ue 2 Vol 84//IIssssu “The world is a harsh place but you are not alone . None of us are .” - Unknown
Depression Pages 10-11
Nov. 23, 2015
Photo/D. Guzman
E
eastscroll.com
@EastScroll
IG: EastScroll
Table of Contents Issue 2 out k hec
C
a
Th
f ry o
isto
h the
ing
giv nks
Pag n o
e3
n hool o c S h g i
Page 8
East H f o s twin
Dear reader, Have a happy Thanksgiving -Sincerely Scroll Staff
The Everything you need to know about depression on Pages 10-11 Learn abou t stud ents e nterin Dis g the cov milita er t ry on he t alen Page 12 ted peo ple in M ove men t 51 5 on Pag e 20
Co-Editors in Chief
Malesa Naovarath Shirah Burton
Editors
Elaina Rothmayer Emma Stanley Caitlyn VanGundy
Staffers
Abby Folkerts Alyssa Ayersman Annie Khanthaphengxay Beverly Hail Billy White Photographer Carly Reynolds Diane Guzman Jasmin Salgado Jordan Van Gundy Adviser Joseph Rangel Natalie Niemeyer Kyleana Whitmore Laurie Custard Principal Matthew Buchacker Leslie Morris Robbi Boggess Toni McPhee
page / 2
DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL LETTER POLICY The Scroll welcomes letters but reserves the right 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.
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/E. Rothmayer
Thanksgiving Everything that you need to know to make this Thanksgiving great Story/A. Folkerts
When some of us think of thanksgiving, we think of the Thanksgiving feast full of turkey, with mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. While Thanksgiving dinner is one of the best things about Thanksgiving, there are many more things that make this holiday great. For starters, this holiday is all about giving “thanks” to those around us, and for what we have. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, primarily in the United States and
Canada. The first Thanksgiving started back in 1620, with the arrival of Squanto, who introduced the English to the Native Americans, who taught the English how to grow various types of crops. This celebration lasted for three whole days in Plymouth, Massachusetts. New York was the first state to adopt Thanksgiving as a holiday in 1817. By the 1860’s, every state in the United States declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday. The Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off in 1924, and has since then been a regular, Thanksgiving Day tradition. Additionally, the NFL started their tradition of Thanksgiving Day games in 1920, and since then the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have hosted Thanksgiving Day games. It’s estimated that Americans eat a whopping 535 million pounds of turkey each year on Thanksgiving, with Californians being the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.
With gas prices being particularly low around the Thanksgiving holiday, Thanksgiving day is the busiest travel day in the United States. Thanksgiving will be a perfect time to celebrate “thanks” with family and friends. Lastly, before you eat that Thanksgiving dinner, make sure you take time to give thanks to everything and everyone that you have in your life.
Turkey Fun Facts: 1. There is fossil evidence that proves turkeys roamed the Earth over 10 million years ago 2. The wishbone of a turkey is used as a part of the good luck ritual on Thanksgiving Day 3. The heaviest turkey ever weighed in at 86 pounds 4. Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey, instead of an
Q: So how many people celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S.? A: It is estimated that 90 percent of all American households celebrate, which can be converted into approximately 280 million people!
Page Editor/ A. Folkerts
page / 3 feature
Thanksgiving goodies Recipes to try this holiday Sweet potato fries [amount varies]
Story/ Emma S.
} }
Ham balls [makes 25] 4lbs ham loaf mix, 1 1/2lbs hamburger, 3 C. graham crackers, 2 C. milk, 3 eggs
Sauce
3 cans tomato soup, 3/4 C. vinegar, 2 1/2 cups brown sugar, 2 tsp dry mustard
Directions
Combine well by mixing with hands
Heat until hot in sauce pan
Roll mixed ingredients into 1/2 cup sized balls place into a baking pan, pour the sauce over them then bake at 350*f for an hour and a half.
Olive oil 5 large sweet potatoes {peeled and sliced} 1 tbs house seasoning{1cup salt, 1/4C black pepper, 1/4 C. garlic powder} 1/2 tsp paprika
Directions
Toss fries with oil to coat, sprinkle with house seasoning and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 450* for 15-20 minutes.
Peach pie [one pie]
Pastry for double crust 9-inch pie 5 C. peaches {sliced and washed} 1 C. sugar Combine dry ingredients, 1/2 C. flour mix with peaches 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tbs butter
}
Directions
Place mixed ingredients in pie crust, place top crust on pie and cut slits onto. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, bake at 425* for 35-45 minutes.
Enjoy this holiday themed crossword Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Pie
Stuffing
Mayflower
Turkey
Yams
Pilgrims
Harvest
Plymouth
Cornucopia
Page Editor/ E. Stanley and M. Buchacker
page / 4
What
I’m
thankful
for...
Malique Miller/12 “I’m thankful for my family, my job, my health, and my friends.”
Josie Lucas/9 Tanner Tillotson/9 “I’m thankful for my “I’m thankful for best friend Toni McPhee, Christmas.” she’s the best in the world.”
