The Bugle The student newspaper of Eureka High School
4525 Highway 109 Eureka, MO 63025 www.ehsbugle.com volume 76 • issue 1 September 19, 2011
Super teacher
Students construct the ultimate instructor...pg. 6
Growing pains
Field hockey expands to varsity and JV teams...pg. 8
s t c e p s o r p y r r u l B Like us on facebook: EHS Bugle
.pg. 2
Budgetr y s
ssroom.. la c e th t c e ff a to e u n hortfalls conti
jessica meszaros writer
BOE decides to postpone tax levy, not put it on November ballot
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Rockwood tax difficulties
At a Board of Education meeting at Crestview Middle School, Mrs. Janet Strate, vice president; Dr. Bruce Borchers, superintendent; Mr. Steve Smith, president;
news
The district shaved $3,371,000 off of the school budget for the 2007-2008 school year. $5,342,660 was cut in 2011-2012. In total, $22,374,120 have been cut from the budget since 2007, according to the district’s Guiding Change website. As for fiscal year 2013, the district is expecting the to be short another $7 million, according to a financial presentation made by Mrs. Shirley Broz, chief financial officer, presented to the Board, Aug 18. In the latest attempt to balance a growing budget during a time of shrinking funding, the school board considered putting a tax levy on the November 2011 ballot. “They’re spending all this money that we don’t have and then expect us to pay when we have no money,” Kim Brenner (12) said. “I don’t understand how we’re supposed to do that.” The referendum was first proposed by Rockwood’s Board of Education in May 2011. “Our biggest need is the replacement of revenues, which we thought we’d be getting from the state, but we are not receiving,” Mrs. Broz said. “For the way the legislation was put in place in 2006, we had anticipated more revenues as the formula was phased in over a seven-year period, which we aren’t getting, so the dependence on local revenue like the tax levy and real
and Peggy Devoy, director, discuss whether to put a tax levy on the November 2011 ballot while Kathy Chitwood, secretary, listens, Aug.18. The Board of Education
estate has become larger.” The district has not raised taxes since April, 1994. With every 10 cents of taxes levied, the district would receive $3.2 million of additional revenue. But as of the Aug.18 board meeting, the levy was postponed and will not be added as an option on the November ballot. When the BOE will put it on the ballot is undetermined. “One of the points we tried to make on August 18th is that we can’t just decide to raise taxes. We can decide to ask the public for that,” Mr. Steve Smith, board president, said. “We heard, not simply at that meeting but over the last few months, that there are some misgivings. What we heard on the 18th was not particularly new, and the opinions expressed were pretty strong.” Over half of the people who took a survey conducted by the district disapproved of the levy being placed on the November ballot. “We’ve heard from a number of our constituents,” Smith said. “We’ve had a survey taken. We decided at the last meeting to not do that in November and put it off.” Raising money is not an easy task. “We should have more fundraisers and dances for EHS,” Sam Sanders (12) said. “We only have two official dances that raise money for EHS. My stepbrother’s school up in Washington has at least five.” $7 million is a lot of dances. Additional cuts
“There is never a good time to ask for a tax increase,” Dr. Bruce Borchers, superintendant said.
Fingertip financial facts Enrollment
(includes ILC, excludes nonresident) September 2010...22,480 September 2009...22,318
Sources of Operation Revenues
Local property taxes 64.2% State sales taxes 7.2% Desegregation aid 6.3% State foundation formula 13.1% Other (local, state etc.)9.2%
Information found at: www.rockwood.k12.mo.us > Budget Planning: Guiding Change > Fingertip Financial Facts
decided against the tax levy because more time was needed to assess spending and funding. Mrs. Devoy was the only member to vote against the delay.
are being considered. Reductions in budgets for extracuricular activities, reducing high school staff by four full-time positions and reducing the number of administration and college counselors in the high school are just a few of the budget cuts proposed for FY13. Board members realize what a tax increase could could mean for patrons in today’s economy. “There is never a good time to ask for a tax increase,” Bruce Borchers said. “When you go for a tax increase, you want to make sure that your community has all the information they need to make a good decision.” The Board of Education still continues to talk about the idea despite the strong opinions coming from the community. “The impact on people varies,” Matt Doell, director of the Board of Education, said. “As a community, Rockwood tends to be more affluent than some of the other areas, but there are people in Rockwood for whom any tax raising is going to be difficult because some people don’t have jobs. It’s not a decision to be made lightly.” The board represents the patrons. “You always hear the phrase, ‘Think of the taxpayers,’ and the truth is that I am one,” Doell said. “I didn’t think people would be positive about it, but people move to Rockwood because of the schools, and people are very supportive of the schools.” The Board of Education has postponed the levy for now, but the discussion has only been delayed. “There hasn’t been a final decision yet, but it is a possibility it may be added to the ballot in April,” Dr. Borchers said. “There are more opportunities to ask the communities in the future, but no final decision has been made.”
