down least 11 million people in the a weight class and make varsity United States, some of them wrestling this season. high school “I lost 20 student pounds this week. athletes, I ant to lose more who are so I can wrestle running in a lower class,” away from sophomore, their healthy Christopher future.

Alvarez said.

Student The athletes may recommended appear fit, number (as but are they? Some athletes go suggested by several health to extremes to look healthy, and magazines) to lose per week to compete. However, the ways is one to two pounds. Coach they get there aren’t always the Bentley recommends that his best methods. athletes work out five days a When asked why students week, two hours per session, hide injuries, “They don’t so that the students don’t over want to be considered weak,” work themselves. assistant football coach, Ried Although this advice is well Bentley said. communicated from coaches to Many students are required athletes, some still fall through to lose, or gain, weight in a the cracks. certain amount of time for a “I think everybody has sport. 15 year old Christopher competed when unfit,” Photo/ K. Whitmore Alvarez allegedly lost 20

“

I think there’s a big difference between being injured and being hurt.

Student athletes reaching new levels of “unhealthy” in order to comepete.

”

Sophomore Brennan Baker, spins a basketball on his hand while reminiscing on football memories from this season.

Page Editor/ G. Major

Photos/ K. Whitmore Sophomore, Javier Luong, reflects on his expierience as a student athlete hile prepping to throw the football.

sophomore, Brennan Baker said.

A larger number of high school athletes admit to hiding injuries, or pretending to be healthy, in order to compete.

Often, students hide injuries because they don’t want to be considered weak. When speaking about a football injury, “I was hit with adrenaline and wanted to play more,” sophomore, Javier Luong said.

Hiding concussions, and leg injuries is not uncommon, and is a conscious decision made amongst teens. Coaches do not recommend that their student athletes hide injuries.

“I think there’s a big difference between being injured and being hurt,” Bentley said.

There’s no harm in gaining or losing weight for a sport, but there is a wrong way to go about it. Over working your body, over/under eating, and not getting the correct amount of sleep are all ways to lose weight, but it’s incredibly unhealthy, and can put your body in an immense amount of stress. Teenagers are susceptible to the idea of what an athlete is supposed to look like, and are more vulnerable at the high school age. Students push themselves to extremes to compete.

“Those that truly want to be successful go out of their way to be successful,” Bentley said.

page /19 feature