Cheyenne Weesner/10 “I’m thankful for my grandma because she means so much to me. She’s been around since I was little and has always been there for me.”
Madi Garcia/11 “I’m thankful for East High, for all the beautiful creatures that I see around the school. Thankful for the feeling of acceptance when I walk through the doors.”
Jonathan Argueta/10 “I’m thankful for everything I have and own. I’m also thankful for everything that’s given to me.”
Gerald Sama/11 “I’m thankful for Coach Schoon because he always tries to push me to be a better person and a great athlete.”
Page Editor/ M. Naovarath
Maria O’Brien/12 “I’m thankful for the stars in the sky that remind me how much more there is in the universe, keeping me humble and living the short life all of us are given to the fullest.”
page / 5 feature
Misunderstood East High, A bad school or just bad publicity?
Channel 13 News ran a story about a fight that At 10:45 a.m. every took place at East after “A” day something special school. The altercation happens. The East High was video taped and put Ambassadors meet and on Facebook and the discuss how to make a next day was on the news. difference in some way. When contacted for Whether it be helping a comment, the reporter out at school assemblies, who wrote the story running a food can declined to be interviewed drive, or volunteering at for this article. elementary and middle Even though there schools. Or even at 7 are plenty of good every Tuesday things that “...All I ever m o r n i n g sur round when Student hear is negative East High, G o v e r n m e n t things about that a fight that meets to figure school.” takes place out how they here ends want the next dance to up being the headline. look, or how to get more “ W h e n e v e r students involved in their something bad happens school, or how to make the cameras are in front even more improvements of East, but whenever to East. All the hard work something good they put into everything happens the cameras are they do and only the in front of Roosevelt Ambassadors know what or Lincoln,” senior the Ambassadors do, only Morgan Meyer said. Student Government When asked what knows what Student students should do or Government does. And how they should react to only East High students this negative target East know the good that has on its back, Principal happens in this school. Leslie Morris said, ”Get ”I didn’t even know on social media to build East had Ambassadors, us up not tear us down. all I ever hear is I know this school negative things about and ‘this’ is not us.” that school,” Kareemah Then who really are Muhammad, a senior at East High students? Hoover High school said.
Story/ R. Boggess
Page Editor/ R. Boggess
Photo/ C. Van Gundy Above is a collection of negative headlines that has really put a target on East. However to the right is a collection of positive things that doesn’t make the news. A much louder sound than gun shots is the love rally that took place at East. Something that shines brighter than flashing lights is Shirah Burton and Emma Kinney winning Emerging Journalist awards from IHSPA. Something that won’t cancel on you is Keagan Dolphin and Gerald Sama building a Safe-T house at Goodrell Middle School.
What are we about? How are we different? These are questions a Scarlet should never have to ask themselves. There are 2,400 students that attend this school, but two people are the center of attention. “Everything the news has to say about us is actually funny, because if you really know East and what we’re about
then you know we are incredible, we are unique, and we are proud,” senior Rommello Webster said. It’s not just students that go here now, former students from years ago still feel a connection towards East. “When you’re an eastsider you will have a bond forever, and that won’t change.” East alum and
Financial representative for Principal, Bradley Brown said. East is a whole, a family, a community, just like one person doesn’t describe your family, one incident doesn’t describe ours.
page /6 feature
Freshman bring double the trouble through East halls Twins give the insight on what life’s like having a twin Story/ Alyssa Ayersman and Toni McPhee
Saul and Sergio Gonzalez
“It’s better to have someone who is just like you,” Saul said.
Talin and Tyler Blakeman
Lyndsey and Natalie Borgen
Lance and Lauren Burns
Morgan and Logan Stapes
“We get compared all the time, sports wise, strength wise, and personality wise,” Talin said.
“We both stick around, we like being together,” Lance said.
Shakera and Takera Myrick
“If the other can’t have it, you can’t have it,” Shakera said.
Page Editor/ T. McPhee, A. Ayersman
“She is always caring, there for me and she knows how to make me smile,” Natalie said.
“It’s very difficult being without her because twins aren’t supposed to be separated,” Morgan said.
Flor and Janet Ramos
“It’s difficult because we’re always together and never get time away from each other,” Flor said.
Page / 8 feature
Sick?
Three ways to prevent getting sick this winter
Story by/Billy White
H
ow to avoid from getting sick: Its common self-care. 1) It’s possible that 99 percent of time, people get sick from not washing their hands before eating. Before any meal its best to wash your hands good and then eat. Try not to rub your eyes so much, there’s germs everywhere in this world. “Avoid from rubbing your eyes and touching your face a lot, which can lead to verbal sicknesses,” said Nurse Molly Malone 2) Having a good diet: Eating fast food every day is not good for the body. The
Sleep your sickness away....