Budgeted Tax Rate
Rockwood- $4.2752 Example: Rockwood School District taxes for a $250,000 home: $2,031
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Arata travels the world to entertain soldiers
brittany kastner writer
Overseas Band director Mr. John Arata, band director, poses in front of the poster that students signed when he returned from the Middle East, Sept. 8. “Certainly it’s probably the most meaningful military duty
Learning about countries around the world, students often don’t consciously think about how far away those countries really are. But Mr. Arata got to experience this firsthand with his band Sidewinder when they traveled to four countries, including Afghanistan, to perform for the troops. “He told us last year that he wasn’t going to be at band camp in the summer or in band for the start of the school year,” Jessica Bloomrosen (11) said. “He said that he was going overseas to play in his band.” It is not suprising that Mr. Arata chose to become part of the Air National Guard Band of the United States because of his dedication and passion for music. “He’s definitely the kind of person that would give-and-take,” Haley Cook (10) said. “He’s the kind of person who would be willing to go out and serve everyone else and not take anything back.” The trip was not a break from work to play music, it was a chance for Mr. Arata to learn. “Having done that trip I think makes me a better teacher because the members of Sidewinder are all professional musicians and nearly all of them have a degree in music,” Mr. Arata said. “So I bring that kind of professional standard back to the classrooms and that degree of high standards and expectations.” Mr. Arata and his band were in the Middle East for two months with the hopes of spreading joy and relaxation to the soldiers there. “It’s the neatest thing is when they say, ‘Man, I really
needed that. Thank you,’” Mr. Arata said. “These people really needed a break because sometimes it gets pretty intense for a long time and there’s not too much of a break.” Sidewinder perform in the States as well. The Air National Guard Band of the United States, headquartered at Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, is Mr. Arata’s unit. He conducts its 35 members who perform in large band concerts and parades. But Sidewinder, founded in 2004, consists of 10 members including Mr. Arata and a technical engineer. “He’s in the Air Force Reserves, a branch in the military,” Kristen Arata, Arata’s daughter, said. “He’s a commander for his band.” Videos of Sidewinder have been shown on the MSN website and gone viral on YouTube. The most recent YouTube video has gotten over 1.4 million hits since it was posted. “I have known that he was in the military, but I did not know until recently that he was in the military band,” Andrew Lakey (11) said. “So I was pretty pumped to find out that my band teacher was on Youtube. It’s just fun to see one of my teachers on YouTube because you never really see that happen.” Since he is a member of the National Guard, Mr. Arata did not get any special treatment or living conditions since he is just as much a part of the military as any other soldier. “We aren’t like Toby Keith doing a Support the
“It’s the neatest thing when soldiers say ‘Man, I really needed that. Thank you,’” Mr. John Arata, band director, said. “These people really needed a break because sometimes it gets pretty intense for a long time and not too much of break.”
clubs
I’ve had the opportunity to do,” Mr. Arata said. “And really my story’s not all that exceptional. There are 150,000 troops in the Middle East who are all away from their families.” Troops Tour,” Mr. Arata said. “We are members of the military. We live in the same quarters as everyone else. Those of us who were there for a week or two stay in tents and stuff like that. It’s part of the deal.” Mr. Arata’s trip to the middle east not only showed his military commitment, but also underscored his dedication to bringing music into others’ lives. “He is passionate about music, and it’s not something like he just got a degree in because it was easiest for him to get a job for. You know that he really wants to be there with us,” Madison Doering (10) said. “And that’s really great.” People everywhere are witnessing the music and joy that Sidewinder is bringing to the troops while Mr. Arata played the violin and the piano. “Whenever we would do a full plugged-in amplifiers concert, I played piano. I only played violin for the country songs,” Mr. Arata said. “Another thing we do is we go to where people work. That’s what we were doing on those videos. There were no microphones or amplifiers or anything like that. I didn’t take my piano so I just would play as many of the piano notes on the violin as I could.” With Sidewinder and other military bands playing music and giving the soldiers a break, it helps make the jobs of the soldiers a little less tense, at least for a day or two. The trip also provided Mr. Arata insight into the identity of the soldiers. “I think it made me realize that brave men and women are just normal men and women,” Mr. Arata said. “They need a break, and they need their spirits lifted.” By combining music and service, Mr. Arata has shown his students how powerful music can be in peoples lives. “He puts such an empahsis on music and our education,” Bloomrosen said. “It’s kind of cool to see him going overseas and him bringing the music to other people.” His students welcome him home. “Mr.Arata has a set standard of excellence and he pushes the band to meet that standard every year,” Lakey said.