body need something healthy to work off for the day. Having a strong immune sys-
their hand and goes off touching things. It’s important to keep your distance from those peo“Stay away from sick ple. It’s best avoid people and wash your to handshakes hands, covering your with them cough with your elbow too. Most can prevent from importantly, do not eat illnesses.” or drink after someone who is tem can help from you sick, you will get sick. not getting sick too, it can help by eat break“Stay away from fast, lunch and din- sick people and wash ner every day? Keep your hands, covering up with veggies and your cough with your fruit. Eat good meats elbow can prevent like chicken and steak. from illnesses,” said 3) Staying away Nurse Vicki Bonnett. from people who are sick. Watch for the people who cough in
photo/Billy White
3 common winter illnesses
Common Flu: Feverish chills, headaches, running nose, cough, body ache, and tiredness
Mono: Spends easily, high fever, Sore throats, bad body aches, bad sweats, and chills
Bronchitis: Starts as a common cold,
high fever, dehydration, and bad coughing
photo/Billy White
Getting your eight hours of sleep is the most important way of getting over a sick- “Not having a good heathy ness. Sleeping is the key because that is the gut will lead you to sicknessMrs. Fenstemann said. time that your body is fighting the sick- es,” ness that you have. That’s why the doctor says most of the time to get your rest.
Page Editor/ B. White
page / 9 feature
The point of view of a parent:
Depression isn’t a weakness, it’s a sign of strength See depression through the eyes of an East student who has suffered through it himself
How has Dallas having depression affected your family? “We just have to take each day as it comes now. There is no guarantee if it will be a good day, or bad. We’ve had to learn to identify and avoid stressful situations, that weren’t problematic before. We’ve had to find a balance between empathy and expectations. We’ve gained a lot of patience and strength from it, more than we knew we had. It has given us a new perspective, understanding of mental illness, and forced us to improve our communication with each other,” mother Heather Knoop said. What is it like being the parent of a child with depression? “Frightening, frustrating and overwhelming at times. Your parental instinct signals you to fix this, but you can’t. You feel so helpless
“You are not alone.”
You rush to the bathroom almost running into the stall door. Your hands are shaking so it takes almost a full minute just to lock the door. Maybe if you take a few deep breaths the tears will stop. Yeah that should work. Fast forward 15 minutes. You’ve left the bathroom only to return not even five minutes later. This time it won’t stop. Why can’t you breath? This is a situation someone with depression often finds themselves in. Help us examine a topic often avoided, depression. See through the eyes of one who has suffered through it himself, senior Dallas Knoop.
What does depression feel like from the mind of someone who has it? “It feels like there’s rocks tied to your feet. And you’re trying to escape but it won’t let you because it’s just weighing you down. It’s like a curtain of darkness. It’s terrible. Everything is just kind of foggy. It’s just….terrible,” Knoop said. What’s your background with depression? “I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and depression disorder. I have to see a therapist once a week. I’m currently on three different medications, that I take every day. I take Zoloft for depression. Clamazapan, generic brand of Valium, for anxiety. I take that twice a day as needed. Because I’ll get to where I’ll work myself up into a panic attack and I’ve passed out before. I have those, if I feel I’m becoming anxious I take one. Also, because of the anxiety and depression I have really bad insomnia. I have a sleep aid I take that helps me sleep,” Knoop said. How does depression affect your life? “When I first actually got diagnosed was this summer, about mid-June. I was at a movie with my little brother, we were watching “The Terminator.” I just all of a sudden started to panic. I had blotches all over my body, I almost passed out. It passed and I didn’t think anything of it. So I waited. The next morning, before I went to work, I started to panic again to the point where my dad took me to
page 10/ feature
the emergency room. They did x-rays of my heart and they said there was nothing wrong there. I was just sitting there in the emergency room, they had done all these tests, and then I had another panic attack. They said, ‘We got it now’ and so they sent me to other doctors. When this all first happened it completely immobilized me. I couldn’t drive for a month or two because I was scared something would happen to me while I was driving. I didn’t go to work for a month. Now, I’ve gotten some control over it. But there are days where in class I can’t focus because I’m so depressed. Or there are days where I’ll wake up in the morning and I won’t go to school because you just feel like you legitimately can’t get out of bed. I wake up and I just hope that I’m going to be better. Then I’m just not and it’s a big slap in the face every morning. From all this, the depression and anxiety, I’ve developed a very uncommon symptom. It’s called; depersonalization. It makes my life feel almost dream like. It’s feels like I’m just watching myself. You lose your sense of what makes you, you. You start to think of all these crazy reasoning’s to makes sense of it all. It feels like nothing’s real. That’s the hardest thing for me to go to,” Knoop said. What are some things you hear other people say about depression? “I think some people don’t understand that it’s not just a mindset. Some people are like ‘Oh, its just because they think that. They just need to change their mind-set.’ It’s not, it’s a chemical imbalance in the head that makes you think that way. So a lot of what I hear is people just don’t know what it is. So they just assume that’s
how it is. But it’s not. There is so much more to it than that,” Knoop said. What is your definition of depression? “People scoff it off like it’s nothing but it’s not. A mental disorder can really enable someone’s life because it can be very overwhelming and hard to control at times. It makes you learn to hate yourself when you know that you don’t. It can manipulate and trick you into thinking the worse possible things about yourself and others. It’s like a bully you cannot get rid of. He is always there in the back of your head. Doubting you and telling you that you’re not good enough or worth it. Telling you that you will never be as good as anyone else because you’re you. You just have to learn to overcome it,” Knoop said. How often do you get asked “Are you okay?” “Thankfully I have a large support group. Between my parents and my friends. They can tell when I’m feeling really down. So I get asked it quite frequently by them. But I’ve never been asked by a teacher or whatever. Because I tend to be able to put on a good show and hide everything,” Knoop said. Sad is the most common word associated with depression. What are some words you think should be associated with depression instead of sad? “Alone. Very alone. Lack of will. Just, dark is almost a descriptor. Overbearing. Powerful. It’s so much more than just sad. There are so many other words,” said Knoop. How does it feel when someone who knows how to deal with depression tries to comfort you?
“That’s the number one thing; I don’t expect them to understand how I feel. I just want someone there. There is nothing better than when you’re feeling down and you’re just crying and someone, whether it’s my mom, my girlfriend, or whoever just holding you while you cry. You don’t need to understand what I’m going through, you don’t need to try and act like you know how I feel. Just your presence is all that I need,” Knoop said. How does it feel when someone who doesn’t know how to deal with depression tries to comfort you? “It’s different. I don’t feel as open to certain people about that thing. I appreciate every person who has ever been there for me, whether close or not. But it’s one of those things where I’m probably just better off with you not saying anything. It’s kind of like when someone passes away and they say ‘I’m so sorry for your loss. Is there anything I can do?’ No there’s nothing you can do. You can’t bring them back. It’s the same kind of question ‘Are you okay?’ The answer is no. The only thing that can truly help is time,” Knoop said. “If you’re someone who doesn’t know how to deal with depression per say something you could do is just talk to them. Not about it, don’t bring it up, don’t ask if they’re okay, just talk. Anything, just keep the conversation going. Even if they’re responding with one, two word answers, just keep talking. Keep their mind off things,” Knoop said. How do you feel about the phrase; “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?” “I don’t agree with that because
Page Editor/ K. Whitmore
words can hurt. Words can really affect someone, for the good or bad. You don’t know what anyone’s going through just walking around at school. You see someone walking around in their pajamas and hairs messed up. You and your friends point and laugh but what you don’t know is that her dad passed away that night. She has to now take care of her little brother. You really don’t know what anyone is going through, so the simplest words can break someone. The mental scarring is way worse than any beating. I would rather be in physical pain than go through what I’ve been going through,” Knoop said. If you could describe depression in one word what would it be? “Bully,” Knoop said.
A note from the writer, Kyleana Whitmore; I volunteered to do this article. This is not an assignment I researched and typed up just to get some points in the grade book. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression since around third grade. I know how isolated it can feel. However, you are not alone in this fight. If you take nothing else from this article, please just remember that simple yet very true sentence; you are not alone. No matter how bad it may seem there is always tomorrow. I know from experience. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to go somewhere and scream until you lose your voice. It is not okay to give up. That has not, is not and will not ever be an option.
seeing your child in mental anguish and there’s nothing you can do but offer comfort and try to help them understand what’s happening. Time seems to stand still while you’re waiting on the doctor’s treatment plan to work, but eventually you see some improvement, and you gain hope. It’s a slow process and all you can really do is just love them through it,” Knoop said. What is something you think people should remember about depression? Be kind always. The face of depression isn’t always who you think it is. Many put on a mask and suffer in silence. It is nothing to be ashamed of, but the stigmas and bias that go with it are. Anxiety and depression are real. The brain can get sick just like any other organ in the body. It can be genetic and is common in young adults while the brain is still developing. It does not have to be debilitating or ruin your life! This is a treatable illness that can be managed if you have the desire to do so,” Knoop said.
Q
&
A
With Erika Smith
How long have you been involved in therapy? “I have been a mental health therapist for a year and a half,” Smith said. What Organization are you through? “I work for Orchard Place Child Guidance Center. Child Guidance Center has center-based therapists providing therapy to children at their office downtown Des Moines and school-based therapists providing therapy to children in schools throughout the Des Moines metro area,” Smith said. On average how many kids do you see in a month? “My caseload is typically close to 30-35 kids. I see most of those kids on a weekly basis,” Smith said. What is depression from a professional point of view? “Depression is a mood disorder that can be a part of several different diagnoses. It can be situational where it comes and goes based on the circumstances going on in life. It can also be chronic where
it is sometimes caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. People with depression sometimes have trouble doing normal, day-to-day activities. Other symptoms include a lack of interest in normal activities, change in sleep patterns, appetite changes and feelings of worthlessness. Therapists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM5) to diagnose disorders. The DSM5 includes many different criteria in diagnosing depression,” Smith said. What are some things kids can do to get help if they feel they have depression? “It can be tough being a teenager and I believe that all teenagers could benefit from having a counselor or therapist to talk to! If kids were interested in receiving therapy, services the best place to start would be talking to their parents. Most agencies that provide therapy services require parents to sign papers if the child is under the age of 18. It’s also great for kids to have a good support system in their friends. Just having someone to talk to about their feelings can be a great place to start. Some of the best natural things you can do on your own to improve your mood are exercise, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep. If
the depression is more severe and is causing suicidal thoughts, it’s always best to tell an adult who can get you the help you need. If it’s too difficult to talk to your parents, you could always begin by speaking with someone you have a relationship with like a teacher or school counselor,” Smith said. What would you suggest someone do if they think someone they know has depression? “I think it’s always best to ask someone directly if there is something going on that they might be struggling with. It’s also ok to ask a friend if they are experiencing any suicidal thoughts. Some teenagers having those thoughts aren’t always sure where to begin getting help and could be waiting for someone to ask them directly. If a friend or someone you know ever says they are having suicidal thoughts it should always be taken seriously. It’s important to talk to an adult who can get them the help they need (parents, teachers, school counselors or administrators). If your friend is just needing someone to talk to, the best thing you can do is just let them know you are there to support them and listen. Show them empathy,” Smith said.