casey walker writer
5
Chile vs. USA Far from home in search of something new
With the Chilean flag in close sight, Rodrigo Arancibia (11) concentrates on framing and cutting down a white frame for his photogram project for his first hour Photogrpahy 1 class with Mrs.Stellhorn, Sept. 2. In Rodrigo’s project he focused on placing aspects of Chile into the frame, including the Chilean flag and a soccer ball. “Photography is my favorite class because it’s fun” said Arancibia. Photography is the only arts class Rodrigo is taking. too many problems.” Rodrigo is catching up and handling all the different challenges at Eureka. “He has only been studying English for about two years,” Mrs. Katie Schulze, language arts teacher, said. “Obviously, in an English class, you rely on vocabulary and writing and speaking quite a bit; he does a pretty good job following along.” In Chile the schooling system has four different levels: preschool, primary school, technical school and higher education. Children ages 5-13 are in primary school, the secondary educations are students 13-18. None of the class credits Rodrigo is getting now will transfer back to his school in Chile, but he has chosen to take challenging classes to further his education. Arancibia is currently enrolled in Pre-calculus, Chemistry, Spanish V, Lifetime Recreational Sports, US History, 11th Grade Language Arts and Photography 1. “Photography is my favorite class” Arancibia said. “In Chile, I can’t choose my classes.” A typical school day in Chile is also a lot different than in America, with long break periods in between
[
Top Countries in the Pisa study
1. Shanghai, China 2. Korea 3. Finland 4. Hong Kong, China
each class. “I wake up at 7, go to school at 8. Then I have two hours of class, a 15 minute break, then I go to class for two more hours, then another 15 minute break, another two hours. Go to lunch then have the last two hours of the day,” Arancibia said. “After school I go to basketball from 5 to 7.” In Chile they go to school through June, July and August because it’s their winter. So, Arancibia left in the middle of his school year to attend Eureka. When he goes back he will be returning in the middle of next school year. Arancibia’s journey is also an education for his classmates “I don’t really know much about Chile’s school system,” Zak Kupfer (11) said, “I think that going to school in America gives us a big opportunity to be around a lot of different people and we still get a good education.” Flying out of his hometown, Arancibia has jumped right in to Eureka with a huge splash of courage.
]
Pisa-Programme for International Students Assessment. They evaluate 15 year-old school pupils scholastic performance.
5. Singapore 6. Canada 7. New Zealand 8. Japan
9. Australia 10. Netherlands 11. Belgium 12. Norway
Information found at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/dec/07/uk-schoolsslip-world-rankings
13. Estonia 14. Switzerland 15. Poland 16. Iceland
people
He flew over13 hours over huge bodies of water, leaving family and friends. He left school in the middle of the school year. He arrived at a completely new place, where another language is spoken and the new school is about twice as big as his school at home. Rodrigo Arancibia (11), an exchange student from Chile, has switched continents for the school year. Travelling to and living in another country is an experience on all levels: language acquisition, cultture emersion and social interaction. But there are a lot of differences in the school systems across the world, which require adjustment. Arancibia adjusts to the newness: “the amount of people, the things you can do after school and the choices of classes you can take.” Rodrigo arrived here at the beginning of the school year and is staying with his host student, Nicole Roman (12). “He speaks a lot of English actually,” Roman said. “I think he understands everything that’s going on in classes, which is pretty impressive, and he doesn’t seem to have
I said: “I just think having a nice appearance helps you be professional. It helps people take you seriously. If you care about your appearance to an extent, then I think it helps reflect what kind of job you’re going to do. It just defines professionalism.” My student said: “Schoessel always has interesting outfits that are really cute,” Kelli Bagby (10) said. “Our class, actually, did a thing where each day we would say which food she looked like. I think if a teacher looks like a lazy day, it’s hard to pay attention.”
Mrs. Annie Schoessel: Best dressed
I said: “I am one of the two student council sponsors. I am also the junior class sponsor, and they are most known for putting on the prom. I think it is very important to be involved. It shows that you are committed to the school. My student said: “I just see Mr. Schulz around a lot and he always seems to be there when things are going on,” Katie Rinkenberger (10) said.”
Mr. Jim Schulz: Most involved
I said: “Listening is important because I think students have a lot to say. I think the first thing that is important is to have an open mind and be willing to hear what they have to say.” My student said: “I think Mr. Gensler pays attention to you and he takes questions very seriously,” Connor Mondschien (09) said. “He gives good responses. Sometimes you don’t get the answers that you want and that wouldn’t be helpful but he does everything he can to give good answers and help.”
Mr. Andy Gesler: Best listener
I said: “We do a personality profile at the beginning of every school year as a way of talking about different types of people: blue, gold, green and orange. Blue people want everyone to get along and are the biggest mystery to me. So I have to try to validate their existence. Ultimately, journalism is about people so you have to pay attention to people.” My student said: “Within a week Mrs. Strecker knew everyone’s name,” William Jackson (11) said. “She notices everyone’s moods, how everyone is feeling. She can tell if we’re willing to do extra work or what we want to do.”
Mrs. Elisha Strecker: Most obervant
Super teacher
spotlight
I said: “It is important to stay fit because we gotta walk the walk if we’re gonna talk the talk. I do circuit training and combination training. There’s nothing that the kids do that I haven’t tried, with modification for my old age.”