Signs and symptoms of depression in teens
•Sadness or hopelessness •Irritability, anger, or hostility •Tearfulness or frequent crying •Withdrawal from friends and family •Loss of interest in activities •Changes in eating and sleeping habits •Restlessness and agitation •Feelings of worthlessness and guilt •Lack of enthusiasm and motivation •Fatigue or lack of energy •Difficulty concentrating •Thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you know is struggling, encourage them to seek help from a professional. Suicide Prevention Line (1-800-273-8255) Suicide Hotline (1-800-784-2433) Teen Lifeline (1-800-248-8336) Text TEEN to 839863. Story by/K. Whitmore
Page Editor/ K. Whitmore
Photo illustrations by/D. Guzman
page 11/ feature
Honor, Courage, Military. What comes next? “A soldier doesn’t fight for what’s in front of him. He fights because he loves what’s behind him.” Each year many students graduate from East High and choose the military as their career path. Students from the East side, take pride not only in who they are, but their country as well. Zechariah Reeder/ Alumni and Daizie Mesta/12 are only a couple of students that have chosen the military. Here is some insight on what happens before and after your sworn into the military.
Zechariah Reeder/Alumni
“To anyone thinking of joining, either do it or don’t. It’s not something that you can back out of if you sign the dotted line. Don’t second guess yourself, it’s a good life. You get to travel, see the world and you get to meet new people and experience new cultures. And don’t over think it, don’t stress out about it. Basic training isn’t as bad as everyone makes it seem like. Yes, there are some hard moments but it’s really not that bad,” Reeder said.
Q: Why did you choose the Army? A: My dad was in the military for 26 years and my grandpa before him and my great grandpa before him it’s a family thing and I want to keep it going. Q: What’s deployment like? Do you miss people back home? A: It’s not bad. Very tiring at times. I miss my friends and family but experiencing the new culture is nice. It’s such a different way of life, it’s just a good experience. Q: How has the military changed you since you graduated? A: I used to be very shy before the military, now I would consider myself to be more out going. Page Editor/ C. VanGundy
Daizie Mesta/12
“My sister was my inspiration. She did the national guard and she talked to me about it a lot and how they give you really good opportunities, like college and I feel like this is going to give me a great experience,” Mesta said.
Q: What branch are you planning to go into? Why? A: Navy. My sister is in the military and she told me stuff that made me interested and excited for the military, and a recruiter caught my attention to look more into it. Q: What do you plan on doing after basic? A: I’m not sure about deployment. I do know that down the road I want to be able to drive ships. Q: Are you ready for basic? A: As ready as I’ll ever be. The medical processing takes all day, and then the test takes another three hours on another day, then once I’m sworn in, I find out when I get shipped off for basic.
Page / 12 feature
A
L
S
Story/ E. Rothmayer
C
L
U
B
Why haven’t you signed up?
You may be asking yourself, why are my Thursday afternoons free? I can help you with that problem. The ASL club (American Sign Language) meets every Thursday afternoon, anyone who is interested in learning can join. No prior knowledge of sign language is needed. You can learn vocabulary words, about deaf culture, and you get to meet new people. Teachers and students are all welcome. You can find ASL club in room 3015C, Thursday afternoons from 2:40-3:30.
Interview with Morgan Miller, ASL teacher Q: Why did you choose to start the ASL club?
A: “Mostly because people are interested in it and I thought if I could teach people it would be helpful. I also think it’s good to involve other students in it.” “Something Different.”
Q: Why did you decide to teach/learn sign language?
A: “Because I was interested” “Interpreting was a huge responsibility.”
Q: Why do you to teach sign language to people of hearing?
A: “I think it kind of gives them a different cultural perspective” (how to act around deaf culture) “to help involve them in normal student life, to communicate with deaf students.”
Myths about deaf culture
Myth: All deaf people can read lips. Reality: reading lips is a very difficult skill, and it isn’t very accurate. Only a small portion of people rely on the skill. Myth: All deaf people were taught to speak in schools. Reality: It’s a very hard thing to learn, so very few deaf people speak. When communicating with someone who is deaf, be patient. Myth: Deaf people dont enjoy music. Reality: The deaf can enjoy music just as much as the hearing, they just expirence it differently then others, the beat is more important to them then the lyrics.
Q: Why do you teach deaf students?
A: “I want them to have the knowledge to be their own advocate” “To know that their not limited because of their deafness.”
Q: What are your goals for the ASL group?
A: “Just to have fun, inform people, offer that avenue to explore.”
Q: Anything you want to add?
A: “I teach two percent of the student population but I love the pride that this school has.” Page Editor/ E. Rothmayer
page / 13 feature
Summer gone. Winter is here Things to do in Iowa Story by J. Rangel Have you noticed the temperature changing around you? Are you cold almost every time you step out the door? If so, that might be because summer is now over, but don’t be too sad because winter is here. You might think that there’s nothing
to do during this cold weather except staying inside under a blanket watching Netflix. However there is plenty to do here in Iowa during this cold season. Here are just a few ideas you could do with your friends.
Sculpture garden
Park
Take a trip to the Papajohn sculpture park and visit the beautiful garden full of artist’s creations
Go for a walk/run over at Grandview Park. And afterwards, play a few rounds of Frisbee golf
Gym
Iowa Hall of Pride
Looking for a good workout? Visit a Planet Fitness on the south side or drop by the YMCA for a nice pickup game of basketball
Visit downtown, Des Moines to see former legends in Iowa who have been recognized for excelling in sports, and on the stage
High trestle bridge
Mall
Take a short 35 minute drive up to Madrid to see the gorgeous High Trestle Bridge. This bridge runs a whopping 25 miles long and goes through 5 towns!
Head on over to Jordan creek to find the perfect outfit for that huge party coming up. Or walk into GameStop to buy that game you’ve been waiting for. Or stop at the food court for a quick bite.
Still not convinced? Here is what students said they like to do during the Winter season “I like to go to the gym and watch movies with the fam” Eric Villa/junior
Page Editor/ J. Rangel
“I go to Sleepy Hollow with my friends. I also play basketball at the YMCA” Drake Cam/senior
“I like to go sledding and play indoor soccer” Soundra Buehler/ junior
page /14 feature
pro•cras•ti•na•tion /pr ,krast ‘naSH( )n/ e
e
Its 11:30 a.m. on a Monday and you’re sitting in your math class. You look at your math folder and you get a feeling that you’re forgetting something. The bell rings and your teacher says, “Alright, please take out your homework that you had all weekend to work on.” You realize you did not do your homework. You start jotting down answers as fast as you can. Your palms begin to sweat and your eyes dart from question to question. The teacher reaches your desk and you hand them your homework full of chicken scratch. Many students procrastinate whether they
know it or not. “I think it will be hard for me to stop but with a new beginning in college I think I’ll have better resources to keep me engaged,” senior Tameika Ward said. Sophomores also have been struggling as well. “I think I’ll still a be a procrastinator but I will do it less because that’s something I want to Change about myself,” sophomore Valeria Cruz said. Teachers can clearly see it. “Some students say they’ll come in after school but never do. Students also create unnecessary arguments,” teacher Gita Singh said.
e
story / A. Khanthaphengxay
Are you a procrastinator?
Your phone chirps indicating a notification. You…
1. Completely ignore the fact that your phone just rang. 2. Take a peek at your phone and leave it. Then a couple of minutes later, you’re checking your phone. 3. Automatically drop everything and all of a sudden it’s a priority to check every single social media account.
When you have a to-do list, you…
1. Do every single thing on your list before anything else. 2. Switch between the items on your list, finishing only some tasks. 3. Do everything… but the to-do list.
You get an assignment and you..
1. Do it as soon as you get it. 2. Wait until the night before it’s due to start it. 3. Forget about it until you enter the classroom.
Noun: the action of delaying or postponing something
Your Results
3/ 4 5/ 6 7/ 9
You must have scored three or four points. You’ve got your life in check. That means you’re not a procrastinator. Well done. Keep up the good work. Not bad. You scored either five or six points in the quiz! Which means you may have a minor case of procrastination but you still have your life in check. Procrastinator Alert. If you scored seven to nine points, you’re a hardcore procrastinator. You probably skipped right to this section instead of doing the short quiz. If you disagree, you could always stop procrastinating and do the work in front of you.
Senior families: Purchase a yearbook ad for your graduate!
Prices start at $45
contact: natalie.niemeyer@dmschools.org Pages Editor/A. Khanthaphengxay
page / 15 features
Meet Mr. Speiss One of the schools newest SILs.
story/ M. Buchacker Q. Where did you go to college? s the bell rings A. Undergraduate at and you walk Drake, Masters at ISU, to class there is a group Specialist at Drake and of new faces at East currently working on High. Many of them PhD you have met already. Mr. Spiess is one you Q. Where were ma not have. He is one you before you came of the newest School to East High? Improvement leader A. Lincoln and (SIL) here at East. He Harding have been working the department of educaQ. What did you tion for 11 years. He is do there? also currently working A. Taught math and on his PhD. Meet Mr. was a SIL Speiss.