Mr. Tom Sumner: Strongest
I said: “I will say pretty outlandish things to make sure you’re listening. And I say over-the-top, kind of wild things. Well, most of the students are going to be bored with what we’re saying unless we interject something that makes it more personal to you. And, I mean, part of what we do is, we’re entertainers so you kind of have to look at it as being entertaining while delivering that material to make it more memorable.” My student said: “When Mr. Miller gives his lectures he makes it fun for the class to learn and he still gets what we need to learn across,” Amanda Heider (9) said.
Mr. Mark Miller: Best lectures
I said: “To be knowledgeable in chemistry I read as much as I can, belong to professional organizations and go to every workshop that I can. If I want to convey good information to my students, then I have to have that good information.” My student said: “Dr. McIlwee seems to have a lot of knowledge in Chemistry,” Craig White (10) said. “He knows a lot and gives a lot of quizzes because he wants us to know what he knows already. He is really good at answering questions. He is good at telling us what to do, especially in labs.”
Dr. Bill McIlwee: Most knowledgeable
The best combine to create Eureka’s ultimate teacher
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Mr. Bryan Clar: Best gestures
I said: “I offer before school and after-school help. So, I think them knowing that they can find me to answer any questions is helpful to them.” My student said: “I have had Mrs. Sieloff for four semesters, and she is always available to help,” Jeffrey Lazar (11) said. “She comes in before school, after school and during lunch. Anytime she can help, she is there for her students.”
Mrs. Cynthia Seiloff: Most willing to help
I said: “I think if you are able to connect with your students then you are able to reach them better and you can help them so much more. I want to make sure that I establish that connection with each of my students where I know something about them and they know something about me.” My student said: “I had Mrs. Krinski freshman year for Spanish, and she just made it really easy to get into high school,” Mike Lawrence (12) said. “She would talk a lot and made everyone talk a lot, as well, so we could get to know each other. I think a teacher being personable makes it a more relaxed environment and makes it easier to learn.”
Ms. Ali Krinksi: Most personable
I said: “I really don’t even think about my gestures. I just try to be animated and create energy. I just try not to be a monotonous statue in the front of the classroom. I think gesticulation shows energy. I think it gets the kids more engaged in what you’re talking about.” My student said: “I think when Coach Clar is in class, he is really funny,” Mackenzie Jones (09) said. “He is really entertaining. He throws papers at people and he sometimes acts lessons out.”
I said: “I try to make sure that I am up for every hour. I do start every class with ‘today is a great day’ and I do think it is a great day. Everyone has got a lot going on, and if they can just for an hour, focus on Spanish and get really into that and focus on learning then I think that you can make yourself have a good day!” My student said: “Even if Mrs. Highfill is sick or isn’t having a bad day, she’s always happy in class,” Maggie Palozola (12) said. “If we’re all tired, she’ll wake us up so we have a good time!”
Mrs. Jenni Highfill: Most positive attitude
I said: “Interacting with students makes work fun. I have kids all the time tell me afterward that it made them feel more at ease when they came up and it’s something they remember about high school. My student said: “I nominated Mr. Baremore because he’s really involved with the students,” Miranda Keim (11) said. “He’s always in the hallways giving kids high-fives. And then you’ll see him at lunch going around talking to people. It’s important to interact with the school because then the students get more comfortable with the teachers and it makes learning easier.”
Mr. Keith Baremore: Ever present
I said: “I try to vary up everything that we do so it’s not the same routine every day. I also try to make sure that kids are never sitting for more than 20 minutes. I always try to encorporate activities so they can get up, move, around, talk to other kids and share their ideas. Class is always a different hodgepodge of different things.” My student said: “I has Mr. Mosley freshman year,” Gabi Seim (12) said. “He really engages his students. He doesn’t just lecture. He incorporates activities and makes it fun. I remember when we would read novels; we would do poster projects, speeches, and plays in the class. I did better in that class because he made it fun.”
Mr. Mark Mosely: Most effective teaching practices
My student said: “He is in the weight room every day and he really works very hard,” David Lindbloom (12) said. “He’s the strongest by far. He’s been working his whole life for it. I think it would be kind of hypocritical if you have a gym teacher that is not fit, if they’re teaching you things that they don’t even abide by.”
7
spotlight
Survery information based on an online survey of 91 students.
Field hockey program expands into two teams
sylvia weiss writer
8
Growing pains
“Coach [Ellen] Wright and I were happy to expand the program to offer two teams in order to allow for more playing time and an opportunity for them to grow as players,” Coach Schulze said.
Although the game was a close match, the Wildcats ended up losing in overtime with a final score of 0-1. The team also lost to Brentwood, 1-0, and Rosati-Kain, 5-0.