A
Q. How to do like
East High so far? A. “I like it here a lot, there are a lot of people that work hard and enjoy working. Students and staff.” Q. What would you like to see happen at East High? A. “Love to see All of the positive things that happen here become what everyone else knows…. All the good stuff is reported on.” Develop a greater sense of urgency, take advantage. “It’s okay to be okay” I like the quote I don't like to say it. People just settle.
Mr. Speiss works at his desk during the day. Spiess works mostly with the math department.
family? A. A wife married for over 4 years, two kids (Jacob 2 Sophia 4 months)
Q. Favorite thing about East High so far? A. “All the different perspectives, lots of Q. Do you have a people from a huge va-
riety of backgrounds… It makes us more complete people”
Q. Most memorable event at East so far? A. Senior tell me that after first day I was the real energetic person and that I should run for president.
Mr. Thering
Known to the band kids is TDog. Photo By Diane Guzman Mr. Thering directing the east high schools concert band. Mr. Thering has been a teacher for six years and has been a music teacher at East High School for four years. He makes connections with students here the most during marching band. He works really hard and
tries to support his students in what they do. Q: What kind of classes do you teach? “I teach Band, AP Music Theory and Jazz Band 1&2.” Q: What made you want to become a band
Page Editors/ M. Buchacker
Story By B. Hail director? “I don’t know what made me want to become a band director, my sophomore year I decided that’s what I was going to do.” Q: What are some strengths and weaknesses to being a band director? “All strengths are all the weaknesses.” Q: Roughly how much money do you
spend each year? “I try to keep it under $250 for tax purposes but it never happens because of all the instruments that need repairs.” Q: Is there anything you would like to tell students that want to become a band director “ # yo l o s wa g j o i n band, actually to be really good at your instrument, and take AP Music Theory when
you’re a junior.” Q: What’s the funniest moment you’ve had so far as being a band director? “I don’t know if there is a particular moment that was funny, but it often happens that I say something inappropriate without knowing it until my students snicker and laugh.”
page / 16
Secret life of Brian Koch Mr. Koch and his life on the ice story by/ Jordan Van Gundy He keeps his puck team, the Yetis. as he in his back pocket and described is something, hockey stick in the corner. cuddly but looks vicious There’s a Hawkeye flag enough to eat a small above his desk and a animal. This three-year Hawkeye logo on his participant in the game, polo over his heart, he going into his forth is causally sitting as his with a record for the class works. Stating the season at two wins three reason the class does not loses and one tie. This have a quiz is because the 35-year-old man joined Hawkeyes and the Royals the league four years ago both won. after a conversation with The secret life of his neighbor about the Brain Koch, a secret he hockey league, he decided has no problem talking to try it out. This is a large about for a block or two commitment considering with students; Hockey. gear can be upwards of He is co-captain his $500. Gear of which he team in the D league of googled the steps to put the Des Moines Adult it on before attending Hockey League. His
photo/emma stanley Mr. Koch celebrates his team score a goal and later won 3-1.
one of the practices/ games. Where he knew little more than how to skate straight, that’s about where most of the D league starts out. For the most part, the only time the players have to improve is before and during games, because ice time cost $200 an hour to rent, this makes improving a lengthy processes. Others that have been playing awhile are in the upper leagues like C, B and A. The youngest person playing on a team is 19 and the oldest is 63 years old, still playing every Sunday or Monday between noon and 5p.m. “My mom goes to every game,” Mr Koch said. He would enjoy the support of his students at his next game. Along with Koch’s secret hobby, his career as an educator is a large part of his life, commonly relating his life experiences and personality as examples in his classes. Including an “Evil teddy bear factory,” A fictional factory he made up; Making classes interesting and enjoyable to be in, with another side of the class. filled with discussion about topics in the world, the classes he teaches like AP human geography and Econ both are global studies that he enjoys. He also enjoys dedicated students who show up, work hard, have their own personality and opinions.
page editor/ J. Van Gundy
99 problems but the cold has never been one.
helmet $50$200
shoulder pads $100-$200
jersey $75
gloves $75-$120
hockey stick $30-$200
hockey pants $100
skates $50-$300
photo/J. VanGundy
Page / 17
Preview Wrestling
Case Tilotson
Last year the wrestling squad sent three boys to state, Josh Davis (alumni) , Chance Raleigh (alumni), and Billy White (12). Wrestling is expected to have a good freshman class and hopefully send more wrestlers to state.
Grade: 11
3 year wrestler “ I would like to break the record for most stand-ups. You can expect very interesting matches. ”
Matt Jordan Grade: 9 1 year wrestler
“ I’m excited to wrestle because I can wrestle with friends and I can bring some confidence and excitement to the squad.”
Girls Basketball Eriana Brown Grade: 10
2 year returning baller “ Our goals this year are to play together as a team and get closer. You can expect to see exciting plays and fast pace from us.”