The difference between a freshman team’s level of play and a varsity team’s level of play is astronomical. However, the EHS girl’s field hockey team has had to make that switch in just one year. “Since field hockey now has a varsity and a JV team this year I feel like we’re a lot more experienced,” Molly Baker, midfield, said. “Last year we were a C team, and now we’ve moved up so we’re playing a lot better teams.” In 2010, Eureka introduced a new fall sport to girls: field hockey. There was one field hockey team of 36 girls, which was a C level team. This year so many girls tried out for the new sport that Eureka now has a varsity and JV team. “Field hockey grew a lot more popular this year,” Kendall said. “I want to say almost 30 more girls tried out this year compared to last year so it was a big jump.” Even with a second team added, girls were cut after the JV and varsity team rosters were complete. “Cuts are nothing that Coach [Ellen] Wright and I enjoy doing,” Mrs. Katie Schulze, head coach, said. “We had enough to fill two teams this year but not enough to fill three. Anytime you have one team growing into two teams, it is a lot, but growing to three teams is a really big move.” Returning players feel the change even though this is only their second season playing. “The biggest difference between this year and last is this year there are not as many players on the team since we split into two teams,” Marissa Albanello, defense, said. “Now we all get a lot more playing time.” However, the playing time on Varsity is a lot different than the playing time on the C team level.
“We’re playing a lot of private schools where field hockey is a big deal, so it’s a lot more difficult,” Baker said. “Getting play time is really important to me because I love playing and being in the game gives me a lot more experience.” And experience is necessary when many players haven just started to learn field hockey. “Field hockey is one of the sports that they can start in high school and not know anything about it and still play,” Charlene Vanover, Samantha’s mother, said. “It’s not like soccer or softball where they’ve had to play for years and years in the past.” Recognizing the new opportunity, freshman players seemed to pounce on the chance to find their place in high school. “A lot of the girls who tried out were the freshmen girls coming in and a lot of people are just looking for some way to make friends and be in a tight knit group that will offer them support throughout the year.” Samantha Vanover, team captain, said. “It’s a quick and easy way for all the girls to make friends and connections through the school.” The idea of a fresh new sport to learn was appealing to many players. “I think a lot of the freshmen saw the new sport and decided to start playing to try something new,” Valerie Hiles, defense, said. “I really like field hockey. My friend started playing field hockey last year and wanted me to start playing so I started up this year.” Although many of the girls who tried out were freshmen, they weren’t all new to the sport. “I started playing field hockey in seventh grade,”
Lauren Sanden, defense, said. “I started playing at Gateway League then I tried out for Club. There are about four or five other freshman who made varsity who have played field hockey in their past, as well.” With the ability to split girls up into a JV and varsity team, the players can be on a team with girls with similar skill levels. Also, the coaches can be more selective about who plays for the varsity team. “I think we will do really well this year because we have a lot of girls who have played before on recleagues,” Vanover said. “There is a lot of dedication and determination to show we have a lot to put out on the field.” Now that this is Eureka’s second year playing field hockey, the expectations have grown. “Last year was the first year Eureka provided the option to play field hockey,” Coach Schulze said. “Not a lot of the girls knew much about it at all, but going into the season the girls seem to have more confidence in their ability.” Since the team would be playing tougher games, confidence is key for the players. “Being on varsity kind of gives you a big head,” Baker said. “Our coach always tells us the team we’re about to play isn’t very good, which gives us a higher confidence level and makes us play better.” More advanced teams weren’t the only new factors in field hockey. Last year the team wasn’t able to get uniforms and had to wear t-shirts all year. This year the girls got brand new, varsity-grade uniforms. “I really like our new uniforms,” Albanello said. “They are so much better than just wearing t-shirts as a uniform.” The change from t-shirts to uniforms helped solidify the team as a facet of Eureka. “I love the new uniforms,” Baker said. “They’re really cute, and they make us feel like an actual team. The t-shirts last year kind of made us feel like we were nothing. Now the actual uniforms make us feel like we’re an actual legit team.” Judging from the high interest level this year, the prospects for next year are good. “If we have the same interest from the freshmen we had this year and we have most players return next year, I can even see us filling three teams next year,” Coach Schulze said.
sports
The Varsity Field Hockey Team gathers around Coach Katie Schulze during halftime of their game against Parkway West, Sept. 8. The increase in players has presented more options for the team.
“Field hockey grew a lot more popular this year,” Alexis Kendall, midfield, said. “I want to say almost 30 more girls tried out this year compared to last year so it was a big jump.”