Last season the Lady Scarlets went 10-12. They played an exciting regional game against Mason City that went into OT but the Lady Scarlets fell short. After losing one senior, the Lady Scarlets return with most of the squad and a talented freshman class.
Tatiana HudgesJohnson Grade: 9
1 year baller
“ I can bring lots of excitement this year. I’m looking forward to playing good competition and the high school experience.”
Girls Bowling Dj Schmidt Grade: 11
2 year returning bowler “ Goals this year are to beat Lincoln and improve. You can expect higher scores from the girls.”
Girls bowling had an winning season last year with a record of 9-5. Unfortunately, they lost five seniors that were their top bowlers. Bowling is becoming more popular at East bringing out more athletes every year.
Page Editor/ C. Reynolds/L.Custard
Emily Kochheiser
Grade: 10
1 year bowler “ I’m excited to bowl with my friends and I am an excellent bowler that should help the team.”
Page/19 sports
Winter Boys Swimming
Chase Ballard Grade: 11 3 year returning swimmer
“Goals for swimming this year is state, expect state.”
The boys swimming dual meets record last year was 6-2. They did not send any swimmers to state last year but plan on changing that this year. The swimming squad returns 9 strong senior swimmers.
Ethan Straight Grade:9
1 year swimmer “ I’m excited to swim this year because we have a lot of seniors and a good freshman class.”
Boys Basketball George Dantzler Grade:11
3 year returning baller “ Hoping to make a trip to state. You can expect teamwork, better attitudes, and more wins from the team this year.”
Under the leadership of a new coach last year the boys basketball team went 2-20. The boys have some rebuilding after losing five seniors. Coach Cleveland should bring some spark in his second season.
Christian Ounlokham Grade: 9
1 year baller “ I’m excited to play basketball with friends, have fun, and dominate.”
Boys Bowling Logan Robinson Grade: 10 2 year returning bowler “ Goals are to improve, do good and not get distracted. You can expect better scores and more wins.”
Boys bowling suffered a loss of 10 seniors after their 5-8 season. With some young returning bowlers leading their team they are expected to, “Go to state” , sophomore, Dylan Mcfarland said.
Page editor/ C.Reynolds/L.Custard
Cole Watson Grade:10
1 year East High bowler Cole bowled last year at SEP “ I am very excited. I can bring some good spirit”
page / 18 sports
The individuals involved in Movement 515
Performing at the School vs. School poetry slam is senior Jahleel Brazzle and junior Elhondra Brazzle. “I write because when I was younger, I was shy. When I would speak no one would listen. Now, they all listen,” Elhondra said.
Sharing her poetry piece is junior Lela Bradford at the School vs. School poetry slam. “My purpose for poetry isn’t to just ‘get free’ myself, but to encourage others to ‘get free’ themselves as well,” Bradford said.
Lela started to write poetry a little before high school but never really showed it to anyone. Then Ms. O’Connor informed her about Movement 515 and it has stuck with her ever since. “We originally got an “I know” prompt, but I de-
Story/ S. Burton
Movement 515 has impacted Jahleel in many ways. Performing poetry is an outlet for him and being supported by friends he is comfortable enough to call family saves him from the family portrait his actually family is illustrating to the world. “Our poem is about our home. My mother is very money hungry. She is a nice person but she tends to have a rude streak to her. On top of that, my dad and I have no relationship,” Jahleel said. When Elhondra was 10 she began to write poetry
but stopped because she felt like her words weren’t powerful enough. Later in life she decided to pick the pen back up during a rough spot in her life and it has ingrained her for the better. Performing in front of poets who will always have your back is what keeps Elhondra going. “The poem is basically about my family, my mom and dad to be exact. It’s about how they raised me and my brother. My mom and dad tend to portray themselves as being perfect but our poem tells how imperfect it really is,” Elhondra said.
Page Editors/ Shirah Burton
cided to change it to “I believe”. So of course I was going to write about things I believed in, but then I decided to go a little more in detail about my mom and after that I added my dad, then it eventually turned into a poem about both of my parents. The more I
wrote about my mother the more I realized that it was a turning point, not only in her kid’s life, but in my dad’s life too. I believe that in a situation like this, you can have two people who are so good together but sometimes love just isn’t enough,” Bradford said.
What is the movement? When
Tuesday 3-4:30 p.m. East Thursday 3:30-5 p.m. Des Moines Social Club
Who
“Movement 515 is one big happy family and it’s important because it’s a platform for everyone to share their stories,” junior Jalesha Johnson said.
All high school students are welcome. Not only is there poetry but there is break dancing and street art lessons. Movement 515 is a program that was started four years ago by Emily Lang and Kristopher Rollins. Three years ago Movement 515 was brought to East and has took a toll on many students since. “Movement 515 is important because it is the only organization in Des Moines to bring all schools together without any competition and it gives students the opportunity to get their voices heard nationally,” Poet Mentor Kayla O’Connor said. Illustration/ I. Toluwalase
page / 20