9
ryan mcbride writer
Amid the chaos as lights illuminate which has been up and coming for the the gridiron, bodies colliding and fans last few years,” Mikel said. cheering, cheerleaders are always Nevertheless, the same excellence present, flipping, yelling and jumping. expected of the squad members on the But behind the scenes, the varisty football field and on the court is also cheerleading squad has been working demanded of them in the classroom. on much more than spirit fingers. Every Tuesday after school the coaches Just prior to the 2011 varsity have issued a mandatory study hall. basketball season, the cheerleading “I see the cheerleaders as students squad was rocked by a sudden first. It’s my job as a coach to make sure dismissal of the coaching staff in its that they maintain good grades,” Mueller entirety, including Dr. Lisa Sutter, said. “And while, yes, they are students Ms. Lauren Stevenson and Ms. first, as cheerleaders they are also role Katie Kowalic. models. They are the face of Eureka and The girls on all three teams were need to demonstrate respect both inside then left no choice but to finish up the and outside of school.” season without a single set coach. This sense of dedication and “It was really difficult because scholarship not only improves the we had been led by two different students’ work ethic, but appeals greatly coaches up until January, so basically to parents. all of basketball season we were all “I am very happy with the changes left wondering who was going to that have been made,” Lisa Waddell, come to a game, who was going mother of Rachel Waddell, said. to be there to watch us,” Rachel “This is Mrs. Mueller’s first year as a Waddell (12) said. “Last year was varsity head coach, and I think that she far as having little and big sisters,” Coach kind of unorganized because of the lack While the team stretches, Coach Elissa has done an amazing job in such a short Perrin, observes prior to diving into their Perrin said. “They’re there to support and of leadership, but this year is a huge amount of time. I applaud her because I routine, Aug. 29. “The girls are doing a lot take care of one another throughout the rebuilding year.” think that the cheerleaders are the most more interacting with each other this year as year.” The rebuilding began when four organized that I have seen in a long new coaches were hired by Mr. time.” Green and a committee of parents Parents are unwavering in the and cheerleaders: Ms. Lindsey expectations that they have for those Mueller, head; Ms. Elissa Perrin, who look after and teach their kids assistant; Ms. Emily Crumbaugh, every day. JV; and Ms. Kelly Kennedy, “I want to see dedication to the freshman. girls and a technique that shows us “This year we were looking for that they have practical experience,” more organization and someone that Mrs. Bisaga, mother of Grace really knows about cheer,” Olivia Bisaga, said. “It certainly helps that Dames, varsity cheerleader, the new coaches have this experience said. “This year we have coordinated and can pass it on to the squad.” more practices for competitions and Coach Mueller and Coach Perrin everything. It was a lot of work. have both acquired experience in So that meant we needed a lot of coaching and cheering. Both coaches organization.” cheered in high school. Coach Perrin This year, the coaches don’t even coached the squad prior to Determined to achieve perfection, Coach Lindsey Mueller, just want to compete, they want to having her son. head coach, extends some of her akrewed knowledge dominate. They want perfection. Ms. Crumbaugh is new to both coaching and to the squad. “Both of us cheered in high school,” Ms. “This year we want to focus on making everything cheering. She does not, however, let this hinder her Mueller said. “And I coached the freshman last year and really clean and making sure that our endurance is up ability to lead a team. another organization a year prior.” and not letting the girls progress faster than their skill “I have not cheered before, but I have danced. I levels,” Coach Mueller said. “Sometimes they’ll want to think that I’ll be able to offer a lot of new ideas and new do things that are beyond what they can do—which is perspectives on what we do,” Ms. Crumbaugh said. “I great—but it’s not always clean and perfect; so we want want to create a positive environment where the girls can to slowly build up to where we want to be as a team.” really learn what it means to be a team player.” The girls are also driven. It is this work ethic and pride in what they do “As a team, we want to make an improvement from that will take the team and its new coaches and carry last year,” Erin Mikel, varsity captain, said. “We them through the 2011 Missouri State Cheerleading are trying to compete at State this year, which we have Competition at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, MO, not done in th past four years. We’d like to be a more Oct. 1 and 2. competitive squad.” But regardless of how they do or what kind of This ideal is not lost on Coach Perrin whose main drama and politics go on around them, they’ll still be goal is to revert the team back to what she believes here to pump up and represent Eureka. makes cheerleading so great to begin with. “I want us to do really well at State,” Alicia “We want all the girls to take their job very Buness, varsity cheerleader said. “But I also want seriously, and we’re also trying to make it more schoolthe crowd at football games to think we’re doing a good spirited for everyone,” Perrin said. “The girls are doing job and compliment us.” a lot more interacting with the players and with each Moving forward from the unorganization of last other. All in all we want to get back to the roots of what year is what this season is about for the cheerleaders on cheerleading is all about: school spirit and pride in all three teams. Eureka.” “I’m not really sure about what happened last year,” The girls are pumping up their skills and techniques. Grace Bisaga, freshman cheerleader said. “I’m “This year we have all-squad back handsprings, just looking forward to the upcoming year.”
Putting the best
foot forward New coaches bring new perspective and work ethic to cheer squad
What
State Cheer Competition Where
University of Missouri
sports
Then and now cheer competitions What Last Last What This Summer Cheer Practice Sorority Cheer Competiton Summer 6 a.m.-8 a.m. Year Where Year Lindenwood University
The
maddie sanden production editor
hannah wischmeier editor-in-chief
Each school will then receive a letter grade at the end of year to post on the web. These sort of measures could certainly help school districts awareness of bullying. However, the sheer mass of students involved in bullying injects a wrinkle in this law’s goals. “70 percent of middle and high school students have experienced bullying at some point”, according to the American Psychological Association. With 70% of the middle and high school populations, it is completely implausible to think that a law alone could stop bullying. I am all for school districts taking a firmer stance. However, the fight against bullies must begin in the home of the victim. Bullies thrive on causing pain. So, perhaps a more effective strategy to curb bullying would be to train kids how to handle a harassing situation.
Confidence is the key. Students must learn how to stand up for themselves at an early age. If not, the cycle could be never-ending: from high school, to college, to the workplace, and even to personal relationships. In life beyond school there won’t be a school to protect bully victims. Rather than training them to expect others to stick up for them, we should be teaching our students to stand up for themselves. Somehow, this law that has garnered so much praise, isn’t as impressive as impressive to me as it is to many of the New Jersey politicians. Bullying starts at the smallest of levels: in the school bathroom, in the parking lot, or in the lunchroom. The best mediation is at the grassroots: the victims. Laws are fine. Confidence and strength is even better.
Sanden says Paws & What not to wear Claws students received the Rockwood Policies Handbook and the Eureka High School Policies Handbook. Both provide information on the expectations for student dress code on campus, but with some gray areas. The Rockwood handbook says that clothing must be conducive to learning and that it must not attract undue attention to the student. The handbook says clothing may not be revealing or suggestive. It also prohibits short skirts, bare midriff, spaghetti straps and see-through clothing. While the information was helpful to find, it didn’t really tell me any specifics on whether my outfit was within school guidelines, and I was left with more questions than answers. It’s easy for me to decide what I think is school appropriate, but it is apparent that everyone’s idea of this will vary. The dress code that it set in place gives students a lot of wiggle room, and not many black and white answers.
jessica mezaros forrest nettles dane roper haley short kasey walker sylvia weiss video production editor-in-chief erin mikel
video production nick hoeflinger kalin preston stats manager gabby adams ads manager ryan whanger adviser elisha strecker
In order to help everyone gain a greater understanding, the information we receive should be more explicit on what is and isn’t allowed. A few paragraphs in our handbook would enhance everyone’s understanding. Consistency on what is deemed appropriate and inappropriate would benefit all parties. Sometimes I see people in the hallway with spaghetti straps on, but then I will also see classmates getting in trouble for wearing a similar shirt. It is confusing when some people are called out and others aren’t. Especially as styles come and go, it is important for students to be able to go shopping with a clear idea of what they are allowed to wear throughout the halls. To keep our school modest, we need clear rules. By making the rules students are given and the enforcement more consistent, the dress code issues can be better addressed.
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Paws
What is it? We want to know the things that are important to you. What do you think is worthy of praise? We want to hear about them.
Claws
What is it? We want to know the things that make you angry. Tell us, and we can help you vent it out to the world.
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outlook
The Bugle Staff
New Jersey law won’t stop bullies alone
Bullying happens. We see it at school. We see it in the movies when a meathead in a letterman jackets shoves the kid with glasses gets shoved into a locker. Bullying is in our everyday lives. We know it’s wrong. And yet it still occurs. The state of New Jersey has taken a big step in trying to curb incidences of bullying with what has been called “the toughest antibullying law in the country” by advocates. The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights was written to eliminate loopholes in New Jersey’s previous anti-bullying law, which encouraged school districts to write and enforce antibullying rules but did not require it. The new law places guidelines on districts, which must appoint leaders of antibullying programs, investigate reported incident within a day of occurance and publish a bi-annual report of bullying.
About two weeks ago, I started my routine as I would any other day. I picked out an outfit, fixed my hair, and put on a little make up. I headed out the door and started my day at school. Walking into a class, a classmate reacted with shock to my outfit. It was a new dress I had just bought—yellow with pink flowers and palm leaves with a one shoulder design. I had thought it was a cute and school-appropriate outfit. I was surprised others didn’t think so. I began to wonder what could cause such confusion over something as simple as the dress code. I realized I had never received much information on what the school’s dress code was. In order to better understand the school’s guidelines, I set out to debunk the dress code truths and myths. My first realization was that there is actually much more information provided about the dress code than I originally had thought there was. At the beginning of the school year, in fifth hour, editor-in-chief hannah wischmeier production editor madison sanden writers kelsey fairchild brittany kastner ethan lambert ryan mcbride
11
Wisch list
opinion of the Editorial Board. Members of the Editorial Board include all staff editors. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons and reviews reflect the views of the author and not those of the editorial board. The Bugle reserves the right to refuse any business which seeks to advertise any product which is illegal or generally considered unhealthy or undesirable for students as determined by the Editorial Board. The Bugle may choose to publish public service ads at the discretion of the Editorial Board. The Bugle will print political ads which comply with federal, state and local campaign laws. The Bugle is a member of Sponsors of School Publications of Greater St. Louis, the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.
Casey Walker writer
12
Deals and $teals
Easy ways to save money on everyday spending
entertainment
As High School students, we spend a lot of money. Think about all the things we do: movies, food (lots of food), gas, clothes, etc. We may not think about it now, but we’re going through cash like its limitless. The only thing we aren’t doing with money, is thinking about how to save it. As a teenager, it’s more difficult to find way to save. “If you can save a little money each time you go to the store or each time you buy something then over a months time or a years time you can save a significant amount of money by using those discounts and coupons,” Mr. Dietrich, personal finance teacher, said. I’m not a master of deals but I’ve recently done some research. When we think about coupons we think about sitting at the kitchen counter with little scissors cutting out little flimsy rectangles of newspaper. “My mom cuts coupons out for me, but, I don’t go through the paper personally,” Mel Manser (10) said. Still, Manser uses coupons from the newspaper to save money on food. However, the coupon industry has done some updating. These updates come in the form of online coupon catalogs, called Groupon and Living Social. I signed up for both of these websites and even downloaded the apps on my iPhone. To sign up it’s completely free, for both websites all you have to do it type in your email and name. The home screen asks you to put in your zip code and then a whole bunch of colorful ad- like squares come up saying things like “$4 for $7 at Culvers Chesterfield”. But what does this coupon code mean? On sites like Groupon and Livingsocial it’s their mission to get buyers to consume things for less. You can pay four dollars through Groupon, print out the coupon that says you paid and then take it into the place and get the meal for just four dollars with the coupon.
“I think Groupon is a great idea,” Mr. Dietrich said. “You can get some really good discounts through online websites.” Mr. Dietrich and his family uses Groupon for events at places like Chesterfield Sports Fusion, where they paid 10 dollars for a 25 dollar value. They saved 60 percent. The only catch about using Groupon and
Livingsocial is that you have to purchase the coupons online with a credit or debit card. The big difference between Groupon and Livingsocial is that on Livingsocial there is only one “daily deal” and on Groupon there are about 15-20 deals in each category (food, shopping, entertainment etc.). It is also important to note that the types of deals vary on each site also. Watching the show “Extreme Couponing” on TLC I learned you can save about 99% of your purchase with just using coupons but that takes about four hours to cut out those coupons and creates a huge line at the grocery store. I don’t think any of us want to deal with that situation. But, what we can do is try to save on small things like buy one get one free milkshakes at Steak n Shake “I mostly use coupons for places like Jack n’ the Box and Hardees” Manser said. “The more we save on small things the more opportunities we have to do bigger things for less money”. Shaan Muthukumaru(11) says that his family uses alot of coupons at restraunts like Indigo Joes. As high school students food is essintial. And when we’re constantly spending money on fast food and restraunts it’s good to use coupons to save a little bit of money. I think it’s a good Idea for a student, or anybody to start saving at a young age.” Dietrich said. “you can become a much better consumer if you start at a young age.” For all of us, couponing is a good option for saving money. “I want to save up for new shoes.” Said Muthukumaru. Putting a little money aside each time we buy something can add up, and we can eventaully have enough money to buy things like new shoes.
Staff picks of the month
What: Tiny Wings iTunes app Price: $0.99 Description: Meet your newest App-Obsession. Tiny Wings is a new arcade game available for iPhones, iPads, and iTouches. The dream of flying is now a reality. Now you have a chance. The only problem is the tiny wings. This game has a simple ‘one touch’ control system. As your bird flies through hills, you press the screen to make yourself heavier and gain momentum, and you let go of the screen to flap your wings. Each jump over water takes you to a new world with unique graphics and colors. Your flight begins at ‘sunrise’, and you only have until the virtual sunset to travel as far as you can. Once you pick up on the technique, try to collect gold coins for points. Aim for blue orbs too; They give you a speed boost to send you soaring through the arcade hills. The game is simple to learn, easy to play, and impossible not to love. How far can you travel with Tiny Wings?
What: Law & Order: SVU television show on NBC Season Premiere: Wednesday, Sept. 21 Description: Law & Order: SVU is entering it’s 13th season running. The shows centers on an elite group of detectives in the ‘Special Victims Unit’ of the New York Police Department. Their department handles unique cases such as rape, child crimes, and crimes against the elderly. This season is sure to be gripping as one of the show’s veterans, Christopher Meloni (Detective Elliot Stabler), is leaving the show. Not only will it be interesting to see how Meloni’s character is written off, it will also be intriguing to see how Mariska Hargitay’s character, Detective Olivia Benson, handles the loss of her long-time partner. Also absent this year will be B.D. Wong’s character, Dr. George Huang, a psychologist who often provides insight into the victim’s and sometimes perpetrator’s actions. With a change in cast, season 13 of Law and Order SVU should prove to be one of the show’s most interestiong.
What: Torches by Foster the people Label: Sony Music Entertainment Release Date: May 23, 2011 Description: Foster The People exploded on the music scene this summer with their hit Pumped up Kicks, currently number three on the iTunes top songs chart. However, this band of native Californians have a lot more to offer on “Torches” than just a hit single. Each track from “Torches” encorporates a certain electric pop jump. With his enchanting keyboard riffs, Mark Foster, lead singer, weaves a web of electro-indie-pop tunes. Tracks like Houdini and Life on the Nickel use percussion instruments to create toe-tapping beats. While the more mellow ‘I would do anything for you’ and ‘Miss You’ use more etherial keyboard hums to swoon you into a pop bliss. Each track on “Torches” has a unique vibe and sound, with the common thread of an electric dance movie. Venture from the top charts and listen to all Foster The People has to offer on “Torches”.